SandraL

Hi Annie. Yes I think for sure you need to be more agressive on following up on the source of the back pain. If a hot spot showed up on a PET then that is very suspicious. The back is a very tricky place. And, the pain can get worse very fast, as I can attest to. I have finally had successful radiation treatments to my back that have relieved the pain signficantly. So it can be helped, and your mom should be helped, nobody should be living in that kind of pain. Please give your mom my best and I hope you get things figured out. Keep us posted. Sandra

Hi there. Sorry to be a bit down but that is how I am feeling today. I had a bad night's sleep. After having successfully gotten rid of my back pain through radiation I now have significant pain on my left side. My latest CT scan has shown growth on my left side in quite a few areas and I can't seem to get comfortable. Morphine I don't think really helps. And am having one of those how long do I have left kind of days. With the summer coming up I am having trouble planning anything to keep everyone busy and happy while my health hangs in the balance. And I am just sick about what my disease has and will do to my family. It is not fair and I sure do not want my kids to have to witness my further decline. They have been so good through all of this. And I have been so positive that I am sure they still think I am going to pull through. I just can't have it any other way. I want them to have every single good day possible and to just continue living their lives without significant worrying and fear. I am currently getting vanalberine (navalbine) treatments which have been going okay with no significant side effects yet. I know the odds of it keeping my cancer at bay are fairly slim but I will keep on praying. Thanks for listening...maybe tonight and tomorrow will be better. Sandra

Oh my gosh....what a jerk! I agree with Ned, this guy has got his own sorry issues and is enjoying sharing his misery with others. So just dismiss him and let's all thank goodness he is not in the cancer business anymore. I also agree that it is the doctor versus the facility that is most important. And your comfort and rappore wtih that doctor. Keep your chin up, you are very early in this journey. Take care Sandra

Ham or turkey? Turkey Pretzels or crackers? Crackers Vanilla or strawberry? Vanilla Green or blue? Blue Northern or Southern accent? Neither, Canadians don't have accents eh? Tall or short? Shorter Digital clock or analog clock? Digital Light or Dark? Light Musicals or westerns? Neither Tired or anxious? Tired Laptop or desktop? Desktop

spaghetti (I think so anyhow....clue as missing a T Ellen? visourvsr what we all are!

friendship (how nice Kasey!) dgannreig clue: spring hobby

Happy Birthday Katie and many many more. Hope you have a wonderful day and are getting spoiled! Sandra

It's a gorgeous sunny day here in Victoria. And my company is all gone....so ahhhh...peace! I used to be a few cups in the morning girl. But coffee just doesn't taste the same lately to me. Sometimes I try a cup in the morning. Other mornings I try tea. I feel like I need the caffeine to get me going. Happy Memorial Day to all my friends in the USA. Hope you have a great day. Sandra

Hi Caren. Others have said it all. I am sending you a big warm hug. And strength to get through the days until the funeral. God bless Sandra

Hi Caty. Glad to hear he is just about through radiation treatments. I will send prayers for a good report. Yes, getting off the steroids can be quite bad, but within a few days he should be over that. Enjoy the wine and the weekend! Sandra

I too believe that Adam was the bigger talent. That being said, Kris was more appealing to me...as he obviously was with the American public. And it is based on a vote so...the people spoke. Regardless, Adam has a hugely successful career ahead of him so they are both winners. And he was so gracious in defeat, a really respectable guy.

Hi Pixie. Sorry you are having a bit of a tough time...but this too will pass. Many prayers that the treatment is doing what is supposed to do. Drink lots even if you do not feel like eating, that will help flush the chemo out of your body and get you feeling better quicker. Please keep us posted on how you are doing. Sandra

Wishing you a speedy recovery Mitch. And yes you sure do look awesome. Good to hear that your mom is doing well. Take good care and don't be such a stranger. Sandra

The parents obviously have strong beliefs....right or wrong. Quite obviously wrong but what they believe none the less. But that is what the court system is there for isn't it...to protect all, particularly young people like in this case. I hope they make the right decision and set a good precedent.

nuisance Word: afiydr Clue: Thank god it's

Oh Caren. I am deeply saddened to read your update. You did absolutely everything you could for him and made his last days blessed. My condolences to you and your family. May he rest in peace. God bless Sandra

I'll play along....Rice Krispies....lots of SNAP, CRACKLE & POP!

Barbara Walters, of 20/20, did a story on gender roles in Kabul, Afghanistan , several years before the Afghan conflict.. She noted that women customarily walked five paces behind their husbands. She recently returned to Kabul and observed that women still walk behind their husbands. Despite the overthrow of the oppressive Taliban regime, the women are happy to maintain the old custom. Ms. Walters approached one of the Afghani women and asked, 'Why do you now seem happy with an old custom that you once tried so desperately to change?' The woman looked Ms. Walters straight in the eyes, and without hesitation said, 'Land Mines.' Moral of the story is (no matter what language you speak or where you go): BEHIND EVERY MAN, THERE'S A SMART WOMAN! Ha Ha Ha

Hi Jan. You and your husband will get through this. Sometimes as a caregiver it is hard to know the right thing to do. My best advice is to ask your husband what he would like. Then even if it isn't right it is what he asked for. And remember, if he is not himself, it is the treatments, and he will at some point feel better. Please take care and keep us posted on how you and your husband are doing. We are here for you and many here have walked in your shoes. Sandra

Wow Denise, that is great news! Tell Tom to keep up the good work. You must have a good doc. It must be so nice for them to be able to give good news as all to often that is not the case. It is a tough job. I hope your celebrations have continued. Continued best wishes Sandra

Wow Karen! You have so much on your plate. And what a nice surprise for your dad on top of all that. Take a deep breath, this too shall pass! Sandra

Judy. I am sending lots of prayers for Mary Jane. Any kind of cancer sucks. And young children in the mix just makes it all the tougher...unfortunately I have first hand knowledge of that. Sandra

Hi Nonni. Yes I am pretty sure it should include the ribs as my chest ct scans usually report out on those. I would double check for peace of mind though. I am sure a quick call to the clinic would do it. Sandra

Bunny. There are many here wishing you many long deep breaths. Hopefully there is no rush with the liquidation exercise. That must be so tough to do. Put it aside for awhile if you can. Hang in there, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Sandra

Oh my gosh how awful! Many prayers being sent Mitch's way. Sandra