Thanks for the input & support, folks. Ed, your thoughts are dead bang on the money. " ...when I opened my eyes I smiled ..." Absolutely perfect.

Jim, sorry I will miss you, but hope things continue to improve. I will see Ozer on the 10th or 11th, after the PET scan.

Emmylou -- Thanks for the thoughts, but no way will I buy that the caregiver has the easy part. I don't think anything is worse than the feeling of helplessness when someone you love is hurting and there is nothing you can do to control the situation. As the patient, you at least have the satisfaction of taking the action of treatment, which at least provides the illusion of control. ;-)

Donna -- thanks for the thoughts, and hope your Mom is doing better. Sometimes it's easier to have a broken arm than a paper cut on the finger, you know? The broken arm will hurt like hell for a little while, but then it will mend and be done with it. A paper cut just nags at you forever . . . ;-)

Had a great day putting up the outside lights, took son & girlfriend out to dinner, watched The Blues Brothers on TV, and now they are watching The Great Race while I type this. I am a lucky guy. I just need you guys to remind me of it from time to time!