kamataca

Yep...sign me up on the "chicken" team. I would be curious, but terrified that I would mess something up and get in trouble. Kelly

My brother just bought an Expedition. They hybrids are such looking nicer than my van right now. I wonder if this is what it will finally take for Americans (like myself) to invest in more sensible cars. You should see the cute little things they drive in Vienna. If it's what the market demans, the car companies will find a way! Kelly

Summer--even though it is God-awful hot here in the summer. My kids are fish, and we like to hang out at the pool. Plus, I'm a teacher...need I say more? Kelly

Good lord...this is hard enough to go through with my mom. If it were one of my kids, I'd be a wreck. Prayers for him and his whole family. Kelly

Thanks, Bruce! I can't imagine what they must be going through right now. My prayers are certainly with them as well. Kelly

NED's the best! So glad to hear it--thanks for telling us. Kelly

It was a boring old 4-door Mercury Zephyr. It had absolutely no street cred--not even a cool Dead sticker! How lame for high school. By college all I had was a Honda Spree SCOOTER. What a wild child I was on that thing. Kelly

It's good to giggle, isn't it? We have, what I suppose others would call, a dark sense of humor in my family about Mom's hospitalizations. They've been such a way of life since I was a kid, that you have to laugh. The alternative is just too depressing. One time, after surgery, she was halucinating that she saw spiders on the walls. The nurses didn't think it was so funny when my brother went around slapping the wall with magazines and "killing" the spiders, but we thought it was a hoot. Mom still laughs about it. And isn't that the point? Keep up the great attitude! Kelly

I'm tellin' ya, there should be a Tarceva support group on this board! Mom has had all the mentioned side-effect (complicated by her Crohn's), but even with that we are grateful for it. She cannot do other meds b/c her kidneys barely function and so far *fingers crossed* she has had no growth in any tumors. Hope John (and all the Tarceva gang) are feeling better soon. Kelly

Darn...I hate being back at work...I miss all the interesting posts during the day. Hope you are headed off to a wonderful vacation. I know I came back from mine refreshed and ready to go. You never have to worry about editing here...generally there are many more of us lurking and reading who get a big "Me too!" out of posts like that. That's why we come together as a community who understands each other. Plus I'm s big believer in venting and getting feelings out. Have a blast! Kelly

KellyHere's the danger of not taking time for yourself and putting allof your energies into your FIL: you may begin to subconsciously resent him, and vice versa. I felt much better when I took my trip backpacking this summer, and I think my mom felt more independent when I left her 'alone' for awhile. We have to take care of ourselves, too, or we are no good to our families. Have a fun trip!

Outstanding! Kelly

"UUUGH..." Of course, that is what I think most mornings. My school had our Open House tonight, so I wouldn't get to come home until after 8:00. I was going over the day in my head, trying to make sure we had everything planned out for the kids (who would pick them up, etc.). Kelly

That's good news, then, right? Isn't it funny what passes as good news on a normal day? Your dad and mom are in my prayers. Kelly

He's such a positive guy. I love seeing him around here. Kelly

Glad to hear from you, Diane. "Stable" is such a great word, isn't it? You will be in my prayers as well. Please let us know how Bob is doing. Kelly

Ok guys...yet another Tarceva question. My mom has been on the wonder drug (We are really amazed by it) for several months now. In the last week she has developed severe mouth sores. She has tried using mouthwash (afraid that the germs will build up otherwise) but it burns so much. She assumes it is tied to the Tarceva. Has anyone dealt with this? Did anything work? Thanks! Kelly

Lauren, What a hard time for you. I can't imagine how tough this is. Truly, you can't pin down numbers, and you shouldn't waste your energy trying. Make the moments you have count, whether he has just a few of them left or years' worth. We can make ourselves so crazy asking about time, that we forget to use the time we have. I spent a few weeks doing that myself, and that didn't get me anywhere. Take care of yourself, Kelly

My mom has maintained her weight and appetite. This is really impressive, because she has spent years trying to maintain a weight of over 100 lbs. due to her Crohn's. Me...not so much a problem staying over 100 lbs. Kelly

I'm sure I'd manage to break my leg either way, but after 10 winters in Minnesota, I'd have to say water skiing. I'm done with snow. Which is better...Math or English? (You won't hurt my feelings--I teach both) Kelly

Jen, My mom has dealt with it for almost 30 years now. She was one of the "first" in our area diagnosed, and was everyone's guinnea pig for many years. We still have her here, so we don't complain too much. After several resectionings, she just left her illeosotomy in place, and has done much better. We just have to watch her, as the Tarceva caused 'tummy troubles' (complicated by the Crohn's) and caused her to dehydrate and she ended up hospitalized. Crohn's has never stopped her, and so far she's brought that fighting spirit to her NSCLC as well. Kelly

Looks like you've been through a lot already. I've found a great deal of comfort (and laughs too) here. I hope you do as well. Kelly

Hi Beth! My Mom has been diagnosed w/ stage 4 also. We went through some very tough times, and made the mistake of listening to statistics. Now she is volunteering at my kids' school everyday, going to visit friends 2 states away, and really living her life. These first few weeks are such a trying time. Let us know if we can help in any way. Kelly

Wow, guys, you and your families are sure in my prayers. Kelly

Oh God, I hope not! Once trip on this goofball planet is enough for me! Besides that, I'd probably come back as a duck next time. TPBM believes in love at first sight. Kelly