2005 ROCK-TOBER CHEMO GIRLS

Graycie

Oh, BTW I am a red head now......I thought I could hi-light my own hair but something was wrong with the bleach or there is something wrong with my hair. It only went to the red stage, it wouldn't come up blond. I have been doing my own hair for years and this never happened. I have a brown rinse I think I will throw on in to tone it down a bit.

OH WELL.......Not too upset, it could be worse.

Anonymous

Graycie, Gail, Ruthie, Ruth -
A RED HEAD! Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm...that might be a good thing! My hair did some weird color things too for a while after chemo, maybe that's what caused the problem. Let us know how it turns out! I'm so happy you have hair to dye! Yay, hair! LOL Until recently Roy and I shared a computer. But now that I'm so busy with work, I can write it off, so he got his own. I asked him the other night how we ever managed with just one, so I know the feeling! In MX, we really don't know what he had. I think it was a parasite also, but how do you ever really know?! Since then, we have both been vaccinated for everything possible!...Hepatitis A&B, Typhoid, Rabbis, Meningitis, Yellow Fever, Tet. Diptheria, Polio... I'm not sure what my Mom and I are going to do this year...my sister is being a meanie, and said the girls can only go on vacation if it's during their spring break, but everything is sold out for that week. I'm pretty sad, because this will be the first time in 4 years that me, my Mom, Sydney, Shelby and Nicole aren't going to MX. I really love showing the girls different parts of MX and they loved to learn about the culture, the food, the historical sites, etc. Oh well...but, my Mom and I may go to AZ to visit my Aunt Charlotte...we'll see. There's a great Hyatt there called the Gainey Ranch - I would love for my Mom to experience a few days there, it's quite awesome. We'll see.
Laura

Graycie

Graycie,Gail, Ruthie, Ruth, yep that is me......lol

Laura, I think you are right about the chemo changing the way our hair react's to the color. I heard that from someone else too before. It has toned down and it really isn't too red anymore just a few spots. Actually it's not too bad until the rinse washes out........HA....Then they can just call me Lucy...lol. So you can add that to my list of names........heeee

That's too bad about your trip with your nieces and your Mom. AZ might be fun, I have never been there.

Amy, If you are reading the post's are you getting ready for "Desperate Housewives?"

Paula15089

Hi girls,
I just got back from being away for a couple of days. Thank you, thank you, thank you for all your wishes and virtual cakes!! i did have plenty of real ones, too...
I havent had a chance to look through all the posts, but just wanted to drop in and thank you all.
And Debbie, thanks so much, i got your card just in time!!

love you all,
Paula
xxx

ravdeb

Paula..Hope you had a great time away for your birthday!

Debbie..hope things are improving at your house..I'm assuming that was a typo or miscalculation as to the fever???

Gail (I think you are a good Graycie, though)..they do radiation for uterine cancer..looked it up. So, maybe that is what the gyne. told her but she didn't understand. At any rate..she wants her independence and knows she can call me if she needs me. Can't do more than that!

My back is killing me..I have lower back pain that is in a specific spot and hurts if I move a certain way. I think that is the herniated disc pain. But my upper back hurts continually no matter how I sit, stand or lay..it's like spread out and last night I was really uncomfortable and actually got out of bed and used my Ventolin which is for my asthma attacks only (I used a preventative thing daily)because I felt like everything was tightening up and I couldn't breathe. I mean..I COULD breathe..no wheezing or anything like that. Actually, my asthma is borderline and I cough more than have wheezing and then..this rarely happens anymore because of the the other meds I'm on. So, I am paniking now (which could be the problem) and thinking I've got lung mets. I'm off to my onc tomorrow so I will report all of this to her. I'm probably exaggerating and it was from the way-too-strong coffee I drank (though only had half of a small cup of it) yesterday evening.

debbie444

I am back. No - it was 106F - last night was better, we kept it down to 104F. Yet again, i couldnt get a DR out - this one diagnosed it as the 'real'flu and warned me that tonight would be probably the same. You really cant take a kid to A&E on a weekend night - it would be full of drunks and fighters. Ihave no fault with our heallth service - until it comes to getting a GP out of hours. Dont know what its like there but our procedure is like this.
If the Gp is shut ( dont work past 6 or weekends - not bad for £120,000 a year!) you phone their number and get put through to the governments latest brainstorm idea - NHS Direct. There, you give all of your details to a receptionist miles away , they log it and either tell you to go away, or tell you tosit tight and a nurse practioner will ring you back - within 2 hours.
Then the nurse rings back, takes all of the details again and decides whether you need a Dr. She then passes your details to a Dr who will'ring within 2 hrs' AAAARGGGGGHHHH
Then the Dr, who is covering your surgery, rings back and decides whether he will tell you where he is ( because he wont be at the surgery) The past 2 nights it has been a local Dr by the accent - some surgeries in Britain are flying Drs in from Europe to cover out of hours shifts. How bizarre is that!!??

Deb - glad you can already think it is the coffee - i am sure it is.
Paula - glad you had a good one!!
Wayhay - Red Ruthie !! I have a hair app this Fri to put red in , just hope everyone is well enough for me to go.

Dad still in hospital, he had a temp of 108.8F when they took him in. He thought he had a cold and coldsores - he had pnemonia, fever and dehydration. I am hoping th eward staff will let me in tomorrow to see him.
Brenda - hope your Mum is OK

Hi to everyone!!
Debbie

Graycie

Debbie, Oh my, it is getting worse. Your Dad's temp was 108.8? I have to think that maybe your thermometers have to be different than our's. I never heard of such a high temperature. Boy, I sure would hate to get sick on a weekend in England.

Ravdeb, I hope you feel better.

Paula, Glad you had a nice birthday. Sorry my card didn't get there yet.

They are calling for more snow,actually another storm tomorrow so now I have a decision to make about work. I guess I will go to the farthest job today. I guess I better get going.

debbie444

Graycie Ruthie Gail, no the thermometres are the same - its my family you are talking about now!! In fact the more i think about it, its not just me - we are all the same.
It wasnt me that had her skull fractured by a race horse ( my sister)
It wasnt me who had the car set on fire at the end of the raod as they set off on holiday ( my brother)
It wasnt me that nearly had their head chopped off (really) when the van they were driving rolled down an embankment, trapping their necj in the door - 148 stitches (brother again)
It wasnt me who got her hand stuck in a till drawer and had to have th efire brigade come to get her out ( that was so funny) (sister)
It wasnt me who had their eyebrows blown off ( my dad)
Or got taken to hospital with his arm stuck in a bus seat up to the elbow ( dear daddy again)
Or had a heart attack half way up sugar loaf mountain in Brazil, changed cable cars and wouldnt let the paramedics bring me down until i had reached the top and seen the statue of Christ ( dad yet again)
It wasnt me who was kept in hospital for weeks with a rare skin condition that turned out to be an allergy to the hospital sheets ( nephew)
It wasnt me that fell from a quad bike, needing 15 stitches in a place the sun dont shine ( other nephew)
It wasnt me that flew to Athens for a football match , to be told on the plane that it had been brought forward a day, or flown to Madrid for a football match only to get there to be told it had been cancelled ( brother and nephew)
It wasnt me that went to Holland to see the bog bodies ( dont ask) to find that the two weeks they were there the bog bodies were on a tour of Canada (sister and family)

It was me however who smokedamaged th entire house , going to bed forgetting i was making turkey soup.
It was me who kicked a can of gloss paint down the stairs whilst 'just touching in a few scratches'
It was me who cut a hole in my cat (sorry Molly) while trying to cut out a lug - try explaining that one to the vet.
It was me who got caught up in a kidnapping plot whilst at Primary school.
It was also me that , when i was a safe key holder for the bank i worked at, managed to sell my car, with the safe key in it.

You cant make this stuff up can you!
See its in my genes!

Anonymous

Debbie -
All I can say is OMG!
Laura

ravdeb

Debbie..it's amazing you and your family are around to tell the stories!!! I'm interested in the kidnapping story!

I cannot believe somebody is still alive with such high fevers. Really..have never heard this before. I hope they improve soon. Kinda worried over here in this part of the world. That is a strange way to work a health system. I know that we have it good here but never realized HOW good!

Speaking of which..I tried to call the onc's office today to see which doctor I'll be seeing tomorrow. They didn't answer but shortly after that they called me to tell me that I've been switched to the new onc on staff. When I stepped in there a few weeks ago to ask about the doctors, the onc nurse told me this doctor was good. So, I am not too unhappy about it. My dh isn't happy. He said I should get to see the other onc I saw in Oct. But, I know that she will be there and if this new onc doesn't seem good for me, I'll tell the other onc.

I walked the beach today and ran into a woman I know. She was telling me that here in the Technion University (school of engineering..my dh graduated from there) they are doing a study about head colds. They said that if you get one really good (bad) head cold a year, it's very healthy. Every time you blow your nose, you get rid of cancer cells. Well..that's the study they are doing. That's what she said. I never get colds so I guess I won't be getting rid of any cancer cells.

TracyNY

Debbie: You need to write a book. Wow! You all must sit around and die laughing when you recollect these incidents!

I went to sewing class and we're making a skirt. A rather plain skirt so I reckon it shouldn't be too hard. We pinned the pattern and cut the fabric yesterday after learning how to follow the instructions.

I almost had to get bailed out of jail yesterday, I saw the furniture man in the street and I hopped out of my car like the FBI and damn near put him in a chokehold! I am so sick of him. What's a girl to do?!

ravdeb

Tracy NY..good luck with your skirt! It reminds me of Home Ec. class when I was in jr. high. we made shifts. Do you remember those kind of simple summer dresses. I suffered through it. I finished it at home, swearing under my breath as I put the zipper in. I do NOT like sewing but totally am impressed with those who do.

Glad you held on tight and didn't choke the guy and you are not in jail. LOL.

Anonymous

TaDah -
OMG - I can just picture you "jumping" the furniture dude! Although, I'm sure you're not the first. LOL This would be a funny sitcom - "The Furniture Dude" - it could be all about him getting chased and beat up by customers! LOL

ravdeb -
I hate putting in zippers too! I always make things that have buttons or velcro! I'm worried...I never get heads colds either !

TracySeattle

TracyNY - we can collect bail for you if you ever do get arrested for acosting the drunkard furniture man! We are here for you, sister!

Debbie - OMG your family cracks me up (actually sounds like they are good at cracking themselves up - LOL). I hope your dad and dd are feeling better.

PAULA - HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! Hope you had a great one!

I am thinking of dying my hair a medium brown - just a change from blonde. Not sure yet, still thinking....

I am having a VERY HARD time not telling Dave about his Valentine Surprise. I came SO CLOSE this weekend and I just had to keep talking myself into waiting! He is picking me up from work and we are going to one of his Fav restaurants for Valentines dinner, so he won't get his present until we get home from dinner.

We bought an Antique Desk on Friday (well, it was made in 1941 - not sure if that qualifies for Antique). We bought it on Craig's List. Nice sturdy desk and really pretty once we oiled the wood..... Now I am working on "building" my craft room/office.

Gail, Graycie, Ruthie, Ruth - Hi!

Victoria, Tori, Ria, Ronnie - Hi!

**POUT** **sniff** I have always wanted a nickname - but have none. I am feeling very deprived! You both have COOL nicknames and many of them!!!

Amy - so glad to see you - hope you are having a great time living life!

Hi Everyone else - Happy Monday!

ravdeb

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/823791.html

The woman I met on the beach told me to read this article. So, I found it on-line...I found some of it to be obvious but some of it to be a bit weird...See what you all think. Some of it you can skim through, that's for sure. I'm not sure I like this woman..that's my opinion.

linny

Hi everybody,

Isaac is doing better - by Sat. morning he was more himself, eating and drinking again. His head is still swollen, and he is pale and tired, but he is sleeping better and not unhappy. My daughter Devorah went to help for a few days. She is very close to all the kids (she is 24).

Ravdeb, my late father in law had colon cancer when he was over 80. They did not suggest chemo because of quality of life, and he lived for 3 years (w. colostomy) relatively well. A close friend's father had brain radiation for cancer, and the effects were awful, he suffered badly (also over 80) - it does not seem worthwhile for older people.

Isaac's surgeon told my daughter the youngest child he has done an implant for was 6 months and the oldest person a 92 year old woman, who could not hear her grandkids, and wanted to be able to. We thought that was so funny.

I have not started the Lipitor - I am upset about it - I have muscle aches already from Tamoxifen, do I want more?! Did I write that the doctor told me that my chances of having a "major cardiac event" are 4%. I laughed - my chances of cancer recurrence and death are higher than that.

Linda

debbie444

Well if thats the case, i must have got rid of all of my cancer cells and a couple of dozen other peoples as well!!

The kidnapping - well, here goes!!
I was in Y5 (9yrs to 10yrs) and it was our first day to go swimming, which we had to do at another school as ours didnt have a pool. We set off on the bus but the bus broke down about 1/2 mile from school ( see i am involved already!) Being as this was before mobile phones, one teacher took some kids back to school and another teacher took some on to the baths to explain what was happening.
In the mean time, someone had rung my mum and dad saying that they had snatched me and to await instructions or they would get me back in little bits. Mum and Dad rang the police, who rang school ,who said i wasnt there. Then they contacted swimming , who said i wasnt there either. On the way back to school we were passed by a fleet of police cars with the sirens going. As we strolled leisurely into the playground we were met by the sight of the entire school out on the yard being head counted by staff and police. Well i got the rest of the day off and a ride in a police car out of it but i remember being miffed at having to go home as we were going to play netball that day.
Now, as a parent and a member of school staff, I realise what it must have been like for everyone!!

I used to love sewing things , only now it hardly seems worth the time wrestling with th dreaded zipper foot when clothes cost so little!!
Tracey - we will have to make you a nickname - it seems unfair that we gave Delightful Dave one and not you.

Debbie

debbie444

Linda - we were posting at the same time, so glad to hear about Isaac

chumfry

TracySeattle, maybe we could call you AquaGirl.

Debbie, I couldn't help it. Started laughing about midway through your list and couldn't stop. It's definitely genetic!

Re sewing: Not only do I not do zippers, I don't even do buttons. Elastic waist shorts are as complicated as I get!

Anonymous

Laura said she got vaccinated from these:

Quote:

---

Hepatitis A&B, Typhoid, Rabbis, Meningitis, Yellow Fever,

---

I guess those Rabbis in Mexico are fiercely looking for converts!! It will be safe for Laura to go to Israel and not get attacked by a rabbi!!

ravdeb

OMG Kelly..that is toooooooooooooo funny!!!! There is a magazine that I used to get and on the last page they had stuff like this..I should send it in!!! I'm ROFL!!!!!

Linda..I'm thrilled to hear about Isaac. May he continue to heal. And..thanks for that story...you are right..they don't usually give chemo to older people. Too hard on them.
As for the Lipitor. Before I got on the computer I went back to read what it says side effects are for the statin I'm taking..similar to Lipitor and it does mention muscle aches..wonder if that is what is causing my muscle ache in my back? I mean..maybe that is what it is..muscle ache. I hate it. It's making me nuts! And only 4% chance of heart attack? Well, they told me I was high risk for stroke and my second opinion told me I needed these things...

Debbie..that is quite a story about the kidnapping. Your parents must have been out of their mind with worry! But..who made the phone call???

Well, Cindy..I do not sew. I staple and tape but do not sew!

marymelodi

Hello to all;
I was out of communication since Friday and have jsut caught up on all the messages.

First, Paula, late but heartfelt good wishes for you birthday. May your dreams all come true and may you find success, happiness, and fulfillment this year of your life. Can't wait to meat you in person.

Love the nicknames . . . when I was a very little girl my favorite uncle began to call me "Butch". I have no idea why. But, he is the only one who ever called me that name and that has always been a special little thing between us. Otherwise, I never had other nicknames. At work every one calls me "Mary" and occasionally someone shortens even that to "Mare". I don't really like it, but I don't complain.

Debbie: Your family has quite the life. Hope everyone is feeling better soon.

Michele: hope you are getting back to your usual self, also.

Kelly: How was build-a-bear? I wish I could go there.

Amy: greetings to you, sweetie! Hope you are feeling well and life is good.

Graycie: I've received several calls asking if we are buried in snow. The worst snow is about 100 miles north-east of us, on the eastern shore of Lake Ontario and then going southward toward Syracuse. We just have normal snow and ice. Hope it warms up a little, though. I hope you don't get it too badly.

Laura: too bad about your vacation with your nieces. You see alot of them though, don't you? You and your mom will have a nice time what ever you do, I think. Thanks for putting together all the travel information.

TracySeattle: Have a wonderful Valentines!! We're rooting for your romance to continue in happiness.

TracyNY: good luck with sewing. I learned when I was about 12 years old. One summer I rode the bus downtown, alone (I thought I was so grown up), to the big department store where they were giving lessons. I was experienced at sewing by the time I got to home ec in junior high and could do nicer projects than the other students. I hope youwill reall enjoy this skill when you have mastered it. You can really save money for yourself with sewing skills.

I got a video series from the library about New York this weekend and as I've been watching it I've thought of you living in that amazing city.

Ravdeb: blessings and admiration to you.

Victoria: best wishes to you, also. I like Victoria as a name. What do you wish to be called?

Rosemarie: Good luck in you next phase of life. I admire teachers so much and love all the ones that I know personally.

MaryAnne: Good wishes to you, also. How are your kids and yourself?

Cathy: safe travels to you.

Brenda: love the pictures of Angus. What a sweet dog he seems to be.

I feel I may have forgotten someone but I must get back to work so I will end here. So grateful for our friendships and connections. My life is richer with all of you in it.

Mary

debbie444

Perhaps Deb needs that injection to protect her against that thoughtless man she met. Either that or we could give him a badge that says'furniture restorer' and let Tracey get him!

Anonymous

Kelly -
You are soooooooooooooooooooo funny, maybe you should take your show on the road! LOL Okay fine...be that way! LOL hey, give me a break...I had two glasses of wine in me while I was keying that!
Laura

debbie444

Deb - the guy who made the call was a weirdo who had seen my picture in a local paper , then traced my parents through the phone book. That was before everyone thought about not putting both names in print.
This was taken just before Catherine got ill, when Roger took them sledging.It was just as the snow was disappearing so was part snow, part sludge!
As you can see, we dont do cheetah but Catherine is partial to a bit of Dalmation

ravdeb

Yea..sure..Laura...always trying to cover up!! LOL

RoseMarie..I am wishing you good luck on your job search. I know the feeling..I think that once you get back on the job, you will be happy. It's hard to go back after having taken a break. I know that. I took my break from teaching and am enjoying just doing stuff with no set schedule. Guess that's why my new business is taking a while to get off the ground. But, I need to make some money so I gotta get going. However..that woman I met on the beach..she told me that I look so much more "serene" now!!

ravdeb

Debbie..we posted at the same time. What a great picture! Love it!
That is scary about the kidnapping...Well..at least it really didn't happen...
But this does remind me of when we used to make phoney phone calls when I was a kid. OMG..my girlfriend's older brother was sooooooooooo funny. We would laugh all night long but I'm sure we annoyed everybody we called...

TracySeattle

Caller ID has wrecked all of our Prank Calling fun of the past! LOL!

Anonymous

Love the animal print hat!!

Anonymous

ravdeb -
Rabie Wannabe LOL