Bay Area (Northern California) Get Togethers

Butterflylady2012

While on the site tonight, I scanned the GET TOGETHER dection and did not really find any for the Bay Area in Northern California.  I live in the South Bay, in San Jose.  I would love to have a get together, maybe just getting together for lunch with ladies in the area.  Since my original diagnosis with BC last April, surgery and radiation, I never got together with other BC women.  I have come a long way since last year, but I do have an upcoming surgery next month. 

Any Bay Area ladies out there?  There is a place a friend told me about called AQUI Cal-Mex restaurant in Campbell.  They have many organic dishes and healthy options.  Let's do it! 

Butterflylady (Sharon)

exbrnxgrl

I'm in San Jose too and would love to be part of a get together. Aqui is great. There is one in Willow Glen too and their industrial strength margaritas are fabulous ( it's good to mix healthy with fun). I've eaten at both locations. Hopefully some more Bay Area women will see this and we can plan something .

Caryn

Butterflylady2012

Wow Caryn, I did not expect to get such a quick response.  My boyfriend and I just went to Aqui today, it was wonderful, you were right.  We will definitely be going back.  And I saw the margarita choices!  Hopefully a few other ladies will join in, but even if we only get one or two more we can have a small group.  I'll be checking back to see if others have posted.  Enjoy the rest of your weekend. 

Sharon

exbrnxgrl

Sharon,

Glad you went. Did you go to Campbell or Willow Glen?

I'm bumping this so we can, hopefully, get a few more responses. I know that there are some who are uncomfortable with those of us who are stage IV, but I promise I am not at all scary and live a very normal life! Bay Area ladies, where are you?

Caryn

Butterflylady2012

Hi Caryn, 

Thanks for bumping, good idea, so maybe more gals will see this.  Come on Bay Area ladies, Let's do this!  I think it will be good for all of us.  Yes we will all have different experiences with BC, but we can share, laugh, talk, whatever we want to and as you said, maybe have a margarita...mmmm. If we don't get more ladies, then Caryn, it will just be the two of us for a margarita at Aqui's! 

Angus Beef burrito at Aqui's was amazing.  I rarely eat meat now and knowing this was organic, with no hormones or antibiotics, made me feel good.  My boyfriend and I are going to make this a regular eating out spot now.  Do you know of other good eating spots, primarily organic? 

My vacation starts March 11lth and then surgery on th 20th.  Since I've been through it before I know what to expect and what I'll need afterwards. My mother is coming from Nevada to help out, which is very nice.  

Okay, Calling All Bay Area Ladies....let's have a get together that will be good for all of us!

Sharon 

exbrnxgrl

Bump! Come on Northern CA ladies!

exbrnxgrl

Bumping!

Butterflylady2012

Double Bumping! 

chelseasanfran

I'm surprised you haven't seen the 2 or 3 postings I've done to see about getting together with Northern CA/Bay area gals.  I had suggested in one posting the Claremont Hotel and Spa in Oakland as a possible place to eat, and maybe even get a pedicure or massage. I'm in San Francisco, but I would travel.  Not sure why this idea doesn't interest more people. Perhaps, some people have connected with individuals off the group discussion postings. Anyway, I would love to meet - better for me though not too far south.

Chelsea

fifthyear

I'm gamed. Aqui in Willow Glen is an excellent choice, but maybe too far south for Chelseasanfran? One thing tho, we should find a place that is not too loud and not too hard to find parking. Yes?

Butterflylady2012

Thanks ladies for checking in!  I'm hoping we can find something that works fore everyone, but I'm realizing it might be easier said then done.  Chelsea, I cant believe I missed the postings either, I scrolled several pages of postings and I'm sorry you haven't gotten more response to your posting.  To be honest though I'm probably only going to be able to keep it local (south bay), at least for the next month or two.  I'm having surgery on March 20th and I wont' be up for driving any distance and I have a lot of prep to do before then.  I've never driven to SF by myself and not quite comfortable with it.  Oakland, is a possibility.  

I agree fifthyear, not too noisy so we can all talk and so it's a comfortable environment for us all.  I have been to Aqui twice so far and love it, but do you think it's too noisy for us? I really like it because of the healthy eating options, meat and chicken choices without hormones and such.  I've been twice so far with my boyfriend and we both love it!  

Please give other ideas, suggestions.... 

-Sharon

fifthyear

If we don't come at peak time, Aqui at Willow Glen can be quite pleasant, good ambient. Sharon good luck with the upcoming surgery. If I can help with something, PM me. I live in SB.

exbrnxgrl

Sharon,

Good luck with the surgery. I am flexible and open to most anything, outside of school hours!

Caryn

Butterflylady2012

Okay ladies, here is an idea.  At least for the next two months, Aqui in Willow Glen sounds like the best spot.  Then after I recuperate and have my expansion sessions, we can chose other spots where for those out of the south bay.  I'd like to meet up before my surgery if possible for some relaxation and fun.  Fifthyear, thanks a bunch for the offer to help.  That is very sweet of you.  My mother is coming from out of state to help and I have family nearby. I should be fine. I would like to meet up during my recuperation maybe to walk for exercise, or go to lunch.  I'll send you a message.  I only have about 3 more weeks before surgery, but maybe Saturday, the March 9th.  What do you think? Could that work out with such short notice?  Hope we can make it work.

-Sharon 

chelseasanfran

Dear Ladies,

Unfortunately, Willow Glen is too far for me and March 9th I'm already busy. Do please let me know if Oakland or closer to SF seems possible.  Sharon, all my best wishes to you for a successful and uncomplicated surgery. 

Here's an update I've been posting on other discussion groups that may be of interest.

Beyond Mammography/Molecular Breast Imaging/FDA approved

Dear Everyone,

It's a technology we've been waiting for - especially those of us with dense breast tissue. Google Youtube and "TED talks DeborahRhodes 2010W Ideas worth spreading."  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqbM1ZrpTQg

It's now FDA approved and available at the Mayo Clinic(s), where it was developed (Deborah Rhodes deserves major credit). It's definitely superior to mammography and probably better than breast MRI, which may be as sensitive, but doesn't seem to be as specific.

It's not available in the SF Bay area where I live - and none of the top national experts I've consulted with have ever even heard of it.

Would love to hear from those who've had it or have been part of the studies using it. I am hoping to get my next 18 month q six month screening done with it, especially since my last screening at 1 year post-op required 13 mammograms - what I consider an excessive amount of radiation, but which was reportedly required because of the density of my breasts.

Please spread the word.

Chelsea

fifthyear

I can't make March 9, sorry Sharon. Food for thought, if we were to meet on Saturday, then Aqui will be noisy. It's quiet on weekdays. Here's hoping for a speedy recovery for you. Keep us posted.

fifthyear

Sharon, did you have your surgery? Hope it went well, let us know.