In shock

magdalene51

Had my BMX last Monday, so this is my 7th day. Getting used to looking down and seeing nothing. But it's all good. My son got to come for a couple of days visit beforehand, it was so good to see him and he gave me such a long tight hug before he left, it was as if he wanted to give me all his health and energy in that hug. 

DH took me shopping for a recliner to recuperate in and we ended up replacing all the den furniture (it was in pretty rough shape) with a pit group that has two electric recliners on one end and a chaise on the other. It has been the best choice, for this room and for all of us. He has slept out here with me all but one night. Last night we celebrated the 27th anniversary of the day we met, DH grilled us a ribeye, my cousin (who lives with us) fixed corn on the cob and potato salad. Then we settled in the pit group and watched Despicable Me 2. Good times. 

I know I haven't posted for a while, but I added this thread to my favorites and visit daily. A reminder that life goes on, the joys, sorrows, trials, travels, challenges. And lurking somewhere in each life, this enemy we fight, and we all add our voices to drown it out. The nature of the support we all give each other, and for which I am thankful.

Morwenna

Despicable Me 2!!!

I was just reading your post Magdalene, and I remembered my brother telling me that he and his missus watch DM2 and drink wine any time they've had a hard day, so I looked up and said to dh, "can we download DM2 or something, and he replied, "I just did!" How weird.was that?!

Anyway, watching it now, and kids are round for tea as it is eldest ds's 28th birthday!

magdalene51

Oh, Morwenna, tea looks scrumptious! I am a fool for all things pastry. Having a very tender mouth right now – thrush maybe?

wirdgirl118

Hello to all my sisters n BCO, I'm catching up on your news, and am so grateful to have the support and the company!

nihahi

I am just popping in to wish all you Yanks a wonderful Memorial Day, filled with fun and family, and heartfelt respect for the members of the military whose sacrifice "created" this day. My dad was a WWII vet....and my small hometown always had very moving ceremonies on Memorial Day. I grew up with the family tradition of planting flowers on the family graves for Memorial Day, and Dad always made sure we spent some quiet time at the Soldier's Circle in the cemetery. He made sure we understood at an early age, what it's significance was to our lives.

liefie

Came home yesterday afternoon after my 12-day trip to SA. Really tired and jetlagged, but wonderful to be home. Got a nasty cold down there from family members who were sick, so not going anywhere today.  May take the dog for a walk later just to get some fresh air.

Magdalene, I enjoyed your post. You sound positive and upbeat - way to go.

Morwenna, that tea looks soooo good - I can feel the pounds packing on just looking at it. Lol.

Have a good day everybody!

Morwenna

What can you mean Liefie? There was CUCUMBER involved, so it must be healthy, no? ;p

adagio

liefie - isn't coming home such a wonderful feeling. Hope you recover from jet lag soon and that your cold gets better completely. Welcome back.

magdalene51

I got my drains out today, and got the path report which is now reflected in my signature line. 5.8cm, 4/8 nodes positive.

It was odd to get a housecall from a doc, but he and his wife have been our friends for more than 15 years, and he assisted with my surgery. His wife was the first one I told, before my husband even, and she went with me to tests. When she saw the ultrasound, she was pretty sure and really prepared me for what was coming. And she was the one who called me with the biopsy results. We went through all of this with a mutual friend years ago, and I always knew who I would turn to if the time ever came for me. So blessed to have them.

And, he says everything is looking good.

websister

Magdalene - so glad that you have such wonderful support - isn't it a big relief to be rid of those drains?!

Liefie - hope the cold doesn't stick around and you are up and out and about very quickly. 

Morwenna - if cucumber is involved I'm sure  it balances out any of the other calories The spread sure did look good!

Nihahi - enjoyed your photos

Edi - smiling at imagining you owning your mentorship role with Headstrong

I saw my PS at long last today. We talked for a bit. I have the area on the left breast that they are watching, next mammogram June 9th. He says I don't have enough abdominal fat for two breasts but is advising left mastectomy with immediate implant and flap reconstruction of the right breast (which I believe is the DIEP). I was thinking he would tell me my surgery wouldn't be for a year or year and a half but he tells me that it will be in four to six months unless I need the mastectomy sooner. He has asked me to make an appointment with my breast surgeon to advise and then they would work together on the date. Wow! Feeling like you, Morwenna - gulp! Am I ready for this? 

Hi to everyone else, busy work week, hit the fatigue wall yesterday by noon. It was so nice not to feel the fatigue when I was on vacation, thought maybe I had mastered it but it found me again. 

Take care everyone 

nihahi

wowzer, websister.....that is an incredibly short time frame!!! That's wonderful news....(I know, also a bit daunting, but then....how long do you want to wait to reach the "finish line"???).

hmmm.....no fatigue on vaca.......hit the wall with return to work.....a message there perhaps???????????

I got an email from benny yesterday.....she sounds pretty good!!! Organizing another Calgary meetup seems a bit like herding cats, but I'm sure we'll find a common time and place soon.

edi...you must have ridden over your laptop.....where'd you go????

I found some calypso orchids yesterday while hiking.....

Morwenna

pretty flowers! Where were you hiking Nihahi? 

momof2doxies

Good Morning Ladies,

I finally made it to Oregon…But…I have no roof, no gutters, and a porch that is still being built. Also the entire outside of the cottage still needs to be painted. Seems that the recent rains have slowed the progress on the roof. Glad to be here, but disappointed that I will have to delay my big plans for a Keiko Cottage celebration with my BCO friends. Unless you  do not mind men walking over your head and hammering beginning at 8 am. 

My shoulder has a tear in the muscle and it is giving me "fits"…I hope I have enough pain pills to get me through August.

Edi…I met the nicest lady yesterday from England…I bought an English Oak gate leg  table for our kitchen. She had it for years in England, but no longer had a place for it. I reassured her that I would give it a good home.

Gosh, websister…things are moving fast. Wish I could donate some abdominal fat

Liefie…Glad you had a safe trip home. Give yourself some TLC and rest. The jet lag can be miserable for a few days.

Movie…I do hope you are doing better with the situation with your beloved mom.

It is cloudy on the Oregon Coast. Need to get DH to hang the last set of drapes, and pick up dog toys! Oskar and Heidi are having a great time.

Tak care…hugs,

Jenifer

nihahi

morwenna.....Johnson Lake trail...off the Minnewanka Road. 

momoftwo.....wowzer!!!! NO ROOF????? You would think your work crew would have let you know about that! I wouldn't worry about having men on the roof turning off any of the "In Shock" gang....edi spent quite a lot of time last year with a worker we affectionately named "wrinkly butt"!!!! Do you have a torn rotator cuff??? Fixable, but a real "pain", in all sense of the word. Enjoy Oregon!!!!! Every single minute of your time there.

momof2doxies

Below are pictures of my drapes and bedding that I made for Keiko Cottage. ATM I only have picture of the master bedroom. 

DH side of the bed, in Master Bedroom.

This was a skinny window that looks out to a gravel parking space. No view lost, just needed to block the early morning sun.

Another skinny window…if it were lower, you could see the ocean. As it is I have to stand up on the bed to look out…so the drapes again, block the morning and afternoon sun.

Finally, my side of the bed and a little window that is about 3 ft. from the gravel road. No view lost!

Nihahi…I had 3 doctors of Physical Therapy test my resistance and ROM at the wedding rehearsal. It does not appear to be the rotator cuff but more likely a tear in the trapezius. I have gotten most of my boxes unpacked, the junk is almost all donated, and the curtains are hung. I think in 2 weeks I can get the bedrooms painted and the beds back in place. So all is not lost….mid June through 1st week in August I can accept guests. I have 2 spare bedrooms with queen beds and a spare bath. 

Anyone that wants to come, just PM me and we will make plans . Benny you too!

Mags… keep us posted on the chemo plan. Ask any questions…I had so many! Remember, it does not last forever. Usually I had some side effects the first week but was able to live "normal" for the next 2 weeks. I had 4 treatments three weeks apart. Mine went through both Thanksgiving and Christmas, I shopped a lot online 

Have a great Saturday night…love to all.

Jenifer

liefie

Oh wow, Jenifer! That bedroom looks amazing, calm, peaceful, inviting - what a lot of work you put in! If that is any indication, that cottage will be spectacular when it's done. Doubt if I will get to Yachats this year. My sister and her family are coming to visit us over summer, so I have lots to do to get my house in order, literally, and do some cooking/freezing ahead of time. My kids will all be home too for some of the time. For about a week we will be 12 people, and with little Em there as well . . . looking forward.

Nihahi, beautiful photos as always! Yep, I will have to start walking and exercising again. Can feel how I'm slipping, and how out of breath I get from climbing a few stairs these days. Have a gym appointment tomorrow, and get back into it.

We were in Las Vegas for a conference this weekend. I was not in the mood for this very hot, very busy place at all, but it was booked and paid months ago, so no getting out of it. So grateful to be going home in a few hours. Did see two shows though that I enjoyed: O (Cirque du Soleil) and Mamma Mia, both very enjoyable. If there is a next time, I will convince DH to stay in a hotel with NO casino. Too much noise, too many people, and we do not gamble at all. Sorry guys, I know, I know, wet blanket etc. etc. The timing was just wrong so shortly after my mom's passing, and my coming back from S.A. just last Monday. What I need is peace and quiet, to be by myself, take walks, take time to recover, and grieve for my mother. Fortunately no more travels anytime soon. 

Edi, Movie, Morwenna, Websister, Adagio, Magdalene and everybody else, you have yourselves a good Sunday and a good week!

nihahi

hugs, liefie......I totally get what you are needing. There is no "wet blanket" issue at all....you are healing from your mom's passing. You are a gentle and sensitive soul. You need quiet, space, and time with your thoughts and emotions. Others may be fine in the bling and chaos of vegas.....but it was not a good fit for you. I bet it feels like the world is spinning at a different speed than you are, and you just can't find the right balance. I hope now that you are back on your beautiful island, you can start to heal.

edi....seriously, now.....what is going on?????? Every time you disappear, when you come back it turns out you've been in an emotional pothole....we're here for you, regardless of what is going on. I'm wondering if things have gone downhill for shedman???? I'm hoping, that things are ok with you. Sending you hugs.....((((((((((X)))))))))))

Jennie93

Yes!  I second that!  Edi, please check in!

Everyone else - have a good Monday, as much as possible, LOL. 

scouser47

Hi ,

Read every day but not felt up to posting hit a low again, when the f does it end ? Try to be happy and jolly then splat. Nihahi you know me too well.Your amazing pics cheer me up 😀 adore the calypso orchids my favourite colour flower. Shedman is dreadful, so sad he now can swallow virtually nothing and is really frail. He is receiving palliative care but we know he ignores the advice they give and think they have lost patience with him.Even after almost three years with no stomach he insists on eating as he always did with dire consequences. His wife must be demented .Can't believe that this time last year he was helping g re roof the shed.

Morwenna, if you do get to sunshine meadow please send a picture.Birthday tea looked gorgeous,sod the cucumber 😄 I will have the rest please.

Liefie,glad you back home ,hope the cold has gone. Just try and get some peace despite cooking and freezing for the family visit. Little Em will be so different and you will all have such fun .

Adagio, feel for you with the frozen shoulder OUCH 😧 I had one and it took almost a year to heal, hope yours is quicker.

Mags, glad you are drain free now, you are doing so well.😁

Wirdgirl118,(hugs)

Websister,super news about your surgery but a bit scary for you.Fatigue sister here 😪 just as you pick up it kicks you back into touch.

Had a bit of a hectic weekend but today catching up with laundry, cleaning etc.😞 

Six month checkup next Monday ( terrified.com ) Then start headstrong next day YAY 😀

Love to all.

scouser47

my latest creation, making shoes out of fondant not funny. First pair ended up so big she could have worn them for her christening .

Momof, realised that I had missed out about your drapes 😕 they are amazing, cottage like something out of a Movie.Hope roof sorted soon.

Morwenna

Edi, your cakes are brilliant!!

The last time I made a birthday cake for one of my boys it was Thunderbird Two! I though it was absolutely bloody fantastic, and it took me into the wee small hours to finish it. Next day birthday boy sees it for the first time, and is completely underwhelmed: That's nice mum ...... what is it? was his comment. *cry*

That was when I realised how kids feel when they proudly show parents their latest artwork from school. .... It was also when I decided not to bother cooking and creating, but to buy a shop cake instead!!

Now ..... if only I had been living near you!!

scouser47

Thanks Morwenna, sure your cake wasn't that bad. Because I do these my family usually get shop bought ones too 😀 .

When I made the above cake I was carrying bottom tier across kitchen after filling it when heard a clunk, part of the bottom fell off and Edi stood on it 😤. Had to get up early next morning to make another. Disasters happen to everyone 😉

liefie

Nihahi, you have hit the nail on the head as usual. Thanks for your kind words. Yes, the world is spinning way faster than me at the moment, and I need to come to grips with this new reality. Mom was sick for a long time, and we expected it, but it is never easy to lose one's parent. Today is a gorgeous summer day here, and I've been to the gym. It's a good start.

Edi, that cake looks beautiful, and the fondant shoes are too cute! I really admire you for being able to do this. Sorry you're feeling down again. At the moment I'm not too upbeat myself . . . we will get over it together, okay? Don't know what to say about Shedman, and feel sorry for his wife. Can't be easy.

Morwenna, your cake story made me laugh. I had a few similar experiences when my kids were little. My best effort was a Rapunzel cake for DD. We had to support the 'tower' with sticks from behind in order to take a photo of her and the cake - looked more like the leaning tower of Pisa than Rapunzel's tower - LOL.

Websister, good for getting some dates so early. You will be glad to get it over and done with, I promise. 

scouser47

sorry you are feeling low Liefie,you have lost your Mom so have a reason, I too feel a kind of grief ,can only describe it as suddenly realising that my old life is dead and gone and has been replaced with a new and different life.Not sure I want it, just long for the boring worry free one I had before.We will both come through I am sure, we must Skype when you feel up to it.((( hugs ))) xx

momof2doxies

Hello Dear Ladies,

Edi…You look Fabulous!!! I was frightened by my own reflection in a window yesterday. It has gotten to the point that people actually think I chose to have my hair styled this way! You are a master with fondant! When I get back from my "vacation" I am going to give the cake decorating another try. Just need to find people to eat it before I have a chance!

Liefie…you rest, my dear. I feel like I need a nap about 2 hours after waking up in the AM. I was hoping to escape some of the "drama" with my dysfunctional friends….but the drama has followed me via email and cell phone. I should take a long walk along that gorgeous ocean out my window! Hope you can relax and enjoy your family and little Em. Throw something in a crock pot each morning, and call that dinner!

Adagio…for some crazy reason joann.com shipped me 2 bolts of 54"by 25yds of white tulle to Oregon. I did not order it or pay for it…..Want some tulle?

Nihahi…Are you certain that you are not a professional photographer for National Geographic? Your scenic pictures are worth framing.

Well, I have 3 men banging in the roof and porch. I get a really loud BOOM…and fear that someone has fallen. They reassured me that a fall does not go BOOM on the roof…it will be in yard.

Websister, Mo, Movie, Mags, Jennie, Dakota…it is good to see all your postings. Let us all have a good, well deserved, summer

Love to all,

Jenifer

nihahi

edi....thank you so much for posting. I don't think you realize how special you are to us, and truly, I was getting concerned. 

OK ladies....some of you may think this sounds crazy....but I truly believe in "energy". Tomorrow morning, at 9:00AM, MDT, which would be 8:00AM for you west coast ladies, I think it will be 3PM for you, Edi, Jennie, I'm sorry, I've forgotten where you are.....the rest of you will have to figure out your time zones. Let us all try to be in a quiet place. Sit, and think of nothing but our connection to each other, with our palms open and facing out.....and receive the love and support and strength and understanding of each other. I'll be there....for each of you. If you're not there, I will still send you love and support.

In the meantime...sending hugs and love to all.

Jennie93

Setting my alarm right now!

One year ago on this date, I started going "topless" again. When my hair first started growing back it was straight (it was stick-straight before chemo) but as it grew it got more and more curly. It's looking crazy now! LOL! Edi, your hair looks fantastic. I haven't been able to bring myself to cut any of it off yet. Maybe I need to bite the bullet and just do it. 

momof2doxies

I will be sitting in front of the Pacific Ocean at 8 AM PST with my agates for my TN's…Edi, Adagio, Mo, Mags, and in memory of Carla.

scouser47

Nihahi 😀 3 pm I will be there. XX

adagio

nihahi - I will also be there! We all need each other to survive the ups and downs that come with cancer.

Momof2 - 2 bolts of tulle would sure come in handy - wish we lived closer, and I could drive over and take them off your hands! Your bedroom looks so relaxing and serene - looking at it just makes me want to lie down!

Liefie - I hear you about Vegas! Fortunately for us we were in a non- smoking, no casino hotel and it was very calm and peaceful and had a lovely poolside. Your grief is raw and grieving takes its time - allow yourself to cry and do whatever makes you feel better. I too am grieving the loss of my sister, but am so grateful that I had several long and meaningful conversations with her right up until a few days before her death. She was at peace and was ready to die - however her family weren't ready since she had 2 short months from diagnosis to death. Hugs to you during this difficult time.

Edi - your cakes just blow me away - if you were here, you would be hired immediately to make 2 wedding cakes for my two daughters. I just don't have the patience for all the icing and decorating, but I can certainly appreciate the work and detail that goes into each and every cake. Sorry to hear that you are feeling low - I think it comes with the package of cancer, and we all must resist the temptation to let ourselves go to the depths of despondency. (I speak for myself here). 

It is now 4:55am - so heading back to bed to catch a few hours before getting up to start the day by sitting with open hands and heart to connect with all of you ladies - it is also my birthday today - so guess there will be a little celebration! 

Hugs to everyone!!!