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NED, Thank you, thank you, thank you. It's wonderful to see you and the new addition to your family, not to mention your beautiful daughter. Rosie is beautiful! For some reason this post just made my day.

Hawkeye, you are so brave. Peace be with you and your family.

My husband too had an awful time with his painful esophagus due to radiation burn. He did use the Fentanyl patch with good results. Just be careful and take a stool softener if you're prone to contstipation from narcotics. Ken, it will get better in time. I'm so sorry you are having to go through this. Stay strong

I too am very sad today to hear of Liz's passing. She was so young and beautiful, always a smile and a uplifting word. She was also a fighter. It seems she did until the end. Prayers being said for the family. Thank you Midge.......

Thanks so much for the update. All I can say is hang in there, take the help when you can and know that prayers will continue for both Mary and yourself.

Ken, The procedure is called Esophageal Dilatation and is usually done by a GI Doc. Good Luck.

Ken, Yes, it is an outpatient procedure and Bill tolerated each one very well. You have a sedation that will put you to sleep but can come out of it very easily. He also had Demoral which is for any pain during the procedure. He was usually able to eat icecream the same day although he was told to wait 24 hours. But hey, he was hungry. Good luck Ken. Hopefully you'll get some relief soon.

Ken, My husband who was diagnosed with LD-SCLC in April 2006 had 35 radiation treatments along with chemo. He had the same problems with his swallowing and did stop tx but only for 2 days. He also had the magic mouthwash and liquid Tylenol. He had trouble even sipping water the pain was so bad. He did end up living through it although he didn't think he would. He also had to have his esophagus stretched 8 times over a period of 6 months after treatment. It's a horrible thing to have to go through, but you will get through it. You will most likely lose weight with not being able to eat but all I can say is do the best you can and know that it will get better. Bill is still having some problems with his esophagus but he's also still here almost 2 years later. God bless

Happy Birthday Dear Jackie

Grateful for your prayer today, Jackie. Thank You.

Nova, This is a great question and an excellent subject. I talk to God all the time. I do let him know how thankful I am for the strength he gives me. I thank him for sharing with me,his birds that land on the feeder outside the kitchen window. I thank Him for the peace I have in my heart sometimes. I will tell you that more and more I say the Serenity Prayer. I say it over and over at times. I use it for many different situations and in the end, it's simply acceptance and courage and faith.

Kasey, Thanks so much for checking in. Things are crazy around here. One day OK the next day way down. Hospice is on board. I am not allowed to announce that but I just did. But I'll tell you that I am relieved that they will be here if I need them. I probably won't be to much on the boards, just lurking as usual. I will tell you all that I thank God daily for all of you.

Ghita, I'm so sorry you have lost your beloved Gene. Hang on to those wonderful memories of your lives together.

I'd definitely delete the first marriage

No pets, only a pesky armadillo who is digging hole in the back yard...... I predict the next person will do laundry tomorrow how boring

small SUV, it's better when you go to Sam's Club and shop for big stuff......... laptop or pc?

Please count me in for prayers for Angela and the family. Keep the faith, it's so powerful.

Between Friends......Debbie Macomber

........and God's heart is HUGE..........and for that, I am so grateful

Nick is so right..........we're not our own, we all belong to God and he'll take us home when he's ready. Meanwhile, try and put ALL YOUR FAITH AND TRUST IN HIM and HE will get you through these horribly difficult times.

I say, "go for it and enjoy." In moderation, of course.

I 2nd that. We've got some wonderful guys here and appreciate their words of wisdom and strength.

Welcome Home Jen. Glad to hear Dad is doing well. Thanks for the update and Happy New Year to you and your family.

Can't think of anything easy enough yet. Get back with me on that, ok?

Donna, I am so sorry you are going through this all over again. You have my prayers for strength and peace for him and his family.......and you.