January Mastectomy

TNgolfer

Team January,

The Oncologist's nurse called me back yesterday and when she asked what was going on, I just started to cry.... She asked if I had ever been depressed before.  I reported yes, but I believe there were "situational depressions"; e.g., death of a fiance, divorce from my first husband, etc etc.  She then said, "Don't you think having breast cancer is a situation?"  She is right!  We talked for a long time and she also said that in some cases, we are so "busy" being sick or dealing with the procedures, treatments, appointments, etc., that when they appear to be over is when the depression hits.  I asked some questions, like how do I know if it is from the breast cancer and/or is it being assisted by the medication?  Questions some of you asked above....  But the bottom line is it really doesn't matter; it is depression and it needs to be dealt with.  She asked me how I felt about anti-depressants, and I told her I personally did not want to take them.  I asked her if I could stop the Arimidex for a month and see if that was part of the problem (she is checking with the Onc).  I also asked her if we could reduce the dose (1 every other day instead of daily of half pill every day).  She said everyone takes the same dose.....not sure I understand why.  Waiting for a follow up call from her today. 

In the meantime, went to a Yoga class last night.  Like Debbie, I highly recommend it....never felt such peace and relaxation.  Didn't want to leave.  Am going to try and ramp up the yoga classes (at least 2 per week) and the fitness sessions and be out with friends and neighbors and people who are living and make me laugh.  Apparently this is all a part of it and we will have to continue to fight.....but I think we are all pretty good at.

The depression comes from the loss (of good health, invincibility, body parts, etc etc).  And that loss calls for grieving and the grieving process is a process.  (Just what we needed another process; guess there just are no quick fixes for anything!)  The process will find us in denial, angry, sad, and finally we will come to accept the losses and learn to live in spite of them.  Team January --- we need to more than survive---we need to thrive!  Fighting as hard as I can.  If I learn of any magic pills or answers, I will pass them on, but I think they are the things I learned in the clinical study:  find peace and relaxation in whatever makes you happy, exercise, eat well, fill your days with activities that bring you pleasure and satisfaction.

Finally, Lola, there is nothing wrong with you.  There is nothing wrong with any of us.  We have been dealt a lot and we are just going through the process (expect some anger, some tears, and some depression)..We will prevail!

faithandfifty

Marianne. I think that is the start to your book that you need to write.

I am calmed just reading of the 'process' by which you have reached some measure of acceptance.

Long may we thrive!!!

xx00xx00xx00xx

I forgot one of my favorite bumper stickers:

"When all else fails, lower your standards."

burley

Lola-I love your sense of humor!  Reminds me of my own.

Oh, so...I'm guessing my white blood cell counts are low because I have a terrible infection on my lower lip.  Looks like my husband popped me one, or I got botox just in the one lip.  Scabs that ooze if I put any pressure on them.  I woke up with them yesterday.  The day before that, my lips were so chapped that they were cracked and bleeding-so it was prime ground for an infection.  Not sure there's much the Onc can do, so I haven't called them.  Trying to keep them moist.  Drinking lots of water, out of a straw of course.  Eating is not much fun.  This is really crazy!

On a GREAT note-I got hooked up with an organization called the Breast Cancer Society here in AZ.  They offer grants to people going through active treatment, and get this, a warehouse where you can shop for FREE!  I went there yesterday and got:  sheets, mattress pad, pillows, school supplies, 2 camisoles, flip flops for my daughter, 2 games for my daughter, tablecloth, 2 cases of bottled water, lotions...other little stuff.  All the stuff is donated by stores-maybe their overstock they can't get rid of?  Most of it is brand name stuff.  I couldn't believe it.  They had other stuff I didn't need like coffee makers, humidifiers, curtains, shower curtains, bath stuff, lots of kitchen stuff...it was crazy.  I can go shopping there once a month if I want, and take as much stuff as I want.  Just one of those blessings out of the blue!  A friend happened to run into an old friend who works for them, and told her about me.  Unbelievable!

Comes at a good time...since we just found out we owe $90k in back business taxes to the IRS.  Looks like the inheritance check I got for $90k is going directly to them.  Can you believe I got that money?  What a blessing.  We were counting on the money to pay off bills, cars, but oh well...have to get the IRS off our backs before they file a lien or levy our bank accounts.  Sigh

grdnslve

kim---call your onc!!!  you need to be on antibiotic!!! if your white count is that bad you could get worse than just the lip thingy.  did you get neulasta??  remember, if you did, it didn't work for me one cycle & i ended up in hospital.  take care of yourself!!!  and what a trade off with the check/irs!!  blessings abound.  but did you call taxmasters??  maybe they can get you a deal.

and thanks guys--good to know i'm not nuts.  great post marianne.

TNgolfer

Update....Onc's nurse called me back and said Onc wants me to stay on the Arimidex.  He thinks this is a "transitional" depression aided by the hormonal change caused by the Arimidex.  He does not think it will last, but also says he doesn't want me to live this way either.  He is phoning in an Rx for Lexipro, not for me to take forever, but maybe just to help through this phase.  His nurse was wonderful, she recounted a personal story of how she had been through a very stressful time several months ago and when she saw her doctor for something, the doc asked if she was under any stress.  She replied no!  After she left the appointment, she couldn't believe she said "no".  She said sometimes we're in the water and then it gets hot and before we know it we are in boiling water, but we're just used to hot water and don't even notice it.  She asked how I was feeling today and I told her about the yoga class.  She, too, reassured me that this is probably a temporary thing and if I need the Lexipro it is there.  Just talking to her made me feel a little better....she also told me to call anytime.  I told her about "Team January" and how I went to my cyber sisters for help.  She couldn't believe we actually had a group that all had Mx's in Jan!!!  She also said sometimes just saying out loud that we are depressed is the start of the process.  I'll pick up the Rx, but will try to do all those things that I mentioned before.  I believe it will get better.

Too long, we have been telling people we are fine.  We're just doing fine.  Well, I'm wasn't fine 5 days ago and I wasn't fine day before yesterday, but I am going to be just fine! 

Debbie, I'll think about writing that book, only because it might help some others and only if I can talk about this fabulous "Team January"  (probably have to change the names, though)!

Kim -- I agree with previous post; call the Onc get an antibiotic!

frosty1

Wow.  I am so glad we have each other.  Just reading all your stories made me realize the 'front' I've been putting on for so long.  People just expect you to be okay ... and I've made it easy by not showing how sick I feel or down I am.  They say you are so strong or you are an inspiration.  I'm just living, man, just living.  I certainly don't feel inspiring.  And I hate not having hair!  Don't mind not shaving the legs, though.  Lola -- you are only as nuts as the rest of us!  And for those of us here in the Puget Sound area, the damn weather isn't helping ...

Lynbob

Mornin' January Glories

I am so glad see everyone posting. I am sorry I have not been posting much. Maria, please know we are thinking about you and when you are ready we are here {hugs}

I have so many things floating in my head today, hope I can get them out and have them make sense. First of all, no matter what your date was in January, we are all officially 6 months out! Woo hoo! Six months out from that initial frightening, decision making time when this topic first started. {{hugs}} all around.

So many of us have struggled with a multitude of treatments, side effects, depression and family situations that I find it hard to express my own fears and depression because I don't want to bring anyone down. Brenda, I hear you about trying to keep up a front. I have had friends off-handedly say "oh well you are fine now, no big deal". It still feels like a big deal to me. I still have scars. I still don't have breasts and nipples. My energy is coming back but nowhere what it was. Struggling every day with the lymphedema. I am still facing more surgery. I am still wondering what if the cancer comes back.   I try to look ahead and take each day as it comes. But I have to say I have had tough moments, even here reading through posts. Everyone's situation is so different but sometimes I feel a little left out.

For instance, I miss having a husband. That said I know that sometimes having a husband isn't always that great *wink* . But when faced with an illness, having to make tough decisions, maintaining a household, keeping the kiddos on track and just getting up in the morning it would be nice to have another adult to share the burden with. And there is also intimacy. I cried with those of you who posted about your husbands or partners seeing your scars for the first time. I was so touched by the husbands who kissed your scars and loved you more. I miss that warm touch and companionship. Its bad enough being older, divorced, with kids and thinking about a future relationship now I get to throw in no boobs, lol. Oy.

Please know that I am so happy for everyone who has someone. I don't mean for this to sound jealous and petty. My heart is truly there with you all. I just miss 'it'. My ex husband was at the hospital in January. He seemed genuinely worried about me. Even brought me roses the day after and hugged and kissed me.  For that moment in time as he held me, I felt his stubble cheek against mine and the warmth of his body, I felt whole. Then he walked out the door again.

Now I find myself back at work, trying to keep it together for my kids who don't understand why we can't go on vacation or even a few days out of town. Sorry kids, I have no money for extra, no time left that I can take off from work. I am not physically able to work overtime or released from my doctor to do so. So no chance of making extra for even a short trip. I can't get the day off for the local Komen Walk.  I can't even miss a day if I am sick or I have to pay my COBRA insurance. And I look so different, so much older. My hair is so short and white! When did this happen? My nephew got married and no one in the family recognised me. I was so embarrassed. Of course they had assumed I was fine and I haven't seen any of them since my first surgery in January (remember no big deal, I am fine now).  My breasts are mishapen and different sizes, my face so bloated. Some days I don't want to leave the house.

This is where I begin to sound whiny and just need to shup up, lol!  I am assuming all these things are part of the journey and I just need to hang on. But some days are golden and some days just suck.

But (and its a big butt getting bigger every day but thats another whiny post)  it was a beautiful summer morning when I left for work. My kids and I chatted and laughed all the way to summer school where I dropped them off to a chorus of I love you's.  The one thing I know for sure through all of this is to never ever miss the chance to tell someone how important they are to you and how you feel about them.

 Love you girlies   Thank you for being here for me {hugs}

neversurrender

This is my little chef.   We had to take a dessert to a party the other day.  DD used one of her recipes from class and made these cake ball things.  Everyone at the party loved them and kept telling me how great they were.  I told them she made them, but I don't think they believed me

"

Lynbob

She is absolutely adorable Sally !

neversurrender

{{{Lyn}}} Thanks.  I am sorry you are having a tough time right now.   It seems we are all struggling in different ways, but thankfully we have each other for support.

I am heading off to visit my family in WV today.  We have a retirement party to go to tonight for one of the cousins.  This will be the first time I have seen any of my extended family since my surgery.   This is a casual event, so no dressing up required.  I have picked mulitple outfits and keep changing my mind.  I know I am going to be getting a lot of looks to the chest, so it is making me nervous on what to wear.  I feel like a kid in high school again fretting over what to wear to school.  Sometimes I am such a dope  

Never Surrender !

grdnslve

lyn--my heart aches for you in your loneliness.  i am lucky enough to have a wonderful dh who has been so supportive, does everything (almost) around the house.  but he won't 'look' at me, or reach for me, or touch me.  so in a way, here i am in this protected cocoon, so very lonely myself.  it doesn't help that i feel so ugly now.

frosty--my dh says summer will start for us sometime in august--that will be nice.

Lynbob

Oh Lola, you made me cry {{{hugs}}}  I supposed there is an inherent loneliness in this journey that affects us all.

ReginaR

Happy July 4th To all My Jan sisters, hope you all have safe & Blessed weekend!

I am so sorry I haven't posted, but I do check in Regularly & read & Pray & Cheer & Cry with all of you!I  What a great bunch we are, we still need a retreat for" Team Jan"  

Does anyone have sternum bone pain after mastectomy? Mine may be due to the infection , Cause I am still having Sternum Bone pain from last surgery in March I am Still having problems with some abnormal labs. Was at Oncologist last week. I go back July 22nd to oncologist for repeat labs, to see if my calcium , Vit D & low Iron is improved! I am still dealing with this rt ugly breast because I lost mt TE due to the infection & lost reconstructionin in march, I waited 2 month to get an appt with a new Plastic surgeon ( This is the one my Oncologist recommend & She was actuaclly my 1st choice back in Jan, but could get in soon enough) the day before my appt last week the office called & said that she was Moving out of the country in Sept & wanted let me know it was not fair to me because she wouldn't be able to get all the reconstruction done before she left.In Sept.! .So now I am Back to the starting gate ugh! Also  not much energy after working full time again! It so frustrating not be able to do what I use to. But I need to be Patient. Thanks for your Support .  Thanks again. Have a great Weekend & Happy 4th!  ( I got to work all weekend & Mon., I will be off tues & wed ( weekend in the middle of the week~LOL ,}  So have some fun for me!{

{hugs}}} Gina

bcincolorado

My dear January sisters,

Becky and Lola my heart is with you both and you have my prayers.

The conversation about depression is most interesting to hear how everyone is feeling since I too have been "fine" to the outside world.  But then I cry in the shower when I see my mutilated self.  I cry about not ever being the same.  I get upset and resent my mother telling everyone I'm "superwoman" when I don't want to be and don't feel like it.

But I also know I have to keep going since I have no choice.  Life is waiting.  Work.  Kids.  Bills to be paid.  So we keep going.....like superwomen. 

For everyone I hope you have a nice and pain free and relaxing and safe holiday weekend.

Paula

KatRNagain92

Paula, Loving your new avitar!  You're a beauty!:)

Sally, My daughter went to the premier of Eclipse at Midnight too...I laid in bed waiting for her to come home and like clock work, the door opened at 3.  sigh.  fly away little bird fly away...
I think we do have to have Cathy change our topic to Team January...Cathy, I hope you're ok, fighting your abdominal incision infection.  I hope you're doing better! 

Sweet Laura, where are you?  How was the world cup?

Becky, glad the nipples are on the mend.  I've got some old bras ready to go for the new Jane Russell look I'll be sporting with the pointy cone nipple shields.  I'm really anxious to get my nipples on and get back in our bed.  I'm still (6mo out) in 'my room' because according to DH 'they're not finished yet'  Honey, I hate to say this, but I don't think they're ever going to be like they were.  When will finished be? 

But maybe it's me...maybe I'm not so anxious to get back in the bed.  I'm actually anxious to get this last surgery and then have my follow up Onc and BS appts... and then up and fly the coop!  Seriously!  We have a furnished home in AZ and my new top secret plan is to run away from home. (Hi Neighbor Kim!)  Maybe temporarily, maybe permanent.  I just don't know.  My oldest is 17 and is going to be a senior. This area is so full of crime and violence anymore, I just want to go where it's safe and cancer free.  I can find a less stressful job.  So, we'll see where the next part of this journey takes me.  The true beauty is I get to take Team January with me!

Hey Marianne, I golfed last week for the very first time since last summer and did great!  If it hadn't been a scramble I was hitting well enough to shoot a 45 for 9 holes so I was pretty happy about that.  Just like riding a bike.  The secret to good golf is don't golf!  lol

Lyn, hang in there darling!  Lola you too...we're all going to be ok. 

Happy 4th to everyone this weekend!
xoxo
Kat

KatRNagain92

Ooops, sorry bc...I didn't realize your name was Paula too...or should I say Paula 2

lol

burley

Lyn-sorry to hear about your lonliness.  Like you said, it's not always great having a DH, but it is nice to have another adult around.  I am lonely for my DH because he leaves before I get up in the morning, and comes home when I'm in bed.  I wait up for him, but I only see him for about 1/2 hour before he falls asleep.  He works in the shop in our backyard both weekend days, so I only see him when he comes in to use the bathroom.  It sucks.  So, like you, I don't have another adult to help around the house, and I do everything with my kiddos by myself.  Know that I'm with you in lonliness!  Hope that helps : )

Lola and girls:  called the Onc, and NO!  They didn't prescribe me antibiotic for my lip, only some cream that's for cold sores.  What the hell?!  It has now spread to the inside of my upper lip and possibliy my upper gum.  It hurts like crazy, and now looks like I had a bad Botox job in both lips.  Ughhhhh.  If it keeps spreading, I'll call the doctor on call this weekend.  Otherwise, if it's not better, I'll call my Onc first thing on Monday.  I guess it could be cold sores, but I've never had one so I don't know.  They crack and ooze when I eat or open my mouth wide, so I'm taking little bites and using a straw.  C'mon, give the bald lady a break!  LOL

Kat-I think you said Cave Creek one time, and I'm in Queen Creek...so we're like at least an hour apart!  Can you believe how spread out the Valley is?  Don't be crazy and come anytime soon-it's crazy hot.  Like 108-112 all week.  Makes July 4th celebrations really miserable,

I'm glad all of us seem to be going through the same things/feelings-makes me feel better, and that I'm not crazy!

I hope everyone has a great and SAFE weekend-take care!

KatRNagain92

Kim, you can call your Onc on the weekend...they should have given you something for that yesterday.  Have you ever heard of Nystatin swish and spit?  That works pretty well.  If they are cold/canker sores they can prescribe an antiviral like famvir....if they're more like ulcerations related to side effects than an antibiotic could be in order.  You should'nt have to go another day.  They take call too!  

And yes, I'm in Cave Creek!  It appears it's just a straight shot N/S (as a crow flies though...no telling how many mountains you need to go around:)

Kat

TNgolfer

Lyn,I totally understand your feelings.  My DH is now 5 states away and being alone through this depression probably isn't the best scenario.  I also remember being a single parent many years ago, but I do know in both cases, it was my friends that got me through a lot.  Even though a best girl-friend can't be a susbstitute for a husband, they sure can be a lot more understanding.

Kat, I mirror the feeling of running away.  I went to a yoga class and I felt more peace there in an hour and half than every before.....I'm not sure running back to Syracuse and the DH is the answer and I'm not sure staying here alone for the rest of the summer is the answer either.  But I do know going back and forth doesn't work either.  I just need to get on with life (whatever that is).  It is really hard to "go with the flow".  We have all had enough time in our lives that is out of our control!

Spoke with the Onc's nurse again.  It seems when they called in the prescription for the Lexapro the insurance won't cover it and they are suggesting a generic, so the doc came up with something else.....it doesn't matter because I have decided I am NOT taking an antidepressant.  I think there is a lot going on and I have noticed that the more active I am, the less depressed I am....so I am going to try and deal with this without med's. 

Peace to all!

Marianne

burley

I'm just here to whine today. I woke up with a sinus infection, and swollen painful glands just on the side that my lip infection. And the sores are much worse today. They prescribed Zovirax for my lips, which is for cold sores. But they look different than any cold sore I've ever seen. They're just inside both lips, orange and scabby. I am truly miserable. Obviously my immune system is so compromised by the chemo, that I'm having a really hard time fighting anything off.



I called the oncologist on call this morning, and he called in an antibiotic. I'm just waiting for my hubby to pick it up. The doc didn't say anything other than he would call it in for me. I should have asked him if the cream should have worked by now.



I did do some reading on cold sores, and the first outbreak is supposed to be the worst. And they can last up to 2 weeks. That's just crazy. I can hardly eat-last night was mac n cheese because I could slurp the noodles in the one side of my mouth. And I know I'm not drinking enough.



Ladies! Aaaaaah! Thanks for listening...

binga

Lyn, So sorry you are feeling down.  It must be so difficult to do this alone and also put up a brave front for the kids.  I really hope you have some good friends you can spend some time with.  I too wish people would quit saying that we are so brave and so tough.  I want to say no not really we just don't have a choice.  It is not as if we chose this path to show our endurance and courage.  This is just the hand we have been dealt and we do the best we can day by day.  

Kat, Have you scheduled your nip surgery yet?  I am really surprised at how fast they have shrunk, but pleased too.  I hope they don't disappear altogether though.  I really think if I didn't have the scars still you wouldn't be able to tell they weren't just natural.  

I had posted about my grandmother and the dr confirmed yesterday that she does have a type of leukemia- AML- which is very aggressive.  They immediately put her on hospice.  I don't think this has sunk in for me yet.  I called her yesterday and she cried a little.  Mainly because she is sad about how we will feel when she is gone.  I am going to go to her house in a little while.  I plan on making the best out of what time we have left together.  She has been so important to me my whole life.  She called me everyday while I was out of work with bc and has been so good to me.  I hope she doesn't go soon but at least the dr said she wouldn't suffer.  She will just get more and more tired until she passes.  

Hope everyone has a safe and Happy 4th of July!

Becky 

KatRNagain92

Happy 4th everyone! 

Becky, I'm sorry about your sweet grandmother....maybe you've been through this part of the journey so that the two of you will have an even stronger bond; holding hands and moving forward...knowing. 

My nips (and fat grafting for the ripples/divots) are scheduled for next Monday, July 12th.  I'm not looking forward to it at all but I also realize it's part of the process and the sooner I get this done, the soorner I can put it all behind me.  I so happy for your results Becky!  I'm sure you're correct when you say you can't even tell...just wait until you get your aerolas on!   I'm glad to hear you've shrunk up a lot.  I'm supposed to 'remind' him that morning that I want the kind of nipples that shrink up to nothing...so he wont start out with them to long!   I just purchased some nipple shields at the store...they were on sale. 20 bucks!   (j/k...6.99)  

Kim, hope your mouth is doing better today.  I'm glad you called the Onc on call and I hope your new scripts are working for you. 

Marianne, Just say no to Lexapro!  That can be our new motto!

Have a great day eveyone
Kat

grdnslve

becky--so sorry about your g'mother.  this would be a footprints in the sand moment for sure.

 kat--i'm so fricking jealous--you are getting nips & i'm scared i have an infection in the radiation burn and won't have any skin left for any reconstruction.  starting to panic.  keep slathering the cream on they gave me, but it is itching & hurting like mad.....just want to scream!!!!!!!

our weather here is typical grey, overcast, misting, cold-everyone-needs-to-be-on-lexapro nw washington weather...take the dog out to pee & by the time i  finally get back in the house, all i want to do is curl up in bed with the electric blanket on high.  helloooooo---it is suppose to be summer!!!!!!!!!

faithandfifty

How about we all share 3 upbeat things from our weekends?

I'll start.

1. Today I rode 20.2 miles on my bike. Safely.

2. We went to the 120th parade in a little village across the penninsula.

3. We had home-made strawberry shortcake with blueberries.

faithandfifty

Flags and daisies.

These are a few of my favorite things:

sunsnow

Here are my 3 upbeat things from today:

1. Flew across the country with my oldest to tour colleges.

2. Watched fireworks over the Hudson River

3. Ate a GREAT NY pizza with my daughter while we debated the merits of the US participation in WWI. She is so much smarter than I am and I love her so much. I'm going to revel in every second of her last year at home with us.

Not so great thing:  It's bleeping hot and sticky here!!! Now I remember why I moved away 22 years ago.

Happy 4th and happy every day to all!

Maura 

robinlbe

Oh goodnes...I was off for a few days, and you all have been busy beavers, bees, or whatever......so much....mouth sores, g'ma's diagnosis, depression (but, really- Lexapro is OKAY, I've been on it for 7 years, and it keeps me from crying all the time.  That and Wellbutrin, both, keep me stable.  Guess I have some sort of chemical imbalance), lonliness, bike riding, cooking, travelling......wow!

Just know, you ALL continue to be in my thoughts and prayers...and even though I can't keep straight who is doing what, or needs what, God knows....and that's what's important!

On a happy note, Milo and I celebrate 27 years of marriage July 2nd   yippee!!  And honestly, every since that BC survivor's retreat, I have not had a single down thought about my "new" body.  It's been amazing!  I'm not sure what did it, but I am really OK with it now.  That retreat was the turning point for me.  Guess God worked it out for me to go there.

My gyn. was talking a hysterectomy when I got the news of the abnormal 2nd mammogram, so I put off talking about that until after we found out the results of that.  And we know where THAT took me.....had an ablation nearly three years ago, and the lining of the uterus is growing back and the cramping is getting worse.  I also get headaches that last for a couple of days, and even with taking my presciption headached medicine (I've had TEN in the last 36 hours!!!), I still cant' get rid of it.  It's definitely hormonal.  ugh.  Hate to have another surgery....but this is the calendar year to have it done, since I've met my deductible......sigh.  (I feel like a walking "falling-apart-getting-old person, esp. with a sprained ankle and very likely cracked ribs, too!!!)

argh.....

Happy birthday tomorrow (July 5th) to our own Gina!!!!
love, prayers and blessings to EACH of you........robin

robinlbe

Three great things...

1) 27th anniversary

2) Youngest son turns 13 on Tuesday, and he and his dad are on a cruise together to celebrate.  Using frequent flyer miles, they flew to NYC...saw the Statue of Liberty on their flight     Sailed out of NYC and again saw the Lady....will be in St. Johns, New Brunswick tomorrow, and Halifax, Nova Scotia on Tuesday.  Samuel (son) left us notes on our pillows before he left, and we found them before bedtime last night.

3) Great service at church today.....pastor talked about how Freedom isn't Free, and there's always a sacrifice.  Related it to our freedom in the Lord and our freedom as a country.  But it made me think of how I blogged about my freedom from cancer, and the price I paid to have that freedom....and the price YOU have paid for that freedom.  All of us have paid different prices....some of us have lost our breasts, some have lost hair, we've all lost money, we've all lost some of our self-esteem (temporarily!!!!!!), some of us have lost many other things.....but it's all to gain our freedom from that disease.

blessings....robin

neversurrender

1. Visited with my family in WV

2. DH and I went out to dinner (alone !!) and watched a movie.

3. DDs and I went to a Columbus Crew MLS soccer game, and they were the ball girls.

Those are my great times from the weekend.

burley

My 3 great things...

1.  My son came home from 4 weeks at camp-yeaaaaa!  Oh my, how happy I was to see him.  Poor 15 year old got hugged over and over...probably would have gotten a kiss if my lips weren't messed up.

2.  My lips are starting to heal-another yea!  One in the middle of my lower lip is completely healed, and the ones inside my upper and lower lips are on the mend.

3.  I got to see my husband more than usual this weekend-so nice to actually spend some time with him, even if it is in front of the TV.  I got to actually go to bed with him at the same time on both  Saturday and Sunday nights, which is a rare thing.

Sinus infection has cleared up (thank God for the Oncologist on call calling me in a strong antibiotic)--glands are still a little painful, but that's about it.  I am going to finish out the antibiotic, though...just to prevent anything else from popping up.

I hope everyone had a terrific 4th!