Starting Chemo in JAN 2007

skyedivine

Dear Ta Tas,

Didn't get online at all yesterday so was amazed and chagrined to see your post, Amera. It seems too soon after chemo and all. And yes, while tumors can grow that fast, it seems unlikely. So I'm betting on B-9! Although as everyone has said we thoroughly understand your anxiety and are here for your every concern. Vent away and keep us posted!



Joni, thank goodness you are finally on schedule. I was very leery of getting a port at first too but after a few days of discomfort you soon forget it's there (except when you try to wear spaghetti straps) and it is SO much better than having them fish for veins every time. Also, the new models can be tapped for many medical tests now as well. Have you checked out your schedule to be sure you can work it around our get-together? We will wait on you hand and foot.



Caya, it was such a pleasure to hear a Canadian say "God Bless America." It gave me a true warm fuzzy so thank for that. Your DD really HAS had a lot of experience, hasn't she?



Rebecca, I would just thank heaven if I had the summer off completely like that. I bet your 3 will keep you very busy and you can finally have a chance to truly relax and recoup from everything. And a big bodadious Ta Ta cheer for the boob that finally behaved itself! I'm thrilled that you don't have to go through more surgery, I know that was wearing on you as it would have worn on me.



Viddie, I so hear you on the car. DS2 has my old Geo Prizm which I'd planned to drive into dust, but he needed a car in order to work the year before last and had no way of getting one, so I'm making car payments and he's driving the Prizm into dust. Like Joni, we had no parental financial support, for college or anything else, but I guess times are different now.



Grendel topped off his day of infamy by leaving a "present" in my office. I know it will get better, it was just a tough week. It's already better now that DH is back to help a little with him. But yesterday we found out we owe a large sum to the government because I took out my little teacher's pension last year to pay for our new roof. Taxes had already been deducted from it but they didn't deduct nearly enough. So that means I have to do another book I was offered that I didn't really want to do and will be very busy all summer. I will need that Ta Ta vacation!



Monday is my next to last Herceptin, unless he adds another one. I'm working this weekend on that magazine cover, it's slow and painstaking work but must be delivered to Milwaukee Monday am before the Herceptin. I'll try to take a pic when I'm done, or have my art rep make me a CD when he scans it.



Joni, what color is the afghan you are making? - Skye

Anonymous

Joni - I'm glad you have a plan. What do you know about your chemo drugs? Will it be similar in side effects as the first time around?

Debbie - would you email me the crochet patterns? I'd like to try making a hat. I need to expand beyond baby blankets.

dkmaustx

Jan, there are 3 patterns on the way to you right now. I put them into the PDF format so hopefully you should be able to open them with no problems.

There are a few others that I copied last year, but these are the ones I liked the best.

I'll send them to anyone else who wants them just let me know.

Caya

Good morning Ta Tas,

Well I've had a busy few days with DD Amanda - she's been filling out those Teacher's College applications, sent off one packet to Medaille College - and will have the rest of the documents ( sealed letters of reference) in by early this week so I will send those off for her.  She is going back to London to write her last 4 final exams of her undergraduate career - she is naturally very happy to be doing that.  However it is Passover next weekend and it is doubtful she will be coming home for the seders  - so being the good Jewish mother I am I was getting some Passover food ready for her to take back.  I made this really delicious Passover granola with nuts, honey, raisins and matzo farfel (little pieces of broken up matzo). 

Since Amanda and her roommates are all graduating this June their lease on the house we've been renting for them is up at the end of the month so they have to do the big "pack up" - Tina you know all about that!!  So last night the DH and I drove some duffle bags and suitcases over to one of the other girl's parents who are driving there today.

It's been great having Amanda home. However I have to say the DH and I have enjoyed this first year of being "empty nesters", but only because the DDs come home frequently to visit.  It's really a nice balance.

Viddie - don't worry about not being able to compete with the Dr.  That's the way it is.  I'm sure Meri is a girl who knows her values, and I doubt that a few fancy dinners would change that.  Also- you are still undergoing treatment my dear.  I have been so exhausted the last few Herceptin infusions - I just can't do as much as I would like to.  I have been napping I would say 4/7 days/week since my last infusion.  I have my second last one this Thursday - whoo hoo!!

Skye - of course I bless America.  Most Canadians do. I think there is a lot of negative press out there showing anti-American protests throughout the world - believe me I would say those idiots are the minority, except for certain religious extremists who hate everyone and everything except their particular religion and backward way of life. I think most civilized democratic nations know that the U.S.A. is the major defender of the free world - the silent majority loves Americans.( JMHO).

Joni - glad you have a schedule, go get 'em girl - And Skye is right - we will wait on you hand and foot.  See how you are doing, the Ta Tas will be there for you!!

Tina - glad you got to DC okay, sounds like your last few days/evenings in Ohio were bittersweet.  I'm sure it will be tough for the Jac and Pauly initially, but they are both such great kids they will meet new friends very quickly - you too!!  Don't overdo it - I know you, you're just like me - you will want to get everything organized like yesterday - just take it easy. 

It's finally sunny today and they are forecasting a lovely warm week - 17C (about 65F) from Tuesday onwards.  Yippee!!

meliaanne

Caya, thanks for such a thoughtful posting about the US. So nice to read. And I agree with you re the empty nest as long as they come home often. The privacy and orderly home are awfully nice! We see our kids quite often, and our plan is to move north closer to them in about two years. We want to be hands on grandparents, when that time comes, and I well remember how reluctant I was as a young mom to haul little kids across the state to visit grandparents.

Joni, we will all be with you every step as you start your treatment.

Skye, Grendel sounds like quite a handful. I am sure most of the time he is well worth it, but puppies can be very exasperating. And I am sorry about the tax situation; we got hit too.

Viddie, my daughter married into a wealthier family, but I don't let it bother me. We do what we can, and then I just don't worry about it. I work as hard as I can and am sure I have hit my maximum salary for my field.

I am wondering how Nancy is. Has anyone heard?

Steve is doing pretty well now. He isn't in any significant pain, is eating normally, and is up and around a lot. I am so glad it's this week and not last. It was a very hard week. I just finished hauling our weekly garbage out to the road, which is hard as it involves hefting them into the pickup and then getting them back off. That is a Steve job, and he was surprised I could do it. But what's the alternative?  Yesterday I bought him a lawn chair with soft cushions and strong arms so he could sit outside, and I assembled it under his supervision. Next I have to clean the pool. It will almost be a relief to go back to work tomorrow!  I will get him organized before I leave in the morning, will come home for lunch, and then straight home after work. I am only ten miles from home, so can be here in 20 mins if he has a problem. I think he will do ok. Our younger daughter had planned to come, but we asked her to wait, as he is embarrassed to have her see him with the catheter and the bag.

Ok, still have the pool and laundry to do before I can relax. It's gorgeous here, about 80 degrees, bright sun.

Hugs, Melia

Amera

Well gals, I go in for my scans tomorrow. I'm doing okay. I have such mixed emotions. Part of the time I think, well, I've done it before, I can do it again. Some of the time, going through this again terrifies me. And other times I think, well, it's probably nothing and I need to get used to this scan garbage since I'm now high risk.

I guess I just wish they had a standard line as far as scans. Somthing like, "We look at everything no matter what. I cannot tell you what it is just by feeling it." I just do not trust that, "I'm not worried about you" business. I heard it too many times before.

Thanks you for all your kind thoughts. I will use your strength to get through this. I'll let you know what happens. Unfortunately, I'm prepared for a biopsy. I hope they can do it soon. This waiting is for the birds.

XXOO Amera

sharon56

Amera : Holdin your hand in cybrspace woman , just remember whatever happens it's out of your control at this point , scans are scans and just that . Take comfort in knowing that you have done all you have had to .

Joni hugs too ..... what a hockey game last night the Calgary Flames rock ! just like  u ...........

Caya yum u sound like a great cook and just the thing to send back with the dd to manja .... its finally getting warm here and the sun is taking its time setting .... luv it !

Rebecca

sending positive thoughts your way Amera...hang in there, and let us know how it went.

skyedivine

Hi Ladies,
Rebecca I forgot to tell you how hysterical that abysmally clueless cheating student of yours was. Between Owen and your students you have a continual feast of laughter.

Amera, do lean on us while you are having those scans. They are only tests, that's true. We are all pulling for you.

Caya that Seder granola sounds delicious. I am sure your DD appreciates having something so special, made by Mom. I made my Herceptin granola to take today; it's almonds mixed in a baggie of cereal, sometimes with little cookies tossed in. Helps my stomach to have some munchies.

I'm feeling a bit better after a weekend of weird flu, still plan to hit the hay early as I must drive to the art rep's tomorrow to make a delivery. There were almost all new people in the chemo room today; turning over a new crop. But did anyone see 60 minutes last night with the promising new treatment using radio waves and nanotechnology? I can't imagine the drug companies letting it happen and ruin their giant profits on our treatment, but it sure could be nice. They are saying 4 years before human treatment.

Grendel is better this week, here is the little varmint in a pic I took today. - Skye

IowaCindy

Amera, I'll surely be sending you thoughts of calm and prayers for a good outcome. I understand so well what you may be feeling. I'm still trying to shake off my meltdown of last week.

 Skye, that is an adorable photo of Grendal.

It was such a busy day at work. The phone kept ringing, the fax kept puking papers and people kept stopping by to check on the status of new admissions. Underlying it all was a terrible sadness. A young coworker's husband committed suicide on Saturday. Left a 2 y/o son.

I've been crowned the facility coordinator for Relay For Life. I've spent a lot of time trying to organize the teams. We have so many coworkers in the building who are dealing with terrible issues. And many of them are not professionals but are the hard working laborers of a long term care facility. Every raise in the cost of gasoline is really hurting them. I find it hard to be 'trolling' for money. So I've decided my goal is not a high dollar amount but a high percentage of participation of my coworkers. We'll see what happens.

Y'all have a good Tuesday. It is supposed to be lovely here tomorrow. Hope your day is lovely, too.

Cindy 

Caya

Amera - wishing you the best for your scans tomorrow. Let us know when you can.  When I had my questionable mammo last August and they had to call me back for an ultrasound, the radiologist read it immediately and came in to tell me that is was definitely 100% nothing to worry about.  I hope you get a quick okay as well.

viddie

Amera,

I will be thinking of you today and sending positive vibes. We will all be holding your hand. Let us know how it goes.

Cindy,

I know what you mean asking people for money. I can't and won't do it. You are taking on a big job. I hope part of it will be fun and rewarding. I feel so bad about your co-worker. I hope she will be okay.

Skye,

Grendel is so adorable.

Melia,

I am so glad Steve is feeling better. That must be such a relief to you.

Joni,

How are you?

Rebecca,

Are you feeling better?

Caya,

Thanks for your kind words about Meri. You are right. I was just tired and frustrated. I do forget about the hercepton s/e's.

Thanks all for letting me vent. I am in the relaxed mode now.

Ed's sister is visiting now, but she is very easy.  Then no more company, just Ed and I. We will be having a very small seder- just the two of us- but that will be fine.

Mel, Jan,Tina,Sharon,Debbie, Lynn, Mary,Nancy,

How are you all? I hope I didn't leave anyone out. 

Love,

Viddie 

Rebecca

Happy Tuesday everyone.  yes, I am feeling much better, thanks for asking guys.  I still have some drippy nose and gooky cough, but it is just lingering effects, and I feel more or less back to normal.

we have had a flurry of distressing news come through our house in the last few days.  The first was that a dear friend of DH's is having some serious marital trouble and is likely to separate from his wife, and retain custody of their two (absolutely delightful) children.  He came down to NJ to spend some time with Matt and talk things over and I had the opportunity to see the kids, who I have not seen for about 3 years and that was nice....but it makes me sad to think of the road these children have ahead of them.  At least they have their dad who is a wonderful, attentive father to nurture them.  They were married about two years after Matt and I were married, and we attended the wedding with baby Frances in tow.  It was such a glorious wedding...held under a huge tent in the middle of a feild during a rainstorm.  The whole tent was glowing with candlelight and the bride came in through the flap with her dress bundled up, and her attendants sheilding her from the rain.  She stepped in as the music started, and let her dress down and from there it was the most spectacular, intimate and lovely ceremony I think I have ever been to.  It pains me to remember.

I also found out that my 19 year old cousin (by marraige) is not only pregnant by her ex-boyfriend, but is expecting twins.  I am still processing this one....she has not always been the paragon of virtue or responsiblity so I have serious doubts about her fitness to have and support babies right now.  The ex has been around sporadically, but as he is chronically unemployed, seriously unreliable and obnoxious to boot I suspect that he will not be much help.  What a spectacular lapse of good judgement....needless to say I had a chat with Frances about this.  UGH

Well, I have to go dredge up some lunch and I guess I will bury myself in finishing my quilt.

Amera...sending positive vibes and a huge hug out to you....make sure you let us know how it went! 

Amera

All clear!  Yippee!  To say I'm relieved is the understatement of the year.

I ended up getting the bilateral mammo, called back for additional scans, and then on to the ultrasound. By this point I was a shaking mess. The radiologist actually came in and did the ultra herself. She was a bit snotty about the fact that the oncologist just said "left breast" and didn't indicate the location. She looked around though and didn't see a thing. She implied that the breast surgeon was much better about finding trouble spots, but heck, I found the first lump. You don't need to be a surgeon to do that.

And ladies, I felt you all there supporting me. I really did. Cannot explain it, but your words of encouragement and cyber-love came through. Thank you.

XXOO Amera

Anonymous

Amera - wonderful news! What a relief. I'm so happy for you!

Caya

Yippee Amera - great news! 

meliaanne

Amera, what a great relief!!! I am so happy for you, and so glad it's over!

skyedivine

Amera, WOOHOO! WHAT A RELIEF IS RIGHT! And so nice that you could know immediately. Isn't it amazing how tangible this group's support can feel?



Cindy you are so generous to take on that big task of organizing the teams. I think your approach of mass participation rather than x amount of dollars is a much more meaningful and do-able goal, and perhaps could end up with a bigger donation after all. Putting heart before pocketbook is just always the way to go. And I'm still enjoying the "fax puking papers" image.



Rebecca, what a very sad thing for that family, especially after such a lovely wedding that kind of news is always a shock. Hope things work out for the 19-year old mom of twins, too.



I ended up doing a last-minute fill-in on public radio this morning, it was an hour show. Then I had to drive my artwork to Milwaukee, probably won't know til tomorrow if it's accepted. I'm still not feeling well but my mouth seems healed. The house is quiet for the moment so I'm going to sneak a quick nap. Anyone chatting tonight? - Skye

Lynn12

Fabulous news Amera, YAY!

Rebecca

Whew!  That is a load off!  i am so happy for you Amera...and I know what you mean about feeling the support.

Skye keeping my fingers crossed for you....

I think I just landed myself a freelance writing job....so excited!  The guy is going to send me the material tonight so I can give him a timeline, and he told me that he always has things going on, so this might wind up being a semi-regular gig.  YAY!  The best part is that I get to use that totally under-utilized scientific training of mine, since the job involves writing the methods and results sections of a scientific paper.

Ah well..I may try for chat, but we have science fair projects to complete here so I am a bit tied up.

Have a good night everyone! 

mer1957

Alleluia Amera! 

Thinking of you Joni!

Hugs to the rest of you..it's been a long day. 

mer1957

Here's an interesting article about chemo and memory--not sure I agree with it, but it's interesting.

Chemotherapy may not affect memory in breast cancer patients

Contact: Michael Boivin, Neurology and Ophthalmology: (517) 884-0281, boivin@msu.edu; or Tom Oswald, University Relations: (517) 432-0920, cell (517) 281-7129, oswald@msu.edu

April 15, 2008

CHICAGO - Women receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer frequently report problems with memory and concentration. However, two new studies, including one from Michigan State University, suggest that the stress of the diagnosis - not the chemotherapy - is the cause of these problems.

The studies were presented at the American Academy of Neurology's 60th Anniversary Annual Meeting in Chicago.

The study conducted by Michael Boivin, MSU associate professor of neurology and ophthalmology and psychiatry compared three groups of women: 44 women with breast cancer who had not yet received chemotherapy or radiation; 30 women who had recently had a breast biopsy that was benign; and 20 breast cancer survivors who had completed treatment at least one year before.

All of the women were tested on their cognitive abilities and evaluated for anxiety, depression, their overall quality of life and the amount of social support they had.

On tests of working memory and spatial learning, the women recently diagnosed with breast cancer performed about the same as the women with the recent benign biopsy. However, both groups were less accurate than the breast cancer survivors.

In addition, memory and learning ability for the breast cancer women did not significantly change during treatment in comparison to the benign biopsy women; although women receiving chemotherapy did become less attentive on a simple card identification task.

The recently diagnosed women who had better overall quality of life also had better scores on the cognitive tests. Changes in cognitive performance during breast cancer treatment were related to changes in some aspects of quality of life, especially the spiritual and religious support domain.

In the other study, 30 women with breast cancer were given cognitive tests before each cycle of chemotherapy and again one month after the final cycle. They were compared to 30 healthy women who were also tested five times about a month apart.

The women with breast cancer had slight problems in attention and learning skills before chemotherapy started. Chemotherapy resulted in only a minor slowing in thinking speed. Three women, or 10 percent, developed cognitive problems during chemotherapy.

"These results," Boivin said, "suggest that cognitive difficulties experienced by women with a new breast cancer diagnosis may be related to stress as a result of the diagnosis and other quality-of-life factors, and not simply due to the effects of chemotherapy or radiation."

"This is an important issue, particularly as survival rates for breast cancer improve," said David Darby, author of the second study and chief medical officer of CogState Ltd., an Australian company that developed the cognitive tests used in the studies. "People could be making decisions about whether or not to have chemotherapy based on stories they've heard about ‘chemofog' or ‘chemobrain.' Hopefully this information will help people make informed decisions.

Boivin's study was supported by the Templeton Advanced Research Program of the Metanexus Institute. Darby's study was supported by CogState Ltd., the University of Melbourne and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.

The American Academy of Neurology, an association of over 21,000 neurologists and neuroscience professionals, is dedicated to improving patient care through education and research. A neurologist is a doctor with specialized training in diagnosing, treating and managing disorders of the brain and nervous system such as Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and stroke.

For more information about the American Academy of Neurology, visit http://www.aan.com/.

jonimb

Hi TaTa's,

WoooooHoooooo Amera...great news.

I found a whole bunch of my pie plate dahlia bulbs, so I bought enough for me and my sister.  She came over this morning, and we split them all up.  All my tulips and crocuses are coming up nicely, and wouldn't you know it we are in for a terrible weekend weather wise.  More Snow....terrible 4 letter word.

I took Thor for a long walk around the end of the lake this afternoon, I got snowed on, rained on, and by the time we got back to the car, I had to take my coat off as it was so nice.  The "swans" are back.  They always arrive sometime in April, stay for about 2 to 3 weeks, and then head north to Wood Buffalo National Park, where they have their babies.  Then in October they arrive back her for a few weeks before they head south for the winter.  They are about 3 times the size of a Canada goose, so when they fly over my house it almost seems like a little airplane going over.

Well I'm rambling...nervous about my port placement tomorrow, but looking forward to the drive into the mountains.  We are even taking Thor with us.  Dan can go and take him for a walk while I'm have the port put in.

Thanks to all of you for your well wishes, support and love.  It really does help with all the "everything" going on .

Many hugs to all of you, love you all.....Joni

meliaanne

Joni, every one of us will be in the room with you tomorrow. And we will all be holding your hands.

Mer, I have absolutely found that my brain is damaged from chemo. I forget, have to fight through a fog to focus, am just not quick with words. My desk at work is covered with reminders, spreadsheets, etc. I document everything, so that I can be sure I have done all that needs doing. It is very depressing.

Rebecca, you are an excellent writer, so that news is very exciting. I know you feel some financial pressure, but you also want to be with the kids ... this sounds very promising.

Skye, your stories about your work always interest me. Someday I would love to hear the whole story about how you ended up writing, as I remember that you have had a varied career.

I am afraid that I have developed lymphedema in my affected arm. It is extremely sore. This started about a week ago, and is much worse. I just hate the idea of yet another dr appt, but may call tomorrow. We need my income, and I have missed a lot of work due to Steve's illness, so hate to take more time for this. Also, being in the flower business, we are gearing up for Mother's Day. Maybe I can get a late afternoon appt. Has anyone else had trouble with the affected arm?

Steve continues to do well. He is very positive and upbeat, is gaining strength daily. His pain is minimal. I am so glad that we are over the worst of it.

Sweet Dreams all. Viddie, enjoy the rest of your vacation.

Where is Nancy?

Melia

viddie

Amera,

I am so happy for you!! Thanks for sharing.



Rebecca,

That's great. The job sounds like fun. Now you can use your talent in a different way. Working from your house is even better.

Joni,

We are with you today. You will love it. I do. Mine is coming out in June.

Mary,

Interesting article, but I would have to have a lot more convincing than one article. Thanks for sharing.

Lynn,

When you having stage II?



Love,

Viddie

skyedivine

Hey Ladies,

I ended up glued to the sofa last night so did not try to chat.

Rebecca, that is wonderful news about the freelance writing gig, and especially that it taps your special training. At least you won't have to check these papers for plagiarism! Sounds like the perfect thing for you to do over summer with kiddies at home.

Mer, very interesting article. I know chemobrain is real, and yet I was able to write a book during chemo that came out mostly legible. But I only had a few really good hours a day for it. Thanks for sharing the research.

Melia, I'm not surprised you've gotten lymphedema with all the heavy lifting, physical and emotional, that you have had to do to take care of your dh. I'm so sorry though and hope you can get quick treatment. Please do remember to take care of yourself too! And sure, I will be glad to share about my very varied career sometime. (Jill of all trades, master of none?)

Speaking of arms, mine are MUCH better since I took myself off the lastest statin drug my GP wanted me to take for cholesterol. I can exercise, take my own groceries out of the cart and rest better too now that they aren't continually hurting. Even the rotator cuff tear is less painful. So I'm going to try and take more fish oil and just stay off the statins. I think the better sleep and ability to exercise outweigh any benefits from those drugs.

Still feeling yuggy from that flu so I will try to take it easy today, but our temp is supposed to hit 70 degrees and I intend to take Grendel out to enjoy it. Joni, thinking of you and the port insertion, let us know how it goes!

Caya

Okay gals I am officially "cookied out"  - I baked 15 dozen Passover choc. chips cookies today to take down to my Onc., the receptionist and one of my chemo buddies tomorrow. - OY!  I have regular choc. chip cookies for the onc. nurses.

I hope everyone is doing well - Joni, how did the port insertion go?

Skye - I hope you are feeling better.

Rebecca - that job sounds great - you will make money doing something you enjoy, and it could lead to more work.

Spring is here, at last, the DH was in the garden today turning over the soil and pruning some of the dead plants from last summer.  And chives were actually up already in the vegetable garden - in April?  Unheard of here.

Down for Herceptin # 16 tomorrow gals, this is finally coming to an end...

Anonymous

I had an appointment today with my oncologist. Despite the fact that I didn't have a single logical reason to be worried I was up all night last night tossing and turning. I've been stressed out about it for days! I hadn't mentioned it to DH, but I guess it was obvious anyway because he showed up at my appointment this morning. This is the first one he's been to since I finished chemo. Everything went just fine, but I was suprised at how much anxiety a regular check-up caused. DH asked me afterwards what I'd been so worried about and I couldn't really explain it. I don't think I was actually worried about the appointment itself - I think my anxiety was just tied to having to go into that building again. Anyway, I'm celebrating tonight with fresh chocolate chip cookies and a big glass of cold milk!

luckymel

Hi, TaTa's! We're back from our Boulder wedding weekend and had a wonderful time. The weather was beautiful, the wedding was perfect, and the ceremony and the young woman minister who performed it were the best I've ever heard. Afterward, I met up with lots of people I love and haven't seen for ages, so it was really a wonderful weekend. Came home exhausted, though, and right back to work. My glorious mini-vacation has worn off. Next time, we travel with Harrison - not only did we really, really miss our big dog, he was stressed enough to have diarrhea for the first two days we were gone - poor pet sitter! She is so great, though - she changed plans and just stayed over at our house so he wouldn't be alone. We're so lucky to have her.

Amera, I'm so relieved to hear your good news. I hate it when any of us have to face that issue again, and it seems there has been so many of us already. Jan, glad your onc. visit went well, too. I see mine next week, and so far I'm not obsessing about it, but we'll see as it gets closer. Maybe these things get easier over time after all.

Joni, I've been thinking about you all day - I'm sure you're doing fine, and will appreciate having your port.

Melia, it's great that Steve is doing so well. Now I'm worried about you, though...lymphedema? Definitely see your doc, and start babying that arm (and yourself in general) immediately! Your experience should serve as a warning to the rest of us, too - I'm not always as good as I should be about limiting the weight I lift with my "bad" arm, etc. I'll definitely start being more careful. I did wear my sleeve while flying, for whatever that is worth.

Rebecca, great news about your writing job! You'll be great at that. Actually, I could do that, too...something to keep in mind for later, perhaps. I sort of have my sights set on something I could do from home at some point, especially after we move to Idaho.

Skye, hope you get to feeling better Grendel is still adorable. Caya, that's a lot of chocolate chip cookies? What's the difference between Passover cookies and regular, if I may show my ignorance? Lynn, hope things with Ally are going better. Viddie, hope you're still having fun - when do you get home, again? Oh, and I am not surprised that Meri expected and asked for your car...I don't know what happened, but all the kids now seem to expect that. Around here, the kids expect their parents to buy them new cars to drive to high school - it drives me crazy, but they get it from their peers. Our age group did without or bought our own used cars, but that's just not the way it's done now. I think you guys are very generous to give her your old car, and I hope you enjoy your new one enough to justify the car payments.

Mary, Sharon, Cindy, Nancy, Tina, everyone else...love you, hope all is well.

Caya

Hi Tatas,

I'm up early to go downtown for my Herceptin.

Mel, glad you had a nice wedding weekend - it's always great to see family and friends.

Passover cookies are make with matzo meal (finely crushed matzo) and potato starch - instead of flour and baking soda/powder.  During Passover we are forbidden to eat anything that is leavened - i.e. real bread, pasta, also certain legumes, rice.  The seders this year are Saturday and Sunday nights - alot of eating on the frontier.

Will check in later after my infusion.

xo