[Another Thoracentesis on Monday.]

Hi Cindy,

You are in my prayers. Let us know how it went as soon as you can. That's one procedure I've not had. From the sound of it, I don't envy you.

Hugs & Prayers,

Melanie

[5 for 3/14]

1.) The shadowed sillouette of the tree outside the bedroom window that reflected on the wall of my first apartment with my husband. It never failed to bring a smile to my face.

2.) A hot cup of coffee while I watched the sunrise.

3.) One of my dwarf frogs is hitching a ride on the tail of the biggest goldfish - what a goof!

4.) Being retired at age 44! I'll never have to build another engine!

5.) Listening to my hubbies "wake-up sounds" he'll soon be in to hug me!

Melanie

[Mailbox ??'s]

Dear Snowflake,

Thanks so much for the info. Gee - I feel a little DUH!

Take care,

Melanie

[Mailbox ??'s]

Hi all,

I seem to have 3 messages stuck in my outbox that won't send. Can anyone help me to correct this problem or should I just re-type them & start over again?

Thanks!

Melanie

[update on Gram/and me whining]

Dear Lisa,

I know nothing I say will fix this for you. I'm so sorry dear. Just know that she has all the peace, joy, health & beauty in the universe now. I just know that she is smiling on you now & hoping to ease your suffering just as you did hers before she passed. May God give you the strength you need to get through this time.

Hugs & prayers,

Melnaie

[5 for 3/13, send me away for a day...]

Gee, you send me away for a day of R & R with the hubby & there's no 5?

After my little retreat, I'm going to have a hard time limiting this one to 5!

1.) My husband's sweet smile of forgetting "if only for a day".

2.) The first hotel bed I've EVER slept on that made me wish I had that mattress. Totally luxurious!

3.) A sinfully delicious dinner.

4.) Jacuzzi tubs & bath salts.

5.) Feeling so feminine & whole "if only for a day".

Melanie

[Luna and her little life.]

Hi Cindy,

Somehow, I "checked-out" on the Luna thing. Not sure where I've been on that but I just went to the web-site. Oh how wonderful! That is one of the most touching things I've seen in a very long time.

God has truly blessed you with such a beautiful little baby!

Hugs & prayers.

Melanie

[tumor markers]

Dear Pammie,

My tumor markers are & always have been almost nonexistant. The Doctors can't use those numbers at all for me. I guess that would help to explain why it was never found till I was already in stage IV. Heaven only knows why these numbers are so effective for some & not for others. God knows the Doctors can't tell me. Oh well.

Hugs & prayers,

Melanie

[Update on Frank Lamb]

Hi Pattie,

Welcome to our little world. I'm sorry for your need to be here but you won't find a better place for comfort, info or just to vent when you need to. Thank you for helping keep us up to date on Frank's condition. We really care so much & worry way lots when we miss someone for too long. Please let him know that we are praying for him & miss him.

I'll be adding you to my prayer list as well. Please don't hesitate to let us know if you need anything. There are so many wonderful caring people here & we are so happy to do anything we can to help one another.

Hugs & Prayers,

Melanie

[five for 3/12/05]

1.) Hubby made me a great breakfast.

2.) Getting ready for Our luxury hotel/spa getaway!

3.) Pretty snowfall - We are only a couple of inches away from breaking record for most snowfall in one season.

4.) Finished sewing lovely outfit to wear for our dinner out tonight.

5.) My one & only wig - don't exactly want to do the bald is beautiful tonight.

Melanie

[update on Gram/and me whining]

Dear Lisa,

I am so very sorry for your Gram & for you. I just wish I could take it away for you.

Please know that my prayers are with you both every moment,

Hugs,

Melanie

[FRANK Update]

Dear Frank,

Please get back on the board with us soon. We need you back.

Dearest Ry,

You really are such an angel to take care of our fears & worries over our friends. We really can't thank you enough for all you do.

Hugs & prayers,

Melanie

[Have a Question on RFA]

Ok, It's my turn to say DUH?? What's RFA?

Thanks,

Melanie

[Gamma Knife Done!]

Dear Carrie,

Congrats! As a two timer, I'm proud of you. It's not so easy on those of us with claustrophobia but somehow we make it. I'm sure you'll do just fine. Please don't hesitate to let me know if you have any questions about any after-effects or sensations you may have. I may have been through them & can help set your mind at ease.

Hugs & prayers,

Melanie

[Always get a 2nd opinion]

What a nightmare! So true - always seek a second opinion. Especially if you're not comfortable with what you are (or are not) hearing. May God bless you & your family.

Hugs & Prayers,

Melanie

[The grief we go through when we are diagnosed]

Dear Genny,

Thanks for the websites. I've been kind of in the dumps lately & they really helped.

Hugs & prayers,

Melanie

[FIL has passed on & Mom having Talc Surgery Today]

Dear Kerry,

I'm so sorry for your loss. Know that my prayers are with you & your family. Good to hear about your Mom's surgery.

Prayers & hugs,

Melanie

[I'm on a SURVIVORS PANEL, and Mayors Cancer Awareness Event]

Dear Donna,

How exciting for you. I'd like to be there one day.

Prayers & hugs,

Melanie

[Friday Five, 3/11/05]

1.) Hubby made reservations at a luxery hotel & spa for tomorrow!

2.) Tufted Titmouse in my pine tree.

3.) Chenille pajamas

4.) Iced oatmeal rasin cookies

5.) a nice fire in the fireplace - yes, it's still winter here.

Melanie

[by pass or blow. that is the question]

Hi Cindy,

I'm with David on this. We have enough to deal with without just waiting to have a heart attack.

Prayers & hugs,

Melanie

[Now have (3) family members with Lung Cancer]

Hi KitKathy,

I'm so very sorry for your family. I'm the third in my family. I just can't imagine what this is doing to my sister. It's bad enough to be the person with the disease but I know firsthand how you feel from going through it with my Mom & Dad. That really was worse than going through it myself. I pray that God give you the strength to get through this.

Melanie

[Bellringer needs prayers - brain mets]

Hi Jen,

Tons of prayers on the way,

Melanie

[Blood in urine?]

Dear Amy,

I'm sorry for the difficulties you & your Father are going through. It's hard enough to be right there & available but to go through it long distance can make you downright batty. Please know that you are both in my prayers. He's in the best place right now. In the hospital where they can re-hydrate him & keep him comfortable on meds till they can find out what all is going on. Keep your chin up. I know how hard that can be & how you can feel like the rug has been pulled out from under you. Especially when you've got someone you care so much about who didn't bother you with their health issues.

Just wanted you to know, I'm out here praying for & with you both.

Melanie

[Q about when scans or tests should repeat for stage 4]

Hi Linus,

My Onc. has me scanned every 3 mos. unless something strange comes up between times. Sometimes you have to remind them that you're still out there. If your Mom is doing ok & not making waves, they may just have missed the follow-ups. I know this sounds awful but it does happen. MAKE SOME WAVES HONEY! Talk to her onc.

I remember when I first got my dx. I was so busy with the onc & other specialists, I had not seen my primary care in quite some time. I caught the flu & when she saw me there in the office, she looked as if she had seen a ghost. They had moved my file to deceased given my dx & the length of time since they had seen me. Looking back on it, it's kind of funny now but believe me, it was one H^&& of a shock at the time.

Never be afraid to make yourself be heard.

Good luck & my prayers are with you.

Melanie

[WFShaw : How are you doing?]

Hi Bill,

I know you feel as if you're in a whirlwind right now. This is the worst part - WAITING - hear that? Is that the Jeopardy tune? My prayers are with you.

Melanie