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greenetree
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Username: Greenetree

Post Number: 6426
Registered: 5-2001


Posted on Tuesday, December 27, 2005 - 1:15 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Oh, I get it. I'm thinking about mom's brain radiation timing with my job search. Anyone not going thru it would think it sick.

I think it is absolutley amazing that Curt went to the mall. There is no way I could have done it without taking a xanax. Any man who can go to a mall on Xmas Eve day and survive will certainly beat anything that comes his way.
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Cynicalgirl
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Username: Cynicalgirl

Post Number: 2135
Registered: 9-2003


Posted on Tuesday, December 27, 2005 - 6:15 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Well, labs not surprising, all normal (tho one piece not done as that tech was out). Doc actually agreed with me that it was time to get rid of Fentanyl, so next patch is 50. We had an intelligent chat about the spreadsheet (sad but true) I've kept of Curt's weight and other data since last January. Curt keeps hovering at 116, a little up, a little down, despite considerable eating. Doc said "well, after that stomach surgery he's not likely to get very heavy." Says I, keeper of the records, "Well, doctor, in May he was weighing 154 post-op but before chemo and Fentanyl. Given no chemo in 3 mos it seems reasonable to surmise that Fentanyl is having something to do with this, and this position is supported by annecdotal evidence from fellow users." The doc hadn't looked back to see that Curt's "new normal" in May was in the 150's. So, the doc ACTUALLY said "I think your wife is right. It's time to get rid of this drug, and any drug that is not positively contributing."

It meant a lot to hear that. So, tomorrow is a 50 patch, which given he'd only been on 75s a couple of weeks shouldn't be awful. But if I start posting a lot about watching my husband swathed in blankets shivering, shaking and sweating, it's be the contact withdrawal non-high...
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bets
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Username: Bets

Post Number: 22615
Registered: 6-2001


Posted on Tuesday, December 27, 2005 - 10:51 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Cyn, you are an amazing woman and I hope like hell Curt can get off the Fenta-**** more easily than you predict. It sounds worse than heroin, and it sucks sucks sucks that it had to be prescribed. Your vigilance will pay off and I think you two will celebrate many anniversaries.

Greene, I'm so glad that your family was harmonious for Christmas and that you got to associate with small kids. They are the reason for the season.

Tomorrow, lunch at Bunny's for all that can come (hopefully TS)! Curt, can you make it? You will be welcomed with wild abandon and excellent eggplant parmigiana.

Until then.

bets
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Cynicalgirl
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Username: Cynicalgirl

Post Number: 2138
Registered: 9-2003


Posted on Wednesday, December 28, 2005 - 6:34 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Thanks, bets. Hi ho, hi ho, it's off to work I go. Kid is sleeping, Curt will be home -- not going to Bunny's I'm afraid, bets. Hopefully he will have social days ahead just note at the moment (especiallyl as he's not driving just now). Must get ready for work...!
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SoOrLady
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Username: Soorlady

Post Number: 2844
Registered: 9-2003
Posted on Wednesday, December 28, 2005 - 6:28 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Cyn - you no doubt have had enough of the research you've been doing, but you would be an amazing patient advocate! Congrats on "breaking through" to the Dr. and SO good to hear Curt is drugging down and that there's no visible signs of the big C.

BIL is not as fortunate. We had a decent couple of hours with him on Christmas Day before the nausea set in, followed by major pain. He looks so old... and frighteningly, looks a lot like MY dad did in his 80s. I hate this path we're traveling, I hate that we're losing him and I hate that he's so willing to pack it in without fighting with every last breath. I just don't know what to do or say to him that might make some sort of difference in his outlook.
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greenetree
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Username: Greenetree

Post Number: 6435
Registered: 5-2001


Posted on Wednesday, December 28, 2005 - 6:43 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

SOL - this is of absolutely no comfort, but I had a discussion with one of my brothers yesterday about mom's attitude and willingness to fight.

From little things she's said and some of my glimpses of her this weekend, I think that part of her is making peace and preparing. She's not as optimistic as she was before and I don't think it's from a place of gloom. I think it's from a place of control and dignity. My brother said something about her fighting and doing more treatments and I said that I would not be surprised if she decided that she didn't want to do more treatments if this doesn't help.

It's hard as hell for those of us watching helplessly. But, maybe your BIL is making a decision on what is important to him and how he wants to leave the world. I have come to realize that nothing is going to make this any easier, whether I lose my mom soon or spend the next few months doing the hospital/treatment/sick routine. I understand that she may or may not want to do this any more.

No matter what, it's just heart-wrenching and nothing will make it better for the foreseeable future.

Unless, of course, Curt is willing to share his drugs.

Ya know, it occurs to me that if this had happened when I was 16 or 17, I probably would have just smoked a lot of pot and ignored it all. Oh, wait. My grandfather had cancer. I think that's what I did.
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Cynicalgirl
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Username: Cynicalgirl

Post Number: 2140
Registered: 9-2003


Posted on Wednesday, December 28, 2005 - 8:03 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

SOL, I am truly sorry to hear this. As I recall, he has a wife and kids? What is their attitude with him? That said, the poor man will have to choose his own path. Is there really no hope to be had, from the doc point of view?

greenetree, greenetree, greenetree. I'm glad if your mother is feeling in control, whatever she choses. I don't know what Curt will decide if it would come to it. Right now, I'm playing medical detective and the onco is my willing Watson. I'm trying to get an overview, armed with a spreadsheet of weight and stats to scan for points when things went south. Right now, between Curt's stubborness and my smarts there's some reason to think we will get atop of this. I'm about ruling out daily meds that are no longer necessary, and may be contributing to malaise. So, I am up on Reglan, Cholestyramine, Paxil, Fentanyl, etc.

He and I had truly forgotten that in June, though he was suffering from severe back pain, he weighted 157. That seems amazing now. We just talked about it at dinner (which he had cooked). When you're in the eye of the storm, it's hard to get the overview so I am trying to get the overview. I know that they want more chemo, and I think it's appropriate, but I also think he's got to get stronger. So, I'm trying to find the path to that.

Those drugs are crap. He's on a 50 now and it's ok. The acid test will be the drop to 25. But, like I said, Curt is stubborn. He looks like a cross between Abe Lincoln (though short) and Jesus in extremis (artist's rendering). I'll keep on plugging...the docs, who I do respect, do not have the same interest. This for me is Lorenzo's Oil, this is my ultimate detec quest.
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Bob K
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Username: Bobk

Post Number: 10099
Registered: 5-2001
Posted on Thursday, December 29, 2005 - 7:44 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Greentree, check out today's NY Times. There are a number of letters on what your Mom is going through. These were written in response to a front page article in the paper on December 24, which I missed. One way or another the decisions on treatment are up to your Mom. I have been there twice, with my mother and my father in law.

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greenetree
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Username: Greenetree

Post Number: 6443
Registered: 5-2001


Posted on Thursday, December 29, 2005 - 12:36 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/12/24/health/24patient.html?pagewanted=1

Here's the original article. Very interesting; it gives me some insight into the different styles of her various docs.
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SoOrLady
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Username: Soorlady

Post Number: 2847
Registered: 9-2003
Posted on Thursday, December 29, 2005 - 1:25 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Cyn - yes BIL has a family - wife is a nurse... very clinical... not receptive to any homeopathic suggestions. He has 6 children - well, adults aged 39-24 and 4 in-law children, 6 grandchildren with #7 on the way. His daughter became engaged on Christmas Eve. His youngest son should graduate from law school in May from the same school BIL and two other sons got their JDs and they will be able to be on stage to present his diploma. So..BIL's got a lot to live for. He sat waiting for the nausea to creep in as it had the day before. He can't seem to live in the moment because he knows it won't last. There is only hope if the tumor shrinks to an operable size with this new round of chemo..but it seems the Dr. is not too optimistic.

Greenetree, I hear what you're saying, I do, but given the above info.. I can't believe he wants to give in so easily.

On top of all this, MFIL - is losing it. She was supposed to make a dish to bring for Christmas Day and forgot to do it. This is a woman who prided herself in her culinary skills... to forget a traditional food that everyone was looking forward to eating comes out of left field. She also made a cheese cake, I was talking to her on the phone when she turned the oven off - but she ended up bringing one that she bought at Costco... I don't know what happened to the one she made, and I'm not asking. I'm sure some of the dementia is progressing because of her concern for her son.. but it is getting scary.

I've been told 2006 will be better.... one can only hope.
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Cynicalgirl
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Username: Cynicalgirl

Post Number: 2143
Registered: 9-2003


Posted on Thursday, December 29, 2005 - 1:32 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Good article, and thanks for the post Bob K. I can't remember the author right now (Dr, Harvard) but my cynical self is actually a fan of the "well-informed hope" approach that one book takes. Certainly don't like the bad old days of lying, and have certainly experience the perky young doc who delivers news like it's a mortgage rate.
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Eats Shoots & Leaves
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Username: Mfpark

Post Number: 2778
Registered: 9-2001


Posted on Thursday, December 29, 2005 - 2:20 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I am not sure you can see it yourself, bottled up in the hurricanes you are all in, but as an outsider reading this blog I am blown away by your collective wisdom, searching minds, questioning attitudes, adaptive survival mechanisms.

I have no idea how I would face such issues myself, should I come to it for me or a loved one, but I hope it is with the strength, courage, grace, and humor you all show so abundantly. Thanks for laying down a fabulous template for how to deal with the impossible. Yes, I know, you are simply making it up as you go along--but you really all are quite extraordinary at making it up. I hope you can give yourselves credit--you deserve it.

As for fighting to the end or not, who knows how or why or when we choose to fight? It reminds me of Dylan Thomas' poem to his dying father. We all go into that good night, some heeding his message to rage, others with a bow and a nod.

DO NOT GO GENTLE INTO THAT GOOD NIGHT

Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning they
Do not go gentle into that good night.

Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,
Do not go gentle into that good night.

Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight
Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

And you, my father, there on the sad height,
Curse, bless me now with your fierce tears, I pray.
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

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greenetree
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Username: Greenetree

Post Number: 6445
Registered: 5-2001


Posted on Thursday, December 29, 2005 - 2:30 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

SOL - yeah, that is a lot to look forward to. Is he taking an anti-depressant? Mom keep insisting that she doesn't need hers anymore because she isn't depressed (and, ironically, she isn't) but she keeps taking it anyway. She is choosing to ignore the possible relationship between her mood and the drug. I don't care; as long as she takes it.

Yesterday she went for her brain mapping. I asked her how it went and she said "they promised that I would lose my hair. It's just a couple of suspicious lesions. We don't even know for sure".

At first, I was pleased that she is hopeful about the whole thing. Then, later, it occured to me that her comments were actually thinking out loud about whether she wanted to go forward with the WBRT. She is quite focused on her hair, which I think is symbolic of her life right now: it's all good.

She is not deteriorating that I can tell. She did have a headache on Sunday and refused to take anything. She said that Tylenol puts her to sleep, but I think that it was more that, if the Tylenol didn't work, we would have to go to the ER. And nothing, but nothing, was going to get in the way of her Christmas and visit with her family.

I have a feeling that she is thinking something along the lines of "why rock the boat"? Even if it means shorter survival. I feel bad that she will be alone New Year's Eve. She hasn't been a big NY person for many, many years, but it's just so symbolic. She did just have a great holiday weekend.

As Bob says, it is her decision. I can only support her.

Although, I did lie to her this morning. There is a loophole in her insurance coverage since she has become eligible for Medicare. Medicare won't cover out of network since Aetna is her primary and the hospital program that underwrote what Aetna didn't pay for won't keep her on because she has Medicare.

So, as we go into radiation, the bills are creeping up. I told her that it is all straightened out. In reality, her choices are to change insurance programs (the hospital has one that coexists 100% with Medicare) or treatment facility. Right now, anything rocking the boat will send her over the edge. Her peace of mind and spirits are not worth it to me. I put the hospital on a $25 per month payment plan. Along with the cardio doc on the payment plan. These things creep up. Oh well. There are people in worse positions.
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Cynicalgirl
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Username: Cynicalgirl

Post Number: 2144
Registered: 9-2003


Posted on Thursday, December 29, 2005 - 3:36 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Totall practical question: Any of you been to the Newark Social Security Office? I am dreading but it's best I do live for speed. Is this a long take a number shmeer to do?

I've just finally completed a marathon of online and other stuff and wish -- in the near future -- to drop it all off .
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Pizzaz
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Username: Pizzaz

Post Number: 2992
Registered: 11-2001


Posted on Thursday, December 29, 2005 - 5:25 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Debby: Sorry to read about your loss. I was happy to read Straw's post to you. He sounds sincere about his feelings for your dad.

I wish you strength during your time of mourning.
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sac
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Username: Sac

Post Number: 2975
Registered: 5-2001
Posted on Thursday, December 29, 2005 - 5:52 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I've only been to the Irvington Social Security office - to apply for a SS number for one of my children when she was an infant. I think I went in the middle of the day on a weekday and it wasn't too bad. But I have no experience with Newark at all.
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wendy
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Username: Wendy

Post Number: 1914
Registered: 5-2001
Posted on Thursday, December 29, 2005 - 9:54 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Cyn, why does it have to be Newark? I remember going to the one in Elizabeth on the Union border on Morris Avenue since my husband lost his SS number. Maybe some offices do some things and some do others. But if they are all one stop shopping, the one in Elizabeth was a breeze to get to and not bad to deal with.
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Cynicalgirl
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Username: Cynicalgirl

Post Number: 2150
Registered: 9-2003


Posted on Friday, December 30, 2005 - 6:25 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Wendy, the die was cast by my doing the online form. It automatically goes to Newark as my closest office. I'm OK with it; I did do the office locator thing and not knowing any of the others, I just let it stand.

I'm feeling optimistic, and after talking yesterday to the main number, I think I'll send the stuff I was going to handcarry (keeping copies of course). In two weeks, I'll call if we've not had a call. I'm just so freakin' realieved to have done this massive form (really, quite worse than taxes and includes close analysis of all jobs held in the last 15 years, and massive detail on all operations, ER visits, tests etc.) Thank God I had most all the detail ready to hand.
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Debby
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Username: Debby

Post Number: 2152
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Posted on Friday, December 30, 2005 - 8:22 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Hello Everyone -

I am back home and Shiva is over. I had never been the 'central object' of shiva before (the mourner)and learned a lot from 'this side'. I learned that people just being with you and hugging you really, really helps. I learned that you can say 'I love you' to a cousin or aunt and it's not dorky or awkward, just really nice. I also learned that the simplest gestures, at the right time, can be cathartic...

When we returned from the cemetery (it took about 3 hours from LI to the Bronx Friday PM before Christmas), my Mom stopped to get the mail before going upstairs (this in itself provided some comic relief)and received the simplest letter written on lined notebook paper:

Dear Susan,

We have never met. Saul was a treasured friend. We went to Stuyvesant HS together. We called him 'Nimmo', my sister called him 'the Wall' - she had a crush on him.

Summers we would work in the mountains as bus boys. One year he got a job as a lifeguard at Cutler's Cottages in So. Fallsburg, NY. He couldn't swim. It was a gas.

After HS we lost touch. I think in 50 years we met 2x by accident, but it was always special to me.

So sorry for your loss,

Mike Steinberg


That simple note made us all so happy. My mom read it to the crowd at the shiva, and people started telling the all the funny stories they had heard over the years (Dad was a hell of a story teller when I was little), and for the first time in a long time, I remembered him as he was - not with dementia, not with cancer - just Daddy. I had really forgotten about him.

Thanks for letting me share.

Debby
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greenetree
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Username: Greenetree

Post Number: 6455
Registered: 5-2001


Posted on Friday, December 30, 2005 - 9:16 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Debby - that's so great. His illness was a tiny part of what he experienced, not who he was as a person. I'm glad that this wonderful stranger helped everyone remember.
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Bob K
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Username: Bobk

Post Number: 10120
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Posted on Friday, December 30, 2005 - 9:52 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Cyn, send the paperwork via Fed Ex or the equivalent. It is worth the few bucks it costs.
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SoOrLady
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Username: Soorlady

Post Number: 2851
Registered: 9-2003
Posted on Friday, December 30, 2005 - 10:20 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Debby - isn't it amazing how a small gesture can mean so much? I'm glad that this stranger helped you recapture the memory of the man who was Daddy to you... those are the memories to hold onto.
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Duncan
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Username: Duncanrogers

Post Number: 5409
Registered: 12-2001


Posted on Friday, December 30, 2005 - 3:35 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

OMG Debby...what blessed relief. Sorry for your loss but happy for your rediscovered Dad. I find I learn from and love my father more and more with each passing year and it has been 11 since he died.
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Duncan
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Username: Duncanrogers

Post Number: 5410
Registered: 12-2001


Posted on Friday, December 30, 2005 - 3:35 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

HAPPY NEW YEAR
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Cynicalgirl
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Username: Cynicalgirl

Post Number: 2158
Registered: 9-2003


Posted on Sunday, January 1, 2006 - 8:23 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Happy New Year, to all my greenetree's blog buds, fellow sufferers and sympathisizers alike. You have helped me and mine, online and off, get through a really difficult year. It has meant a lot, and I thank you.

Our new years was extremely low-key but nice. I made some incredible nachos, and we 3 ate them while watching The Rocky Horror Picture Show (which our kid really, really liked). Some nodding and snoozing, but stayed up for watching the ball drop and Dick Clark managing yet another Rock and Roll new years.

Now, Curt and kid are sleeping and I'm awake working on my resolutions...
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Debby
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Username: Debby

Post Number: 2154
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Posted on Sunday, January 1, 2006 - 9:20 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Happy New Year everyone. You have, indeed, all been a big source of support and strength throughout this very long year. Thank you.

Straw - thank you for the nicest comments about my Dad. You managed to boil it down to his very essence: always with a smile, and adored being a grandfather (actually, he went by "Poppy").

And in case littlecyn didn't think to tell you...Cyn, you are the coolest mom ever.
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greenetree
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Username: Greenetree

Post Number: 6476
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Posted on Sunday, January 1, 2006 - 12:05 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Can't think of any way to say it any better than Cyn, Deb and Dunc.

We went to our friends' for dinner. Had guacamole & chips - a treat this time of year. I'd grown cilantro in the kitchen and TS found some good avocados. King crab legs steamed in white wine with lemon garlic butter. We stood around the kitchen island, cracking crab legs and dripping butter all over the place. Ordered paella from Spanish Tavern, which was dissappointing. It was very dry. Salad and lots of good chocolate to finish off the meal.

Gained back a pound from starting my diet last week. Oh well.

Switched back and forth from the horror that was Regis to Carson and Wanda, who were hysterical, and the proud dignity of Dick Clark fighting back from his stroke. OK - maybe the part where ABC accidentally cut to him with his tongue stuck down the throat of the blonde at the stroke of midnight wasn't so dignified.

BTW - if anyone is interested, I am taking up a collection to buy Mariah Carey a dress that fits properly. Was it just me, or did anyone else think that the way she couldn't move her hands around while singing without brushing against her own breasts may be indicative of having overdone the implants?

Waaaay back when, at the start of All This, I recall posting that my mom had so many wonderful friends who'd been in her life for decades. Her extended sibs, if you will. At the time, I said that it was one thing missing in my life. I guess that's the price some people in my generation have paid for the way we've lived. Moving far from the people we grew up with and our families, career aspirations, interminable degree-seeking. When do we make the time to cultivate and cherish these relationships?

I realized last night, hanging out with these dear friends, I am on my way to having this missing piece. Settling in Maplewood has brought so many rich, interesting people into my life. The friends we were with last night are going to be friends for life. Some of the people who have morphed from on-line acquaintences into RL friends are the kindest, nicest and funniest people I've known.

My life is so much richer and happier with what these people have brought me.

Screw "internet dating". I'm a big fan of "internet friending".
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Cynicalgirl
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Username: Cynicalgirl

Post Number: 2159
Registered: 9-2003


Posted on Sunday, January 1, 2006 - 12:40 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Boy, do I agree on the moving remarks. I have made some great friends online here, but especially with Curt's illness, we've not travelled back to Delaware where what remains of our families and childhood friends still live. I feel it around the holidays, especially as I hear my sister and others talk of just sort of flowing from one person's place to the next. Between the geographical distance, and the distance created by dealing with all this, things do get lonely in a way. It's been great when people from DE come to visit, but we can't reciprocate right now, and making any kind of visiting or entertaining plans is such a crap shoot.

I've come to like Maplewood okey-doke, more or less made my peace with the things that don't work well for us. I no longer feel like I live in the Witness Protetion Program, mostly due to you guys. But I sure do click my heels form time to time and say "there's no place like home, there's no place like home..." If it weren't for you guys, and my occasional forays out to see some of you, I'd be lost.

Hoping in 2006 that all gets better and we can have a real social life!
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Lucy
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Username: Lucy

Post Number: 2433
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Posted on Sunday, January 1, 2006 - 12:48 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Greenetree you as always say it the best. We have so many friends from our MOL family. They have made us laugh,cry,pull our hair out,pray and change our lives with the heartache that entered their life. WE have seen miracles happen but more important friends when you need them the most.They don't walk they run to help!! Happy Healthy New Year to all
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greenetree
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Username: Greenetree

Post Number: 6478
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Posted on Sunday, January 1, 2006 - 3:18 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

When I talked to mom last night, she was pretty disoriented. I asked her about it and she told me that she took anti-nausea medication so I let it go. Fortunantely, a friend came to spend New Year's with her. They never made it out of the house, but at least mom wasn't alone.

When I called to check up on her today, she was still disoriented. I told her to put her friend on the phone but she refused. I told her that I could call myself, that I have her friend's cell number. She didn't believe me, said "NO" like a 3 year old and hung up. I called her friend. Of course I had the cell number. She told me that mom was very childish and passed out a couple times last night but refused to go to the hospital. Kept insisting that she was just tired and needed to sleep.

So, I called the woman who has become mom's and all of our gaurdian angel (quite unusual for Jews, you know). I'll call her Super K. I think I've mentioned mom's relationship with Super K; they have an amazing bond and are going thru her cancer very much together.

Anyway, Super K went over to the house & told mom to get in the car. They are on their way to the ER. I am sad, scared, numb, exhausted and at a loss. I took down the little Xmas tree in the den because I knew it was something to do. I don't know if I can tackle the big tree yet. Not sure I have the brain power to think thru carefully wrapping up the ornaments.

TS and I are going to the grocery store. I'll probably keep you posted. Either that or clean out the basement.
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Cynicalgirl
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Username: Cynicalgirl

Post Number: 2161
Registered: 9-2003


Posted on Sunday, January 1, 2006 - 4:03 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Please do. Keep us posted. Thinking about you. Home untangling necklaces and cleaning my jewelry box....folding laundry. Etc.
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Joan
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Username: Joancrystal

Post Number: 6855
Registered: 5-2001
Posted on Sunday, January 1, 2006 - 4:19 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Greenetree:

By all means clean out the basement. It's very therapeutic and the exercise will help you burn a few of those extra calories.

Best wishes for the healthiest possible new year for you and your Mom. You've gotten through worse upsets than your Mom making yet another visit to the ER and you will get through this too.
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greenetree
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Username: Greenetree

Post Number: 6479
Registered: 5-2001


Posted on Sunday, January 1, 2006 - 7:18 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Admitted with pneumonia.

GMF is melting down; I had to make her promise that she wouldn't go to the hospital. Called the nurse's station to make sure that they don't give her any info. Asked who is the admitting doc; mom apparently gave the name of the family friend doc who is out of network, so it is likely that this stay will not be covered at all.

AirTran's cheapest ticket is $400 in & out of Laguardia & Continental's is $600.

But, I am eating salad for dinner. Didn't get to the basement. I guess I'll do that tomorrow. Won't talk to the doc until then, anyway.

At least it's a new year so I have all my vacation to use up again instead of going unpaid.
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SoOrLady
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Username: Soorlady

Post Number: 2855
Registered: 9-2003
Posted on Sunday, January 1, 2006 - 7:44 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Greenetree - I'm so, so very sorry to hear this. At least she's getting what she needs... your Super K is a real blessing - good you have someone there who knows how to bully greenmom.

If it will help, you can come and clean my basement... there's probably a whole year's worth of distractions down there!
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Joan
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Username: Joancrystal

Post Number: 6859
Registered: 5-2001
Posted on Sunday, January 1, 2006 - 9:06 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

At least pneumonia is something the hospital can cure pretty easily. It could have been something much worse. Try to get some rest/sleep if you can. There's not much you can do until you speak with the doctor tomorrow.


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bets
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Username: Bets

Post Number: 22631
Registered: 6-2001


Posted on Sunday, January 1, 2006 - 10:20 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Greenetree, that just utterly sucks. I hope Mom recovers and we read something more positive in the next few days.
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Debby
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Username: Debby

Post Number: 2155
Registered: 5-2001
Posted on Sunday, January 1, 2006 - 10:30 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Cancer sucks.
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Cynicalgirl
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Username: Cynicalgirl

Post Number: 2162
Registered: 9-2003


Posted on Monday, January 2, 2006 - 6:58 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Awake and ready to get the kid off to school. Greenie, let us know the update when you can. Sure hope you get something for yourself outta these frequent flyer miles of yours...My kid and her friend are convinced Mariah's wearing really large implants. Funny you shoulda mentioned it as it was a topic of conversation en route to the movies yesterday.

Debby, hope this new year is a better one for you. Glad to hear you're being surrounded by fond reminiscences. I don't know whether you're thinking of it, or have the time, but it could be nice to collect those all in some fashion for later generations? I meant to with my Dad; at present, many are in boxes in the garage (along with other family stuff that never gets seen to). One of those things I'd take up if I didn't have to work, I guess (archiving family history jazz)...
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Debby
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Username: Debby

Post Number: 2156
Registered: 5-2001
Posted on Monday, January 2, 2006 - 10:19 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Actually, over the last few visits I've been going through his closets and getting his favorite shirts and corduroy pants to make quilts for the upcoming grandtwins and a throw for my mom. I just bought my girlfriend's serger yesterday (gotta learn how to use the thing though - looks very complicated).
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Debby
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Username: Debby

Post Number: 2157
Registered: 5-2001
Posted on Monday, January 2, 2006 - 10:20 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Greene- What do you hear from your Mom today?

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