2005 ROCK-TOBER CHEMO GIRLS

Anonymous

Why Wait

Picture it perfect
Don't hesitate to live your dreams
It's more than worth it
If you know what you wanna be

WHY WAIT?
WHEN NOW IS THE RIGHT TIME
TODAY COULD JUST PASS YOU BY.
WHY WAIT?
IT'S YOUR TURN, IT'S YOUR LIFE
THE FUTURE IS WHAT WE MAKE
SO WHY WAIT?

You've gotta reach out
and see the world is in your hands
I know how
just gotta go for it take a chance

[repeat chorus]

OHH...AQUI ESTAS CONMIGO
(OH YOU'RE HERE RIGHT NOW)
PARA VIVIR Y CUMPLIR TUS SUENOS
(GO FOR THE DREAM THAT
YOU'VE ALWAYS HAD)
Y LUCHAR POR LO QUE HAS QUERIDO
(CAUSE YOU DECIDE WHEN AND HOW IT TURNS OUT)
ENCUENTRA TU LUZ........SIGUE, VIVE
SIN MIEDO
(SO SHINE YOUR BRIGHTEST
...NEVER HOLD BACK)
WHY WAIT...YOU'RE READY TO DO THIS
NO WAY...YOU CAN EVER BE STOPPED

[REPEAT CHORUS]

----------
And appropriately, these Cheetah Girls mix Spanish and English together like our chica Xgirl!!

cathy987

Kelly

Love the song. Haven't had time to post like I would like to but not waiting to say once again. Yes!! to Aug 25/26. I'll probably drive. As of yet have nothing to wear. (Cheetah that is) but have lots of time.

Miss you all.

ravdeb

Hey Cathy..glad to see you here. I missed you!Cathy..I'm still looking for cheetah wear for the Fest as well. Socks will not do!

Mary..be sure to mark me down for the weekend. If some of you are arriving on Thurs. then I'll be sure to arrive in Chicago on Thurs. too.

Kelly..love the song!
As for your David... I think you are very right in stating what you think. It's important to get this out in the open now. Do you know about the book "he's not really into you"? I'm not saying that David isn't into you, but one of the things in that book (heard it on Oprah) was that when somebody is really "into you" they find the time to spend with you. Remember that. On the other hand..when you have kids and other obstacles...

Make sure it's clear to you!!!! (and to him)

Laura..that sounds wonderful..what a great get away! I'm so jealous!!!

Cindy... I have been feeling loose hairs suddenly too. But..not quite as much as you are describing. I had that after my hair first grew in, though. I thought I was losing it about a month after I was done with my Taxol. It had begun to grow back during Taxol so I thought they were playing a cruel trick on me. But it stopped falling out as quickly as it started. Now, I just get some strays coming out but it does happen sometimes with a gentle pull. However, I had a problem with hair falling out before I was diagnosed (still had a lot of hair, though) and so I'm probably just returning to that again. Good luck!

Anonymous

You can probably get a better deal by booking your flight and hotel as a package...like at Expedia.com or one of those, or check with a travel agent. We did our trip to CA that way and our flight was only $210 round trip. So check into that. I will get back to you tonight re: hotel ideas. I have to run out to my Naturopath appt. I'm soooooooooooooooo late!

chumfry

Thanks for the info on hair. My mom's hair thinned after menopause so maybe that's what's happening. But I know exactly what she would say to me.

Me: "When I tug on my hair, some of it falls out."
Mom: "Well, then, STOP tugging on your hair!"

marymelodi

This is the list of attendees so far:
Mary
Cindy
Tracy
Rosemarie
Laura
Maryanne
Ravdeb
Victoria
Michelle
Kelly
Cathy


Let's see who else is going to attend.
Mary

marymelodi

I signed up today for a week of vacation from August 22 to 28 so I will have the time to attend our gathering in Chicago.

Mary

Anonymous

Dev, I know what you mean, those are my thoughts but .... I also know that he was abandoned at age 5, the oldest of 5 children and he remembers when his dad said he'd be right back and left the house. That was the last time he saw his dad, his mom had already gone. He doesn't even remember how long he was left in that apartment with his bros and sisters. His life was never the same and he grew up in foster homes. When his family broke it was devastating to him to have his daughter deal with it. I understand that. I have compassion for that. He doesn't even need to explain it to me. But it's happened and he needs to learn that if he is going to get what he says he wants and that is to get married again, well, he will have to learn to find the balance with me in the picture or I will back out of the picture all together. And David is the kind of guy who "gets it" so we will see how he learns to work it out. But that is what dating is for.....if it doesn't work out, it doesn't and it should never be forced.
-------
Laura, glad you are going to get a fun vacation!!!

Paula15089

i like the idea of getting a big room for a few of us. Maybe a 3-bedroom appartment or something like that?
I am a tentative 'yes' at this stage! But a lot will depend on finances and available seats on the flights (I travel on a standby basis)

Anonymous

As I key this...I am on the phone with the Hyatt Regency Chicago...I'm talking about prices, etc. There's 2 other hotels that I will call after this. I'll keep you posted. I went to Expedia.com and did a test click on (Vacation Packages):

For Example:

I keyed in

Depart from Seattle 8/23 - morning
Arrive Chicago, O'Hare

Depart from Chicago 8/26 evening
Non-stop flights

Stay at Hyatt Regency Chicago

Price- $696

I also did the same search at Travelocity and their price is $683!

This price for air and hotel is FAB! JMO The hotel is awesome. I have stayed there several times when I've gone to downtown parties. Expedia and Travelocity only get to offer a certain number of rooms, and they didn't know how many were available through Expedia. So my advice is to book now so you all have a good chance of getting the vacation package price. Between the two, I'm confident there will be enough rooms for all of you. If both run out of rooms, you can book directly with the hotel ($179 per night), but you would have to book your flight through the airline. I don't think this will be the case. And Expedia and Travelocity are cheaper than booking a group of rooms directly with the hotels.

Also, there's a shuttle service available from the airport to the hotel and back. You each would have to make a reservation. I will give you all the details if you want them. The shuttle is nicer than a taxi cab. Per person it is $25 one way and $46 if you do the return also. For 2 people it's $18 per person and 3 or more it's less.

And...The Hyatt has a suite that we could rent for Friday night for $179 (although I will negotiate that down )We can split it, it won't be that much then! If we don't go with the Hyatt, I will check to make sure whatever hotel we choose can accomodate our pj party.

Other possible hotels for you all to look at on Expedia or Travelociity:

Seneca Hotel

Best Western of chicago

Whew...

Let me know what you think. If you want lower room rates, we can certainly take a look at that too.

Later I have to post about my HORRIFIC appt with a Naturopath this afternoon! Yikes - I escaped-literally, ran for my car, and took off like a bat out of hell! The story is incredible. LOL

Anonymous

I am thinking I am going to call my timeshare company and see what they have to offer. It's part of the Wyndham group, so I may be able to swap out and not pay for hotel.

Can't wait to hear about your story, now that we know you've escaped it will be fun to listen to your wild story. You must have had on your cheetah boots so you could run fast!!

Curlylocks

I'm definitely in for weekend of Aug 25, just eating dinner now....been busy.

Going to check out prices, will be back....

Michele Wenz

Curlylocks

Did a quick check of packages using hotel.com and the price is pretty good!

Best Western oF Chicago - $1,093.41 CDN for 2 night stay including flight

Seneca - $910.81 - same as above

Hyatt Regency Chicago - $803.49!!

Laura, how close are these hotels to each other and proximity to airport, your place?

Getting excited.

Have to go and organize myself for my seminar which is Wed-Friday this week.

Love to you all, cant wait to meet each of you in person.

Michele

Anonymous

I had an appt with a Naturopath this afternoon. I was going so she could help me the pain I still have from the Mast. (although it has subsided quite a bit from last week). I got her name and number through my insurance company. It's a very well known, reputable company. So, I mapquested the drive there. I was keeping my eyes open for an office, but there were only houses. So, I thought, no problem...never had an appt in someone's house, but thought it would be okay. I walk up the front stairs to the porch. I couldn't find the doorbell because there was junk everywhere! Boxes of garbage and just plain junk! I knocked on the door and this very creepy man answered, said she was with a patient and that I should come in and sit down. I looked around the house and was speechless. There was junk everywhere! The dining room table was covered, stacked about 4' high with junk! There was 3 very large bird cages with cockatiels in them and there was bird crap all over the floor along with feathers and bird seed. She had about 10 hanging plants and all the plants were half dead or half alive whichever way you want to look at it. I looked up at the ceiling fan and there was about 30 flies swarming around it. FLIES in the middle of winter...huh, never saw that before? I kept thinking that if her house was like this, I didn't want her touching me. I can only imagine what the room she does her Aromatherapy in looks like. The guy left the room, and I tip-toed to the front door and opened it. They had a long strand of bells hanging on the doorknob and as soon as I opened it they all started clanging. My heart skipped a beat. I kept going though. Ran to my car, got in and high tailed it out of there. I drove to a gas station and called Roy and told him the story. He was shocked. Part of me says I over reacted, but what kind of medical professional would work in that type of an environment! When I got home there was a message from her. She said she was surprised that I disappeared and she thought that maybe I left because I was allergic to the birds. She said to call to re-schedule! Do you think I should call my ins. com. and tell them about this? Would you have trusted her, or would you have left too? The whole thing was bizarre and creepy.

And to make matters worse, I had a huge argument with my sister this morning! She and I are total opposites - always have been and always will be! Oh well...

Laura

maryannecb

Laura...hmmmmm, I DIDN'T EVEN HAVE TO THINK ABOUT IT. I was running with you out that door. I am all for alternative medicine but OK even their offices need to be professional. Your chest will get better, I mean only a month ago your breast was removed. It HURTS to do that. It is not like an abd incision,with that a cut is made, then repaired. During a mastectomy the breast tissue has to be sheared away from the skin and the underlying muscle. Picture all the nerve endings. Once healing takes place it will get better.Give it some time, be patient. Take something to help you sleep if you need it.

Fists up!

Anonymous

maryanne -
Thanks...you are sooooo right, I picture my nerve endings being all freaked out and they don't have anything to do, other than cause pain! LOL I hope your wound is doing well too! I love the color of your walls in the photos!

Michele -
To answer your quest...I am about 25 miles from the hotel. Downtown Chicago is about 15 miles from the airport.

EVERYONE -
Once you all have your flights booked, I will be able to pick some of you up at the airport and take you to your hotel (depending on your flight times). Also, just fyi...I sent Sherry a birthday card.

Graycie -
Where are you?

Laura

Anonymous

I was thinking that you made a great decision to run! I would call the insurance people tomorrow, for sure and then let them know that the place is not very clean and certainly not worthy of a recommendation.

On the other hand, I was looking for some comfortable bras out there for you



or you could go the boring route:


or take a walk on the wild side"

RoseMarie

Oh my Laura! I would've taken off too!!!!!! No way did you overreact, IMO! ewwww! I would definitely contact the insurance co. That is soooo disgusting!!!!

will have to come back later...

Anonymous

I forgot to tell you all that Teryn lost her first tooth. Tonight, I will be playing the Tooth Fairy!

TracySeattle

Oh Laura! How AWFUL - I would have taken off outta there too!! I do think you should tell your insurance company. That is disgusting!

I hope we all stay at the same hotel so that we can visit each other's rooms in our jammies and hang ou
t together! So, the Hyatt sounds good to me - but let me know the final choice because I don't want to end up somewhere all by myself!

Paula15089

wow those hotel prices are high... have you guys checked out websites like wotif.com? There are a few out there for last minute deals. The downside is that we have to wait and then run the risk of not getting anything.

just thought i post a couple of pics from last weekend. There are some stunning beaches outside of Sydney:

Anonymous

kelly -
OMG - you are soooooooooooooooooooooooo funny! Of course I want to take a walk on the wild side! OMG - LOL Congrats to Teryn - how exciting for a kid and a Mom! I'm exhausted...that escape was tiring! LOL

Laura

ravdeb

Have no time to write..gotta go take MIL to meet dh so he can take her to the hearing clinic.

Wherever you all decide to stay, I'm in. Paula..hotels are expensive in downtown Chicago. The other idea is to stay away from the city. Maybe it's cheaper in Oak Park, Laura? I will check it out. There are some really quaint places to stay there and walking distance to the train. I'll find out if it's cheaper than the middle of downtown.

Congrats to Teryn!!! It took years for my youngest to realize there was no tooth fairy. Keep the secret!

Laura..that was a horrendous story and something that you should tell on OPRAH!!!! Thank goodness you ran outa there fast. I would have done the same, believe me!

Gotta run.

ravdeb

Paula..love the photos of the water. My favorite spot!

marymelodi

I'd be in favor of slightly less expensive accomodations. The range I'd be looking at would be $600 to $800 for the 3 nights (Thu-Fri-Sat). Were those package deals including the air fare? In that case, maybe it's not as bad as I first thought. $800 for round trip and the 3 nights seems better to me. I have no strong feeling about being in downtown vs. in the suburbs. I know the public transportation is good for getting into the center of the city. If we settle on a hotel, then should we all book separately, or would the hotel let us book under a group name of some kind so we would all get rooms in close proximity to each other? I've never done anything like this, so I have no idea how anything works.
Mary

RoseMarie

Wow - was going through withdrawals when I couldn't get on here today!!
Paula - beautiful pictures!!
Kelly/Teryn - Congrats!! Is it not sooo much fun???
Laura - hope you're having a better day!! Lol!!

I feel like I'm in a snow globe! It has been soooooooo cold and right now we're having flurries - so pretty!

It doesn't matter to me where we stay - in town, out of town...what matters to me is seeing all of you!

Lots of love!! Have a great night...

Anonymous

Paula, lovely pictures, thank you for sharing.

Dev, when I venture to the beach next time, I will take photos for you!

After the end of this month, I will start looking into my time share to see if there is anything local in Chicago.

Rosemarie, even though you have snow, it's so cold here in California again. We had rain and it's cold and wet!! And yes, this time in her life is so much fun for me.

My parents really love re-living their lives with my daughter. My mom flew in this afternoon and Teryn is so excited to have her Nana here.

Love to everyone, have to get ready for a short date with David. ...... tomorrow is a work night and I have a free babysitter.

Anonymous

mary - EVERYONE -
Those rates were for air AND hotel for TWO people, when keyed in at expedia, and keep in mind that Seattle is a lot farther from chicago than buffalo. But I suggested that each of you key in your own itinerary, with the hotels I listed in my post to get your exact quote. But MAKE SURE YOU CLICK ON THE WORDS "VACATION PACKAGES" located in the bar across the top, then click on flight+hotel. This is just a starting point. I thought the consensus was downtown. My original idea was to stay closer to me (which is a little less expensive and only about 15 miles from the airport), at perhaps the Marriott Lincolnshire Resort (not Courtyard by Marriott Lincolnshire). It's pretty nice, lots of wooded areas with a pond. It has a restaurant too. I'm fairly certain they would have a suite available for us for the pj party. But I can call in the morning and check. But maybe if we got ajoining rooms, we could save money and just hop around from room to room - just a thought. As I originally offered, I would be happy to pick up some of you from the airport and take you to the hotel (especially with it being out towards my way), but there is limo service also available ($35.) and rental cars. There's a quaint little shopping town nearby called Long Grove. It has lots of little boutiques (affordable "stuff") a restaurant on a pond and an Apple Haus that serves home-made apple pie, coffee, etc. For those staying beyond Sunday, there's a brand new water park with water slides, Deer Park Mall (lots of great stores) and an antique mall about 7 miles away. But, if you all key in your itinerary and downtown prices are okay, that will work as well. Think about what your expectations are: the hustle and bustle of the city or something more layed back and quiet. I'm fine with whatever the consensus is. Check out the hotels I listed in my post above and also check out the Marriott Lincolnshire and see what you think. There's plenty to choose from, I'm glad we're starting so early with this! LOL By July we should have it figured out! LOL If any of you want to call me for more info - please don't hesitate. Once it's all booked, we can sit back, relax, and order cheetah pj's!

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

OMG - Today I went for my Prosthetics fitting and for bras to hold them in (at Nordstroms). My Ins. paid for it all. But - while I was there, I bought a cheetah print bathing suit to bring to Mexico and it has three pink bows on it! Pink Cheetah rules! I am sad though, because my a** has gotten really big from the frickin' Tamoxifen, but atleast I'm alive, right! OMG - LOL - OMG
Laura

scottishlass

Hello everyone,

Seem to have lost the last couple of weeks as have had a "bug" - cannot shake it off - however the kids are down with it too. Had two great nights out planned and had to miss both of them. Gosh - this has turned into a right winge - sorry about that.
Glad to see your plans for the weekend are coming together. I am not sure about getting over - and having read the last 10 pages of mails - it will be interesting to see how many of you would understand MY accent.
Anyway - just thought I would say hi and I promise the next time I mail that I will try and be more up-beat
Cheers Jill

Anonymous

Paula -
Your photos are great! You live in a really beautiful part of the world...My dh scuba dives and your country is top priority on our list of places to visit...maybe next year. He wants to scuba the Barrier Reef, (while I shop for cheetah treasures)!
Laura