You all are too kind! :)

Everyone should know that it's OK to get down sometimes. It's NOT easy for the person with cancer, or for his or her family. In fact, some days it's hard. Other days, everyone forgets about it and you just live. Just like every other day on earth. That's a lesson I've learned in all this. Most days, we're all great. Through it all, life can be great. It really can. Don't ever forget it!!

OK now, who's humming "Battle Hymn of the Republic" out there?!

emd,
"Here's to Olive Oyl, rjw, and their families with love and best wishies.
Cheers"

You all are really terrific, thanks so much for all the good wishes, and to Scarlett too for starting this--what a good friend!

Have talked with our daughter this morning and her voice already sounds much stronger than last night, more like her old self, though still a bit hoarse. They were waiting for the surgeon to come in and she is hoping to be able to go home today, hospitals not being really fun places to spend time. They both said though, this one (Scottsdale Osborn) has been fantastic. Lots of positive things about the care they <i>both</i> are getting--her husband during his 2 hr wait during surgery with very caring volunteers, then both of them with the medical staff on her floor. Though they aren't fun places to pass time, this has been a relatively positive hospital experience. So...if any of you needs a hospital in Scottsdale...:) I must say though, they did not have her reserved room type, semi-private, so they had to take private...don't you hate when that happens ;), but she did get her non-smoking preference. (Sorry, couldn't resist)

rj...we'll all be pulling for you and your sister. What a terrific brother you are! Somehow keep us informed how it goes, if only through a Freaky Friday Rants and Raves--work it in. We'll stay tuned. My best to you both. This is an unbelievable jolt to all our systems--how well I now understand!

Again thanks Fodor friends. The caring from people we know only as names with personalities behind them, but no faces, has been something!

I'd like to add my voice to the cheering section. Huge best wishes to Olive and rjw and my best hopes for a great outcome for everyone.

Passing along best wishes to you, RJW, to your sister and to your family. My thoughts are with you.

Olive Oyl, congratulations on your daughter's progress!!

Adding my continuing prayers and best wishes to you and your sis, RJ.

Olive, glad to hear your dd is doing even better today.

Please keep us posted, BOTH of you!

rjw, hang in there!

OO and rjw, you should print out this thread and the FF one and give a copy to your loved one.

Olive Oyl, I was away so am coming to this thread late. I'm glad the surgery went well, and just want to add my encouragement. This is a very slow-growing cancer, as I'm sure you know. One of my closest friends had it and it was only discovered in the course of treating another, much more serious, health problem. It is more than 10 years later and she is just fine.

olive oyl, sending good thoughts to you from me and the travelpuppy, jasper. i hope it won't be long before you and and your daughter are up and out on the trail again. my very best regards.

Hi Olive

We've spoke a few times. We're both ex-Berkshire residents who grew up dining at Pittsfield's once grand culinary institution-The Busy Bee. Just said a prayer for your daughter and family. Sounds like good news so far, just hang in there and get through this. I'm going through a moderately crappy time too, but like your situation, things will be cleared up soon. Sure would be nice to take a 6 month nap like Rip Van Winkle to avoid all the stress and worry, but the hard times make the good times even better. Keep us informed. Lots of people here care.