Littlegirl

I agree with Ginny. I am so sorry and I know this must be SOOO hard for you, can't even imagine it actually. But some men just can't be alone. This does not mean he does not miss your mom, just his way of coping. I do hope that he found a suitable match. I also hope, in time, you can accept your dad's decision. Perhaps his running to Vegas and not inviting you is his way of softening the blow? I'm sorry. Karen

You are doing the right thing by getting hospice involved. Sounds like the relationship with your mom is already strained so I think it is worth straining it a bit more to get some help for yourself and for her. Some people just need something to complain about so why not let it be the hospice help instead of you. I understand the situation you are in and commend you for being such a great caregiver. Hang in there! Karen

Lori - I think grief just stirs up alot of other emotions and feelings including regret. And I could see where some people could get lost in the regret while they are grieving. But you, my dear, should have NO REGRETS! You were a wonderful daughter and caregiver and you did all you could for your mama and then some. Hugs to you! Karen

Beth - I am so sorry you are hurting. Please know that if something happened to you, others would be feeling this pain as well. I know you don't want to cause that. Sometimes our family and friends don't hear us when we say we need thier help, so we need to ask again and speak louder and tell them EXACTLY what we need. Do you belong to a grief support group? I think it would be good for you to have some people to talk to who know what you are going through. It's OK to start to forget a little about Bill. Just try to forget the cancer and the ugly things that happened but always remember the good. I sm so sorry you are in so much pain. I'm hoping once you make it past these anniversaries that you will find more peace. Karen

Don - I am so sorry you have lost your special lady but please know you are still loved by all of us. Your status may be 'single' but you are never alone. Karen

Thanks for the update Chris. My mom had esophagus issues for quite awhile even after treatment but today it is a thing of the past. Tell Darrell to just get the calories in any way he can for now and in time it WILL get better. Meanwhile our little energizer bunny needs to get re-charged! Karen

Oh Jen I can so relate. I too have been the friend to sit here and nod, and sometimes shed a tear. I think we all have different reasons why we go through times when we are not as active on the boards and I think everyone here understands (even if we don't understand ourself). I myself got distracted with vacation and living life and though I still came to the boards to read daily and often thought about replying with some encouraging words, for some reason I did not. (Was I just too lazy to look up my password to log in again after my hubby bought our new computer???) Anyways, thanks for writing this post and getting me on board again. Karen

Yep! Me too. Karen

Eric - I am so sorry for your loss. Karen

CONGRATS KASEY!!!!! WOOHOOO!!!!! You are such an inspiration to this board and I am so happy you are celebrating this accomplishment! Please try not to be too frustrated with your friends. They can't help what they don't understand. I know it's hard when they don't say the right thing or say ANYTHING but just be thankful they are cancer-ignorant. And if some day they are unfortunate enough to be initiated into the cancer club they will be so lucky to know you! I hope your next fun getaway is more fun! Karen

Love to hear this great news! Congrats! Karen

Dirty Dianna - Michael Jackson Karen

Oh Don ~ I am SO SORRY that you have lost your beautiful lady! Praying that you and your family will find peace at this time. Thank you for enabling Lucie to be such an inspiration to this board. She was lucky to be married to such a wonderful man. Hugs! Karen

Oh Lori ~ I AM SO SORRY! Many posts on this site bring me to tears, and this one has too, but now it is as if the dam has broke and the tears will not stop. I know there will be such a void in your life now and I pray that you and your family find comfort in knowing that mama is free from pain now and is in a much better place than us. You and your mama fought a brave battle together and she was lucky to have such a wonderful daughter. Hugs, Karen

My condolances to you and your family. Karen

Glad to hear the good news! Karen

Glad she is moving in the right direction, and hoping she is feeling 100% real soon! Hang in there Don! Karen

Carleen - thanks for sharing this wonderful tribute with us. He sounds like he was such a wonderful man, I wish I could have gotten to know him. Even though your time was cut short I think you realize you had something special that few people get to have. I know this day was so hard for you. I hope you are finding some sunshine in your days. Hugs! Karen

Don, I am so sorry. I will continue to keep Lucie and the rest of your family in my prayers. Please do not feel like you need to keep it together for your kids. You are there to support one another! Take care of yourself too! Karen

I was working in a large telecommunications office here in Missouri on 9/11. We had TV's on every floor that were on everyday with CNN or some news program, not loud enough to disturb anyone working but there just to keep us in the loop with what was going on in the world. Of course when the second plane hit most of the employees gathered round the TV to see what was going on. What sticks in my mind that day was that our Senior Manager came out of her office and was instructing the employees to move away from the TV and return back to their desks to work and had even threatened to turn off the TV. Even if she did not think we were directly affected (wasn't everyone in the US affected???), all of our customers were businesses from the NY area so we were concerned for them and unable to get any work done as we could not communicate with any of them. That speaks volumes about the type of person she was. Karen

Oh Don, this brings me to tears. I am SO sorry to hear your sweetie took a turn for the worse. We know that Lucie is a fighter and if anyone deserves a chance at beating the odds it is her! Prayers for you both and your entire family. Karen

I used to be bothered by the pink ribbons too until someone here pointed out that ALL cancer research benefits lung cancer patients as well. And many of us here may someday be touched by breast cancer or love someone who has and hopefully will find comfort in the sea of pink ribbons. We just need to find a way to get just as many white ribbons out there too! I've often thought about the Oprah route as she reaches so many people. And Randy - Oprah gave those cars to teachers who are underpaid and can use all the perks they can get. I think she is very generous with her funds and I think she likes to get behind worthy causes. Maybe we need to educate her and ask her to join the fight. I think maybe the best way to reach her is by having EVERYONE here write a letter and explain how this has affected their lives and how the public needs to be educated. Karen

Hugs to you Lori! I was hoping you would have better 'quality time' with your mom on your days off. You are a wonderful daughter! Karen

Sorry to hear this news. Praying that she bounces back quickly so you can bring her home again! Karen

Two thumbs up for this report! Karen