It took a few days, but I read the entire thread. I really admire the fortitude displayed by so many. And the support of so many is so helpful. I was diagnosed w/ uterine cancer & had my hysterectomy in the beginning of May 2010. After the operation, my DR said I was at Stage 3C but only a grade 1. I had a CT scan & there weren't any obvious spots, so I went against their advice & didn't do any chemo or radiation. I had watched my neighbor die from the aggrssive treatments she received after her diagnosis of breast cancer. The surgery got it all, but they went ahead w/everything they could throw at her and she had a very hard year or so-most of it in a convalescent hospital. That was a big deciding factor for me, and while my DH said he would support my decision whatever it was, he later admitted he could not have watched me go throught that. Also, since my job was physical, I was already being threatened w/dropped coverage if I didn't get back to work. DH was already out of work due to an injury & his workman's comp was cut off at about the same time I was given my diagnosis.
So, I went back to work, & my life & started looking for a way out of the rat race. We bought a place in AZ, sold our CA home, & moved after I retired (early) at the end of 2011. So far no further indications of cancer & it's been 3 years. I try to eat healthy, but the $$ is dwindling fast as we are still fighting to get his SS disability. If we get that we could make ends meet &our next hearing is scheduled for the 22nd of July. It's sad how money isssues & medical issues get all tangled up. I pray for all of you & hope you will add me to your prayers also.\
I had chickens for most of the 35 years I lived at my last home, but there are so many predators here, that we don't have any here yet.