mhutch1366

Hang in there, Linda. There's a special page in St Peters book for daughters like you. You're doing what you think best, so you can live with yourself and sleep nights. That's integrity, and caring. XOXOXOX MaryAnn

Bruce, You do the best you can. This fall was the first time I got through a cold without antibiotics. I got through several smaller bugs too. I live with an elementary schooler, who fortunately is better about handwashing. First year would take me 2 -3 weeks to get over a cold, with antibiotics. Third year took me a whole week. Now I usually need less than 3 days or so. You do get stronger in some ways. The new normal continues to change.... my immune system is coming up, but the fibrosis from radiation in my shoulder and chest continues to restrict my arm range of motion, unless I get out there and STRETCH!! with the pulley. I'ts a moving target, but it's getting better. Chin up, XOXOX MaryAnn

Glad to hear it! Esp since Fran seems to have a vested interest. Fran's family, don't ya know?? XOXOXOX MaryAnn

Rich, Tomorrow will be a good day. Glad you're okay. Ry, thanks for keeping us informed. Glad to have some good news today. XOXOX MaryAnn

Fay, go with God. Fly with the angels. And know freedom from all your bodily ailments, at last. Peace, my friend. Love to you, and strength and prayers for your family. XOXOXOXOX MaryAnn

Fay, My life is the richer for having been your friend. Thank you. Love and Hugs, XOXOXOXOX MaryAnn

Fly safe, Lily. See this through; be there for them. It's okay to grieve for yourself too, it's not being disloyal. 41 years is a long time. Let us know when you can how you are. XOXOX MaryAnn

Thoughts and prayers, Fay... XOXOXOX MaryAnn

I hear you, Mark. I'm sorry too. Hugs, MaryAnn

Love and hugs, Fay. And thanks. XOXOXOXOX MaryAnn

Amen, Connie, it is a small price to pay. Whether it's the short term memory problems, the loss of some frequencies in hearing, or the partial numbness in the fingers.... I'm still glad I'm here. I asked my 16 year old that same question two days ago, figuring I was embarassing her. She said emphatically NO!, she'd rather have a mom who tilted and forgot things than have me absent. I know I lost a bit too from anaesthesia. Again, some, not alot. But all those add up to a good chunk...Thanks anyway, I'm glad I'm still here!! XOXOXOX MaryAnn

Hi Rob, Well, she picked a swell time to leave. BUT you made out, you have us now... all of us!! We're here, just let us know what you need, how we can help. Being more or less alone and going through this is kinda spooky. One foot in front of the other, one day at a time will see you through. I'm glad you found us. XOXOXOX MaryAnn

Prayers for you both.. XOXOX MaryAnn

As Connie and Fay have requested, and Kasey and DonnaG seconded, I will stand up and be counted. Stage 3A/B lung cancer, NSCLC, 17 hour surgery, removed 13 1/2 pound tumor; four rounds cisplatin and VP16, two rounds before surgery concomitant with 25 rounds of radiation, and two rounds after. Chemo postponed a month when I collapsed/perforated my large intestine and had to go in for a colostomy. I am a 5 year 11 month survivor. Thank you all my dear friends@@!!!

It is good to see you here, Mark. I am so very happy you and she got to go to Europe this fall. The adventure of a lifetime! I think the garden idea is beautiful. Leslie was beautiful. Love up the animals a little for me, please? XOXOXOXOX MaryAnn Ma

I think you're going to be there a while if they're running slides back to be read by pathology during the surgery. That takes time.

Fay, Love you and hoping you're comfortable. You are beautiful to us, whether you're dressed up as big bird or otherwise. XOXOXOX MaryAnn

Good to see you, my friend. XOXOXOX MaryAnn

So good to hear Fay is home. Thank you, Connie. XOXOX MaryAnn

Of course, by the 13th we'll be warmed up and on a roll... Prayers, Karen. XOXOXOX MaryAnn

Of course I remember you! It is not uncommon to be in a schlump still a year or more later... the chemo really takes it out of you. Counseling and antidepressants really help. I was amazed when I started to feel really bad, about a year out. I was told that was a good sign, from what she could see, I had enough excess energy to go beyond existing to actually feeling... Makes a crazy kind of sense. Hang in there, you've got a little guy to keep you focused, but remember to be good to yourself. Finding an adult to talk with, like US is probably a very good idea. XOXOXOXOX MaryAnn

I was hoping she'd be hearing from NIH soon. XOXOX Hoping... MaryAnn

Funny, Pam, but autoimmune diseases let up with chemo, and will creep back later, also rheumatoid arthritis. General immunosupressive effects of chemo seem to linger...? I hope it's nothing more serious than you need to stretch your arms, you might be having some nerve compression. IF your therapy involved passive stretching of your arm over your head with a pulley, and you've stopped, best start again, it will help with the compression of tissue around the nerve. Good luck. My nickel's worth! XOXOXOX MaryAnn

WOW!! That's a lot of keyboarding.... Thank you, Peggy!! XOXOX MaryAnn

I'm sorry, Larry. Prayers... XOXOXOX MaryAnn