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Judy- I hope you get some answers to your muscle spasms soon. I will be interested in what they find. What a sweet husband you have.

It's hard being a caregiver and advocate for someone when mistakes are made-- it's so frustrating. I hope the areas on the spine are nothing to worry about. Keep us posted.

I can't believe he had you on that combination of drugs.

Barb- What a wonderful tribute to Bill and your life together. I am so sorry for your loss. Rochelle

Barb~ I am so very sorry. My thoughts are with you and your family during this time. My sympathy~ Rochelle

Enough already! Let us know what happens-- thinking of you.

Somebody upstairs must be watching out for you-- probably your buddy Rich. I am glad you've come through ok. Hang in there.

You might want to ask that they do a check of the phlegm and make sure it isn't mold. There are molds such as aspergillis that can infect the lungs. I hope you feel better soon.

Doug's brother, Jeffrey is somewhat of a celebrity in Michigan . He is a well known attorney and attempted a run for Governor a few years ago. He defended Jack Kevorkian at one time. The stations around here have reported his death was due to brain cancer-- I did not know he had lung cancer.

Mac and cheese

Think of it this way-- it's not like you can't stop. If you try it and it goes well, go to treatment 2, 3 etc. If it gets rough, you can always say that's enough, or you can take a break and start back up again. My husband did well with Alimta until towards the end. He only had one treatment to go and he told the onc he couldn't do it. The doctor let him take a break and the last treatment was a breeze. Some people sail through Alimta just fine-- you don't know until you try.

Happy Belated Birthday!

That is wonderful. You're raising a special little boy (but you know that).

That's it Christina.

Sue- not sure on Michelle. I should send her a PM. You are welcome to be #1 if you want. Oh, and I should add that this is not just for women-- men can read too and be the brotherhood.

Here's the deal: I have found a great book about getting through grief-- I've bought it for numerous people and read my copy several times. I don't believe I need it any more so here's my proposition-- I will mail it to someone with all my notes, highlighted passages etc. The next person highlights or marks things meaningful to them and mails it to the next person on the list. Everyone signs their name inside as a "sister." Michelle if you're willing you can be first -- I know you're struggling. PM me your address. Anyone that wants to be on the list put your name below and the person above will PM you for your address. This book covers it all - even how to deal with kids. Your loss does not have to be recent -- I've read it off and on for over 2 years now. It does not have to be read in any order either so you can skip areas that may not relate to where you are at the moment. Oh and let me add -- I am not a self help book person at all so if I liked it --that is really saying a lot. Who's first?

Happy Birthday!

I am glad he will be home. You should be eligible for some in home care to help with bathing him etc. so make sure you ask about what services he can get. It will be a big help to you. Keep us posted on how he does.

I am so sorry for your loss. Rochelle

Snowflake behind the wheel of a flying beer truck...

I am torn on this. I almost said practical and then i realized most of my favorite presents have been frivolous--

Happy 40th Jamie!

Michelle- It isn't easy and it wont' be for awhile. Grieving is hard. I couldn't bring myself to go through John's things for a long time. I immediately got rid of all the stuff that was tied to his illness and reminded me of his illness, but the rest was too hard. One day I decided I could start on his dresser and I opened the top drawer to find all the kids baby teeth and cards they had made him-- I shut it and didn't go back to it for a year. There's no time line, just do what you can do when you can do it. The best advice I received was from Ginny who kept saying over and over - keep busy, just keep busy. I changed furniture, I shopped, I made plans for projects, I remodeled, I just kept moving. Rearrange your furniture, paint, do whatever-- just keep planning and one day you'll be on the other side. Rochelle

I am so sorry to tell you that Rich passed away in his sleep Wednesday evening. His wife Kathy wanted Geri and all his friends here to know. He had been having many issues with pain and trying to get his pain under control. He would often tease me about what I would post about him when he died. I told him of course I would write something nice. I lost a wonderful friend, a wonderful sounding board, and supporter. Throughout John's illness he helped me immensely and I hope I helped him at least half as much as he did me. His obituary will be in the Boston papers once they have the arrangements. made. Kathy is ordering an autopsy to determine what exactly happened. Rest in peace big guy, Rochelle

Cheesecake Chocolate No Bake Cookies Peanut Butter Cookies Lemon bars or lemon pie Cinnamon Rolls Ann- I would make the no bake cookies if there will be kids at the sale-- kids love those.