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
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Kathy Mitchell
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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.