Jan 2008--Ain't it Great?

kris60

Dx 11/2007, IDC, 3cm, Stage IIa, 0/2 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-

Determined1

Kris!  You look awesome!!!

Belly up Joan and Judy!!!  FUBC!!!

D1

Determined1

The dh downloaded some pix from my birthday and here's one of me with my Jewel flowers.  Hope SIS Kimberly resurfaces soon to enjoy...

Determined1

KathyL, my hair (which is invisible because it is white), is about 1/4 inch long.  It is quite sparse.  My hairdresser said that it looks good, though.  She explained to me that new hairs are tapered at the end, not blunt, because they have not been cut.  She asked me to try to imagine those wispy hairs that grow at your temples sometimes.  She said my (our) new hair will be thin and tapered like those hairs are.  I really need the population to at least quadruple to look like I have hair, but I'll keep the appointment because it makes me happy to have one, and I'll cross my fingers that more hair comes in.  My dd has suggested that we make some pudding to encourage it.  Anyway, the whole thing has me not thinking about se's and my next tx for a day.  That's worth it. 

D1

Determined1

Alright Carol, I just can't shake the image of you in the water with your floatie boob above the surface and the rest of you below the water level struggling to get air!!!!!

(Have fun at Nordie's)

D1

golfer779

D1, so you had me, the dh and fil all cracking up over your lastest comment.  We have had a few chuckles with the visual of my boob popping out of my swimsuit and floating after a waterskiing wipeout!  Boy I hope those babies don't sink!

Thanks for sharing the awesome pic, your looking fabo gal.

Kris, great pic sporting your FUBC shirt, gotta love the commoradity of this group, I will print these out as well to add to my great collection in my "C" book.

Carol

sftfemme65

Does anyone take Abraxane?  I went to a Breast Cancer info session tonight and the Oncologist that was there said that this drug has double the effectiveness compare to taxol.  I see this as an issue for me since I'm due to start taxol in 3 weeks.  Also just a heads up there is a new thing called Mamaprint....hasn't been FDA approved yet but they say it will.  It is suppose to be more accurate than the oncotype.  Well I see my oncologist monday and we will be discussing the whole taxol thing for sure.   Teresa

SISKimberly

Hey Jewels- I 've made it to my 1/2 way mark...we both did today Carol- whoohoo. It was a long day...thanks to all the Decadron in my system...but I'm crashing right now. I've spent some time staring into space today...and more lately than usual. Anyway, I have to take my second dose of Decadron...even though I took it this morning and got an extra dose in the IV, when I'm done here. I will be taking the Valium...and hope for a good night's sleep. Have fun shopping at Nordies for a new boob and bras.



D1- Wow, you're growing hair back already? That's great. I suppose if I didn't shave the nubs to avoid the velcro thing, I might have hair growing, too maybe... but I want to wait until I'm done with chemo to let my hair grow back without all that stuff in my body...of course I've read rads might hinder the growth as well.



Dana- Hope your MRI went well. I'm reading a really good book called A New Earth...and it talks about the shift of consciousness that humanity is starting to realize needs to take place...the shift prophets like Jesus knew about long ago and tried to convey, but their teachings were misinterpreted because it scared those in power....



Kalen- I too have not experienced issues sexually, except not being so energetic or the one that's initiating...except on Valentines Day...:-) My dh is so wonderful, so I set the mood and acted as if I was a sexy red headed siren...it worked. I do know that some women start to lose their ability to lubricate, and that KY is a good solution.



Mom2Daughters- I had my bilat on 12/6 and started chemo 1/8. You'll need a little time to heal before starting chemo since chemo hinders healthy cell growth as well as kills cancer cells. I had the PET and MRI before surgery and the EKG right before surgery. The PET found two more tumors...one in the axillary lymph nodes, so that took the lumpectomy choice off the table, the placement of implants in favor of expanders instead knowing I'd now have to do radiation, and determined my three drug cocktail as opposed to two. I know how much yhou just want to get this party started...but don't feel you need to rush...get all the information you need first.



Ok gals...gotta go. I'll check in tomorrow morning.

SIS Kimberly



:

LilWarrior

Mom2daughters - you are welcome for the prayer sweet pea! I am so glad it touched someone out there, that is the purpose!

D1 and Kris60 - look at the beautiful women you are!  God bless ya, you look so sexy!

Today they stuck me with  a needle five times trying to find a vein,  I just sang a  song to God for patience because I usually never have this problem; but I gave it all to God.  While waiting in the lobby I read some verses I would like to share with you Ladies if you dont mind!

I bought this little booklet its called " God's creative power for Healing".  Its great!

Growths and tumors have no right to my body.  They are a thing of the past for I am delivered from the authority of darkness.  (Col. 1:13,14)

Every cell that does not promote life and health in my body is cut off from its source.  My immune system will not allow tumorous growth to live in my body in Jesus Name (Luke 17:6 - Mark 11:23)

I hope you enjoyed these daily scriptures because I surely did.  

God bless you on this journey! May you embrace all that he has for you!

Remember  Psalms 107:20 tells us that  God sent his word and healed them,  notice he it didnt say that God sent his word to heal but he sent his word and HEALED us!!! God considers it done, ask you shall receive! God is no respecter of person but he does respect FAITH in his WORD.   

Also remember Ladies, just as you would take this Cocktail "tini" Chemo regimen into your physical body to aid healing by physical means, so you must recieve GODS WORD concerning healing into your spirit for supernatural healing...  HIS WORD IS A SUPERNATURAL HEALING - CLAIM IT AND IT WILL BE YOURS and MINE........ Love ya!!! XOXO 

Dana 

Vz_mom

LJ13 - golly!! thank you for the incredibly detailed look at what may happen.  I feel some better already, since I'm doing every two week also, both for AC and then Taxol.  I love information - the more the better, as far as I'm concerned.  I'll be printing several tidbits of ideas and what you all are experiencing on different days, but LJ, yours in its entirety.  thank you thank you.

Carol, if you've got bras you love from your pre-surgery collection - TAKE THEM WITH YOU!!  Nordie's will sew pockets in your existing bras for your form(s) so you can keep those naughty nothings in use.  have loads of fun, and I'll certainly pick your brain tomorrow night.

sleep well everyone, and thank you again for being willing to share.

Kalen

KathyL

Good morning gems!  Not much going on here.  It's kindergarten reg. day for me and the dd.  Enjoying my week left before round #3, too. 

Carol (and SIS Kimberly and D1):  Dontcha love the little brain lapses?  Good ol' chemo brain farts!  I find myself doing that a lot, as well as not remembering sh*t-- even if it's written down, and I can't think of words when I'm talking.  Might as well admit me next to you and your granny.  Question for you, too: can you please explain your chemo regimen to my little pea brain again?  I wrote your dates down, but I don't get it... you do a pill (or is it 2?) and infusion, but how often for each?

Kris60 and D1:  great pics gals!  D1: your flowers are beautiful.  I am hopeless and don't think I'll ever get mine posted.  Gotta light a fire under my dh and at least get them from the camera to the computer this weekend...

Hope everyone has a good day.  Thinking of you Kimberly and hoping you manage your SEs OK.

Wing

Good Morning Jewels,

No exciting news for me to report on, no news is good news.  My ds girlfriend just had a breast biopsy which came back benign TG.  The poor girl is only 19 I hope this isn't a sign of things to come for her.

Carol, Got the FUBC shirt yesterday love it!  You should get the check today or tommorrow I hope.

mom2daughters,  When I went to Dana Farber for a 2nd opinion I asked the onc about time a frame for starting treatment and she told me they recommend you to start within 6 weeks of surgery so you still have time.  Good luck!

Carol, I'm jealous the weather is good enough to golf, its so cold here in New England you need to layer up to get the mail!

D1, Congrats on the new hair 1/2 inch that is awesome!

Best wishes to all going to the bar today you 1 step closer!

Have a great day everyone!

SIS Kimberly, You made the halfway point congrats thats awesome for you!

Determined1

Good to hear from you, SIS Kimberly.  Here's to minimal se's as you celebrate your halfway mark!

Okay, I'm driving myself crazy.  Anyone else here "tucking their hair behind their ears" before Q-tipping?  I've been hairless for more than a month and I STILL tuck my "hair" behind my ears!  And I'm even staring in a mirror when I do it!  Completely lost my mind...

Everyone have a good day.  I go for my weekly bloodletting later, then some errands.  Then, of course, I'll need to sit and rest for a while from all of the excitement.  But I'm having a feel good week, so I won't complain!

D1

golfer779

D1, sounds kinda like hitting the light switch when you know you don't have power!

KathyL, my next regimen for round three ... start Mar 5th on oral cytoxan (6 pills) for 14 days, w/ infusion of "MF" on Mar 5th and 12th. 

Kimberly, you had me momentarily hyped that I too was half way through txt, sorry to report I "get" to do this for 4 more months.  You should be well into your radiation txt when I'm still plugging along!  Hope you got some good sleep last night.

I'll be checking in later today, sporting my new "gal".

Carol

sheshe48

 Hi Jewells,

I hope eveyone that is having treatments this week, everything goes well. Thanks for all the advice, I was starting to think my cancer center just thought I was a pain in the ass. I hardly complained and it was like they dreaded me or something and they were mean to me. I just don't know what happened there. We all have cancer and if the stress is to much for some of these nurses then they need to find a new career. And quit making life for cancer patients Hell! We are in enough pain and misery. Well so much for my complaining.

Kimberly Good luck with your treatment, thanks for the advice and you are right. I can't wait to see you in your hat and t-shirt. I'm jealous that everyone is having a good experience at their cancer centers. Hopefully next week when I go for my consultation, it will go better. The new place seems to have a better attitude. My old cancer center just called me and said I could pick up my records. Good news.

Carol  Sorry your appt got cancelled, get some rest.

Kalen  Welcome  the only advice I could give you, is make sure you have stool softerns, so you don't crap a brick. Get the anti nausea drugs, yes they work. get some crackers and bread and drink 13 8 oz of water a day to flush out the chemo. It's just the first week of chemo. Your water will taste funny, you will need some juice or something to mix in it. You will need vernors, medicated chap stick and Carmex for the lip sores. For the bed thing, try K-Y Jellie personal lubercant, It is water based.

KathyL  Good luck registering your little kendergarder, I miss those times. My daughter is almost 23 years old, and will be getting married Aug 23 of this year. Last night we booked the florist for the flowers. I think she is going with Calla lillies and Ivory roses, for eveyone. Her Calla lillies will be white with the ivory roses and the brides maides and 2 maid of honars will have mango calla lillies and roses ivory, yellow and some pink. Her dress is Ivory, bueatiful the florist said it was to die for. And her brides maides will be in chocolate and beige sash. It should be bueatiful wedding, Sorry to go on and on. But I really miss her when she was young, I wish I could do it all over again. Yes, I will let you know when my new infusion dates are. I should know by Feb 26th.

D1  That was funny what you were saying about your hair dresser. I'm also having a wig issue, I have been trying to get my niece to trim it. So far I had to cut my bangs. Sorry about your lymphdemia, i'm also having that issue bad, I'm hoping the new cancer center will not ignore me and say yes, you do have an issue.

Dana  good luck with your MRI I hope it comes out clean. Thanks for sharing, praying for you too.

Get well  CarolC  Rn2teach  Deb

Mom2daughters  I started chemo 3 wks after my surgeries. One week after my second surgery I went for my consultation. Good luck to you.  Great Pix of Chris and D1.  Happy belated Birthday D1, love the t-shirt.

Sheshe  Hugs to all

Anonymous

Kalen, just a couple more observations. I forgot these since they're pretty much painless and "minor."

Obviously there's the hair loss thing. Mine started at Day 15 after Tx #1. I cut it to about 1/2" at that point, then buzzed it a few days later as the hair loss pace really picked up. 

My eyes water profusely at night and seem dry during the day. Some mild drops might help, some of the other ladies have used some to help.

My nose runs a lot but mostly when I first get up in the morning and when it's cold. It may get quite sore from blowing it so much, D1 has a good suggestion for taking care of that. 

A mouth rinse of baking soda and water (just guesstimate what mix to use, it doesn't really matter much) once or twice a day will help with mouth sores. I've been very lucky on that count, and have had only maybe 3-4 sores during the whole 4 Tx's. 

That's about all I can think of.

You can do this. Every one of us was terrified going in and have gotten frustrated/sad/hopeful/younameit in the process of treatment, but just honor your body and your feelings, come here and complain or ask questions whenever you like. We've heard it all. 

mom2daughters

Thanks to all for information about time-frame from surgery to treatment.  Good to know I can still "shop" and dont' have to rush and buy anything.  I will keep you all in my prayers.  You are all so positive and uplifting.  I certainly enjoy coming over to this group/ topic, you seem to really care about eachother, and I really appreciate all the posts about how your treatments went and advice.  hugs-K

wvgirl

Just a quick check in while at lunch. Will read post this pm

Well this weekend kicked my butt. I was so tired I did not work yesterday. My legs and knees hurt so bad. I stayed on the Couch all day.

Well the dh is still a DH

When he came home from work he had a ticket he had bought at work . I was on the couch he snapped it at my nose I said don't he laughed and did it 2 more times. I said I don't feel good don't. He laughed and said "You wanted me to show you some attention" and laughed.

I sat up and said "Pat yourself on the back, does it make you feel good ? You have been home a total of 10 minutes and have managed to upset me. He just laughed again.

I don't understand him?????Why would he do this I beleive he has ICE in his veins.

I hope everyone is doing fine will try and read post this PM and catch back up with everyone.

SISKimberly

Afternoon Jewels-

So , I slept for 10hours last night. WHooHoo!!! The rock in the gut has already started, but the preventatives are helping with the other areas of digestive distress. I also started my period today…oh joy. Have been getting some stuff done around the house knowing that I won’t be getting much done over the next few days, and finally have a moment to sit and type before heading out for my Neulasta shot and a coffee date (I’ll be doing decaf…since I will only be able to taste coffee another day, I’m taking advantage).



D1 and Kris- Loved the photos. Because the chemo lounge was so crowded yesty (stealing that from dear Carol), we couldn’t get pics as my sis was the photographer. Next time…



D1- That is too funny about tucking your hair behind your ears before q-tipping. It’s like having an amputation and having those phantom pains and believing the amputated part is still there. It was making a hair appt. for March that did it…you’re already visualizing all that beautiful hair returning better than it was before. Glad you’re having a good day…and that you are pacing yourself.



Dana-Sorry you had issues getting the IV started,but glad you just let the experience just unfold and go with the flow. I know you won’t get results right away, but I’ve got all my positive vibes headed your way.



Kalen- Thanks for the good wishes. And…what a great tip on Nordies sewing pockets into bras you already have and love.

We’ve got other gals with Boob in a Box who may not have known that.



Kathy- Man…Carol’s grannies bed is going to get crowded with all of us sharing it with her. Hope the registration day went well, but more importantly that you and your dd had a fabulous bonding day. Kids remember those days fondly.



Wendy- Glad all is well with you and that your daughter’s best friend’s biopsy was benign. The good news…now that she’s had a biopsy at 19, the docs are going to watch her very closely, so if anything ever does turn up, it will be caught early. If it makes you feel better, we’re raining here in CA where I live. Will have rain all week.



Carol- Shoot…I totally read your last post wrong…I read it as yeah…two down of 4. Oh well, you’re a 1/3 of the way done!!!! Can’t wait to hear about the new hoot. To tie into your previous hilarious hot tub story, I read a story about a gal in a hot tub and she didn’t even notice her hoot floated right out of her suit…that would be an ice breaker for sure. LOL



SheShe- I’m glad my advice was useful to you, and know that your new Cancer Center is going to be a much better fit for you. You’re sounding good, though. Good luck with the wig thing…yeah, it’s not easy getting the exact right fit.



LJ13- You must be feeling much better. Good to hear you posting such great info for Kalen and Mother2Daughters.



How are you doing Vettegal,CJH, and Paula?



wvgirl- I so sorry that DH couldn’t keep himself together for more than a day or two, and that you’re having aches that are keeping you down. I’m assuming you’re better today since you’re at work. Keep your chin up…you’ve got your awesome brother, us, and your new support group to help your through this.



Well, I’ll check in later. Have a great afternoon ladies.



SIS Kimberly

PS- We have a few gals on our list that I haven't heard from in a very long time. Shall we PM those gals to see if they still want to be considered January Jewels?



And, I still have a Large FUBC t-shirt available...it was tried on, washed to see if it would shrink, then tried on again. A bit too big for me, so I ordered a medium-hopefully in my mailbox today. If anyone needs one and didn't get one, let me know, I'd be happy to send it along as my gift to you.

KathyL

Hi Jewels!  Well, she's ready for kindergarten now.  dd is running around telling everyone she IS in kindergarten now   it was a nice day and she did very well-- I'm a proud mama.  Went to get her hair cut afterwards at the kids' spa salon here-- she got a nice 'do from the girl who usually does her hair and looks great.  It's snowing here in DE.  Just enough to look nice but make a mess.

Carol:  Thanks for the info.. I think I got it now.  Hope my brain works again some day.

Sheshe:  Your dd's wedding flowers and dresses sound beautiful.  I'm sure it seems like only yesterday she was little.  You are so allowed to go on about that   Hope the new center works out, too.

WVgirl:  so sorry he's still being a DH.  He sounds like the boy in school who likes you and pulls your hair to show it.  Maybe he just doesn't have a clue how to act or what to do... 

Kalen:  the baking soda+water mix is 1tsp baking soda to 8 oz. water (per my onc).  Yes, I'm type A!  I've found if I put too much in, it tastes really gross (not that it's great with the above mixture...), and too little-- I'm afraid it wouldn't do it's job.  I have had no sores doing this mix every 3 hours during the day and using the Biotene rinse twice with toothbrushing (with the Biotene toothpaste).  If I wake up at night, I do the rinse again (whichever's handy nearby).

sheshe48

Hi ladies,

I got my records, and found out I'm not in stage 1 breast cancer, I'm stage 2a. My surgeon gave me the wrong info and the cancer dr. did not tell me. It was on my mind to ask him just to make sure. I really thought he would of told me. I'm so glad I have my records, on my pathology report it never stated what stage I was in. I was told my nodes were neg, and the cancer dr. says questionable mastasties ( sp) of the nodes. It's like it takes months to come out of the fog after someone tells you, you have breast cancer. I know it's still early breast cancer stage. I know I will be fine.

Kimberly,  glad you are doing ok after treatment. I'll take your large T-shirt if you don't have anyone to give it too. I never did get to order one.

wvgirl  I hope you get feeling better soon.

golfer779

 Okay, so maybe this is just a tiny bit too big ...

 My fitter at Nordies, what a great gal ... still thinking a little too big!!!

 Oh, so this is the size I need ...

the tiny titted me!!!   Albeit very/very happy!!!!

My girlfriend and I had a great time today, and I could not have been treated any better than by Ashley (the fitter).  Not really knowing what to expect (heck I've never been fitted for a normal bra let alone one after having a boob missing).  She talked to me for quite some time getting to know a little about me and my passions in life. 

The first bra I tried on was a bingo.  In fact I have never had such a nice fitting/looking bra.  Low and behold I think I've definitely not been buying the right size all these years.  I went on to try others, and liked another as well.  Long story longer, came home with a great looking bra and one great looking/feeling new hoot.  I was amazed at the texture of the hoots, I expected a much more rigid silicone feel and it has a soft "boob" like feel. 

I ordered an additional swim boob, and 3 other bras, so I should be outfitted for quite a while.  In the pic, I'm holding my appropriate size boob, (that is a swim boob).  My other new everyday boob is nude colored and has a different texture.  I literally don't even know that I have it on.  Thank goodness insurance is covering the majority of the cost, as these babies are not cheap!

We had to have the fitter find the biggest boob in the house for a photo op.  She said she had not had that much fun in quite a time at work.  Many come in to see her and are in tears throughout their fitting.  I say laughter is one of the best medicines.!!!

Anyway, it was a big day for me, hope I made somebody laugh ... I'll be reading through the days posts in a bit!!!

Carol

kris60

ok fast nasty lasta question...earlier today i started to get a slight body achy feeling in my mid area.. holy crap now, it feels like a lower backache from hell,laying on my hip hurts a bit too, but does it feel like a backache/spasm?  I know I didn't pull any muscles  so ....this tends to take the breath away at times....if so how long will it last ,if you're only allowed to take extra strength tylenol?

LilWarrior

JEWELS I NEED PRAYERS I HAVE LIVER CANCER TOO.  THE DR CALLED ME AND TOLD ME TODAY, I am going to have a biopsy done ASAP to make it 100% offical but the Doctor stated that 99.9% its cancer.

I cried a little today, but I figured its better to have all the Cancer now then later and I will beat this!!!!  I will beat this!  I will beat this.

Thanks for all your prayers - even though it didnt work but I know GOD is still listening and he feels that I can conquer and handle this other Cancer as well.  I told my classmates one cancer, two cancer, three or four it doesnt make a difference cause Gods going to open a door! 

God bless ya - going to walk the dogs to get a breath of fresh air.  Will check it later.

Dana 

wvgirl

SheSHe So glad you were able to find a center closer to you. Hope things go well there for ya.

Kimberly-Glad to hear #3 went well. I can't thank everyone enough to be hear for me. I did ok at work knees hut I bought some heat wraps and wore  them and kept the Advil going and got through the day.

Kalen Welcome I am not on the same treatment as you I do get the aloxi befor my treatments and have only had very little nausea (ginger snaps have helped) I have had mouth sores Onc called me in caphosol (artificial saliva) this time. I too have used baking soda/salt and biotene mouth was.

Dana Praying for you sweetie. I have the same book as you. Hugs to you

Wendy-Hope your well Rest when you can

CarolC- Keep that temp DOWN Take care of yourself

DI Hair on the way great Great

DI  Kris Nice pics thanks for sharing them

Carol Oh what funny and great time you must have had today Love the pics

golfer779

TinaLee, yeah, here's to downing your last AC cocktail.  It seems like we we're all just jumping on board to this thread to share our stories and now some are finishing up atleast one portion of their txt.  Hope your able to sport your FUBC with attitude tomorrow.

JackieB, as well, lets hope you can tip your chemotini back tomorrow with all of our positive vibes being sent your way.

Any takers on a size large FUBC shirt ... I'd love to send it off to a fellow sister in survival soon!  I just need an address

Off to a golf league kick off dinner, hope my GI tract stays in place, on my drive home from my big outing today it decided to do the waaatooooseeee!

Carol

RN2teach

Hey Jewels,

Have been lurking and reading. I'm still feeling a bit sluggish, not really tired... just less "perky" than my norm. Fortunately, I'm all caught up on grades, lesson plans, etc. The cough is still there, but I'm back in my bed (yeah!).

Judy and Joan- hope your tx went well today.

Dana- I'm so sorry you got bad news. You'll be in my prayers.

Sherry- wishing you a great experience with your new cancer center.

CarolC- I hate that you're having such a time w/ the neuropathy. I'm praying for your boss (to get a CLUE) and make things easier for you at work. Take care of yourself!

Wendy- oh, honey! YOU are a SHERO-- I don't know that I'd have made it thru 88 degree temps w/o throwing my rug at somebody Glad you got that holiday pay--you definitely earned it!

D1- congrats on the "peach fuzz." I promise not to call you a hair whore... (still LOL at that phrase!) I loved your pic with the birthday flowers--what a smile!

Kris- welcome to the Bald Babes Club! Great pic in your FUBC tee.

Teresa (sftfemme65)- welcome! I've read about Abraxane. I ended up choosing Taxol as one of my 3 chemos. Hope your onco visit goes well.

Kimberly- congrats on being over the hump with your treatments! Hope this round brings few se's.

LJ- you do a great job cataloging the s/sx for the benefit of others. WTG

Kathy- I'm glad you and dd had a good day. I remember kindergarten so well... seems like just yesterday. My 2 are in 9th and 11th grades now!

WVGirl- Hope you're feeling better--hard to take that DH of yours when you're not at your best. Praying that he will GET A CLUE, too!

Carol- what a HOOT (literally!). Glad you had so much fun boob shopping. The pics are great!!

Looks like Tinalee, Sunshine99, and Jackieb are up for tx tomorrow. Be thinking of you!

The Nyquil is kicking in... time for bed. Sweet dreams, Jewels!

Paula

Determined1

Oh Dana, I'm so, so sorry that your reports show liver cancer, too.  Please tell us what your medical team decides is appropriate for your treatment.  We're here, pulling for you and sending our very best thoughts.  Stay strong.

Kris60--those pains sure sound like the neulasta nasties to me.  I take Maximum Strength Tylenol (rapid release) every 5-6 hours till I take a Tylenol PM before bed (you'll wake up in the night and need that next max str ty 5-6 hours later, so have it on the nightstand with some water).  When I'm out of bed, I use a heating pad and move it around to my trouble spots to try to keep it relaxed.  Do your best not to move around much (I find even going to the toilet throws my back into spasms) for a day or so till it passes.  It will pass, but you'll curse every minute of it (at least I do).

Sheshe--you ARE from Michigan!!  Vernors!!  I grew up in Flint and have had to search high and low to find Vernors here in Virginia.  It's the only thing to drink when you're not quite right.  The wedding plans sound great.  It's been a long time since I've been close to that excitement.

WVGirl--Darn that DH!!!!  Sounds to me like HE's the one feeling attention-deprived.

SIS Kimberly--You had me LOL with the floating hoot in the hot tub story!  Keep smiling and don't let those se's get you down.

Congratulations, KathyL and dd!!  The Big K is a VERY big deal.  (Hope the dd stays pumped about it as reality sets in this fall...) 

OMG, Carol--that gigantic hoot was as large as your entire torso!!!  It would make for an interesting hoot-clops look, doncha think?  Your final results look FABULOUS!  You gotta be feeling good about it.  And it sounds like you had a lot of fun to boot.  Thanks a bunch for the pics--you look great!  (Oh, got my new shirt yesterday--thanks!)

Bummer.  I checked with DMV here to see if I could get FUBC license plates and it's already taken (some poseur).  I can also use the special characters "space," "-," and "&."  But every combination I tried with FUBC was taken.  Does anyone have any ideas on how I can get FUBC across on my license plate (I get 6 characters)?  I'm so disappointed...

Good luck tomorrow TinaLee and JackieB (hey, that rhymes!) and Sunshine99.  Please send your bar tab to your insurance companies!  Bottoms up!

D1

Paula, you must've posted while I was in composition mode.  You sound good.  Yay!!

LilWarrior

I will keep you all posted - its not over till the Fat lady sings and I am not singing any time soon!  He ha..

Thinking positive, maintaining positive, and praying, asking and believing that I am healed in the NAME OF JESUS!  God will not fail me! Ask and you shall recieve and I am surely asking -heck I am begging now - ha ha.

Love ya Jewels,
Dana - Gods child!

LilWarrior

GOD IS WITH YOU AS YOU BATTLE CANCER

Battling cancer is a serious struggle, but one that you never have to face alone. God is with you in the midst of your pain and will help you get through it.

Here are some ways you can connect with God while battling cancer:

* Give yourself time to adjust to the shock of your diagnosis. Pray for God to give you grace to stay calm.

* Know that disease is part of our fallen world, but that God can redeem your experience of illness. Incarnated as Jesus, God experienced many different types of human suffering, so He fully understands the pain you're going through. He has promised always to be with you no matter what circumstances you encounter, and He can bring healing as well, in situations He chooses to heal to accomplish His purposes.

* Forgive yourself and others for what happened that may have caused your cancer. You can't change the past, but you can go into the future with freedom if you forgive.

* Don't automatically expect to experience the worst - lots of pain, then death. Only God knows what will happen, despite a doctor's prognosis. Hope is real.

* Research oncologists in your area and ask God to lead you to the doctor that's best for you.

* Accept your feelings. Don't feel guilty about experiencing negative emotions such as anger or anxiety. It's natural to experience these feelings; God understands and will still love you even when you're feeling negative emotions. Know that there are no magic formulas for making you feel better. Healing often takes time.

* Ask God to care for you and trust that He will respond with love in every way.

* Ask the Holy Spirit to make the words of the Bible come alive for you so you can hear what God wants to say to you through Scripture about your illness.

* Seek out the support of friends and family members.

* Understand that sometimes only God can meet certain needs. Don't blame other people who aren't emotionally equipped to help you as much as you would like. Realize that God will fill in the gaps.

* Make the most of your time, living life to the fullest. You will have some - and perhaps many - limitations while you're sick, but whatever you can still do, continue to do. God has more for you to experience on earth for as long as He allows you to remain here. Pursuing new experiences will reduce your pain.

* Don't feel guilty about not being as productive as you like. Realize that you won't be able to accomplish as much as you did when you were healthy, and lower your expectations accordingly. Concentrate just on what matters most.

* Don't worry about changes in your appearance, such as losing hair due to chemotherapy treatments. Look at physical changes as battle scars that show you are a brave veteran of life.

* Participate as much as possible in your treatment plan, such as by changing your diet or making time for humor in your day.

* Pray frequently to keep your communication line with God open.

* Ask God for healing, but leave the decision up to God, trusting that He will do what's best according to His purposes.

* If your illness has revealed personal weaknesses you hadn't previously been aware of, view them as invitations to grow and ask for God's help to do so.

* Ask God to help your friends and family perform responsibilities they must take over from you while you are sick.

* Rather than grasping for happiness, strive to find joy - that deep inner confidence that isn't dependent on circumstances.

* When you aren't aware of God's presence with you, recall times when you have sensed His presence.

* Listen to the messages your body sends you as it reacts to food, medications, the need for sleep, etc.

* Know that your pain is temporary and that there will be no pain in heaven.

* Ask God for patience to wait during times when waiting is required.

* Ask God for courage.

* Even though you likely don't feel like praising God, decide to praise Him anyway for who He is simply because He is worthy of praise. Doing so will help you break through your fears and help you focus on God's unfailing attributes.

* Decide to be a fighter, and commit to battling cancer with all your resolve.

* Realize that God is your only ultimate means of support, and stop trying to derive support from things apart from Him. Eliminate anything in your life that obstructs your relationship with God.

* Seek out beauty in nature. It will help you focus on something more positive then your pain.

* Let go of your fear of the future. Ask God to help you face it with hopeful expectancy.

* Don't be afraid to die; heaven is a wonderful place. But don't consider suicide, because only God knows the right time for you to leave earth and doing so before your time will hurt God, yourself and others.

* If your cancer has gone into remission, realize that it will still take a while for you to fully heal, physically, mentally and emotionally. Take the time you need.

* Thank God for the lessons you have learned through your experience with cancer, and ask Him how He would like you to bless others with what you have learned.