Chemo Starting Sep 09

msmpatty

Jane - I'll defnitely start chanting for a benign biopsy for DD.   As for breast exams, so far since diagnosis I've either had a mammo every six months or, more commonly, a mammo once a year interspersed with another test - usually an ultrasound, once an MRI then ultrasound.  I've always had really lumpy breasts so my Onc is being extra careful.  I think that is good!   Good news on the bones.  Have you tried the chewy chocolatey calcium supplements at Costco?   Yum.  (If you don't think too hard about it, you can convince yourself you are having dessert!)     My calcium supplemented vitamin pill + yoghurt + latte + 2 chocolatey calcium chews a day =  no change in bone density after two years on Femara.  I read that the biggest impact on bones occurs in the first two years on the drugs...so we are both doing good!

Ronnie - I think you about you often and hope you are doing well!  Can't wait to sign on and find one of your wonderful chatty updates.

Gill - Are you still checking in with the September 09 ladies?  The August board has gone really quiet since Jenn died.  It is hard to know what to say.  So sad.

Barbara - Happy back to school wishes!

Vicki - Keep us in the loop with your local wildlife!  Or...your wild life.  Either will do.

We have our summer show this weekend.  We decided to do some billboard advertising in addition to the radio, bridal magazines and all the internet stuff we do.   So far our advance ticket sales are up about 40% over last summer's show.  Who knew billboards would work so well?   I'm kind of afraid to see how many brides are coming.  Yikes. 

Patty

BarbAnne41

Jane- I have osteopenia too, never told DH cause besides adding calcium there wasn't a reason to get him all up in arms over my health...he already lectures me enough on everything....and believe me ladies he IS the pot who called the kettle black. Ok I am chanting for your daughter...and for your port removal...she got and interview at another place and did so well they asked her to come back for a second interview with the district manager next week...fingers crossed...I'd like her back doing stuff productive!

 Vicki WOW we have foxes too, and wild turkeys, deer and a whole host of other creatures in the woods behind our house..sounds awesome, and the mugs sound wonderful...I think I am compartmentalizing my work stress...I'm in the union so the worst they can do is move me to  anew department...but I am always a firm believer that life at work can be easier with the devil you know theory...oh well I'm rolling with everything...

Patty...Oh teenagers, man they make you crazy!! Mine still is, but having her out of HS is a real gift...I am chanting that you get some peace and quiet moments, and that the moles leave your lovely new landscaping alone.

Hugs and love to all my sisters!

Barbara

msmpatty

Barbara - Fingers and toes crossed for DD's job interview with the boss!

Patty

jadams1264

Hello SOSisters.....I'm officially deported!  A little sore but otherwise fine.  Still haven't heard back from DD biopsy so please keep up the chants.

Hope all of you are doing well.  Can't believe August is already here.  I was in a 3 hour meeting yesterday about holiday hiring.  Good heavens the time just flies.

Have a good friend who had a brain tumor, Stage 4.  She has fought a valiant fight but is now back in the hospital and not doing well.  She had such a wonderful spirit, always positive and upbeat.  Another wonderful lady about to lose the battle to the horrible cancer disease.  I'm praying she has a gentle journey from here on out.

Take care and know I think of all of you everyday.  Thoughts and prayers are with you!

Jane

msmpatty

Congratulations on your deportation Jane!  I had my 6-month with my Onc a couple weeks ago and asked him if the divot in my chest from the port would ever go away.  He didn't think so.  My port really settled in!  I'm sorry to hear about your friend.  God bless.

Patty

jadams1264

Hello SOSisters....boy, we are dwindling away.  Hope everyone is doing well  Please don't let us get to the point we don't check in with each other occasionally.  Things going well in NC.  We are all healthy at the moment.  DD biopsy on her tyhroid came back clear.  Now they are sending her to an endricologist (sp?) to see if they can find out what's going on with her.  Weather is turning beautiful here, great time to be out enjoying the sunshine when it's not quite so warm.

Patty I have a divot too and it's not going anywhere.  I can live with a divot!  My friend underwent surgery again for her brain tumor.  They said they got most of it but will not make her go through chemo and radiation anymore. Doctor told her maybe 6 months.  She is having trouble seeing and now has to use a walker.  And still she stays positive.  I so admire her attitude!

Okay all the rest of my sisters, where are you?  Missing all of you.  Please post soon.

Thoughts and prayers are with you!

Jane

vickilynn

Jane - so glad to read the good news of DD's biopsy!  And so sorry to read of your friend.

I'm visiting grandson who just turned 1!!! He just makes me smile : ) : ) : )   several times!

hope all of you are doing great.

BarbAnne41

Sorry I haven't posted in a while whew this
restructuring/job promotion is well killing my free time....

Daughter got the job; she works a few days a week and is in
college full time.

Work is super busy, and it has really made me appreciate my
time off.

I changed health insurance, and change primary care physician....
somebody closer to home, told him about a nagging pain I have been having in my
back right around the rib cage right hand side He wonders if its gallbladder.
He also wondered if it was some sort of metastasis in my ribs but discounted
the idea when I said it came and went.

So tomorrow I am having an ultra sound...we all know how much
we love tests.

Frankly it's been heavy on my mind since it started last Christmas,
so I will be glad to get an answer.

I did not tell DH about the speculation on bone metastasis.

I'm really hoping its gallbladder....I don't even want to
think of facing other tests.

I think the discomfort is affecting my posture and such,
that with longer hours at a desk at work my actual spine is killing me too...I'm
a bit of a mess, but trying to fake it.

Anyway enough about me. I promise to get on more, at work...ha
ha

Jane congrats on the DD biopsy, and the port removal, those
are great! I am so-so sorry about your friend, I will send up a prayer for her.

Patty how's school going for DS? I really-really do not miss
those days, there is something very liberating about having a kid in college.

Vicki enjoy the little one!

Sorry again!

Love to all my sisters the posters and the non-posters!

Hope I have a great Ultra sound tomorrow and here's hoping
for gallstones!!!!

vickilynn

Barbara - We'll be waiting to hear good results.  I had been experiencing pain in my rib cage area too.  Mine ended up being pinched nerves from bone spurs  on my spine!  The thought of mets to the bones is such a scary one and I find any time there's bone pain that's what I wonder and so does the dr.  Praying for good answers.  Please post right away!

I am having a biopsy for possible skin cancer next week I think.  It's in a strange place - on my shoulder which hasn't been exposed to sun for many years, but I know that what we did as teens comes back to haunt us many years later - right Patty?? 

I'm hoping to get actual real internet next month!!! I'll be so excited to check in with you all on a more regular basis.

Know that you are loved!

msmpatty

Hi everybody.  I can't believe I haven't checked in for so many weeks.  Time flys!

Barbara - I'm chanting for you!  It just can't be mets.  Gall bladder surgery isn't great, but when my Dad had his out he only had four little Bandaids on his stomach and bounced right back.  No mets. No mets. No mets.   Congrats to your DD on her job...and college!

Vicki - It is weird how skin cancer crops up in places that don't really see the sun.  I hope your spot ends up B9.  Can't wait 'til you have real internet access.  I so love your posts.

Jane - Good news on the B9 result on DD's thyroid.  Glad your family is finally all healthy at once.  Your friend is remarkable.  God bless her. 

Not much news on my end.  I'm feeling so healthy that we've decided to increase our deductible on our Kaiser plan next year, thereby reducing our monthly premium.  Am I tempting fate?  DS is doing great in the new school.  Does his homework without my asking, gets up in the morning and showered and ready to go without a word from me...who is this kid? 

Patty

msmpatty

Hi everybody.  I can't believe I haven't checked in for so many weeks.  Time flys!

Barbara - I'm chanting for you!  It just can't be mets.  Gall bladder surgery isn't great, but when my Dad had his out he only had four little Bandaids on his stomach and bounced right back.  No mets. No mets. No mets.   Congrats to your DD on her job...and college!

Vicki - It is weird how skin cancer crops up in places that don't really see the sun.  I hope your spot ends up B9.  Can't wait 'til you have real internet access.  I so love your posts.

Jane - Good news on the B9 result on DD's thyroid.  Glad your family is finally all healthy at once.  Your friend is remarkable.  God bless her. 

Not much news on my end.  I'm feeling so healthy that we've decided to increase our deductible on our Kaiser plan next year, thereby reducing our monthly premium.  Am I tempting fate?  DS is doing great in the new school.  Does his homework without my asking, gets up in the morning and showered and ready to go without a word from me...who is this kid? 

Patty

BarbAnne41

Hi ladies!

 Thanks for the support! Me too Vicki, after my doc said that every time my ribs hurt I was like uh oh..

 But the ultrasound was completely normal, they even said my liver look awesome, and you ladies know how I love cocktails...so I said to my hubby um I'm drinking the second I hit the house. You'll be lucky if I don't shotgun a beer on the way home, I'm kidding, sort of.. :-)

The doc just called well actually his nurse to say it was clear, the original nurse I talked to when I was stalking the office for results. said my blood test said my thyroid was high but he hasn't called about that, and I hear they normally just test it again in 3 to 6 months...i will let you know what he says...whenever he calls....

I figure if my ultrasound looks good I'm in good shape, i mean that's what they use to do the double check on BC. The original nurse I talked to agreed with me that maybe my back is just reacting to the multiplied hours I sit at a desk...so I an working at sitting up, and DH has me a a weight routine to strengthen my back...yipee....can you all hear the sarcasm :-)

Patty soooooo happy you DS is doing well! That's what we love! I agree about deductible, isn't it awful how cancer dictate our lives really sucks..I say do it, you have your sisters praying and watching over you to stay healthy fo-ever and ever. 

Vicki keeping you in my thoughts and prayers, skin cancer is an odd one.

Ok its been a long week I'm going to rustle up a beer. :-)

msmpatty

Ho, ho - I see that after my long absence my last post posted twice.  Makes up for almost a month of none!

I checked in to see how all the tests were going...so good job Barbara!  Hooray for the all clear.  Have you ever tried a chiropractor?  I know some people who think they are quacks but if you have a good 'ole back problem...they are the best.  DS sprained his back at Kung Fu and the chiropractor had him back doing twisty jumps and other crazy stuff after only a couple sessions (at a bargain $25.00 each)!  My back was killing me a few years ago and the chiro also fixed that.  Maybe something to think about...

Vicki...anxious to hear your results!

 Patty 

BarbAnne41

Hey Patty we could ALL use a double dose of you :-)

I might go that route, I think my health insurance covers it, the lady who owns the pet store I shop at just started seeing one and its helping.

Thanks for the tip!

Work is still well in transition, and busy and stressful..but its the weekend so I'm going to try and relax, clean the house, and hopefully DH and DD get along and are nice to me...I'm prolly asking way too much from a weekend but HEY a girl can dream.

By the way the stupid exercises my DH has me doing seems to be helping....don't tell him that though.

I swear on a stack of bibles the ultra sound girl bruised my ribs, they hurt on and off, and she really crammed that probe in them...is that possible???? I think so I mean I was holding my breath it hurt so bad, but I was stressed and I wanted a good and thorough test so I didn't say bupkiss, ..well....whatever, my new favorite phrase, and chuck it in the F*%ck bucket and move on...

girls gotta have a motto.

 hugs sisters. Vicki we need some results!!!

jadams1264

Hello SOSisters... can't believe I haven't posted for a whole month.  Time is flying by.  Have a new boss at work and while I like him, he is keeping me on my toes!  We are all healthy (knock on wood) at this time and that's the most wonderful thing I can say.

I'm glad all are doing well.  BarbAnne it must be such a relief to have daughter working.  Hope your transition smooths out and work calms down.  I went to a chiroprator years ago with a shoulder and neck problem, my insurance didn't cover it, but best money I ever spent.  I think at times I should go back, the getting older body just doesn't move the same way anymore.

Patty whatever you have done to DS could you send some my way for grandkids?  Although having said that they seem to be doing well.  Hard to believe they are both in high school, it's no wonder I have unpigmented hair as my hairdresser says of my gray!  Glad you are doing well and no I don't think you are tempting fate to increase your premiums.

VickiLynn - where are you gal?  I was hoping when I logged in there would be one of your long wonderful posts.  I have also been chanting and know your tests results were great!  How is the grandbaby?  Have you moved into the house?

Ronnie Kay, Neece, Gilly - where are you?  Missing all of you and wanting to know everyone is doing well and just too busy to post!

Take care.  Thoughts and prayers are with you!

Jane

gillyone

Hi Jane - thanks for the shout. Everything is fine here. Fall just arrived this week. The temperature plummetted overnight from around 80 to the fifties, so quite a change. Fortunately we knew frost was coming so I picked everything from my vegetable patch. Lots of tomatoes, tomatillos and some cute little lemon cucumbers.

I check with TN ladies on the calling all TN thread which is huge. It has been a rough time, with several ladies dying, including Jenn who started the August 09 chemo thread and some newly moving to stage IV.

Never mind awareness (I don't like October), we want a cure!!!!

RonnieKay

I'm BAAAAAAAAAAACCCCCCCCCKKKKKKKKKK....as Arnold, the homewrecker would say.  Obviously I've been reading too many People magazines    Anyhoo...I just caught up on my favorite sisters and I am relieved and happy that we're all doing pretty darn good  

JANE...Thank God that port is finally gone!!!!  I have the same divot (you can still see the stitch line) and it's probably the only obvious sign of bc to me, at this point-unless I'm naked...which is still scary!  Do you all have the little scar at the base of your neck too?  Oh what a relief for DD...no C...just wish for her good health.  I know she's had some difficult health issues and that makes me sad.  Glad you like your new boss...even if he keeps you on your toes   I have been screwing up at work ALOT, and I can't figure out why.  I think it might be lack of focus...femara, way too many surgeries, adhd?????  At my old job no one knew if I screwed up...I could always catch my mistakes.  Now...I'm entering budge #s, teacher's work times, etc., OMG...I think it's really shear quantity of info I have to enter on computer but I still can't make mistakes...ugh.  I absolutely LOVE that you're a fabulous Grandma to teenagers!  Seriously, I wish I'd become a Gma years ago...cause I want as much time as possible with these precious offspring!!  Can't even imagine your bank account after a teenage shopping trip!!!  AND... Belated Happy Birthday Big Sis!!!

PATTY...Was your summer show a hit???  Billboards are making a comeback around here...it seems so retro...remember when they were all over???  I'm glad your handsome son is maturing right in front of your eyes!  He must be in love (totally not what you want to hear, right!!!).  I laughed at your mole story...we have gophers (countrified...a less refined than moles) at our house in eastern Washington.  I detest them!  I'm hoping higher deductible saves you good money!  And the best part is that...you're healthy!  Holy smokes...I have been a nightmare to my insurance company and they just keep paying.  When they were giving PT the go-around on how many appts I could have, I told the PT office that if I was my insurance company, I'd send a hit squad to take me out!!!!

BARBANNE...If you have a bad gallbladder...get rid of it!  Everyone I know (and Tom's family is famous for bad gallbladders) who's had it out has been so glad they did.  And as my SIL says, "Then you can eat as much sour cream as you want! (They also have weight issues..LOL).  Hate to hear you're in pain...but glad the exercises you're doing are helping.  Does your office have ergonomic specialists?  The school district is pro-active if anyone has back issues...they have the moitors that raise so you can stand up to do your typing.  I said if it had a treadmill connected to it I'd use one...haha!  I think I missed whether DD got hired?  So hoping she did and that she's happy and making money!!!  

GILL....We're traveling over the mountains next week so I'm hoping the beautiful weather holds!  We still have a few veggies, mostly potatoes and carrots in the ground so they'll be coming back with us. 

VICKILYNN...I'm sure your Asian hosts adored you so I'm not surprised they gifted you   I read your posts and can envision being in the midst of nature...so peaceful...that's such a gift.  I think we should have Vickilynn's posts on tape...you reading to us...lovely!  I remember when your littlest Grandbaby was born. Happy that you're getting time together.  I love that we've shared each others lives for the past 3 years...can you believe it????  Whenever I pull up bc.org...it's your very first post...I still get a little emotional seeing your first question, "Anyone else in my company?"   September kind of came and went...is that a good thing???

As for the Hardy gang...we're all doing pretty well.  Our middle daughter is trying to get pregnant.  They began the quest when I was diagnosed the first time (so that if I didn't make it, I'd see their child).  Then I gave them a second chance..haha...but no dice.  So now they're doing the IUI...and then may have to go to...FEMARA...can you believe it????  They seriously give femara as a fertility drug...I told her I can get it cheap!  All this, I might add...while she is still laid off...ugh.  Grandkids are fabulous, and so funny.  Hank checks my new belly button regularly to see if it's still ugly...it is.  It's kind of a smiley face.  But all in all, I'm doing well at 14 weeks post diep.  My stomach's pretty flat (which leads to gappy pants in the waist...cause my legs are still the same size), my scar is fading, my toobs (cause they're my tummy boobs) are pretty good...they're really very normal, which is amazing to me...although they're totally numb.  I have stage 2 surgery Nov 1st, which is where they fine tune areas...like lipo for extra fat under my arms, adding any fat to even up breasts (if needed..although they look pretty symetrical) and adding nipples..which I've enjoyed not having but think in the long run they might be nice (I've been told to ask for low-beams!).  It will be nice to be done with surgeries...kind of tired of recuperating!

I am so overwhelmingly happy that my Sisters have had clear mammos, bone scans (with a bit of osteopenia), etc...even though we all have a few health issues that we'd like to have disappear...at least maybe they aren't threatening to take our lives.  Thank You Lord Jesus!!  Through the last few months, Tom has asked how you're all doing....he'll be happy to have an update...and BARBANNE...you need my hubby to party with...or just come home to...LOL.  He would totally love popping an ice cold one with you...daily!!!!

LOVE TO ALL ALWAYS!!!!! 

msmpatty

Now this is weird...I was in the shower this morning soaping up the "girls" and thinking about boobies got me to thinking about Ronnie and it struck me that we hadn't heard from her in such a long while.   I resolved to go online today and give her a shout.  So here I am and here's Ronnie too!  Yipee!

I'm so glad everything is going so well my dear.   The surgery sounds like it was successful and the flat tummy is a defnite plus, albiet there must be less painful ways to come by it.     Will you ever get feeling in your toobs?  I think your decision to get the nipples is a good one.  But I have to admit that my one smoothy (my lump was right under my nipple so it had to go) is kind of nice.    My mom and I were at the cancer shop getting her a new prosthesis and they showed me these little plastic nipples you can stick on, so I tried one.  It looked so ridiculous that the sales lady and I were roaring with laughter in the dressing room.  After that, I decided smooth is good.  HA!

 I am super surprised that Femara is used for infertility.  It seems like the just the opposite of what you'd need...but what do I know?  Maybe we should all be chanting for your daughter.  Our chanting is powerful!

Patty

RonnieKay

Oh...would so love the Sisters' chant for a baby!!!!  Sweet daughter is really the motherly type...with her hair shaved on one side, 6 inch heels, 15 bangle bracelets and a heart as warm as could be!!!!  Her DH is from St. Lucia so we know they'd have beautiful mixed babies

OMG...Patty, I love that you & the sales lady were lovin' the stick-on nipples!!!!  I had my pre-op today for stage 2...guess I don't get nipples for another 3 months after this stage.  I told the ps it was nice to not have them and he said I don't have to    He also said he makes them pretty small...so they won't be good for nipple piercing...LOL!!!!   My friend threatened to get me a belly button "decoration"....since it's brand new & pretty darn ugly!!!!   Just what I want is to highlight it!  Sounds like I'll be getting a bit of lipo...a nip and tuck here and there...ugh.  I'm sure I'll wish they'd done head to toe...LOL!

It's raining cats & dogs here...no rain for 81 days and now it has to pour...guess I don't really care...allergies were killin' me and maybe now they'll settle down.  Pediatrician told daughter it was the worst September for asthma due to no rain...guess everyone will be well before too long!

XOXOXO

gillyone

Ronnie - we got rain too! Sooooo welcome.

msmpatty

I'm doing baby chanting here in San Diego.  No rain for us, but I'm glad you ladies are getting it.  I hope your surgery goes with out hitch, Ronnie!

Patty

RonnieKay

Patty...YOU DID IT!!!!    They announced at Wed night dinner that Grandbaby #4 is baking!!!!!   I, of course, started crying and I told them that my sisters were going to start chanting and they're very powerful and here we are!!!!  We're over the moon so keep the chant up for healthy growing inside Mama!!!!

msmpatty

WOW!  That worked really fast.  Congratulations Grandma!  A beautiful little mocha baby is on the way.  (We must be very careful about what we chant for...the power of it is scarey.  HA!)

My news tonight is that I have completed my mail in ballot and am calling this election OVER.  Such a relief.

Hope all my sistas are doing well...

Patty

RonnieKay

JANE....hoping you're staying safe and dry!!!   Someone just kicked over the rock I've been hiding under & I saw the disaster Sandy's causing...horrific! 

Good for you for getting the vote out, Patty!  I can't bring myself to open the ballot...too many issues and people I'm hesitant about committing to...ugh. 

Thinking about you all!  XOXO

BarbAnne41

Does my thinking of you guys work with the chanting, because you ladies are always in my thoughts!!

Yay for Ronnie!! I'm chanting for a healthy one!!

Wow we are powerful.

Went to my six month check up today...and 45 minutes after my scheduled appointment that I arrived for 15 minutes early i said ummm i have to get back to work, and left after rescheduling...I figured an hour was plenty of time to fit me in for a ten minute poke poke ok you look good, will try again in November.

Anyway what I REALLY jumped on for was something a friend of my posted on FB that a freind of hers wrote about her battle with BC I thought it was so stunning I asked to share.

Hope you like:

"I'll tell you how I got through this.

Unwavering faith in Jesus Christ.

HE will catch you when you feel like falling.

HE will kick you in the pants when you feel like quitting.

HE will guide the people you will need to depend on into your path.

HE will provide every single thing you may possibly need during your fight.

HE will be your Number 1 Friend and your Number 1 Fan.

HE will answer your prayers...without a doubt.

Beautiful Blessings, I call Friends and Family. T

HEY will bring you food when you're not able to cook. THEY will pray for you without ceasing.

THEY will drive you to your appointments.

THEY will bless you with funds to pay your light bill, your rent, your groceries.

THEY will clean your house, do your laundry, pick up your kids from school.

THEY will love you even when you don't have a single hair on your head.

THEY will tell you that you're beautiful and make you laugh because you think they've lost their marbles.

A word of advice, ladies with cancer...
Don't give in to the Enemy.

His voice is so sweet and he will make you believe that you're not gonna be around for long, or that you can't do this.

I'm here to tell you that you CAN, and that you WILL.

Stop crying because you have cancer.

Cry because you're one treatment close to the end.

Cry because the morning sunrise is beautiful or a worship song that you're singing on Sunday touches your heart.

Cry because you're able to help someone who's worse off than you.

Cry tears of joy.

Cry because you're happy.

Cry because you get to see another day.

Cry because God's not ready to take you home.

Cry because you've been given a gift that is so precious...You've been given another chance to live your life the way that God means for you to live it.

Your time's not over.

Get out there and live."

msmpatty

Gosh, Barbara.  Your post got me all teared up.  Thanks for sharing that.

I hope everyone is weathering the storm in a safe, warm place.

Patty

jadams1264

Hello SOSisters.... I sure miss a lot when I don't check the posts.  No good excuse other than working 6 days a week.  We are doing all of our seasonal hiring for Christmas - fa,la,la,la,la. 

Ronnie Kay - so glad to hear about the grandbaby.  How excited you must be.  I'd like another little one around but daughter is getting too old (don't tell her I said that) and grandaughter is way too young.  Oh well, one of these days.

Gilly - you homegrown veggies sound wonderful.  Hope the rain didn't do them in.  Are you getting snow now?

Patty - we went and did the early voting.  Waltzed right in and out,was surprised that there weren't more people there.  So now it is just wait and see, I will be so glad not to turn on the tv, radio, whatever and hear a political ad.

Barb - sounds like you are having quite the time.  Glad the chant work and maybe we ought to chant to make the pain go away in your side.  Go away, go away, go away.   Glad DD is doing well in both her new job and college.  Thanks for sharing your Facebook post.  I know all of us believe and have lived every word.

VickiLynn - hoping your biopsy was B9.  Sure will be glad when you have access to the internet and can post.  I know I haven't posted a whole lot but be sure I think of you often.

Well dear sisters, I'm off to do some Christmas shopping.  Working 6 days a week doesn't leave any relaxing days off. 

Thoughts and prayers are with all of you - as Barb said posters and nonposters.

Take care,

Jane

vickilynn

Hello there!!!  You'll never guess... OK.  Can't wait to tell you!  I have internet!!!!  It's been over a year since I had access on my own computer in my own home!! 

That's the 2nd thing I have to share.  We didn't end up moving into the house we thought we would - but instead, are fixing up the apartment at the back of the church and will be moving in here next week!  This will be so good in so many ways... no shoveling or plowing of snow to get to work!!!  That's a biggie!  We just open the door and here we are! 

Mr. O'Riley is a bit confused by all the comings and goings but is happy for the myriad of new smells to follow.

We have a 2nd building here on the property - a Community Center - built by the church.  It's where I have my exercise group.  There are now 6 of us who meet once a week and we have a 90-year old line dance teacher who is also a BC survivor!!!  You'd love Gloria.  She lives alone in her house in the woods, feeds the wildlife - fox, deer, squirrels - teaches us line dancing each week - volunteers for the local "Sparkies" - women who support the Volunteer Fire Dept by having monthly fundraising breakfasts, and a great encouragement to me (and to everyone she meets).

We're also having 1st & 3rd Friday night Soup and Games nights.  I have a crockpot of chicken soup going right now and others will bring bread and goodies. 

I went to a surgeon (finally - it took weeks to get in!) and he said, "we'll look at that in a month"... didn't do a biopsy and actually the spot the dr. saw has changed and looks 100% better.  Health wise I'm feeling good again. 

DH was scheduled for another brain MRI last week, but couldn't make it - extreme claustrophobia!  He has enjoyed painting in our apartment but he just needs to get plenty of rest... he's snoozing right now.

So it is good to catch up on all of you.

Jane - hope that you made it through the storm unscathed.

Barbara - thanks for sharing your friend's thoughts... made me teary, too.

Patty and Ronnie - I love seeing your photos.  It's almost as good as having lunch with you again!

Gill - I'm with you, I don't like October "awareness" month either.  I'm quite aware enough.

Now that I have internet again, I must not become obsessed again!!!!

RonnieKay

How FUN!!!   Logged on and there you all were...missing Neece though!!!   I made it through stage 2 just great!  I had a flu shot the week before, tried to talk gp out of it because of surgery and she said I needed it before.  Sure enough, I got a sore throat Monday (before Thurs surgery).  End result is I got to hospital at 5:45 am w/a 101 temp.  Had the surgical & anesthesiology team in my room discussing what to do...they ultimately left decision up to me.  I looked at them all and said, "Are you kidding? I'm the least knowledgable about this!"  So, final decision was ps and he said...Let's GO!!!  Got in operating room and bed wouldn't move up, down, sideways, etc.  PS said, "Order another bed"...nurse called, none available...I looked at him and said, "Is this a sign?"  He said No...and then the bed moved!  It was really pretty funny and I wasn't stressed at all, and none of them were either...it was such a great group of people.  I listened while they went over all the different procedures they were going to do...made me wish again I'd become a nurse (and sorry I skipped so many classes in college!).  Anyhoo...I had told ps when he was marking me up, that if he needed extra fat for my breasts, I'd always hated the hip bulges I have.  Well, he came outta surgery and told Tom he thought I'd be pleased...they're pretty much gone!  I think it was a treat for having to go through all this!  I feel blessed that I've had such a compassionate surgeon that instilled quite a bit of confidence through it all.  AND of course, GOD...thanks BarbAnne, for sharing those precious words...so many times my tears were tears of relief and thanks...but oftentimes, a bit of sadness that life may not be how I'd imagined growing old.  Now I see there's a purpose.  I have a great teacher friend at the school I'd worked at whose new wife is going through chemo....another person telling me thanks...that I'd made it REAL and Possible to get through it all w/out giving up your spirit.  Another sent me the picture of her in the midst of the 3-day, with my name on her back.  It still sucks...but it's ok, right!  I love you all so much...without you, I truly don't know what my journey would have been.  I also think of you always, and know that some day we'll be together (on this earth!) and it'll be just too much fun and we'll all feel that, "we've known each other forever feeling."  Take care...we're on our way to grandnephew's 4th birthday party...I'll be a very happy bump on a log, but I'll be there!  XOXO    

vickilynn

RONNIE!  YAY for you!  and for your surgeon : )    Remember that being a "happy bump on a log" is better than being a .... hmmmm... thought I had something clever to say...