Greg, Thanks for the well wishes. I do feel like I have been thru quite a bit, but I just keep telling myself "There's always someone out there who has it far worse than me." I try to always have that attitude. After both surgeries I realized how much more difficult my life could be if I permanently lost the use of my legs or my back. I'll tell ya what, I have my good days and my bad days but in general I try to keep myself in a positive mood. I see that you also like the plumeria forums on Face Book! It was nice to be able to put a face with a name. I especially like being able to see all your plumeria pictures there. I need to invest in a good camera so I can take the same kind of pictures! Anyhow, when I do find myself having days when I am in a lot of pain, I like to go to Face Book(and also here!) so I can see all the great plumeria pictures. They really do cheer me up a lot. Hi Qaguy, I will be contacting you soon. I am trying to get my hands on as many cuttings as I can right now. Reason being, they give me something to enjoy and to look forward to! I really enjoy watching cuttings throw out there first roots, leaves, inflos, and BUDS! Hi Mona, The way I see it right now is that ANY day is a good day as long as I am not a patient in the hospital that is!! Hi Irun, LOL, at least there is someone who knows how I feel! I am so glad to be off of the steroids! I was getting them 3 times a day, everyday I was there! Tomorrow I have to be at my first follow up. I have mixed emotions in regards to this appointment. In one hand, I know that there going to remove all 75 staples, and that right there will make me feel much better. The reason I don't want to go is because the nuerosurgeon's office is 45 minutes away and I have to ride in a car up there and back, not including the wait in his waiting room, and then the exam room! You know it doesn't matter if you have had major back surgery or not, and in all fairness, there could be a dozen other patients waiting to be seen, and there appointment could also be a follow up after there surgery. I will try and post after my surgery so you all have some kind of idea as to what is going on. Take care, Andrew

Good for Amy. What a brave girl. Tell her to take advantage of all the sympathy -- milk it for all it's worth. Better living through chemistry -- right? You're a good mom. I hope she's back to normal very quickly.

Hi all, Dang, my life just needs to SLOW down. Dh is doing well but Sunday morning he woke up and it was plain to see that the depression had hit him like a ton of bricks. Mind you that is even a bit funny since he is a shrink and knew it could happen but did not think it would happen to HIM! With lots of TLC he is feeling better and the last of the site pain is better. Which is good since I am searching the calender for a good day to pencil in my breakdown ;-) Thanks for all the nice comments.. I do my best to keep up and keep moving and that is a great help with the Lupus symptoms. You know the funny part was that for years no one caught it that it was the *L* that I was dealing with. It was only after the death of one of our children that one doc started to piece things toghter. Mind you.. once all the facts were together it was pretty plain and it turns out I had been flaring since I was in about 8th grade!! .. such is life. I always figure that there are others with less than me and more hardship so I need to suck it up and get on with life and walk this earth to help others. I finked out tonight on the dinner thing and just got salads from a local deli since I was tired.. but I am still looking at new ways to eat... funny really since I have been actually DREAMING about Holandaise sauce!!!! Maddie

Poohbear, our prayers for you, Cindy and your family are that you be comfortable and clear of mind for the remainder of your time here on this earth. When it is your time to leave and go to your Heavenly Father, may your passing be gentle and peaceful.