Don Wood

Merry Christmas, Shelly!

Two men talking. First man: What's up? Second man: I went to the doctor today. First man: What did he say? Second man: He said I needed to exercise more. First man: What are you going to do? Second man: Get a second opinion!

Glad to hear the good results. Hope you can relax and enjoy the holidays. Don

Love that gal!

That Katie is such a cutie! Glad you have a picture of her with Santa. Don

Angie, my prayers are with you and your family. Don

Great post, Karen, and all the good news. You guys have a great Christmas. Don

Sounds like a reasonable plan to me.

Great news, Joanie! Happy holidays!

Welcome! Glad you have posted and let us know some things about you. Please keep us posted and let us know how we may support you. Don

Not playing with a full deck.

Erin, you've been through and continue through a lot. When your dad was being treated, as you said, Iressa was experimental and given only later. Today, it is accepted and some doctors start with it, depending on the circumstances. There is now another pill on the market -- Tarceva --so there are a number of things to try for NSCLC. Take care of yourself as well -- with all you are doing, your resistance may wear down. I wish the best for you all, and hope you have a good holiday. It is good that you have a plan. Don

Cute. Thanks. Have a great Christmas, Betty. Don

Well, each person's circumstances are different, so any statement on this would have exceptions. Having said that, I still believe strongly, from my own experience and those of others I know, that anyone with a serious illness needs a caregiver and advocate. This does not mean that the spouse or child or whoever automatically qualifies. If the assumed caregiver cannot put the patient first and focus on what the patient needs, then they really cannot function well as a caregiver. If those that function well in that capacity also need to take care of themselves. I don't think we can decide ahead of time whether we or someone can be a helpful caregiver until we're faced with the situation. I think we caregivers who have been able to succeed have a great reward in those we are blessed to serve. Don

Good news, Cheryl! Keep us posted. Don

Betty, so sorry you have this news. But there is a plan. Prayers comin'. Don

Great to hear from you, Stephanie. Thanks for checking in with us and updating. Don

Hold onto the hope. My wife was diagnosed with NSCLC, Stage IV, and told she had about 9 months to live. She is now in her 25 month of survival and doing pretty well. Hang in there. Don

Hey there, Steve. Welcome! Yep, chemo will make you sick and tired, and then you'll be sick and tired of being sick and tired. You're normal, and it will pass when you get off chemo. Keep us posted. Don

TAnn, it is hard to lose a pet. We've been there. The last time, the dog was 17 and had mouth cancer. I held her on the way to the vet's the last day. Very sad. Don

Reminiscent of another man and woman in a garden, when the woman offer the man an apple.

Love you, too, Deb. Happy holidays!

Sharon, I am sorry at your loss, but I celebrate your dad's life with you. Wow, what a sign -- you truly received a gift from heaven. Blessings. Don

Yep that is a common line parents use every now and then about their kids -- "remind me again why this was a good idea". But we continue to love them, even when they grow up to be adults. We are actually very proud of our three. Don

Cindi, so glad you've got a good connection there now. Rnjoy the holidays. Don