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  • DivineMrsM
    DivineMrsM Member Posts: 9,620
    edited July 2016

    Whoa! That peanut picture is hysterical! Ha, ha, love it! Laughed out loud when I saw it. Oh, didn't know Uranus was a town, too....what a crappy name, ha ha, loved your joke.....

    MJ's home, how cool. And Clinton's library; would love to see that. I visited Jimmy Carter's library in Atlanta and would love to see more presidential libraries.

    Your remaining three states will provide you with some more great site seeing touristy stuff and at least they're all sort of in one area so maybe you can hit them all next trip


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  • artistatheart
    artistatheart Member Posts: 2,176
    edited July 2016

    I was going to ask Becs and nbnotes whether you hang around each state long enough to see some sites, but sounds like you do! I've been to 4 in my whole life. Hope to get around to a lot more!

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited July 2016

    artistatheart -- I was in several traveling music recruitment groups for a college I attended; so, that is how I got a large number of my states. Some are just drive-throughs or layovers in the airport, but most I've spent at least a little time in the state doing something.

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  • Becs511
    Becs511 Member Posts: 303
    edited July 2016

    My friends and I are in a very strict competition, and there are rules attached. We don't count airport layovers, or just drive throughs. You actually have to get out and do something in the state for it to count, like lunch or stopping to see something. We have an shared google doc, with our names and all of the states, once we get one, we have to fill in where we were and what we did there. For example under North Dakota I put: Fargo, Lunch; or for Indiana I put: Gary, Michael Jackson's childhood house.

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  • AmyQ
    AmyQ Member Posts: 2,182
    edited July 2016

    imageHere is a Prairie Dog to eat that peanut

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  • MsTee
    MsTee Member Posts: 36
    edited July 2016

    I'm about to do the top item on my bucket list: see giraffes in the wild! Leaving for South Africa tonight. I'm very interested to see what rises to the top after I've done this...and then I plan to do it!

    Wishing you all the realization of your dreams...stat! <3

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  • Andi67
    Andi67 Member Posts: 423
    edited July 2016

    MsTee....amazing! So excited for you....I cant' think of many things that are better than seeing giraffes in the wild. They are my favorite animal! I think I have climb Mt. Kilamajaro on the list I put here a few months back....

    Safe travels! What an adventure.

    Andi

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  • artistatheart
    artistatheart Member Posts: 2,176
    edited July 2016

    Love the Prairie dog photo! Well, I think you all have me motivated to jump in my new car and DRIVE! wow MsTee have a fabulous trip!

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  • singlemom1
    singlemom1 Member Posts: 434
    edited July 2016

    Hi all, I posted on the ibrance thread and got some good feedback but wondering if anyone here has taken a cruise with a comprised immune system? Any suggestions if yes? I was told to avoid the buffet. I am feeling nervous and wondering if taking a cruise is not the best idea.



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  • lalady1
    lalady1 Member Posts: 618
    edited July 2016

    Hi Singlemom - I just got back from a week in Turkey (Istanbul and Antalya) and going on a cruise in 2 weeks to Spain/Portugal. You will be fine, but better to avoid raw foods and a buffet. You can order meals on the cruise at many of the ship's restaurants. I am rooting for you! Where are you going? Hugs (())

    image

    Claire

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  • DivineMrsM
    DivineMrsM Member Posts: 9,620
    edited July 2016

    singlemom, I have bone mets and do not deal with lung mets. I took an 8 day cruise in 2014, three years after initial diagnosis of mbc. It was an amazing experience. I did eat mostly at the buffet. Did not experience any problems.

    I would encourage you to move forward with plans to take the cruise. I always drink lots of water, which I did on the cruise. The vacation will do wonders for your psyche. Where are you going? Please do not let mbc rob you of going and having a good time. You may want to be mindful of what you eat and how the food is prepared, but you can still soak in all the wonderfulness of a cruise at the same time. Certainly, discuss the matter with your oncologist, letting them know you'd really love to take the cruise and are hoping they think it's a good idea, too

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  • singlemom1
    singlemom1 Member Posts: 434
    edited July 2016

    Hi Claire and DivineMrsM

    Thank you both for your feedback and encouragement!! I am scheduled to take a cruise with my 10 year old daughter and SIL to Bermuda. My daughter is beyond excited! We have never taken a big trip like this together. Traveling with her is a huge priority now!I am scheduled to be in my 2nd week of ibrance and going into the 3rd while we are on the cruise. SIL booked the cruise without me knowing the specific dates. Feedback from Ibrance thread suggested taking additional week off ibrance if onc agrees so I would not be smack in the middle of ibrance cycle. Divine Mrs was your immune system comprised when you went on your cruise? Claire are you concerned about the Ibrance schedule when you go on the cruise?

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  • DivineMrsM
    DivineMrsM Member Posts: 9,620
    edited July 2016

    singlemom, I did not have any issues with my immune system during or after the cruise. Im so happy that you're in this planning stage. My husband, son,who was in college at the time and I went to the Bahams. We'd never been to a tropical place before and at times it was simply surreal in the most amazing way. How wonderful your 10 year old will experience this, 10 is such a wonderful age.

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  • mirryp
    mirryp Member Posts: 41
    edited July 2016

    Singlemom, take that cruise! It was one of my living list items when first diagnosed in 2011. Since then we have been on 5. There are hand sanitizer stations everywhere if you are worried. When I still thought I was sure to die in a year or two (due to a horrible surgeon's diagnosis (Dr. Doom)) I also crossed off the Grand Canyon, drive a scooter, ride in a helicopter, swim with the dolphins, feed a giraffe, attend grad degree ceremonies for both my children, be there for my daughters wedding and two new grandchildren, a family lake vacation. Now that I have settled into the thought that I'm not going anywhere soon (knock wood) I am in less of a hurry to experience big types of things. I enjoy little moments. We made the big decision to retire early, sell our huge house, buy a tiny house with a beautiful yard, put in a pool and garden and now live only 20 minutes from our daughter and grandson. We are doing another cruise this fall and I really hope to do a Disney family cruise when the grandkids are a bit older..

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  • ibcmets
    ibcmets Member Posts: 4,286
    edited July 2016

    I've been so much less adventurous as I got older even before I got sick. I love visiting my family. I'm in Chicago for a few months and off to AZ in Oct to visit my brother. I have lived in California since 1989 but on disability it got too expensive for me and I needed more family support. Love seeing my nieces and nephews and their kids.

    I did see Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood in San Jose Ca last Oct. That was amazing. I'm going to all the community art & band fairs here in the summer in Chicago.

    I now have family in Chicago, AZ and San Diego. Staying for months at a time is a bit tricky getting my treatments. Still waiting to see a new onc here at Loyola Medical Center in Chicago. Hope my perscriptions hold out.

    Terri

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited July 2016

    singlemom1- Enjoy your cruise! I went to Bermuda (not on a cruise) in May, and it is an amazing & beautiful island. It is more hilly than I imagined, but just take it slow and enjoy every minute of your time there!

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  • singlemom1
    singlemom1 Member Posts: 434
    edited July 2016

    Thank you everyone for your encouragement, but I am still wondering if anyone has taken a cruise WHILE their immune system was weak and therefore more susceptible to picking up a illness? I can't tell if any of you were on a immune suppressant medication or coming off chemo at the time. I was told by the travel agent if someone gets sick on a cruise it can spread like wildfire. Hence, my concern with my immune system being suppressed. I really don't want to get sick while at sea. Thank you everyone for your feedback and help with this.

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  • barbe1958
    barbe1958 Member Posts: 19,757
    edited July 2016

    ALL of us are on chemo for life, being stage IV, so we're all compromised. Life your life, sweetie.

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  • DivineMrsM
    DivineMrsM Member Posts: 9,620
    edited July 2016

    singlemom, when are you set to sail? I forgot about all the hand sanitizers, but as mirryp says ,they are everywhere. We had two attendants at the entrance of the buffet restaurant with big containers of the stuff, giving everyone a squeeze of sanitizer in their hands as they entered.

    As with many things, there is a forum for those taking cruises called Cruise Critic. I found it to be afun and informative site and contributors are people who are cruise enthusiasts. You might want to check it out, there is a segment for new cruisers with lots of info. http://boards.cruisecritic.com


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  • singlemom1
    singlemom1 Member Posts: 434
    edited July 2016

    Thank you DivineMrsM!

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  • Becs511
    Becs511 Member Posts: 303
    edited July 2016

    I have also taken a few cruises after diagnosis. If it makes you feel better, you can always ask your doctor to write a note saying if anything happens to contact him/her.

    I would also suggest calling the cruise lines number for disability services. Explain your situation and ask if they could write a note to put in under your reservation.

    I have done it once, but mostly cause Journey was playing one the ship and it was general admission. I played my cancer card and told them I couldn't wait in lines, and they let me in early, so I got my pick of seats.

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  • artistatheart
    artistatheart Member Posts: 2,176
    edited July 2016

    Singlemom, I know I already chimed in about working at a school with no problems. But also while i was on Ibrance my WBC was about 3.0 and I went everywhere. Concerts, restaurants, in the winter during flu season. I never had a problem, didn't really think about it, didn't take any extra precautions besides washing my hands as a lot and washing my vege's well. I say go go go with all of the advice above. the fresh air, freedom and beauty will be far more healing than anything. And a memory you just can't beat!

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  • Becs511
    Becs511 Member Posts: 303
    edited August 2016

    Just wanted to provide an update on my 50 state project. As mentioned above, one of my biggest goals (even prior to my diagnosis), has always been to spend time in each US state (simply driving through and airport layovers don't count). As of right now, I am only missing 3: Idaho, Oregon, and Colorado. However, through the amazing, and anonymous Sloan Kettering Dream Team, I am now scheduled to spend what I am sure will be a memorable 4 nights in Sun Valley, Idaho in November with my mother. One of the days, we are going to rent a car and drive the 3.5 hours to Oregon for lunch. That just leaves me with Colorado...

    Last night my childhood best friend and I randomly decided to book a New Year's Eve trip to Denver!! We leave Dec 29th and come back on Jan 1. So not only will have I completed this major and very difficult bucket list item this year, there is something very poetic about doing it on New Year's Eve, and starting 2017 in literally a brand new state!!

    I will officially become a member of the exclusive 50 state club. Some president's haven't even be able to join it!

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  • Goodie16
    Goodie16 Member Posts: 446
    edited August 2016

    Congratulations Becs! That's simply wonderful to achieve your goals and in such grand fashion.

    I'm crossing Colorado off my list in 2 weeks. My BFF and I will spend a week in and around Rocky Mountain NP. We have several hikes planned and I simply can't wait.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited August 2016

    For those who are looking to knock off international travel soon, Norwegian airlines is offering super cheap flights to Europe and the Carribbean this fall and winter. Hubs and I are definitely going to either Paris or Guadaloupe, depending on vacation time. And hey bright side to mets...if I were Stage III I couldn't travel to any Caribbean destinations since I was going to try and get pregnant in 2017. Ok, that's a reach, but trying to make the best of the situation....

    https://www.norwegian.com/us/

    Edited because this link is better

    https://www.norwegian.com/autumnsale_us/

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  • DivineMrsM
    DivineMrsM Member Posts: 9,620
    edited August 2016

    Becs, that is so super cool. Enjoy those trips!!

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  • Cure-ious
    Cure-ious Member Posts: 2,626
    edited August 2016

    BAD, you are SO right, airfares now are at rock bottom and the dollar is very strong! I am traveling right now with my darling daughter, who won'tstart back to college for a few weeks- we flew from LAX to Stockholm on SAS Airlines for $623 RT!! We spent five days in Stockholm, same hotel as Joe Biden as it turns out, and are just finishing up four days in Brussels- from here we will go to Amsterdam and then Bergen Norway for the Fjord in a Nutshell Tour- this was definitely a trip from my bucket list!!

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  • Becs511
    Becs511 Member Posts: 303
    edited December 2016

    Well mission completed! I have now spent time in all 50 states (airport layovers and drive throughts don't count). Despite, or maybe because of my MBC, I beat out 9 of my friends to officially win the Great 50 State Race!!

    image

    image
    image

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  • 50sgirl
    50sgirl Member Posts: 2,527
    edited December 2016

    Becs, WOOHOO! That is quite an accomplishment. Can you tell us about some of your most memorable trips?

    Lynne

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  • artistatheart
    artistatheart Member Posts: 2,176
    edited December 2016

    That's awesome Becs! Any favorites?

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