anyone starting chemo in Nov 2005

Nancy-SanDiego

Margerie, I hope all goes well with your Mom.  Will you be with her?

Deb, let's hope for quick (and profitable) sales on both houses, so you can get on with choosing another home for all of you.

Odalys, it looks like Texas will get Ike this weekend, but does that mean a lot of rain for you?  Hopefully you will get a long break now.

Mary Lou, its great that Michael is back and your life can settle down a bit.

 Anna, where are you?

LOL

Mary-Lou

 Thank you Nancy, we don't really know for how long. Hope it all works out soon.

Marg~ Let us know how it went. Guess us being there on that day wasn't really a good day for you. You really needed to be with your mom at this time. We all plan on being with you some day when the time is right for all

Deb~ Things always happen for a reason, don't feel bad.

We now have rain and it is cool out....I'm so happy, I'm looking forward to fall.

I love when the leaves change into all those wonderful bright colors.

Odalys

Hi sisters,

Sorry to hear the get together is canceled. Margerie, it was so nice of you to invite us all to your place. Mary Lou, yes we can meet at Pinkstock.  Everyone is welcome and MB and her family are very hospitable. 

 Margerie - I'll be thinking about your mom and praying her surgery goes well.  This must be so hard on you too. 

Mary Lou - we are experiencing some of the heavy winds and showers from Hurricane Ike.  Not too bad.  I'm very worried about our family in Cuba and all those in the path of this hurricane.  Here are some of the pics of the storm surge as hurricane Ike intered Baracoa, Cuba as a cat 4 hurricane.  The media is refering to it as another sunami.

 Dad spoke with friends in Cuba today and although they were still experiencing the hurricane, they were ok.  He was not able to get in touch with family living in the cities that got a direct hit by the hurricane's eye. Incredible, those cities got hit a week ago by Gustav and now this...very sad.  There are several relief efforts underway in Miami but the Cuban government does not want to accept assistance from the US govt and specially not Cuban immigrants.  Dear God, I just hope he accepts assistance from some countries because there is no way Cubans can survive on their own after such catastrophe.

I will continue to pray for all in the path of this hurricane. They are predicting a direct hit to Texas. 

Have a good evening.  .  

Anonymous

Hi everyone,

Margerie-Gosh, you'd think it be easier on one of us if a loved one is going through cancer, but it isn't easy at all, is it?  Know that she remains in our thoughts, and we are all here for you (though, not in person yet )

Still sad, I guess that makes it obvious how I am the "baby" of our little family/group.  I even bought a dress for the occassion!  One with a plunging neckline (haven't worn one of those since I lost the girls). 

No bites on our house, and the realtor said my Dad's house is going to be sold as a tear-down.  It's so icky in there, especially since not being inhabited for almost a year. 

Time for bed!  Love and prayers, Deb

Mary-Lou

Deb, take a new picture and post it of the new dress.... You could still share.

Odalys, the picture you posted was the same one Michael told me about. I never got to see it. Thank you.

Marg~ Prayers are with you

Odalys

Update on family:  Dad heard from his sisters in Cuba.  They are having to deal with knee high flooding and a lot of devestration around them.  The Cuban govt accepted aide from Russia and other countries.  The goods are being sold in the local stores for American dollars.  That's communism for you.

Thanks for all your prayers.  I continue to pray for all in the path of Ike.

 Margerie - I'm thinking of you and your rmom.  I pray her surgery goes well.  Please keep us posted. 

 . 

Mary-Lou

Odalys I just post a thread for 911 and came here to post it as well.

Marg we are praying for you and your family . I hope all will go okay.

Ody, glad your family is safe. Wish there was something we could do.

Anonymous

Hi sisters,

Just checking in on you all.  Life has been a pile of lemon and steak (to quote Daniel) for us.  We've had 7 showings in 7 days.  Yikes.  Poor Daniel can't take out a toy without my shrieking in horror.  He had Ramen for lunch, and I stood by him with a paper towel, ready for clean-up. 

I'm too OCD for this.  How does one get dx'd with OCD, because I think I have been blessed with it. 

I should've been on a plane right now to meet my sisters, btw.

Marg-how's your mom? 

Ody-(I loved ML's abbreviation!), I'm worrying about your family.  Keep us updated, okay? 

Gheesh, I talk about you guys like I grew up with you.  I think about AlaskaDeb-she's going nuts because she can't come here as much with all her struggles.  My heart is breaking for her.  I don't know what I'd do without my sisters! 

Love and prayers, Deb

Mary-Lou

Odalys, you are Ody to me from now on  LOL

Marg~ is Marg

Deb is Deb & so it goes.

My family called me Lou Lou when I was young and Michael's family calls him Bo to this day. All of them.

Deb, I know what you mean, I'm so disappointed. 

Hope you sell the house soon. What a nightmare.

Odalys

Mary Lou - that is what my Cuban family calls me...Ody.  You are all my family too so very appropriate that you call me Ody too. 

I learned my cousing is ok but trapped inside her home.  She leaves on the second floor of a two story duplex.  The first floor is totally flooded and she can't open her front door for fear of the water coming inside her home.  Dad's friends finally arrived from Cuban on Wednesday.  They were stuck in Cuban during both Hurricanes.  They tell us the govt did not really prepare the people for the intensity of both Hurricanes.  Most folks don't have tv' and those that do, get to watch only the programs the govt allows.  So they knew a hurricane was coming but had no idea what category.  I can only imagine how scared they were because we get hourly updates on hurricanes even when they are far away from FL.  We are used it by now.  They are both traumatized and feared they would die there and never see their kids or grandkids again.  What an ordeal.  They were furious that the Cuban govt is selling all the donated goods to the people.  Goods labeled "donation" are sold for american dollars and the govt makes a profit..  That just burns me. 

I feel so blessed to be in the wonderful country.  Here are some pics of my home I took in preparation for the hurricane, just in case I needed prove for insurance purposes.

 This is the front of the house...

Here is the pool area....

 

 Here are the coconut trees.  Coco loco anyone?

Wishing everyone a good night.  

Anonymous

Ody, I LOVE your home.  The pool looks so inviting!  

I can't believe all of this hurricane insanity.  It's terrifying.  I don't have any family members dealing with it directly, but quite a few friends, and they just don't know which way to turn.  Gheesh. 

Marg-how's mom? 

Anna-how are you?  How's Little Dog, and Little Grandbaby? 

Nancy-How's our ambassador doing? 

ML-Please be my WW buddy.  I need someone to keep me accountable.  It's too hard to diet with a hubby and son.  Pile some stress on top of that, and we have a HUGE ice cream sundae with a cookie on the side. 

Odalys

Hey sisters, I was thinking maybe we could plan a get together for next summer and if you all are up to it, my house is available. We have 2 extra bedrooms, 3 full baths and a pool bath. There is plenty room for everyone.   We can lounge around the pool sipping pina coladas, coco locos, or strawberry daiquiris. We can BBQ and enjoy each others company.  Or, I can try to get us discounted hotel rooms in Miami Beach.  My brother's girlfriend works in hospitality for one of the high end hotel chains.  I can see what they can do for us.  What do you think?   

Anonymous

Hey everyone, Ody, that sounds fabulous.  I'll write more on that later.  

Turns out it was a true blessing that I stayed here.  We had a horrific storm last night, and Greg woke me up at 4:53 yelling that the basement is flooding. 

If I hadn't been here, he would still be sweeping the water to the sump pump.  OMG-it is just awful.  A LOT of Daniel's toys have been lost/damaged, since we are showcasing that area as a play area. 

My cat's litter box is down there, and you can just see where that concern is going.  It was floating in the water.  Ick. 

I'm worried about what the insurance person will proclaim as a loss, or just an "oh well." 

Sad face....

Margerie

Oh my Deb!!  Of course this all happens when you are trying to sell!!

And Odalys you had me at pina colada.

Mom's surgery is today.  Still no word.  Her surgery was 3-8 hours depending on what they find.  It has been 5 hours, so I am a little worried.....

I am going up tomorrow morning (about 4 hours away) to visit for a couple of days.

Can't believe I am going to have to pull out my chemo box and bring some stuff for my mom.  I gave away all my wigs, but I think I have a cap or two

BTW, I have all kinds of cute cards, letters, etc. from all of you in that box too...

Odalys

Margerie - so glad you posted! I was wondering about your mom. I'm praying for her and you. This most be so difficult for you too. I'm here if you need to talk, just send me a pm. Please keep us posted. I'll be checking back often. Take care,

Anonymous

Oh geez, Marg, I forgot to mention in the PM I just sent you.....I'm keeping you and Mom in my prayers.  Hang in there sister! 

Time for bed.  Wiped out.  Love and prayers, Deb

Odalys

Margerie - I sent you a pm.

Did you guys get to see SNL last night?  Here is the hilarious opening act in case you missed it...

http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/entertainment_tv/2008/09/saturday-night.html

Mary-Lou

ODY~ Michael and I cracked up last night. Tina Fey really did look like her.

Mary-Lou

Maeg~ Thinking of you and your mom.

Mary-Lou

ODY!!!!! Look out back, I'm headed to your pool.

Anonymous

Hey everyone,

I hope everyone else is okay with this wretched weather.  We thought we were going to lose our home today.  So much for selling it. 

The drain that was causing the flood had been plugged up by Greg to stop the flow, and we thought it was helping.  The water level got too high, and the sump pump couldn't keep up, the power kept going out, and Greg came running upstairs saying, "You'd better move what you want to save."  His voice kind of caught, and I saw fear. 

Scary.  If my husband and protector is scared, I get scared. 

There was no way we could have done it on our own.  I told Greg I was going to our neighbor's house since I knew they weren't getting flooded (lucky people).  Of course, they weren't home.  I ran to the other neighbor's house that we hardly know and cried to the lady, and God bless her, she came over and helped us bring stuff up.  I ran across the street to our other neighbor, and she came and watched Daniel, gave him lunch, and called her son and grandaughter and had them come, too. 

Thank GOD for them.  We haven't gotten to know any of our neighbors that well, but after this, I know that at least in times of need, they come through with flying colors.  THANK GOD. 

Greg kept watch of the sump pump and baled out buckets of water, and kept flicking the circuit breaker.  We had broken out several boards in our fence to avoid the water reaching the house, but the level was rising incredibly high, and we were sure that it was going to spill into the basement through the window.  The water was waist high out there. 

Kids were water-tubing and splashing through the mucky mess.  Ick. 

Somehow, some way, we only got a bit of water.  OMG.   Now, the entire house is a mess, and I have no idea what is going to be considered a loss by insurance.  I shed a few tears today. 

Marg and Nanc-now I know why I ended up staying home.  Greg could not have done this by himself, and tried to come get me in the Great Flood of 08. 

Marg-how's mom?  PS-ordered two shirts, and had to talk myself out of getting more.  So excited! 
Love and prayers, Deb

Margerie

Hi All,

I saw your name on my shirt order Deb~  hope you like them!

Mom is doing ok.  I drove up to visit her today (4 hours away).  It was a 7 hour major surgery deal and they found more cancer   I think she is stage IIIC which of course is not what we wanted to hear. She looked good all things considered and they moved her from the ICU to a nice private room with a beautiful view today. No firm plans yet...waiting for full pathology.  Assume she starts chemo next month....

 It was a  very hard day!

Sorry to hear about your ordeal Deb! 

Mary-Lou

OMG! Deb what a lot to go through. Glad you had neighbors that could help, and watch Danial. We are in a flood zone ourselves because of the ball park ( Minor leagues play there) being higher than our lot. Also there is a creek not to far from our back yard.

Marg~ Sorry to hear that more cancer was found. That had to be a bad day for all of you.

You and deb will be in my prayers.

Where is Anna??? I am starting to really worry. And Lat it is time for you to show your head too.

Love to all of you.

LAT56

So much going on with everyone!  

Please take care, stay strong, and know that you are in my thoughts & prayers.

LAT56

Mary-Lou

Lat, so happy to see you here. Yes lots going on, that

means that we all are still alive! There is the good,

 the bad, and the ugly.

Reminds me of this saying

Anna can you hear us calling? and calling? and calling?  I'm a little

worried sister. When will you return to the states? The Loudoun

hospital sale is coming soon! Maybe I can see you there.

I want to catch Aldie days too while I'm home for three birthdays!

Mary-Lou

4:00 am and I have not gone to bed yet. I feel uneasy for some

reason. I found this and posted to the Life's a Beach thread.

Thought I would share with my dear sisters.

BCOMMENTED.COM

Mary-Lou

Wishing all sweet dreams ...

MySpace Graphics & MySpace Layouts

Nancy-SanDiego

Dear Sisters--what a difficult time for everyone.  Ody, the pictures of your home are beautiful and remind me of a wonderful house I once had.  I hope that your family in Cuba is recovering and that storms stay away for the rest of the season.  Ron's family is in Houston and they are still without electricity, but are dry.

Dry??? Deb, are you there yet.  What a mess and at the worst possible time.  Glad you can keep your sense of humor about all of it.

 Margerie, we were all hoping for better news on your Mom.  I know that you had a heavy heart because it is happening to someone you love and you can't do anything about it and because it also takes you back to a time/place that none of us wants to visit.  Do they have a treatment plan outlined yet?  I hope your visit with her is healing to you both.

Mary Lou, bless you for all the beautiful pictures and words.  I don't know where you find them, but they always seem to be perfect and bring a smile to my face and peace to my heart.  Wish I had your web skills.

This week was my 3d anniversary of diagnosis and my mammo on Monday looked great.  Funny thing happened on my way to the next Dr.--tripped in his office and broke my foot and stress fracture and sprain in my tibia.  Big funny boot for next several weeks and no dancing for a few more weeks.  Thankfully, it wasn't a hip.  Major insult when three people volunteered to help me complete Medicare forms--can you believe it.

Stay well and dry.

Nancy-SanDiego

Oh, I forgot.  The Lifetime Channel movie next month is the story of the Dr. who invented Herceptin.  Harry Connick Jr. plays the Dr.  Don't have any details, but it should be worth watching.

Mary-Lou

Nancy, thanks for the complement. I really don't have those web skills, just a step daughter who lets me in on a graphic designers tips. LOL She had taught me a lot. She works for the paper here in our town.

I was going to teach all of you what I know on my trip, but as we all know that just didn't work out . I was like a kid going on a field trip, then it fell through. But like I told Deb, things happen for a reason.

I know we will all be together someday soon.

Hello to all my sisters, each of you are in my prayers. Marg, special thoughts to you.

Ody, I loved the pool, it was such a nice swim. Did you like my bathing suit. I hope you saw that post, or I'm sounding as ridiculous as I looked in that suit. LOL I posted a few nights ago. I love your house too, could just relax there as if I were at home.