Starting Chemo in JAN 2007

Rebecca, why could you not just take Frances to see your oncologist INSTEAD of the other doc?  Maybe your oncologist could clear this up now, without having to wait six weeks.  Just a thought. 

Oh, Rebecca, Caya speaks my language:  "THE FRIGGING MIDDLE OF SEPTEMBER!".  I guess we are not word mincers.    I hear you on the regular dr. visit vs. a specialist.  You could always say that based on your history, your DAUGHTER is freaking out, unable to focus on her return to school, etc. and like Caya said, call each day..."any cancellations?".  They'll get your butt in...

Nice night here tonight.  My neighbors, Patty and Hans, built a pizza oven in their backyard.  Tonight they had three couples over and their kids and we all brought various toppings.  It was the best wood fired pizza I've ever had.  We had a few drinks, lots of laughs and he kids had a blast.  Jaclyn was in her glory, as this was at her bff's house, Nina.  She was so happy that her family was included in this nighttime soiree of families...she was beaming, on cloud nine.  They played Ghost in the Graveyard, roasted marshmallows....a really fun night.  I was so surprised at how well the DH did, socializing in a crowd he really knew nothing about.  He was on.  I was so happy.  I wish he could be like that more often.  The people enjoyed him, our kids were thrilled and I was able to relax as it wasn't on me to carry the entire conversation for our family.....

Hello Ta Tas,

Nancy - nice to hear from you.  Please keep checking in.

Rebecca - I am so sorry you and your precious Frances have to go through this - to be afraid for her health at her young age, it's just not fair.  Try to call the office again and be really nice - I once got a CT scan for DH by phoning the hospital directly  (I had a requisition from the GP) and basically begged the receptionist to get him in - she did - within an hour. And use the BC card for all it's worth, Frances has been through enough watching her mother go through chemo, etc.

Tina - it sounds like you and the neighbours had a great time.  Your DH sounds like the exact opposite of mine - my DH is known as the King of Schmooze - he loves meeting new people, talking to the neighbours (like for hours outside in the summer).

Viddie - have a nice week with Meri.  When does she start back at school?

Skye, I hope your shower for Holly went well today.

This ear infection and the antibiotic are really knocking the crap out of me.  Yesterday it poured rain the entire day and night, nobody was home, and I had the day to myself to do that shipping I couldn't do the day before.  I am going to check it over today.  My ear still hurts a bit, and I only have one more zithromax pill to take tonight - I'll wait until Tuesday and then go back to my GP if I still feel it. At least it's sunny out today.  Cooler, but sunny.

My 8 & 10 year old nephews are coming over to play Wii with Cassie - she plunked down $500 of her own money to buy it. So I better get cracking, I'll have to make them lunch.

xo

Hi, gang...

the preparations for Colorado are underway so I don't have much time to write or read. Did see the headline about explosions in Toronto so wanted to see if Caya is okay. Was that near your end of town?

Hello, Diane - as Rebecca said, so sorry you've joined the soriority of BC women. You will find a lot of information here. Much wonderful support from your sisters going through treatment.I really have nothing to offer for your questions. I'm not surprised the onc. wants to do more chemo since your node count was high like that. I've no personal experience at MD Andersen or with Philadelphia MDs so I've nothing to suggest there either. But it's apparent that you're proactive in being self-directed in your treatment. Good on you. Keep that up. It will help. Hugs from Iowa, too.

Gotta get, ladies. It's just too tempting to sit here and play. I've got to pack.

Happy Monday to all!

Cindy 

Hi All,

Caya and Skye, hope you two are starting to feel better. And Joni, how are you doing?

Rebecca, it's bad enough that we walk around with various degrees of fear, depending on the day/mood/aches etc. But for a child to be frightened and waiting really angers me. I have often wondered what happens to people in medicine to make them think it's ok to let us wait for results. I am sure Frances is fine, but nothing compares to worrying about a child's health. I ache for you.

We had a great weekend with our daughters. There is such peace in seeing them married to good men, owning their own houses, moving forward with their lives. I think they are well launched. This was our first time seeing our younger one's new house. It is small, but 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, very cute, amazing view of the state preserve. Wild turkeys, deer, even an occasional bear!  She did such a nice job hosting us, planning meals and outings, etc. We went on a long hike on Sunday, so beautiful. She is a really creative vegetarian cook, and lives in an area where there is lots of local produce. She is such a quirky person, but found a man who enjoys her and laughs with her. It's nice to see.

I am still worried a bit about work .... the economy is so slow, and flowers are just not a necessity. Oh well, all I can do is try my best. I am so glad I don't own the company!

Hope everyone's week goes smoothly. Nancy, great to hear from you.

Melia

Ah, Tina, you will see that!  But do enjoy them at this age .... your daughter, in particular, is at a wonderful age.

I've been reading the ppsts but had a busy weekend.  Rebecca, still hoping for you that you can get into the dr for Frances earlier.  Skye glad the shower went well.  I'm hosting one in November and getting a bit nervous even though it's just my side of the family and friends.  Sorry about the sour sister, it sounds like it was better that she stays away.  Cindy, have fun at the festival.. I use to love folk music and this sounds similar.  Melia, glad you had such a wonderful experience with your kids.  It is nice to see them grow up and do well.  Sorry your flower business is so bad. 

DS #2 came home for the weekend with his girlfriend who we got to know better.  She seems like a nice girl and they are a good match.  She even got him to go shopping for clothes (with my money and some of his).  He spent $200 which is unheard of for him but he really needed it.  His girlfriend brought her cat, which I am allergic to, but kept it upstairs.  It is a really beautiful cat - the color of Bailey's Irish Cream, tan face, white body.  Now I get to go clean upstairs and try to get rid of the dander without making myself sick.  Of course, they left before they could vacuum. 

DS#1 is sick with brochitis in Houston.  Luckily his fiancee is there to visit so she can take care of him.  He went to urgent care on Sunday and the dr said to stay home for two days.  He's feeling much better, and I am relieved that he went to the dr.  Did you hear about Bernie Mac dying of pneumonia.  I know he has a pre-existing condition but that's scary.  I do believe my son's cat is part of his problem since he is allergic but you can't tell them anything.  He had a cold and had just spent 8 hours the day before cleaning before his fiancee came.  He stirred up all of the dander from the cat and the next day he is really sick.  At least they have some time together to talk about the wedding and get going on some of the details.  My boss is off on vacation this week so I get to catch up and be less stressed.  Now, off to cleaning....Hugs, 

Gorgeous area, Lynn.  I didn't realize Western Mass. was so hilly.  Looks very peaceful.  Do you fly mainly out of Hartford for your job?  I can't envision driving into Logan every day.  How far is the Hartford airport?  I'm suprised to hear about your quick/change menopause status.  That's amazing.  I have put on ten pounds since moving in April and I am having hot flashes here and there...had one tonight in the car.  Came on suddenly and went away just as quick.  Maybe I'm going that way too. You'd think w/all the chemo I had.

 I nearly hit a deer tonight on the way home from the grocery store.  Two deer were at the roadside, one crossed in front of me and I stopped.  Meanwhile, a van came flying up in the other direction and his lights spooked Deer #2, who turned around and ran back into the woods.  Deer #1 then decides he's going back too, and races back across the street, literally four feet in front of this van.  Had he hit him, he would have catapulted onto my windshield.  Ick.

 Went to Costo today and picked up a 50" plasma w/speakers for the basement.  It's really coming along down there.  Came out nice.  The whole house has really come together the last week or so, except for needing some color/paint.  I do kind of like the monochromatic creme color and I know that's best for resale, so....  we'll see..  Paul's happy w/the house now too.  He much preferred the OH one as it was just a far better house, but now that the decorating is in place here, he's liking it too.

 Caya, I'm feeling run down again, after I had rebounded from my Vegas laryngitis.  Sick of this stuff.  I want to feel 100%.  We were trying to work in another wekend trip, but isn't looking likely to happen.  Paul wants to avoid Labor Day like the plaque....well, at least the beaches.  We could head into the Allegheny Mountains. There are a few spa/golf resorts that are top notch...I don't expect there'd much traffic going that direction, but who knows.

 Lynn, sorry about your FIL.  That's hard.  I'm glad you got to visit w/him.  I hope something works out w/his mother that's workable for all of you.

Lynn, I'm so sorry about your FIL, it's always a shock even when you know they have problems. Hope your dh is doing ok. And sad about the lovely hickory tree too. How did you post the picture?



Caya thank goodness your ear pain is better. I think you need a good weekend of nothing but lounging in the sun to build your strength back.



Mary I'm also allergic to cats and have gotten very sick from big exposure so I feel for your son. I have heard that bathing the cat really often can help a lot; its dander goes into the water. Also using the expensive vacuum cleaners with water filters helps; regular vacuums whoosh a lot of it right back into the air.



Tina, deer can be deadly! I used to collect weird deer stories and there have been some grisly deer/car accidents. For some reason that DC suburb area seems to have lots of Bambi's. I also agree with Caya that you are the speed queen of decorating! Amazing!



I got Grendel in to the groomer's on a last-minute cancellation so must run. He got some mats in his facial fur while at my bro's so I imagine he will have to be clipped way down. Hope everyone has a great day. - Skye

OK...just checking in quick here.  I have a big opportunity to ponder over the next 24 hours.  The planets are in alignment for me to do it, but I'm a little nervous...don't know why...  anyway, I found my passport, my parents are available to babysit and Paul has a work trip to Barcelona for five days in September.  He wants me to come along...  I know it's an opportunity of a lifetime.  It's on the Medditerranean.  Anyone been there?

Um Tina, why WOULDN'T you go???? Quick, make the reservation!

Tina, you should already be thinking about your wardrobe..girl, you MUST go! Good for you!

OK!  I booked my flight!  I go Sept. 12 and return on the 17th.  Thank God I found my passport.  Yes, Lynn, I will have to figure out what to wear...casual stuff that doesn't wrinkle.  I think the weather will be very mild.  This is a dream come true trip.

Caya, these lingering colds are just crazy.  I determined today that my newest version is sinus related.  My upper teeth are aching...from sinus pressure.  Paul is on his way home from work and has a massive sinus headache as well.  Haven't heard of late summer allergies or anything, but....  claritin helped a lot today.