2005 ROCK-TOBER CHEMO GIRLS

Anonymous

Yikes, where do I begin...

ravdeb -
Muy Bien! What is Aroz Con Pollo? I think Pollo is chicken...I'm impressed with your espanol, senorita! You survived another mammo...and I'm wishing the very best for your friend.

TaDah -
Wow! You look GREAT! And the other girls too! Sounds like you had lots of fun. btw...I used my lip balm, all four shades, poolside every day, and loved them. Roy appreciated my lusciously moisturized lips! LOL

Paula -
How exciting! Dragon boats in your area...I'm sure maryanne can give you some tips! You are going to love it! I hope they don't have dragon boats in Debbie's town! LOL

Debbie -
The forensic idea sounds good...or how about a gangster type look (like ravdeb suggested) with a dark suit (pin-striped preferably - ala - Al Capone), top hat and dark sun glasses and a big fat stogie! Knowing you though...whatever you conjure up...Mark will fit right in.

Michele -
On Tuesday Roy did a two tank dive. When we first met years ago, we went to the Cayman Islands for 10 days solely for the purpose of me spending 5 of the days in scuba class there and becoming certified. I found out real quickly that I have claustrophobia! I had a panic attack in the pool during class! So unfortunately, I never did get certified. It's upsetting, because I know Roy would love for us to dive together. I am thinking about trying it again sometime...But, you're right snorkeling is fun too.

Cathy -
Thanks! Yes my vacation in the sun was all I wished for and my birthday was incredibly special. You have really been hit with alot of snow! Have you thought about treating yourself to some MX sun...? I highly recommend it .

Linny -
I'm sorry about your friend...I hope everything works out for her. More proof that we all need to truly make the most of each and every day. Glad the little one's doing well!

EVERYONE -
Gotta run for now...will get to the rest of you later...have a great day.

Anonymous

TaDah -
We were posting at the same time! OMG - if I confessed...my post would be deleted by the moderators! LOL

debbie444

Tracey - that pic of you and 'the girls' was great. ayou all look a great deal younger - let us all in on the secret!!
I have decided that no amount of black can make me look 16 again so I am going to wear whatever i feel like. Will stop short of embarassing the kids while they are still at an impressionable age tho!!
I liked the gangsta idea - only my poor deprived son doesnt have a dark suit - and i refuse to buy one just for 'Big Write' day!!
DRagon boats - hmm. I am not very good on water!! When i was about 14, i was part of my schools regatta team. It was held on the Welsh sea, owing to my school being on the coast. well, when the starting boom went, we were heading over the line in the wrong direction - and it went down hill from there pretty fast!! I wasnt the one who got a black eye from the bit that swings around ( see - i learnt a lot in my sailing lessons!) but i was th etallest so i was the one volunteered to jump over the side and try and slow it down as we headed beachwards at the fastest speed we had managed all day. Unfortunately it was only about 18" deep which i wasnt expecting so i hit thebottom, fell over face down and the boat grounded. We never even got the joining medal.
So - no Dragon boating for me!!

cathy987

Well ladies, I have escaped the ND winter weather and arrived to what seemed to be the balmy tropics here in Vegas.

I was up early this morning because I had to once again finish my monthly writing chores before I could enjoy this get away. Son, Matt arrived last night and other son Mike comes tonight so today is a “free” day before we get to work.

Gail–I was trying to picture you w/o your butt. lol And as you see if the weather doesn’t improve I just go were the weather is better. It doesn’t always work though.

Tracy-nothing like a good sale to bring the neighbors out. Glad your move is progressing but hope you can find a way to lessen the stress factor.

Paula–loved the poem. In my youth, purple was a favorite color but now that I’ve matured a bit color of any kind makes me happy and I don’t really have a favorite one.

RoseMarie–it must be a “fancy” deal if it includes pantyhose. I’ve just learned recently from my son-in-law and my niece that the word fancy has come to mean “really nice” but simple. (example: a hand-knit child’s sweater, they would call “fancy”) They both use the word a lot. And I’m with you, that your gm has reach a time in life where she can do what she wants. I’m approaching that age too but I’m still throwing away the aps for AARP that come in the mail

Debbie–joining in that dance. Isn’t the sun a beautiful motivator! And Sam is adorable! Just read your latest post-your exploits continue to crack me up.

O.k. girls I’m starting a file of suggested books. There have been many and I always forget what they are when I go to my favorite store in the world–any bookstore. I truly am a bookaholic.

I get the best education ever hanging out with you all. Today I was reading online what’s involved in getting ready for Passover and the first thing I read was “Passover cleaning made easy/” By the time I finished reading I decided it was not “easy.” I really admire you Deb and Linda for the commitment you make to your faith by practicing it.

Tracy–your “mom” questions/answers are really funny. I’ve copied and sent them to my NY daughter who will no doubt get her chuckle for the day too.

Deb–glad your mammo is over and sounds like your friend is nearly around the corner. She’s been in my thoughts.
Linda-looks like your friend now needs your support and I’m sure she has it. There is no rhyme or reason to any of this is there?

Ronnie–hope life slows down for you soon. The gifting of land to children has made me consider how I can do that in my own family. We can start with our talks this weekend which always includes what’s ahead for them in our business.

Well, I’m going to go wake my son and find a breakfast buffet where I can eat a rainbow of color of fresh fruit. (Or a place I can order just oatmeal.) Am trying the healthy eating route.

Hope you all have a great day.

ake

ooo....can we start a book club? we all recommend books/authors, etc? i have become re-obsessed with reading again. i took a break from it all during my doctorate and then cancer, but now I read every single night. My ultimate favorite author in the world is Jodi Piccoult. Anyone read her?

Cathy...don't get into too much trouble in Vegas

marymelodi

I'm recommending another series of mysteries. Author is Elizbeth Peters and he main character is Amelia Peabody Emerson. The stories are mostly set in Egypt because she and her husband are archeologists but they always have some kind of adventure and mystery to solve each time they are digging at tombs and ruins. There are many wonderful, recurring charaacters in the whole series. You can read any one, but the first is "Crocodile on the Sandbank."

I love, love to "read" these books via CD - listen to them in the car while driving to and from work, while doing dishes, etc. The woman who performs the books is amazing at all the voices and characterizations. This is my favorite series right now.

I also love another series by an author named Nevada Barr. Her main character is Anna Pidgeon, a ranger with the US National Park Service. The stories take place in different national parks as Anna travels on different assignments. They are wonderful and makes you want to travel all around to see the different parks. For example, Lake Superior, the southwest, Mesa Verde, Natchez Trail, Florida, and even Ellis Island. Anna is a woman that would fit right in with our Rocktober spirit.

Mary

ravdeb

Amy..I recently read a book by Jodi Piccoult..about a girl whose sister had cancer..A Sister's keeper, I think it was called.Great book. I'm now reading two books. So typical of me. I start one and then I find another to read and so I have them both out. One I need to finish and one can sit for a while longer..

Mary..I tried to do the books on tape. A friend of mine sent me tapes during chemo because my eyes were so dry that I could barely get through a page or more. But, I need the book in front of me or else I get distracted...I'm a bit ADD. So, that didn't work for me. And it was a book I would have read..can't remember the name of it but it was by the author who wrote The Notebook..fogged brain again!

Cathy...Passover cleaning...it is at this time of year that I consider converting. I know that a man made up these rules for Passover! CAthy..thanks for the thoughts about my girlfriend.

Laura..arroz con pollo is chicken with rice. I took Spanish in jr. high and high school and that's about all I know! We had to learn how to order food at a restaurant that we went to..a Mexican restaurant.

Victoria..good luck tomorrow with chemo #2. Hope it goes well and you feel good! You got lots to do!!!

TracySeattle

Ravdeb - The Notebook was Nicholas Sparks wasn't it?

I used to love to read, but then along came chemo. I haven't been able to concentrate or get into a book since then.... I sure hope this doesn't last forever because there is nothing better than curling up with a good book!!!

Anonymous

Tracy -
Your chemo brain isn't that bad! You're right...it was Nicholas Sparks.

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

Anyone ever read a Thomas Tryon book (the one that comes to mind is titled The Lady )?

Anonymous

ravdeb -
Looks as though you paid attention in class! One of my gal pals gave me a fabulous set of terra cotta baking dishes at my wedding shower, so one VERY, VERY spicy dish I have made is called Chili Con Quella (sp?)...which is pronounced:

CHILI CAN KILL YA! LOL

Curlylocks

Good Evening my sisters,

I am exhausted tonight, my sleep is so in the toilet with this menopause crap and I think it is catching up to me as it is the end of the week. I hit my snooze button once this morning and then fell back to sleep until 6:20 am. and had very little time to get ready this morning, not a good way to start the day. Saturday I get to sleep in a bit, yah!

It looks like the spring temps are upon us starting tommorow and I guess the meltdown of all the snow that we have as well. I wont be sad to see it go.LOL. The clocks also go ahead three weeks early this spring on Sunday at 2:00 a.m. for daylight savings time. Monday should be an interesting day at work….

We have lots of activities planned this weekend in getting the house organized for putting it on the market. I will rest tomorrow night and then Saturday, Sunday we will start hacking away at our “to do” list.

I’m feeling a little down tonight with the news that another one of our sisters is now in hospice. I know that this is a reality for some of us with this disease that some of us will unfortunately will not beat the odds, we NEED A CURE YESTERDAY!!!. I will pick myself back up tomorrow, dust myself off and move onward with living life. Sorry if I am bringing anyone down tonight but it is the way I feel tonight. I guess I cant be positive 24/7 as I am only human.

Cathy – I do run out of steam a lot, don’t have as much energy as I did pre-bc but I do try to be the energizer bunny and then pay for it. Thanks for your kind words. The weather is finally breaking here and it looks like spring is finally starting…Enjoy your trip to Vegas or I forgot business trip to Vegas, hee heeJ

Amy – I am fully aware of every ache, pain unlike before. I think this is our “new normal”. I remember looking at this thread when everyone was wearing a bandana or wig but could still see the smiling faces and determined spirit of each one of you.

Victoria – hope you are tolerating the chemo regime as well as to be expected. You got married at 16, wow! I had one baby toe nail turn black but it never fell off and is still discoloured, very weird. My fingernails have ridges on them, I think that is from the Armidex and lack of estrogen in my body. They are also very soft. 73 is a summer temp for us which we wont see until maybe late June, early July?

Tracyseattle – a move is a lot of work, take it slowly and solicit extra help if needed.
I am so not looking forward to moving when we list our house. We have been in this house since 1993 so you can imagine the junk that has accumulated over the years. I forgot to mention that I love your new avtar. I loved your commentary about Mom’s, it made me smileJ

Paula – I also have that grandma belly and I don’t have any children so cant be a grandma either.LOL.

Debbie444 – oh I am so looking forward to the snow being gone and the tulips coming out and then the birds will follow. 15.4 degrees sounds amazing, it hasn’t been that temp here in months. Did you get a chance to go on your balloon ride? Give Sam big smooches, he is a cutie! OMG I laughed my head off when I read your post about your experience in the boat at school, sorry but it sounded so funny reading it, but I’m sure it hurt.

Deb – glad to hear that your mamo is done. I think I mentioned that my hurt like hell especially on the affected side. It was nerve wrecking waiting for the results, how long till you hear some good news? I had a core biopsy and they took four samples, I plugged my ears and started singing to myself as I was so nervous and didn’t want to see or hear anything. Continued good thoughts for benign findings for your friend, it sounds like it may be good news in being a cyst?

Linda – sorry to hear about your friend reoccurring.

Rosemarie – that picture of you and your son is priceless. My have your sprouted hair since that was taken! Hope you enjoyed your fancy dinner! I love dressing up…

TracyNy – how long have you given up watching tv for?

Gracyie – I think we are more aware as bc survivors and it seems like more women are being diagnosed with bc. I think in general cancers are on the rise mainly due to our environment and the chemicals that are in our food.

Laura – glad to hear that you made it home safely, but is sucks that you had to come back to cold temps. Hang in there spring will be here soon…..That is so funny when you talk about not making the certification for diving. I had the freebie class at the resort we were staying at in Jamaica and the instructor was beyond patient with me. I went the first day to the lessons and then got so frustrated and quit. He told me to come back the next day and I did. I had a hard time clearing the mask but eventually barely did it. He allowed me to go on the dive and I did okay but did not feel comfortable in the water with all that gear on, will stick to snorkeling. My hubby loves diving and is talking about taking a refresher here in the late summer before we head down south in the late Fall.

Brenda – your quite welcome. It sounds like you are in the thick of things with all the “to do” items at school.

Paula – that poem was so close to the truth that we need to live our lives today and not wait until tomorrow or when it is too late and wonder where our lives ran off to.

Lots of love to everyone.

Have a nice evening.

Michele

TracyNY

My tv fast is until Easter Sunday, April 8th. I am limited to 1 hour or one show per day. I seldom watch anything though. I listen to music and read, do my sewing which is coming along nicely, thank you.

Last night I peeped at a show called I eat 33,000 calories a day. There was a 700 plus pound man who ate like there was no tomorrow! Wow!! He was massive. Then I fell asleep.

Paula15089

Ravdeb - good news on your friends' biopsy!

Victoria, good luck for your next chemo! You can do it. Let us know how it went!

Debbie, hey, another Robbie Williams fan! gotta love the boy, even though he is a mess.

Book club, heh.. i am a book worm. Or rather used to be before the internet era. Now i just surf the net when i have time.. and i think i overdosed on all those inspirational BC books!! My fav authors would be Chekov and Nabokov (russian, although Nabokov - he wrote Lolita- wrote heaps of his books in english after he immigrated). I like Brett Easton Ellis, Salinger, Poe... heaps really. Oh, and i love all sorts of mysteries, like Agatha Christie, Sue Grafton etc.

Well girls, i finally have A DATE for my surgery - proph mast with bilat Lat Flap - its 4th of May. I am a bit apprehensive but excited as well. I havent been happy with my boob(s) for a while, so hopefully this will be worth it.
Its a long op, 7-8 hours, then 4-5 days in the hospital, then 3 weeks off work, and 6 weeks no excercise.
The good bit is i need to get off Tamoxifen for 3 weeks to reduce the blood clotting risk. That will be a relief.
Anyway, you girls are my rock, and i am sure you will be hearing more about it as time goes on!!

ravdeb

Paula...that's good that you have the date for the surgery and you will get this done. We are here for you..you know that. And..you really are a book worm.

Yes..Ladies..Nicholas Sparks. I'm really bad with names..always was..can't really blame it on chemo. It's my ADD I'm sure (self diagnosed by the way!).

Michele… hope you are able to get some rest. I don't get a totally restful sleep, either. I usually wake up during the night. And you have so much on your mind now with the move. I am also really saddened by Stacy's turn of events. It is sad for her and her family and scary because we all know that this is the risk we all have with bc. It's sad..we get to know the women here and there on the boards..some more than others.

I roam around a lot on the boards. I go through the active topics and post a lot and am familiar with a lot of the women here. I often think to myself that I should stop doing that..it can be too sad and sometimes too scary. But, I can't. I need to know. And I need to help out those who just joined. I mean..I just feel like I have to. Just a word here or there about wigs, or AC dose dense or whatever… I keep chiming in and then when I saw Stacey with the hospice..my heart just sank.

Yes.. my girlfriend's lump seems to be a cyst. We have til Monday to wait. But she said she is doing okay..boob is a bit tender but she feels better. We will know more on Monday.

TracyNY..so what are you sewing? Taking peeks at the TV??? I don't watch any more TV than you are watching now. In fact, I think less. I turn it on at night..puts me right to sleep!

I'm off to do a bit of shopping to get ready for Passover. I'm immersed in this..have recipes on my counter, on the computer, in my favorites list…trying to figure out how to seat all the people and make the table look nice, clean before the holiday so I won't be in a panic when I'm cooking, the list goes on.

Linda..are you doing the seder at your house? Got any tips for me????

debbie444

Subject: Viz: Seven home remedies



1. A mouse trap, placed on top of your alarm clock, will prevent
you from rolling over and going back to sleep after you hit the
snooze button.

2. If you have a bad cough, take a large dose of laxatives, then
you will be afraid to cough.

3. Clumsy? Avoid cutting yourself while slicing vegetables by
getting someone else to hold them while you chop away.

4. Avoid arguments with the Mrs. about lifting the toilet seat
by simply using the sink.

5. For high blood pressure sufferers: simply cut yourself and
bleed for a few minutes, thus reducing the pressure in your
veins. Remember to use a timer.

6. Have a bad headache? Smash your thumb with a hammer and you
will forget about the headache.

7. Sometimes, we just need to remember what the rules of life
really are: You only need two tools: WD-40 and Duct Tape. If it
doesn't move and should, use the WD-40. If it shouldn't move and
does, use the duct tape.

Someone sent me this via email.

Paula - good to know you have a date , it will soon be over.Thats the day i got my diagnosis.
My balloon ride is for 7th April - depending on the weather. I will be setting off from Bakewell - home of the pudding /tart. Its a good job i dont like them or we would be carrying etc ballast!!
As for Robbie - If i was 20 years younger i think i would be obsessive!! Not too bad as roger likes him too so we often sit and watch the dvds together so dont feel too sad!!

Paula15089

Debbie, #1 was written for me... it takes me an HOUR to get up. I am not kidding.
and numbers 5 and 6 actually have some truth to them!!

ravdeb

Debbie..ROFL!! Those are great!

I'll be watching for you on the 7th of April..just in case the wind blows you my way!!!

ravdeb

50 years ago
>>
>>
>> The husband leans over and asks his wife, "Do you remember the first time
>> we
>> had sex together over fifty years ago? We went behind this very tavern
>> where
>> you leaned against the back fence and I made love to you."
>>
>> Yes, she says, "I remember it well."
>>
>> Okay, he says, "How about taking astroll around there again and we can do
>> it
>> for old times sake?"
>>
>> "Oh Charlie, you old devil, that sounds like a crazy but very good idea!"
>>
>> There's a police officer sitting in the next booth listening to all this,
>> and having a chuckle to himself. He thinks, "I've got to see these two
>> old-timers having sex against a fence. I'll jus keep an eye on them so
>> there
>> s no trouble." So he follows them.
>> They walk haltingly along, leaning on each other for support, aided by
>> walking sticks. Finally they get to the back of the tavern and make their
>> way to the fence.
>>
>> The old lady lifts her skirt and the old man drops his trousers.
>>
>> As she leans against the fence, the old man moves in.
>>
>> Suddenly they erupt into the most furious sex that the watching policeman
>> has ever seen. This goes on for about 10 minutes. Finally, they both
>> collapse panting on the ground. The policeman is amazed.
>>
>> He thinks he has learned something about life that he didn't know.
>>
>> After about half an hour of lying on the ground recovering, the old
>> couple
>> struggle to their feet and put their clothes back on.
>> The policeman, still watchin thinks this was truly amazing.
>>
>> "I've got to ask them what their secret is."
>>
>> As the couple passes, he says to them, "Excuse me, but that was something
>> else. You must have had a fantastic sex life together. Is there some sort
>> of
>> secret to this?"
>>
>>
>> The old man says, "Fifty years ago that wasn't an electric fence."
>>
>>
>>

Anonymous

Debbie -
OMG - you are something else!

Paula -
I'm really happy for you. I can understand your excitement but also your apprehension - I went through the same emotions in December when I had my Prophyl. It's true that you forget the pain. For your procedure...where will they be taking skin from? I'm seriously considering implants and will be interviewing plastic surgeons soon. We'll be cheering you on through it all.

TracyNY

Paula, didn't I read that Robbie Williams just went into rehab and is diagnosed bi-polar? Poor thing. How brave of you to decide on the surgery. I hope it turns out beautifully. You too, Laura, go get two little kittens like mine to make you feel all pink and girly again!!

ake

Paula...glad you have your surgery date. what is the lat flap? is that the same thing i had? i had the diep. i don't know all the terms you're going to be so happy with your results. i know it's a big decision, but the result at the end is completely worth it let me know if you have any questions about reconstruction!

debbie....love the seven remedies. number 2 cracked me up

have a good weekend everyone! my baby brother is coming to visit baby brother, but a 6'4" baby brother

ravdeb

OMG V...you went in the wrong house?? That is my fear when I go to visit my parents because all the houses look the same! My dad said he needs to use his garage door opener and then he can find his house!

But..how come YOUR key fit in THEIR lock?

Once when I was staying at my girlfriend's apt, I tried to open the apt door on the second floor instead of on the third floor where she lives. I was so embarrassed, I'm not a resident of the building and was so afraid somebody would see me and think I was trying to break in!

ravdeb

Oh V...first...you are right. You gotta just keep "plugging along" as my dad would say. Just live. Nobody knows anything..not even your faithful onc. You are in my thoughts.

Thanks for the update on Kelly. We will get through this all with Kelly when she returns. Glad to hear she's having a great time!

And here is my pic as a pregnant bride..with my partner.

Anonymous

Debbie -
OMG ~ NO WAY! A balloon ride...? Please Roger don't let her go! LOL Holy Moly...look out below! Is there any way you can strap a parachute to your back?!?! LOL

ravdeb

Ladies..I'm just soooooooooo sick of this cancer! I truly am optimistic...most of the time. But I hate it and some days I am consumed with doubts. I'm not concerned about my mammo. I don't believe I'll get a recurrence there. But..the doubt is heavy as I wait, as I read the news about Stacey Sunshine (bumped up her message about when she first learned of brain mets) Kelly's lump, v's estrogen and just....hate this stuff.

There...feel better. Now I can go to sleep.
g'nite Ladies. Love you all!

Anonymous

ravdeb -
That is hysterical! Looks like lots of fun was had by the four of you! LOL

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

One thing that Kelly said on the phone to me yesterday was a bit of a relief...she said her Dr. felt the lump and thinks it feels like it could be a cyst...whew...I truly hope that's the case!

Kelly -
Forget the wine - move on to a Hot Toddy! I want to see the photos!

ake

victoria...hang in there. i know you're concerned about the estrogen. maybe things are getting all out of whack because of the chemo? your estrogen is going up and my period has disappeared. what the hell is wrong with this picture? i'm thinking of you...hang in there!!!

kelly...enjoy your vacation! miss you and can't wait for pics!!

deb...night night. it's okay to vent. i'm a champion of it. it's not fair and it's scary and it sucks. my friend said to me the other day, "it must have been so empowering and positive at that conference for young women with breast cancer." i said, "um, no it was actually sad to see 850 women under the age of 40 with breast cancer...some in their 20's" it makes me sad every time a new woman joins our boards, joins my support group...my one positive thought in all this is that perhaps now that breast cancer is more of an epidemic...it's happening to way too many women...research will be even more focused and powerful and time and science will be on our sides.

but, we're tough and we just plug through it and surrender to the fact that we just can't control things, so we have to take those breaths and live our lives the best way we can because no one has a guarantee. there's always that rumor that we could get hit by a bus although seriously, do you know anyone who has ever gotten close to being hit by a bus??

debbie444

Actually i nearly got hit by a bus once

Anonymous

Debbie -
I'm gobsmacked that you weren't actually hit by the bus!

When I was in my 20's I commuted to and from work via the bus. One morning I exited the rear door and the door closed on my arm. My arm was the only body part inside the bus...as the rest of me was standing outside the bus on the ground...the bus started to pull away. I was running alongside - with my arm stuck in the door still - screaming "STOP, STOP" - thank goodness he heard me - or I would have been a bloody, bloody mess! LOL

mkl48

Victoria,
You mentioned CMF. Are you using this to put you into menopause or is it not the chemo regime? Beth