**NEW** Starting Chemo March 2009

Luv2sing

Hello Everyone!

It's been a minute and I see I've missed a lot, but I just wanted to check in and see the latest pics of everyone.  You're all looking wonderful.  I'm going to try and read some more and get back in to posting in the forum.  Until then ... take care of yourselves and enjoy every moment.

pickle

Luv2sing: Great to hear from you. Hope you are doing well. Is that you with the grad cap on?

Hugs

Beth P

PattiB

Hi All - It's been a while since I logged on here. 

Those sticky wings bring back the memory of that great weekend in New York.  Hope we can all meet up again!

Francine and Chris - have great trips!

Beth P - How are the leg cramps?  Hope the Tonic water has helped.  We have something called Bitter Lemon by Schwepps, it has quinine in it too.  I think it tastes much better.

Tanesha - congrats and glad you and the baby are doing well.

I now have been having a problem with my blood pressure and have been told to monitor it regularly.  I am prehypertensive and stage 1 most times I take it.  If it doesn't go down by Oct. my PC Dr. will most likely put me on Blood pressure meds.  I have been told by both PC and Onc to LOOSE WEIGHT.  Next appt. with be in a week and 1/2 with a rheumetologist to discuss my aches and pains. 

My daughter will be going back to college in 2 weeks .  We have been shopping for her apt. a lot lately so between gym, shopping, cleaning, and dinner.  Not much time for the computer.

Miss you all.

Patti

ChrisC433

The beach has been great...thanks for all the well wishes!

My son is at the beach with 10 friends next week....pray for safety and "good choices"!!

He then goes back to college and me back to work  

This summer went by far too fast...I hate thinking about getting up everyday to go off to work.  I'd love to be a stay at home mom (even though my youngest is 9!!).

Take care everyone...glad all is going well ..

(Patti...get the blood pressure down!)

Chris

PattiB

Chris - I'm back to work on the 24th and I am in total agreement, I would love to be a stay-at-home mom and my one and only is going to be 20 in a month. .  Have a great weekend all.

ccbaby

Dayla...great pics! thanks for sharing!

ChrisC433

Back from the beach.  Had great weather, great food, and a great time with my family.  I need some rest though...vacations can be so tiring!!

Hope all is well with everyone!

Chris

crusader1

Hi ladies,

Back from our cruise to Bermuda. Great way to spend a vacation with our family. Will post some pictures soon.

Luv2sing..How are you doing ? How is the hubby ?

Chris- glad you enjoyed the beach vacation.

Patti..hope you resolve your BP issues.

Dayla--what terrifc photos..what a beautiful country we have..

Hugs,

Francine

pickle

Francine & Chris: So happy that you had great vacations. Looking forward to pics

Hugs

Beth P

Alyad

Glad you had a great vacations Chris and  Francine!

 I am just sitting here in MO waiting for the weather to cool down some more. Is anyone alot more affected by the heat now than before? I think had we even been able to keep hiking last month, the continued heat would have made it unbearable. We had discussed doing something called a "flip flop" in the hiking community- going to Maine and hiking south back to where you got off.

When I was home briefly in June a friend called me about replacing her at her job for 6 months while she went overseas for a temp job- it sounded perfect and at first it was all a go- got the go ahead from her bosses, but then they recently decided to fill her position a different way- so no well paying 6 month job for me. So now I really am looking for a job, fortunately I had never claimed my benefits so I have them now.

I'm trying to use this as an oppourtunity to figure out what is really is I'd like to do. I am so envious of people who love their jobs and look forward to going to work each day. I am not sure what that might be for me- I'd really like to be retired!

I'm glad people liked the pictures. A long distance hike is a wonderful way to be immersed in the beauty. Had the 6 month job worked out, we would have been able to get out there again next summer when it was over and hike the other 1300 miles of the trail. I don't know if that will happen now. I wish I liked kids- teaching with the summers off would be great.

Dayla

jdeking

Hi everyone.

 Just wanted to stop by and wish everyone well. I still try to come and read all the posts about once a week, I just don't ever have too much to post about! I guess that is a good thing, as my life is nice and quiet at the moment.

It is so lovely to look at all of your pics Dayla. I looked at tons of them on facebook too, and was green with envy. One of these days...... there are so many places in the US that I have not explored, and they all look amazing.

I am so glad to hear that everyone is doing well. Congrats Tanasha on the baby (yay!) and those of you doing summer travels (Chris, Francine, etc)

Good luck on lowering your BP Patti!

Nice to see you again Raymon! You look really well. I need to update my avatar too, as that picture is nearly a year old!!! My hair seems to still be so much shorter than everyone's, but I am happy to have it none-the-less.

Take care everyone!

crusader1

Hi Ladies,

Well today was a big day for me. I went to my PS as the contract dispute between the hospitals and insurance has finally ended. I got my date for my ninth and final surgery on my breast SEPTEMBER 22. This is a revision. He will put in a smaller implant , lift the breast , make me a nipple and finally do a little liposuction since I have a hollow spot above my breast. This final surgery will come two years after my initial diagnosis. But I am not complaining as this past year has been good and this summer great. I guess soon this journey will come to an end. Thanks to all of you for being such good listeners.

Dayla .. I do hope you find yourself a job that you are happy with. I am retired and spent 35 years teaching. Most were good years but many were difficult. I do wonder how many really love the jobs that they do...

Janine..nice to hear that all is copasetic .

 Here are two photos taken on the formal night on the ship. I think I look rather good. What a difference a year makes. The little girl is my darling eight year old granddaughter Miranda.

" "

Hugs to all,

Francine

Alyad

Francine, your hair looks great and your grandaughter is a sweetie!

I have an appt first of september for a consult on getting my nipple done.my foob is still somewhat larger than the good one but I don't think its bad enough to have surgery again. I lost about 20 lbs while hiking which helped. ( I had hoped to lose a lot more - those 20lbs all came off the first 6 weeks/300 miles, it was rather frustrating not to lose any more as I still have a lot to lose. And to to be carrying a 30 lb pack up and down hills 10-12 miles a day and not lose more weight-ugh!

Nice to hear from you Janine! hope to see your new avatar soon. I saw on FB that Didle can put her hair in a ponytail! She must have some crazy fast hair growing! My avatar was taken at my BIL's wedding in July and many people there had not seen me since my hair was really really short  and I got a lot of compliments. I think in the regrowing process our hari goes through phases- when I shaved it before and went through this it seems like at certain points my hair would just look really good without trying for a week or two and then back to looking awkward. Right now I wear a lot of headbands.

bethr

Hi All,

 Just wanted to say a quick hello.  I don't have alot of time right now but had to post because I thought of everyone today because Carmine's now has a restaurant in DC. 

 I'll have to go there and see if it's as good as the one in NYC!!

My best as always!!!

Beth

pickle

Francine: Great news on the surgery date. Ninth and final for you! You look fantastic in your cruise pictures. YOur grandaughter looks like a sweetie.

Dayla: Good luck with job hunting. I don't know alot of people that "love" their jobs. I see it more on TV than real life! I'm almost 50 and still searching for my passion....oh well!

BethR: Send us your food crtiic report on Carmine's DC....lucky you! Best meatballs ever!

Janine: Yep...it's time for a new pic. My hair is short too but I keep getting it cut short. I can't decide if I want it to grow out longer or not. But it's sure is nice to have the option this year!

Hugs to all

Beth P

PattiB

Beth I love your hair short. 

Francine:  The pictures on the cruise are great.  Glad you have a date for PS.

Beth and Janine - great hearing from you.

nasharayne

It's a girl!!!!!!!!!!!!! A little scary

Dayla and Francine nice pics.

crusader1

Tanasha,

How great!  We are all so excited for you. You will be a great mother..

Francine

pickle

Oh Tanasha.....that's wonderful! It's a girl...yippee. Keep us posted!

Patti: Thanks for the short hair comment...I'm still not sure if I want to keep it short but growing it out is such a long porocess.

Francine: I had a good chuckle on face book about mine and Chris' lighthouse avatars. I am still a true Nova Scotian at heart so I love my Peggy's Cove lighthose pic. What are your plans this weekend?  I always look forward to hearing about your adventures!

Hugs

Beth P

crusader1

Hi ladies,

Beth and Chris... Yes those lighthouse pictures are real funny.  I have seen  both. My favorite lighthouse is in Maine named Portland Head. I believe it is the most photographed lighthouse in the world. I will send you each a photo. Tried to post it but it came in just too big.

Beth..no great plans this weekend. Today we will go to a college friends for a BBQ. Last night we took our neighbors out to dinner who watched our cats when we were on our cruise.

Glad our board is quiet and all are doing well.

Have a fun weekend all.

Hugs,

Francine

pickle

Francine: You crack me up...no great plans for the weekend but you are always enjoying the company of others. Dining out and entertaining...my two favourite things. Have fun. Thanks for the loighthouse pic. Now I know where it's from. Beautiful!

Gosh I love all you gals. I still reflect on our time together in NYC ...and of course the great food!

Hugs

Beth P

PS I ordered my daughter and daughter in law Tiffany's charms for their Christamas stockings. Wish I could have been back in NY and buying them in person!

ChrisC433

Tanasha....how wonderful! Little girls are so special!!

Glad everyone is doing well.  Getting ready to go back to school on Wednesday.  Certainly not ready for summer to be over with!

Maybe we can meet somewhere in the fall...just another quick get together???

Take care,

Chris

PattiB

Beth:  Lucky girls.  My daughter now wants David Yurman.   and Francine:  Next time in New York would love to see some of the jewelry designer's stores. Like Yurman and Judith Ripka, she sells on QVC and would love to see her couture stuff, also Robert Lee Morris.  Ok now you know my secret vice is watching QVC jewelry shows.  I don't buy, just watch.  Can't convince my daughter to pick something on QVC instead of wanting the Yurman.

My rheumetalogist appointment is tomorrow, it should be interesting to see what she has to say.

Have a great week. - P

PS - Boo Hoo back to work on Tuesday this summer went fast and was way to hot to enjoy the outdoors.

PattiB

Tanasha - Daughters are great - really!!!  Congrats!

pickle

Patti:.... David Yurman....I love his jewellery.... I just don't have any...YET! One day maybe. Good luck at the rheumatologist.

Hugs

Beth P

PattiB

My daughter has expensive taste, but I like it too!  Off to Dr. office!

jdeking

Congratulations Tanasha! A little girl, how wonderful.

I hear ya about the headbands Dayla. I experiment with clips, combs, headbands, etc. In the end I usually shellac it with hairspray and hope it holds. I was always a straight and boring or ponytail kind of girl!

Pickle, you look fabulous with short hair, I can see why you keep cutting it! It is easy to take care of while short, but I think I will try to regrow mine to about shoulder length. At this rate it will take forever.....

 I acidentally took a Tamoxifen break (ran out while out of town, then it took about a week for me to make it to the pharmacy). Now that I have re-started, I am having what seems to be a heavy menstrual flow. I don't think it really is one, but SOMETHING is going on, and it doesn't seem to want to stop. I am going to give it another day or 2 and then call my onc.

Next week I am heading to the Bahamas. My brother is taking me along as "nanny" to their daughter - my 15 month old niece. I am getting an all-expense paid trip, staying at my own suite at Atlantis, and flying 1st class. Boy, better believe I jumped on that opportunity!!! I will take pics so I have something to post to update my avatar. I hope my menstrual "situation" is solved by then, or this could be miserable.

 Everyone have a great week!

BTW, Francine your pics are awesome and you look terrific. That is one adorable granddaughter!

crusader1

Hi Ladies,

Janine..does your brother need an assistant nanny? What a great opportunity for you to get away and enjoy your niece and relax. Do hope you resolve your flow problem.

Patti- how did things go with the rheumatologist.

Wow you ladies are into big time jewelry. Always see that stuff advertised in the NY Times. Oh yes many years ago I taught with Judith Ripka's sister. Her jewelry is great.

Beth..you say such funny things. The charms sound like a great stocking stuffer.

Yes we all had a grand time in NYC. Unfortunately it reminds me of the passing of my dear sweet nephew Daniel.

Chris and Patti ..I surely remember the start of school each year. It is nice that you do get the summers off. I taught for over 35 years..loved it .hated it.

My hair is still short by choice. I am enjoying it's easy nature and it's new texture and color. I am in no hurry to let it grow longer for it to become high maintenance once again.

Glad all seem to be doing well.

Hugs,

Francine

I'm always here if any ladies would like to set another date to come to NYC for the weekend.

PattiB

The Rheumatologist sent me for Xrays of my hips - she thinks I have arthritis and bursitis, but wants confirmation.  Also, says she sees many cases of body pains like mine from Tamoxifen.  Both Onc and her said try going off for a month to see if pain eases.  I would have to go back on it anyway, so I may try that if the Xrays don't show anything.  My other leg pains are most likely from compensating for the arthritis.  I will hear about the xrays in the next couple of days. 

I am at work now - so must go.  Francine - Thanks for asking.

Happy Week!!!

MichelleinSJ

Hi All!

Reading the posts just now made me smile   Tanasha, I'm so excited for you ... girls are so much fun!  And they don't pee on the walls.

Things are okay here.  Dayla, although I know how sad you were to end your hike early, reading about your exhaustion helped me feel a bit better about mine.  I keep feeling like if I'm this tired, I probably have cancer again.  I told my regular doctor about the exhaustion a few weeks ago, and he promised to do what he can to get to the root of it.  He did some blood tests at the office, and discovered I have low iron and hemoglobin.  He sent me for an endoscopy, which I had on Monday.  Unfortunately, I didn't come out of the anesthesia well enough to understand what the doctor said afterward, and Ken was not in the room with me.  So I don't know.  I'm hoping that I'll start feeling better with iron supplements, at any rate.  I'm not too worried.  My iron was always borderline to low, and I was anemic during two of my pregnancies.

Francine, you look terrific!  I want your life:  you taught for 34 years and now you travel with your wonderful husband and your beautiful granddaughter.  I'm glad you're finally getting off the breast cancer amusement ride!

I miss our trip, too.  I hope we do get to see each other again!