mhutch1366

Prayers for Dave and for you all... XOXOXOXOX MaryAnn

I know the Catholic church runs retreats with doctors and other professionals on site for people with serious illnesses. There is a small fee which is waived if needs be. Those are not budget busters. But you're right -- there should be a way to get away. I do remember, though, when I was really ill, I didn't want to go anywhere, or be sociable, just wanted to be quietly at home to read, watch movies, eat what I could without fuss, without dressing up. It's a toss up, there are a lot of expensive "facilities" compared to what I feel the market actually is. Good luck with your projects, and congratulations on your initiative and on your resourcefulness. You'll think of something... XOXOX MaryAnn

Nancy, I am sorry, I feel your pain from here. ((((((hugs))))) XOXOXOX MaryAnn

Bunny, It is understandable that you're shaken by this news --- it takes a while to sink in. Many surgeons now recommend chemo and or radiation after tumor removal for stage i and ii nsclc. It is primarily preventative. I think of it as insurance. Helped me rest easier at night -- easier being a relative term. Your mom is young (relatively) and otherwise healthy, I presume, so there is every reason to believe that she'll do well. On the other hand, you might want to read and post some in the caregivers forum as well. Loving someone with cancer is different from having it yourself -- whole different set of challenges to face. But welcome, welcome, thrice welcome. XOXOX MaryAnn

Hi Bunny, And welcome. I'm sorry you need to be here, but glad you found us. Why don't you tell us something about your mother and yourself, and tell us how we can help you. The folks here are very warm and supportive, and we are not strangers to lung cancer! Keep us informed! XOXOXOX MaryAnn

whoa.... how bout that? XOXOX MaryAnn

Wonderful, Rachel, just wonderful! I am so very happy for you... XOXOX MaryAnn

I am happy for you, Charlie. This is great news! XOXOXOX MaryAnn

Connie, You rock!! Best friend to all of us... XOXOXOXOX MaryAnn

Frank, Please tell Kasey it's okay or she'll obsess about it and feel bad until you do. Kasey, dear heart, it's okay. Frank of all people understands where no offense is intended. And yes, it's a great photo, I miss the other one though!. So sue me. Must be Frank's party smile. XOXOXOX MaryAnn

Larry, Sincere condolences.... I hope your trip is as comfortable as possible for your wife... XOXOX MaryAnn

Beth, Of course I'm here. Where else would I be?? Hang tough, kiddo. XOXOXXOX MaryAnn

Nancy, Prayers for Mike and for you... XOXOX MaryAnn

Wow. Sounds good to me. XOXOX MaryAnn

Hi Debbie, Welcome! XOXOX MaryAnn

Welcome! XOXOX MaryAnn

Carleen, I am glad to hear from you and Keith. I'm glad Keith is still putting one foot in front of the other, one day at a time. Prayers for you both, darlin'. We missed you. XOXOXOX MaryAnn

Jim, I am overjoyed to hear this chemo seems to have done it. Bet that's nothing to what your fishin' buddy feels....!!!! XOXOXOXOX Prayers, MaryAnn

Karen and David -- Prayers.... Love..... XOXOXOX MaryAnn

I heartily agree. Take one day at a time. Enoy seaworld thoroughly. Double agreement on the electric wheelchair! You may think you won't need it, but better safe than wiped out by midday. XOXOXOXOX MaryAnn

Cait, I strongly agree with Becky, tell the doctor that you've altered your diet. The diet you currently are on may not be enough to support your husband through treatments and stress. It's a hard diet to adequately maintain for a healthy person, you need to be aware of so much more!! I wish you two the best, and I will keep you in my prayers... XOXOXOXOX MaryAnn

Write down your questions before you go in, and write down the answers as you go, if you cannot take anyone else with you. Esp. if you're in pain. No reason to be in pain in this age of wonder. Ask your doctor, and keep phoning in to report until you have something that WORKS for you. It may be a combination of several different things. The whole world looks different when you're out from under the pain and can sleep at night.... XXOXOXOXOXOX MaryAnn

Of course, Belatedly. Happy Birthday, KatieB!! XOXOXOXOX MaryAnn

Don't let the blues that come with feeling bad after chemo color your whole perspective... just put one foot in front of the other, for the moment, and do what needs to be done. I know the early days are the worst, and days seem darkest. BUT you're here, and working to keep it that way. I'll keep you in my prayers. XOXOXOX MaryAnn

Deb, Shared sympathy with your awful experience. I close my eyes and won't open them. I say hail marys back to back the entire time. I have actually fallen asleep in the darned thing. However the time leading UP TO the scan is another story... like you I run through all these appointments by myself. I have been known to be anxious.... the more anxious I get the more I drive myself deliberately to distraction with a good novel or rented movie. A very cultivated give a darn attitude, cause otherwise I'd be a wreck... God bless you, darlin', for expressing so beautifully what so many of us go through. I'm really glad the scans were good. I hope the dizziness stops. Did you know you can get a virus in your inner/middle ear that causes dizziness, called "labrynthitis"? My dad had it very badly once. A strange thing that comes and goes, with no rhyme or reason, and very little can be done about it. Like a head cold, it runs its course and disappears. Stranger than fiction. Love ya, kiddo! XOXOXOX MaryAnn