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About The daily Astorian. (Astoria, Or.) 1961-current | View Entire Issue (July 10, 2015)
FEATURES 6A THE DAILY ASTORIAN • FRIDAY, JULY 10, 2015 Address medical side effects now Tomorrow’s horoscope By Holiday Mathis, Creators Syndicate Inc. Dear Annie: My husband and I have been happily married for 24 years. It is a second mar- riage for both of us. I am 68, and he is 71. We are still work- ing. Fortunately, we enjoy our professions, but my husband will not be able to retire be- cause his former wife receives alimony for the rest of her life. A few years ago, my husband underwent intensive treatment, including chemo, radiation and surgery for cancer. It is not cur- able, and he returns for tests and treatment every few months. He also suffers from treatment-re- lated issues that undermine his health. Through all of this, he has been incredibly strong. He has fought bravely and with very little drama. He is my hero. Lately, I’ve noticed some personality changes that make socializing difficult. He has always liked to talk about him- self, but he’s started to mo- nopolize conversations with friends and acquaintances. Last night, he held the conversation throughout dinner with his ex- ploits from 50 years ago. The other guests looked miserable, and I felt unable to change the conversation. He recently inter- Annie’s Mailbox Creators Syndicate Inc. Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar rupted a conversation to tell a story about his high school. Our friends waited patiently, then returned to their original topic. I’ve also noticed some memo- ry lapses and worry that it will affect his job. One of his col- leagues has commented on his forgetfulness. I hesitate to discuss it with him because I don’t want to un- dermine his self-assurance at work. Depression is certainly a possibility, but he shows no par- ticular signs of sadness or leth- argy. What would you suggest I do? — Trouble in Paradise Dear Paradise: Some ongo- ing medical treatment can have an effect on one’s overall health, including mental health. Also, as your husband gets older, it would not be unusual for him to develop memory and cognitive issues, which can contribute to monopolizing the conversation and focusing on past history. These problems are not going to disappear, and eventually, they will become an issue at his job. It is better to address them now. Suggest to your husband that he speak to his doctor to be certain he is not having additional side effects from the medication, and to ask how best to stay healthy, both mentally and physically. Dear Annie: I read the letter from “I Picked It First,” who named her child “Jane,” and was terribly upset to discover a cousin was planning to give her baby the same name. My mother was the eldest child in a family of four. I am the second child and am named “John” in honor of my grandfa- ther. Each of my aunts named one of their boys “John,” as well, for the same reason. As a child, I thought it was kind of neat having cousins who had the same name as mine. It mat- ters not to the child. I concur with your response and think the situation should be handled with good humor. A name is only a name after all, especially a first name. — John FRANK AND ERNEST BLONDIE THATABABY SALLY FORTH STONE SOUP B.C. LOLA DILBERT SIX CHIX BIZARRO MUTTS NON SEQUITUR BABY BLUES WIZARD OF ID ZITS ROSE IS ROSE ARIES (March 21-April 19). Love is gun- ning for you. Try to run but love will track you down. The downside of opening your heart will include minor impracticalities and major change. At least it happens slowly. TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Unlike most people, you don’t have to lose something in order to recognize the value of it. You have what you like and you like what you have. You’ll use it well and be gifted with more. GEMINI (May 21-June 21). The home you have is worth far more than the one you do not yet own. The same is true of your job, relationships and method of transportation. Take care of now and let your future take care of the rest. CANCER (June 22-July 22). Something that held a lot of intrigue for you at one time is no longer interesting. There’s freedom in this. Maybe it’s not over for good, but you’ve gotten all you could get out of this for the time being. Seek new adventures. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Your favorite people aren’t necessarily the ones most qualified to do the job at hand. You’re bet- ter off seeking assistance from the general public and then making plans with your favorites. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). The word “no” won’t give offense. It’s just a part of life. But if you say yes and don’t follow through, that will be terribly offensive. That’s why so many very successful plans include a whole lot of “no.” LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). What you contribute to a relationship is significant. What do you get in return? If you can’t eas- ily come up with a handful of answers, it’s time to stand up for yourself. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Just be- cause you are sympathetic to another person’s plight doesn’t mean you should bankroll it. Extend your kindness without investing or giving your money. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). One good thing about the heartbreak you went through in the past is that it has taught you how to better handle today’s situation. You’ll exercise restraint, which is an act of love in and of itself. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Your ancestors had to get water from a well and carry it back in heavy vessels. They also had to kill their own food. Remembering this might help you keep a cheery disposi- tion during today’s inconvenience. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Out with the old! As for the new, wait a beat before you bring it in. There will be more “new” to choose from over the next three days and if you take the first “new” that comes along, you might regret it. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Someone who is hurting may opt to help you with your hurt in order to ease their own pain. Therefore, don’t assume that everyone who is helping you is better off than you are. SATURDAY’S BIRTHDAY (JULY 11). This year you’re a daredevil of the heart. You’ll play for high stakes, risking the sta- tus quo for the chance of making a dream come true. In September, someone who used to compete with you will contribute to your cause. A mysterious relationship be- gins with 2016. A renovation of your living space will jostle your priorities. Scorpio and Virgo adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 15, 4, 19, 32 and 28.