2005 ROCK-TOBER CHEMO GIRLS

RoseMarie

TaDah - I just go to photobucket.com, click onto browse photos and it takes me to my pictures. I click on the pic I want, click upload. once it's uploaded copy the IMG line then paste it here. Photobucket has uploading options and I choose the "website, email" option.
Hope that helps.

RoseMarie

I wasn't clear about the options - they're resizing options, btw...

cathy987

Happy, Happy Birthday, woman of many names and identities!! I hope you're having a marvelous time.

Anonymous

Rosemarie -
You two look great!

Mary-Anne -
Thanks for looking out for me! I am so busy - with everything! I need to slow down a bit.

debbie -
I would give anything to have an English accent! When my nieces were younger, we'd have tea parties, and I taught them how to speak with an English accent. It was so much fun. And we always held our tea cups with - "pinkies to the queen"! LOL

Laura

cathy987

Well guess who just blew into (literally) Mt. Morris, NY. What a crazy day that followed a crazy week.

NYC on Monday, Tuesday and left on Wednesday afternoon. I talked to TracyNY on Tuesday night. Glad to hear you’re doing so well after your surgery.

I stayed in Fargo Wednesday and had my Herceptin yesterday morning. Had two angels poking me who got the blood work and the infusion needles in on the first tries. Only two more to go!!

Went home yesterday afternoon to check on things in the office and to wash clothes. Stayed in Fargo last night. Out early this morning Fargo-Minneapolis-Detroit-Rochester. We had a big delay in Detroit so didn’t get here until after eight. Tomorrow’s the show and Sunday is the big meeting day.

Gail, I do get tired traveling but it is also what has kept me going the past six years of being on my own and the people I meet make it all worth while.

Mary, don’t be nervous about our meeting. The Rock-Tober girls are all good people. I know because you took me in. Happy to hear your cat came back!

Debbie, you have the most beautiful blue eyes. Amy and Rosemarie, your wedding pictures are really special.

I have to go to a party but just want to let you all know that I think about you often–you’ve all become part of my life.

Later–maybe.

Curlylocks

I'm a little sad the past few days my coworker lost his battle with lung cancer late on Wednesday night. It was really hard at work yesterday and has affected alot of us as he was a really well loved person. His funeral is on Tuesday.

We are having our first snowfall, thankfully it is Friday night and we arent venturing out tonight.

Wanna hear the stupid comment of the week....I was in the local grocery store and saw a man that I usually chatted with in the coffee shop in the mornings. He is in his early 50's and said to me havent seen you in the mornings for a long time and I said yes I was off on sick leave due to breast cancer. He then said, did you loose your breast? I didnt answer him and walked away, was dumbfounded, how can anyone be so callous?

Ravdeb - Happy Birthday, Hope your enjoying your little holiday in the desert. Can you bring some of the warm weather here?
Laura - you are a sweetheart, what do you have up your sleeve?

Debbie - your hair looks great and quite stylish I might add, what a smile! Sam looks alot better than a week ago. Happy Birthday as well. I remember when I was 34!

Rosemarie – Thanks for the comment on hubby, I think he is cute too! You look so young when you got married, what a wonderful picture. I got married late in life at 35 but we have been together since we were 25 and 24. I remember that Koolaid commercial when I was little. My mother had five children and we were pretty close in age, don’t know how she did it. We drank a fair bit of koolaid when we were little as it was cheap and so was sugar.

Victoria - I am happy too that I have become an accepted member of this great group of ladies. I love coming here and seeing how everyone is doing.

Mary – take lots of pictures of your meeting with Graycie and Cathy. I hope Graycie doesn’t get snowed in, you know Buffalo is famous for snowstorms and fires. That’s all I see on the news….They will not think you are a dud, just be your usual self that’s all. I’m sure you ladies will have a blast and your time together will fly.

Linny – I too seem to eat a lot more in the last few months, I;m blaming it on menopause. I really should get off my butt and do some exercise but I don’t sleep well at night so am too tired after work to make the effort, endless circle.

TracySeattle – hope you are enjoying your travels in Houston this weekend. Your schedule seems to be jammed pack with adventure these days and you are enjoying your life and new man.

Kelly – I agree with the other ladies in just being who you are. If anything breast cancer makes you a stronger person. I don’t think you will chase your new guy away by showing your feelings. It sounds like he would be pretty receptive as he didn’t run the other way when you told him that you were a “bc survivor” so that says a lot about his character.

Cindy – I love your story. It goes to show you what can happen in life, when things are meant to be.

Tadah – enjoy your new revitalized self. You will have to post some pictures of the new you.

Maryanne – hope you are having a great weekend. You must have snow being on the East Coast. My parents are from the East Coast, mom – Nova Scotia, Margaree Forks and Dad Prince Edward Island. Love both areas, use to visit every year as kids, haven’t been down there since 86, one of these days hubby and I will go.

Amy – what are you planning on doing for your 30th birthday on Tuesday? That is a real milestone. I remember when I turned 40 thinking I had the world by the coat tails and then bc struck a year later. Just makes us realize that life is really, really precious and I try to live each day that way now.

Hi to everyone else that I may have missed and enjoy your weekend.

Michele

Anonymous

Mary -
I am so sorry about your husband's job situation. I will keep you both in my thoughts for a positive outcome. Maybe change will bring a more ideal situation. My fingers are crossed for you two.

Michele -
I agree...your dh is a doll...so much like the teddy bear kinda guy I just adore! I am so sorry about your friend's death...my heart breaks every time I hear something like this. You should be receiving "what I have up my sleeve" sometime soon. Gotta keep ya guessing, though. I too got married late in life...I was 36 my dh was 38! I always comment...only when asked...that the reason the diamond on my engagement ring is so big is because the older you are...the more you can afford. LOL

Cathy -
Your energy is amazing. You go girl!

RoseMarie -
One more thing about your wedding photos...your dress is gorgeous!

------------------------------------------------------------

EVERYONE -

Yesterday, my dh and I met with my surgeon re: my proplyl mast. I am having such a hard time with this! My dignity is so tarnished....I feel 100% confident with the surgeon, but I just can't seem to fathom the thought of voluntarily having it removed. It's a total emotional hang up. He is now the third Dr. that has recommended it...but I just can't seem to accept it. I'm scheduled for December 27th. I am so frightened, horrified, etc. I feel as though I'm being weak and immature, but I just can't seem to grasp it. My brain is saying: Laura, it's the intelligent thing to do, but my heart is saying: Laura don't! I admire and respect those before me...I pity those after me. I hate the fact that any woman has to make this decision. I have said this before...and I will say it again...if I was the last woman to have to deal with this...I could honestly say...it was all worth it! My surgeon said I can cancel up to the day before. I don't think I will because I'm still having a burning sensation in it. It was there before the biopsy, so I can't blame it on that. And I worry that this burning is indicative of cancer. I am so convinced that if/when I have it done, the ensuing pathology will show cancer. Enough said...thanks for "listening" to me. I'm just so frightened. My dh is totally by my side. I just love him so much. His smile, his hugs, his positive attitude...is incredible.

Laura

Anonymous

Laura, your heart says no, but your brain says yes. Not to be religious here but the Bible speaks so much to human truths. There is a scripture at Jer 17:9 and it reads

Quote:

---

“The heart is more treacherous than anything else and is desperate. Who can know it?

---

So many times, our hearts can lead us in the wrong direction even when our brain is trying to guide us. It can be just like the animal in Dr Doolittle, the Push-Me/Pull-You. Let your heart rest and follow the advice of your brain and the doctors. When I decided on the mast instead of the lumpectomy, my reasoning had to do which side of the lawn I looked better on. You look better on this side, too. And then we have to face our new look. With your husband's help, you will get thru this. Teryn sees me everyday, and everyday she tells me, "Mommy, you look beautiful." So do you Laura!

Believe your husband.

Anonymous

Forgot to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to dEBBIE!!!

Tell us what you did for your birthday!

ake

So excited. So, my birthday is on Tuesday and I'll be 30. My husband has been planning something for months and just told me what it is. Tonight we are having a "Murder Mystery Party". Has anyone seen the movie, Clue or played the game? It's just like that...everyone invited to our party has a role and diaglogue and we have to see who murdered the person and who guessed it. My role is Amelia Fairfart....my husband assigned me this character...I'm a hot air balloonist So excited for this game!!!! I was so surprised and excited when he told me...what a unique way to celebrate a birthday with family and friends.

TADAH....it's going to look great when you see the tattoos...I just really felt complete

Love you ladies.

Graycie

Here we go again......I think we got Rosemarie's weather...We have had very high winds which left us with out power for most of yesterday......It went on around 11:30 last night and hopefully it stay's on. Also when I was shopping yesterday I opened the car door and never expected the wind to be so strong and I couldn't hold on too it and it slammed into the car next to me. Lucky no damage was done to that car because of the rubber bumper's on the side but the side of my door has a big dent along the edge. What is it with me and car's lately? Last month it was the mirror.

Ravdeb, I did send you a PM yesterday to wish you a Happy Birthday. I hope you had a good one.

Linny, I am afraid I can't blame the weight gain on anything....I am not on tamoxifen since I am er/pr neg. But I have heard that it may cause weight gain.

Mary, Don't be silly of course we won't think you are a dud. If anything I am probably the dud. lol.....So glad your cat came home. At least that is one less thing you have to worry about. Getting a little nervous about the weather...They are calling for a foot of snow in some places, hopefully not here. I will call you today, sometime before my grandson get's here. I am babysitting since my daughter is going out of town on some shopping excursion in PA with her friends. Worried about her too with the weather.

Tadah, glad everything went well with your surgery. Can't wait for the picture's. Did you try photo bucket?

Debbie, What a nice picture. I agree your eye's are beautiful and your haircut looks cute..Sam look's pretty good too.......I can't see that the pupil is bigger on the one eye. Did they say why it is like that? 2 1/2 stones is how much in lbs? Victoria do you know?

Rosemarie, Your wedding picture is beautiful.....I am tempted to put mine on. I do have a huge wall portrait that my mother bought that the photographer had hanging in his studio .Maybe I can take a picture of it with my digital camera since I don't have a scanner. That is , if I can find it. I threw it in the attic somewhere. I never did hang it on the wall......lol

Laura, You are something else.....You are so sweet to think of us all the time. I know what ever you made took a lot of time and I want to thank you for that in advance and know how much it is appreciated. You are such a thoughtful and caring person, you are special . I can't wait for my mail now..ha..everyday is like Christmas around here. I just wish I had some talent and could make something for everyone.
I think I can understand what you are going through with your decision with having the surgery. I am trying to put myself in your place and I don't know what I would do either. I guess when it comes down to it you will make the right decision. You are lucky to have such a wonderful dh to help you through this. He sound's very sensitive and sweet just like you......

Kelly, I can't even imagine how it must be to date since it has been such a long time for me. I was scared even back then. Just remember if he really cares about you he won't care about anything but your inner beauty. Which you certainly have. If that's not enough for him then he isn't worth it.......So far he sound's like a good guy though. He is taking things slow which is good. As far as I can see, not too many guy's are like that.hese day's That means he respect's you ,so he sounds like a keeper to me. I guess time will tell.

Tracy, Enjoy your trip to Houston. I hope you don't hit any bad weather as I heard Texas was even having snow.

Cindy, What a wonderful story. I guess that just goes to show you have to take chances in life. Glad you are so happy!

Cathy, I hope you don't get stranded someplace in an airport....I still don't know how you do it especially since I hate to fly...I am looking forward to tomorrow so I hope the weather cooperate's. I am calling Mary today and she can relay everything to you.

Michelle, What a rude guy to ask you such a question. That really is none of his business for one thing and why ask that? People are strange. Maybe he didn't mean to say it. He probably just didn't know what to say and it slipped out. I have a hard time telling people. In fact I still wear my wig to work because they don't know. about the BC. What's going to happen when I walk in there with out it? Should I tell them ahead of time. I just don't know how to handle it. Actually one girl know's. I had a survivor necklace on and she said she liked it and "what does it say" so I told her I had BC. I am a sales merchandiser and our biggest client is Target. I service the costume jewelry and sometime's other things in the store. So I don't know every one in the store but they do see me come and go and I have a few regular's I speak too. I think they really will be shocked when I walk in there with different hair, different color, etc. lol.....any suggestions? Should I prepare them? I know I am a baby......

This is getting way too long so I think I better go for now........Hi to everyone I missed......Amy, Have fun at your party....Sound's like fun. Hot air balloonist? Sound's like that should be Debbie's part.....lol

Gail

Curlylocks

Good Afternoon,

Well we had some snow last night and high winds, power went out for an hour. I keep thinking today is Sunday for some reason probably cause I didnt work on Friday.

It really feels like winter here today got out my new winter coat which is one the christmas presents my hubby bought me, its so warm and snuggly, love it!

In keeping with everyone posting their wedding pictures,I took a picture of our wedding picture.

Gracyie/Mary and Cathy - hope you are able to meet up and the snow has stopped where Graycie is. Gracyie I say just ditch the wig and everything will fall into place. You dont have to explain the situation to anyone that you dont want to. I ditched my bandana in March of this year while I was still going through taxol as I was tired of covering up the "real" me, I was still me just no hair.LOL. No, you are not being a baby, do it on your own schedule when you feel it is right.

Cathy - congrats on almost being finished Herceptin. Does it make you tired? I am er/pr+ so I am on Armidex and Zoladex injections every three months. The meds do make me tired, part of the "new normal" but I am enjoying my life and its a small price to pay for being here.

Laura - yah my hubby is a big teddy bear and loves to hug too! He has been a godsend through all of this crap and continues to understand when the bad days hit. I feel sorry for our significant others as they worry I think just as much as we do. Love surprises....cant wait for the mail to arrive! Laura I cant imagine having to make the decision to remove a healthy breast but if the chances are that it will return in that breast it is probably the best option in the long run. I had a lumpectomy in my left breast and hopefully that along with the other treatments that I had along with my "magic pill" will keep this beast at bay.

Amy - it sounds like you are going to have a blast at the party tonight. How fun, what a great idea! Take some pictures of the different characters and post them.

Victoria - thanks for the compliment on hubby.

Have a super Saturday.

Michele

linny

All the wedding pictures are amazing, its such fun to see them. We have been married 35 years - we were very young and very skinny! The years have flown by, I still don't feel 56 years old.
Debbie, your picture (and haircut) is lovely.
Kelly, good luck in your new relationship, its wonderful to have someone who appreciates you for who you are.
Amy and Ravdeb, happy birthday - have a great one and a wonderful healthy year, and many more. There is a Jewish custom to wish people a long life - good health until 120 - seems a bit long if you ask me, but I like the sentiment.
Gail, don't worry about your wig - do whatever feels natural, I firmly believe we don't owe anybody an explanation for anything.
Michelle, sorry about your friend.

Laura, I hope and pray for you the surgery goes well. It is such a hard decision, and it seems you are doing the right thing.

Linda

marymelodi

Love all the wedding photos!

Got to talk to Graycie today. She called and we chose the restaurant for tomorrow . . . Ruby Tuesday's. Going to leave a message for Cathy at her hotel in a few minutes.

So, it's cold, but no snow has fallen yet. Keeping my fingers crossed for tomorrow.

Graycie sounds just like I imagined and we could have talked for hours, I think, but I had to keep on with the packing and preparing for the fellows from our church who were coming to help us move all the furniture out to the garage storage. We are fortunate to have a congregation of very nice people.

Our rooms are so empty. It's weird. We have kept our dining room chairs and some TV trays to eat on. It's cold, too, with out the sofa and everything else. I sure hope the refinished floor and painted room are worth it all.

So, hope everyone is happy and that the birthday girls are enjoying celebrating. I will remember to toast you tomorrow in company of our other Rocktober sisters.

bye for now,
Mary

RoseMarie

Laura - sending a little prayer up for you - your husband sounds so great and supportive!! Such a tough decision - I can so understand the fears! Here's a big ((((hug))))
Grayce, Mary, Cathy - can't wait to hear about the day!!
Amy - How FUN!!! Enjoy your day!!!
Michele - BEAUTIFUL picture!!
Ravdeb - I hope the strike is over by the time you get back to your house!!
Have a great day ladies!!

marymelodi

Yeah! The sun is shining. No snow that I can see. I hope it is the same in Graycie's neighborhood. Talked to Cathy last night. I can tell we are going to have a great day! We all have our shirts and will get a photo of this gathering of Rocktober Girls.

Laura: yesterday I wanted to say to you that I am so very sorry this decision has come to you. I completely understand your reluctance and yet the need to have the mastectomy. I am so, so sorry. Wish I could come to help you out right after the surgery but we all know you have a great hubby and support system. Praying for all the best to work out for you.

Mary

cathy987

Mary and Gail

I just checked the Buffalo weather and it looks like we're only going to experience light snow. Should be no problem for this ND woman.

I've spent the morning looking back at this thread and now have a list of the order when each of you original October ladies first posted here. (I told you I was o/c). I feel like a groupie member and now I'm going to meet two of the original "Rock Stars"

I bought a new camera for the event!! Have to go iron my t-shirt.

Will post pictures!

Love to you all.

TracyNY

Okay, now I post the cabinet and I chose the blurry shot. I'll get it right, thanks for the tutorial Rosemarie.

TracyNY

I'm getting there...

TracyNY

Here's the red hair, finally!

cathy987

TracyNY–Wow! Just love your red hair. It really suits you. And your cabinet is just as I had pictured it. It goes well with the sideboard. You have a real talent for putting things together.

Graycie

Tadah, OMG, You look BEAUTIFUL.....I LOVE the hair.....Your dining room look's pretty good too. I really like your cabinet. But how did you get such beautiful hair?

I am counting down the minutes until I meet up with Cathy and Mary.....I have to say I am full of anxiety waiting patiently. So far the weather is holding out for us....

Will give you all a run down later on our visit and hopefully a picture if I can remember how to do it. If not I will leave Mary and Cathy in charge of that......lol

Gail

Graycie

I just realized that makes no sense...
"full of anxiety waiting patiently" Ha..
Well, you know what I mean...

ravdeb

Hi to all my favorite Ladies!

I'm back! And I'm writing this on Word so that I don't lose anything while I go back and forth!

First of all, thank you all so much for the birthday wishes. I had a fantasy birthday weekend. My dh orchestrated it all, and it was wonderful!

We left at 5:30 am on Thurs. because my dh had 3 stops to make no the way. But we were able to stop at Mitzpei Ramon (Linda will know about this one.. the rest of you. .get your maps out!) as we made our way to the southern tip of Israel. Wonderful crater to look at (called the Ramon Crater) at this Mitzpei (look out point). I did take pictures and slowly will post them.

We got to Eilat at 7:30 pm and after we got to the room (which had been upgraded free of charge!) a chocolate heart shaped cake was delivered to the room!!! YUM!

The next day our kids had flowers sent to me.

I got calls from local friends and then a call on my cell phone from my parents! My dh arranged all of this (the flowers, my parents, the cake and this amazing room we stayed in).

Our room overlooked the pool and the sea (will post a pic).

We had a balcony. I was in heaven!

We had our Shabbat (Sabbath) dinner in the hotel on my birthday. I LOVE this because only in Israel will a bottle of sweet red wine be a part of the meal, and the murmurs of blessings over this and the challah (our Sabbath bread) be heard from just about every table in the dining room, ours included. It always warms my heart. And the food was stupendous and plentiful (overly plentiful!). But the desserts! OMG! There were these chocolate mousse cakes with different colored toppings on them. After I had had the orange one (YUM!) I told my dh I had to taste the one with the green topping and YES! It was mint. My favorite is chocolate mint!!! OMG I wanted to take the whole cake!!!!!

We spent Shabbat (Saturday) sitting at the pool overlooking the sea and there was a performer there singing lots of popular songs both Israeli and others.

We did a lot of walking on the boardwalk along the water and we had pomegranate juice.., my dh had it pure and I had mine mixed with bananas (was looking for a banana cuz on Fri. morning at breakfast there weren't any and I needed my banana!). So we had these fresh juices on the boardwalk. Another YUM!

We returned home today via the Dead Sea and I did take pictures. Took tons of pictures actually.

Thank you for all the birthday wishes. This was a very special birthday and my dh understood this. We are amazed about what a whole year can do and so very grateful for being able to celebrate.

And yes, Linda…until 120..I wish this for all of us…that we may live and enjoy life for many more years to come.

ravdeb

Here's the beginning of your tour to the southern part of Israel. I promised you camels in the desert and now you've got them!!!! Taken at a Beduin farm. Kinda just drove off the road when I saw them and took the picture and left!

ravdeb

Mary..thinking of you and your dh...hope all works out and he finds a new place to work.

TracyNY..you look beautiful! Gorgeous!! I see why you just HAD to buy that china cabinet...it's lovely.

Great wedding pics of all...
Amy, as usual...stunning picture!
I read every single entry here and smiled throughout but was saddened when I read about Michele's friend..so very sorry..

Laura..You will make the right decision because whatever feels right to you IS the right decision.

Tracy..hope your trip to Houston was fun, fun, FUN!

Debbie.. what a beautiful picture..you are one pretty lady and yes..that new hair cut is perfect on you and your eyes...wow what pretty eyes you have!

Can't wait to hear about the meeting of the Rock Stars!!!

Curlylocks

Ravdeb,

Love the pictures of the camels, that seems so exotic!! I will probably never see those animals in my lifetime. Sounds like you had a fabulous trip, do you have any pictures of the red sea? Thanks for your thoughts on my coworker. His funeral is on Tuesday.

Tadah - You look like a movie star, love the red hair, it looks good on you. You look healthy and happy too.

Gracyie/Cathy/Mary - you must be getting together right about now, cant wait to see the pictures.

Enjoy your Sunday evening.

Michele Wenz

debbie444

Argh, my computer was off for a few days as we moved furniture - I have missed so much i cant keep up! I am so sorry if i miss something.
Tracey, you look fab - very feisty and confident. LOVE the hair - is that the deconstructed wig you told us about?
dEB, glad you had a good birthday. I got bitten by a camel once, in Tunisia, now they hold the same place in my heart as horses - somewhere near the bottom!!
great wedding pics, will have to get Rog to teach me to use the scanner on the printer.
Laura, dear Laura. What can i say? Nothing really, just do what you feel you have to and we will all be behind you.
Rosemarie - put the campbed out, I am moving into your basement!!! Always wondered why they dont build houses here like that as space is at a premium
I am off to do my ironong now, thinking of those Rocktobers meeting and waiting to see the pics.
Debbie

We have people missing off of the address list and birthday list, michelle and linny , not sure who else - are you joining???
I think the secretary for that is Rosemarie ( how she finds time i am not sure!)

Curlylocks

Hi Debbie,

Rosemarie pm;d me for my address and Laura also has mine. Laura I think also has my bd which is May 20.

You look wonderful in your avtar, great hair!

Michele Wenz

ake

tadah, tracey....you look completely beautiful. i LOVE your hair!!! love the color!!! how are the tattoos?

laura...i'm sorry you're in a difficult place with this decision. the way i've made any of my decisions is to think about the what ifs...if i didn't go through with a decision, would i beat myself up about it later? i try to live my life without regrets and it's hard sometimes. our sacrafices are so difficult and gut wrenching. but, like everything, you will get through this. you will. you've got through it all and this too will be something you handle with grace and strength. we're here for you!

so, my party over the weekend was interesting....some family dynamics came out....with my in-laws...my mother-in-law and father-in-law are divorced and remarried, but whenever they're all in the same room, some serious sparks pop and it gets a little uncomfortable. they start speaking to each other in arabic and giggling and their spouses just sit there. awkward. then my father-in-law was completely opinionated and trapped my mom in an awkward conversation about my dad's family history (he doesn't speak to his father anymore because of a really bad childhood). awkward! my husband was tense with his parents and juggling his time with my parents vs. his parents, blah blah blah. ugh. luckily our "murder mystery" party was a smash. my dad was the one who one and figured out the murderer. if anyone is into a random party...go to www.host-a-party.com (i think). it was a cool idea and so fun. everyone dressed in their character and kept their character going the whole night. we laughed a lot

so the weekend was stressful and fun. my actual birthday is tuesday and we'll be laying low. i'm so excited to turn 30. i'm ready for it and proud i got there. and there better be many, many more to go! turning older now is so bittersweet...it's exciting and then it's holding our breath, praying that we get to see more of those years.

like debbie's signature says....we gotta live every minute