Hi Bhavna,

It's good to hear from you again but I am so sorry that you have this news to deal with. You didn't tell us if you said yes to the proposal but I am guessing that you did.

I am glad that OV is speaking to a counselor and I would strongly urge you to do the same. I know I waited too long to do that thinking what was there to say. When I finally went I couldn't shut up and I was still venting as I was being ushered out of the office. There's so many thoughts that go through your mind at times like this and speaking to an objective professional helps to clarify your thinking.

None of us understands how any of this works or why it is happening to us. It's not fair, but that's part of life. We live with hopes, joys, fears, anger, and with cancer -uncertainty. I think you are doing a wonderful job in supporting OV and being an advocate for his care. You are pushing him when he needs it and communicating with the medical team on what is really going on.

In spite of everything, you are still wishing all of us a Merry Christmas, which tells me you have the capacity to look beyond yourself and care about others. Hang on to that connection to get you through the coming months. I sincerely hope that the treatments will work for OV, despite the side effects that it will bring. It sounds like the doctors are trying to be very realistic and honest with you - and that is a good thing.

My thoughts and hopes are with you both and here's wishing for a better year ahead in 2007.

Regards JoAnne