Chemo Starting Sep 09

vickilynn

HEY!  Is that all the news I get after being gone for 2 weeks??? Well - 11 days I guess.  I was really expecting to read pages of posts today...

We are settled next to Lake Mendocino (north of SF about 100 miles) and have a nice view of the lake from our trailer.  We're camphosts now for the Army Corps of Engineers - a switch from the State Parks - we like it. 

We hope to return to the redwoods state park in May. 

Guess you're all doing well.  So good to hear from you BarbT! 

I'm back to once a week internet - so don't disappoint me!  I'll look forward to pages to read next week!

love to you all, Vicki 

jadams1264

Hello SOSisters....well I'll begin this by saying I'm okay.  My DH bought me a brand new 2012 car on Saturday.  Last night when I got off work while going through an intersection a lady ran the red light and hit my brand new car!  Then she drove off!!!!  Three absolutely wonderful people in 3 separate cars followed the lady and got her license plate.  The police officer was able to find her and she admitted running the light and leaving.  My brand new car is now at the body shop and who knows when I will get it back.  I keep trying to look at the positive, other than a few minor aches and pains I'm fine and the car can be fixed!  So that's my wonderful news of the week.

Neece - I love your new photo.  You are beautiful.  Sounds like you have been extremely busy between work and social activities.  Glad you are doing so well.

Barb0323 - it's so good to hear from you!  Glad you are doing well.  Guess work is keeping all of us busy.  You will have to let us know how your tatto goes.  Sounds like you will have a full house for Thanksgiving.  I get to go to work at 11pm Thanksgiving evening.  I'll have to get a nap in, will work until 10:30 the next morning.  The joys of retail.

Vickilynn - see you don't post so often and then the rest of us slack off!  Glad you are doing okay and liking your new location.  Are you closer or further from the grandkids?  What are you doing at the Army campground?  Will you go to San Francisco?  Maybe we are suppose to go to SF for our reunion!

Well dear sisters hope all of you are well.  Missing all the posts!  Take care.  Thoughts and prayers are with you.

Jane

BarbAnne41

Jane! I am so glad you are okay. My mother-in-law just had to have her car in the shop to, she hit some hug rock or something, I don't know, I really think she needs glasses. Any way I super happy you are okay, and those super nice people got the licence plate. I hope your car gets done fast.

Vicki! sorry I have been slacking off. I am on a computer all day at work, so this is the last thing I want to get back on when I come home...my bad...I am soo glad you like your new "campers" and the view sounds fabulous.

BarbT so glad you posted, your pic looks great. Sorry about the overload at work, but I am glad you are well.

Neece- love the new photo, sorry to you too about the work overload. You love great though!

Patty- I am sorry...gosh I am apologizing a lot in this post...empathy for everyone!! you have to have the scope in a year, BUT I am super happy it wasn't something worse....lets look at the scope as like some sort of cleanse.. :-) 

I went to my new onc, my old one left to head up a big wig cancer thing at University of Michigan so I have a new 40 something female oncologist...she is very nice and very thorough, She also said since there has been nothing suspicious on my every 6 month mammograms I can go back to yearly! So no November one for me. It made me nervous and happy all at the same time.

But the best part was hearing my weight I have lost 20 pounds since last March, granted I am no where near as fit/skinny as I would like to be, but I am almost to pre rads weight, and I am 4 pounds lighter than my pre chemo  weight, so for all that I am very happy. I suspect with the change in my hours, the freakin cold dark Michigan days, coupled with the holidays food and stress, I probably won't be able to shed much this winter, but a little maintenance would be nice.

 Love and hugs!!

Barbara

Neece

Jane I am so sorry to hear about your car accident. I am very glad you are OK. But what sad news about your new car.

Barb lovely to hear from you again.

vickilynn

JANE - hugs!

msmpatty

Jane - Bummer on the car.  You know how that first scratch in the new car is always so upsetting?  Well..you got past that in a big way.  I'm so glad you are okay and that your fellow drivers tracked that lady down.

Neece - Love your new pic!   What a great story about revisiting your vacation spot two years after and healthy to boot.  Very romantic of your DH to arrange to have the same room and everything.

Vicki - I truly believe that you are healthy and happy, but where's the pic to show it?  Has your avatar gone astray?  Good luck in your new place and new job!

Barbara - Hooray for you...losing weight and getting all pretty and spiffy.   I've kind of held my weight through it all, but some of the weight has definitely shifted to my waist.  Femara!  I like your idea of thinking about the colonoscopy as a cleanse. You do feel really skinny from the inside out after drinking all that stuff.

Barb T - So good to hear from you!  You are a such good daughte!  My mom turned 89 last week.

Everything is coming up roses on my end!

Patty

jadams1264

Good morning SOSisters.....sorry I've been so long in posting, I've been working 6 day weeks and there is no time!  My car may be ready to be picked up the end of this week, I sure hope so.  Where is everyone?  I don't want us to fizzle out and quit posting.  Went to onc appt last week, don't have to go back for 6 whole months.  YEAH!

Barb- I am glad you like your new onc.  It makes such a difference to have someone you like.  I go back in Feb. for a mammo.  They changed mine from 1 year to 6 months!  I'm so jealous of your 20 lb weight loss.  You didn't have to send them to me, I found everyone of them.  How are DD and DH doing?

Neece - I to love your new photo, can't remember if I told you or not.  Hope they aren't keeping you too busy with your new job and your are enjoying every minute.

Patty - glad you are doing so well.  How is the weather in San Diego?  Beautiful I bet.  I would trade some of our chilly mornings.  We participated in a bridal event a few weekends ago, thought about you and know this would have been small potatoes compared to what you do!

VickiLynn - we need you back online to straighten us all out!  Missing you and wishing you had access more often.  Your new location sounds wonderful, we need one of your descriptive narratives on your new campground.

Well sisters hope everyone is okay.  Take care.  Thoughts and prayers are with you!

Jane

gillyone

Hi new friends

Jane - I am on 6 monthly onc visits now too. I go in January, which will be my first 6 month gap. We have had our first snowfall here in Idaho. It's gone off the roads, but a hint of what we have to look forward to. I still have trays of tomatoes in the living room - green one picked before the frost. As they ripen up we eat the little ones in salad and I make a batch of sauce for the freezer with the big ones.

I am trying to lose a little weight. The only thing I liked about chemo was the weight I lost - and it's been slowly creeping back.

jadams1264

Hello SOSisters.....I'm missing all of you!  I have spent this day off Christmas shopping.  I try to get most of it done before Thanksgiving.  Go in to work at 11pm Thanksgiving Night - Black Friday is always fun!

Gill - glad you are doing well.  We have had crazy weather, warm one week, cold the next.  Snow here (1/2 inch) closes the schools, they are not prepared!  A nice ripe tomato sounds good.  

Don't know if I will get a chance to post again before Thanksgiving.  I'm thankful for all of my sisters and hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Jane

vickilynn

Hello sisters!

Just dropping in to say hi and that I am alive and well and not fond of my new internet situation, but what can you do?   Missing you all.  Not much time for a long catch up letter, though.

Can't seem to make my Avatar work Patty!  I'll try again, but it just isn't allowing me to post it!

Beautiful weather - took a walk with Mr. O'Riley this morning (a slow one - we usually go at a faster pace) and took photos of the fungus among us!  There are lots of mushrooms all around our campground and I had a great time getting pictures.  Now I need to identify them.  Don't worry, we're not going to taste them to see if they're edible!  I just think they are so fascinating : )

I'll check back in next week and hope to read more news!

love you much, Vicki

Neece

Hello everyone, sorry I haven't posted for ages, have been pret snowed under at work, my sister inlaw passed away 2 weeks ago (after a long illness) and so we have been very involved in family things as well.

I hope everyone is doing OK as we lead up to the Silly Season..... It just gets a bit mad doesn't it? my family has a fairly low key approach to christmas but even so it just gets so busy.

Anyway lots of love

Neece

Melinda-Tma3

HELLO!!! I've been thinking of everyone so much these last few months.....Things are so crazy....sounds like it is for all of you two....I can't believe it's been over two years....Just wanted to pop in and say hi....you are never forgotten...my sweet September Sisters.....Wishing you all a wonderful healthy holiday!! M

BarbAnne41

Melinda! Good to hear from you, your pic is great!

Jane-Hope Black Friday was okay for you, hows the car repairs going?

Neece- So sorry about your sister-in-law, my condolences to your whole family. And yes this season, mixed with end-of-the-year/semester business, throw in a few December Birthday and yep I am mad!! Or crazy or whatever you want to label me.

Gill- Can't say I had the same issue with chemo, I really packed it on, my appetite was so fickle that if I wanted to eat something I indulged, now with the holidays and cold weather I will struggle to keep off what I took off this past spring!

Vicki- Sorry about the Internet, but you are right even in abig city options can be limited, so the woods are a whole other story! Hope it gets better, and remember with those mushrooms, looky and touchy but no eaty!

Patty- How are you? Does your son have a huge Christmas list? My daughters never seems to end...ugh well it will soon be over!

Sorry I have been so MIA, just like the rest of you work holidays etc....can't keep up!

Much love to all my sisters, I hope you are a well.

Barbara

msmpatty

Hi everyone!  I've been feeling guilty for not checking in more regularly but it seems we all have the same problem...busy!   

I hope it isn't too cold at your campground, Vicki.  I find some amazing mushrooms in my yard, so I understand your fascination.

I'm so sorry to hear about your sister-in-law, Neece.  It is hard to have a death so close to the holidays.

I wish my son had a big Christmas list, Barbara.  He actually craves very little which makes having a birthday on 11/29 and then Christmas a month later a bit of a challenge.  He usually wants one thing for each, but that just seems like not much fun to open.  I applaud his lack of commercialism however!

Speaking of which,  I take it your work is crazy busy Jane!  I've found that going to the mall at dinner time on a week night is perfect for shopping...no crowds! 

Gill - is the podcast out yet?

You hair looks great Melinda!

vickilynn

I miss you all so much!  MELINDA!  So great to hear from you!

NEECE - so sorry to hear of your loss.

BARBARA - 3 family December birthdays here plus our son's and DIL anniversary!  It's a month-long celebration!

PATTY - Found an interesting org. where you can donate money for them to send animals to families in need (like a chicken for $20) plus they give them feed and lessons on how to care for the animals. It looks like a great organization and I love the idea!   I decided that was a great gift for my kids this year!  www.heifer.org  you donate and get a gift card to give to your son! 

JANE - I guess this is that time of year when you are SUPER busy!  Miss  you...

TO YOU ALL - Keep your focus this season!!! 

DH is having a brain MRI this Thursday - possible reason for confusion, depression... I'll keep you informed.

jadams1264

Hello SOSisters... glad to see some postings!  Yes it is incredibly busy for all of us and sometimes hard to check in as often as we'd like.  We were one of the malls that had a shooting on Black Friday, happened about 2am.  Fortunately nobody was hurt.  People are just crazy, you have to be very careful out there ladies!  I have four more gifts to purchase (all gift cards) and I'm then as ready as I'm going to be for Christmas.  I did get my car back, no worse for wear, and if you didn't know it had been wrecked you would never know the difference.  DD is going for a nerve conduction test on hand tomorrow.  She has major pain and I suspect they will want to talk carpal tunnel surgery which is not major but still surgery.  For those of you who have had a nerve conduction test you know it is rather uncomfortable.  DD says she doesn't care, she just wants it to quit hurting.

Neece - sorry to hear about your sister-in-law.  It's so hard to lose someone and especially this time of year.  Sounds like you are staying very busy with your job.  What will your temperatures be like on Christmas Day?

Melinda - wow, what a wonderful surprise to hear from you.  So glad you are doing well, love the photo.  Please post more often, we love hearing from everyone and how they are doing.

BarbAnne - busy, busy.  Hopefully we will all have more time to post after the holidays.  Settled into the job?  How is DD doing?  Things going smoothly?

Patty - you have a wonder child.  So many kids are "give me, give me" these days.  My days are actually slowing down a little bit now that our seasonal hiring is over.  Not that it isn't still busy, just not quite so hectic.  I'm working until 11 or 12 at night, going in a 6 or 7 in the am.  This was the first weekend I have had off in probably 2 months.  However, having said all that I love my job and the day to day challenges.  Keeps me busy and out of trouble!  Do you have a lot of winter bridal shows?

Vickilynn - how I'm missing you girl.  Hope that the MRI is able to pinpoint something specific that can help DH feel better. Please let us know the results as soon as you hear.  I will be praying for good results.   Wish you had better access to the internet so you could post more often.  

Take care wonderful sisters.  My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Jane

RonnieKay

Hi All...sort of caught up on what is going on.  Missed wishing all a Happy Thanksgiving and saying you are one of my blessings.  Glad for lost pounds...yeah Barb, new cars & good body shops for Jane and me...as we hit another deer (3rd in 2 yrs) the end of Oct...not far from Gilly's neck of the woods!  Missing San Diego weather, Patty..look at visiting in Feb.  Prayers for Don, Vickilynn..and hope your new surroundings are good for the soul!  Sorry you've lost your SIL, Neece...you have had many losses in the past few years...and I know you are a blessing to all those around you.  Melinda!!!  Have wondered for so long about how you were...think of you any time I have sauerkraut. 

Have had a few tough weeks at my place..hence not posting. On 10/25 I had my expander removed, muscle stitched down & new expander placed (and stitched to muscle).  Recoup was good and instantly felt relief when it was in the right place.  Thirteen days later...11/7, I left work...which I LOVE, to get gas for my post-op check after work, and Starbucks for the gals.  I paid in the store & as I walked out, twisted my L ankle...which broke, and fell off the ramp, breaking my elbow.  Surgery for elbow, which is now filled with hardware, boot for ankle (clean break), 4 days in hospital and 8-12 weeks off work, recouping & bored to death.  Seriopusly am able to do almost nothing.  One of the most depressing things was postponing my reconstruction Dec. 15th.  Have a new date of 6/28/12.  What can I do..except thank God I didn't hit my head...might not be complaining right now!!!  Anyhoo...gotta go...pecking w/left hand wears me out.  Love to all! 

jadams1264

Dear Ronnie Kay - I am so so sorry you are having to heal once again!  How boring it must be for you to not really be able to do anything.  Is the elbow hurting or are you getting used to have a few new parts?  I now you must be terribly disappointed to have to change the date of your reconstruction, know you were anxious to get that done. Anything I can do for you from NC?   I am sending lots of thoughts and prayers your way.  

Jane

BarbAnne41

Ronnie! Oh my goodness. I am sending lots of thoughts, prayers and hugs your way. I am sooo glad it was a clean break, but all that trauma and drama you poor soul, hugs and more hugs..

Jane! A shooting holy cow!!! Black Friday is pretty crazy. I am very sorry about the DD I hope she is on the mend soon and not in pain! Glad things are slowing down for you, and that you are almost done shopping. I am getting there, finally finished what I needed from the mall, so I don't need to drive to that side of Ann Arbor, I can stick to the town I live in and the other side of A2 (what we townies refer to Ann Arbor as) where I work...that to me his a huge accomplishment. Make sure you are eating well, and lots of water with those long hours, Yes I feel much more settled in at my job, and I really do like it-thanks :-)

Vicki!!! Big hugs to you and the hubby, I hope the MRI gets to the bottom of things, how are the woods. Yes I remember you and I talking about all our December birthdays, well misery does love company :-)

Patty- 2 things?!?! Sometimes that is harder than the shopping list I get every year, BUT and here is where a December birthday is a plus, DD tells me all the stuff she wants, and I just divvy it up between the two--B-day and Christmas. Coming from a pretty poor childhood Christmas was always about a tree and baking cookies, luxuries in my house as a kid, and gifts were very limited, then I married into a super gift-centric family and have had to adapt, not something I relish....BUT (again) I look forward to the 26th, every thing is done, well as done as its gonna be, and I am still on vacation and get to chill, that's what I love about the holiday, the day after.

My love to you all, and stop hurting yourselves!!!! I am praying that 2012 sees us all, and our families,  very healthy and happy, and winning the lottery so we can all go on some luxurious vacation!!!!

Love

Barbara

jadams1264

Dear SOSisters....just wanted to take a few moments and wish each of you a Merry Christmas and a wonderful, healthy, happy 2012.  We've made it through another year for which I am mighty thankful.  Hope each of you are ready for Santa and will have some time to relax during this busy time.

Jane

BarbAnne41

Hi Sisters!

Like Jane I just wanted to come in and wish everyone a very happy, and restful holiday season.

I am going to guess that my time will be very tied up until after the big holiday.

Merry Christmas and much love, peace and health to us all-

Barbara

barbt0323

Merry Christmas Sisters!

Wishing you all the best for a healthy and happy New Year.

My thoughts are always with you.

Love ya,

Barb T 

RonnieKay

Oh Rats...we just got home from my daughter's house & I was so antsy to wish all my sisters a blessed Merry Christmas before the day was over....I blew it!  To my sisters in the Central & Eastern time zones (and Neece...I can never remember how many hours or days ahead you are!)..I do hope that Christmas was filled with joy & I second BarbAnne's wish for love, peace & health for us all!  Jane, I know this is a crazy, busy time for you....so hopefully tomorrow you will get a much needed rest...and then probably get right back to the action

Merry Christmas to All...and to All...a Good Night.   God Bless You! 

RonnieKay

Am I the only Sister that's had no plans between Christmas and New Year's   Hope all the December birthdays went well...and getting ready to ring in the New Year with turkey noodle soup & possibly some bubbly (how does that combination not make your stomach curdle!).

First thing this am (as I was watching House Hunters International and doing elbow exercises) news showed Australia having welcomed the New Year!  Hope you had a great celebration Neece!

Love to All my SOS and prayers for a fabulously happy & HEALTHY 2012!   

jadams1264

Hello SOSisters.....wishing you all a safe, happy, healthy New Year!

Ronnie Kay - you combination is different to be sure!  I also heard this am they had celebrated New Years in Austrailia and thought about Neece.  How are you healing?  I love House Hunters, I'm always shaking my head in amazement at the prices in some places.  Did you have a good Christmas?

I'm missing all the rest of you.  Hope that 2012 brings a bit more time to check in.  VickiLynn saying prayers that the MRI results were good.  Barb & Barb - glad to hear from both of you!  Neece - hope you are well and still enjoying your job!  Patty, where are you?  Gill hope you aren't snowed in, in Moscow!  Melinda hope to hear more from you soon!  Catherine we miss you.  Pamela Jo, I know you are out there somewhere!!!!  And all of other sisters - please post!

Happy New Year - 2012 is going to be great for all of us!!!!

Melinda-Tma3

Happy New Year my sweet sisters! ...Here's a wish from the bottom of my heart for a healthy and wonderful 2012....I've got you on my email for notifications now....and am loving keeping in touch with you all....Jane....thanks so much for the warm mention....I think of you all often.....was such a good feeling the last time I checked in to know our September Sisters have such a strong bond and you all have kept our sisterhood thriving!!!  Sleep tight ~ Melinda 

Neece

Hey everyone Happy New Year - a healthy and fun filled year to you all.

yes Downunder we celebrate something like 19 hours or so before you guys in the US, so there you go. My DH and I spent the NY weekend at my stepson and DIL place on the coast, had a relaxing and fun time with them, saw in the NY dancing at alocal club (a few years since I have done that!!) then back to watch the local fireworks from their deck- nothing like the amazing Sydney show but still fun.



I have tried to catch up on everyone's news, having missed about a month of posts. I hope everyone had a peaceful Christmas time also. Unfortunately my dad was admitted to hospital 2 days before Christmas, he is slowly getting better but will probably remain there for another week at least. So that changed our family Christmas somewhat, however we still had some good family time.



Ronnie so sorry to read about your injury, I hope you are feeling better now.



I am enjoying the long summer break from my job even though our weather here has been a bit less than summery so far. However today was a perfect summers day and I am looking forward to a few more before I have to return to work.



Love to you all.

gillyone

Happy New Year, new friends. Special hi to Jane and Patty. Jane - no snow in Moscow!! Makes us wonder when it will arrive.

vickilynn

Can't believe it's 2012!!!  And that we've been together since August 2009!!!  2 years since I've been off chemo - I love seeing the photos of everyone with hair.   I'm still loving wearing my hats!!!  For some reason, my avatar is just not working right.  I'll keep working on that. 

Today is a laundry day.  My friend lets me come to her house while she's at work and I get to do piles of laundry (I actually went 2 weeks without doing it!!!!!) and perusing the internet and catching up with all my sisters!

Don's (my DH - did I tell you we celebrated 39 years last month?) brain MRI showed some abnormalities and he has been referred to a neurologist for a visit in February.  The dr. mentioned things like "MS" or something similar.  We are trying not to anticipate a diagnosis - but you all know how hard that is!   He's had about 6 falls in the last month due to weakness in his legs - only one ended up with a broken toe and cracked rib!  Most just injured pride. And some days of confusion and extreme exhaustion.  Anyway, we're praying for the best.

In the meantime, Don has been able to preach a couple Sundays a month at our little church!  We are such an itty-bitty place, but we love it.  Christmas we had 16 people!    Don and I led the service together with audience participation - scripture and lots of music!  I wish you could hear Don sing.  He really does sound like Elvis!!!

The sunsets over the lake have been amazing this last month!  The lake turns as pink as the sky!  We've been cold, but not freezing and very little rain.  Just amazing weather really.

You are an amazing group of sisters.  I love you all and wish I could visit more often...  and no matter what your New Year's Resolution --- don't forget the chocolate.

Vickilynn

RonnieKay

Oh Vickilynn...I just ate 8 Frangos...definitely didn't forget the chocolate!   SOOOOOO happy that Don is preaching again, I know it's such a part of who he is.  Tom and I are praying for the most positive results in the upcoming MRI.  How frightening that he's got such weakness in his legs...hope he's being extremely careful, especially with your being outside in the elements.  Sounding like a mother hen now, is he carrying a cell phone???  I'm glad you have friends close that are providing some of the cozies of home (would laundry qualify????).  Anyhoo...thinking of you sister...and celebrating 39 years with your Honey!!!  

Patty...WHERE ARE YOU?????   Is this a busy bride time?  It is here! 

Back to school, BarbAnne...hope it went well...I was excited to go back...and even more excited for a 3-day week to get immersed again!

Thank goodness there's no snow Gill....we're headed over the mountains next weekend so hope it doesn't decide to dump then!    I could so live in Florida with Jane....need some sunshine and warmth...where's July when I need it!!!

LOVE YOU ALL!