hopeandstrength

Whew! That's great news! Cathy

Oh Sue, I'm so very sorry. My thoughts are with you. love, Cathy

Denise, I feel your pain so much. It will be two weeks tomorrow for me and it is just so difficult. I too, worry about my mom. I think the trip will be nice for your family. We are planning to take my mom to Hawaii in October. It won't be the same without my father, but I think it will be nice. Hang in there my friend. As I've said before, your dad looks like such a nice man. love, Cathy

Caroline is just beautiful! Cathy

I'm sending prayers. Please take care of yourself. Cathy

I too am feeling your pain. My dad has been gone such a short time and I just can't believe he is not here. I miss him so much and just keep picturing his beautiful smile and laugh. I don't know what to say to help, but just wanted you to know that I'm thinking of you. Take care, Cathy

I'm sorry. I'm sure your mom was waiting for her. Please take care. Cathy

Pat, I know what you mean about feeling like a deer caught in the headlights since the cancer diagnosis. I feel like I began grieving and or mourning at the time my dad was diagnosed. Sometimes I don't even know if I grieving correctly or not. That probably doesn't even make sense. Anyway, I'm thinking of you... Cathy

I'm late too, but the prayers are being sent. Cathy

I understand too. It's so hard. Cathy

Hi June, I think that the second opinion is a good idea. I also live in Northern Ca. I'm about 60 miles north of SF. Take care, Cathy

Prayers Cathy

Oh, by the way. My dad died on my parent's wedding anniversary.

My dear, sweet father died last Wednesday night at home. Long story, short. He was diagnosed with two brain mets on Dec. 22nd last year. He had undergone 10 rounds of WBR and was doing okay with everything, but very tired. The lung cancer was stable as of the last appointment in Dec. The last couple of weeks he was so tired and not eating well, but we felt pretty good at the last oncology appointment. The doctor felt that he could still be tired due to just being a month out from radiation. That night, my dad was apparently reaching for a snack in the kitchen and had a stroke and fell. Combined with the stroke and blow to his head from the fall, he had a significant bleed in his brain. We worked hard to get him into hospice and home by Sunday afternoon. My mother and I cared for him from Sunday, until he died on Wednesday night with my mom at his side. It was very peaceful and I feel honored that I was able to care for him. The hospice was terrible, but since I'm a nurse, I just dealt with it. I feel that they took advantage of the fact that I am a nurse and didn't do much to help. My father didn't know any different, as he was unresponsive pretty much from the time he came home, but if I thought he was going to be with us much longer, I would have changed to a different hospice. Anyway...thanks for letting me share. I have been having a difficult time since the brain mets and just didn't have the energy to post any bad news here. We have lost so many wonderful people lately. It breaks my heart. I miss my wonderful dad so much. He truly was the kindest and nicest person you could ever know. Cathy

Wow, Beth!! I think that this trip is meant to be and will be very therapeutic for you! I got the chills too! Cathy

Prayers and hugs, Cathy

Yes, it is the little things! What a great story and the song fits so well! Cathy

Oh Sue, I'm late with this, but sending prayers. I hope things improve soon. Cathy

I so understand your concerns. I would want to be with my parent too. I just wanted to add that it is important for you to have your husband and baby together as well. This is really important bonding time for the three of you. Hopefully, your dad can visit you a lot. I feel so bad for him... Good luck, Cathy

(((Bronwen)))) I feel like I should bring up this subject with my dad sometimes too, but I just can't. He is so stoic and quiet and it just is too hard. I love him so much and I just can't imagine him not being here. Myabe someday I will find the words, but right now..I know he knows how much I love him. Just as your dad did and still does. Take care, Cathy

I'm sorry that I'm late with this, my friend. Of course..prayers are on the way to your dad. Cathy

I'm having a very difficult time lately due to all the recents losses. I too, wish everyone only the best here and pray for a cure from this monster. Take care, Cathy

Thanks for posting those pictures of her. She truly was an amazing person! She will be missed terribly. Cathy

Thanks Karen, I've been thinking about her and hoping there would be some news.. Just addressed a card. Cathy

Well..wow! Thanks! I'm an L&D nurse, but I'm glad to hear that so many nurses have made a difference for you. I know that with my dad I'm extra fussy about his care and so far he has had wonderful nurses! I love being a nurse, and feel so great when I know that I have helped someone. Cathy