Jan 2008--Ain't it Great?

Determined1 · December 2008

Well, I was just going to read through the post today, but I feel compelled to comment. Not much new in my life. Just wanted to say congrats to Carol on the Seahawks win!

I hear you on the one-horse town, CHJ. The way I always run into someone I know around here makes me feel Arlington is smallish, but then you go in to the post office...

Carol, dd even smiled at the thought of Portland being a quick 3 hour drive! It's certainly a benefit to L&C, imo. But I know she's going to give a couple of these tougher schools another try and see if her number comes up. I just hope she can get money from them, too...

I lol at the picture of the weiner in the snow! My dog won't even go outside when there's snow on the ground. Getting her to do business in the snow is such a headache.

No, Paula, I'm darkening my hair gradually. Before chemo my hair was dark auburn, but that color would look like shoe polish with such short hair, so I'm just a light to medium brown right now. Of course, my natural color is no color at all, so I can do whatever I want!

Gosh, Carol, I hope you got the snow day. I, too, saw the bus crash and agree with Paula that something like that would have encouraged loss of bowel control!

Well, hmmm, SISKimberly. I find I have more Christmas spirit this year. It was really hard for me last year as we headed to NYC for a weekend before Christmas and all I kept thinking was 5 more days till chemo, 4 more days till chemo. It was kind of a dampener. So I'm determined to be in the spirit this year. BUT, my sister's tests all came back no cancer. I think if I were in your shoes, I'd be looking at things a little differently. I'm glad you shared your feelings with us, though. And with the world-minded gift giving you did this year I don't think you can totally claim you're all Bah-humbug. Just try to enjoy those in your company and don't add in the pressure of the holidays. Friends are friends, year-round.

I'll be curious to hear the final tx for SISKathleen in the rads dept. I was really lucky with my rads as my excellent contours (I really need to remember to tell dh babydoc really said that) eliminated the need for a massive rad field. That said, it seemed pretty big to me just the same. Anyway, I hope the twinsis gets lucky, too.

Not sure the dog biscuits keep others from sniffing her butt. But certainly the fact that she sits down whenever someone tries to sniff her does!

I like the extra credit offer to your students. Unfortunately, many of them won't realize what a deal you offered till it's too late.

Sounds like San Antonio and Las Vegas are generating some interest. And the mid July dates. More comments, anyone?

Glad you got the card, Deb. I really sent them more to make myself happy, truth be told. Snow Patrol is awesome! I included Chasing Cars on the cd I made for Julie when she was my SP (see Julie, you're WAY cool!). I also like Spitting Games and particularly, Run, by Snow Patrol. Maybe I'll head over to the iTunes store to pick some more Snow Patrol out with the gift card my SP sent to me...

Gotta get to gettin'. Dd has a game in less than an hour and I have to pick up the in-laws on the way.

D1

Cathy-CA · December 2008

We got back late last night, so I've been trying to catch up with a million things including a Herceptin infusion. I've skimmed the posts, but will have to go back and read them more carefully. We had a great time on our cruise and loved cave tubing in Belize. There's just something about floating down a river that does it for me. I even liked the bats in the caves!

I had a b'day present waiting from my SP. Thank you for the mug and button! People wear lots of buttons on their lanyards and fanny packs for the 3-day, so I'm pleased to add another one to my collection! They do a "On Deck for the Cure" fundraiser on the cruise that's a 5K. DH did it with me, but was complaining afterwards about how much his feet hurt. I laughed at him and said he's welcome to start training with me this spring.

College boy flew home Friday and has had the house to himself the past few days. We went out to lunch today and now he's back to hanging at a friend's house. He'll stick closer to home tomorrow, Christmas Eve and Christmas. He flies back on Christmas evening since he needs to work on Friday.

My last Herceptin is next month and I have a dr. appt with the onc that same day. Not sure how often I'll be seeing her after that since I'm not on any AIs.

JulieK_11_30_07 · December 2008

Hi Jewels!! Just a quick post from me tonight as I frantically try to get all of my sugar cookies iced so I don't have to worry about it after my surgery tomorrow!! LOL Kimberly on the song -- I think Paula said the same thing when I originally mentioned the date of my surgery -- my friends at work and I have been joking about that too.

Dh and I spent the ENTIRE day today "car" shopping -- left at 11:00 a.m. and didn't get home until almost 9:00 tonight! Yikes -- lots to do still. We did end up with a new Trailblazer -- we had a 2006 and ended up getting a brand new 2008 with a full five-year warranty for $10 less per month than we were paying. They have some incredible rebates on them right now -- dh is HAPPY!!

Better get back to my cookies --- thinking of you all -- I'll pop in when I can after my surgery.

Jules

Determined1 · December 2008

Popping in quickly to wish Julie good luck today!!!! Hope those new nips are just what you ordered from Santa.

I see that CathyCA is home. I'm a little shaky on a cave with bats in it, but the tubing part sounds sublime. I'll look forward to hearing more about the trip. You made me smile with your dh's attempt at the 5K!

Great deal on the vehicle, Julie!! You guys are getting all kinds of pre-Christmas gifts!

Later.

D1

RN2teach · December 2008

Baby, it's cold outside! Temp here is 9 degrees... brrrr! School was delayed 2 hours this morning. Thought I'd pop in quickly....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Cathy-CA! Your cruise sounds lovely. I agree with D1 about the bats, though. Find time today to relax and enjoy your birthday.

Julie- I'll be thinking of you today. Hope you get the perfect set of nips!

D1- A new cut AND a new color? Where's the picture? I wanna see!

Off to school. All 4 of us have doctor's appointments this afternoon. All for annual check-ups. Ed needs his BP meds and I could probably forego, but I like to keep the GP up to speed on everything. We're getting the kids established with our doc-- they're a bit old to visit the pediatrician!

Have a good one, all!

Paula

texrn · December 2008

Good Morning everyone,

As per usual, it's been a long time without a post..I lurk a few times a week, so suffice it to say, I keep you all in my thoughts & prayers daily.

Joan - I am so very sorry to hear about your mother's passing. May you find peace knowing she is without any pain or suffering.

KathyL - I am so sorry you are having to go through the agony of waiting & wondering...& waiting & wondering. Hang in there - your symptoms, being so transient, sure sound like they are what Julie has described to you. As far as the MRI of the brain go, I had one 1 year ago, one week after my breast MRI ( for a month long headache ), & I can say that the 'waiting & wondering" is much harder than the actual test. My thoughts & prayers are with you.

Julie - Congrats on the new nips & the new car!! Last Aug/Sept. I, too, got new nips & a new car! As far as the new nips go, wow! what a visual difference they make - I no longer have that 'constant reminder' every time I look in the mirror. As far as the car goes ( got a 2008 GMC Acadia ) - well I forgot how much fun it was having a new car. It's a cross-over SUV, so it drives just like a car - which is what I was aiming for because I so hated driving my Suburban. I bought it is a birthday present to myself, since I am into celebrating this year!

A JJ reunion anytime & anywhere sounds great! Since I am centrally located, a plane ticket should be about the same to either coast, & regardless of geography, it I buy my ticket with enough of an advanced notice, the prices should be more reasonable. I, myself, am not going to bring my dh ( there are a lot of factors at play there ).

Carol - your puppy dogs are adorable! Also, a very belated thank you for your compliment on my picture.

Regardless of anyone's religious persuasion - I just want to wish you all a very blessed Christmas & holiday season, & a New Year filled w/ good health, good friends, & precious memories!

Therese

kris60 · December 2008

just a quick lunch blurb

thanks SP for the beautiful Christmas flower arrangement.

Happy B-day Cathy, glad you had a great trip and made it back safely Smile

Good Luck Julie, I hope everything turns out ok. Grats on the new ride

Kim, awesome news about sis, and yes, the hamburger buns were left for spacing. The 'bump' comment was intentional. Tongue out I am left handed so I think you're correct about the working it too much, that and who knows what 6 months of chemo did for healing times.

Paula, thanks for calling me a pup heehee. whoo hoo, believe it or not I do remember seeing those commercials.

Still have the drain tube in, but it is getting less *crossing my fingers for tomorrow*.

Carol, send some snow this way.......I hate working in it, but miss playing in it. All we have is cold and winds from hell here.

k, time to boogie.......whoo hoo

Stay safe and warm Jewels !!!!!!!

Kris

golfer779 · December 2008

Hi All ... Just got home from work today, the base is still a mess with snow and ice, but the freeway getting there is okay.

So after the guys and I shoveled off some of our trailers (just in case we had to use them), we decided to make a snow "gal". So with a slight bit of encouragement I made her with a left boob. I think her pine cone nipple may have slipped off before this pic was taken !!! Another co-worker said "let me take a pic so you can show "those ladies" you chat with on-line !!! Gotta love the guys I work with ... they are the best!

I'll hopefully have time too pop in again later ... I've talked the dh into taking me out to dinner tonight (that snow gal making can wear you out)! I also need to finish wrapping up some last minute gifts ... I'll be going to work again tomorrow unless we get alot more snow ... we're forecasted for 6" more inches tonight. No need to dream of a white christmas this year.

Julie ... hope your nips weren't made of pine cones ... they have a hard time staying on !!!!!

Determined1 · December 2008

Are those my tax dollars at work????

golfer779 · December 2008

Hey D1 ... this is too funny, but went to a local steak house, entered the bar so we could watch the Gonzaga basketball game, who do we run into to ... the ex-dh and "buddies"!!! Kent and I enjoyed a great meal with a "to-go" burger for Zach and we're treated to the check on the "ex". Most would think this is about the strangest thing ever ... I consider myself very lucky!!! As we left, we invited the ex and "friend's" over on the 26th ... heck his mom and sister's we're already invited. When one looks at the "big picture" I'm a pretty lucky gal, with a very understanding dh!!!! Bottom line, our son is in pretty good space !!!

Okay, pooping out quicker than I had thought by 8:00, all the best for a peaceful Christmast Eve to all tomorrow.

Oh, hey D1 ... I had erased the portion of my post earlier stating that the snow "gal" was all of worthy of about $100 bucks after 1/2 hour of our efforts !!! Hey I could have stayed on the horn with you and burned my time !!!!

Hugs, Carol

JulieK_11_30_07 · December 2008

Hi girls -- "All I want for Christmas is my two front nips.... my two front nips.... my two front nips...." ha ha ha ha

Got home tonight around 6:00 from my "nip" surgery! Everything went well and I've got some good pain meds. Can't feel anything in the breast area, but have quite a bit of pain in the "nether" region where he took the skin and my sides where he sucked out the excess from my mastectomy. My breasts are all bandaged up and there's padding actually sewn in, so I won't be able to see anything until next week when I go back to my surgeon's office. I'm just hanging out on the couch tonight watching movies with the dh - not real interested in the current one so I thought I'd try to catch up here with my Jewels!

Donna - thinking of you.... Check in when you can.

LJ - hope your cat bite is healing okay!! Those precious animals can be so unpredictable, can't they?! Mine is a total "lover" with me and my son - doesn't like the dh anymore - she used to really love on him too so we can't figure it out. Now she tolerates him, but if he disturbs her in any way, she growls at him. She also doesn't like any strangers in the house - they're very independent and determined at times. Anyway - hope you're doing okay.

Kathy - any more visual episodes?? If it's an ocular issue, from what I understand, it's not uncommon once you have one, to have several others within a couple weeks timeframe - that's kind of how they've occurred for me. I hope you're able to keep yourself busy with the little ones and Christmas coming soon!

Carol - WOW! I can't believe all the snow you've been getting! Those pups are TOO CUTE!!! We've only had sleet/freezing rain and no real snow yet. I was a little worried this morning as we left for my surgery b/c it was sleeting out. We drove in that for about the first hour, then it got better. It warmed up enough throughout the day that it all turned to rain - we drove home in major downpours! Just glad it wasn't all ice - we'd still be driving home.

How's Zach's knee doing? Is he doing physical therapy? Bummer that he may not get a shot at nationals now.

Kimberly - GREAT news about Kathleen!! I hope she's feeling well and is able to enjoy the holidays! Sorry I'm just now getting to your ooph questions --- I had a little decrease in sex drive, but definitely nothing like I've had since chemo and it did get better much faster than it has over the last year. My sister did not have that problem at all - from what I understand, it varies with each person and is not a definite side effect you'll see. We both did not have any problems with weight gain - no more than usual, anyway. Tongue out I was real good about taking a calcium supplement the first two years after mine and had a bone density test done about a year and ½ ago. My bone density was much BETTER than all of my friends' at work - it was at an employee health fair. I've kind of gotten out of the habit of taking it, but now that all my other meds are winding down, I plan to start taking them again.

Sorry to hear you're not in the Christmas spirit - I think my marathon shopping trip after Thanksgiving helped jump start the Christmas season for me! I have the upstairs decorated and one of our trees up - I decided not to put up the 18 foot tree this year - my time's too precious! I think my son has helped me to get more in the spirit - he just loves this time of year and gets so excited about everything. Plus, compared to last year, and the "unknown" of what was to come, I think I'm just happy to have made it through it and appreciate the "family" part of it more. I totally agree with the commercialism of it all though and it makes me angry!!

To all of you considering hysterectomies/oophs - make sure you check if you're eligible for the LAVH (laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy with oopherectomy) procedure rather than the fully surgical procedure. The recovery time is about 3 weeks compared to 6-8 weeks - my sister was actually back to work only 2 weeks after hers!

D1 - sorry to hear that dd didn't get in to Vassar. Sounds like she's handling it like the mature young lady that she is and is looking forward to other opportunities. I'm sure she'll get in to one of her other top choices! I'm glad to hear that dh talked with someone else who went through a similar experience with his wife - I know my dh always perks his ears when he meets someone with a spouse who's gone through this journey. Yes - I've heard of Relpax for migraines too - I know some who are on that instead of Imitrex. I'm interested in talking to my dr. about the new treatment drug called "Treximet" - it's supposedly a breakthrough and much improved over Imitrex in how fast it can stop them from coming on. A friend of mine just had it prescribed and I'm anxious to hear how she does on it.

To all of your comments about having the 8 boys over - YES - we were insane to do it, but they had SO much fun and were really very good!! Dh helped tons when they were here and he and ds cleaned the entire basement on Sunday so I didn't have to deal with that - very nice for me!! I didn't hear any of them after about 1:30 a.m. so that was pretty good. Considering the shitty birthday he had last year - I was diagnosed the day before his birthday - it was worth all the trouble just to hear them having so much fun. He and all of his friends are still talking about it!

WOW, Carla! 15 pounds of potatoes??!! Holy crap! Glad you got your just rewards and they ate them all up!! Sorry you took a spill over the weekend - hope you're doing okay. How nice of your customer to leave you such a thoughtful voicemail - I'm sure that made your day!

Joan - I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your mom. I hope your fond memories and being around family over Christmas makes it a little easier for you.

Kimberly (again) - glad your ticket system worked out well for your class!! Isn't that amazing when you give students the opportunity to earn more points and they choose not to do it??? I've never understood that! I have ingrained in my son's brain that he is REQUIRED to always attempt any "do-overs" or extra credit - so far, he's following my directive on that. We'll see how long it lasts.

Deb - that was so nice of you to wrap care packages for your neighbor's kids. LOVE Snow Patrol also!! Hope you enjoy your time off!!

Cathy - your trip sounds great!! I'm with the others on the bats though - yikes!!! Hope you're enjoying your time with college boy!

Therese - I kept looking at the Acadia's and my dh kept saying they were too "girlie" for him - I LOVE them!!! Maybe that will be my next vehicle. Although, by the time I get one, I'm sure there will be so many different new ones out there! Dh was actually wanting a suburban and I was SO glad when he decided he just couldn't afford that payment. Those things are HUGE!

Kris - Hope you're drainless by now!!! You need to stop doing so much, girl - give those arms a rest!

Carol - LOVE the snowgal pic -- especially the fact that she only has a left boob!!! LOL!!! Sounds like the guys you work with are great! I'm impressed with the relationship you and you ex-dh have - that's quite rare and so much better for your son. And the fact that your dh is supportive of that says so much about him.

Okay - sorry girls, this turned into a freakin' book!!!! Good thing this movie is stupid - I think I'm now caught up!

OH - and if you're still reading..... as for the Jewels get together - July 14, 15, 16 is good for me as of right now - Vegas or San Antonio would be fabulous - never been to either!! As one from the Midwest, I'd have to say that Branson probably wouldn't be the best - we went a few years ago and loved it, but some of the comments I read about it here are right on!! Ha ha ha!

We have a busy couple days ahead, so I'll tell everyone Merry Christmas now in case I don't get back on before then. I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas with your loved ones!

Hugs to all!

Julie

Determined1 · December 2008

Merry Christmas, Jewels!!!! This one will be MUCH better than the last!! (Thanks, Julie, for the animated cartoon-we can always count on you!)

Paula, you made me lol at the thought of your family Christmas tradition of going to the doc's together!

Yes, I got a cut and color. The color is much closer to my before chemo color, but not quite as dark. I'm actually thinking I may have my gal back off a bit next time-the dark color looks REALLY dark on such short hair. Oh, and speaking of short hair, I'm back where I was in August. It's super short again. It's easy to take care of, but there's a funny feeling in the pit of my stomach that I don't want to be this short anymore. We had to do it because the Tamox is causing some pretty serious hair-thinning for me (ok, tmi time, I have almost no pubic hair again! Of course, it doesn't matter there, but hey...). I'm just thinking I only need to get through 4 ½ more years with Tamox and then I can grow my hair again...

Therese, how great to hear from you! How coinky dinky that you and Julie both got nips and cars at the same time. Is this some kind of guy fantasy that your dhs are living?

Fingers are crossed that Kris gets her drains out for Christmas!

Just had to rattle your cage, Carol. Your snowgal is pretty darn good! And a pinecone nip? How creative (if not a little prickly)!

Hey, loved the story about your ex-dh. It speaks well for the future for your ds. I'm really happy for all of you that it works out this way (oh, and kudos to Kent, who probably has the biggest adjustment to make in all of this). (You can call and waste my tax dollars anytime-at least I'm getting some benefit from the use of that time!)

Julie-sounds like your drugs are good. Perhaps you should share so we can all glide through the holidays without a care in the world! I hope you feel no pain and totally love the results when you finally get to see them.

My college girl saw her internist last week for a checkup and one of the things she talked about were her migraines. Turns out the doc told her to take the Relpax at the first sign of a migraine, but she can take another Relpax a couple of hours later if her symptoms aren't going away. We're hopeful that will help her and the need to switch to a new drug will be alleviated. It kills me to know she's having so much trouble with the migraines, 19 is too young to deal with that (or should I say 12 is too young, as that's how old she was when this all started).

You know, I thought you were crazy to have a house full of hyped up boys, but I know exactly what you mean about making good for the time we were out of commission. As hard as I tried to conduct business as usual last year, I know I failed miserably and find myself throwing everything I can at situations as they come up this year. And I'm always bound and determined to enjoy every moment. That's not always a bad thing.

Oh, and ingraining the idea that do-overs and extra credit are not optional is a good thing. Both of my girls were trained that way. College girl even seeks out her profs to see if there is anything she can to do improve her grade-even when it's a solid grade. A little over-achievement is a good characteristic, imo.

Off to refill my coffee and wrap the last of the gifts.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Fondly,

D1

PAlady · December 2008

Hello Jewels,

I have a busy day a head, but just wanted to pop in and wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!

RN2teach · December 2008

I slept in this morning to celebrate my first day of Christmas break. Just wanted to pop in and wish all of you a Merry Christmas!

Carol- love the snowgal. That should make Santa do a double-take tonight!

Your relationship with your ex is wonderful for all of you--esp. Zach. My parents divorced when I was 13 and they still couldn't stand to be together when I got married 10 years later. This year was a milestone--they both came to my house at the same time for dinner.

D1- waiting for the picture here... I'll bet you look terrific--share already!

Julie- happy healing. When do you get to see the new nips? I know what you're saying about trying to make the birthday a better one than last year. Dale's b-day is 12/30, which was 4 days after my surgery last year. Physically I was fine, but mentally was another story...

Congrats on the new ride! I hate driving my mini-van, but it is so damn practical that I can't get rid of it... We are helping ds buy a used car for his birthday, a 2007 Ford Focus. The car payment will be small, but good to get his credit established. He is excited!

Therese- I didn't even know what an Acadia looked like... Thanks to Google, I'm now savvy! Nice choice. Very sporty looking.

Kris- hope the drain comes out soon. I know it won't spoil your Christmas, though. Your attitude is amazing! You're an inspiration to all of us.

I hope Santa brings everyone a stocking full of good health and happiness!

Be back soon, Paula

SISKimberly · December 2008

Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy, and Merry, Merry, Ho, Ho, Ho…

Joan, I did go out with my twinsis yesterday. We played the elves to a gentleman at her work’s Santa and passed out Christmas cookies and calendars, and everyone took a picture with Santa. That was fun to see adults let their inner child out to play. We also did our annual stocking stuffer shopping, that’s all we do for each other since we do our charity gift, and that’s helped lift the spirit. Family arrived yesterday and Christmas music is playing, too. So, I’m feeling more festive.

Greg’s 50th was yesterday. We went out to a nice dinner, and he was very happy with the gift I bought him. A thing for the back of his bike to store stuff in on long rides…can’t recall with it’s technical name is, however.

Glad you’ll be surrounded by family over the holiday as that will make this first Christmas without your mom a bit easier.

Deb – So, how’s the weather in Arizona? It’s pretty chilly here, but I tell you what, I’ve had some flashes lately that had me in no sweater or jacket leaving the mall after Kathleen returned something she bought before her surgery. People thought I was nuts. HeeHee

I’ve not heard of Snow Patrol…hmmm

It is a good feeling to help a struggling friend or neighbor doesn’t it? That is what this season is really about. Our staff gave $1200 to a part-time gal who is on a fixed income to help her buy a car as hers died, and a bike to a student and his little brother as this student has to go to the store for his mom who is disabled. Walking was a long trip, so a bike is going to help him out.

D1- Thanks for the pep talk. As stated earlier in my post…I’m in a much better space. I wonder if I was in a hormone induced funk? I’ve had more hot flashes in the last two days and my face broke out, only on the right side of my face, which suggests some kind of hormone issue in my book.

Speaking of that, my appointment with the surgical OBGYN went well. He’s very nice…my age… and gave me a “good for you” when I responded in the negative to being on any kind of medication. Sounds like the ooph/hysterectomy is a go.
Both he and my onc agree that since I’m not doing Tamox, and being at higher risk for ovarian and uterine cancer that I really should do it. I asked if my symptoms of menopause would be any worse than they are now since I’m technically in menopause, not having had a period for almost a full year (February will be a year). He stated he seriously doubted it. Whew, that is a relief. He also stated that they’d keep an eye on bone mass and do everything none medicine related to keep my bones strong for as long as possible. I like this guy!!!!

Welcome home Cathy!!!! Glad you had a great time on the cruise…that river float sound heavenly.

My girlfriend is on a 42 Day cruise. She did a cruise this summer as well and did the On Deck walk for me…that is such a cool thing. Think of the money raised times all the cruises done in a year.

Enjoy time with your son.

Jules – So, you should be resting, comfortably I hope, new nips in place and letting our men wait on you today. Bring you a cup of hot cocoa and one of those sugar cookies you iced Monday night?

Glad you got such a good deal on the new Trailblazer. I bet that will come in handy in the snow.

Paula- Man, you guys went to school yesterday? Bummer. Hope the annual check-ups all went well…a good way to start the new year.

Stay warm and have a fabulous Christmas. Give Ed and the kids a big hello from the Jewels.

Therese – So, what I’m hearing is that Nips and Cars go together???? Hmmmm, maybe I should rethink my decision not to do it. Heehee.

Happy Holidays

Kris – I’m left handed, too. So, hoping the drain is out for Christmas.

Carol – Love the snow gal…and her nip is in the picture. LOL on the comment to Jules.

I can’t believe how much snow you guys are getting. I heard the airport has been pretty much unable to get flights in or out? Is that true? People making connections to other places are stuck? Bummer.
Wow, how lucky are you and Zack to have such a great relationship with the ex/his dad and family...I wish that all divorced families were as amicable…after all, it is the kids’ emotional well-being that matters. Bravo!!!!

OK, gotta run. I’ve got stocking stuffers to wrap and more baking to do.

Be listening for the sound of reindeer on the roof tonight.
SIS Kimberly

golfer779 · December 2008

Thought I'd fire off a quick Merry Christmas Eve while sitting here at work. We we're hoping for an early get off, but no such luck. Lucky me, the dispatch is off today so I'm sitting at her desk with a computer to surf. So D1, your tax dollars are hard at it once again !!!

Thankfully we're dining at the bil/sil place tonight, I've only got the spinach salad duty so no problemo with getting off at 2:00 and being there at 4:00.

We got about another 2" of snow this morning, and yep Kimberly the airport has been chaotic the last couple of days but has returned to some normalcy. Looks like we're expected to get a bit more of the white stuff over the next couple of days, then on to the ugly melt and rain! Glad to read that your holiday funk is taking a back seat, I've had my issue's this year as well, but will certainly enjoy the time we'll be sharing with family and friends over the next few days. I did receive a cool gift from DD #1, my first contribution to my 3Day/60Mile for next year. Now that's what I call Christmas !!!

All the best to my sister friends, Carol

kris60 · December 2008

yay!!!!!! the drain came out.......... and so did some fluid...and more.......and more...*sighs* It seems that there was a blockage in the tubing (where in was inserted) that was slowing down the drainage. I was still draining a bit, but well under the 30cc... hopefully it was a pocket of fluid that decided to come out. I yelped when it was pulled... forgot how long that bugger was. but it's out!!

Now I just need to keep watch to make sure I'm not gathering extra fluid, if so........time for the needle Surprised . I'm free!!!!!!!

Time to go get last minute preparing done..

Kris

sheshe48 · December 2008

Merry Christmas Jewels,

I'm so sorry I thought I would be back by now. I'm feeling like a very bad jewel. I miss my friends starting tomorrow I'm going to spend one hr a night catching up on the chatter. I can't believe I am so far behind. I just have not been feeling too good. I hope you all can forgve me, I hope everyone has a Happy Christmas with your familys. dd and ds in law are going to spend a week in Utah, they leave on Dec 27th. His brother and wife lives there. Wow in almost 1 year we all have used up 133 pages. Who New!.

Carol I love your snow man, we also have a bunch of snow and some freezing rain.

Kris I'm glad the drain is out. Take care and don't over do it.

Maz Happy belated Brithday.

Take care, Sherry

kris60 · December 2008

a houseful of Happy faces. kids are in heaven

Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!

golfer779 · December 2008

Merry Christmas Night ...

It's been one of the most relaxing, low-key Christmas days that I can remember. Woke this morning with 2 of our 3 kids snuggled into their beds. Got breakfast going, dd#1 and fiancé we're pulling into the driveway by 8am along with the fil. Spent a great morning in our jammies with the kids, and by 11:00 they we're off to carryon with the rest of their day. The dh and I relaxed in front of the fire til about 3:00, then entertained the sil/bil and had dd#1 and fiancé come back for a visit and a hot bowl of chili. Wow, its only 6pm and everything is cleaned up for the day and the dh and I are both sitting with our laptops, the dh looking for the "deal of the day" tomorrow to get his dad a flatscreen tv for his motorhome, and me chatting here. The wieners are all but tuckered out, racked out on the couch between us!!!

Tomorrow is our day to gear up for entertaining with 16 guests. I'll be hitting the seafood counter in the morning to buy the fixin's for a ginormous pot of seafood stew. Although it has taken a bit longer to get in the mood for the holidays, I seem to have jumped on-board and realized just how much I have to be thankful for this holiday season while surrounded by family and friends.

Hoping that you all had a pleasant day as well.

Carol

chj127 · December 2008

Carol - love the snow-woman!! Sounds like lots of you all got what you wanted for Christmas (nips, drain out, cars, new hairdos, etc...) We had a quiet, relaxing day at home, so it was a great Christmas as far as I'm concerned! Sooooo much better than this time last year, eh? I went back and read some of our posts from this time last year, when we were all recovering from surgery and getting anxious about chemo. I feel blessed beyond belief that I've had the support of everyone here, and that we're doing so well a year later.

May 2009 be better than ever for all of us!

CHJ

joteach · December 2008

Hi Jewels,

Thanks again for all the condolences on my mother's passing earlier this month.

Well we got through Christmas. I had my whole family (10 of us) for Christmas. We had a nice time.

I also would like to say that this time last year was very stressful for us all. Recovering from surgeries and dreading the chemo experience. I think we are all stronger because of it. Being that we are still here posting (133 pages!!!!) speaks volumes of what this board means to us all. Again, thanks D1. You have done a wonderful thing.

Happy New Year!

Joan

tinalee123 · December 2008

Hello Jewels,

Forgive the absence. But, wanted to be sure to get a note in here and wish you all many, many blessings and a fantastic New Year!!

All the best to each of you,

Tina

PAlady · December 2008

I hope everyone had a good holiday. I spent the last week or so baking, making rock candy, shopping, wrapping and cleaning. We had dh's family over Christmas Eve and then my family over Christmas Day. It was busy but good.

Update on the tamoxifen. A week ago Saturday I developed a red sore on my right calf. Over a few days it got to be a bit bigger than a silver dollar and was very tender to touch. On Thursday I started getting one on my left calf. I started thinking that it could be blood clots but not real sure. On Saturday I decided I was going to quit taking the tamoxifen as I knew blood clots could be a side effect of that. Over the next few days, it seemed that they were getting better. Then Christmas Eve afternoon I started getting some swelling areas in two areas on each of my upper thighs. The cancer center was closed and I really didn't want to go to ER. On Christmas Day it seemed like they were all a bit better and not quite so red, but then I started getting numbness/tingling in my right pointer finger and thumb. I decided I would call onc on Friday. After a bunch of hullabaloo, I finally got to speak to the nurse around 3:30 and found out that my onc was out of town till January 5^th. She and the physician assistant thought it sounded like hives rather than clots and said the tamox wouldn't have anything to do with it so they advised me to go to my primary care physician. Since by this time it was 4:00 on Friday afternoon, I knew I wasn't going to get in there either, so I just went to an Urgent Care doctor near our home. Turns out I have thrombophlebitis which is superficial blood clots. She said it was a good thing that I had quit taking the tamox. Told me to take an aspirin every day and can use warm compresses to try and bring it down. If it gets any worse or shortness of breath etc. get to an emergency room. When I called back to the cancer center nurse and updated her she couldn't believe it. I find it so annoying that they didn't want to fit me in to their office. I've been a bit freaked out today, but trying to remain calm about it. My brother had a pulmonary embolism after an appendectomy when he was about 30. Thankfully he survived it, but he said it was one of the most painful things he had ever felt.

Now I have to go back to see the onc on the 5^th. The only good thing that will come out of it is I am sure I will be off the tamox for good now. I definitely see my ovaries coming out in the near future. I think the big decision I will have to make is whether to just have the ovaries out or a complete hysterectomy. I already had an appointment set up with my gyne for the 15^th to discuss pros and cons of all this.

D1 - scary about your megace reaction. I hope that is going better for you. How is it helping depression wise? Sorry about dd not getting in to Vassar. Amazing how resilient some people can be, though isn't it? We have a few things happen with ds over the last month that just stick in my craw and even though they should really have effected him more than me, he just rolls with it. I wish I could be like that!

Julie - Yes, you are crazy with having 8 boys stay over! Funny how we can get sucked into doing that kind of stuff! Now, did you have an ooph and then later a hysterectomy? I thought you had told me you had the ooph done laprascopically which my dr already told me she could do, but for some reason I thought you had a hysterectomy too. ( chemo brain!). Glad your surgery went well. I didn't realize it was that involved. I hope it all comes out well.

Carol - Ouch on ds' fall. How is he healing up? Great news on your test results!!! How far are you from Seattle? I saw on the news all the ice they were getting and cars just sliding around. I was actually surprised that you don't get much snow out that way. We've already had over 60 inches this year! Regarding your question on the hormone levels - my periods came back in July and are just like clockwork. I know I definitely need to do something. I do find it interesting that Paula's doc would recommend hers coming out. Very funny about the snowgal!

CHJ - Thanks for the onc input. That is exactly the way I feel! My surgeon and my gyne are both female and if she had been there when I started I would have requested her. I'll be interested to see how your new one turns out for you.

Paula - Dh told me about "Flame"! We wanted to get some for our oldest ds for xmas as a gag, but found out you have to order online. I think that would be hysterical. Oh, I just saw the link you posted. That is so funny! I agree with you, I think D1 needs to share a picture.

WVgirl - Glad all was well with your thyroid results! Isn't great to not have to deal with the toppers?!

Kathy - If it's any help - that sounds like what I get occasionally before a migraine. It makes me feel very disoriented. The first time it happened I was totally freaked out as I had had migraines for years without having the visual thing. Hopefully the busyness of the holidays keeps your mind off of it so the waiting isn't so bad. Hugs to you.

Joteach - Sorry to hear about your mom. It is so nice that she went peacefully. Hospice is amazing aren't they.

Happy Belated Birthday Cathy!

Kimberly - so you are going to have a full hysterectomy? When are you planning on having it done?

Hi Tina! Glad you popped in.

I love it when I get caught up here!

Take care all!

RN2teach · December 2008

We had a happy Christmas here. Spent Christmas Eve with my Dad, brother, and db's family. Then Christmas day at my house with dh's family and my Mom-- there were 20 of us here. Had enough food for dinner again on Friday.

The undecorating has begun here. It was a gorgeous 70 degrees outside yesterday, so got all the outside stuff down. The tree comes down today. I love starting the new year with a clean house!

Gearing up for the big 18th birthday bash on Tuesday. Ds wants to have a party and then have the guys stay over for a marathon session of Halo / Guitar Hero. I'm still trying to decide about the overnight thing.... I don't mind the noise-- working with teenagers has conditioned me well! Dh is another story.

Kimberly- good to hear that you and the OBGYN are in sync. Any idea when you'll have surgery?

Carol- so, you had a white Christmas! No snow here-- just the opposite... I saw some very confused bees buzzing around yesterday. We've gone from single digit temps to summer in less than a week! The seafood stew sounds yummy.

Kris- I see the drain is history and you had a happy Christmas. YEAH!

Sherry- there is no such thing as a bad Jewel, girlfriend! Your first priority has got to be your health and your family-- so no worries, okay? How's the new job coming along?

CHJ- ditto what you said about being blessed by the Jewels. Your Christmas sounds lovely-- can't get much better than quiet and relaxing in my book!

Joan- I thought of you Christmas morning. Happy to read that you had a good day with your family.

And there's Tina-- we've missed you! I've imagined you and dh out riding your Harleys around the US all summer. Come back soon and give us an update.

Norma- good catch on the thrombophlebitis. Shows you the value of knowing our bodies, huh? Not quite the peaceful, relaxing Christmas you envisioned, though.... Sorry 'bout that!

I gave the calendars as Christmas gifts. I pointed October's survivor out to them. I don't think I've mentioned how pretty your pictures are!

My computer is trying to crash-- hard disc failure! YIKES! I was just bragging on how much mileage I'd gotten out of this old Gateway on Christmas. I bought it in 2000. I spent yesterday burning all of my pics to CDs and saving my documents to a jump drive. Took me most of the day to accomplish that. So, now I have some peace of mind about it's imminent demise. I'm looking at replacing it with another desktop. I have a laptop to use when/if it takes it's last breath.

Off to tackle that tree....

Paula

JulieK_11_30_07 · December 2008

Hi Jewels!! Just a quick pop in for me tonight -- the in-laws are about 2 1/2 hours away from my house and will be with us the next few days once they get here. Sil came early today to help me get the house ready and do the grocery shopping. I'm doing pretty well after surgery last week -- little bits of pain here and there, but not too bad. I'm hoping to get in to the doc tomorrow to get all my dressings off. Kind of anxious to see the "girls"!! ha ha ha

Hope everyone had a nice Christmas and has a great New Year!!! I'll be back when I can -- we're going to have a houseful until Thursday!

Julie

Cathy-CA · December 2008

Thank you for the b'day wishes. College boy and I went to see "Yes Man", but didn't do much other than that. I had the family over for Christmas Eve, so spent the day making dinner and getting everything ready. Christmas Day we went to see my MIL while she's in the hospital. I can't remember if I have explained this here or not, but due to her age/condition, she's hospitalized for each round. They give her the chemo in a very diluted form and it takes about four days of constant drip each round. She's getting adriamycin in addition to other drugs and it's light pink in her IV instead of the normal bright red. The tests indicate it hasn't spread and she seems to be doing well with the chemo.

Like Paula, we spent today getting the tree and decorations down. The cleaning crew comes on Tuesday and I wanted them to be able to vacuum up all the needles and other stuff.

Yesterday, dh and I worked on our city's Rose Parade float. If you watch the parade, the Mission Viejo float has a swimming pool in the middle of it and an Olympic torch. I spent part of my day gluing white beans onto the torch. The float barn we were in had some great floats, so I'm looking forward to seeing the finished products in the parade.

Carol -- my aunt made a generous donation to the 2009 3-Day as my Christmas present. I noticed you've gotten several donations already. This year, I am taking the printed donation form to every doctor and asking them to donate. I see the onc and internist in January and the rads onc and surgeon in February. I'm hoping by asking at the beginning of the year, they'll be more interested.

For the ladies looking at hysterectomies and oophas, one of my friends just had everything removed using guided robot technology. She was back in the gym within a couple weeks and has done great. It's amazing how little recovery time there is with the newer procedures.

D1 -- have you visited Pomona College, yet? If you are thinking of making a visit, let me know. We live less than an hour from there. I'm sorry dd didn't get into her first choice, but she has some excellent second choices.

Norma -- what a scare and how lucky you are that you knew enough to keep pushing. Blood clots can be very tricky, so it's good you are vigilant.

golfer779 · December 2008

Hi All,

Thought I'd poke in tonight just to read ... fittingly Cathy had the last post ... I have spent ALL day working on my pic/scrapbook from the 3 Day walk. I had a ton of pics, along with all sorts of memorabilia, e-mails, cards etc. It turned out pretty cool ... who knows I may need to use it as an advertising tool to get a tentmate for next year. Although my dear friend Ginny is not going to walk next year, she had requested from her family donations on my behalf for her Christmas gift. What a lady ... I will miss so much not having her at my side for each of the 60 miles, but will know that she is close at heart.

So any takers on coming to Seattle to walk a mere 60 miles ????

Looks like those that have posted had enjoyable times with family over the holiday as we did as well. I'm totally wiped tonight and will save some shout outs til tomorrow ... shucks ... wish I was a teacher and had next week off !!!

A pleasant Sunday eve to you all , Carol (D1 ... quite the finish to your Viks game, that should propel them in the right direction for their playoff game)!

SISKimberly · December 2008

Good evening ladies,

I spent a very nice holiday with family and friends. The 23rd was Greg's 50th ,so we were out to dinner with family, then for Christmas Eve we went to my twinsis' for our annual German meal, Beirochs. Greg made the dough from scratch...and it is then rolled out and cut into squares. Each square is then stuffed with a mixture of ground beef, cabbage, onion, salt, and pepper to taste. Allow to rise for 30 minutes, then baked for 20 minutes at 350. Yummy!!!! For Christmas, we didn't open gifts until evening as my older sis couldn't get to the house until after 4pm. We had fun exchanging our charity gifts and opening stocking stuffers, then ate a fabulous meal prepared by my dad and Greg...yogurt braised lamb and chicken...it was sooo good.

I've had a lovely head cold for the past few days, but who cares...I'm not thinking about recovering from surgery or what chemotherapy is going to be like...WhooHoo!!!!

I sent you all my New Years letter...Tina, I asked you where you've been and hoped you'ld check in, and look what I saw when I read the posts....one from you. Good to hear from you.

Norma, man, how lucky you are to have been so aware of those 'sores'. Glad you took yourself off the Tamox, and shame on your oncologists office for just 'guessing' it was a rash. Geez!!!!

70 degrees? Man is our poor climate confused or what? Glad you had a good holiday Paula. I'm all deChristmased, too. The maid comes tomorrow, so I wanted to be ready for her, like CathyCA.

So, Cathy, you and Carol are walking again next year!!! That's so great. Remind me when it gets closer you two, so I can send in my donation. I'm a bit tapped out for a few months after the holidays.

Just wanted to let you all know that Kathleen is doing GREAT!!! She went back to work today part -time. We are going to spend the day together tomorrow starting around 10:30, so she's going to put in half a day by working for about 4 hours in the morning. I told her not to push going back full-time if she can help it.

For those of you asking, I'm not sure when I'll do the complete hysterectomy. It will be laproscopic. I'll have a few small incisions in the abdomen and one inside the vagina, which does not sound too pleasant to me, but it sure beats cutting through muscle like in the old days, eh? I may do it in April and back it up to my spring break, so I only have to take five days off, or I may wait until summer, maybe after the Jewels reunion and right before school. We'll see how things shape up.

Kris, yippee for the drain removal. Is everything settled down now? No more leaks?

How about your Jules...how are the nips looking? I know you're busy with family until Thursday, but let us know.

Have a wonderful Monday evening all. I'll check back in later in the week.

SIS Kimberly

golfer779 · December 2008

Happy Monday Eve,

Only thing good about a Monday is that it's Yoga Night! Boy could I feel the difference of not having a session in 10 days. The ol' chest-a-roo was tight, tight, tight. With NY Eve falling on Weds, there will be no class again, shucks! I can only imagine that the place will be packed after the new year along with the resolution goers at the gym. Yep, been there done that, but this year my incentive to keep any excess lbs off is totally to keep any excess estrogen from hanging around.

So speaking of lbs ... we've been enjoying good food with family and friends for the last four days, tonight was leftover night ... and all the remaining sweet-treats are going to work with me tomorrow ... the guys will eat anything!

So Kimberly, I swear I didn't send that head cold south ... in the grand scheme of things it does seem rather trivial, but just the same a PITA. I was telling the dh I went all of last winter without being "sick", the beni of chemo I guess. This darn cold is still lingering on just bit and its over 2 weeks old.

Okay, I didn't feel like putting up the tree, now I really don't feel like taking it down. The housekeeper will be working around it tomorrow. Atleast the fako doesn't drop a bunch of needles. Looks like my New Years Day project.

I'm happy to hear that Kathleen is doing well, enjoy your sister time tomorrow doing something fun (like not a doc appt)!

Cathy, I checked out your 3 day site ... wow, what a nice donation! I'll probably start my fundraising efforts (such as a letter to family and friends) when I start with my training walks. Last year I committed in April to walk, in fact I added up my mileage prior to the 3 day (I kept track in a daily journal of this whole bc adventure), I had 404 miles. There we're some dry spells towards that last week of rads and a summer vacation. Any idea how many miles you put in ? You certainly did something right as you seemed to breeze through your training walks and the 3 day as well.

Julie, did we have the unveiling today ? How are the girls looking? Hope your houseful with the inlaws is not wearing you out.

Paula, sounds like you all do up the holidays in a large family way. Shucks, you've already got your decorations put away too. Oh wow, your going from holidays to birthdays ! I gave Guitar Hero a whirl Sat night ... a little "School's Out" by Alice Cooper ... it wasn't pretty! I'm thinking that I either needed another glass of wine or maybe none at all to get myself in sync !!! Hope your son's day is special.

Computer problems ??? This old laptop I'm typing on is about history too. It's the dh's old work puter, when I try to be somewhat social I like to use it downstairs so atleast I'm in the same room as the dh in the eve. Typically we both end up with our noses in our respective puters. Oh the modern marriage!

Norma, yikes gal. You've not had a very easy go of it lately. Between the ovaries and now the se's from Tamo I'd be thinking having the ooph will be a good thing in the long run. I did read your description of your symptoms intently as I have developed what I thought might be a spider/bug bite just under my waistline, then the next day it had spread and looked kind of like welts around my "trunk". Now three days later they seem to be mellowing out. I put a little Benadryl cream on them. Anyway, I never thought anything about a se's from my Femara. Hmmmm! Hope that you are doing much better since stopping with the Tamo.

Wow, now you guys get some snow. We actually live as the crow flies about 20 miles from Seattle, but since we're on a peninsula, we either have to take a ferryboat to Seattle, or drive around which takes about an 1 ½ hours. We're down to the ugly mess left from all of the sand on the roads. My car is a pit from all of the grime.

The ds is still in a knee brace and will be starting with PT to learn some strengthening exercises. Unfortunately he will be missing his next meet at the end of Jan. Hopefully he will be ready to compete by Feb, that is his local club's meet.

Tina, I'm really glad you popped in to let some of the Jewel's know that your doing okay. I'll keep you updated on a Jewel's reunion in case you don't get the chance to check out the post.

Reunion ???? So are we slightly firming up a mid July timeframe? Week days or weekend ??? The next 6 months is going to fly by !!!

Joan, what a great pic of your Lucy girl, thanks gal. I was thinking of you over the last couple of days ... have you had another infusion of Zometa yet? Are you planning on it? I think that you had yours just a few weeks before me and I'm schedule for #2 the first of Feb. Did you have any noticeable se's?

CHJ, I did a little reminiscing myself re-reading some of the old posts ... Un-Friggin' Believable !!! It still seems so surreal to me. Glad you had a pleasantly quiet Christmas day.

Kris, the best of words ... Happy, Kids and Christmas !!!

Sherry, remember the cool thing about all this chatter is that its here if you choose to write or just read. Don't ever feel bad if you don't have the time or energy to keep up. Pop in when you feel like it, lurk away or just say "hi". No worries !!!

On that note, I've once again become a babbling idiot with what started off as a quickie, I think I will now quickly go to bed.

Night all, Carol

Jan 2008--Ain't it Great?

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