How are we all doing ?

That is sad.There is a strong history of cancer on both sides of my family especially lung cancer and not all were smokers.It is good that you are doing well three years on from your surgery.I’ll be having my next scan in the new year.Having a restorative cup of tea now,the sun is out here too.The weather has been utterly foul all week so it makes a welcome change to see the sun.xx

Hi Jane, so glad things are going ok, it’s all happening quite quickly but once it’s all sorted and you have moved into your new home you can hopefully sit back and relax for once, take care and love, Jean x

Thanks Jean,I can’t wait for it all to be done with.I’m looking forward to relaxing as that is not something I have done for years.I hope all is well with you both ? Love Jane xx

That was tough Latestart, a terrible way to lose your mum so suddenly and I'm guessing when you were young? I'm glad you have found some positives in the way life has improved in half a century. I'm sure your mum would be very glad of the treatments you have been able to access. Never stop missing your mum I've found. Sending a hug Hx 

We are ok thanks, had an eventful couple of months, husbands stepmother died and we have been sorting with step sister all the arrangements, it’s the first time I have ever (I’m the “secretary/admin”) sorted out a death from start to finish, then brother in law had a stroke couple of weeks ago so that’s been quite full on. xxx

Hi Jean,I’m sorry to hear this.I had never sorted out a death fully until mum died though I had registered a relatives death in 2004.It is a learning process if you have never done it before.Trying to find a place to go after the funeral was a nightmare as it was February and a lot of hotels and pubs were shut for refurbishment.Eventually John found a lovely pub that could help at the last minute.xx

Thank you, I was 22 and my sister 19, both students away from home. Yes, Mum would have killed for the treatment available to me, so looking at it from that angle I feel very positive about things. I do miss her, but seem to recall what she would have said when I need something. And at least she didn't have to suffer for too long once diagnosed.

And I had to help register the death etc as my father was in pieces. I helped again when he had to sort out his elder brother's death nearly 20 years later. We even had a bit of family funeral difficulty - his next brother and wife took umbrage at us girls sorting out who should go in which funeral car and what to put in the sandwiches - they all came to Dad's house after the Crematorium.

I met my husband very soon after her death and he has been a very great support through the past 51 years and my father lived until 1995.  My sister still lives in the family home with her family though we don't see each other so much now we're older. We remember both parents very often.

Latestart x

Phew,nearly finished packing up the room I use as an office.I have far too much stuff  

Well done, I'm sure everyone has too much stuff! I know I do.

Sometimes I see decluttering videos on Instagram. According to them the way to do it is in 15 minute bouts -  I'll be 105 by the time I've done at that rate.  'And always take the stuff you're throwing out to the Goodwill that has a drive-thru'. 

Cancer research shops tend to be on bus routes! Though admittedly some organisations do pick up.

Good luck with the rest. 

All the best,

Latestart x

Ps someone gave me a killer solution - at the other end only unpack what you really need