Yeah, I'm very glad i was only about 8 when my mom had cancer, I totally didn't get it. Just "Hey, mom's sick, and cool, lots of people are bringing us casseroles for dinner!"

When my mom almost died from Stevens-Johnson Syndrome when I was 12, my (older) brother and sister, as well as my father, really shielded me from how very sick she was. I was only taken to see her in the hospital in the beginning, before they knew how bad she was going to get, and then at what they thought would be the end, when she in her fifth day of 105+ temp. But, they didn't tell me I was there to say goodbye, just that I was there to see Mom. When the temp broke a few days later and it was obvious she was going to recover (slowly), I was taken to see her much more often. It really wasn't until a year later that it finally occurred to me why I was taken to see her when she was so sick.

My assistant L has chemo again today, so she will be out next week. This is her 5th treatment on her second round. Her numbers have not started going down yet. I HATE CANCER.

And Big Boss, who has been so supportive of me, has been in remission from neck cancer. Well, she is back in the hosptial with an infection in her neck. I haven't heard any new news all week and I just can't think about either of them without my heart breaking. Again.

....

....

I am also freaking out, work wise. Pimping yourself is rough. I am still working on networking myself into a new position. Talked with another mucky muck who was all "just tell me who to talk to" - but I don't know. He wants to see me do good things, but how do I say "Create a new position for me that pays lot of money and has good juicy work".

Where is everyone this morning? Don't make me do homework, people.

I'm not familiar with the St. Francis Center

Fred, it's up on MacArthur Blvd, not too far from the reservoir. It's now called the Wendt Center for loss and healing, and has been in business for 30 years. They have great programs for patients, caregivers and kids.

I'm having difficulty concentrating this morning. More coffee did not help.

I just got guilted into donating platelets on Monday morning. Since I want to enjoy my one day off this weekend (have to work at the bookstore on Sat. and Sun.), I decided to go in early, at 7:15 a.m. Bleargh. Oh, well, at least I'll be able to get home by 9:30.

David, you and your friend will be in my thoughts.

Where is everyone this morning? Don't make me do homework, people.

Hi Gloomcookie! Want to look at pictures of my instructor? [link]

(It's my new hobby. I find it soothing)

Hec, much love and good vibes for Karen and her family. And for you, of course.

My mum's been through two bouts with breast cancer, and has made it to her five-year point. (Good heavens, has it been that long already?) Her mother had a radical mastectomy and radiation (radioactive cobalt! egads!) in 1968 to treat breast cancer, had a horrendous heart attack in 1988, and lived until 2002 (I posted about her passing on this very board, I believe), when she passed away two months after her 90th birthday. Cause of death: everything wearing out at once after a long, happy life.

My mum never complained to me about her chemo, and was able to keep working through most of her treatment. And now she's working to make sure that women in her area get proper care and support after being diagnosed. As Ginger said, it's not a walk in the park. But the differences in treatment between now and even five years ago are enough to make one mutter, "We live in the goddamn future."

In the meantime, foot-rubbing is seldom a bad idea.

Wow! That dude is muscled!!