Don Wood

AWESOME!!!

Thanks, Ray. You've made my day!

We work with a pulmonologist and an oncologist as well, and it would be improper for the pulmonologist to comment on something out of his field, and spots on the spine quality. The onc should be the one giving opinions on that. This disease brings along a lot of waiting, and we need to learn to deal with that, or go bonkers. I chose to try and work on my patience, which is a hard task, but worth it nevertheless. As the caregiver, I have to work on my patience as well as my wife's. Good luck. Don

Anger is my primary reaction emotion. I think it is for a lot of men, since society doesn't support men having other emotions. When I get frustrated, I get angry, particularly as a caregiver, when I see things not moving smoothly for my wife. This is what I do. First, I blow off a little steam often, so it doesn't build up -- I verbalize my frustration to someone supportive or to the air. It helps me get over it just to talk about it, as you have here. Second, I look back at the events in the coolness of time and see how I could react better, get things going more smoothly -- I have found it I am insistent (assertive) without getting all angry and emotional, I get more things done through others. I try to remember that. I don't back down -- I just try to remain calm and creative and assertive. Third, I have a few selected people I talk with on a regular basis to vent my "ain't it awfuls". As an example, my wife takes morphine for pain. The druggist we go to has had trouble supplying the med in a timely fashion. At first, I ranted and raved, and eventually got things done, but it was hard on everyone, including me. Lately, I have tried the calm, assertive approach, and the druggist has actually called around and located the med locally for us when he couldn't get it right away. Now we are friends and I see him as an ally instead of the enemy. Works for me. And it is better for me and those around me. Not an easy task, but one worth working at. Good luck. Don

Prayers comin'.

Prayers for TBone.

Annie, my heart goes out to you and your family. Glad the wedding went on smoothly and you all had some good moments. Blessings. Don

Welcome, Micheele. Good wishes for your dad. He is a 10-month survivior already. Don

Welcome and congratuations on your first year of survivorship, with such good reports. Don

Go for it!

It's more than cute -- it's terrific!

Gay, you two are something else! Love you both! Don

Lucie was told TO TAKE a multivitamin during chemo and she did. She went off it this summer, but decided recently to go back taking it. I think it is a good idea. Don

Tracy, prayers coming.

Prayers comin'.

Peg, Lucie took Arensep and it was effective. As for the doc, I would be honest with him and tell him to "knock it off", that those comments are not helpful to you two. Luckily, Lucie's onc is savvy and doesn't make those kind of comments, even if true. Blessings. Don

Whoooooooooooooooeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Norme, so sorry. You both are in my prayers. Don

Beth, Dean has given you some excellent and wise advice. I would add that you as the caregiver must take care of yourself. That usually means talking with others about the situation, so do so for yourself. You need to stay emotionally healthy, as much as the situation allows. And feel free to vent here as much as you need. Lots of support and understanding here. Don

The person who asks you how you are, and if you attempt to answer with anything but "fine" or "good" turns and talks to someone else. The person in the car in front of me who is going straight and blocks me from turning right on red. The people who park in handicapped spaces and aren't handicapped but their vehicle has the sticker.

Alriiiiiiiiiiiiiight, Mark!

YEAHHHHHHH!

You just made a groan man sigh!

Cheryl, so sorry you had to put up with clodishness. Unfortunately, it is a real part of our world of cancer. People not touched by cancer don't know what to say or how to act, so they often put their foot in their mouth. I believe we who have been there are called upon to give out a lot of forgiveness. It is such a joy when you do meet someone who has not been touched by cancer and they respond appropriately. It is a real gift. When I asked for a lay minister to support me from our church (Lucie has one, too), the guy on our first meeting said, "I have not been touched by cancer so I have no idea what you are going through, but I am here for you." I saind, "If you didn't realize that, you could not help me." We had a great year with him as my caregiver. I was very fortunate. Hang in there, Cheryl. You have a lot of understanding folks right here. Don

Great picture of you three, Paddy. Don