David,

I really do think something positive's going on here. If I just remember to keep my mouth shut - when I'm not arguing with my sinuses - it's definitely not as dry. It feels kind of thick & gooey, but I've seen here where the thick has often occurred first in the regeneration process. And it's a lot less difficult to swallow than it was only 3 or 4 days ago. Maybe what I thought was my new norm won't be? It sure would make teeth more feasible. I thought I was going to have to start carrying a big can of Pam cooking spray around with me.

Lani is pronounced with a short "a", like in the boys' name "Lanny". My husband, after 20 yrs married, still pronounces it "Loni" (as in Anderson - wishful thinking on his part?) with short "o" sound, because he says Lanny is a boys' name. I answer to Lani, Loni, Lainie, anything but Loony (though I probably should answer to that most of all).Since several people have asked: It's short for Elaine, and no, I'm not Hawaiian, though I would really love to visit there some day. At least my name would fit right in.

It's fun having an unusual name. I sure wish my youngest son saw the fun in it. His name is Kalen (I made it up), but he's spent his life being called Kaylynn or having mail come in addressed to "Karen", so now he goes by "Krow".

Lani