please help

honeygirl

Ugly , dull , and reclusive!????! Beautiful , exceptional and "soul serching" is how I would describe you! Now , I will pray for your vehicle , like mine , will make it to where you are going , and back. I'm sooo happy you are meeting Jule. I am having a great day like that tomorrow with Lisa. Gosh , I wish so much that Oprah would come here and read our posts , like one of her "books of the month". She would have to see we all need to be together. And what an awesome time that would be! Take care sweet sister. xxxx Melody

portiasproudmom

Geez, Mel!  Did you write down the names of the idiots who told you not to worry about getting a bill?  That's outrageous!  Trust me, if you create enough of a stink, they'll write off the charge.  Try not to stress too much about it.

Judie, you most certainly are NOT dull, ugly, and reclusive!  How can you see yourself that way??  You are one of the most interesting and beautiful (both inside and out) people I've ever had the pleasure of knowing.  I'm so happy for you that you were invited to attend that retreat.  I've only been to Hood Canal once, and it's sooooo pretty there.  How exciting that you'll be meeting Jule!  Tell her she doesn't come here enough anymore.  We miss her!

Love and hugs to you all.  Please have someone take a photo of the two of you, Lisa and Mel, and post it tomorrow night!  I'm so glad you'll be meeting.  The rest of us will be there in spirit.

Karen

Anonymous

Are you feeling better Lisa? You just can't get sick and miss tomorrow. We're all sitting here waiting for a report. I'm with Val...SEND PICTURES!

Cathi, you are on the money about blaming the ex. I know mine is responsible for everything bad that has ever happened to me. Makes me feel better, anyway. I started having children young, too, but didn't know when to quit. My eldest is just three years younger than you but my youngest is younger than your youngest by five years. Talk about being tired out by a young child...did me in, it did! Also forced me to stay young at heart. It sounds like you are coming to a solid decision...a brave and tough one. Congratulations. How'd the disco go?

roderadio, you have a lot on your plate coming up. We're with you all the way.

Karen, I'm jealous! I adore musical theater. The Paramount is only 11 blocks from me...a nice walk. Enjoy! Illustrated report expected.

Sue, I'm sorry about your cloud. It's all too familiar to all of us.

..

I hope that soon you will be ...

I love you, dear Sue.

Sheila, how was the luncheon? Did it feel weird to be there as a survivor this time? We just never know, do we.

Wow Shirlann, you guys are quite the moviegoers. How fun. You and Walt are an inspiration. Are you a popcorn or anti-popcorn person at the movies? No one seems to be in the middle on the issue.

Mel, that was so funny that your son thought you were meeting a date. But then, who knows...it might be an idea for next time!  I'm so sorry your husband is being like that. It does sound like the irrational thinking of his neurological deterioration. It's so sad that he is so addicted that he thinks of going home to die instead of fighting for the strength to stop drinking. It will be interesting to see what the tests show. And just what you need...and unexpected huge bill. Here's hoping it was just an error easily straightened out. Share the above rain cloud and dancing with Sue...you both are doing the dark cloud thing.

To cheer you up, as requested, a dose of Connor:

With Devin thrown in for good measure:

Karen and Mel, thanks for the sweet comments. I was just kidding you know...I'm somewhere in between what I wrote and what you wrote. But it made me realize that this is a great spot to fish for compliments...I caught a couple of real beauties. I must try that again soon!

Enough for now. Love you all!

Judie

my3girls

Judie....wow...not only is Conner an absolute doll...but his Daddy is too!! You are blessed! I have to agree with the ladies, you are one fantastic lady....and I am honored to know you!! Now...for all of us to meet in person!!

Speaking of....today is the day!!! I am feeling better..not 100%..but definately better. Nothing is going to keep me away from this lunch..and meeting my dear Melody!!! I slept in..didn't plan on it..the plan was to get up early, do some laundry, house stuff, bills..etc...but my body said...SLEEP..so I did. The other stuff can wait till later! I am going up now to shower, and get ready for my drive to meet Mel. I have my camera, she has hers. I know how to work it, but am not the greatest at it..since Olivia has it all the time with her, I don't get the practice! I am so excited...I feel like a child on Christmas morning!!

Off for a nice visit with Mel..then when we are done...I will drive to Dennis's instead of home..(see why I needed to get up early..haha) to be with him tonight. Man...what a great day!!

love to all of you...better get my behind moving!

xoxo

Lisa

sueps

LISA!!!! MEL!!!!! Have a truly truly TRULY special time ....we are all there with you ...and I wish I didnt live in the UK ...ARGHHHHHH !!! You are all soooooooo far away from me.... xxx

Judie ....you beautiful no matter what you say .... heheheh ...AND YOU ARE !!!

Well sisters...am enjoying a nice day off with them sons of mine.... ahhhh .... gettin a bit quakey bout Weds...goin to see onky for check up and then the other appt wiv surgeon for results...THATS ENOUGH STRESS TO LAST ME TIL CRIMBO.....

Ohhhh who said Crimbo....dya know they gotten crimbo stuff in the shops ..... THIS WORLD MOVES WAY TOO FAST AND IS VERY RUDE .... I am sick of it... BRING ON MA HOLIDAY!!

OK .... HOPE YOU ARE ALL HAVING A NICE MORNING... BBL X X X 

sueps

and Judie you are ultimately blessed with your grandson .... he is A D O R A B L E  xxx

honeygirl

Well ladies , I am back from "lunch". Wow , we hardly had anything to say. Alot of slience. More like a blind date that went wrong! Good luck to you ladies meeting her in NYC. I don't think Oprah could of helped us. Later...

honeygirl

lolololololololololol We just had to do that!lololol Did anyone believe it!? Probably not. We had a fabulous time. We both agreed it was like meeting an old friend. Lisa is funny , charming , beautiful and makes one feel very at ease. We compared notes from bc to exs' kids and how greatful we are to have everyone here in our lives. Nancy and AE , you are gonna have a great time! OK , I will post the picks. They are all at Norddies.

We are definately going to do this again! Soon.xxxxx Mel

sueps

MEL !!!!!!

omg LOL  my mouth dropped when I read your post and now I am laughing LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL  OH MY do not do that again!!!!!! OH MY GOD XXX

I waana live near ya .... oh I am sooo desperate to live near you all...see I am all alone here on my small island....I actually feel HOMESICK lol.....

 WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!

Who wants a lodger!!!!

You 2 are little minxes playin that trick....WE WILL GET YOU BACK!!!

I am so happy you had a good time!!!

xxxxx 

sueps

I will go and slow my heart down now cos you given me shock!!!

LATER ..... 

honeygirl

Hi Sue! I wish you lived by us too! Its not fair. We would have so much fun. Well , when you come to visit , we will just all have to find a way to come where ever you are. We can have a giant pajama party. Pizza , wine , larger, and lots of over stuffed pillows to lay around and talk for hours. Sorry I shocked you. But it was funny!xxxx Mel

livesstrong

Mel - you really had me going. lol  I was sitting here with my mouth open thinking "wow, that's strange".  I should have known it was a joke.  I can't imagine you 2 not getting along.

I am so glad you both had a great time - the pictures are FABULOUS!!!  You two ladies are beautiful. 

Judie - what's all this trash talk you've been posting??? Knock it off, missy!!

Karen - how is your mother holding up?  Are you still planning on building?

Sue - we have to find a way to get you here.  Didn't you say the owners of your Subway are American??  Maybe you can ask for a transfer??? You just have to decide what state to move to.  Wouldn't that be the best???

Fumi - where are you girlfriend?  Please check in and let us know how you are doing.

Nancy - how is rad's coming?  Any side effects?  I can't wait for the 19th.

Shirlann - haven't seen you around in a couple of days.  How have the emails been?

Ulla - what have you been up too?  

Jane - is it getting hot down under yet?

Well  I'm heading to bed - tomorrow night is Tai Chi - it should be interesting - I am so uncoordinated I'll probably fall over the first few minutes of class.lol. Wish me luck.

AE

Anonymous

All right you two miscreants! I was utterly stunned by the first note. Then laughed at the second, then cried happy tears. I have no words. You said it all in words and pictures.

Lisa, Devin is my baby boy of only 19. He's Connor's uncle, not father. Connor's daddy is 45!

                                 

This is Cai, Connhor's daddy. He and Connor both got my dimples.

 AE, what do you mean, "trash talk"? Harumph. I'm working on becoming a top-notch comedy writer. Are you telling me I'm not funny? Back to the drawing board. Missy will knock it of. Missy will knock it of. Missy will knock it off......

Sue, you would love Seattle. We might be a bit cozy in my little one bedroom place, but the boys could sleep on the floor...we'd make do because you would all be so happy here. There is a Sub shop four blocks from here and I'm sure they must need you!

I just returned from a five-mile round trip walk and think I'm going to die soon, so have to write fast. An old friend called and asked me if I would like to use a ticket...her friend had backed out at the last minute. I grabbed the chance. The Seattle Storm women's basketball team in a playoff game against the LA Spark. I walked to the arena to meet my friend, screamed my head off and now have no voice...we won!!!! It was an exciting game. It's the best 2 of 3 and each team has won a game, so Tuesday will be the deciding one. Wish she had a stray ticket for that game! It was such fun.

On that note, I retire.

Judie

geebung

 Hi all,

I'm using a computer in a library and I only have 5 mins left so this will be brief.I won't be posting much until I move here for good as I don't have the internet on at the new house and my trips back to the my house north of Sydney will be brief. Hope you are all well. I haven't had time to read any posts.

Love to all.

Jane xxx

my3girls

Mel....that was good!! We got a few people...didn't we!! haha. Well ladies, I had the most enjoyable lunch..and not just the food.  Mel, is charming, beautiful (love her green eyes) and just like being with an old friend. We are definately planning more lunches or meetings. It was only a 45 min. drive for both of us. We laughed allot, talked allot...compared stories..and of course chatted about our dear sisters here! I won't bother posting my pictures...well, maybe I will. Most of mine are the same as Mel's. Great, great visit!! I love her even more now that I met her!!

AE and Nancy...I will get Mel to join us another time. Gosh...after this meeting, we REALLY, REALLY need to all get together!!

Sue...good luck at your doctor visits this week.  I KNOW they are all going to be good news visits!!

I would have gotten on last night to see how you all responded to our little joke...but I drove from Nordies to Dennis's place. We spent the evening together...had dinner, took a drive to watch the sunset..and I stayed overnight. I am actually on his 2nd computer right now...with a nice cup of coffee that he made. Mel made me feel good about Dennis and I's relationship too. ( Thanks Mel!). You know how you have doubts and question things..esp with what I went through last year...I really question. But I know he cares so much for me...and I need to just remember that and GO WITH IT!!.

Jane...we are going to miss having your sweet self around here. You have to be so excited to be moving into your new house!! Check in when you are able...we will be here waiting for you, when you have service at your new home! All the best to you on your busy move.

Karen...how are things sweetie? Is Portia being bothered by "mean girls" anymore?? Grrrrrr that makes me furious when girls act that way. How is your mother doing? How about you? I am sure you still have your sad moments...it takes awhile.

Forgot to tell you...not only was lunch delicious..but they had some of the most fabulous deserts!! omg...carrot cake, apple carmel cake..muffuns (huge ones) cookies, brownies...and we looked at them, drooled, then ate our lunch, and passed on them after we were done!! What GOOD girls we are!! haha!

Going to get myself dressed....and ready to head back home...I have lots to do there!

Love to you all!!!!

xoxo

Lisa

Oh...Judie...haha..my bad...I didn't realize Devin was not the daddy...he is only 19...but he is a cutie!! Love the dimples! Alise had my dimples too..and so does Matthew!

lvtwoqlt

Just got back on line and everyone was chatty this weekend. I can't remember all that went on with everyone and only have a minute to post.

Lisa and Mel, glad you had fun at your lunch at nordies.

Sue, you are welcomed to move into my small house and live in John's room since he is moving to Buffalo but where would your adorable boys stay?

I had a lovely time at the lunch Saturday with my dh Donald. He wasn't too happy with the lunch menu (salad bar with chicken salad and hot rolls) but it was all you could eat. I ended up with the pink rose off the table because my birthday was closest to the day of the NC Foothills Race for the Cure next month. My bd is Oct 12 and the race is Oct 18. Deb Copeland spoke at the lunch and she was great. She is a motivational speaker and she said don't live like Popeye and say "I yam what I yam" but put away all the negative thoughts in your life and make a point to write down 10 positive things you want to do each day and strive to achieve the items on your list.

Sheila

1Cathi

Well it seems as if everyone had a great weekend,  my disco was awesome, as usual no one can keep up with me, Sunday was just a day of NOTHING,  I must admit I had a "Rum Runner" to many, so not only must we nap before going out anymore, it takes 2 days to recover.

We are seeing the surgeon tomorrow at 10:30,  and I am a bit sad this AM, maybe even a bit mad.  But as a favorite song of mIne goes "I WILL SURVIVE"

xoxoxoxoxoxo

1Cathi

Well I know I just made a post but boy do I need some advise from you much smarter ladies, I just had a conversation with a very dear family friend and I don't know why I am so upset, why it floored me, but UGH!!!! I just want to cry, she wanted to know about my biopsy results, how I was doing bla-bla-bla.  I told her we were meeting w/surgeon tomorrow and I have opted for bilat - her exact words were "NO YOUR NOT" I know it is stupid of me to be upset but I am,  I guess I expect everyone to just "get it"  Its not like I had a childhood dream to grow up one day and have my boobs cut off,  this is what I have to do. I just want to cry right now,  I AM!!!!!   I am mad too that someone with out one bit of knowledge of how this feels would be so stupid as to imply I was making a wrong decision. OHI AM PISSED!

NancyD

Cathi, it's OK to be sad about this...mad, even. Just channel the energy back to getting well and don't let it eat at you. I opted for a bilat mx, and while I've had brief moments of thinking "now why did you go and do that," they haven't brought me down, yet. I'm looking ahead, focusing on the day I get reconstruction.

I'm now halfway through my rad treatment. Of all things, the center of my chest is red and itchy, but no peeling, yet. My underarm doesn't seem to have any problems, but then maybe I'm not feeling it because it's totally numb still, LOL. One field is supposed to be going through to my back, so they said to expect some s/e's there, so now I think every back itch must be related.

Lisa, when we get closer to the 19th we'll have to plan where to meet, and all. Let me know which airport you're coming into. If it's Newark, it would be easy to pick you up there as I'm already on the west side of the river.

Val did you say you'd be coming up by train? We could meet at or around Penn Station. I'll scout out a place. I have co-workers who go through there everyday.

lvtwoqlt

Cathi, don't let others sway you on your personal decision. I also opted for the bilat with implant recon. My DCIS did not dictate any other treatments. I made my decision over a 6 month period. After my 2nd biopsy in 18 months (once in each breast) for ADH (pre-cancer) my surgeon suggested the bilat as a prevention because of the strong family history as well as the 2 abnormal biopsies. You just wonder what the person who said not to do that would do if they had the same dx. It is a very personal decision and you are the one who has to live with that decision, not the person who is telling you not to do it. You need to follow your heart in this.

Another note - Sales pitch again - I have the church cookbook that I was working on so hard this past May and June hot off the press from the printer. If you want a cookbook, just pm me and I will send you the details on purchasing one of these great cookbooks from Southern cooks.

Sheila

livesstrong

Nancy - not sure which route we are taking.  I'll talk to UB and let you know.  We usually take the Path train in.    I would love to pick up Lisa at the airport but my only decent car is a 2 seater pick up truck!  I have no room in my house, no room in my car, jeez - sorry about that!

bbl

1Cathi

Thanks Shelia, I am over being mad, don't want to waste to much time on that emotion -but sometimes just a big "DUH!!!!"  to people.

I won't be doing the reconstruction, I just do not feel comfortable with the possible risks based on my previous rads to left side.

Gosh I wish I was riding the train into NY -I have done it several times in the past (born and raised close to Albany NY) I love train rides.

simpsojc

Have you actually had the genetic testing done for the BRCA 1and 2 mutation?  Your family history has enough red flags that your insurance should cover the test in full.  It's important to know because, as you have probably already learned, not only is the mutation tied to breast and ovarian cancer, but can also be linked to prostate cancer and perhaps some other cancers in men who carry the gene.  For this reason, it is important that you be tested.  If you test negative for the mutation, then you CANNOT have passed the genetic mutation on to your boys.  If you test positive, then there is a 50% chance that you could have passed the gene on to either boy.  Knowledge is power.  Don't be afraid.  The more info you have up front, the better armed you and your family are to prevent disease or catch is early.  Jan

my3girls

Cathi...I am sorry your family member was so insensitve to you. I think sometimes people just blurt things out without even thinking. Don't let her comment bother you any longer. Your decision is just that...YOUR DECISION. It sounds to me like you have thought it through, done your homework. So be content and tune the outsiders...OUT!  haha...DUH...perfect word to use!!

Sheila..glad you had a nice lunch with your Donald.

Nancy and Val...I will be flying into LGA. That is a direct flight for me from my airport. I will take the early morning flight in. Don't worry about picking me up, I can jump in a taxi or take the subway or whatever.  Just let me know where we will meet.

Sue..I have 2 spare bedrooms at my house! One for you...and one for the boys. After Olivia moves out...I will have 3 spare rooms.  But hopefully by then the housing market will be better and I can sell this place.

Well, been running errands all day, and now I have housework to attend too!

xoxo

Lisa

portiasproudmom

I love the pictures, Mel and Lisa!  How fun!!!!!!!  Sorry to tell you this, but I didn't believe that first post of yours for a second, Mel.  I knew you two would be like long-lost friends.  Was there even one second of silence??  I doubt it!

Thanks for sharing!!  I feel like we were all there.  Wouldn't THAT have been nice??  Sigh......one day!

Hugs,

Karen

portiasproudmom

Geez, Cathi!  Why are people so insensitive and stupid??  Don't you let comments like that influence you.  You are doing what's right for you, and it's ridiculous for someone like that to make such an ignorant comment when they have no CLUE!  Grrrrrrrr!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hugs,

Karen

portiasproudmom

Well, my day started off just GREAT!  A cop followed me into the parking lot at Chase's school this morning and gave me a ticket for going 29 in a 25 mph zone.  I didn't even realize I was speeding!  The ticket is for $189!!!!!!!!!!  Can you believe that??  Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!

Karen

portiasproudmom

Judie, Connor is so adorable (and your sons aren't too bad either ).  You are so very blessed!  So are they for having such a wonderful mother!

Hugs,

Karen

Shirlann

OH DAMN IT!  I lost my whole post.

Let's see, oh SUE LOVEY!  Be sure and let us know when they tell you all is well, I am waiting by the computer, no food or sleep, no bathroom, until I hear.  So hurry up.  Hugs, baby girl

Oh Judie, Connor is gorgeous, those beautiful eyes!  WOW And more handsome boys!  Whew, they are wonderful.

Oh Karen, that makes my heart sink.  Sooo much money, just down the drain.!  NOT FAIR!!!

Sweet Fumi, Life does these things.  Dang it.  I was sure he was a nice guy (he was) but I cannot imagine what is up with him.  I think he is in a bad place in his own life.  So come home, honey, we are all here for you.

Cathi, just forget that stupid woman.  You do what is right for you and it is none of her business.  E-mail her and tell her to butt-out!  No one knows what happens to us when we are in this battle, and you have EVERY right to do what you feel is the best thing for you, what an idiot.

Oh yes, Walt and I have gone to the movies together since I was 14 and he was 16.  Then, when the boys came along, we all went to the movies in the Station Wagon.  Walt built up the back and we made a mattress and all three of them went.  It was a great time.  At one time we sometimes would go to 3 in a row, not anymore, too old.

So I am sitting here waiting for Sue to post her good news.

Love you all, Shirlann

Wren

Mel and Lisa, You both look radiant in your pictures! Thank you so much for sharing them with us. I just knew your first post had to be kidding.

1Cathi, I also had a bilateral mastectomy and had to deal with the entire spectrum of reactions from well-meaning family and friends. It sure doesn't make it any easier to go through, but fortunately, my mom and my husband were in total support of whatever decision I made so I just turned to them for support. I think my breast surgeon said, "it's reasonable" when I asked him for his opinion too--and I really appreciated those words. I repeated them to myself and anyone else who questioned me... I had reconstruction also, and my plastic surgeon, who is also a BC survivor gave me great words to hold on to also. She said, "Just do it and don't look back" and that is what I did... *not simple, but very do-able...

I miss being online whenever I want but my new job has me working six hours a day assisting developmentally delayed young adults and when I get home I'm just so tired. It's a good tired, but definitely more than I used to be since sitting around having surgeries for a year, LOL. I plan to work right up until my next surgery in November. After that, we'll see how I feel.

I rented the DVD called "Young At Heart" yesterday. It is a documentary about a senior citizen choir that has performed over a 20 year span. They sing popular songs and rock music (in their own special style)... For example, the song "Stayin' Alive" by the BeeGees takes on an entirely different meaning when being sung by someone 80 years old on oxygen. It is amazing to watch the dedication and energy these wonderful seniors give to performing in this choir. It's definitely a one or two hankie movie. Don't miss the bonus features either, they are great. Also, you can watch the "Young at Heart" music videos on YouTube if you really want to get an idea of what they do.

Hugs to you all!!!