LINKS
Here are links to some of our favorite web sites
Useful Information
A New Book Store on Chelten Avenue in the Germantown, section of Philadelphiam, PA
Visit the store...it's beautiful
"Christian Books & Gifts...and then some"
310 West Chelten Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
267-331-8871
WEST PHILADELHIA HIGH SCHOOL
CLASS OF 1969 REUNION
WEB SITE
Check out the web site for information about pictures and videos taken at the 40th year class reunion that took place 10/3/2009.
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CENTER IN THE PARK
A wonderful place for seniors ages 55 and over. It is full of activities, exercises, line dance classes, trips and so much more.A wonderful place for seniors ages 55 and over. It is full of activities, exercises, line dance classes, trips and so much more.
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Affiliations and Organizations
Internal Revenue Service
This is the official site. It includes tax statistics, IRS information and links to Federal tax forms and publications.
Community Links...
Philadelphia, PA...AKA Philly
This link gives information about historical sites to see,
hotels, housing, apartment living, local government information and more.
Malignant Mesothelioma Cancer
WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU WERE TOLD YOU HAD CANCER, AND PROGNOSES WAS DIRE...
HERE IS MY RESPONSE:
I can’t conceive of what James “Rhio” O’Connor was going through with the "Malignant mesothelioma” cancer, which upon research, I found is a rare form of lung cancer. It affects the lining of the Lungs. The instant that he was told that he had cancer, I know he did back flips on all the activities he could have planned or wished he had planned in his life. Based on my research of this decease, it had to be painful and difficult to handle. When one deals with any form of deterioration of the lining in the body, it has to have been a miserable feeling. As his family probably did, I applaud his desire to live. To read more about his mesothelioma cancer of the lungs, follow the authoritative link regarding the surviving mesothelioma at www.survivingmesothelioma.com .
I have been a care giver to my husband who was a throat cancer patient, whose cancer came back after seven years of remission. He and I were devastated when his cancer returned. The doctor had to remove his voice box: rendering him unable to speak. I understand the need to be an advocate for one’s own life. My husband died from the throat cancer. The operations and radiation process was a brutal experience. When the doctors couldn’t think of anything else to do, they recommended chemo. At first, he agreed to the chemo, but just a note, one must understand that my loving husband was the type of man who, if the doctor said “Sir, you need brain surgery” he would have said “when do you want to schedule the surgery.” As I mentioned, he wanted the chemo initially, but later changed his mind because he saw the movie the “Bucket List” after which time, he insisted that he wanted “no more surgeries, or anything to keep him alive.” He and I were very different.
If I faced with the knowledge that I suffered with a cancer that was thought to take my life in short order; first I would cry; then I would get mad; and I would write a Will. Next, I would be glad that I had access to the Internet and medical magazines that speak to the type of cancer. Another objective would be to travel to libraries that provide the best medical reference resources, would be a high priority of mine. The entire situation would ignite my tenacious personality. Securing as much information as the doctor could give me about the cancer, is essential to me for my quest to live. To insure, the accuracy of what I had been told, every document available regarding the disorder would be read. I would research if there is a connection between the cancer and the foods I consume. On my “to-do-list,” I would seek dietary ways to squash the cancer or tremendously reduce the speed or spread of the cancer. Every avenue available to me would be sought to determine if other solutions were available; aside from chemo, radiation, and surgery. My objective would be, to find a more non-invasive manner to handle the typical treatments recommended. I would also talk to other doctors in the field of oncology and get other opinions from doctors with the knowledge of homeopathic methods, who have concentrated on natural ways of cutting down potential cancers. I would also see if there were ways to make my home a healthier place to live, so as not to cause further damage.
In addition, I would join support groups to reassure myself that I am not alone. Normally, I might not have access to new information about the decease; therefore, attending the meetings would help me. Looking into exercise programs is another avenue I would seek; to see if that would help with easing any discomfort. I believe an exercise such as water aerobic should be investigated. The water aerobic could be beneficial. A meeting with my family is a way to enlist their help with research. The emotional ties to family, gives me more strength to fight. Prayer would be even stronger than ever. I state this because I know the Lord answers prayer…at least, He has always answered my prayers whether His answer was “yes” or “no.” The combination of the two would be my driving force to succeed and live.
I like to write, I know in this fight I would be writing and journaling my entire experience; so that someone else could benefit from my struggle, with the knowledge that I have gained. I would prepare a video journal for a more dramatic tool of reflecting my trek. Whatever way that I could find to live beyond the date given to me, I would pursue it; because I don’t believe people have an expiration date stamped in their DNA that allows man to state definitively the exact moment of one’s demise. I do believe that as God sees fit, I will endure, struggle through, beat the cancer as long as I can, be in remission forever and be a blessing to someone else, if the same thing should happen to them. Folks would know my story and know my conviction to survive.
In addition in 2001, I lost 60% of my vision. Upon concluding a field of vision test, I was informed that my vision was impaired; this confirmed what I had been complaining about for months, I could not see! After a CAT scan and an MRI, it was also discovered that I had a brain tumor in the frontal lobe of my brain. The tumor was sitting on the optic nerve. After the surgery, my sight came back; the blessing is that the tumor was benign. Before I found out the results, I wore my Internet out. I was on it day and night performing my own investigative research. I can clearly relate to James “Rhio” O’Connor’s determination to help himself; even though, our results were different. Life is precious and frequently, we don’t appreciate life as much until we are in a dire place in our lives. God bless James “Rhio” O’Connor, me and the research capabilities that we have available to us today.
