Jan 2008--Ain't it Great?

Anonymous

Sorry I was so whiney about the Rads Sim. I don't whine very much, but that was just an unpleasant freakin 2 hours for me .... Anyway, I don't think I mentioned ... real rads starts on July 14. Bastille Day. Vive la France.

I'm kind of casual in my lifestyle ... when I bought my house 9 years ago, it was just me (after splitting up with my former partner). I never bothered to get a dining room set ... I just eat meals on the futon in front of the tv.

Since the dp moved in about 6 years ago, she has been periodically nagging me to get some DR furniture. I always resisted since we both have a tendency to pile stuff on available horizontal surfaces. (When friends eat over we either use the kitchen island or set up a small breakdown table in the DR for buffet-style meals.)

So she's been more naggy about it lately, and I've realized that through all the tests, appointments, and Tx's ... which she's only missed one Tx and one Dr. appointment due to uncontrollable work situations ... that I'm dam lucky and if a DR set will make her happy, why the heck not get one. So we poked around Ikea last weekend ... and nothing passed the "angel" test (that's where you see something and the choir of angels starts singing that "ahhhhhh" chorus in the background).

During the week I put forth the idea of getting some way cool retro 50's diner type of furniture. You can get this stuff online, brand new ... not cheap but just totally cool looking. Picture 2 facing red leather booth seats, the fold-up table between them, one of those mini-jukeboxes on the table ... and Bed Bath and Beyond carries all the salt & pepper shakers, sugar jars, etc. to complete the look.

We hit a local furniture store (D1/Kathy L, do you have any Gardiners in your area?) ... not chichi but definitely a cut above Ikea ... looked at lots of ok stuff ... then we saw a booth-like setup. But it's like a diner booth with class ... nice dark-stained wood, black leather seats. Really nice. It wasn't quite angels for me, but it was for her, so out came the checkbook and it gets delivered next Saturday.

Now, I'm 51, and this is the first "new" DR set I've ever bought ! My prior one was what a friend's parents sold me for $10 when I got my first apartment. For my last house with the former partner, it was what his folks gave us (which I loathed ...). Anyway, it's very exciting. 

Determined1

Happy Sunday, Jewels.

Got the dh off to San Bernadino for his business trip, but he was sweet enough to download a picture of me sporting my new ‘do before he left.  Now I'm sitting here trying to figure out how on Earth to post it.  Let's see if I can remember...

Got it!  Hmm, hair looks pretty gray in this picture, but really, it's brown/blonde.  It will wash out and be all gray again, but till then I will enjoy it.

Thanks for the input on Vassar, Joan.  I liked all of it except "expensive!"  Hopefully dd will get some money for her grades-they're pretty good.  But, alas, she has to get in, first...

When I come up to see the campus, you'd better believe I'll be letting you know!

No a/c, Carol?  We couldn't survive here without it.  Hope you were able to get comfortable last night.  The calf cramp sounds hurty to me.  I hope you stretched well this morning before you set off on your walk.  Sounds like the toe could be neuropathy-your description is all too familiar.  I suspect the cumulative effect of your chemo is catching up to you.  Thank goodness you won't be dumping any more of that shit into your bod!

Oh, and you really hit the nail on the head re: the sympathy train.  Even dh said it's hard to feel sorry for me when I'm not sick anymore.  I guess I'll take that as a compliment.

CathyCA-your story about the new car hits close to home here.  We have 3 cars and 4 drivers in our house and college girl wants to take the "girls" car back to school with her in the fall.  Dd and I say not so fast as we've gotten used to having the extra set of wheels around here.  So dd has been lobbying for a new car.  She keeps going to Craig's List to see what's available for $2000 or less.  They've all been pretty dumpy so far.  Or have a boatload of miles on them.  I think when we get back from vaca we'll have to get a little more serious, but no use in wasting a lot of brain cells on it now.  Good luck with your car shopping!

Goodness, LJ, no need to apologize for a much needed vent.  I think by the time we get to rads we're so OVER the whole cancer patient scene that we're caught off guard by the reality that we are, indeed, still patients.  Be patient, my patient!

And cool beans on the new DR set.  Perhaps your angel chorus will kick in once it's delivered and you're sharing your first meal.  (It seems to me that I've heard of Gardiners.)  And 51 is plenty old enough to manage a new DR set.  Enjoy!

Okay, I'm going to see what mischief I can get myself in to while my dh is away!

D1

JulieK_11_30_07

Happy Sunday, Jewels! We've had a pretty cool weekend, weather-wise, around here! The dh and ds mowed our entire six acres yesterday while I power washed the pool deck. We stained it a couple years ago and it's been slowly coming off and looks awful! I want to restain it this summer, but not sure we'll get to that. It does look a bit better after I power washed it, but I only got about half of it done.

Carol - I can't believe you don't have a/c!! Our weather is so crazy around here we often go from a/c to heat or vice versa in the same day during some months! My in-laws live in WI and didn't have it for a long time, but finally added it a couple summers ago. It seems every time we go for a visit, it's the only week of their summer that they actually have to use it.

So glad you had a nice time at the yacht club the other night - I can just see you and your gf toasting the Harley riders as they cruise by! Too fun!! Sorry you're having trouble with your calf and toe - hope your walk goes okay today.

Sherry - can't wait to see pics of dd's shower - it sounds like it was very nice. Don't worry about catching up with the posts - just pick up where you are now and post when you can. Things must be getting very busy for you with the wedding coming up!

LJ - so sorry your rads sim was so uncomfortable for you - "whining" totally allowed!!! Your new DR table set sounds so cool!! I think it's about time you forked out the moolah for it - what a nice way to acknowledge your dp's support for you during this ride.

Carla - I'm glad you had a gf go with you for your tests - that's nice that you got to go out for breakfast. I'm hoping for good test results for you.

Joan - YAY!! You're done with school! That seems so bizarre to me - we've been out for over a month now! When do you start in the fall?? That's wonderful that your student received a President's award! What an accomplishment!! I've never seen bichon frise pups either --- you definitely need to post pics when you get your puppy!! I can so relate to the cost of the "necessities" too - we've made several trips already and have thought of other things we "need" since then.

Kathy - I'm glad you got some "better" news on the test results. I feel like you do about my hair - mine's coming in WAY too dark! It's almost black and my pre-chemo hair was auburn brown - my dh said he thinks it's getting lighter but I don't see it yet! Glad the kiddos are better.

D1 - LOVE the new pic - your hair is adorable!!! Sorry the fam has lost their empathy for you - I can certainly relate, as I'm sure many of the Jewels can. Now that we're not "sick" from chemo and our hair is coming back, they think we should just be back to normal. I keep reminding my dh when he thinks I should've done something that I didn't that I'm still recuperating and I'm not quite up to par yet. My energy level is certainly improving, but I still do tire out rather quickly.

How was the movie?? What did you watch? We're watching the John Adams HBO series now - my dh is a HUGE history buff and loves movies like that -- it's actually pretty interesting.

Cathy - that was so nice of you to help your friend with the "tea" shower! I wouldn't have a clue what to do for something like that! Hope the car shopping goes well today - I always DREAD the negotiations portion of it. After 19 years of marriage, my dh and I pretty much have it worked out that I decide which one I want, then he does all the negotiations crap and let's me know when it's time to come in and sign the papers! It can be such a long process - hope the ds is patient for you!

Kimberly - hope you and your sis had a fabulous birthday!! Can't wait to hear about your celebration. BTW - we are about 6 hours south of Chicago, down in south-central Illinois.

Thanks for all of the inquiries about the puppies!! They are doing well and having less frequent accidents. I had a rough night sleeping last night and finally came out to the couch about 2:30 a.m. At about 4:30 a.m., the dh came running out asking me where another set of sheets were b/c Cain had peed in our bed -- uuuugghhhhh!! He was NOT happy (the dh) - well, neither was Cain b/c he was put in his crate after that. You may remember that I've mentioned before our 3-year old cat who's the QUEEN of the house - she has done surprisingly well with the puppies. She certainly doesn't "like" them, but has not thrown a hissy fit like I expected her to. Our 7-year old outside dog (lab/chow mix) isn't too keen about them, but he seems to be warming up to them.

Well, Jewels - I think I'm caught up for now. We were hoping to go boating today, but the weather is kind of yucky - cloudy and chance of storms, so we decided to just hang out at home instead. Hope everyone is having a good Sunday!

{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}

Julie

KathyL

D1:  Darn.  Guess I'll have to keep up with the cleaning on my own .

Loved the pic!  You look great (and that pink shirt is a great color for you BTW).  My hair looks very similar, just much darker (I hate the color as I know I've said before).  I'll have to have some shots taken so I can post them.

Carol:  OMG... I can't imagine a house without AC!  I guess our weather here in the NE is much different than the PNW.  We are lucky if we get a month in between turning off the heat and turning on the AC; this year I think it was about 2 weeks in between each.  DE gets its share of 90+ weather, but it's mostly the humidity that withers us in this region.  Once it hits about 78 degrees outside, our upstairs is at least 10 degrees hotter; couldn't live without AC...  Hope you cool off soon, and I hope the walk went well sans cramping.

Cathy-CA:  Hope the tea was nice and the car exchange/buying went smoothly.  Oh yes, how it can take hours!

LJ:  Congrats on the new DR furniture.  I'm sure it made dp happy, too.  I have my grandparents' 1950s stuff in our DH (and it never gets used either, rather it has junk on it).  I'd like to eventually get newer stuff (more modern) but don't know what I'd do with these relics/antiques as they are now-couldn't just toss them, plus I just don't use the room right now so I can't justify spending the money yet.

Julie:  Yucko on the puppy piddle in the bed.  Bet you were glad to have missed that mess.

Gotta run.  Not much on the agenda for tomorrow, but the rest of the week is gonna fly by!

sheshe48

Hi Jewels,

To WVgirl  I hope and pray your test come back with good results and you are getting better.

D1  Sorry to hear about your toe nail, I thought I was going to lose both my thumb nails, they were looking bad. I have lost the enamel on my fingernails, my chemo dr said the enamel will come back. Did your skin shed too, during and after rads?  I felt like I was moating. Boy do you love and spoil your dog.  Love the picture of your new do. I feel for college girl, soon you will have 2 in college.

KathyL  Glad to hear about the good news on MUGA.

  Carol   Tomorrow I will be post 2 wks, and I'm still healing, my whole entire nipple area had a white covering over it and it started shedding, what a mess. My entire boop has shed it's skin, I feel like a moating snake. It started underneath my arm first. It is better than chemo, but it makes you not feel good.

I love you guys, and I'm going to try again to download some pictures. Please let me know if anyone can see them.   Sherry

 LJ13  Sounds like you did have a rough time during your simulation. My left arm hurt for a couple of weeks after my simulation. You know they radiated my neck and I did get nausated a few times. They insisted it was not rads. I have under active thyroid diease so I did not care that they radiated my neck, I worry about thyroid cancer. Hopefully it won't get to bad for you.

sheshe48

sheshe48

Ok, I put one on, if anyone can see it, please let me know. Thanks,

This is my dd Brandy at her bridal shower.  She is marrying Adam, he is wonderful. Brandy and I bake cookies for about 10 hrs or so, we are proud of our cookies.  I have to learn how to size the pictures. hehehe

sheshe48

sheshe48

sheshe48

Hi Jewels, I forgot to tell you, I'm sporting a wig. Let me know what you think

 Sherry

sheshe48

sheshe48

sheshe48

I know I'm chatty tonight, I have a question. Is anyone else having side effects from Tamoxifen?  I have to take it at night, because it makes me zone out, and it gave me a itchy rash for a few days, now I have a sore on my stomach. The rash is no longer bothering me and the sore is healing. I'm going to ask my chemo dr on Tuesday. This drug is messing with my head. The bone pain is not bad yet. I have been taking the drug about 3 wks or so. Thanks for your input.

 Dana and Paula  I hope you are both well and Paula I hope dd is well too.

Sherry

JulieK_11_30_07

Sherry -- Good job -- I can see the pictures!!  Your wig looks GREAT!!!! Your dd is beautiful and what a cutie fiancee! Are those snickerdoodle cookies you made -- those are my favorites!! What's the date of the wedding again?? Hope you're feeling well enough to enjoy all of the festivities!

Julie

golfer779

Eve Jewels,

Really just a "quickie" tonight, Sherry the pics came through tonight and they we're fabo!!!  Thanks so much for taking the time to post them. 

 I'll be back tomorrow, its hotter then heck in our bedroom tonight (weather wise), there may be some "nakee-ness" going on, but only for the fact were burning up!

Off to work at 6:00am, leaving at 7:30 for my rad zap and back to work ... oh life is good, or atleast I'll keep telling myself that!!!

Once again I enjoyed reading the days happenings, my day is complete when I have read the post ...

 A pleasant eve to all, Carol

sheshe48

HI Julie and Carol  Thanks for letting me know it worked, Brandy is getting married August 23rd. Yes, they are snickerdoodles. It's Adam's  mom recipe we also made peanut butter cookies too.

Carol  I feel for you in this heat, I remember the hot sultry days without air. I have been blessed the last 18 or 19 years to have had air. Now when I leave my daughters home and get an apt, who knows I may not have any air. That's great your boss is letting you leave for your treament. That's what is nice about rads, the treatment does not take long. July 11th our cancer center has a painting class, so I signed up for it. I thought it might be fun. I hope everyone has a nice day.

 Keep cool, Sherry

RN2teach

Good Monday morning, JJs!

Looks a little gloomy here... we've been having regular rain showers over the past few days. The creek in front of my house is still dry, tho, so bring on the rain!

We had a nice steak dinner to celebrate the end of my treatment on Saturday. Those steaks were melt-in-your-mouth delish. Don't do red meat that often, so it was a nice treat for all of us. Dd tossed a salad for us, and we had fresh tomatoes and a luscious watermelon from the local produce. We invited my mom and stepdad, our neighbors and friends who have supported us so well during both my and dh's cancer journeys. It was a nice time--I'm working myself up to the open house idea, Kathy!

Dd passed her test for the learner's permit, so I have been chaffeured everywhere over the past week. Our roads are so curvy and winding with all of the hills. She's doing well--haven't felt the need to scream yet! Dh freaks at everything, so she can't drive when he's in the car. He has always been the overprotective type, but the brain cancer/ treatments have exacerbated his responses.

Dh and I are taking off in the morning with a couple of friends for a short beach trip. Leaving the kids behind under the supervision of their aunt and uncle. There seems to be a constant tension in our house between dh and the kids, so I'm thinking the break will be good for all of us. I just hope dh feels well enough to enjoy it.

D1- Bummer about the toenail--esp. with it being sandal weather! But I'm glad it didn't HURT, at least.  

The new do is gorgeous--you look FAB, dahling!

Hey, Julie! Hope the bed stayed dry last night. Puppies are high maintenance critters, but those two are so CUTE! Love the names--Cain and Vader.

I like your idea of a Jewels address book, but I second whoever said that it needs to be sent via snail mail once everyone OKs (or nixes) sharing their address with the group.

Carol, no A/C? I think its great that you don't usually need it--means you actually open windows and enjoy the fresh air more than most of us! Charleston, WV has just been voted one of the top 100 sweatiest cities in the US, so you can bet we have A/C (actually two units--one for each level of the house). I'm a little sensitive to the cold still (no hot flashes here, just icicles!) so I prefer sitting on our front porch to chilling inside.

Cathy- the outdoor concerts sound wonderful. Hope you had a good time. And hope everything worked out well with ds and the car purchase.

LJ- honey, you are SO entitled to a good whine when you want it--and we're just the place to come when you feel the need!

Congrats on the new DR purchase. I'd say you're long overdue for a new one. It sounds lovely--please share a pic when it arrives.

Kathy- take care of yourself, busy girl! I know your life is full right now with your family and work, but I'm glad you're taking time for the exercise. Gotta nip that osteopenia in the bud!

Sherry- great pictures of you and Brandy! The bridal shower sounds wonderful--I love snickerdoodles!

Good luck with the job hunt. Here's hoping your new apartment will have A/C!

A painting class at your cancer center? What a great idea!

Kris, thinking of you this week as you knock off another one-- next week is the big finale!

We're off to Charleston here in a bit. Gotta get my port flushed and Ed needs bloodwork. We're leaving early in the morning for Myrtle Beach, SC.

Have a wonderful week, Gems!

Paula

golfer779

Hello Ladies,

Had a pretty busy weekend of walking, walking and more walking.  Thankfully my calves we're in better space, with no cramping.  Yesterdays outing was a little over 15 miles.  With a wet bandana wrapped around our necks, the heat 90 yesterday was pretty tolerable.

Maybe I should try that wet bandana when I go to bed at night, she was a warm one again last night, even the wieners we're stretched out on top of the covers!!!

Cathy, so how'd the car shopping go?  I hate buying a vehicle, our last one, the dh was on his own (with my approval of his pick!). 

I  walked with a gal who is doing the Seattle 3 day as well as the San Diego walk this year.  She has done them both a couple of times and said San Diego is tops for an awesome walk along the coast, and that its huge in comparison to the number of participants up here.

LJ, hey it was just your turn to bitch about the rad sim, fortunately each appt has gotten quicker, today's I was in and out in 20 minutes.

Good job on ponying up for the DR furniture. 

D1, are you staying out of trouble???  I didn't notice that you had any doc appts today ... off to the gym, eh?

I'll be adding your new pic to the collage ... looking good there gal!

Julie, been there, done that with a puppy peeing on the bed!!!  Thankfully at the time she only weighed about 4 lbs, so her tini/tiny bladder didn't hold much.

We havn't even had our boat in the water yet, although we've paid for moorage for the whole month of June.  Seems as if the dh has been golfing a lot, I've been walking and the kids are all working.  In a way with gas prices, its not that bad of a deal.  Hopefully this long weekend we'll get her in. 

Kathy, hopefully your enjoying a day with "not much going on".  I find that hard to believe in your house!!!

AC's are not very common at all in homes here in the PNW.  We're lucky to get weather over 80 more than a few days a year. 

Sherry, yikes on your rad site description.  One thing I won't have to worry about is a burn't nipple as there isn't one to burn!!!  Oh, whata' plus!!!  Thanks again for sharing the great pics.  I would have not have ever guessed that you we're sporting a wig!  Looking good!!!

Paula, yummo on the steaks!!!  Hoping that your get-a-way will be good for the whole family.   Is Mrytle Beach far from Charleston?  I'll have to Mapquest it!  Just did, you've got yourself a road trip!!!  Enjoy!!!

So when does the port get removed?  I'm going for a "flush job" as well tomorrow.  I'm not really in any hurry to lose it (maybe its my security blanket)!

Okay, back to work, lunch is over ... Carol

Determined1

Guess what I did this morning?????  I cleaned out my fridge!!!!!!  It's so pertiful now, I don't want anyone to use it.

Power washing is hard work, Julie.  We do our patio every other year and it takes forever and our patio is teeny.  Way to go.  (You have 6 acres?  We have 5000 sq ft!)  Keep the puppy tales (or is that tails?) coming-we can live vicariously.

Sherry-the pics are great!!!  Your wig is one of the most natural looking I've seen.  You look great in it.  I didn't shed skin in the manner you describe.  I only peeled on my nipple (which blistered, so it was to be expected) and in the area of my boosts.  And that peel was strange-it was like the tops of all my hair follicles died and these little circles peeled off all over.   But it never came off in a strip, like a sunburn peel does.  (Hope that made sense.)

My Tamox side effects are increased hot flashes, the urge to cry at the drop of a hat, and muscle cramps (mostly in my legs like when I was pregnant).  I was in Trader Joe's today and picked up the calcium chews LJ recommended and also spotted some black cohosh so I picked it up, too (not waiting for my gyn to get the stuff in he wants me to try).  I'll let you guys know if it helps with the hot flashes.

Ah, the learner's permit!  My kids said I went into a zen-like trance whenever I drove with them.  What they don't know is that if I didn't go into a trance, I would've been a mess!   Luckily, I survived, and I suspect you will, too, Paula.

Hey enjoy your cation to the beach.  Breaks are good for all of us. 

It's after 3p here.  I think I'm going to take a shower (haven't done that, yet today and the stink from my outing to the gym is grossing me out) and then see if I feel up to check in to the nail salon to see if my girl can do anything with my missing toenail.  She doesn't work tomorrow and my sis and her family arrive tomorrow (I may go MIA on you for a few days while she's here), so I'm thinking today is it.  (That was a run-on sentence, now wasn't it?)

Thanks, everyone, for the nice compliments about my new ‘do.  People who see me around here keep saying that I should keep it this short (I think NOT).  But it's good for summer!

Anyhoooooooooooo

D1

Cathy-CA

We got the car yesterday, so ds has been out showing it around.  It's a metallic blue, 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer.  It's the GTS model, but not the EVO (for those of you who care about cars).  That and the Subaru Impreza are the two hot teenage boy cars to soup up.  It took about two hours to complete the transaction just because there is so much paperwork.  But, we all survived.

Paula -- My son has had his license for 18 months and I still get nervous driving with him.  He's a good driver, but some how I can't shake the instinct of feeling like I need to tell him what to do. 

D1 -- You are a cleaning maniac.  Does it count that I took the meat keeper bin out of my fridge this morning and washed it?  I had bought a family pack of steaks yesterday and was too lazy to put them into bags when I got home.  When I went to do it this morning, the package had leaked, so I had to clean it up.

Carol -- San Diego had 4,600 participants last year.  Not sure how many there will be this year, but I know it's one of the more popular ones.  I didn't do a training walk this weekend, because I'm trying not to sweat.  I'm holding my own with the redness under my arm, but sweat definitely irritates it. 

Sherry -- the pictures of you and your daughter are wonderful.  Sounds like she had a great shower.  My friend got lots of compliments at her shower for future dil on all the cute finger sandwiches we made, so was very happy when I talked to her this morning.

Tina -- Too bad you can't put the puppies on Depends.  Dh is having a colonoscopy on Thursday and several of his friends have warned him he will be up all night Wednesday using the toilet.  I've threated him with Depends if he wakes me up too often.  LOL!

LJ -- the dining room set sounds great.  We rarely use ours for dining.  It sees more action when I'm hosting bridge or Bunko than for meals.

SuePeet

Hi guys I am new to this site - need some feedback! I live in Red Deer Ab Canada - seems most of you gals live south! Anyways - my last treament (Monday 23) - which was my second treatment - I get by IV - my hand and arm got a little tense - the nurse felt that there was good blood flow (?) now a week later it is still swollen and sore. THe nurse said something about having dilicate veins - ? Anyways I went to the clinic on Wed and nusre said put warm cloths on it and take Advil. Saturday hand really sswollen - our clinic not open on weekends so had to go to ER - doctor said doesn't appear to be an infection - put cold compresses on it and take advil. Not it is a week later and it is still swollen and sore but I am getting fed up with what I get told! Anyone else get a swollen hand and arm?

deb102307

Thanks for the welcome back from everyone.  Am at work so this will be short but did want to say (shout) that I DO NOT have to take Arimidex.  I am so happy about that.  Doc read something wrong and was calling me as I was calling her.  So....just have to put up with the port, neuropathy and a little lymphedema.  The OT that I went to was great and seems to have helped with the swelling.  In August will go to a lymphedema specialty clinic and hopefully find out all the do's and don'ts and whether will be fitted for a sleeve or not.

Also hoping my fingernails grow back soon.  Not so sore anymore but look pretty ugly.

 And....my treadmill is at my house being put together as I write this.  I am surprised that I am happy to be walking on it soon!

Hope all the angels are doing well today.  I am still trying to get caught up on all the posts.

SISKimberly

Good Morning Jewels,
The skies have finally cleared after being in a smoky haze for the past week. We can see the sun and the clouds today…such a pleasure to see again.

Thanks to all of you for wishing me and the twinsis a happy b-day. Boy, were you talkative this weekend. I’ve read all the posts, but won’t be doing individual shout outs as I’ve got a lengthy post already with the Chicago and Bday update, and you’ll be reading all day if I add shout outs.

Our party was a HUGE success. We had 22 guests and the restaurant outdid them selves taking care of us. We arrived at 5pm and didn’t leave until 11pm. Everyone just raved about the food and service.  

My cousin flew in from Vegas,which was such a treat as we haven’t seen her in years.

Spending time with our friends and family was the best gift we received. I’ll upload pics ASAP. Greg’s got the camera and cord for the computer.

So, I promised you a travel log of my Chicago trip with pictures, so here we go…

June 21,2008
Kathleen and I were bumped up to First Class (Kath flies often and is a Silver Club member on US Air) all the way to Chicago (had a layover in Vegas, then changed planes) Wow!!!! I had never flown First Class before. I had always wondered what comforts lay beyond that silly flimsy curtain which separated those eight or so larger comfy looking seats, two to a row, sharing one forward compartment lavatory from the rest of the coach passengers packed in like sardines, seats three to a row, sharing two lavatories at the back of the plane.  Now I know!  Immediate service upon sitting, hot warm towels to freshen up with before lunch, which happened to be served on china with real silverware.  First Class had a choice for lunch while coach passengers had to pay $5 for a snack box.  First Class had access to the onboard movie, The Spiderwich Chronicles, however, coach had to pay $5 to rent the headsets. I imagined being in a situation where we would have to reach for our oxygen masks then leap from the plane with our seat cushion flotation devices and having the flight crew announce to coach,”Please remain in your seats. There is no need to  panic. If you would like oxygen or a flotation device, there is a $5 fee for each. We will be by to collect your fee. We would appreciate exact change please.” HeeHee. Anyway, First Class got to get up and use the facilities even during food service, but coach passengers were trapped in their seats until the service carts were stowed or had passed their seats.  All in all, if one can afford it, First Class is definitely the way to travel.  I admit, now that I’ve experienced the world behind the curtain, I’ve been spoiled and think travel any other way is …well…just wrong, which leads to the question why passengers are willing to put up with such crowded conditions and limited service.  Ahhhh yes, the price one pays for convenience at the cheapest price.

During our layover in Vegas, I won $50! SAA_WEET!!!

We arrived in the Windy City around 5pm. The Windy City, which in case inquiring minds wanted to know, is so called not because of the weather, but because during the World Fair hosted there, a famous newspaper columnist noted that citizens of Chicago were full of exaggerations, excessively bragged about the attributes of their city, and were in general very long winded.

After collecting our luggage (yes, mine did arrive unlike on my trip to Flagstaff/Sedona), we located a cab to take us to the Chicago Hilton on Michigan Avenue at a cost of only $42 for the approximate 30 minute drive.  May I just say cab drivers in Chicago, like most large cities I imagine, are either incredibly focused and aware of everything going on around them with lightening fast reflexes, or adrenaline junkies who have absolutely no fear nor regard for other vehicles around them as they bully their way through congested streets.  I like to think the cabbie we entrusted our lives to was a Zen Master rather than Evil Knievilesk.

Upon arriving at the Chicago Hilton, which is the gem on Michigan Avenue in my opinion due to its history as the largest luxury hotel in the world during its hayday in the late 1800’s. Today, it maintains many of its original architectural features and a Grand Ballroom that still has huge crystal chandeliers. It is still evident that this hotel caters to the higher end guest…thank you Kathleen and TSYS (her company). The staff was so friendly and ready to serve from the doorman to the hotel manager.  Fabulous customer service.

When Kath and I walked into our room, Room 1752, we were surprised to see not only two beds, but two bathrooms as well. We didn’t have a view, but weren’t planning on spending time in our room looking out the window. Once unpacked, we walked across the street to Grant Park, a large park that stretches a good ten or more blocks and connects to Millenium Park to the North and to the Museum Campus to the South-East.  Literally across the street from our hotel the Chicago Summer Dance Series was underway among beautiful flowerbeds and planters, lush grassy areas, and tree shaded walkways. Fountains and statues were scattered throughout as were little tucked away spots where people could read, contemplate, or cozy up to their sweeties. Of course, the grassy spots also offered seating as did park benches, steps, and the wide edges of plant boxes filled with pinks, purples, oranges, and yellows.  People of all ages gathered to listen and dance,and not just on the dance floor, to the sizzling sounds of Salsa played from the stage. Kath and I salsa’d our way down the side walk and across on of several bridges crossing over the tracks and headed towards a large blocked off area.  It appeared a large event was either being dismantled or assembled.  We passed a statue of Abraham Lincoln, said ‘Hey Abe’ and walked back over the bridge where I asked some of Chicago’s finest what was happening back where we’d just been. Apparently, we just missed the Zombie Parade. Also, the city was setting up for their annual Taste of Chicago event happening June 27th through July 4th. I still don’t know what a Zombie Parade is or if I’m sorry I missed it or not.

We didn’t quite make it to Millenium Park, but we did pass the Metra enterance, which Kath explained looked just like the Metro in Paris, and the large lion statues that flank the Chicago Art Institute before crossing the street to head back towards the hotel in search of dinner.

Kath and I settled on a place that called itself The Artist’s Shack. It’s menu was a combination of Greek, Italian, and American cuisine.  We decided on Greek.
While enjoying our meal on the patio, a homeless man approached me and asked if I would buy him a meal. He talked really slow like someone who is either weak and tired or under the influence.  I chose to believe he was the former since it was a meal he asked for and not money.
I told him I’d be happy to buy him a meal, unfortunately the restaurant staff told me that wasn’t going to happen when I went inside to order. Apparently, he and a friend do this a lot and the restaurant didn’t want to encourage this behavior.  When I returned to my seat, the police had arrived and were talking to him and asking him to move on, which he was reluctant to do stating I was buying him a meal. I told him I had tried, but was told I could not. Kath and I offered our leftovers- rice, chicken, and veggies, but he refused stating it wasn’t what he wanted.
He asked again for me to buy him a meal, and again I explained that I couldn’t. The police asked him to move on at that point. I felt badly for him,but thought he wasn’t hungry enough if he turned down the leftovers we offered. It was a good amount of food. Kath and I could have split one meal.  Ahhh, what a world we live in where people are living on the streets and hungry. How can this be with such abundance on the one hand, and the amount of waste on the other?

When we got back to the hotel, we ran into two of Kathleen’s coworkers, Judy and Diane, from the Arizona office. They had taken the ‘scenic’ route to the hotel via the subway from the airport…a four hour journey lost in Chicago…but they were still smiling.

OK, that’s all for today. I’ll write the next entry tomorrow, Jewels.

Love to all, SIS Kimberly

Kimby and Kathleenie at the airport, and then a pic of the hotel.

SISKimberly

Love the pics D1 and Sherry. SIS

Determined1

Just a couple of quick things.  Got my nails done and my girl says that my new nail looks healthy, but it will take time to grow out.  She also predicts that I'll lose both of my big toenails, eventually.  Bummer.  But, she did a respectable job making my one new nail look like the others, so I'm not complaining, much.

Deb--FABO news on the Arimidex!  It did seem odd that they were going to recommend it to you, so I'm glad you were following up with your doc.  The neuropathy will pass (at least mine is).  It just takes for bloody ever!  Try to be patient.  MLD (manual lymph drainage) massages are great and really help with the swelling.  When you get to your le specialist he/she should teach you how to do it to yourself.  I pretty much suck at self-MLD, but perform what I call fake MLD.  It's better than nothing.  But getting the real McCoy really does help.  Now, go hop on that tm!

CathyCA--so you survived the car buying experience.  And only 2 hours!  Whew!  Ds is going to have unrealistic expectations of how long it really does take to negotiate a car at that rate!  (Yes, cleaning out the meat drawer counts as cleaning the fridge.)

Thanks for the travelogue, SIS Kimberly.  I will look forward to tomorrow's installment.  You and sis look great in your pic.  And you were in first class AND won $50 in Vegas?!  The stars were aligned for you, my friend.  Nice to have you back.

SuePeet--Gosh, I'm sorry to hear you're having swelling issues.  I don't remember that any of the Jewels had what you described, but if I'm wrong, I'm sure someone will step in and correct me.  I think you're smart to continue pointing it out to your med team until someone can give you an explanation for it.  Since I'm not a doctor (I just watch them on TV), I hesitate to give you any advice on the chance that I inadvertently misinform you.  Hang in there and hopefully it will be explained and resolved soon.

Okay, I'm off to make dinner.  Green Thai Curry Chicken over whole wheat couscous and sweet potatoes.  Yum.

D1

(You know, I think I'll clean the stove--natch--and run the oven cleaner tomorrow.  That would clean up the entire kitchen!!!  OMG, I get chills just thinking about it!)

SISKimberly

D1- You crack me up. I don't think my cleaning gals are as passionate about cleaning as you are.

Just checking in before I head out to see Sex and the City with my older sis.

I'm going to probably lose my big toe nail on the right foot. My pedi gal noticed it was lifting off the nail bed before my trip to Chicago...if you recall I took myself in for a spa day before the trip.

I know, I soooo lucked out!!!! I got myself a mug that says " Too Blessed to be Stressed" because it is soooo true. 

 Yummy on the Green Thai Chicken over whole wheat couscous and sweet potatoes.  My hubby isn't a curry fan, but I love it.

SuePeet - I'm with D1 on this one...I do not recall a single Jewel experiencing this...although Sista or SheShe had a problem with swelling due to a picline issue. Otherwise, hmmmm.  I too hope your docs can help you out with the cause and remedy.

 Gotta run.  I have two doctor's appts in the morning, lunch with the twinsis, then yoga at 4:45, so I don't know when I plan to get my next travel log done...I'll have to get up really early tomorrow.

 Have a great evening Jewels,

SIS Kimberly 

KathyL

Sherry:  Great pictures.  Thanks for sharing.  Your dd looks so happy.

Paula:  When you do your open house, just remember keep it simple.  I decided on the afternoon hours, so no meal to prepare just snacks/hors d'oevres (sp?).  Also instead of entertaining a huge crowd for an extended length of time, I just told people to come whenever they could during a 4 hr. block and stay as long as they wanted.  I had the waterslide for "entertainment".  All I had to do was mill around and eat.

D1:  My Type A sister!  I LOVE a clean fridge.  I'm sure you are just thrilled especially with more company coming.

Deb:  Glad to read your update and that you straightened out your Arimidex confusion.

Kimberly:  As always, love reading about your adventures.

SuePeet:  It sounds like your IV infiltrated (fluids/drugs went into the tissues instead of the vein).  It's hard for me to say for sure as I'm not there looking at your hand, but infiltrates can be very painful and last a while depending on what the offending fluid was that escaped into the tissues.  I'd have someone look at it again especially since it's been sometime now since it happened.

Gotta go Gals.  Tomorrow I have my next onc appointment (haven't seen him since April), my list of questions is prepared.  I also get my herceptin again.  After that (and a half day in the morning at the "new job"), I'm reporting to my "old job" for 4 hours of work.  I have Wednesday "off", which means no work, but 2 more appointments!

golfer779

Kimberly, my goodness gal, you never stop!  As expected, your travel log makes it very easy to visualize your experience.  Quite the eve, leave it to you to bring on the "cops".   Can't say I've been to windy city since I was a kid and we traveled from the PNW as far east as Key West, hit Chicago on the way back.  Hmmmm, that would be about 32 years ago.  Can't say I recall a thing.  I love that you included pics, and wow, first class and a "two holer" hotel room.  Life is Good!!!

D1, not such great news on the toe situation for you and Kimberly.  Here you are growing your hair back, but still losing nails.  Doesn't seem quite fair, then again this whole experience is not really looked upon as being fair. 

We love curry, are we sharing recipes?  I need to get on this sweet potato band wagon.  I swear the only time we have sp's are at Thanksgiving. 

Have a great time with your sis and family, sounds like party time to me.  Speaking of party time, Kent and I we're on a roll by the end of the eve last night.  Continued sitting out on the deck until about 10:00 with a little "beverage".

Deb, yeah another Jewel jumping on the exercise band wagon.  If nothing else it would be good to have this post continue on to support each others efforts to stay motivated with some exercise.  I  have been the yo-yo exerciser all my adult life.  Albeit I don't let too much grass grow under my feet, actually cardio workouts tend to get put on the back burner far to often for me.  I'd really like to make a life commitment to not let that happen again. 

Cathy, a lucky son you have.  A brand new car to boot!!!

I'm with you ... D1 is a cleaning maniac!!!  My house is always picked up, but I'm pretty content with what my housekeeper does every other week.  D1, would probably have a coronary inspecting my place!!!   

Okay, off to burn off the bar'b, planning the not so healthy burgers, potato salad and beans for dinner.  Okay I'll throw together a little spinach salad (I guess we should have something green)!!!

 A great night to you all, Carol

SuePeet

So far my treatments ( a whole 2 of them) have been through IV.  THe IV seemed to have screwed up my hand and lower arm last time and my hand and arm are still swollen.  I want to know from those who have have the port put in - called a pic line? have you had any trouble? Can you go swimming?  Is it easier?  Need to know what plan of action to take becasue I think my only good arm is now hooped!

SuePeet

Soory guys - chemo brain - I call it - I posted my question becasue I forgot I already did!  Am now reading your responses!  Sorry!