Liz, You took the words right out of my mouth. I was even thinking of Home Health Care for those who can’t afford ‘Assisted Living Facilities,’ and ‘Hospice’ also came to mind. Another area that came to mind was a really reliable ‘Handyman’ business. QM and I can never find just one person to come and take care of the little things around the house that we can’t or don’t want to attempt doing. CA Rose

I’ve been battling my cancers for 20 yrs. My heart goes out to Farrah and her friends and family. I’m not famous or wealthy and there is no two hour documentary to cover my suffering. Wouldn’t we be better served by a documentary covering the uninsured/underinsured people in our country whose lives are held in the hands of our Public Health System and frequently die because the system is unmercifully broken for those without money. CA

I never owned a year book. I don’t even think I took a picture. High School was not fun, and I can’t even remember any of my classmates names. CA

I divorced a ‘Bully’ 20 years ago…need I say more? CA

I don’t believe anyone who has lived a half century or more hasn’t done something they might regret coming back to bite them in the butt. Of course I did it anyway, and usually more than once. I’m a big-time risk taker. CA

This whole line of quibbling…accomplishes what? Comedy can offend, but geez, if we can’t take a joke we are desparately in trouble. Lighten Up! CA

It would have to be for the money. After all these years of taking my clothes off for my Drs and getting charged an arm and a leg, I think it’s about time I got paid first! CA

I confess ‘Survivor’, ‘Amazing Race’, ‘Dancing with the Stars’, ‘So you think you can Dance’, and ‘Big Brother House’. I would kick butt on ‘Big Brother,’ even without a boob job! CA

I cannot or dare not neglect my health. What ever it takes, I need to be around to help take care of QM. I cut back on other things…like limiting myself to one tank of gas per month, and choosing not to opt for cable or satellite tv. The internet is my biggest indulgence. I never buy retail, and if I must buy something I try to spread the cost out without the use of credit cards. It is hard to make the choice between needs and wants without being selfish. I do everything possible to purchase my medications not covered under insurance at the lowest price available to me in my location. CA

Over the past 20 yrs I have had to file for bankruptcy twice due to medical bills. I didn’t feel trendy at all. I was ashamed that I couldn’t take care of myself better than I had. It becomes overwhelming, and a cycle of illness and poverty. Suzanne, I have the same question. Why was it okay for major corporations, and I was left to feel deminished and less than deserving. CA

My own personal Queen Mum. CA

Thank You! I appreciate your input. Unfortunately, we have thoroughly examined Deep Brain Stimulation with QM’s two Nuerologists and this is not a viable solution for her. With COPD and her age and fragility (84 lbs), they hesitate to perform any surgery that will only provide a partial solution. In the article you sited they did not mention that this can only be done once, and only relieves some degree of tremors in one hand only (you choose your primary hand). It doesn’t relieve the head tremors, teeth chattering, body tremors while at rest, difficulty with swollowing liquids and food, or correct balance. I’m glad that it was a cure-all for your buddy. I am curious, did he tell you what it felt like to be awake during the brain surgery? I know you have to be able to communicate to the Dr’s during surgery so that know whether they are correcting in the right spot. It is a very interesting procedure. CA

I agree with Joan. I was thinking along the lines that maybe this book was a way for her to relieve some of her angst, so she could return to living out the rest of her life unbridled of his truly hurtful behavior. Personally, I think it is a book that needed to be written, but never published. C A

I am always keeping my eyes open to new research into Parkinson’s Disease, as QM suffers from Essential Tremor and is often mistaken as having Parkinson’s Disease when she is out in public. With Michael J. Fox championing his illness through a research foundation and public self-disclosure brings the possibility of a cure for his disease all the closer. Somewhere in that research there will be a cure for Essential Tremor as well. Kudo’s Michael! CA

Marlo, You took the food right out of my mouth, but I would have to go back to Chicago to fulfill my Italian meal fantasy. I would add some great sauteed fresh spinach with garlic in extra virgin olive oil. Yummmm! C A