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Cathy, I wish I was nearby and give you a big (((hug))). Our inactivity can definitely affect our ability to lose weight. So can the medications we are on post stroke. As Kimmie and Maria both said the gastric bypass surgery is an extreme option. Do you think that your belief that hubby is not pleased with you is because you are not pleased with yourself? Chin up Cathy, there are blessings for you: you survived stroke - don't let it win via depression, your hubby is by your side post stroke, and....you're going to be a grandma!! Whoohoo for you - Congrats on the news.

Hi George, Glad to hear all is going well and you'll be embarking again on "honey do's". Be careful though not to overdo. No snow yet for you guys? Perhaps you will have a mild winter. For us, the Farmer's Almanac is predicting an icky winter. Each day is a day closer to nicer, warmer weather. Say "hi: to Leslie and please give the furry ones a pat on the head from PA

Hiya Sue, Glad your getaway went fairly well. There's no place like home huh? Another opportunity for you and the family to create never ending memories. Enjoy your time with Babs & Eddie. How fun -look forward to seeing the pictures.

WhooooHoooooo Ken. Great News!!! Keep on keepin on - one step at a time.

Katrina, You definitely have my thoughts asnd prayers in all you do there gal. As we vnture out of our comfort zones and do more, there is a higher risk of injuries. The flip side is being a wall flower - which you are NOT. Thankfully your boyfriend was behind you. I'm sure that another angel would come to your rescue as well. To those who loook down at you - stare them in the eye, hold your chin high and smile that beautiful smile of yours. A few months back I had my first colonoscopy. The prep was the worst part. Good luck.

Hiya Kathy, I bet the cupcakes are adorable;l the fact that you made them will be that more special to Connor. You're also going to be a favorite among the feathered ones in your community. I hear your name clear over hear I think from my feathered visitors More time alone coming up? You go Girl!!!!!!! WhoooooHoooooooo!

Teddy has you all well trained - smart pooch

Sue, Sorry the weather was not the best for you and Ray and the others. It was nice though to have a break from the daily hustle and bustle of life

Gary, thank you for te update on our buddy Kyle. That is wonderful news on his progress. Yep, many have the t-shirt huh but we keep forging onward as is Kyle.

Thank you all for the support. As of now though there has been a huge glitch. Last evening, while on the phone with my brother to get a phone number for one of Mom's friends, he discovered a note written on 10-17 by my mother that said if she passed, she wanted Angel instantly out to sleep and cremated with her and to her laid to rest with her.

Hello my Cyber Family. This week, beginning Tuesday night, my life changed for ever. As many here know, there were quite a few issues going on between my Mother and I pre and post stroke. The last year we were in AZ things became worse in our relationship; after we relocated to Pittsburgh, it became even more strained to the point we quit talking in January after Mom said some hurtful things to Kristi. Tuesday, 10-21-08, Mom's one close friend/neighbor called me to say that Mom was taken by ambulance to the hospital. Phone messages had been left for my Brother on his home phone and he had not returned them. Arlene asked me for Joe's cell phone number which I supplied. As we talked, Arlene told me some of what was going on. On 10-19 Mom sat Arlene down and told her that she had a cyst on her breast that had been bleeding and seeping for 2 years. Mom had not talked to the doctor about this so it was never properly checked out and treated. During this 2 year period she also experienced back and stomach pain which just treated at home with no medical attention. She did not want to go to the hospital because she didn't want to be away from her dog, a shitzu, named Angel. After Arlene left, Mom called Joe and told him she was sick and told him about the cyst. When Joe offered to go out and stay at her home with Angel so she could be in the hospital, she said "we'll see". Joe spoke to her on Monday and she said "you better come out" On Tuesday the 21st Arlene walked into Mom's and got scared. She called the ambulance but Mom refused to go saying her son was coming and she had to wait for him. As the afternoon wore on Mom was getting worse. She couldn't walk as her legs were swollen to her thighs. Arlene once again asked if she should call the Ambulance; this time Mom said yes and was transported. The medic said they'd transport Mom to the closest facility which Arlene told me. Arlene told me that Mom had been going downhill for many months and Arlene felt there was a lot wrong. After I disconnected my call with Arlene, I contacted the local hospital but was told she was not there. I called Joe and he told me he was flying to Phoenix that next morning 10-22 and he would find out what was going on and let me know. Wednesday morning I called Arlene to see if she had heard anything. She had not; I then contacted the hospital that is covered by Mom's insurance. Mom was a patient in the ICU unit. I spoke with a nurse and after being on hold I was transferred to Mom's room I spoke with Mom and she said the ER doc said the cyst was cancerous. I talked to her about options such as surgery. Her voice was weak until she heard me say that; she raised her voice and said she had already signed papers for no treatment - they would get strong and she was going home to Angel. As Kristi was home from school concerned about what going on, she got to speak to her Grandmother. They rectified their relationship and Kristi called her Grandma and told her she loved her. Mom got off the phone as she was in horrible pain. I did not have a chance myself to express my love. Joe got to the hospital around 1 pm and stayed by Mom's side. A sonogram was completed and it showed that the cancer had spread throughout her body. Mom still insisted she was going home. Hospice came in and spoke with Joe to develop a plan of action. At one point while she was resting he walked outside the hospital and called me. As he was going back to her room, I asked him a favor - to give her a hug, kiss, and tell her I loved her. At 4:15 pm she passed away. As soon as Joe was leaving the hospital he called me before I called the hospital myself and found out. He gave me play by play on all that had occurred. Even in all the pain she was experiencing she still smiled and tried to laugh at Joe's comments. She told Joe she loved me too. I got off the phone and was crying and telling her I was so sorry for everything that had happened between us and sorry that she was sick and we did not know it or we wouldn't have left AZ. Kristi was not home at this time so I had a huge outcry of emotions. I was able to calm myself enough to call Kristi to see where she was. She was on her way home thankfully. I was on the phone with my Auntie when Kristi arrived; I got off the phone to tell Kristi. She took it hard, understandably and said that we left a dying woman alone when we moved. Mom is to be cremated and Joe will bring her remains home where a mass will be held. My one nephew and his wife and older children and my niece and her daughter are flying to AZ 10-25 to help Joe box up and ship memento's. Mom had no will, no insurance. As all happened so quick Joe couldn't get a power of attorney either. I have wanted to help in someway. I wanted to get to get to AZ to be with my brother to help but my finances don't permit that. I spent much of my time trying to arrange for financial help - had no luck. Joe gave me an assignment to find a way to get Angel transported to Pittsburgh to live with Kristi and I so we can care for her for Mom. Time and money is of the essence. Thank God it appears thing are moving in the right direction to make this happen. I know the days ahead will be full of ups and downs as Joe returns and memorial services are arranged as well as Mom's final resting place. My doctor prescribed Ativan for me to help with my anxiety issues. Through this ordeal, my strokenet family has been by my side and I thank you all. Special thoughts and appreciations go out to 4 special members: Chris, Kimmie, Jan & Maria. Without these 4 individuals helping me and being there for me I'd be lost.

Lisa, That was a wonderful experience for you, Rachel and your Sister. I'm so glad you were able to participate in it.

Yolie, You are not being a downer dear, you're a concerned Grandma as we're concerned cyber Aunties. We all have up days and down days even without stroke being involved. If someone is up 24/7 then they might not be too human or their meds are working double time. Learn all you can as knowledge is power. Hope Taylor adjust to the new med quickly. For me, since July I've been on Celexa; when first on it, I was tired and groggy for about a week. Her dosage may need adjusted as well. Many times with antidepressants the first med isn't the right one. We all react differently to medications.

Marie, neat tips especially for the newbies who have not yet discovered adaptation. Personally, I'm surprised at how many different ways things can be done one-handed in a two-handed world. Some is trial and error, probably as you have done. We find ways to get it done.

Oh Sue, So glad to hear you and your sona remained determined to get you up and running with the new chat. Will be looking forward to hearing about your excursions when you return in a few weeks. I know I'm sure going through Sue withdrawal. Love to you and Ray

Yolie, Mria is so right in that Taylor is so young to be considered as to needing these meds for a long time. She is doing so so well, try to keep focused on her advancements and not on an increase in meds for a condition she'll hopefully outgrow. love and (((hugs))) to you all

Katrina, Another beautiful poem gal. "You've come a long way baby" and you prove that nothing is gonna keep you down. Yes indeed I hope you print this and also have it hanging when you need a reminder of how far you have comer since that day. I am quite proud and honored to consider you my adopted niece; now as Vi said, get the books cracked open and be sure to study. Love and (((hugs))) Auntie Donna

Leah, Glad your trip was great dear. Sorry to hear of computer problems. You will be a pro in no time with the new program. It is a shame you lost your blog entry. What I have done is to type my entry into my word processing program then copy and paste here into the blog community. Get rested up and think about your next adventure - you go girl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Doreen, I am so happy for you - you got away for a needed break and all was god on the home front between Steve & Bill. Best of both worlds; look forward to seeing the pictures.

Sue, You will definitely be missed!! Sorry that your computer has not been chat-friendly of late. Enjoy your mini-vacations - you truly deserve them. We'll be awaiting your return

To our dear adopted Niece, Yes Yes girl, print up this blog and hang in your room, preferably on a mirror or somewhere you look daily so you have the reminder on days when you're not feeling so motivated. There will be those days. With or without disabilities we all have crappy days. It's part of life. We all sit on the pity pot from time to time as well. We generally see that, if we allow ourselves to get out of the box we've shut ourselves in to, that there is more of life to see and experience. Grab that golden ring girl as you ride the merry-go-round of life. You've got so much to offer. It warmed my heart to hear the joy and your smiles in your words.

Hey Kristen Happy be-lated anniversary to you and Patrick. See that you got more pictures posted (even the elk). Gorgeous scenery and precious animals. You should submit them for amateur photography contests.

Kristen, I'm so glad you and Patrick enjoyed your outing. I enjoyed the pictures. The wonder of nature huh. Super on Patrick being able to negotiate the mountain driving.