Babka, I was really suffering. I had spasms that would start in my lower back and roll down my right arm every 15 seconds. What pain, I would not have wanted to go through the rest of my life like that. Absolutely not. The Physical therapists and the doctor could see where my muscles were knotted up and go from one to another. You could have sewn up the thumb on my right hand and my index finger and I would not have felt a thing. I finally went to a neurosurgeon @ Mass General. He looked at one of my 3 MRIs and said 'Here it is, right here' He explained how the operation would proceed and said that after 9 months there was not a very good chance of healing itself. I was scared to death of having a tube stuck down my throat, having my neck cut open, the vertebrae cut out and a cadaver bone placed in its place to bond. The Dr ( a teaching brain surgeon @ MA General) said that's alright, you will come back and beg to have it done when you are ready. Riding home I was disgusted with myself for being a coward and called the office to make an appointment when I got home. It was about 13 years ago and I have never regretted it. You are very correct that there are a lot of variables. My case was a pinched nerve at one location. My other vertebrae were in good condition. Some people have multiple discs with problems and they may have osteoporosis which weakens the bone and pinning may be required. My doctor said that he never used titanium screws unless there were complications. He said eventually the screws work loose and click, click click and the only way to stop the clicking is to go in and take them out. He died of pancreatic cancer a few years after my operation, but he was excellent. 80% of bulging discs correct themselves. The determining factor is, how long has it been bothering you and how much pain you can take. Good luck, Jon

Hey, that chocolate was for YOU! Ring that bell and tell him to replace it. And give him a hug for me. Let yourself heal so you are up to playing again. Are Maggie kisses helping? Annie, I know what Elery means. Just tell me sweet wine and the headache starts. And frame that card from Linda, it is wonderful. I too was lucky enough to have some of her glass work as a hummingbird feeder after Mom died. It is gorgeous. Hugs, Peppi

Back to the disability. I was on the SocSec website a while back for my wife who is wheelchair bound. The site said 80% of all first time claims are denied. 80%. But disability is not just physical. You can be strong as an ox and still not be able to work, so don't confuse one with the other. Besides physical, there can be mental and emotional disabilities. People come back from war pretty messed up and commit crimes and go to prison. But their problem is just as serious as someone with a bad back. Also, people on disability can earn up to $1,000 a month in income. But that is also the maximum one can earn in the previous 12 months prior to applying. It's like handicapped parking spaces. You can see people who appear perfectly healthy parking there. But they may have a heart condition or arthritis that limits their walking. They're not just for wheelchairs. And now some cold, hard facts. With the economy in the toilet for the longest time since the 30s, many people who wouldn't otherwise apply for help are doing so in record numbers. They were always too proud to go on disability. Not anymore. They're broke and desperate. So along come lawyers who advertise all over the place saying they'll get your disability claim approved.

Nora and Fran, thank you for your kind thoughts. Unfortunately, our worst fears were confirmed this afternoon. She has adenocarcinoma - 1 1/4" mass in her lung, areas in her shoulder and her back. She will meet with the onocologist on Tuesday and most likely begin radiation that same day. Only a few of us know, she has not told her sons yet, nor our mom or other siblings. My younger sister is with her now, and I suggested that, as hard as it will be, they call and tell Mama while she's at home (not to wait until she comes to the hospital tomorrow, then worry about her getting home.) She will be able to grieve tonight and then be more prepared to face the future with my sister tomorrow. She tried calling Mama, but bless her heart, she was at Mass, so will have that message waiting on her to call. She has 3 sons - two live away and the one who is quadraplegic lives with her. He will be devastated the most - ever since his accident he has leaned on her. It's just all terribly sad. Thanks for listening.