Trawna

Judy's question is mine, too, Ronnie. I sure hope that's your plan!

pets

Hi Eric, I'm about 40 minutes outside (NW) of Toronto (Trawna as the locals call it) so try and work that into your schedule. I think your Scottish winter is much like ours so you shouldn't feel too out-of-place. Not as cold as at Bruce's, but possibly more snow so bring your mittens and your toque (warm head covering) and you should be fine!

Great photo, Ron! What a wonderful experience/gift your family gave you. I still remember the feelings I had after my first aerobatic flight, it was an experience of a lifetime. I hope it will be the same for you. Jane

Hello Tony and welcome to the site you wish you didn't have to be at. But there are lots of folks here, both survivors and caregivers, who may be able to help you as you navigate this new ocean of change. Eric, as a Canadian I totally understand and agree with your view on healthcare costs amd payment. My husband had kidney cancer in 1992, a heart attack and stroke in 2001, a triple bypass in 2001, and lung cancer for which he was treated for between 2007 and 2009, and if we had not had medicare we would have had to sell the house to pay for the treatments. Instead, it cost me for the PET scan ($3000) which was not covered, plus approximately $600 all up. In addition, in 2008 I had a hip replacement plus a week in rehab, again which cost us about $450 all included. We didn't get this for nothing, we had paid into medicare (both of us) for almost 40 years, but the bottom line was that when we needed it the costs were covered. It makes such a difference when you are very ill to know that you are not bankrupting your family in order to pay for appropriate treatment. In sddition, 80% of all prescribed drugs were paid for by my private insurance (and had we been over 65 we would have had all medications covered). And all this without any controversy or even forms to fill out. It is such a huge difference that my daughter (who is Canadian but at present a permanent US resident) and my son-in-law (American) have decided to move up to Canada permanently because, among other things, they simply cannot afford US health care premiums. My son-in-law broke his thumb 3 years ago, and just that alone cost them $10,000.

Dear Kristen: Please accept my condolences. It must seem like a nightmare from which you are praying to awaken. I wish you and your family strength, and the support of good friends and other family to carry you through this time of intense grief. Jane

Hi Michelle: That's wonderful! I hope it brings you much joy to be able to help care for another sufferer, and kudos to you for being able to do that so soon! Jane

hope it works well for you, Jopette. jane

Treats

Ghost

wood fires

Thinking of you today, Eric, and hoping that all goes well with your treatments. At least you will have the satisfaction of knowing that things are getting underway to enable you to better fight this battle. Jane

((((Michelle))). No one knows how long it will take anyone to get through theinitial grieving stage. I can only tell you that it was only after about 16 months that I started to even notice things that were going on around me --- before that, my whole brain was just "on hold". All I can suggest is that you just simply expose yourself to the possibilities of good thoughts. Take a walk on a beautiful day; stop off at a children's playground and listen to their laughter, sit and listen to bridsong. When you are coming out of it you will notice these things and that will give you a positive lift knowing that you can now notice, if not enjoy, the wonderful things that life surrounds you with. My heart goes out to you, Michelle! Jane

Thinking of you for Monday, hugz, and keeping all my fingers and toes crossed for a successful surgery with NO COUGH afterwards! They do have great cough syrup they can give you after surgery, so make sure if they don't automatically give it to, ask for it asap. They won't want you to cough either, so they should be responsive. ((((hugz)))) for a great recovery. Jane

Thanks, TS but you don't need to apologise! Those who say that are focusing on the positive, that's all. Having had 39 years with mine, I honestly do feel badly for those who have had less. it doesn't mean we feel better than they do, but it does mean we have have more time together to enjoy. I have always felt badly for young children who lost their faith in Santa Claus early, because of what joy they missed, and I feel the same way about those who lose their near ones very soon. I always felt "gypped" about losing my Mom at 32, because I knew she had so much more to share. Thanks so much for your kind thoughts!

Dear Barb: I have followed your story (and Bill's) for a couple of years, and realise how precious your memories of him must be. You are so right, that our emptiness is a huge void, and the reality is that no one can fill it, but our good memories, like a balm, can help us ease the pain from day to day, and also help to bring back the best thoughts of our long and multi-faceted relationship. I had almost 40 years to develop that, and you have had almost 55 years. A lot of time to build on, to reflect on, and my heart goes out to you. I hope you have a gentle and easy day, today and in future days.

thanks, Katie! The fact that you are never alone here is one of the greatest benefits of your marvellous site. Jane

Thanks, ts. My mom died of ovarian cancer in March 1981 and I still miss her every day. I talk to her every day, even though I know she can't hear me or respond, but it makes me feel happier to do so, so I know how you feel.

Thanks, (((Judy))))! Hugs to you, and hoping that you too will have a good day! And thanks Ginny, I know that those of us who are left behind always remember and understand.

(((Randy)))!

Today would have been our fortieth anniversary, had it not been for lung cancer. I remember so clearly celebrating my husband's parents' 40th and 50th and thinking how happy they were and hoping we would also be that happy, never imagining that he would not live long enough to celebrate either. Sitting here, after being awake all night, I am thankful that both my daughter and bro-in-law remembered the day. Sometimes you feel so alone.... but I think that many times others remember but do not want you to feel badly so they don't mention it. Thabnk god my relatives don't feel that way, and will come out and just say what's on their mind, which is usually what's on mine too. To all of you who have special memories today, know that all of those that love you are thinking of you ande caring for you, whether they can say it or not, and know that they love you.

So happy that things are going well for you ... you deserve it! Hoping all will remain positive. Jane

Ronvens, what a sweetheart she is. So glad that Pat had a chance to see her! Jane

Wonderful pictures, Eric. Thanks so much for posting! Do you know what breed those large horses are ... Clydesdales? or ????

My husband had 6 cycles of cisplatin/vinoralbine and did not lose any hair (but he didn't have a lot to begin with, given that he had been growing bald over the last 30 years!) Hopefully your Mom wil have the same experience, but if she doesn't it is interesting to go through, as another friend of mine had chemo for breast cancer, lost all her hair, and when it grew back it was flaming red, which made a nice change for her LOL.