Talk Cancer

Question:

Philip, you can send euros (readily available at De Nederlansche Bank) in a lovely gift-wrapped box; I think it would be appropriate, kind, and timely. Paypal is always acceptable of course, but it just doesn’t have that same "impression internationale illustrant les raccordements clairs" that one would get if walking into the local Georgia bank with a fistful of ‘contant geld uit Holland’… Unfortunately, money is no issue here, the family in question has more than ample amounts of wealth, but it doesn’t buy everything, obviously.  I’m a little bummed out, but it’s ok, I’m getting better at handling it all – what are the choices really?  I did do some retail therapy at the Tysons Galleria – got some cool prizes for myself.  I had the urge (severe) to get out the Saks charge card and start it smokin’, but resisted…. so difficult! I did buy a lovely Waterman pen in a sort of brown beige pattern (ball-point, twist – hate caps) and it was being discontinued, so I got it for half-price!  Yay! There was this one sort of ugly moment, when I looked all around at the obvious finery and thought – yeah, this is kind of cool, but we all will still leave anyway, with none of it, and then what?  Evidently I have work to do in this area. Gary

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Appreciate the positive thoughts sent.  Checks and money orders are also always appropriate…. J/K Gary Do you take Paypal? P. My aunt has just been discharged from Johns Hopkins to return home to die. I don’t disagree with this decision; she has bone cancer, numerous blood dyscrasias including polycythemia vera, chemo-induced thrombocytopenia (platelet count went down to 2, peaked at 23 after aggressive treatment…) and significant renal and cardiac issues have been present for some time. The very finest doctors were employed/consulted, but they cannot turn a kindly 80 year old lady back in time to when she was young, not even at Johns Hopkins. It is so weird, we had dinner just a month ago, and soon she will be in a box. I will go visit toward the end of the week. I do believe this is the most trying Spring/Summer season I’ve run into in 42 years now. Maybe Fall will bring some fun into life again. Not complaining; my sister had enormous odds against her for even being normal or even living through a subarachnoid hemorrhage via aneurysm burst, and came out intact, save for a scar. It’s just been a very difficult couple of months, and I’m feeling weary. I really think a week or two of pure pleasure away from work would work wonders, but there is no staff right now at my job. My father (aunt’s brother) will drive (my car – it has XM radio, and is comfortable), so I can Xanatize and sleep for the 9 hours… Thank you for listening. Gary Rough patch indeed Gary. No way to make it seem like anything else. You are handling it remarkably well and will be ready for the happy times that are no doubt on the way. (law of averages should kick in) Still – worrying about others is better in it’s way than constantly worrying about ourselves. If i didn’t have a goofy family, constantly moving from one drama to another, what would i have to anguish over ? Sending positive thoughts your way for the days ahead pal. Ma

Response:

Appreciate the positive thoughts sent.  Checks and money orders are also always appropriate…. J/K Gary

Do you take Paypal? P. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My aunt has just been discharged from Johns Hopkins to return home to die. I don’t disagree with this decision; she has bone cancer, numerous blood dyscrasias including polycythemia vera, chemo-induced thrombocytopenia (platelet count went down to 2, peaked at 23 after aggressive treatment…) and significant renal and cardiac issues have been present for some time. The very finest doctors were employed/consulted, but they cannot turn a kindly 80 year old lady back in time to when she was young, not even at Johns Hopkins. It is so weird, we had dinner just a month ago, and soon she will be in a box. I will go visit toward the end of the week. I do believe this is the most trying Spring/Summer season I’ve run into in 42 years now. Maybe Fall will bring some fun into life again. Not complaining; my sister had enormous odds against her for even being normal or even living through a subarachnoid hemorrhage via aneurysm burst, and came out intact, save for a scar. It’s just been a very difficult couple of months, and I’m feeling weary. I really think a week or two of pure pleasure away from work would work wonders, but there is no staff right now at my job. My father (aunt’s brother) will drive (my car – it has XM radio, and is comfortable), so I can Xanatize and sleep for the 9 hours… Thank you for listening. Gary Rough patch indeed Gary. No way to make it seem like anything else. You are handling it remarkably well and will be ready for the happy times that are no doubt on the way. (law of averages should kick in) Still – worrying about others is better in it’s way than constantly worrying about ourselves. If i didn’t have a goofy family, constantly moving from one drama to another, what would i have to anguish over ? Sending positive thoughts your way for the days ahead pal. Ma

Response:

Thanks Vicki:  I’m sure they will too, it’s that WAITING part that is a real ****** !  LOL. Gary

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My aunt has just been discharged from Johns Hopkins to return home to die. I don’t disagree with this decision; she has bone cancer, numerous blood dyscrasias including polycythemia vera, chemo-induced thrombocytopenia (platelet count went down to 2, peaked at 23 after aggressive treatment…) and significant renal and cardiac issues have been present for some time. The very finest doctors were employed/consulted, but they cannot turn a kindly 80 year old lady back in time to when she was young, not even at Johns Hopkins.  It is so weird, we had dinner just a month ago, and soon she will be in a box.  I will go visit toward the end of the week. I do believe this is the most trying Spring/Summer season I’ve run into in 42 years now.  Maybe Fall will bring some fun into life again.  Not complaining; my sister had enormous odds against her for even being normal or even living through a subarachnoid hemorrhage via aneurysm burst, and came out intact, save for a scar.  It’s just been a very difficult couple of months, and I’m feeling weary.  I really think a week or two of pure pleasure away from work would work wonders, but there is no staff right now at my job. My father (aunt’s brother) will drive (my car – it has XM radio, and is comfortable), so I can Xanatize and sleep for the 9 hours… Thank you for listening. Gary I will be thinking of you, Gary.  I am sorry about your aunt.  I know what you mean about having bad times.  I have had a bad year here and there lately.  Things will get better for you. Take care, Vicki

Response:

Appreciate the positive thoughts sent.  Checks and money orders are also always appropriate…. J/K Gary

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My aunt has just been discharged from Johns Hopkins to return home to die. I don’t disagree with this decision; she has bone cancer, numerous blood dyscrasias including polycythemia vera, chemo-induced thrombocytopenia (platelet count went down to 2, peaked at 23 after aggressive treatment…) and significant renal and cardiac issues have been present for some time. The very finest doctors were employed/consulted, but they cannot turn a kindly 80 year old lady back in time to when she was young, not even at Johns Hopkins. It is so weird, we had dinner just a month ago, and soon she will be in a box. I will go visit toward the end of the week. I do believe this is the most trying Spring/Summer season I’ve run into in 42 years now. Maybe Fall will bring some fun into life again. Not complaining; my sister had enormous odds against her for even being normal or even living through a subarachnoid hemorrhage via aneurysm burst, and came out intact, save for a scar. It’s just been a very difficult couple of months, and I’m feeling weary. I really think a week or two of pure pleasure away from work would work wonders, but there is no staff right now at my job. My father (aunt’s brother) will drive (my car – it has XM radio, and is comfortable), so I can Xanatize and sleep for the 9 hours… Thank you for listening. Gary Rough patch indeed Gary. No way to make it seem like anything else. You are handling it remarkably well and will be ready for the happy times that are no doubt on the way. (law of averages should kick in) Still – worrying about others is better in it’s way than constantly worrying about ourselves. If i didn’t have a goofy family, constantly moving from one drama to another, what would i have to anguish over ? Sending positive thoughts your way for the days ahead pal. Ma

Response:

As Charlotte Kassell said, in "Finding Joy", it is fascinating how we move in and out, toward and away from joy – so it will surely change before long. Thanks for writing back… G

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My aunt has just been discharged from Johns Hopkins to return home to die. I don’t disagree with this decision; she has bone cancer, numerous blood dyscrasias including polycythemia vera, chemo-induced thrombocytopenia (platelet count went down to 2, peaked at 23 after aggressive treatment…) and significant renal and cardiac issues have been present for some time. The very finest doctors were employed/consulted, but they cannot turn a kindly 80 year old lady back in time to when she was young, not even at Johns Hopkins. It is so weird, we had dinner just a month ago, and soon she will be in a box. I will go visit toward the end of the week. I do believe this is the most trying Spring/Summer season I’ve run into in 42 years now. Maybe Fall will bring some fun into life again. Not complaining; my sister had enormous odds against her for even being normal or even living through a subarachnoid hemorrhage via aneurysm burst, and came out intact, save for a scar. It’s just been a very difficult couple of months, and I’m feeling weary. I really think a week or two of pure pleasure away from work would work wonders, but there is no staff right now at my job. My father (aunt’s brother) will drive (my car – it has XM radio, and is comfortable), so I can Xanatize and sleep for the 9 hours… Thank you for listening. Gary I’m sorry about your aunt but you speak very sensibily about her situation (and it can hurt anyway). I hope that things will brighten up for you, Gary. You’re a very positive, caring and sensible presence here and I want you to be *happy*. Philip Make that a double inn keeper.

Response:

Thanks Sally:  I will do the best I can with it all.  I hope you make some cool friends at your new venture into the support group. Kindly, Gary

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My aunt has just been discharged from Johns Hopkins to return home to die. I don’t disagree with this decision; she has bone cancer, numerous blood dyscrasias including polycythemia vera, chemo-induced thrombocytopenia (platelet count went down to 2, peaked at 23 after aggressive treatment…) and significant renal and cardiac issues have been present for some time. The very finest doctors were employed/consulted, but they cannot turn a kindly 80 year old lady back in time to when she was young, not even at Johns Hopkins.  It is so weird, we had dinner just a month ago, and soon she will be in a box.  I will go visit toward the end of the week. I do believe this is the most trying Spring/Summer season I’ve run into in 42 years now.  Maybe Fall will bring some fun into life again.  Not complaining; my sister had enormous odds against her for even being normal or even living through a subarachnoid hemorrhage via aneurysm burst, and came out intact, save for a scar.  It’s just been a very difficult couple of months, and I’m feeling weary.  I really think a week or two of pure pleasure away from work would work wonders, but there is no staff right now at my job. My father (aunt’s brother) will drive (my car – it has XM radio, and is comfortable), so I can Xanatize and sleep for the 9 hours… Thank you for listening. Gary Gary, I am so sorry about your aunt.  Death is so hard to deal with.  I think it’s a good idea to get away and relax a little if you can.  It will be good for you.  You have this group to vent on.  Let us know how your aunt and you are doing. Sally

Response:

Laurie:  I think that sounds like a most excellent idea.  I’m torn between a trip to Europe (like Switzerland – so lovely there) or a Caribbean thing… My job just lost yet another nurse, so we are down to three clinicians (one PA, one NP and me, oh and there is a physician).  Getting vacation time is going to be a bit tricky I think.  They are advertising for staff though, so maybe it will improve. Cheers, G

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My aunt has just been discharged from Johns Hopkins to return home to die. I don’t disagree with this decision; she has bone cancer, numerous blood dyscrasias including polycythemia vera, chemo-induced thrombocytopenia (platelet count went down to 2, peaked at 23 after aggressive treatment…) and significant renal and cardiac issues have been present for some time. The very finest doctors were employed/consulted, but they cannot turn a kindly 80 year old lady back in time to when she was young, not even at Johns Hopkins.  It is so weird, we had dinner just a month ago, and soon she will be in a box.  I will go visit toward the end of the week. I do believe this is the most trying Spring/Summer season I’ve run into in 42 years now.  Maybe Fall will bring some fun into life again.  Not complaining; my sister had enormous odds against her for even being normal or even living through a subarachnoid hemorrhage via aneurysm burst, and came out intact, save for a scar.  It’s just been a very difficult couple of months, and I’m feeling weary.  I really think a week or two of pure pleasure away from work would work wonders, but there is no staff right now at my job. My father (aunt’s brother) will drive (my car – it has XM radio, and is comfortable), so I can Xanatize and sleep for the 9 hours… Thank you for listening. Gary Yanno, Gar…  if you can break away from reality, I’d be willing to go with you.  I’m so very sorry to hear about your aunt.  It’s so hard, no matter what age.  But selfishly, I can say that through this whole thing with my mom, *I* have been through mortal effin’ hell, so I know how you feel what with your sis, and now your aunt, etc. Go here:  http://www.pacific-pictures.com/fiji/index.html Click on Pacific-pictures.com This is where we will go.  We can bring an SO, or we can go as friends. If we go as friends, we can bring along another good friend so there will be four of us.  (But no more). How about we leave on Dec. 23rd?  Christmas on a deserted Fiji island sounds Merry. Cheers, my dear friend…. —