Reply #57: Thanks so much. [View All]

For all of the kind thoughts. It's really appreciated.

Yes, this does bring up some sad memories. The one year anniversary is Aug. 27th and I have been dreading it. Sometime over the next few weeks, I have to go spread her ashes as well. Hurricane Ivan destroyed the place that she had requested her ashes be spread about a week after her memorial service. It has just been rebuilt where you can get to it so I now have that to think about that as well.

I lost my mother less than 4 months later on Dec. 19th so the next few months are going to be tough, but I also have a lot of peace because I feel they are still with me in some way and I will join them one day.

As far as smoking goes, I used to smoke as well. Never very heavy, but still enough. I quit about 4 years ago. I don't really push the anti-smoking message because I know when I used to smoke and someone continually brought it up it really irritated me and probably would make me smoke more (I fully admit that is stupid) but it's also true. I definitely tell ppl. about what happened to my sister and do mention to any friend that smokes ONE time that I would be happy to help them quit.

BUT, one thing I do mention to everyone is to get a chest X-ray at least once a year! They believe my sister had the lung tumor for 3-5 years before she was diagnosed and if she had gotten a chest x-ray it would have been diagnosed much sooner. A chest x-ray is not a normal part of a physical and you would probably have to request it. It will also probably not be covered by your insurance (don't you love ins. co(s)???) because it will be considered un-unnecessary. They don't care about preventive treatment! I suggest to everyone that once a year they complain of breathing problems or chest pains, etc. so the DR. orders it for treatment and then your insurance (for those lucky enough to have any) may very well cover it. This is important whether you smoke or not, but particularly if you smoke or have ever smoked.

Faygokid, Congratulations on quitting!!!!! I know how hard it is and I still have to work at it some days so hang in there.