Starting Chemo in JAN 2007

mer1957

I agree Melia this is a very interesting election...and interesting in my house as I think DH and I are on opposite sides.  He pulls the straight R lever and I was raised a D but changed over after I got married but I just can't bring myself to vote for McCain and I haven't even heard Palin speak.  I realize he wanted a woman and a pro life one to get that vote but I have a hard time believing she is seeking this after just having had a baby and one with Down's at that.  It's not like a normal job going to work after a baby...this campaigning is going to take a lot of time and travel.  Well that's my two cents.  Can't talk about it around here anymore. 

We're having people over for dinner, got everything ready - Rebecca's hummus included and my sweet n sour meatballs.  I'm ready for a nap.  My brain has been working overtime lately when I'm suppose to be sleeping (and I have 9 months to the wedding).  Caya, glad you had an antiman handy...I was looking for some last night but they're all gone.( 

Skye, I hope you enjoy the wedding.  Please get some rest.  I think overdoing it leads to more fibro from what I've seen and stress too which you've had a lot of lately with your family.

 Caya, take it easy with all of that shlepping.  I hope you can get used to the quiet with both girls gone.  DS#1 is coming home next weekend and fiancee too...going to look at tux's and limos and they are going down to pick out the food at the Club. 

Mel, hope that storm doesn't come your way.  DS#1 is trying to figure out where to go if it looks like it is coming his way, although it sounds like it's going to hit New Orleans.. poor people. 

Just rented out the old house today. YAHOO!  That's a relief. 

Tina, I hope the volunteer work at the school leads to some new friends for you.  Hugs

TPPJ

Strange... I rec'd Melia and  Mary's posts via the bc.org email alert, but not yours, Mel.  I wonder why.  Glad you're lymphedema hasn't progressed terribly.  That's always good news.  Jealous of your Colorado trip.  I've yet to see it.  It's on my list.

Oh, boy, Mary, are our houses similar.  DH is an R and I was totalllllly raised in a D household.  I don't agree with the whole "give it away to the poor (who often don't try to help themselves)" mentality so I don't vote on party lines.  I go with who I like.  Obama is charismatic, that's for sure.  I wasn't wild about Michelle, but liked her speech very much the other night.  Melia, so true...this is the first election I'm even interested in listening.

My friend Wendy totally nailed it for who Palin looks like:  Tina Fey from Saturday Night Live.  She'll have a field day with this election!

Melia...on your blinds....  my guru decorator neighbor in OH got me hooked on the super wide blinds...not the 2", but the nearly 3" ones.  They look more like plantation shutters due to the extra width.  You also get more light when they are open because there are less of them.  Hunter Douglas makes gorgeous ones, with a beveled type edge that totally makes them look like shutters.  However, with over twenty windows, my quote was $9K.  I think not.  I went w/Bali and it came down to $3K.  However, we all know what happened w/Bali....they couldn't produce them for me and I ended up switching to Levolor, which were the same in price.

I decided to make my friend Gemma's burrito recipe today...she was an OH neighbor but is from Mexico City...excellent cook.  Well, it's simmering and smells delicious, but whoa.....  the prep time was insane.  At least an hour of chopping.  That's not my thing.  I'm gonna freeze half of it for when my parents get down here next week.

Oh, Mel, I just noticed your post did arrive via email.  Phew.  I don't want to miss anything if I don't sign onto the boards.  I did NOT hear her say "what does a VP do all day".  OMG!

Rebecca

I totally agree about MCCain's choice.  Looks to me like he is shamelessly courting the female vote by putting a woman on the ticket.  By all accounts she does not have much in the way of real qualifications.  LOL on your characterization, though Tina.  The last thing that this country needs is a soccer mom as president!  Gatorade anyone?  There was a really funny commentary about her on The Daily Show:

http://www.thedailyshow.com/video/index.jhtml?videoId=183521&title=john-mccain-chooses-a-running

We are a democratic household all the way, so we do not get much in the way of debate here, although we discuss things often.  I like Obama, I think he is charismatic and full of dreams and ideals.  Michelle scares me a bit, although from what I know of her she comes from solid roots and has worked very hard to get where she is and that is admirable.  I think that they are good people who mean well and want the best for us all....my fears are more along the lines of will they be allowed to do anything (remember how Clinton was blocked in the end!).

Caya I am glad that things are falling into place for for Amanda! Hang in there, she is almost settled.

Indeed Mel...take Harrison and bug OUT!  Who needs to be stuck in a hurricane, particularly with half a roof!?!? Sounds like your consult went quite well, and I am glad you do not have much in the way of edema in your arm, and even gladder that you got a sleeve just in case.  Sounds like they have it covered.  I seem to remember you asking about trunkal lymphedema, what did they say about that?

I guess labor day is not a biggie in the floral industry huh Melia?  Glad that you get a three day weekend.  Glad that you got your ring fixed...I do not even have lymphedema and I am afraid to wear rings on my "bad" side, which is a drag because most of my rings are sized for my right ring finger.  Ahh well.

Mary  have fun with your guests...and it sounds like an interesting election season in your house for sure!  

Skye definately try to take it easy this week so that you can get the most enjoyment from the wedding.  I have no words of advice regarding how to enjoy it as I am not yet at that stage with my own babies, but speaking as a bride, I remember how important it was to let go and have FUN and enjoy the party.  Once the party started I just let it flow rather than try to direct it...we PAID someone to do that part!  I did not stress about things that went "wrong" and I sat and ate my meal.  I tasted my cake, but did not eat my slice, something I have always regretted because when we tried to eat our cake top at our 1 year anniversary we found out that it had gotten ruined.

Well, munchkins are hungry and are requesting chocolate pancakes so I am off to the kitchen.  Happy sunday to you all!

luckymel

I have a sneaking suspicion that my dh, when I married him, thought he was an R - he was certainly more conservative on most all issues than I was.  However, I just talked him through my thinking on most of the issues, and he found out that actually, he agreed with me.  It wasn't an instant turnaround, but he did see the light.  So we are definitely on the liberal side of the street now.  I have to watch what I say around my mom, though, or Larry's mom.  One of our neighbors' kids has been making rude comments about our next door neighbor's Obama yard sign, and I think even defaced it, so he went out and got more signs, including one for us.  The little jerk can't even tolerate a difference of opinion, so a bunch of us are putting up our Obama signs just to piss him off.

Got the new wig yesterday - she will cut it for me on Tuesday if I'm still here, or after vacation if I'm not.  We're still deciding what we're going to do, regarding the hurricane.  She seems to really know what she's doing, as far as cutting them to your face shape, etc.  So, I hope I can go Tuesday - I'm excited to see it cut.  Looks dreadful now, way too much long hair.

Chocolate pancakes, Rebecca?  I can't image that.  So sorry you didn't eat your wedding cake.  I didn't even have one, and I sort of regret that. 

Mary, I think your DS will be ok - looks like we might get rained on but that's about it.  Lots of people over there have just gone ahead and made hotel reservations somewhere, though, just in case.  But I think he'll be ok without going anywhere.  Glad you rented your old house and don't have to think about that any more.

I took a friend with me to the wig place yesterday, and on the way home took her to a new shopping center that is one of those wonderful new ones where it's just like a small town street, where you can park diagonally in front of the stores.  It was wonderful.  I just can't stand malls, and having to walk miles past all kinds of crappy stores to get where you need to go.  This is like the "old way," I realize, but it is so much better.  The pendulum really needed to swing the other way.  I'm tempted to shop in that kind of place...and probably will.

Well, better get busy.  Everybody have a good Sunday.

jonimb

Hello Tatas,

It has been very cold here the last few days, we already have had frost so lots of my flowers are gone.  It's snowing today in Banff & Canmore, and it may snow here in Calgary tonite.  The high today is only 5 C.....42 F....but it feels colder than that.

With each chemo I seem to get weaker, and this week was no exception.  I'm so glad after Tuesday I don't have chemo for 2 weeks. 

I only have 6 more sleeps til our cruise, starting to pack already.

Hugs to all....Joni

jonimb

Also wanted to say my prayers are with all the people on the Gulf Coast.  That hurricane looks very dangerous. 

Joni

TPPJ

Mel, I hear ya on those nice new/old shopping centers where you can just pull up to the store.  I just don't feel like dealing with having to traipse past fifty stores to get to the one I want either.  Or battle the parking lot.  Hope your wig appt. won't get canceled.  You'll feel really good once you have it cut and get that past.

Joni, sorry your feeling crummy.  I know I tried to deny it to myself, but with each successive taxol, I definitely felt worse.  I don't think I had enough A/C's for that to happen, plus I had the 3 week recovery period.  With the weekly taxol, I was fairly zombie by the 12th week.  It still just all seems surreal.  It must be a human nature coping mechanism.  Hang in there, girl!  So long as you're feeling good for your trip...  if  you have to lay low for now, so be it.  This too shall pass.

Mel, I'm such a storm skeptic, even after Katrina...it's awful.  But after living in S. Florida for ten years, you see the hype of hype..."the storm of the century...headed directly to Ft. Lauderdale!"...and it peters out 2 miles offshore.  God...  I know we can't be complacent, but we can't panic either.  It's kind of the cost of doing business when you live on the southeast coast.  Although, if I were on the Keys, I'd evacuate...  no place to go if it does become disasterous.  At least in TX, you can just keep going inland...some peace of mind there.

Quiet weekend here so far.  Today I made another OH neighbor recipe..a buffalo wing chip dip (for nachos).  Very spicy and good.  Did burgers on the grill.  Jaclyn had a few friends over.  She's spending the night next door at Stacy and Kiana's...who, by the way, told her they may not move.  God, I'll be so glad if they stay.  She just loves them.  She hasn't been getting along too well w/her other friend, who is 6 going on 7.  She is a very young 6 and she takes Jac very literally, i.e. Jac told her she "had to" try some crackers we had, in the vein of "oh you must, they are to die for..." and the little girl got rip roaring p.o'd, saying "NO, I DON'TTTTTTTTT!!!!!!!"  Anyway, there have been a good half dozen ugly scenes like that, where Jac hasn't meant harm and the girl has flipped on her...  which really stinks because the DH and I have become very friendly w/the parents.  Three days ago, however, after the girls fought, Jaclyn sauntered back over there and the mom told her to "find someone else to do her dirty work"....  which I didn't think was very nice.  But, I'm not saying anything.  I'm not getting into it again w/people over kid crap.  This too shall pass...  didn't I just say that, Joni? 

luckymel

Joni, I'm also sorry you're not feeling well.  As I remember, though, you are getting a bunch of taxol treatments this time, right?  When I think how bad I felt after my 12, I'm not surprised you're dragging.  That stuff is evil...but if it does the job, I guess we can put up with it.  I'm just glad you have that trip to look forward to, and hope so much that you'll feel well enough to enjoy it.  How far along in your chemo are you, I forget?  It was six months worth, as I recall.  Major hugs to you.  I can't believe you're having snow already!  It is soooo hot here.

Tina, I hope for your sake, and Jac's, that your neighbors aren't moving after all.  Sorry she's having problem with her other friend, but I think you're wise not to get involved, as long as no one is getting hurt.  I also don't believe the hype about the storms.  However, I don't want anything to come between me and my vacation (or my comfortable wig, either).  Also, it takes me so long to pack for a trip that I really need the next two days to get ready, so I don't want to be rushed by the storm.

Where is everyone?

skyedivine

Joni, hang in there! Taxol is a tough trip to take and it does feel worse as it accumulates in your body. But once it's over it moves on out and you DO recoup! And you have that lovely trip coming up.

Mel, you look cute in curls but I'm looking forward to seeing a pic of you in the fab new wig. I could see a curly weave, too. Movie stars and celebs use those all the time; I think we'd be shocked if we knew just how much.

Caya how is the school excitement going? I imagine it's a flurry at your house today.

Tina I think you are smart to let the kids handle their tiffs as long as it's small stuff. Maybe the little girl will eventually learn from Jaclyn what "literal" means.

I've been ill all weekend but did manage to finally clean my art studio to a point where the guys can get in and replace the three skylights whenever they do get here. I just did a little every time I got up and had dh and ds carry down the bags of trash. I threw out my huge collection of magazines I use for collage. It's easy to get more and if I get a rush assignment for something I don't have on hand I just head for the nearest magazine store rack. Sometimes I cheat and paint in the background anyway.

Dh and Ds left early for a daylong Brewer's tailgate party and game. DH is hosting 150 people for his company so he was up at dawn hauling out coolers and loading his SUV. I was hoping to shop a little today but don't know if I'll feel up to it.

Caya I'm thinking now I should get closed-toe shoes to wear with that MOG dress; my legs are so scabby from mosquito bites I think I need stockings. Ever since the chemo wore off, I react differently to mosquito bites. They swell up to silver dollar size and turn red. I have to use a ton of Benadryl cream, and when they finally go down and stop itching they leave little red scabs.

At any rate, I have less than a week to go shoe-shopping. Also need a birthday present for SIL who will be here Thursday from Virginia for the wedding. (We'll be in VA on the 20th for her son's wedding) And I have to get to a party goods store for the cups, plates and utensils for the pre-wedding picnic Friday.

So the illness thing is getting very old. I'm going to try eating more chocolate. - Skye

luckymel

Skye, this is just no good that you are feeling so bad.  I don't know why you can't get a pass from the fibro, now that you've been through cancer.  I admire you for dealing with it with such grace, but I really hate it for your sake.  Hope you get it out of the way before the wedding and feel great that day, at least.  Keep eating more chocolate, I say.

To those of you who have suggested weaves, I'd be afraid to attach anything to that brittle hair.  Not sure how it's done, but I know my hairdresser would scream if I even mentioned doing that.  I know the celebrities do all kinds of things to their hair, all the time.  I suspect it is self-perpetuating, as they damage hair and then have to do something to cover that up.  I don't even know how they manage all that coloring - unless they all have super hair to begin with, and I doubt that.  I think it's mostly artificial.  My wig hairdresser does a lot of celebrities and says a lot of them use her highest grade available, many thousand dollar wigs and hairpieces, and that we'd all be surprised. 

We went out to dinner tonight and CNN was full-time on the Palin daughter story.   That poor girl.  I can't imagine what Sarah was thinking of, subjecting her to that kind of press coverage.  Makes me question her judgement more, and McCain's as well.  I really wonder if he knew.  I know there's no way the media is going to back off the story, and that makes me sick - it's not like she's an ax murderer or is in jail or something. 

Hugs.

IowaCindy

Hey, Ladies....just checking in.

It's been a busy weekend. I worked Saturday AM and then had family and friends over Saturday night to watch the Nebraska Cornhusker football game. First game with  the new coach. We're all Husker fans. 

Yesterday I did a few chores and then rode my bike with my eldest. We rode about 45 minutes. I have a terrible self-image you know. My strength and endurance are awful. But I'm gonna try working on that.

I finally started my long-thought-of project. I'm painting a mural on my garage wall that faces the house. It's going to be some kind of a garden scene when I'm done. May be more of an impression of a garden. I've not had any art classes since 9th grade, about 38 years ago. So far the sky, grass and a portion of fence is started. Looks very elementary, simple like a coloring book page. I'll be working on the sky this week - adding clouds to give it some definition. 

Mel, I do hope you get a satisfactory hair solution. I thought your wig was really quite lovely.

Joni, rest so you can enjoy that cruise!

I've done a quick read through the posts. I'm with y'all on wishing the best for the Gulf Coast states. Now there are two more storms developing. Gonna be a busy Autumn, I think.

I hear a dog barking. I better get the cocker before the neighbors start calling.

Happy week, everyone!!!!!

hugs from Iowa,

Cindy 

luckymel

Cindy, the mural on your garage sounds lovely and fun.  You are just doing it in your style, and it will be perfect.  I find it interesting that you seem to be making it up as you go along - what fun!  I really hope you take a picture and let us see when you're done.  I I just totally love the idea.

I know what you mean about having no strength or endurance.  I can't believe what's happened to me, either - I used to be such a jock.  Now, a slug.

I learned the manual lymphatic drainage yesterday and made some more appointments.  This guy at M. D. Anderson is good, and if I do what he says, maybe I can keep from having any problems down the road. 

Today I get my new hair and get it cut, then take my kitty to the vet for a checkup...then pack for vacation.  It's going to be a busy day.  But here I sit.

meliaanne

Hi All,

Cindy, love the idea of the mural. And bike riding ... we go for rides most Sundays. I generally lag way behind Steve, but that's fine. We eventually catch up with each other, and when he wants a challenging ride, he can always go after work or on Saturdays. Our rides are usually about 20 miles, but either fairly flat, or I walk my bike up the steep hills. It's just fun to get out and gaze at the scenery.

Skye, I so want you to feel better for the wedding. I want you to have a day of laughter and fun. Try to rest as much as you can in advance.

Mel, hope your haircut went well. And I think you will find that the mld feels really good.

Caya, hope your dd is getting settled ok, and that you are catching your breath.

Joni, wave at those glaciers for all of us.

Everyone else, you are in my daily prayers and thoughts.

I had an appt today with the pt for the lymphedema, and all is fairly stable. Then I met with my oncologist, and he thinks I am doing well too. I talked to him at length about fixing my scar and having a prophylactic mx on the " good " side. He referred me to a plastic surgeon for the excess tissue on the bad side. He basically thinks the surgeon left tissue to do a recon, which I do not want at this point. I feel that if that side is flat, like Cindy's, a prosthesis won't bother me. Now I am constantly aware of it, and cannot wait to rip my bra off at night. He feels that the prophylactic mx is up to me. He says that I do have a slightly higher than normal chance of cancer on that side, just because I had it before, even though it wasn't lobular. He says they wouldn't take any lymph nodes, would do a pathology study, and if cancer free, that would be it. I am so tempted. I feel like I should do the bad side, as that is a QOL issue, and as long as I am under anesthesia, perhaps I should have the good one off. I need advice. I don't really like the lopsided look but I also dread the idea of surgery. However, I had a mammogram over two weeks ago and still don't have results (the dr said he would call within 24 hrs, must have gotten lost in the system). I don't like the prospect of mammograms, and waiting, for years. I just am so anxious at the idea of more surgery, but maybe it's worth it to have this behind me?  I just don't know. What do all of you think?  Be very honest with me, please. I don't know who else to ask; you guys get it, and are the best qualified to answer. Steve is supportive whatever I decide.

Sweet dreams all.

luckymel

Well, Melia, you know I chose to have a bilateral, and that was just for my peace of mind.  If I had to do it again, I'd do it.  I think you're right about the prosthesis not bothering you once you get the excess tissue removed, for sure.  I never even noticed mine.  But...you will still have mammograms, even after a bilateral.  So you may not have quite as much to worry about, but you'll still have that wait and worry time.  I'm sure you'll make the right decision for you.  If you're having surgery already, it might not be that much more to just have it done with, but that's just me. 

Anonymous

Melia - I don't have any good advice. I chose to keep my "good" side b/c I just couldn't stand the thought of having a healthy part of my body removed. But, a few weeks ago when my onc sent me for that mammogram I was certainly questioning that decision! Before I had reconstruction the mastectomy side was completely flat, but I was always uncomfortable wearing a prothesis. I don't know what the answer is - I guess you just have to go with what feels right for you.

jonimb

Hello all,

Well I have more bad news.  They stopped all chemos on me yesterday, my liver is not able to take any more.  I've been really sick for about 10 days now, and after they did my blood tests yesterday, my onc said no more.

He says I can go on the Alaska cruise, but I can't even get from my bedroom upstairs to the main floor, so Dan & I are going to wait until Friday to make a decision whether to go or not.

They are doing an MRI, CT/Pet scan on Monday Sept 15, and I'll see my onc on Sept 16, or if we don't go on our trip he said he would see me any day next week.

Just so scared right now, saw my priest yesterday and Father Reg helped to calm me down a bit.

I hate this disease.

Joni

meliaanne

Joni, I am praying very hard for you and am sending lots of love your way. I wish I could be there to hug you. Keep Dan and Thor close, and fight hard. Like my sweet son in law told me when I was diagnosed, Stay strong and know that you are loved.

Love, Melia

Anonymous

Joni - sending you lots and lots of good thoughts. We all love you. This is a horrible, scary, terrible disease and I hate it. I hope you do feel well enough to go on your trip.

Rebecca

Oh hugs to you Joni.  I hope that you can go on your cruise.  If I could carry you if I could.  Cancer S*CKS nobody deserves this torture.

dkmaustx

Oh my, Joni, hugs and prayers go out to you as I type this. I hope the cruise is still on for you. Even if you don't go, I hope things get a bit better than they are now.

Take care and be strong.

skyedivine

Joni, prayers and more prayers from me to you. At least the chemo won't be dragging you down now. Maybe that will help you feel good enough to go. Please wrap up in that afghan and feel us all carrying you right now! Just keep keeping us posted. Super hugs -- Skye

TPPJ

Joni, I'm so sorry you are having to deal with this.  I know it's scary, miserable, consuming, etc...  I am hoping that w/a break from chemo, you'll feel up to the trip.  I know you are a fighter and you live life better than many people I know...  and you will continue to.  I want you on that trip.  You deserve total enjoyment for having to deal with this.  I'm not a big "church girl", but I am praying for you too!  We love you, Joni!!!  XXXOOOXXXOOXXXOO!!!

IowaCindy

Well, hell Joni!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

Darn it. I hope you can feel everyone's love and concern. Prayers, positive thoughts, , candle lighting....whatever it takes I know we're doing it all in your name. 

We hold you close and lift you up.

So much love from Iowa!!!!!!

Cindy

mer1957

Joni, sending love your way and prayers for healing and comfort.  Glad you saw your priest.  This is a scary time I'm sure.  We are there holding you up. 

Skye, is the wedding Saturday?  Hoping for good weather Fri too for your picnic.  (hope this rain passes) How are you feeling?

Melia, I too say go with your gut feeling.  I was ready for a bilateral but my surgeon didn't think it necessary.  Of course I rethink it a lot.  My prosthesis is bothersome at times (and I'm small) so I don't know if the surgery will make you feel any better.  Mine just moves around alot.  Guess maybe I should get a new bra that holds it in.  Sometimes when I bend down to do filing at work it falls out - what a hoot. 

Take care and hugs all around.

skyedivine

Mer, yes the wedding is this Saturday! Can't believe how fast it came. I'm feeling somewhat better and still trying to pace myself. Got the shoes, got the tableware, today I need to pick up salad fixings, bakery goods and potted mums for the picnic tables tomorrow. DH's sister and her husband, son and fiancee are flying in today but thank goodness dh is taking them to a baseball game and they are staying in Milwaukee. And of course DH discovered yesterday when he finally took out his best suit that the jacket is missing a button and there are no extras sewn inside. So I'll be button-shopping too. After the picnic my responsibilities are done and I can relax. And believe me, I do plan to enjoy this wedding!



Melia, I can totally sympathize with the toughness of your decision. In the end, I don't think anyone can make that decision but you. Just listen for that little inner voice, it's always there somewhere.



Joni, I'm holding in my mind that moment of triumph in Vegas when you picked the right fisherman on Reel Em In and got the big fish! We all screamed so loud everyone thought you hit the jackpot. We are all still standing around you and screaming for you! (Wish I'd been there when you really did win the jackpot).



We had my mom's assessment summary on Tuesday. They now have her scheduled for an MRI to rule out stroke but are thinking it's early Alzheimer's, which was very hard for her to hear, and of course for my sister and I, too. But she took it very well, and she will be at my son's wedding.

I'll still keep checking in when I can and hope to post some pics later.



And o yes, it is raining here as we get the tail end of Gustav but it's supposed to be mostly over by midnight tonight. The tough part is convincing Grendel to go out and do his business! - Skye

luckymel

Joni, I just read your news.  I'm sending all the love and positive thoughts I can to you.  As someone already said, wrap in your blanket and feel us all loving you and holding you up.  Maybe with a little break, you can go and enjoy your trip, and then resume the chemo.   So sorry for the bad news, but just keep fighting, draw your strength from Dan, and Thor, and us.  We love you.

I'm at my mom's now, will be checking in.  Hugs to you.

Caya

Joni, I also just read your news.  Please know that I am praying for you - Have you investigated other options besides chemo - I've heard of RFA for the liver, I think that stands for Radio Frequency Abalation?  I'm glad you spoke to your priest, I will say a mishabarach for you - that is a special prayer in Judaism asking for the return of good health to an ill person.

xo

Caya

Caya

Hello dear Ta Tas,

Well, the Friedman College Move In and Set Up company finally has completed their 3 jobs this week.  Sunday I shopped with and moved in my cousin's daughter (from Edmonton) into her dorm at York University (north Toronto, a 15 minute drive from my house).  Monday was Cassie's turn - Allan and I did the installation at Ryerson U in downtown Toronto, then on Wed. Allan and I did Amanda at Queen's U in Kingston - we left at 8:00 a.m. and did not return until 1:45 a.m. But we got it all done.  Everybody is happily installed in their dorm/apt.  We are going back down to Ryerson tonight to take Cassie a few more things, and we will be going back to Kingston on Monday Sept. 15 to take Amanda back with some more things too.  Amanda will be coming home that weekend for my BFF's duaghter's wedding on Sunday night, so we'll drive her back the next morning.

Exhaustion would be putting it mildly.  Hopefully though this will be it for awhile.  I'm hoping Cassie will like her batchelor apt. - it is really cute, perfect size and location for her - and stay there until she graduates (3 more years including this one).  And Amanda will graduate the Faculty of Ed. in June 2009, and actually be able to get a job, make money and be off the payroll here. Unless of course she wants to go for a Master's Degree in Education...

Melia - I too have questioned keeping my "good" side.  However both my onc. and breast surgeon talked me out of it - low risk of recurrence in that side, although my onc. said the same as yours, slightly higher because I already had it.  Taking off healthy tissue etc.  But for me, I have an excellent flat scar on my mast. side,  I have worn a great prosthesis since barely 4 weeks since my MRM, feel really comfortable in it. I am still thinking about doing reconstruction, but for me, the only method I would do would be an implant, and I'm not rushing into it.  And I get a digital mammo and a breast MRI alternating every 6 months, plus of course the onc. and the breast surgeon doing physical exams throughout the year too.  And why are you still waiting for mammo results.  When I had my last mammo in August, I told the tech. I wanted to see the radilogist right afterwards for his preliminary report.  I said I would wait, and maybe 10 minutes later they took me into a private examing room and the dr. came in and told me everything was fine. Mind you, this was done at PMH, the big cancer hospital here in Toronto.  But speak up and demand immediate answers -

Jan - is that avatar of you rock climbing?  If it is, you look great.

Mel, how did that haircut turn out?  I've decided to go in next Wed. (my big 5-0 birthday) to have a trim and blowdry. 

Cindy - go Huskers!!  I love the all the spirit and hoopla associated with US college football.

Skye, have a great time at the wedding and picnic, don't work too hard.

xo to all

TPPJ

Hi all,

First off, Skye, have the best time ever tomorrow.  I just can't even imagine.  I'd be a crying woos all day...  I hope you can hold it together better than I'd be able to.  Take lots of pics!  Glad you are feeling better and hoping the rain stopped.  It's due in here tonight, so I'm hoping it's dry there.

Caya, Happy 50!!!  How are you celebrating?  You must be too tired to celebrate after all the moving.  And Melia, Happy Belated 60!  You both look fantastic!

Yes, Jan, meant to mention you look great on the rock wall.

Caya, good suggestion to Joni to look into Radio Frequency Ablation.  If she gives the liver a rest, she may get some benefit from that or be able to resume chemo, as some of you mentioned.  Hang in there Joni.  Remember, you are on our minds every day and we are rooting for you.

Cindy, garage wall mural sounds fun!  I've seen that done a few times and it really livens up a space.  I used to do some painting before I left Boston...my mother, myself, my aunt, cousin and a few friends...we'd go to this womans house...she was very talented.  We'd mainly paint birdhouses and holiday stuff...  I have an awesome four foot high witch who is just adorable, and a gorgeous painted old sled....  anyway, on the birdhouses, we'd do this technique called "stippling"...it's where you dab the top of the brush straight into the paint and tap it onto the surface, straight on...  we'd do it for messy looking flower clumps, etc...you can very the shades of color...  it really looked nice and was easy.  Just an idea.  I'll be dying to see your pictures.  Re. college football, it's so funny because in Mass. and here in northern Virginia, you barely hear it mentioned...unlike OH where it couldn't not be mentioned every fifteen minutes, literally.  It really was funny.  On big game days the school bus would pull up and the kids would be screaming out the windows the O-H-I-O chant.  It really was infectious so I can see how you get into it.  Even Pats fans in New England weren't nearly as intense as those OSU fans.

Kids are back in school this week and so far, so good.  Paul is enjoying middle school.  How about Frances, Rebecca?

Oh, Mel....about hair.  The freaking lady at the salon dyed my hair JET black.  I look like I fell into an inkwell.  It is freaking HIDEOUS!  I was impatient and didn't wait for the girl I like who was off that day... boy, did I pay for it.  I knew it was bad when she washed my hair like five times over..then she's telling me "it look better in week".  Oh, jeez, thanks....  thank God I don't know a lot of people around here.

Anonymous

Skye - hope you have a great time tomorrow. Can't wait to hear all about it.

Caya - yes, that's me.

Joni - how are you feeling?