2005 ROCK-TOBER CHEMO GIRLS

ravdeb

Michele..you look like your mom. Great pic and there you are again with that smile!

Laura..I agree with you..words are what bring out the feelings and the emotions that have bonded us. Words are important. How lovely that your dh takes the time to find just the right words for you each Christmas.

Okay..one sister in law wants to check e-mail.

Be well all of you...on to New Years..

ravdeb

But wait!!
Laura..good luck tomorrow. I will be carrying my angel from Debbie and thinking of you.

And I'm confused..who is finished with herceptin this week? maryanne? Kelly???? chemo brain hit...

maryanne..any news yet?

Anonymous

dEBBIE, I think MaryAnne is having her last herceptin ... and going to a restaurant to celebrate. I am having treatment today .... on the countdown. Today is 5 to go .... then 3 weeks will #4.

TracySeattle

Hello Everyone!

How fun reading all of your posts about your Holiday fun. It is so nice to be enjoying ourselves this year!

Laura - you are in my thoughts and prayers tomorrow!

Love the dog pics - I am still dog sitting with "Cujo" and she seems to be doing quite well. I learned that they key is NOT staying there in the house with her. She is more more content alone. It seems when I am there, she is very nervous about a stranger being around her Mom's things. This time, I just go feed her and talk to her and she is doing much better. No breaking out, scratching or anything!

I had a WONDERFUL Christmas! Santa brought diamonds! I am not really big on jewelry, but this jewelry is very special. Dave picked out three very pretty diamonds and then worked with the jeweler to design a necklace for me. It is beautiful! We had a very nice time with Dave's family on Christmas Eve and then with my Mom on Christmas Day. Dave's grandson, Benjamin (1 year old), was SO CUTE opening his presents. His favorite was a toy cell phone. We spent all day teaching him how to answer it and say "Hello".

My son has a new kitten (long haired & black) named Misty. He brought her with him on Christmas Eve and Christmas day. So between the baby and the kitten - they made the holiday entertainment!

I am pretty much loving life right now. I feel so blessed to have each and every one of you in my life and also a new family to share my new life with. All is good and I am looking forward to the start of the new year!!!

Hugs to all of you!!! I can't wait until November!!!

Anonymous

Michelle, great pic of you and your mom!! You are looking so healthy and I love your curly top!

Amy, you have such a great family. I am glad you will be able to get away with your brother. Hopefully, hubby will feel better soon.

Mary-Anne, that is a great turkey story! I never heard of buying a turkey with missing parts!

Brenda, you were in Riverside? I drove to Anaheim Hills for Xmas Eve and Xmas day. It's only 2 exits away, so it was easy for me.

Laura, loved the Buddy Love photos. Will post photos of Teryn asap.

-------
David really did a good job shopping for us. He makes a good Santa Claus! He ended up not coming with us because he said the holidays are too much for him right now. When Teryn and I went to my brothers on Xmas Eve, he came by and dropped off presents from Santa and himself. Teryn was quite surprised to things all over our porch. It's a shame he didn't come with us, but when he said he was coming with us because he said he would, I told him it was better for him to do what was right for himself. I told him if he did the RIGHT thing (not the selfish thing) that it would be RIGHT for me and Teryn as well. I told him if he was uncomfortable, then he should come, but if he was upset (his kids not with him, my family, not knowing anyone, etc) that it was really ok to change your mind and not come. So, he didn't come. And lucky for him, his kids left his ex's and got to his house early Xmas Eve instead of Xmas morning! I heard the kids come in when we were on the phone later that night ... he was so happy to see them!

My family was looking forward to meeting him but everyone has been thru a divorce and the first few years are the toughest, even if you have a new relationship.

Anonymous

My nephew and Teryn dancing

You'd never know it but there were 24 kids there!!!

She has wanted a robe for quite a while!!

Sleepy headed elf!!

TracyNY

I'm glad everyone had a great time. I ate the place down and am now back at work steering the ship while half of the staff are on vacation.

Not only did I see the leopard boots, I saw your navel Laura!! I'm scared of you!! Hot mama!!

One down, one to go....onward to New Year's eve. This is one New Yorker who is going to be nowhere near Times Square. We leave all the room for the tourists!! What does everyone have planned?

marymelodi

Hello to all!

Michelle - like you I had a good cry yesterday after reading my husband's card and his handwritten message. I haven't said much here but we've been having a really rough time lately with the stress of his unemployment and then some discoveries I made about extra-marital activites. Neither of us has been very happy in the marriage lately. But, he has been trying to please me in the last couple of weeks and his card was sort of an apology and a love note. It hit my soft heart smack in the right spot and I cried and cried. I do not know what the new year will bring - other than sessions in marriage counseling - and my tears were mostly tears of regret and sorrow for the state we have reached in our relationship. He was comforting and I think he was touched also by my card. Ironically, I bought it well before these latest troubles, but I still gave it to him. This relationship is so difficult for me, but somehow I keep hanging on and hoping things will get better.

I am so happy to hear of the fun and frolic and joy that each of you experienced over the holiday. Hope it will continue.

Michelle: I do have a touch of lymphedema, but it is in my right breast, where I had the lumpectomy. The scars for the lumpectomy and the sentinel node biopsy seem to have obstructed the smooth flow of the lymph out of my breast tissue and so I need to use massage techniques taught to me by a physical therapist to keep my breast from getting painfully swollen. I have not had any arm lymphedema. Knitting does not cause me any discomfort, but rather soothes me like no other activity. I would not be a happy woman if I could no longer knit.

I sympathize if you want to do it but feel that you cannot. Perhaps a physical therapist could advise you on being able to do it safely. I have heard other knitters talk about using circular needles which allow the weight of your project to sit in your lap and not to be suspended on the straight needles where you have to hold it up with your arms. I think the repetitive motion injuries happen when the action goes on and on too long. Could you do the knitting in small amounts, taking regular breaks for moving your arms and trunk to facilitate the lymph moving along?

I'm no expert, but I always think about myself that there must be some way to do what I want to do.

Good luck,
Mary

ravdeb

Kelly... your pictures of Teryn are great! We are watching her grow with each new one that you post. She's got lovely hair, too!

Seems that David's Christmas worked out. I always believe that we make the right choices and things will eventually fall into place. Give it all time...

Tracy..diamonds!!!! You sure have a special Santa!!!

Maryanne..congrats on your last herceptin!

Mary...
I had no idea...you had mentioned a while back about something and I felt you were telling us that something was missing in your relationship with dh. But..to learn of extra-marital activities...I'm so sorry about that.

I was just talking to my SIL about this and we agreed that having somebody "on the side" is very hurtful. Usually the wife is the last to know. I hope that counseling will be helpful and you can work together to rebuild and find that joy you had when you met. It's a big project.

Anonymous

ravdeb -
I am so sorry about your friend! This disease is such a beast....I am so very worried about Roza...it's all so upsetting. When I went for my 3 month Onc. visit last week, there was a woman getting blood taken at the same time as me. I see her there almost every time I'm there. She looked right at me and said: "I used to be dying to lose weight, now I'm losing weight and dying." I asked the nurse if she is dying and she said yes! God help us all...why, why, why...

Michele -
The photo of you and your Mom is so nice! Aren't Moms the best!

Kelly -
The photos are so cute! And the ones you posted in Moving Beyond...wow!

marymelodi -
I could not have received the slippers at a better time! Thank you so much. I LOVE them! The color is my absolute favorite and they're so soft. They are definitely going to the hospital with me tomorrow. I can't believe the surgery is tomorrow. I am really struggling with this still, but I can't turn back now. I am sad that you and your dh are having a hard time. I truly hope that whatever the outcome, that you'll be happy and content. I will keep you in my thoughts and I hope it helps you to know that we're all here for you, prn.

TaDah -
I'm spending New Year's Eve this year recooperating...boring! It's funny - pre-bc, I would never have worn a shirt like that or boots like that! I'm not as negative about my appearance anymore...ya only live once! In fact, I bought a fuscia bustier (sp?) from Victoria's Secret the other day. I am actually planning on wearing it under a jean jacket. Like my quote says: Women who behave...LOL

Laura

TracySeattle

Laura - YOU GO GIRL!!!!!

I find myself wearing black lace - never did that before! Why wait? LOL!!!!

debbie444

OK, not had time to read everyones posts yet, have dug the computer out from behind the present pile, Laura - thinking of you tomorrow. take Care and gentle Hugs
Debbie

Graycie

Ravdeb, I am so sorry you didn't get my card.........I wonder what happened to it?

Laura, I love cards too....Did your husband write that card? If so, how sweet.....I know you are probably nervous about tomorrow but before you know, it will be over and you can put it behind you......Here's a ((Hug))....

Maryanne, That is funny about the Turkey, sound's like you had a couple of fun days.

Amy, Once again I love the picture's. Still can't get over the hair. I will have to post some pictures again before I forget how to do it .I have no problem giving you my phone#, I will PM it to you and anyone else that wants it and my e-mail address. So do you celebrate both Christmas and Hanukkah?

Ravdeb, Is all your company gone? Hopefully you will be getting some much needed rest. I, like you, have been very tired lately. I am blaming it on the season. Not enough sunshine.....We are going out New Years Eve. What was I thinking? I hope I can stay awake...lol.

Michele, MIL was OK yesterday...When I got there she kept staring at me and then she said "go back blond when it get's a little longer." I said sorry this is "me". but, I do agree with her on that one. I don't know if I will go blond but I am definitely going to get hi-lights. I agree with Ravdeb, you look like your Mom....

Tracy, WOO, Diamonds and Black Lace.......Aren't you a lucky girl with the diamonds. Sound's serious to me...

Kelly, Love your pictures of Teryn and the kid's......24 kids, wow! That's a lot of kids. Where did you put them all?

Tadah, You have a Great New Years Eve....I bet you will be the life of the party........lol

Mary and Michele, I wasn't going to say anything but I also cried yesterday too...... My husband also gave me a touching card and all I could think of is I hope I am here next year at this time. I know I have to stop thinking that way. Mary, I am so sorry you are having a hard time in your marriage. It sound's like he wants to make things right again. If he is willing to go to counseling at least that is a start in the right direction.....Being unemployed doesn't help. That alone can put a strain on a marriage.......My husband is laid off now too.

Laura, You go girl with the Fuscia bustier....I need a binder......lol...

Debbie, I hope you had a nice Christmas and everyone else.........

Gail

RoseMarie

ok...I guess yesterday was a day for tears and joy for a lot of us. I really had 2 freak out moment3s yesterday. Just watching the kids, my dh, and loving my LIFE soooo much - I just really want to be around for a LOOOOONG time!!! I finally had to get a grip in bed last night, prayed for peace and was then able to sleep.

What a hoot MaryAnne - LOL - turkey with a lumpectomy!! The church service sounded beautiful, btw!
Love all the pics Kelly, Laura, and Michele!! Kelly, once again,Dave sounds like such a nice, sensitive guy!
Laura - you will be surrounded in prayers and angels tomorrow!!! I love you lots girlfriend!!
Mary - so sorry to hear about the troubles. I wish you all the best. You are sooooo sweet and deserve only the best!! While I'm on my knees, know that you're included too!!
Ravdeb, Tracy, Tadah, Brenda, Michele, Debbie, Victoria, Graycie and everyone else, sending hugs your way!!! Tracy - black lace and diamonds, woohoo!
My mom knits too and she knit Kiersten and her American doll matching outfits. Will take pics and post tomorrow....SOOOO cute!!!
Ok - just finished a large glass of wine...want some more but if I hang around this computer it may end up like Victoria's!!
No plans for New Year's yet...I can't imagine NOT doing something but at this rate, it will just be my dh and me watching the ball drop from our couch!! Does anyone else pop 12 grapes the last 12 seconds of the year?? That may just be a spanish thing.

Anonymous

It's almost midnight...I can't sleep...we have to leave for the hospital at 5am...I'm such a chicken shi#...I will take a Xanax...I will put on my big girl panties...I hope they work.

Laura

Anonymous

Good night, Laura. You'll be fine. We're all thinking of you.

Curlylocks

Hi Laura,

I'm also awake LOL. I am sending you big cyber hugs and healing thoughts that everything goes smoothly today.

Lots of Love
Michele Wenz

ravdeb

Laura..have been thinking of you all morning (Israeli time!). My angel is in my bag and I drove to the beach today to watch the amazing, amazing, amazing waves (DARN..where was my camera???)and I wished upon the waves all good things for you today!!!

It is rainy, windy and cold here (not my kind of day!)and that's why the waves were so majestic. I love when they put on such a show.

Rosemarie... a nice big glass of wine??? mmmmmmmmmmmmmm...my favorite!

Laura..you go girl with that bustier or however it is spelled! YES!

And Tracy..black lace AND diamonds..this woman is in LOVE!

Gail... I would NOT listen to your MIL about color of hair. Even if that is what you WANT to do!

My house is still filled with family. The kids are having a great time with their cousins. And Avi's one sister who is staying in with us (and her kids...other sister and kid are at my MIL's)is enjoying herself, sleeping late, visiting with her friends but mostly sitting with us and playing games with the kids.

My other SIL...she is too "into herself" and all she does is talk about herself and how "bubbly" she is compared to the rest of the family. I am not one to EVER judge anyone. I like everybody but this SIL...this is the first time that I've found I can't tolerate her selfishness. I used to be able to explain her selfishness but maybe because of my bc...not sure...but I can't explain it away anymore and I feel a bit guilty about it. I'm not the only one..she drives the entire family crazy. I guess there has to be one in every family!

Graycie

Good Morning everyone.......I am thinking of Laura, she must be in surgery now. Atleast she know's we are all there with her in spirit.

I hope everyone has a nice day!

Gail

ravdeb

Later in the day... thinking of you Laura. Hoping you are comfortable.

Anonymous

Tracy, that could be a complete outfit you know. Black lace with diamonds. I am sure TracyNY could tell you where to find the accessories!!

I forgot to tell you guys that Dave hunted high and low and got Teryn the nicest snow globe. She has been wanting one for a while now (last year it was on her list, too) and I couldn't find one that you'd want to keep forever! He found it. She was thrilled. He got her some little Pet Shop toys and a carry case for them. Mommy was happy with her diamond bracelet and perfume. Like I said, he is a good Santa.

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Laura, by the time you read this, you will be on your pain meds. I am thinking of you and all of us are praying for your speedy recovery. Can't wait to see you in January!

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Today, I go slogging down in the rain to Orange County for my bone density test. Hopefully, it's fine. I don't want to add more meds to the list. My MUGA results were in at the chemo center .... 54 !!! So, that's great news.

marymelodi

Thinking of Laura at 11 am EST. Hoping all is well.
Mary

TracyNY

Oh my, it slipped my mind that our Laura is going for some work today. She'll be just fine, I know it. Don't be a martyr honey, let the morphine take you away!

RoseMarie

Thinking of you too Laura!!!! ((((hugs)))

Here's Kiersten with her American girl doll. My mom knit matching outfits!

ravdeb

Rosemarie..how cute! Love it!!

Kelly..a diamond bracelet..wowie!!! I think I needed to go with a Dave/David! Actually, I DID! Plumb forgot! I was ENGAGED to a DAVID!!! HA!!! He gave me diamond earrings for Valentines Day one year. He gave me a diamond ring but I threw it at him and ran out!!! OMG..memories!!

Laura..haven't stopped thinking about our Laura. Praying for a fast healing and sending strength your way....

Graycie

I, like the rest of you can't get laura off my mind. Hopefully she is resting comfortably in recovery. I forgot to ask. Are they keeping her overnight? I know how these insurance co's are now-a-day's trying to get you up and out as soon as possible.

Kelly, What a lucky girl. I think I have to dump my husband and get a boyfriend, named Dave. lol

Rosemarie, Kiersten and her doll look adorable. Your Mom did a nice job on the outfit's.

ake

thinking of laura and knowing she will be okay. sending good vibes your way

maryannecb

Laura, hope all has gone well today. I am praying that your pathology will be great.

Take your pain meds and rest. If you are reading this, go back to bed.LOL.

Mary, I cried too on Xmas day. During Mass it was just so peaceful to be there with my family and I had the scarey thought...will I be here next year...I managed to chase it away and it has stayed away until today. I had to say good by to my brother and as I hugged him I wondered when I would see him again? Will I still be well?

All in all it was a happy Xmas with moments of doubt. So much better than last year.



Yup, had my last infusion today. My daughter came with me. She had never been to the Onc centre before so it was a bit of an eye opener. It felt great to leave the room, knowing(hoping, praying) I would not be back. Tonight I am going out to a restaurant to celebrate with my family.

Kelly so glad your MUGA was good. Next one done is Cathy, then you.

I feel a little worried as now I am done all meds. No antihormonal stuff for me. You have already dealt with this Ravdeb, did you feel cut off? A little abandoned? Or did you click your heels and say on with it. I don;t know how I will feel over the next few months,hopefully I can relax about being med free. I should be able to tell within a few months how I really feel-med-free. I hope some of my aches and pains will go away.

Love the pic of your daughter, Rosemarie. Your Mom ddid a great job on the sweaters. Michelle you and the dog look happy, I think he is smiling. As usual, teryn looks sweet. What was her favourite gift?

Fists up!

marymelodi

Oh, Mary Anne:
On my last radiation day I cried and cried. I did feel abandoned, cut off, and all alone in the big fight against cancer. It was a relief to go back for a check up 3 months later, actually. Those feelings reduced over time. Our group here has helped with the loneliness. Remember that all the healthy living principles- low fat, exercise, less stress, etc. are just as therapeutic as medications. Right?

Rosemarie:
Your mom did great with the outfits! So cute!

Ready to go home now. Praying Laura is OK.

Thanks to everyone for supportive comments the last day or so. I appreciate it very, very much.

Mary

Anonymous

Hope you got my email Mary......... we all love you very much!