Patrick: I truly hope that I too haven't caused any added stress in your life. I feel so badly for you.
My grandmother also was diagnosed with ovarian cancer when she was 83 years old and she decided (she had no dementia) that she had lived a wonderfully full life and was ready to cross that "rainbow bridge". We were very sad with her passing, but felt some comfort in knowing that it was the way she "choose".
I hope and pray for the best with your partner as well.

Loads of Hope and Hugs to everyone
going through tough times!
@};-
R5

amwosu: Thank you for the information ~ I will check it out.

You can never have enough HOPE and LOVE.
I'll take the hugs too.

Scarlett, you must be very excited about seeing you son in March. Paris and your son at the same time...what bliss!

:D

Patrick, a friend of my brother's is 58, and is having similar problems. (That's why I was asking about age......) My Mom started having problems when she was in her early 80's but we couldn't see it for at least a year... in retrospect, we admitted things hadn't been right with her, but we couldn't face it at the time. I am so sorry you and your partner have to go through this.... I know how difficult it can be.

Patrick, Sorry to hear about your troubles. I know from recent posts that I am not your favorite Fodorite, but I would like to offer sincere advice for your mom, and I hope you will follow it. I don't know who diagnosed her ovarian cancer, but if she has not been to see a gynecologic-oncologist yet, please (I beg you!) send her to one. I know --very well--all 3 of the ones in your area and they are fabulous. She can refuse treatment, but they can still do a lot to keep her comfortable during the progress of her disease. For as much as you know about travel and SW Florida, I know that much about ovarian cancer...I do hope you'll follow this advice. Best of luck to you and here's to a better week ahead, I hope.

Thank you for the advice, bamakelly, we are working on that.

I couldn't imagine what you meant about "not being my favorite poster", and to be perfectly honest I didn't even recognize your screen name as anyone I had made specific comments to. I frequently post to other posts, but rarely make it a personal thing and often don't even register who made the comment. When clicking on your name just now I do see the Cleveland Clinic thread, and now see your final post about my being quick to criticize. Huh? I wasn't even criticizing you in that thread, merely mentioning that I assumed if the original poster didn't specify otherwise, the Cleveland Clinic was probably the one in Cleveland. That doesn't make you an "unfavorite" of mine. Please, let's not be sensitive here, and let's not assume when someone makes a comment that contradicts something we say that it is in any way a personal attack. As I mentioned above, what would a forum be without disagreement?

Statia and Patrick - thanks for your comments.

Patrick, I always read your posts with great interest, especially when you mention your mom. I know what lies ahead for me with both parents. I spent over an hour with my dad tonight (who, btw, is named Lee!) trying to explain how to check for messages on the answering machine. Needless to say, I don't think he understood a thing I said.

I hope all goes well with your mom and partner!

BuffaloGirl: Hang in there with your parents.

Having many friends who are from Buffalo, 70 degrees IS a BIG deal! Here's hoping the weather continues to be good ~ it's one less thing to deal with.

Boy, a tough week for so many...

Mimi, I send you BIG HUGS and wishes that you feel much better and get out and about as spring arrives! Are you are going to the Boston GTG I believe? I sure hope so. Take good care dear one ((*))

Don't usually hit this post.
Rant: Jor trashing me and calling me a happy hour something since I'm not eloquent enough to explain calmly why I'm sick of spending hundreds of dollars on mediocrity. What was that slam about happy hour Jor?????? Why that attack? To me it felt extremely hateful, mean, arrogant. By the way I was annoyed but stone cold sober you.....
Rave: Patrick, bringing life into real perspective. Tough times. I wish you strength thru all these struggles. Life is good. Cherish what we have.

I don't have too many rants- I try to be positive despite the curves that life occasionally throws.. however~
I hate feeling helpless when my kids are sick, thanking me for being so nice, and saying sorry that they were sick all week(this from my ten yr. old). Darn flu bugs..
I wish my sister wasn't so stressed out over her new job and added responsibilities that accompany it, and more receptive to an older sisters experience.(stubborn Aries).
I feel for friends who confide that their marriages are less than ideal, but they've come to accept it.
On a flip side, though I miss my dh when he's out of town on a project, I'm proud of being able to stick to a healthy routine, firm up and plan something really special for Valentine's Day..(hoping to earn some heavenly dark heart healthy chocolate though,lol).
I'm proud of my 15 yr. old for paying attention in auto mechanics and being able to hook up jumper cables to my battery on a cold Alaskan blizzard day.(after I'd just paid for his haircut I might add).
And lastly, I'm proud of Bonniebroad and her success, but I hope she'll again post some fabulous recipes by spring!
Patrick, you stay strong, the power of prayer and the miracles of medicine are something we don't always appreciate until faced with an illness. I know for a fact that the mind/body connection is powerful. Have a wonderful weekend everyone, J.

Patrick, sending a plethora of good vibes and a hug from California.

jetset1, sounds like you have some great children - no doubt because they have great parents! A happy weekend to you. And yes, when a little one is sick and than apologies, that is a heartbreaker. Take good care. ((*))

jetset.
may I suggest leaving a note about mrchocolate.com, which is the most amazing dark choc ever!!!

LoveItaly and Gyppielou~ thanks for the nice words and oh yes, anything about good chocolate is appreciated. I'm going to look up Mr. Chocolate right now(and control the lewd and lacivious thoughts I'm having). After such a serious week, it's nice to have some diversions and good company! J.

Rave: finally over jetlag and backlog at work due to our Asia trip!

Rant: one of my old friends (from the disco days) died this week. I feel so bad that we hadn't talked in two years (no bad feelings, we were both just really busy) and I didn't even know she was going through the same treatment as me. She had three really young sons.

Rant & Rave: oldest daughter flies back to college in Portland tomorrow. All you parents of college kids know what I mean!

Patrick: Best wishes. Things will get better. Wish I could say that they would immediately get better withour any thing getting worse, but at least know many of us are praying/wishing on a star for you.

Lucy

Patrick - I just checked the board this morning - please let me add my voice to everyone else's. I've been through something similar, quite some time ago, and I know it's a rough road. My thoughts are with you. Please keep us posted.