please help

Anonymous

Sheila, I received the picture several times, also. Bless all our friends who love us, eh? I assumed everyone had seen it, but just in case I had to post it. It's my all-time favorite.

Karen, fingers and toes crossed for Tinker!

Sue, you are going to have a wonderful time unwinding and getting away from bootface. I'm sending lots of sunshine to your soul.

AE, I hadn't known much about the Catholic service, but did remember there was controversy about giving up Latin. I took Latin in high school, so wished I had gone before they discontinued it. However, it turns out that the parishoners at the cathedral wanted things a bit more traditional, so they do some in Latin and some in English. The solemn mass with the Mozart Requiem was all in Latin. I soon learned that there is a difference between classical Latin and church Latin! I was pronouncing everything quite differently. It was interesting at any rate.

Cathi, your story was priceless! I've run into receptionists who don't have a clue at times, but never to that extent! You owe me another keyboard, and I'm not sure how much damage there is to the monitor!

Leesa, hang in there. It's awful how many decisions we have to make and how much waiting we have to do. It doesn't get easier, it just gets done. Each step is one behind you. Take them one at a time and come here often to interact with women who understant and will support you.

SHIRLANN!!! Where are you? I'm getting worried. 'course I understand the implications of a new Prius...so much fun to drive. Check in, will you?

Love, hugs, and kisses to all,

Judie

sueps

I love you sisters...I will be thinking of you when  I lay on the white beaches ...xxx

flying in just over 8 hours so I am goin to try an sleep xxx 

portiasproudmom

Wow, what a quiet day!  Bon Voyage Sue!!!!!!!  Have a safe and relaxing trip.

Well, Tinker's lab results are back.  Her urine concentrated properly, so her kidneys are working fine.  She doesn't have diabetes either.  SO, the vet is assuming that she has either Cushings or Doggy Dementia.  She prescribed some medication that they use for humans with Parkinson's.  I did some reading, and they've had good results treating both disorders with it.  Let's hope it works for Tinker.

Shirlann, I'm worried about you too.  Did you take a wrong turn in that new Prius and get lost??  Please check in!

Love and hugs to all,

Karen

dink

Cathi, THanks for the words of encouragement and I will have the tests done when they call.  As you said Knowledge is power.  You know, I am a nurse but when you're talking about things wrong with yourself or your family, it's like you forget everything.  Really and truly, I haven't been involved with cancer so much as I have always been a trauma nurse so cancer patients don't usually come in unless you know it's the end for them and then I always run the other way.  After all these years I still have a hard time with death.  I think because I feel helpless with helping the family members.  Not that anyone is dying or anything.  I just always steered away from cancer patients.  I just felt helpless and powerless and sometimes even angry especially with the little one now it's not so bad.  I guess once you experience it and understand really what someone with cancer needs - to be loved, touched, understood, and treated like normal - you can handle it a little better. 

I was roling in the floor with what you said about Dora and Hannah - very true, although my insurance has been realy wonderful for me - from last October until now I have paid a total of maybe $1500.00 (this includes radiation several specialist and 2 biopsy surgeris, 1 bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction and one emergency surgery. It doesn't include meds. or travel nor time being off work to trael - oops I think I got depressed.  No not really.  I love the picture of the little girl, I had never seen that and with what you said Ms. Cathi I believe I'll stop burying my head and stop worrying about other's feelings and really educate my family and myself to the fullest.

God I love you guys and think of you all the time.  I just read more than anything.  I hope you guys who travel will show us some pictures and I think it wonderful - Have a great time.

Leesa

1Cathi

Your right Karen - perhaps everyone was up late last night watching election returns.

Leesa - you are most welcome  - just my personal feelings - but I am glad you have decided to "fight strong and hard"  Keep visiting this thread, I read them all and reply to alot - but this one is my most favorite. 

LOVE TO ALL.

footprintsangel

Hi Everyone, I have been reading alot and you folks share alot of love here. And when someone is fighting you get in there with they and fight! I love it. I know some of your nice people on-line. I hope to get to know you all more. I am fighting for medical coverage on cancer side affects. And bills from a year ago. I hope to join in your family to learn more and share alot of caring! God bless you all, Debbie

dink

Hey Cathi,  I called this morning to speak with the genetics counselor and she received a notice from the insurance company who said "genetic testing is not covered." and they have decided to cover it 100%.  (Shock and fall out.)  I asked her to mail me a copy so I would have it - you know encase something happens.  I am to have the tests done on 11-25-08 and it can take up to two - three weeks to get the results.  Thank again for the pick-me-up.

Debbie, Welcome to the board - these ladies are awesome. 

Leesa

lvtwoqlt

Leesa, the same thing happened when my mother did her genetic counseling in 2002. first they said it wasn't a coverable test, then as the counselor talked about her family history of cancers, they backtracked and said they would pay 50%. The counselor kept talking and they agreed to pay 100%. She tested negative. I opted not to go for the testing since she tested negative and there is no history of breast/ovarian cancer in my father's family.

Sheila

1Cathi

That is great news Leesa - my insurance covered my test 100% (BCBS),  getting a copy of the approval letter is a good idea, I keep everything like that. I had my results back in a week and I was told it could take up to 6/weeks.  I think the fact that my mom had liver CA (unknow primary) and I was pre- 50 was reason for being covered 100%  as my counselor really though I might have a co-pay of up to $300. I still would have done it  -but oweing nothing was really nice.

I hope and pray that you come back negative on both -  but you are taking action for your long and healthy future and that of your daughter as well -  Be PROUD - Be STRONG!

XOXOXOXOXOXO- Cathi

portiasproudmom

Hi Cathi, Leesa, Sheila, and Debbie.  Where the heck is everyone else? 

Just wanted to check in quickly to let you all know I'm thinking about you.  My life is all about the new house and all the challenges we're facing in just getting started.  Can you believe that they're saying we don't have access to our property off the main road?  WTF??????  It's just been crazy.  Sometimes I wonder if it just wasn't meant to be.  Sigh.............

Love and hugs to everyone,

Karen

1Cathi

Hey Karen -  I am with you WTF???????? Do they think you will be building a runway for access by plane??????  

Kick some butt - it is meant to be!!!!!

LOVE- Cathi

Ulla

hi sisters,,

welcome to all the new sisters to be with us here as i believe this place helped me realy in the last year,,,it is filled with love,support and all the good feelings that we need ,,,

i cant stay long,,the course is really intensive and very difficuilt,,

i need to study for about 6-7 hrs daily after i come back from the university (we have 4 hrs lectures daily)!!!!!!!!!!!!!but i can say that i like it...

i love u so much sisters,,,,

honeygirl

Hi everyone , I get to take my furbabies with me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Praise be to God. I handed this all over to Him. Everything is such a mess in my life right now. But not being able to take the girls with me was was causing that "wrenching feeling in my gut". My girlfriend called and said her son thinks it will be OK. So much relief for me. God is good.xxxx

My life may be a mess right now. But God has Blest me with many gifts. All of you , for one thing. Thank you all for the hugs and prayers. Here I am again , on my own at 51! Its scary , but I almost feel relieved. I am very concerned for my SO. I don't think he can make it on his own. But I tried to talk to him into moving close to his son , or staying around here so I could check on him. But he totally refused. I can't make his choices. Only mine with Gods help. Thanks again ladies. I love you all!xxxxx

Ulla , study , study , study! You go girl! I can't wait till you are a certified , working dentist again!

Karen , Gosh darn it!!! Oh , it certainly is ment to be. Sometimes good things take a lot of twist and turns to get there , but it makes it that much more enjoyable when you get there! Chin up sister. You guys will get your house. I am praying...

Sue , sorry I missed your send off. Hope you and the boys were relaxing in the beautiful sun today.

We're all there with you Sue! Love ya.

Lisa , how are you? Did you go to the doc's yet? Hope you are OK. Once I get settled , I will call you. Love ya

Welcome to all the newbies here! Its so good to have you here. Debbie , hope you are feeling better. You're in my daily prayers sweet sister. Kathi , thanks for the hugs!  Leesa , welcome!

OK , I have to go. AE , hang tight. b9 prayers for you. Love ya

Shirlann , did you and Walt go to Niagra Falls? Or are you racing around in that new car of yours?! Please check in soon. Love you.

Everyone , have a good evening. Hi Judie!xxxx

footprintsangel

Hi Friends,  Judie,  I am so happy for you, God is always there. Lisa, Hope you got good news from the Dr.  To all the other sisters on line I wish you the best. Remember we can win! Sending alot of angel hugs, Oh yea Karen give that cute kid a hug too, Take care, Debbie

Anonymous

I'm so proud of you, Ulla. You've done all the work, but we provided a lot of the support and claim bragging rights, too.

It sounds like you have a handle on things with Tinker, Karen. I'm glad. Now if you can get a handle on the housebuilding. So many things have gone wrong for you. You deserve a break.

Mel, I'm so, so happy for you. In the midst of tragedy come rays of light. You've earned each one through your faith and hard work. Cuddle the girls for me.

I'm way too tired to say much more. My onc put me on Neurontin for the hot flashes and insomnia from Femara and it turned me into a dishrag. I stropped taking it last night, but it takes time. I'm off tomorrow morning for the Harmony Hill retreat. Will be back Sunday night. Will be thinking of each of you.

Judie

dink

Cathi, you're a great inspiration.  Karen I understand about your frustration with your house.  We're building a new Surgery Center and all the regulations you have to meet and go by is unbelieveable.  I haven't done this much reading on a daily basis since nursing school over 10 years ago.  If it's not one thing it's another.  Judie, I hope you get some rest and feel better.  I love the pictures you have shared with us and that baby really makes me laugh.  Honeygirl< I'm so glad the furbabies get to go with you.  I had an employee who didn't have children so all she had was her animals.  I gave her sick time like any of my other employees who had children.  We took a vote at a meeting and decided it was only fair for her.  Her animals were her babies.  Where was that picture of the coast line taken?  It is beutiful and relaxing.  I can't sleep for some reason and it is now 12:12 am.  I have been having problems sleeping and I think it's related to my new job and trying to build and open the surgery center.  Need and opinion if anyone is interested.  I have body aches and have had them for a few years but now they seem intense at times and more frequent.  Do you think I should worry?  I know I'm anemic but I'm taking medicines for that and believe me, I don't want my family to know because they are already worried about me.  I laugh at my stomach because most of the day it is pretty much normal - for me (not real small) but by the end of the day, I look 8 to 9 months pregnant.  We laugh about it but I'm getting checked for it.  Well goodnight all and I'll say prayers for everyone.  I'm pretty tired so I'll try to go to sleep - I think I'm just rambling.  HA! 

Leesa

1Cathi

TGIF - EVERYONE. 

Judie- I am sure I missed you  -but have a peace filled time @ the retreat.

Lisa -what have you heard from the DR????

Leesa - Hope you got some sleep. And thanks for the compliment - I think that anyone who has walked this walk is an Inspiration.  Funny thing is I don't think CA has made me a "BETTER" person - I still flip people the bird (or want to) when I am driving, Istill get impatient in long lines, and I REALLY get upset when Hanna Montana  tries to sell me "PLASTIC" LOL   But I do think  CA  has given me strength I never knew I had  and the knowledge and power to shape my future/destiny to a certian degree no mater how long or short it maybe.  I try not to watse to much time FLIPPING people off - But if the need arises -  I JUST CALL IT THEREPY.

xoxoxoxoxoxo - Cathi 

Anonymous

Procrastinating this morning. I don't feel well physically and packing and tidying up are taking a toll so thought I'd sit for a few minutes.

Question for discussion if you will:

Jealousy. Envy. Same thing? Different? In what way? Which is worse? How do you overcome either?

Well, that was a short break. I'm leaving in two hours and have four hours' worth of work to do. You will each be a part of my meditations in a beautiful setting shared with survivors nurtured by caring staff, nature, and each other.

With you in my heart,

Judie

portiasproudmom

Have a great weekend, Judie!  I'll think about the envy vs jealousy thing.

Hugs,

Karen

Anonymous

Dang, I think I missed you Judie...but if not......I know how much you have been looking forward to this retreat and how desperately you need it....

Enjoy to your hearts contend!!! Let the wonderful people at the retreat center spoil you and take care of you so you can come home feeling better.

As to your question-I dont do well with either jealousy or envy so will try to refrain from commenting as I have VERY strong views on both of them....

Mel-Im so very sorry your life is changing so drastically but extremely happy that you get to move the girls with you.....you are such a sweetie to worry about you SO even in the face of all that you have gone through...

Lisa-words from the doc yet???

Ulla-so proud of you girl!!!!!!!!

Sue-have a wonderfully relaxing vacation....you deserve it and 10 more like it.

Cathi-happy to see you are bouncing back and healing well...your words always hit home!!!!

Welcome to all the new ladies and Im sorry Im not mentioned each one of you as I know for certain I have missed some......but please remember I keep you all in my thoughts and prayers...

Hugs

Jule

Shirlann

Hi my dear sisters, just home from Niagara Falls, and have a cold, thanks to the airplane germs.

I am sick about Zippy, I have lost so many pets.  It takes courage to dive back into another pet since their precious lives are just too short.  But I still do it.  Zippy was your heart, dear Sue, he always will be.  Try to enjoy your vacation, you so badly need the rest.

Mel, I am sorry honey, life can be such a hard road.  But I think you will be better off when you can recover, it just takes time.

Sweet  Cathi, your dear face lights up the whole chain of precious notes from all our friends.  You are so pretty and dear.

Ulla, again, what a gal!  I would love to give you a hug and a big hurrah!  I can't imagine being quatro-lingual!  Smart, smart girl.

We had a good time in Bufffalo, it was a looong trip for just two days, and it has taken me 3 days to recover, man, those airplanes are horrible!  But the falls were gorgeous.

Humm, Judie, Jealousy and envy.  Two hard ones.  It is hard not to care.  I think if they are not exactly the same thing, they are best friends, to drive us, sadly, nuts.   If you figure this one out, let me know.

I am off to bed to get over this cold.  Dear Zippy in my heart.

Hugs and kisses to all of you, Shirlann 

portiasproudmom

Welcome back, Shirlann.  Hope you're feeling better soon.  Airplane germs are the WORST!!

TGIF!!!!  Have a great weekend, everyone!

Love and hugs,

Karen

NancyD

Judie: Oh, jealousy is definitely the more evil of the two. It can make you do crazy things. Envy, to me, is more like,  " I'd like to be as rich as you" feeling, whereas jealousy is more like, "I deserve to be as rich as you. I'm going to get some of your money."  JMO

I've been crazy busy at work, and when I get home, I've been trying to read, and keep up. I've even tried to post a few times only to have my cheap laptop overheat and close down in the middle of me typing. ARGH!

Anyway, just popping in to say hello, I'm alive and well, and it's great to be getting back to a normal life. I'm seeing my onc next week...first time since finishing all treatment. We'll see what's next.

my3girls

Hi sisters! I would like to reply individually, but I know I will forget..and once again I am checking in from work.

Sue..have fun!!! Welcome back Shirlann...sorry about  the cold.  Karen...hope the house planning goes easier for you. Mel...an answer to my prayers! I have been praying for you everyday!! Things will get better...remember I am alone too!  Judie...enjoy your retreat, I am sorry you are feeling lousy. I agree with Nancy D...jealousy is EVIL..NOTHING good comes out of it!!  Ulla...you are going to do fantastic in school!!!

Well...saw my OC last week..and she did not do blood work, but said that everything looked good. I told her about my headache..and she wasn't too concerned.  She changed my meds. Instead of tamox...I am now taking arimidex.  It seems to be much easier on the tummy. I take that with a slightly higher dose of effexor HR, since my hot flashes may increase and calcium D, for poss. bone loss from the arimidex. Well..I made an appt for Monday with my family doc...because my head was still not right...haha..is it,,ever..anyhow...but now I know why...I ended up like Shirlanne with a head cold!!! Today is pretty bad...stuffed up, sore throat, moving into my chest, coughing and sneezing....uggggggggggggggggg!  I have a dinner date with Dennis tonight..and I am not canceling!! I had to cancel our date last Sunday because of the migraine.  I won't be able to taste my food, but oh well.  He said then we will come back to my house (Olivia is in Florida...again!) and he will comfort his sick girlfriend!! Ahhh...so sweet.

Ok...have to get back to work.  Just wanted to check in and let you all know I was still kicking!!

Welcome to all the newbies!!! We are happy you found us!!

Love to you all!

xoxo

Lisa

livesstrong

Hello sweet ladies - it sure has been busy around here.  Welcome newbies!!!  I hope you find this spot a nice place to stop by and chat.

I will try to address everyone but not sure if my tired brain is up to it.

Mel - YIPPEE - you can take your furbabies - some happy news for you at least. I hope they continue to bring you comfort.

Judie - sure wish I was joining you.  I could use some relaxation.

Karen- WOW - the stress of building is all ready starting?? I don't envy you. I'm happy to hear about Tinker. Hope the med's work.

Nancy - my computer has been bonkers. The cursor has a mind of its own and lands wherever it wants to while I'm typing -drives me crazy.

Lisa - sorry to hear you have caught the flu - its definitely here in Jersey as well.  All I do is wash my hands and hope I don't get it.

 Sure wish I was with Sue right now - is she gone for 1 or 2 weeks?

 Well I'll just wave to everyone else -  I'm off to bed - sweet dreams everyone.

AE

Ka-Loni

Hi Sweeties, Happy November! I am back! I apologize I have not popped in. It has been a while. And, I am reading a little and catching up some. Yes! I have been extremely busy here. I finally moved into my own little place, and, I am still slowly getting everything in its place. That is not counting the decorating part. Ha. It is really nice. Cozy and Peaceful. I am on the lake here, so, I go out back and feed my babies which are cute little ducks. They have their little babies waddling around. They are just precious. My back deck is huge and Mike came over and planted some beautiful plants for me. Today, I have the day off, so, I am going to work on more stuff inside, and, try and sort through. Ha. It is getting so close to the Holidays, and, I am all ready starting my baking. I am doing some yummie Sugar cookies for now. I love a Plain Sugar cookie. It is just enough for me. Ha. I hope everyone is well.

Sue, You keep letting that sun shine in on you. You know what? Some days are still very hard for me. And, Shirlann, thank God for the Anti-depressants! They do me wonders! I take Effexor-XR and, it is some good stuff. On my days off, I pop a Xanax pill to daze out a bit. Ha! It helps calm that overwhelmed feeling I get so much. Yes, I suffer from Post-Traumatic Syndrome here. Ha. But, I feel so blessed to be just right here. Just sitting here at my computer. Melody, I still pray for you, and keep you in my thoughts. You hang in there. It will get better. I call these times in our life, "Hurdles" and, that is exactly what they are. They come and they go. And, we just wait and try and get through it all. And, that we do. Well, It is early here, and, I think I am going to put some sugar cookies in the oven. I sure get started early dont I?

Keep Your chins up and keep smiling, because, your so special. And, I will check on you sweeties real soon.

God Bless  

Love,Kaloni    

footprintsangel

Good Afternoon,  I am just so grateful to see all the love you share here, To everyone here I hope you have a good week, Those that need alittle extra hug......... I need to try and tell someone I cant just use a cane anymore when going long distant.  She is very strong willed and said I should use the cane, The cancer dr says walker or wheelchair, Does anyone else have people that act like nothing ever happen? If you have please tell me what you told them. I am having a very hard time this morning. God bless everyone, Luv, Debbie

1Cathi

Hi Debbie - Sorry you are having a tuff day.

I think you just have to be honest - this is your health - not the person who thinks you can still just go along with the cane.  Perhaps this person espically if they are "VERY' close to you looks at the fact of using a walker or wheelchair as a set back for you  -THEY ARE SCARED - to see you do so.  They are afraid your health is failing.  It is so hard sometimes  that we the ones who have the DX have to console  those who care about us -  but as I have to been reminded sometimes - our family and friends are sad and frightened as well.

Hoping your dat gets brighter.  Love Cathi

Shirlann

Yes, Debbie, I hear you.  Walt and I have always been super active, super active.  Commercial fishing boats for 20 years, motor homes, trips all over the world, Yellowstone in winter, Egypt, Israel, Europe, Baja whale watching, Lake Powell in our own boats, Mule ride down the Grand Canyon, Bear watching on the Katmai Peninsula in Alaska, sleeping in pup tents, just very active lives with 4 kids and two jobs to boot.

But now, at 73 and 75, we are definitely slowing down.  So in Niagara Falls, my daughter-in-law, just insisted we could walk to all the things to see (we have been there 3 times before).  And Walt has foot neuropathy from his diabetes and just cannot walk far anymore.  Well, we WALKED, even though I told her we just couldn't.  I was amazed at her callousness.  But then I realized people think you just can if you WOULD!  So I know how you feel.  She just would not take no for an answer.  Poor Walt has slept for 3 days since we got home, and I felt so sorry for him.  I am better, but still not THAT good.  (About 4 miles, in 46 degree weather)

One thing for sure, we won't be going with them anywhere again.

I think Cathi is right, I resisted my mom's growing inablity to do things because I couldn't face not having her.  I just couldn't face her loss.

What to do?  Just say no and then don't do it.  That is my new tactic.  Walt just can't and if this comes up again, I will just be mean if I have to.

Hugs and kisses dear friends, I will be back with better things tomorrow.

Shirlann 

1Cathi

Hey Debbie -I was just reading Shirlann's post and it brought back thoughts  of my mom -  the year before she died from liver CA - she was already pretty much in a wheelchair for outings because of her kidney failure and diyalis -  well my mom was a bit of a PISTOL at times,  she so wanted to see Disney and Epcot  -so  we went-  she wanted to do everything she possibly could-  being in her wheelchair they move you to the front of the lines -  THE ENTIRE GROUP!!!! Well she just thought she was QUEEN SHEBA-  Wheelchair and all. 

So I say again stand your ground - 

If your going to the movies and you have bad eyes  - you wear glasses.

If you are going to a play and can't hear -  you wear a hearing aid

And if you can't walk distance -  you use a chair!!!!!!!!

You have earned the right to "RIDE IN STYLE"   My husband is a car dealer  -he would be happy to help you  -as they say "TRICK IT OUT"  Big mag wheels-  little dice,  custom headlights - what ever you need to feel like Queen Sheba too.