Jan 2008--Ain't it Great?

vettegal

Ladies!!! I disappear for awhile and the site changes..not sure if i like the "new"boards WTF!!!!

I have missed all of you!!!

To keep you updated on my life the whirlwind I have been on...

Finished rads on june 16..did very well only the nipple area got a lil senistive and brown..it peeled. Not bad!! The fatique is another story..the last week I felt like a mack truck hit me..by 2pm i could of grabbed a pillow and a blanket and fell asleep in one of my big ass tubs i display!! I was told my iron level was a lil low so i bought a multi vitamin w/iron and a blood builder with iron/b12/vit-c just to help me stay awake..so far sooo good.

I did gentic testing..GREAT NEWS on that..no mutations as they call it..I was really worried i had  dream that i had it..and i was depressed all week!! But, i finnally see a light at the end of the tunnel.

OMG! I have hair...like albino blond hair. it is about an inch and waiting for the chemo curls to show up..my dh says its starting to get the curls..Denise is well. She in doing the onco dx test.. for some reason she feels like if she lost both breast she doesn't need to do chemo.. for some reason she doesn't get it. She has been real tuff on the dr and i see him on tuesday for my follow up and i will question him about her. ( is it me or this screen getting smaller) i hate this new boards!!!

I did by a sleeve for my arm when i travel on a airplane which will be soon. I am going to chicago with denise and son for his orientation..i needed a break from work. I thru myself into my work like a mad women and it catches up real fast in the day..FATIGUE

Oh yeah, my wonderful dh on my last radiation treatment surprised me with a wonderful dinner filet/lobster tail..champagne dozen pink roses..a swvartski (sp) crystal breast cancer bracelet. He cried and we reflected on the past 8 months.

Kim-thanks for the post card..I love that town.. Maybe we should try to meet july10-11 in chi-town,,let me know!

Carol-the card made me cry..i do miss the jewels

D!- how are you sweetie?

Yikes another thunderstorm..every nite it seems to be getting us!!

still working on the book...New title...DON'T STARE..JUST ASK!

I have a whole chapter tfor the jewels ..look out

hugs to all....xxxxooo

Patty

Determined1

Just bellied up to a gin & tonic-my first one of the summer.  Mmmm.

So I tried a machine to do my MLD today.  One of the long term hassles of le is that I'll need massages several times a week for the rest of my life (that sounds like such an ordeal!).  I just can't see myself being tethered to my legu, even though I really like her.  So she recommended this machine called Flexitouch.  I've checked it out over on the le thread and it seems to be well-liked.  The problem is I just can't see myself needing this.  It's so therapeutic looking!  Makes me feel old and infirm.  Anyway, you strap yourself into these Velcro-closing garments-one for the hips and left leg, one for the main body, and a third for the left arm.  These pieces are connected to 4 hoses that are about 1 inch around, which I have to connect to the machine.  Then I lay down for 1 hour (who has an hour to spare?!) and let the machine do the massage.  It does a pretty good job of simulating the massage I get from my legu, and I have to admit, it's relaxing.  Plus my insurance will cover the entire cost.  But it seems so, oh, I don't know.  I think the root of my problem is coping with the idea that I really do need this massage a few times a week for the rest of my life.  Once I realize that's the truth, then the idea of going to the rehab clinic for every massage will begin to look less attractive.  I know it represents some independence for me, but it sucks.  (I was lying when I said I'd take the le bullet for the thread, so if anyone else wants it, I'm tired of it.)

I'll get there.  Sigh.

At least my hair looks good.  (If you'd told me 6 months ago that I would find this haircut attractive, I'd tell you to jump in a lake.  Perspective is a strange thing, isn't it?)  I'll try to get someone to take a picture of me so I can post it.

WTF's a bolus?

WVGirl-great news on getting your scans scheduled!  He deserves DH for laughing, I agree.

PALady, the bag came from Macy's.  I was able to use their 15% off coupon to buy it.

Yeah, your storms keep passing through here at about this time each night.  I think one of them caused my internet problems...

I'm totally done with headcovers.  I get a lot of looks and some old guy came up to me just today and said, "wow, you really cut your hair short for summer, didn't you?"  I just smiled and said, "yep."  Like I said, I think my hair is luxurious.

Do have your swelling checked out-it probably is just hormones, given what you said, but better to be sure.

Paula!!!  Last rad tomorrow!!  Grab those sunglasses and go for the gusto, girl!  Congrats to you!

LOL that you've dubbed KathyL our Rant Queen!  Oh, but could we all be THAT queen for a day!

And thanks for the bolus insight.  Carol, sorry, but it sounds like you're screwed.  Damn.  Stay up on the hydration and buttering-throw it all at your bolus byproduct.

Julie, Julie, Julie-what were you thinking, girl???  Two new puppies? (Adorable, but still puppies.)  The one good thing you have going for you is that it's summertime and it stays light later (better for those infernal trips outside while you potty-train).

So Therese, did your SP send you porn?????

Damn, damn, damn, KathyL, that is NOT the news we were expecting.  I'm sorry it's not better.  My mom had osteoporosis in an advanced state and did some kind of therapy that involved many injections of something.  It not only stopped her bone loss, but reversed it.  Now she's back on Fosomax (but she's 70, I expect we'll all be downing calcium supplements hardcore when we're 70, too).  You might know what I'm talking about, but if you don't, let me know and I'll ask her what those injections were.   More needles, but I'll cyber hand hold you through them.

MUGA-that's the heart one, right?  What about hitting the tm for 20 minutes 4x a week?  You know, strengthen it.

You're not a downer.  Never worry about that.

Oh, just read CathyCA and see she's extolling the virtues of cardio, too.  Worth a try, Kathy.

CathyCA, I was in pretty good shape ten days after my last boost.  My nipple peeled big time (but I had a lot of blistering there) and I peeled in my boost area, but it was a weird peel-the hair follicles burned off, so I peeled off these teeny circles all over.  It was not like a sunburn peel.  I'm still lubing my boost field-the skin feels a little different there and I want to keep it lubricated for a while longer.  I'm down to two slatherings a day, so it's not a big deal.  I still find the boost area pinkens when I take a shower on the warm side, so I suspect things cook in there for a long time.  I finished rads 7 weeks ago.

PATTY!!!!!  OMG.  So, so good to hear from you!!!  You brought tears to my eyes when you described dh and your last rads.  He really is our Vetteguy, isn't he?  An angry Denise?  Sounds normal to me.  Sometimes it takes some of us longer than others to travel through the 12 steps of acceptance.  She'll get there.  And the BEST news on the genetic testing-how wonderful to know you're not a mutant!  We missed you.

Carol-you make me want to go out and buy up all of those cards here-but you'll have already sent them out (this from the gal having a hot flash as she types...)  You crack me up.  Thanks.

No wi-fi in the Windy City, SIS Kimberly?  It appears you had to settle for snail mail!  Thanks for thinking of us.

(I don't know what I've done in my life that I deserve to have such wonderful women in it, but I'm so grateful.)

Okay, I need to find me a fan on a string-later!

D1

golfer779

Hi Friends,

Okay, first off, being the dog lover I am, those pups Julie are too cute. Now those two would keep the big bed a bit too warm. I'm assuming that they have their own beds to sleep in!!! These are a couple of pics I'll be sharing with the dh, the other dog lover in our house. Oh, gotta love that puppy breath, but as I just witnessed with my little 7 yr old wiener, anything on the floor is fair game, she just tonight decided to chew on the dh's sandles that we're so nicely left on the floor of our bedroom!!! Gotta love um .... But good luck!!!

Therese, I love your post, as you seem to be back to the pre-cancer norm. I will be happy to join you in that life here shortly. Foobs are a fluffin' and doing laundry. Gotta love life, huh?

Bummer that Paula was in your neck of the woods and you all did not get the chance to meet up. I think this definitely calls for a Jewel reunion, I think next spring was mentioned a few months back.

My 3day adventure is not until Sept, we're just in training mode, doing a 10 miler on Sat and 12 miles on Sun. It seems to be all about toughening up your feet. No pedicures for me until after the event. Hate to say it, but the tougher your skin on your feet are the better. Okay, it may not be pretty, but useful for 60 miles!!!

Kathy, so this has not been one of your better weeks. I'm no expert on the topic of your scans, but I do know that your body has been through a sh*t load over the past months. Are these tests not checked again in the near future when your body is a little more recuperated from being to hell and back? Knowing that your well educated in the health field, I feel confident that you will be asking all the right questions, and that within due time you will have your body back on track.

Yuckers on both of your kids being sick, lets hope this bug escapes you and your dh. Hang in there gal!

Cathy, will take your advice on the armpit. I'm pretty much gooping the whole area, but I probably really havn't hit the actually armpit. Its been a great benefit to follow in your and many others footsteps as I forge through this process. Thank you, thank you for sharing.

Sounds like I may be the "bolus" virgin here. Wow, what a thrill!!!

Patty, I'm so glad you popped in, I'll be raising a glass of a little something on your behalf.

OMG, I love the title of your book. Between writing, supporting ds, recooping in the tubs and working, and having a completion of txt celebration no wonder you have been MIA.

Sorry if the card made for more tears (your dh seems to make that happen, in a positive sense), that was certainly not the intention. You and I we're pretty much side by side through our AND surgeries, and it just is so amazing to me how far you and the rest of the Jewels have come, one step in front of another. We're SURVIVORS gal, have missed ya, but always know that we're here when the time is right to pop in.

D1, okay what do I say ... you have been my inspiration from the time I read your words in Dec. You definitely kept me coming back to this post when I very easily could have slipped away. Your sense of humor through the good times and not so good have been our anchor on this great big boat. I know I would speak for many of us in saying thank you., you are the D1 !!!

Oh, happy to report that my house was not on fire, the neighbors we're off to the casino to listen to an outside concert, they knew my dh was out of town and thought I may want to go with them. I declined as the dh will be home shortly, knowing me one eye will be shut ... yikes, there goes the garage door, he's home ...

Later all, Carol

Anonymous

KathyL, I sure hope it works out with the Herceptin/heart function. I have consumed all the threads on this site about Herceptin, MUGAs, etc. Some of  the ladies are able to "pause" their Herceptin treatments and recover heart function ... after a couple of months their MUGA results improve. I hope so much that you can either continue or that your dr is willing to try the pause. My onc. tells me that Herceptin stays in your system a long time, so even if one "pauses" tx's, it stays active for weeks.

On the bone density front, definitely time to start (or ramp up) the weight bearing exercise. No little sissy 2 lb hand weights for you. Time to work up to the 15-20 lb range. Definition is beautiful. Girls don't make much testosterone, so you won't "bulk up" ....

I'm off this afternoon for my Rads Sim.

Keep fingers crossed that my poor arm can make it through. I'll be slamming 3 Advils down shortly.

deb102307

I disappeared for quite a while.  Sorry to say that I was just kinda needing to get away from everything "PINK". You would think that after 8 treatments I would have gotten it right but of course I spiked a fever during my nadir period and they slapped me in the hospital for a day.  Then, trying to get back to work full time and being so freaking tired all the time......bummed to say the least.  Was just really having a hard time getting it together.  My fingernails are pretty much gone and have some lymphedema in both arms that Occupational Therapy is trying to head off.  The gloves and sleeves are just so sexy on top of no boobs and no hair!  Then today I was told my port will stay in for 1 year and I will start Arimidex for 5 to 10 years.  Being triple negative, I am very confused by this.  Supposedly there is some study supporting this but I haven't found it yet.  I know I am being whiny but I guess that I am tired of the pills, pains and fatigue.  I was hoping that once the chemo room was over, it was over but now I will go to the chemo room once a month to have my port flushed.  I will see my Oncologist every 3 months and keep taking the pain meds until I don't need them anymore.  I wil pray that the swelling in my arms doesn't develop into anything worse and I will remember that you guys are always here.  The postcard from Sis Kimberly could not have come at a better time to remind me of that.  I know that there are those going through much worse than me and I will be going back to try and catch up with anything and will be praying again for everyone.

Good things are....I am buying a treadmill so I can start to get stronger, I am going to start enjoying/appreciating things more.  I love astronomy so will attend some star parties this summer and maybe buy my telescope this fall.  Also going to start my card making and doing some writing.  I volunteered to help with the Little Rock Race for the Cure this year (October) which will probably be stuffing registration packets. Hoping will be stong enough to walk it again this year. And will stay at a really nice hotel (The Peabody) that weekend as a treat to myself for one year survival.

Hope everyone is doing ok today.  It is really hot here in Little Rock and it will only get hotter.

I will go back through and read to see what is going on with everyone and try to do some shout outs probably tomorrow.  I will be praying for everyone.

Determined1

I am just fried.  I've spent the past 4 ½ hours cleaning out my lower level for my sister and her dh to stay there next week.  Vacuumed everything and was dismayed by how much there was for my vacuum cleaner to pick up since the cleaning people were just here two days ago.  They never seem to be on the lower level longer than 20 minutes, so I know not much is happening down there.  I complained before their clean this week, but apparently it didn't do much good.

So, I vacuumed everything, including the hide-a-bed (which I first sprinkled with baking soda).  Then I washed all the sheets and bed pad (even though they were washed after the last use before I put them away-I wanted them to smell fresh).  After that, I was able to make up the bed.  Then I ran around the house with a level and straightened all the pictures on the walls.  I rarely do that and the cleaning people leave them all akimbo, just to show me that they were dusted, I think.

Of course, while I had the vacuum out, I ran it around the main level for our enjoyment this weekend (okay, my enjoyment this weekend).  In between all of this, I washed my sheets and put them back on the bed (like everyone else here, that's becoming a common chore with all the sweating I do).  I also did a couple other loads of laundry, just for good measure.  Anyway, I'm tired.

Congrats, Carol, you made it through the first week of rads!  Enjoy your walks this weekend-just listen to your body and give it a break when it asks for one.  Whew!  Glad the house wasn't on fire!!!!

Hope the arm held up for the rads sim, LJ13.  The sim is harder on the arm than the actual rads (although putting your arm in that position every single day for 6 weeks or so does take its toll).  And did you ever get your arm checked out?  (My guess is no and now you're going to learn today why I was pushing you to do it...  Let me say "I told you so!"  I'm shaking my head and tsk tsking.)  I'll give you the same advice I give all the other rad Queens-hydrate, lubricate and exercise.  Seriously. 

Deb, what a relief to hear from you!  We've missed you!  If you look back on the thread, you'll see that we celebrated your 50^th birthday without you!  So happy belated.  (I turned 50 in February, so I feel your pain.)

Speaking of feeling your pain, I'm sorry to read that you and I are the lymphedema queens amongst the Jewels.  LE really sucks, doesn't it?  I only have it in one arm, torso, shoulderblade and the worst is my armpit-it's all swollen.  I see a le therapist 2x a week for MLD.  Is your OT performing MLD on you?  The only good thing about it is that it's relaxing.  I'm having some trouble accepting that this is a lifelong affliction-I keep thinking that with p/t it'll go away.  But my le therapist says no.  (In fact, you'll see my most recent posts are struggling with the reality that I have to buy a machine to simulate MLD at home.)  I don't wear my gloves much now as we've gotten my arm down 3/4 of an inch and I'm trying to be a good girl and not aggravate it.  But I do wear the sleeve and a compression garment every day.  No one sees the garment (good thing, its butt-ugly), but I pretend I'm like Allen Iverson, who wears a sleeve to play ball, just to keep my attitude in check.  In fact, I just went and ordered me a 2^nd sleeve today so I can wear a clean one more often (I'm grossing myself out here).  Anytime you want to bitch about le, I'm around.  It sucks.

I'm kinda confused about the Arimidex, too.  I didn't know they gave it to trip negs, either.  I'm starting on Tamoxifen and will switch to Arimidex for a total of 5-10 years of pills, too.  I had a really hard time starting the Tamox because I wanted it all to be over.  But I'm taking it every day and combating the hot flashes that go with it (refer to my constant sheet washing comment above).

I think you're on the right track to get yourself a tm and start using it.  Don't go too cheap on it, you'll find it's worth spending a little more to get a good one (we had a cheap one from Sears first and then threw it out after a few years and ponied up for a good one and have had it for probably 7 years and it gets used all the time).  And the other treats you're doing for yourself sound perfect!  I'm disappointed in myself that it took cancer for me to start paying attention to my needs and interests, but at least we're all starting to take care of ourselves!  There's a silver lining for you!  Don't be such a stranger.

You know what guys?  It's 6:15p here and I think I deserve another G&T-it was so refreshing yesterday!

Over and out.

D1

Oh, SIS Kimberly-I finally broke down and downloaded the Sheryl Crow cd, Detours, from iTunes.  I've been listening to it all day and love it!  Now I want to go to her concert!

SISKimberly

I'm back!!!! Did you miss me?  I missed you!!!!

OK, I'm not sure I like this new and improved more formal business like look we got going here, but I'll get used to it.

I posted a pic and then it disappeared. Hmmm. I'll try again.

Got it!!!  Notice the baby duck fuzz on my head? Oh, come on....look closer.

SIS Kimberly 

SISKimberly

OK, that seems to have worked although I appear to be a bit stretched like those funhouse mirrors.

 I got home late last night...delays in Phoenix. It was close to 1AM Chicago time (11pm my time), so I was beat!!!!

 Went to my PT appt at 9am this morning and D1, may I just say, I've got myself a babydoc!  What a cutie patootie.  I will be seeing him three times a week to do myofacial release (painful), heating pads, electrical stem, and ultrasound, and of course stretching exercises.  I can so do the pain if I get to look at babydoc...well, there have to be perks, right gals?  Anyway, major issues with my chest muscles, shoulders, and arms. Rotator cuff issues on the right...overcompensating se since my left is the problem, I carry everything with the right. So, the good news is that even though it will take some time, it will be resolved!!!!

 Then went downstairs to get the results of my PAP and FSH test. PAP is in the normal range and my FSH is 55 which according to the scale puts me on the lower end of Post Menopause.  I plan to ask for the test again in three months to see if my number goes up...the higher the better.  If it goes up, then I'll be more secure in the fact that my ovaries are shutting down and not thinking about starting up again.

The cleaning gal came by to clean the house while I was at PT before the big shin dig tomorrow celebrating my twinsis' and my 47th bday, Greg's and my 6th anniversary, and me being done with bc treatment.

I had a fabulous time in Chicago. I want to tell you all about it, but this weekend will be pretty booked with company, so I won't be on the puter much. I promise to fill you in starting on Monday. Thought I might give a little bit of the trip with pics each day for several days like a travel log to keep you all riveted to your computers waiting for the next installment. HahaHa...no, really, it's more like giving me a chance to get my thoughts together.

I've read all the posts, but can't possibly do shoutouts for the past six days, so suffice it to say that I'm glad you were all taking care of eachother in my absence. Lots going on...eggs forgotten, puppies gotten, scans have been had while one scan scheduler was bad. Open houses were fun and several Jewels were on the run (OK, it was a 5k walk, but I needed a rhyme).  MIA Jewels reported back and one Jewel scored in the sack.  One DH wasn't very nice while another gave his gal pink roses, a beautiful gift, a fabulous dinner, and champagne on ice.  I know I've missed stuff with pink boobs and pealing on the nips and under the arm, and booster spots still warm after rads and slathering butter and aloe being the charm.  Reading all about the this and that, and the thus and such, man, you miss a lot when you're out of touch.

SP...I love the beautiful Zuluwood beaded strands that I can wear as a necklace or if doubled up several times as a bracelet.  I also loved the Quirky Cork for my wine bottle that says Wine Tastes Better With Friends!!!!  Why yes it does.

Speaking of wine and friends, our cafe patio...the HOA has sent us a letter saying we have to rip it out and replace the fence.  Hell NO!!!!!  I've got the HOA rules about fencing and we have not broken any of the rules. Besides the neighbors all love it. So, I'm going to write them a letter citing their own rules and attaching a list of our neighbors signatures stating that they are all thrilled with our new fence and ask them to grant us a variance, which is also in the 'rules'. I think they're just upset because we didn't jump through all the hoops in the right order. If after my really nice letter and signatures the HOA doesn't agree, then I'll be contacting an attorney since I don't believe any HOA has the legal power to fine us and demand we take down our fence. I really dislike the power pissing contest thing, but if they end up wanting to play it that way, then game on for they do not know who they have called out onto the carpet....SuperGirl!

Gotta go. Haven't seen my honey in six days and last night, I was so late it was like I didn't even see him. We're going out to dinner just the two of us since the whole weekend will be filled with company. 

 Love to all,

SIS Kimberly 

PS Therese, nope I am not your SP, just saw that card and thought of you. 

golfer779

Hey Jewels, well summer finally hit the PNW, its about 75 out now and suppose to hit the mid 80's tomorrow.

We're off tonight to a bring an appetizer/open bar gathering at the local yacht club. Our dear friends are members, it just hit me (while cutting the grass), that we have not been down to a gathering there in many months. Our friend's 50th birthday party was there in Nov, and I was so bummed to miss it, (I had my mast surgery the day before), we did supply the music set-up and my party mix of dance music which I had put together for our marriage reception. Anyhow, I know that my gf took into sympathy that I could not indulge in the finer beverages of life so they had chosen to not include us in some of the happenings at the club over the last few months. Well "I'm ready to indulge", I'm going to remember quality over quantity tonight. This same gf and I are planning on a 10 mile walk in the morning.

So speaking of birthday celebrations, looks like we have a Jewel celebrating this weekend. Yep, our "entertainment/traveling gem", SiS Kimberly should be partying tomorrow if my memory serves me right.

Welcome home, and great pic there gal. Would have never guessed you we're twins (not). Wow, its been a time since I've received a post card. With the modern world of email, a card seems to be a thing of the past, so I appreciated the note.

I take it that your not being too affected by the fires. Hoping that some of your fav vineyards havn't been in the line of fire.

Okay, I just popped back to the post, so I suppose you just come up with a rhyming shoutout just like that. I'm so jealous as I poke away trying to sound slightly educated!

D1, OMG, you're a wild woman. Give you a vacuum and q-tip and you go to town!

Today's rads was a breeze, the worse part today was some older lady who decided to "hurl" sitting in her wheel chair just a ways away from me. I definitely don't do well with that. I would not even be close to nursing material, as the nurses we're so kind to her.

LJ, hoping that your sim wasn't too uncomfortable. I know it ended up being a doozy for me. I tell the techs now when I ooooch my way into my mold that I'm in the right spot when my neck hurts!!! Atleast now it quite quick.

Paula, yeah ... I'm assuming that you had your last txt today. Its time for healing, and hopefully some down time for you (you deserve a good rest or two in that hammock). I'm hoping that Ed has been seizure free and that all is going well.

Deb, so glad that you decided to pop in. I say just read the post at your leisure and let us know how your doing when the time is right. I'd say that many of us I not going anywhere soon, we'll be here to share the ups and downs with.

Julie, looking for a puppy report!!!

Time to shower and take a stroll to the yacht club. Its kinda nice as its within walking distance of our house. The harbor should be loaded with boats tonight coming in for the weekend.

Hoping to check back in on the weekends activities tomorrow,

TGIF ... Carol

RN2teach

Welcome back, SIS Kimberly! And thanks so much for the great postcard (got it today). HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you and Twinsis! And I second that HELL NO to the HOA. I'm looking forward to seeing that fence in August. 

Lovely pic. I see your duck fuzz! (hmmm stretched out, eh? YOU don't need the stretch but I'm thinking I could benefit from a little elongation--take away a bit of the chub, ya know?!)  Lemme see... chubby me....

Or stretched me... 

Hehehe... too bad it ain't that easy to change the image in real life!

Deb, Deb, Deb! I am so glad to hear from you my tri-neg sister! I'm a little blown away that you've been prescribed Arimadex also, but I guess it is no less weird than my surgeon recommending an oophorectomy for me... hello? thought estrogen wasn't a big deal for me... besides which I'm post menopausal (last period was in 2006).

I'm so sorry that you're having trouble with LE. This BC just keeps on giving, doesn't it? Hope the therapy gets everything under control for you. Sending positive vibes and lots of prayers your way!

Glad you popped in to update us on things in your world, Vettegal! Congrats on being finished with your treatments (and give that sweetheart of yours a BIG hug from the Jewels--we all love Vetteguy. I'm so happy that you have such a great dh, Patty!) Tell Denise we're thinking of her and cheering her on through her treatment decisions.

D1- you are a hoot, girl! I was thinking the same thing w/ Therese's entertaining SP gift... guess we got us a pair of dirty minds, eh?

Ok, now I must bow to pay homage to the Queen of Clean among us Jewels. You humble me with your escapades into the dark regions of the dust bunnies. May the force be with you sister, cuz I ain't goin' there! I done hired me a housecleaner... but I DO understand the whole having-to-clean-behind-them thing.

Hope the G & T tastes good this evening. I'm enjoying a great pinot grigio to celebrate being finished with my rads.

Speaking of rads, how'd the sim go today, LJ? Hope the arm held up well. Thanks BTW for the words of wisdom you add to this thread along the way. I really appreciate the good advice.

Therese- you sound great! Glad things are going well for you. So, you're close to Dallas, eh? I have family in McKinney and Allen. I'll let you know next time I'm down there for a visit. Maybe we can meet up!

Hope you have a great time at the gathering tonite, Carol!  Glad you guys are having good weather there, too. Should make the evening out that much sweeter!

We're having some rain here, so no hammock, but the front porch swing is nice. I took a nap in the swing this afternoon--very comforting to sleep to the symphony of a summer rain...

I'm so happy to be finished with my treatments... feeling a little melancholy, but trying to shake that off. Dh's cancer will keep me from dwelling on myself too much. He's having much more fatigue now... sleeping most of the day and night. Hopefully d/t trial meds and not tumor progression... we'll get another MRI in 2 weeks.

Thank you D1 for starting this thread. Where would I be tonight without my Gems to share with?! Love you all!

Paula

texrn

Kimberly - Welcome home! Happy Birthday! & Thank you! for the post card with the very thoughtful sentiment....oh & luv the picture!

Paula - Welcome home to you & enjoyed your pic too! I'm praying for your dh. 

Well, I'm off to work tomorrow - will check back in on Monday.

Have a great weekend!

Therese

JulieK_11_30_07

Happy Friday, Jewels!! It's been a crazy couple of days with the puppies --- I'm pretty tired of cleaning up puppy pee! And the ds and dh have both been helping with it all too - it seems like they just GO constantly!! Our nights have gone well --- Cain has been sleeping in our bed and Vader has been sleeping with the ds. Both of them get "comfy" in bed when it's time to sleep and they sleep until morning!! We've been shocked at that (and pleased!) We hit TSC tonight and stocked up on several things that should make our lives a little easier in the coming days.

Hey Tina - take those Harleys for a nice long ride yet?? It's been HOT here for a while - actually cooled off a bit tonight after a crazy thunderstorm. Glad your garden is doing well - ours is sllloooowwwlly starting to show some growth. We spotted our FIRST tomato yesterday!

Kathy - glad you got the fridge mix-up fixed - too bad you couldn't get an upgrade! Sorry to hear you're dealing with sicky-poo kids again - hope they're doing better by now! Sorry you got bummer news with your tests - you're certainly allowed to be bummed about that. Hope you're feeling better about things.

Carol - what a bummer about not being able to enjoy your watersports this summer. Guess you'll just need to keep your feet in and enjoy a cold one (of your choice, of course!) I'm at least allowed to get in the water, but I will definitely be missing the skiing.

Carla - glad you were able to get your test rescheduled!

Norma - hope you have a nice trip to Indianapolis this weekend!!

Paula - YAY - you're DONE with rads!!! Glad you got to enjoy a nap on the porch today.

Therese - good to hear from you! Sounds like you've been keeping busy - glad you're doing well!

Cathy - Hope things are going okay for your ds and his treatment. Glad you got some time to yourself while the dh and ds were out fishing.

Vettegal - so GREAT to hear from you!!!! If you read back, you'll see that many of us have been thinking of you and Denise. So glad your rads are over!! Vetteguy is such a sweetheart!

D1 - you must post a pic of your new "do"!! Can wait to see it. I can't believe how dark mine is coming in - peppered with grays, of course, but almost black, as opposed to my pre-chemo hair of auburn brown. That machine sounds a tad complicated! Totally sucks that you'll have to deal with that from now on - I guess I didn't realize that le doesn't go away eventually. I guess one way to look at it is that at least you're HERE to have to deal with it, even though it sucks!

Girl - you are the cleaning goddess!!!! The in-laws will be coming in July and I'm going to have to do some additional cleaning above and beyond what my cleaners usually do - I just hate to clean!!

LJ - hope your rads sim went well today!!

Deb - Welcome back!! We've missed your posts! Sounds like you've been really busy. As another triple-neg sister, I'm also shocked that you're being put on Arimidex! I've questioned my onc several times about meds after chemo for those like us and he continues to tell me there's nothing. I'll be interested to hear what else you're told about it. Good for you, buying  a treadmill. We've had one for quite a while and I'm one of those that goes through spurts of using it - I'm hoping to get better about it now that I'm starting to get my energy back and really want to get back in shape.

Kimberly - what a beautiful pic of you and twinsis!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you both!!! Welcome back from the "Windy City" - hope you had a great time. Can't wait to hear about all of your adventures. THANK YOU for the postcard - you are so sweet! And thanks, also, for the drain holders - that will be so much nicer when I have my exchange surgery to not have to deal with the safety pins!

Well - time for bed! We just finished the first episode of "John Adams" - rented the whole series this weekend. Hope all of our Jewels are doing well - have a super weekend all!

Julie

P.S. Anyone interested/opposed to having an "address list" for the Jewels??? I think it'd be nice to have addresses for sending cards, etc.... just a thought!

golfer779

Hello Jewels,

 So Paula, started a PM tonight,  the dh came upstairs and said, (oh, chatting with your friends?), lost my post, thought I'd just go back on line, I'll be walking with my gf in the morning from 9:00 til about noon our time.  I'll be sporting my cell phone, looking forward to yakking sometime tomorrow.  The dh is practicing his golf putting (right behind me in our bedroom)  for a golf tourney that starts tomorrow morning at 8:00.  Once again he will be playing with a gal, as I'm more into my training for the 3 day than golf at this time.  I'm tickled for him as he would like to golf for relaxation on the weekend, and this year I'm full tilt boogey into walking for training.  I think (hope) we're on common ground.  A smart woman would have a good conversation with him about his goals/thoughts about the next few summer months!!!

Off to aloe my "pancake" and off to bed,

 Carol

golfer779

Yep, me agian, just posted and read SiS Tina and Julie' post, first off the dh informed me I need to be sitting straight at the computer, I guess I  was sitting crookin',  felt okay to me!

 Tina, hey Harley woman, we we're sitting at the yacht club tonight, and heard the roar of motorcylcles. It was the ump-teen Harleys driving by on the street which is adjacent to our home and went directly by the yacht club we were at having "horse-d-horves" and "beverages" at tonight.  My gf and I went out curbside, and raised our glass of vino to the hundreds of bikers that cruised by.  The local police were at the intersection letting the bikers cruise on pass.  My gf and I raised up our glass of vino from the sidewalk to each biker and got a ton on honks, and thumbs up.   It was pretty cool, I told the gf, this is like being in a parade ourselves.    

 Julie, I'll keep an eye on what the consensus is on addresses being fair game ... I as well as Sis Kimberly have pretty much the full list of addresses. 

 If anyone would not like their address public knowledge, or atleast PM'd through the post, let me/ us know.   I have the list of addresses from the initial group that ordered  FUBC shirts, and I think that list grew a bit with the secret pals, which I have forwarded to Sis Kimberly.

 Okay, time to acknowledge that the dh is in the room, and done with his putting practice!!! 

 A pleasant eve to all, Carol   

Determined1

One of my toenails fell off yesterday.

FUBC.

D1

Determined1

Oh, and isn't today SIS Kimberly's birthday???

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SIS KIMBERLY!!!!!

(I'll read the post later for shouts--looks like there was a lot going on.)

D1

Determined1

Okay, I'll straighten up and fly right here.  Just bummed about the toenail.  It didn't even hurt.  In fact, I don't know when it fell off, I just looked down at one point and saw a toe with no polish.  Upon closer inspection, I realized it not only had no polish, but no nail!  (Well, there's this stub of nail there, which I guess will grow into a nail eventually.  But it's shaped really funny-it's like a bullnose edge on a countertop.)  This experience has sucked on so many levels.  Thank God for the Jewels-the sparkly thing about this.

So, SIS Kimberly is back from her cation!  I did not have to look carefully at all to see your duck fuzz.  Lookin' good, girl!  And I'm with Carol, I think you might be related to that gal with you in the photo...

A babydoc!  Good for you!  Everyone deserves one at some point.  Myofacial release?  Is that when he presses on your shoulder hard to stretch the chest wall muscle to get your shoulders back where they belong?  That's what my rotator gal is doing to me and she has me pounding my fist on the table when she does it (she says most people scream when she does it, so I'm feeling like a pain stud here).  I'm not getting heat or stim, yet, but we'll see.  So far only manual manipulation.  It's weird, though, because of the le, my legu is in the room while I'm getting worked over and they take turns on me.  My legu doesn't want the pain from the rotator gal to cause any swelling which can lead to le issues, so in between the painful parts, I get a MLD massage!  Not a bad deal (and who doesn't like being the center of attention?).

Agreed, just say NO to the HOA.  You're absolutely right that those folks get going on the power trip of being on the HOA board.  Remember, they shit just like everyone else.

Yay Carol!!  Its summer in the PNW!  And you're back at your yacht club chillaxin' and enjoying a drink with your neighbors-seems almost normal!

(Don't be intimidated by SIS Kim's rhymes-just enjoy her talent and know the rest of us do find you slightly educated.) 

The thought of someone hurling nearby sends my gag reflex into a frenzy.  Glad it wasn't me sitting next to her!

I spy with my little eye, duck fuzz on Paula, too!  Umm.  Pinot Grigio sounds good to me.  I think we have mostly Chardonnay in our wine cellar (okay, it's a wine rack, but cellar sounds better).  Maybe I need to pick something else up.

My money is on the drugs causing dh's fatigue.  Remember how tired we all felt during tx?  I'm going with the glass half full.  Fingers remain crossed.

You hit the jackpot, Julie, with puppies that sleep through the night.  I remember I told our dog that if she didn't sleep through the night one night after we'd had her for 2 months, that I'd send her back.  Lo and behold, she's slept through the night ever since (she's more than 9 years old now).

Hey, don't get me wrong, I don't like to clean, either.  I just like how everything is after it's clean!

I'm all for sharing addresses, but not posting them here on the thread (heck, I haven't even given out my real name here, yet!), maybe via PM or something secure.

Dd just got up and she has an 8 hour workday at the toy store today, so I'll go off and spend a little time with my baby.

Happy b-day, SIS Kimberly!!!

D1

sheshe48

Hello Jewels,

I got lost again, rads was a little more than what i thouht it would be. I ended up burning and not feeling very well, I have a area around my nipple draining and infected some. I also have been a demon looking for work. I guess I got tired, I'm so sorry; I have not been supportive to my jewel friends. I'm 5 pages behind, I will get caught up I promise.

SIS Kimberly  Thank you for the pretty postcard and reminding me i'm a jewel. I have been so caught up with my problems, I was not there for the jewels. I hope you have a nice vacation in AZ and in Chicago. I hope you and twin sis had a wonderful birthday.

 You all are so amazing, we have all come thru such an amazing journey. We all faced trials and tribulations that we thought at times we could not conquer. We did, we all did. There is nothing we jewels cannot face. Cancer bit us in the ASS and we fought back. We are all going to come out of this stronger than before. No matter what life challenges we have, it will be a piece of cake considering what we went thru. Even though I have not been on the boards, I do still pray and think of everyone. I promise to stay more focused now. I just want to thank Kimberly and all the Janurary Jewels for all your support and thank you D1 for starting this board.

 I finally realized that my problems are small compared to the friendship I have found of this board. Thank you to all from the bottom of my heart.

 Last Sat was dd bridal shower, it was so lovely and she had a great time and everyone was so generous with the gifts. I will try again, later today to download pictures again. I have to get ready for a graduation party now. I put on 20 pounds so fast, I think that got me down too. I'm working it off and more, I'm trying to be a size 16 by the wedding in August, I could of been a size 12 or so if I had been dieting. I will get this wieght off, before cancer I was like a size 16. I have been chucky for awhile.

I did get to go to a Look Good Feel Good class, that was really fun and the make up so no nice, good products not junk.

 Paula, love the pix of you and the duck, you look so great.

Carol love your new avatar, you look so happy. Well so this is it in a nutshell.

Luv you guys, Sherry

The whole site changed, I'm learning my way around again. I like the new changes, it seems to be easier to read.

 SIS Kimberly  Love the picture of you and twin sis     HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!

tinalee123

Good Saturday morning, Jewels!

A quick shout out to SIS Kimberly -- Thinking of you today, and sending wishes for a great birthday!!

Will check in again later today, 

Tina

Anonymous

Thanks for the well wishes ladies.

I lived through the Rads Sim. I was able to get my arms up without much problem, but holding it there for ~45 minutes was ... difficult. But that wasn't the worst. After a few minutes of drawing on me the Rad Onc told me to turn my head to the left. After about 20 minutes in that position, I was dying ... it was just excruciating (think I may have some arthritis in the neck ...). The doc came back to make some more marks, and I mentioned that the pain was unbearable ... he said I could turn my head and all was well with the world again. The arm didn't hurt so much ... but it was definitely stretched to its limit ... I felt if someone just breathed on my pit the cord(s) would snap.

And the tatoos were the worst part I think. OMG. Those suckers HURT. And made me bleed.

The Rad Tech said the table had left waffle marks in my shoulder. That is one HARD table. And my shoulder is sitting abnormally since the surgery ... the shoulder blade kind of juts out. I came across a term online ... "winged scapula." I'm thinking that might be what's happening there.

I didn't remember the Rad Onc saying he was going to radiate the supraclavicular nodes. That made me a little (more) uneasy, as one of the nurses said that neck radiation makes people very sick. But the Rad Tech said they block the neck. Dang I hope so.

So I called the Lymphedema Center earlier this week, left a message, and they called back while I was in the Rad Sim yesterday. I guess I'll call them back next week. I have an appt with my Onc next week, plus a Herceptin Tx. Maybe a can gang up the PT/lymphedema appt with one of those.

JulieK_11_30_07

SIS Kimberly and TwinSIS!!! Hope you have a wonderful birthday weekend!!! Thinking of you -- ENJOY!!!!

Julie

JulieK_11_30_07

I'll do more shout-outs later, but wanted to comment on D1's loss of the toenail. So sorry it fell off, but it will grow back!! A couple summers ago, my son stepped on my big toe with baseball cleats on when I had sandals on -- OUCH!  The toenail ended up eventually falling off and, yes, the new growth was very bizarre -- exactly like you described. It will eventually flatten out as it grows -- it does take a while for it to grow back, though. I was able to paint polish over it so it at least "looked" somewhat normal in sandals.

wvgirl

Happy Birthday SIS Kimberly and thanks for the card.

Well had MUGA yesterday and MRI today. A gf went with me afterwards we went out to breakfast and shopping.

When I was there the sweet gal that put my iv in chatted with me. I told her about my dense breast and how I found the lump. That is did not show on mamo. After the MRI she came into the room and said the are Really Dense even on the MRI the lumps was hard to see.

Well I am home alone 1-dd is working the other went to a grad party. And the DH who know's where he is.

Carla

joteach

Dear Jewels,

I've been so busy with the end of school, it's been pretty hectic. Everything went well for end of the school year and one of my students received a Presidents award for achievement! We were so proud of her. She was thrilled and it also contained a letter from President Bush!

D1 - winter starts here in the Hudson Valley in December and goes right through to March. There can be some breaks with some nice weather in between. We have snow and freezing rain, not much wind and temps range from below freezing to 40 something. There are periodic storms and they do a great job in clearing the roads so you are never really "snowed in".  The winters have been milder these past few years but we almost always use up our snow days. They (the winters) are really not that bad. I'm used to them I guess. Not nearly as bad as upstate New York - Rochester, Buffalo area!

Carol - Sounds like rads are going well?  Thanks for your comment about being a role model - (I don't know about that) but it made me feel good.

Paula - Congrats on finishing rads!  Isn't it a great feeling?

Julie - I loved your pics but especially of the pups. They are too cute!!!

On Monday I am going to a breeder of bichon frise pups and hope to return home with one. I have been busy getting ready for it. I went to Petco and spent almost $200!

Happy Birthday SIS Kimberly!!!!!!

I started taking the Arimidex this week. So far just hot flashes (but I had them anyway). My bone density shows osteopenia in my right hip so I may have to have an infusion of Zometa. Bummed about that but its supposed to help with the bone density. I am taking calcium/vitD supplements too.  I also joined the gym this week for my 3 month free membership. I will be doing strengthening exercises 2x a week and Aqua Fitness, yoga, and cardio as well.

But my best news is the new puppy to come!

Joan

KathyL

Good Saturday evening, Jewels!  I have to say, I still don't like the new site format. 

It just looks strange.

It looks like we've been busy on here, so I'll just get to my shout outs.

Happy Birthday and welcome back SIS Kimberly!  I love the picture of you and your twin.  So jealous you have blonde fuzz growing.  I can't believe how dark my hair is coming in.  No offense to the brown haired Jewels, but I liked my blonde!

BTW, thanks for the postcard!

Cathy-CA:  I have to say that since I went back to work, I have fallen off the bandwagon with exercising-always my downfall.  Just not enough time in the day.  But I guess I am going to have to figure something out.  We have a walking trail at work in the hospital; I'd like to try and do it at least twice a week.  I also looked into a personal trainer at our YMCA... I may do 3 or 6 sessions just to get some insight and try to go on my Wednesdays off.

My onc called back (well, his nurse did) and said my MUGA is "normal".  I guess since the EF is still over 50% they aren't concerned... but I am.  I have some questions for my onc when I see him this week.  Can't believe I haven't seen them for 12 weeks!  At least as I've had time to process things, I have calmed down somewhat. 

Patty:  So good to hear from you.  Yippee on the negative BRCA testing and also being done with rads!!   What a great night dh had for you-way to go dh!!

Hoping Vettesis does well with all her txs.

D1:  I read your LE posts... and what can I say but it sucks and I feel for you.  Just not fair to have to deal with that forever.  And you still have your humor through it all... that's what I love about you!

It seems like you were a cleaning freak again... I should just have you come visit, would save me money on the cleaning service!

And you are so right about how it seems sad that it took BC for us to start giving ourselves some attention (me included).  But better late than never, and I find that I have been much happier in general since I started "thinking about me" more. 

Ugh, just read about your toenail!  WTF... it's so late for that to happen now!

Carol:  Yes, it's all just another reminder of what my body's been through.  I think the hardest thing is that it was a reminder... I was having a good time trying to forget it all, ya know?  Made another appointment to talk with my awesome therapist since I haven't seen her since the beginning of May.  She said the 6 months after would be the hardest.

 LJ:  Hope your rads sim went well and your arm isn't stuck in that position.  OK, just read that post and it sounds like it sucked... sorry!

Thank you so much for your words of wisdom on my tests.  I think I tend to freak out a little bit at first, then after I calm down and process (plus read what everyone here says!), I feel better and get it all in the right perspective.  I don't think my onc is going to stop my herceptin, but I'll see what he says on Tuesday.  And I think having a personal trainer cater to my needs will help me get all the aspects I need of a good workout-cardio, weights, and endurance. 

Deb:  Hope you had a good b-day.  Nice to see you "back".  It sounds like its been a busy few weeks for you, and I hope things get back on track for you.  I think getting involved in things like you mentioned will help.  Sorry we have another Jewel that has LE! 

Paula:  Congrats on finishing your txs!  I hope dh does well with his-keep us posted. 

Julie:  Hope you don't spend the whole weekend cleaning puppy pee and poo!  Those pics are just too cute (I checked them out again to show dd).

I would love to have the Jewel address list and birthdays, too (I only have a few).  But I'm thinking that since this is a public forum, it probably wouldn't be wise to post it all here (yes, I'm a safety freak).  Maybe we could "snail mail" them, or send via e-mail?

Sheshe:  Great post!  Glad to see you back.  Some good news for you... I had gained 15 lbs from chemo, and here I am 14 weeks later and it's all gone but 3 pounds.  I didn't really do anything except move more and eat less.  It'll get better as time goes on.  And you're so right... everybody's come through this ordeal changed and probably stronger than before.

Carla:  Hope you get good news from your MRI and MUGA.

Not much going on with me.  The kids seem to have recuperated.  Fevers are just about gone-tomorrow should be 24 hrs. without one.  While they were at swim class, I worked out on a Precor for 20 minutes and got the forms for a personal trainer.  I should be a nice challenge for them!

Dh went golfing today while I held down the fort-did the mundane tasks of laundry, bills, picking up somewhat, making dinner, etc.  Tomorrow's my day.  My new co-worker is having a Silpada jewelry party.  I hope to find something nice and sparkly!  The kids are sleeping, dh is is grocery shopping.  I'm gonna go read now that I've checked things out here.  Life is good!

For the week ahead:  just Kris 60... #11 of 12 on Tuesday!  One more to go, and then all the Jewels will be done with chemo!

KathyL

Joan:  We must've been posting at the same time.  Sounds like we are on the same wavelength... I have osteopenia of my LEFT hip.  I'll have to ask about Zometa, but not sure if I can use it as a I'm premenopausal.  I started with even more calcium today.  Your workout plan sounds good, too.  I took note...

Best of luck with the new pup!

Determined1

Saturday in Northern Virginia.  No thunderstorm for a change.  I ran too hard today, but what else is new?  Dh is making cookies for the week (he leaves for a trip to San Bernadino tomorrow) and wants to make sure college girl has stuff for her bag lunch during the week as an intern.  Girls are starting a movie, which I will join after this.  So, what's up here?

Sherry, rads are easy compared to chemo, but they're not a cakewalk.  I can totally relate to nipple issues-I had them, too.  Keep lubricating (I still am 7 weeks after rads) and rest when you need to.  Wedding plans sound like they're moving right along-enjoy.  And we kicked cancer in the ASS.  Don't you forget it.

Well, I wouldn't have wished it for you, LJ.  The rad sim can be a PITA.  I thought it was just me, but after hearing all of you, I'm realizing it is a PITA.  (BTW, I bled like a stuck pig when I got my tats, too.)  You know, I think part of the tat pain is due to the fact that they have you all exposed with your arm above your head and head turned to the side where you can't see them coming.  It's a conspiracy.  If we were getting thunderbolts or something cool tattooed on our boobs, we wouldn't even notice...

I'm also interested to see how many of us are starting to need p/t for shoulder-related issues.  Did anyone hear about this from their surgeon?  (Talk about conspiracy theories.)

Thank you for checking in to your le clinic.  I hope it's nothing and you're going to be pissed at me for encouraging you to take the time from your life to get it checked out...

Julie-thanks so much for acknowledging my toenail.  My family hasn't been as supportive as I needed.  Dh tried out his "it sucks for you" line (I taught him that one when I was feeling shitty during chemo), but college girl took the cake when she said, "Mom, I don't feel sorry for you.  While I was playing basketball all of my toenails fell off at one time or another."  Well, losing your nails because you bought shitty shoes is not my problem.  I've never lost a nail in my life.  I know it will be kinda okay in the end, I just needed someone to moan with me.  So thanks.

So, WVgirl, my dense boobed friend, who cares where the dh is-you had quality time with a girlfriend!

Joan, thanks for the info on winter.  Dd is getting dangerously obsessed with Vassar.  I hope she gets in.  Are the kids there okay?  My girl is liberal, open-minded, and doesn't need to moor to a particular dock.  But she has a side that needs a lot of down time for writing and guitar playing.  She wants to be somewhere where there isn't a lot of social judgment and encouragement to think outside of the box.  From what you know about the reputation of Vassar, is she barking up the right tree?

Bichon Frise?  Cute dogs.  But no eyebrows (ours is a schnauzer mix, so the eyebrows are a big part of the look).  Oh, and $200 is just the tip of the iceberg.  I'm about to pony up $400 to have our girl's teeth cleaned (okay, first time we've done it in 9 years, but still...).  Enjoy the puppy, though, that time goes so quickly.

KathyL, while your house is probably as clean as mine (you seem to be made from a similar mold), I must admit that I'm not particularly interested in traveling to DE to clean your house.  Please don't take offense.  I'm all about helping folks save a few sheckles, but...

Good to hear the MUGA is normal.  I do think you're smart to start an exercise program, though.  You're young and if you make it habit, you'll reap benefits for many years to come.

(Thanks for commiserating about my toenail, too.  As you all remember, that was something I didn't want to deal with.)

Keep those kids healthy for the rest of the summer, will you????

Okay, guess I'll join the family for a movie.  They already started it, but it doesn't sound like something I'd like, so I'm hanging here.

Till tomorrow.

D1

joteach

D1 - I really don't know too much about the reputation of Vassar - only that it is a top-notch, expensive, Ivy League college. It does not have the reputation as a "party" school but they do their share I'm sure. The down time would probably hinge on who her roommate was? Sorry I could not be of help. They have a great summer playhouse and the campus is beautiful. Have you been to see it yet? The area - The Hudson Valley is beautiful too, especially in the Fall. If you do come to visit, I would love to meet you! It would be a privilege to meet the leader of the Jewels!

Joan

golfer779

Good Eve gals,

Wow, it's a warm one tonight here in Wa. My car was readingt 88 this afternoon, bear in mind we don't have any a/c in our house. The thermostat downstairs is reading 82, and as I type in our bedroom upstairs I know its warmer than that here. Foolish me, I washed the sheets today, I know that the sweatfest is going to be a doozy tonight. I slept cruddy last night trying to get my body regulated.

Went on a 10 mile walk with my gf today, unfortunately my calf muscle decided to be angry, came home and iced it, took a couple ibu's and it seems to be better. Tomorrow its off to the big city for a 12 miler. Thankfully we're starting at 7:30, so the heat should not be to bad. Bummer on a very early wakeup though.

Noticed tonight that my big toe (on the opposite side of my sore calf) feels like it has pins pricking the end of it. I have not paid too much attention on the topic of neuropathy over the course of everyone's chemo, but is this a symptom of that? Noticed yesterday and today that my hair has decided to give the big shed as well. Hmmm, I guess those chemo drugs do stick with ya for a while.

On to a few shouts before I take a cold shower and aloe my pancake ...

D1, so much for my complaint on my toe, I'd be bummed to loose my nail as well. Sounds like the sympathy train in your house has jumped the track. See what happens when you start to sport a "do"!

I'm right there with ya on the expense of our 4 legged friends. We have shelled out a bundle, between eating chocolate (the housekeeper left some a few X-mas ago) on the kitchen counter and the little wiener went from kitchen chair, to bar stool to kitchen counter. I could actually go on and on with stories of our little guys and their trips to emergency. Each one ended up being about a grand a piece, and they've both had dental work done as well.

I loved the comment about your dd, "she doesn't need to moor at a particular dock".

A dh who makes cookies, gotta like that!

Kathy, glad to hear the kids are feeling better, and you had a bit better news on your MUGA.

I'd be happy to snail mail out our Jewel's address list, if anybody has any heartburn with that, maybe shout it out, or send me a PM. Warning, it does take a bit of the mystery of your SP out of the equation.

Ahhh, way to go in regards to getting a personal trainer. And I appreciate the comments on taking Calcium, I'll pause right now to down mine. I have a heck of a time remembering to take it twice a day. Okay, its down the hatch!!!

Joan, I've never seen a Bichon Frise pup, I can only assume that they would be too cute. So we still have not seen a pic of yourself, maybe you'll be up to sharing a pic of the new pup!

And another gym rat ... its great to hear of so many Jewels hitting the road to exercise. I've been reading a book entitled Breast Fitness which emphasizing exercise as such a big part of our road to recovery and to ooch those reoccurence numbers in the right direction.

Carla, way to go gal, I'm happy to see that you went to your appt with a friend. Surrounding yourself with positive people who truly care is great, and topping off your morning appt with breakfast and shopping sounds like good therapy. I remember being told that I too had very dense breasts. This was about 5 years ago, when I had my first mammography. Here I thought that was a good thing. Boy I never in a million years would have thought I'd know so much about my hoots and plumbing, atleast from this perspective!

Julie, how's the peeing going??? Gotta love the little guys!

LJ, your rad simulation sounds all to familiar. My neck angle was a killer as well. I truly don't remember being in that kind of pain throughout this journey (except for my biopsy). My tats weren't bad near my mast site, but I'm with you, the little dicken's hurt like heck away from where I'm still kinda numb. I'm getting the level three nodes zapped too, I wasn't told anything about that making me sick. I was told that the chances of developing le is a slight bit higher when those nodes are hit.

Sherry, there is absolutely no reason to feel the need to apologize about not staying caught up with this chatty group. The best thing about the Jewels is that there is typically someone here to bounce off your own feelings (that's the good ones as well as the bad ones).

It seemed like wedding bells we're so far in the future when you first mentioned the nuptials. Its hard to believe that your in bridal shower mode already. You all will be "Going the Chapel", before you know it.

Paula, hope that your steaks tonight we're "delish", and that your weather cooperated. Hearing about some of the post txt celebrations has me thinking of doing something similar. I'll be starting my celebration off right with a "cation" in CA!

I forgot to mention to you today that both of the books you sent are awesome.  I have been bouncing between them both, and I know that Ginny is looking forward to me sharing the 3 Day stories book with her.   

Kimberly, I know your enjoying the heck out of your (and sis's) birthday celebration dinner tonight.

Off to hit a cool shower, and get my bag packed for my walk tomorrow with Ginny and our 3 Day team. The dh just brought another fan upstairs, there are now 4 fans blowing a frenzy in the bedroom. As I told my dh, we've waited about 9 months to get some warm weather, I guess we better not complain too much!!!

Night all, Carol

Cathy-CA

It's been a busy weekend here.  A friend is having a wedding shower for her future-dil today.  The future dil wanted it to be a "tea" and that's not my friend's personality, so I went over yesterday to  help her cut out bread in heart shapes, make fillings and give her a quick lesson on using decorating tips to make everything look pretty. 

Our youngest is getting a new car and had mentioned this to people at work.  His manager wanted to buy the SUV he had been driving, so I get a call as I'm helping my friend that I need to come home and sign the transfer papers and pink slip because his manager is there with the cash and wants the car.  Did the quick signatures and sent dh off with the paperwork.  Given how poor the market is for SUVs right now, I wanted to jump on it because I'm sure we ended up getting more than we would've by trading it in. 

So, today we will be at the dealer getting the new car.  We want him to have a new car that's under warranty when he's away at college, so we don't have to deal with repair issues long distance.  Foolish (and inexperienced since he's only 17) youngest thinks buying a car when you're paying cash is like going to the grocery store -- quick in and out.  We've tried to warn him this will probably take several hours, but he doesn't believe us.  Since he'll be out of state, we want his name on the title along with ours so there are no problems.

Last night dh and I went to a concert with the Greg Rolie Band at our local lake.  He was one of the founders and lead singer of Santana and wrote a number of their hits.  The show was very good.  He was also one of the founders of Journey and their lead singer before Steve Perry, but didn't do any of their songs.  Outdoor concerts are a big part of the summer around here and I love them.  Nothing beats eating your picnic and enjoying the evening breeze.

Carol -- enjoy your training walk today and make sure to stop and stretch your calves along the way. 

D1 -- I'm sorry about your toenail and the lack of sympathy in your house.  The good news is, they do grow back and fairly quickly.  I caught one of mine on something last summer and ripped it in half.  It ended up falling out and looked ugly for awhile, but did come back okay.

KathyL -- hope you find something wonderful and funky at the jewelry party.  And, kukos on thinking about getting a personal trainer.  Once I finish and fully recover from rads, I want to do the Jazzercise "personal touch" program where you work one-on-one with an instructor for six sessions.  I'm sure there are things I could be doing to get more out of class.  I've been doing the same stuff for so long that I think it's time to mix it up or add intensity.

Jo -- congratulations to your student.  That's a wonderful achievement and you have every right to be proud of her and your contributions to her getting the award.

Carla -- how sweet of your gf to go with you for your testing and then to go out for a girl's day.  I don't think most people realize how stressful all these tests are on us, so it's great that you had her support.

LJ -- sorry your rad sim and tattoos were so bad.  Rads is it's own frustrating experience because it's daily and it doesn't let up.  Make sure you take care of yourself.

SheShe -- your dd's shower sounds wonderful.  I'm looking forward to seeing the pics.

Tina -- I don't know anything about housebreaking dogs, but I'm sure they will learn soon and then you'll be off constant clean up.  Maybe that's why puppies are so cute -- it makes it easier to forgive their "mistakes".

Tina -- Enjoy your rides.  I've always been a bit afraid of motorcycles, but I know people who love them really love them.

Kimberly -- great duck fuzz!  Prior to chemo I was rather salt and pepper, but the new stuff is coming in dark, so it's pretty noticeable (if stubbly) right now.  Glad you had a wonderful trip and it was so sweet of you to remember all of us.