Cath - WOW. Your email really really really opened my eyes and helped me see how NEGATIVE I've been - and my 5 siblings, too. I was so encouraged by your message to me that I immediately called a brother in Florida to read it to him - but I forgot in my happy panic that he is 2 hours ahead of me and already in bed - so I'm copying and pasting your text to an email instead and am going to send it to all my brothers and sisters for them to find when they get to their computers in the morning. One of the biggest things I got out of what you said is that the attitudes we have now - which will of course affect our mom's attitude - will impact how she copes with this disease. I do know she is a fighter and has said she is not ready to die. We just thought she was in denial - I am ashamed to say...but now after reading your email and hearing how you've surpassed your initial prognosis, etc., well, I have tears in my eyes -- for you, whom I've never even met, and for my momma whose time may have not yet come after all. Thank you so much for your lengthly and informative and POSITIVE email to me. I can hardly wait to dialogue with my siblings in the morning. There is still so much we need to educate ourselves about. I am encouraged by your story! Bless you - and best wishes, -B