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TAnn, you are in my thoughts -- I do admire your being able to handle all this and get the blasted injections in...not sure, chicken that I am, that i could.... I echo the hopes that this will be short-lived and that you'll be on to coumadin soon. Ellen

Let's hear it for Perky! Sure is an improvement over p'o'd and worried and all the rest. Glad the procedure went well and hope that you'll enjoy a frothy glass of something -- champagne perhaps -- to celebrate. Ginny -- I"m impressed -- an Old Fashioned! Ellen

Dear Cindi, I subscribe to the small increment school of thought -- get the g__d____ fluid taken care of, fill up with horny goats and orgasmas, then worry about the rest of it afterwards. TAnn's description of the procedures sounds bearable, particularly if you insist on lots and lots of tranquilizers beforehand, and the fact that it IS temporary sounds even better. After you get that going, then you'll have time to make the other important decisions -- if you can keep your head clear enough, with all those horny goats at hand.... Hang in there, honey -- we're here for you@ Ellen

BRAVA!!!!! That's just terrific, Lisa--the PR lung cancer really needs. Do let us know when it airs. You're our spokesperson! Ellen

Dear Gay, and through you Dean Carl, I am moved, like everyone else, by your strength and your courage and your grace; I too hope that you are able to get some genuine "down" time, to recoup and take care of yourself for a change. You and Dean Carl are really the most admirable examplars for the rest of us, and I am hoping that you will be able to find the physical, emotional and pharmacological resources to help you both through what lies ahead. It's good to hear that changing the pain killer has helped clear things a bit. I'm thinking and pulling for you both -- love, Ellen

Add me to the list,Beth! Hope you're feeling better and that gosh darn gall bladder is coming out! Ellen

I am thinking of you (both you and Karen) and your Mum and hoping that things are improving a little for her. That new baby will be a blessing in a time that everyone needs a little good news -- let us know how you're doing! Ellen

A belated, but still better than never, happy birthday to Dean! Ellen

One bloody mary with all the trimmings coming up for the absent owner...have a great,great time and try to keep cool.... ellen

I too was truly saddened to hear of Cathy's death, but if there ever was anyone whose memory is truly a blessing -- to all of us -- that is Cathy. I hope her family can take some comfort in the fact that she spread such joy and love on this board and that she is remembered with such fondness. Ellen

MAZELTOV! Stay with NED (sort of like staying with The Force, I guess....) Ellen

I just wanted to add my welcome to the board to the others that have already posted. Their advice is sound -- and I hope that you can get your father that pain relief right away. Where do you live in the Philippines? I lived there when I was a teenager, in Manila, for two years == but that was many, many years ago -- and went to the American International School -- back then just the American School. Let us know what the doctor says and how your father is doing. Best, Ellen

Enjoy your newly configured family! And may the sun continue to shine on all of you! Ellen

It's so good to hear such wonderful news! Ellen

Dear Beth, Glad to hear that you've got the surgery scheduled. Will be thinking of you on Monday and hoping they get you back to treatment fast! Ellen

Dear Melissa, So sorry about your mom. Stay strong and start remembering the happy times -- that'll help you through all this... Ellen

Len had carboplatin and really very little reaction. The onc gave him the antidotes for nausea, allergic reaction, etc., before the chemo and it seemed to do the trip. We had the prescription for the anti-nausea drugs but never had to take it. He did, at the end, have a little diarrhea, and his blood count fluctuated dramatically, but that was about all. Good luckQ Ellen

I'm so sorry to hear the news but glad the cathy's surrounded by loving family and is spared the full knowledge of her situation. Praying for a peaceful, easy journey for her and for still more strength for her already incredibly strong family. Ellen

Oh, TAnn, so sorry to hear that you're in such pain. Can't the doctor give you anything better to relieve that pain? And it's not whining -- it's appropriate venting! That's what we're here for. Do see if you can't get something before the alimta starts.... Ellen

ABSO-WOOHOO-LUTELY! Glad to hear he's exercising his independence and managing to stay in one piece, all at the same time. So glad for you both! Ellen

Bill, Don't have any information for you but just wanted to wish you and your wife the best on the upcoming CT scan. Let us know what you find out about these levels -- it's all a learning experience for all of us. Ellen

Dear Kathi, I too am so sorry to hear about your Pops' death but glad that it seemed so peaceful. I know how much you will miss him but at least you have the comfort of knowing that you helped him all along the way, something that must have been an enormous comfort to him. We'll all be thinking of you as you go through the next difficult few days. May his memory be a blessing. Ellen

Glad to hear the plan is in place and you're all set to roar and beat the beast. Enjoy the weekend! Ellen

Sending all the painfree healing vibes I can muster...and listen to all the folks who say not to be hard on yourself. Glad you're back home and hope that you'll soon be back watching those birds! Ellen

Dear Minnie, Please know how sorry I am about your loss of your mother -- but you were there for her and that must have brought a lot of comfort to her. And, as so many have said, she doesn't have to go through all that pain and suffering any more, and she made the decision on her own and knew she had your and your family's support, all of which speaks to the great love and trust that you all had for and in each other. Give yourself time -- time to have it all sink in, time to come to terms with it all, time to finally be able to mourn and to celebrate -- both very important things for you to do - mourning your mother's death,celebrating your mother's life. You know that she will continue to live on in your heart and mind; her knowledge of that must have eased her parting with you. Ellen