Any Northern Virginia ladies on this discussion board?

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  • NatsFan
    NatsFan Member Posts: 3,745
    edited August 2008

    gk2 - I too am very open.  Earlier this spring we saw our back catty-corner neighbors for the first time since winter, and they saw me with a baseball cap with bald head underneath. I told them I'd had an "interesting" winter as they could see and told them what was going on.  They were horrified, but their 10 y.o. son was much more open.  I saw him staring at my head, and I asked him if he'd ever had any kids in his school get cancer and lose all their hair from the treatments. He brightened up with recognition, and said, yes, there'd been a boy a few years ago who lost his hair like that, but that the boy was fine now.  I took off my cap to show him my head and said that it was the same thing I was doing, but the doctors said I should be OK too. So he and I are having this perfectly open normal discussion while his parents are still standing there open mouthed with horror. Gotta love kids. 

    One thing that I think helped me be open was that a few months before I was dx, I severed a tendon in my foot and had to have tendon repair surgery.  I was in one of those big black Frankenboot thing for 6 loooooooong weeks.  It's certainly not something that you can hide, so I got used to telling people matter of factly what happened.  So when the b/c came along, it felt like the same thing.  I couldn't hide it, and it's nothing to be ashamed about.  It's just something that happened to me, like the tendon.

    I've gotten a few of those shocked reactions too - what can you do but smile politely and move on.  But most people have been very supportive.  I also agree with Emily that when people know, they're more likely to cut you a little slack when you're spacey or fatigued or crabby.  My entire workplace has known since Day 1 and they have been extremely supportive.  I know some people are not so lucky with their works and may have to keep it quiet, but I've been fortunate.

    Like gk2 said, I think these are teachable moments to show people that you can live and still be yourself even with b/c.  I've had several people at work tell me how much they appreciate my openess, and they've learned so much from me.  There've been more than a few ladies who told me have gotten overdue mammograms because of me, because they now know that even if they get bad results, it's not an automatic death sentence.   

    Lay, I don't know about DC's agencies, but have you fully appealed it with your insurance company?  I've had a couple of unwarranted denials, but I've pursued it with the company and have usually gotten it straightened out with one or at most two calls. If you've done that, then maybe one of the DC ladies know how you can take it further.      

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  • Monique
    Monique Member Posts: 121
    edited August 2008

    Hey everyone.  I hope you all had a nice weekendSmile

    It does seem like most people can't make the proposed lunch date of the 9th.  Are either August 16th or the 23rd any better, or would it be better to meet during the week one night for early dinner?  Just putting suggestions out there.  I really would love to meet everyone!

    I am going to pick out a wig tomorrow in anticipation of losing my locks. I've heard alot of people say that the wigs are really hot to wear, but I look terrible in hats/scarves.  Besides if I am feeling ok during chemo I would like to go to work some and will need a wig for that at least.  How are those of you who either have gone through chemo or are going through it presently deal with work?  Are most of you working through the treatments?  I am really dreading it because I tend to be sick easily (eg. all four pregnancies - sick the whole 9 months).  I don't really know if that example has anything to do with how I will respond to the chemo, but it's all I think about lately. UGH!

    I am also meeting with the onc again Tuesday morning.  I had all my scans done and hopefully they look ok, then he will tell me what kind of chemo and when I will start.

    I also wanted to tell Em that I will be thinking about her tomorrow.  I hope your surgery goes well and that you have a speedy recovery.   Please let us know how you are when you are up to posting Smile

    Monique

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  • oldlady
    oldlady Member Posts: 87
    edited August 2008

    Monique, where are you getting your wig?  I also am planning to work if possible throughout all my treatments and I also hate wearing hats and scarves.

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  • emilyjuanita
    emilyjuanita Member Posts: 52
    edited August 2008

    Oldlady:

    My oncologist recommended Bravadas wigs in Fairfax, near GMU.  They have a good selection, and also have hats and scarves.  They'll sell you the whole wig-care kit with shampoo, drying stand, comb, etc. Also, they have private rooms where they'll shave your head, and you can walk out with your new wig on.

    The address is 10415 North Street FairfaxVA 22030.  The phone is 703-352-4247.  You can also visit the Bravadas website at www.bravadas.com

    Emily 

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  • Monique
    Monique Member Posts: 121
    edited August 2008

    I just got back from getting my wig.  A nurse with the Life with Cancer program referred me to Laura who runs Wear Hair for You, LLC.  She was great!.  She has a small space (good for privacy) on the second floor of the Michele Rene Building in Vienna, and also a space in the Positive Reflections Center at INOVA Fairfax Hospital.  I went to the Vienna store and brought a really good friend with me (I recommend doing that, it was nice to have the support and advice).  I would highly recommend her to anyone although I have heard good things about Bravados too.  If anyone wants to contact her for a free consultation/appointment, her phone number is 571-225-3334.

    Emily - I know what you mean about other peoples reactions to your cancer.  Unfortunately the person I am having the most trouble with right now is my mother.  I fell terrible about it, but I don't like talking to her or being around her.  She is so doom and gloom all the time - gives me these pathetic looks and is constantly asking me HOW I FEEL.  It's driving me crazy and I don't know how to deal with it.  If anyone has any suggestions I would appreciate it.  I'm having a hard enough time staying positive for my six year old without having to worry about my mother too!

    Monique

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  • NatsFan
    NatsFan Member Posts: 3,745
    edited August 2008

    Em - let us know how the surgery went when you feel up to it. We're thinking of you!

    Monique - so glad you had a good experience buying your wig.  I went to Amy's of Denmark in Wheaton, which is where NIH and a lot of MD hospitals recommend.  I also took a friend, which as you said really helped.  I even had them buzz off my hair at Amy's (they're set up to do that).  It was coming out in handfuls at that time anyway, and I was tired of cleaning hair off of everything. It really helped having that wig for the first week or so after my hair was gone.

    That said, I don't think I've worn it in months. I found it to be hot and scratchy and uncomfortable.  I've never been a hat girl either, but I have lived in baseball caps since March. Fortunately my work is casual and it's not unusual for men or even women to wear baseball caps to work, so it's been fine.  I just bought and had friends buy me lots of dangly earrings to fill in that empty space between the ear and shoulder, so that's been kind of fun.  But everyone's different.  I had a friend who went through this 8 years ago, and she always wore her wig, even around home, because she hated being bald so much.  

    As for your question about working, I worked through chemo.  I'd take my tx day and the next day off, then I'd work 4 hours a day for the next few days, then after a week or so I'd be back to full time.  But, my work is only 15 minutes from my house, so my commute was easy.  In some ways it would have been nice to stay home through chemo, but in other ways it was a live saver for me mentally to get out and about and do something normal like everyone else.  And it helped that I didn't burn through all my leave quite so fast!

    I'm sorry about your mom's reaction.  It sounds like you may have to just sit her down and tell her exactly what you wrote - that you need her to treat you like you, and that her fear reaction is not helping you at all.  Maybe do something fun with one day her if she's local just to let her know you're still the same old person and don't quite have one foot in the grave yet.  It's sounds like she's scared of losing you, and isn't realizing how her reaction is making you feel. Isn't it weird when we're the ones with cancer, yet we end up comforting family members? 

      

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  • emilyjuanita
    emilyjuanita Member Posts: 52
    edited August 2008

    Hi all-

    I went to the LGFB program yesterday afternoon.  It was great!  I came home with a big bag of free cosmetics, learned how to draw on eyebrows (a point of stress), and experimented with head scarf styles.  I HIGHLY recommend this opportunity to anyone who hasn't gone yet.

    Monique:  Gaaah! Don't get me started on mothers!  Mine is a FORCE of negative energy.  After I had my head shaved, I took pictures of myself bald and with my new wigs.  I sent the pictures to various relatives.  Almost everyone replied with positive comments. My mother: "Well, who would have thought you'd look decent with a shaved head?."  Thanks mom! Fortunately, she lives in Denver, so I can limit my contact.

    Em- how are you doing?  Thinking about you! 

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  • gk2bc0
    gk2bc0 Member Posts: 56
    edited August 2008

    Hi NoVa sisters - I second Emilyjuanita's praise of the ACS session. It was fun to be around other baldies playing with makeup. She and I had a chance to meet too.  I missed the support group meeting at VHC on tuesday night...too much going on at home with my 85 yo mother visiting.

     Tomorrow I go for Round 2 and I am read and actually looking forward to completing 1/3 of the TCT treatments as long as I don't think about getting herceptin until this time next year!  my port worked really well - except for the reaalllly sticky plastic bandage they put over it.  It practically took my skin off and i was already sensitive.  Tomorrow, only paper tape! 

    Husband and Son buzzed my head with #2clippers. Not too bad, I have a good shaped head. I was able to wear my wig to nephew's wedding.  My mother said "it looks like your real hair" in a stage whisper so loud they could hear it in the last row. You can get away with things when you are 85! Hair is flying fast and furious now. This week at work I wore a straw hat with a scarf, buy showed people anyway. By this afternoon i was able to walk around without scaring anyone.  I think i will feel differently when i am a cue ball (by the weekend at this rate)

     I was going to do a blog about this experience, but opted to do a CaringBridge.org page and the responses I have received have been very gratifying and positive.  This way I can tell people what I want them to know on my terms, and I don't have to feel that I am negligent in getting back to people when they send email or leave messages.  You can add links to describe some of the things you are going through if they care to know more...like what a TRAM reconstruction is and what it looks like to use a port after it is inserted. That one went over really well.  The site isn't all that sophisticated, but it serves the purpose. 

     How I have gone on tonight...must be the steroids.  Wish me luck.  Thinking of all of you ladies within shouting distance of here!  Gail

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  • GramE
    GramE Member Posts: 5,056
    edited August 2008

    Hi everyone:

    I just looked at my pm and realized this thread was up and running.   A brief history:  dx 5/2/08, idc.  Postponed all consults and test till after my only son's wedding 5/24.  Then full steam ahead and pre surgery DD a/c x 4, last one was 7/31.   8/14 I begin weekly taxol and herceptin x 12. surgery consult mid october.   So far my tumor has shrunk 25% and minimal side effects.   I go to GUH and love my team of doctors.    Engwong, Cosolivo and Ann O'Connor is a wonderful comfort and ready to answer any and all questions.  

    I live in Alexandria and would love to meet up for a Saturday morning or afternoon meal or coffee.  As an aside, those who attend the Look Good,Feel Better program - it is excellent and a real self image booster.  The new video will have me as one of the featured ladies - we did the filming on 7/26 in DC and there were 8 of us participating.   Knowing and meeting others who are there or who have been there is a big help.   Alone is no fun.

    I was widowed over 5 yrs ago and moved from my house in Pittsburgh last July after 36 years there to be closer to our one and only son.  He has been a big help to me, giving me rides home after chemo and being there when I need.   His wife and I will be going to lunch on Saturday to get to know each other better and spend a girls day out.  I am 62, retired, no pets and have an apartment near Old Town.  

    Thanks Emily for getting this link to me.  HUGS and Blessings,  Nancy 

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  • flyrzfan
    flyrzfan Member Posts: 557
    edited August 2008

    Welcome Nancy...I've seen u on other threads but had no idea u were from the area! I use the same Dr's at GUH as you and I agree, they are awesome! Maybe I've even seen you there! I'm so glad you are able to lean on your son for support at a time like this...

    I have tx #2 of Taxol/Herceptin tomorrow, here's hoping I don't have as severe a reaction this time! It doesn't look like we have settled on a meeting date/time, hopefully once summer winds down we'll be able to set up a Saturday where the majority, if not all, can come!

    Hope everyone is doing well in their own process ~ if there are any needs for help, rides, etc...please post them. I'm more than willing to help any of you during this sucky time we are all trying to get through!

    Have a good day ladies!

    Bonnie

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  • GramE
    GramE Member Posts: 5,056
    edited August 2008

    Hi Bonnie,

    I will begin weekly Thursday tx 8/14 for 12 weeks. I am the tall, fat, bald, old lady who gets "emotional" and needs a shot of Ativan.    You might see my "CANCER SUCKS"  - pink with black letters - water bottle cover and/or my pink cover on ipod.   Yes, I am a pink o phobe now, lol..

    Hugs, nancy 

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  • gk2bc0
    gk2bc0 Member Posts: 56
    edited August 2008

    Quick note to all of you - have a great weekend.I had TX#2 on thursday, and a shot of Neulasta today...so far things are calm...the calm before the storm?  We shall see.

    I never thought I was the kind to embrace the pink (maybe during my  last bc treatment where I "only" did lumpectomy and radiation, I didn't feel worthy, or a true member of the cancer club)  Well I certainly do now, and I love pink!  my license plate has had the pink ribbon on it for three years.  It used to read GK1BC0 (Scorecard:  GK(my initials) 1, breast cancer 0)  I recently got it changed to GK2BC0.  I'm still gonna win this game!

     Take care, be well.  And if you aren't, then certainly vent here!  hugs, gail

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  • flyrzfan
    flyrzfan Member Posts: 557
    edited August 2008

    OMG Gail, I LOVE IT....That is a fantastic license plate!! I hope you never have a gk3!! Can I steal your idea and use it in Maryland?

    Nancy ! I will look for you on Thursday...I will have tx#3 on the 14th - I go in at 10am so I should see you at some point! That would be so cool (did I just, at 42yrs old, use the word "cool?") to see you there! I'm short, plump, bald, and I love toying with the nurses. Today I had to get an extra vial of blood drawn for my BRCA testing. When the nurse asked me why I needed an extra vial I told her it was because I had a side cancer experiment I was doing myself at home! Totally had her going on it too...if you're gonna be there, you might as well have fun!

    Hope everyone else is doing well from there treatments or appointments this week. Most of us are supposed to have good weather so I hope we can all get out and get some fresh air this weekend. If you have a moment, please say a prayer for our friend "AlaskaDeb" who is in the hospital right now. She had a spinal tap and they are not sure if it's meningitis or mets. The fluid was sent to Mayo for pathology. We all know how long those hospital stays are, regardless of how long you are actually there!

    Hugs to all...

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  • GramE
    GramE Member Posts: 5,056
    edited August 2008

    Fly:  I will look for you on Thursday up on 5 north.   My tx time is 11:30, after the onco appointment. It will be my first taxol and herceptin and I will have a port by then - get it on Monday.   

    For my first chemo, I wore my " I Have Issues" tshirt and everyone cracked up.   Yes, have some fun with it and laughter IS contagious.  

    BTW, fly, I have gotten Metro Access van rides approved.  curb to curb and only $ 2.50 for me each way.  Phone the day before and there is a 15 minute window for pick up before and after your scheduled time.  You can go anywhere within the metro area - out to tysons, over to DC, etc and they run 24/7   - to the airport, etc, not just for med appts.   One way trips are also available, so can meet someone and get a ride home with them, for example.  

    May each of you have a good day today.  HUGS, Nancy 

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  • GramE
    GramE Member Posts: 5,056
    edited August 2008

    HI:

     I have to add this to all in the Metro area:  Get a metro access application and have your doctor submit it.   The rides are  curb to curb, 24/7 and anywhere in the metro area and to anywhere,not just dr or treatments.   The cost is $ 2.50 - max of $ 6 - depending on the distance.   They have been very prompt and a couple of them has been just me in a regular type car, not a big van thing.Please check it out, because it can save the aggravation of driving, fighting traffic, find a parking space and why not let "them" do the driving and pay for the gasoline...

    P.S. the application is online also.  

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  • NatsFan
    NatsFan Member Posts: 3,745
    edited August 2008

    Good luck all you ladies getting started with your chemo treatments.  It's not easy, but it is do-able.  And 8 weeks after my last tx, this weekend I noticed that I have peach fuzz on my head!!!  My hair is growing back.  Hooray!!

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  • emilyjuanita
    emilyjuanita Member Posts: 52
    edited August 2008

    Hey- Congrats on the hair!  That day seems very far away for me!

    I wanted to let you know that there is a fundraiser tomorrow night (Tues, Aug 11) for the 3-day Walk for the Cure at Dogfishhead Alehouse in Falls Church.  The event runs 11:30am-11pm.  15% of all sales will be donated to the walk.

    Address:  6220 Leesburg Pike Falls Church

    It's  in Seven Corners

    Emily 

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  • GramE
    GramE Member Posts: 5,056
    edited August 2008

    Hi everyone:

    Is there is anyone who might want to meet for a coffee near or in Old Town, let me know.  The dock area in Alexandria, at the end of King Street has benches and a mini food court building and tables and chairs inside and outside.   Casual, inexpensive, etc. etc...    

    A trolley runs about every 20 minutes or so from the King Street metro down to the river front and it is free.   Parking is a challenge, but the least expensive I found is the garage under Market Square.  Or on the street, IF you can find a place that is not restricted.   

    Hair growth sounds exciting.  But Bald Is Beautiful !!!  

    Hugs,  Nancy 

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  • emilyjuanita
    emilyjuanita Member Posts: 52
    edited August 2008

    Good morning-

    I read this in the ny times this morning and thought I'd share.... the author sums up how I feel in so many ways!

    http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/12/health/12case.html?_r=1&ref=health&oref=slogin

    Nancy- would love to meet for coffee sometime.  Maybe next week?  We are sending the kids off to visit their grandparents for a while, so I'll have more free time.

    Emily 

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  • GramE
    GramE Member Posts: 5,056
    edited August 2008

    Great Emily --- Lets see how my tx goes tomorrow - some say bone aches, but I also heard not all that bad.   

    I got the port implanted on Monday and it is a little achy, not really sore. today I get to take a shower and re-bandage it - they gave me those big clear sticky bandages and a bunch of gauze pads.    We will see how coordinated or UN coordinated I am, lolol...   And tomorrow I need to ask the onco how long to keep it bandaged.   They said there is dermabond - liquid bandage over it and also steri strips, which both will eventually fall off.   And the sutures will self dissolve under all that.   I imagine when they access the port for my tx, they can give me info on how long to keep covered also.   

    Hugs and Blessings,  Nancy 

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  • flyrzfan
    flyrzfan Member Posts: 557
    edited August 2008

    um, Nancy? I think we met today and didn't even know it! Georgetown was a mad house, over booked - people out and everyone had  a very long day...I was talking with at woman whom I had seen on my way to clinic, she was heading up to 5th floor....I ended up having to go for an unltrasound and did not get back upstairs for my treatment for 2 hours...and this woman was still sitting in the waiting room for her tx. Was that you? I read your posts here and some of the things you said rang a bell with the conversation I had in the waiting room. Port installed Monday, a ride coming to get her a 3:30 (metro access?) Nurse Bethany was out today so I figured if you asked for her to point me out you'd be out of luck and there were so many people, I ended up stuck in a corner for my tx. Anyway, don't want to highjack the thread, but when I read your posts I thought it HAD to be you I was talking with...would love to meet for coffee..Alexandria sounds just fine...I love old town...I am off every Friday if you would like to meet then...we can discuss later...

    Everyone else, I hope you are all having low SE's from this weeks treatments...so far the Taxol/Herceptin has just really made me tired, tired, tired...Thank God I am only working 3 days a week during this. Don't know what I would do if I had to work full time and or be a mom too. You mom's are superhero's in my book. God Bless You, don't know how you can do it...my worst day is when my puppy gets me up at 5am to play!

    Have a good night all...dinner is over and I am soooo ready for a nap! Here's hoping the steriods don't keep me up all night (as they have the past 3 tx's).

    Bonnie

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  • GramE
    GramE Member Posts: 5,056
    edited August 2008

    Holy Cow, bonnie ----- that was you  >>>>>> GEEZe, talk about chemo brain !!!!!!   Hi, howdy, sorry I did not realize it was you.   Next to me in waiting room, you were eating celery and goldfish?   Yep, that was me...   Yes -  It was a mad house and I finally got out of there at 7:30 pm. - wondered if I was gonna spend the night, lolol...   Let's see how our next tx works and try to hook up for a coffee date.   Bittersweet is right on King Street and has indoor and outdoor seats, very casual and bagels, sandwiches and pretty decent  coffee.   Or right at the King Street metro, across the street is a sandwich place with outside patio seats.  Or the Torpedo Factory area.  

    Chemo went well yesterday for the most part. (first round of Paclitaxol and Herceptin) A couple of MEGA hot flashes and even my toe nails were sweating. They added another drug which made the "nether region" burn like it was on fire, which is the "normal" reaction to it. Hell's Bells - pardon the expression - I do NOT need that... My heart rate, oxygen level, temperature, blood pressure and all other vital signs remained normal - which is good. THE TUMOR IS DOWN 50%........!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The onco measured it 3 times, called in 3 her assistant teaching fellows and WOO HOO !!!!!!!!!!!!!! She says I am her " star patient"... ( my current claim to fame ) !!! And it was a very long day - arrived for chemo at 11:30 and was finally out at 7:30 pm. They did a slow drip since it was the first treatment of this mixture, to see how I would react, and the port worked wonderful with only an initial ouchie as the needle wasinserted. I get to repeat this every Thursday for the next 11 weeks.  I am keeping a journal of my "adventures" - wonder if it should be filed under sci fi or comedy or maybe mystery !! Gotta keep a sense of humor... I had steroids, they told me, but I conked out in the recliner after getting home and eating something or another - talk about memory loss !! Woke at 6 am, and I AM feeling wired - delayed reaction ??HUGS and BLESSINGS, Nancy   
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  • GramE
    GramE Member Posts: 5,056
    edited August 2008

    Hey, I did a copy and paste since I sent out an email update to family and friends of my "day"...and was too lazy to retype it all -  I guess the translation added a bit of cyber jibberish.  Sorry for the added oddities.   And I thought I was pretty "computer savy"...

    HUGS again,  Nancy 

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  • GramE
    GramE Member Posts: 5,056
    edited August 2008

    HI everyone:

    You all doing ok-ish?   Bonnie:  I have 9:30 tx on Thurs - will look for you - now that I know who you are.   Gonna stock up on yogurt and some soft foods - mouth is still tender to rough and crispy foods.   HUGS,  Nancy 

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  • lastminuteD
    lastminuteD Member Posts: 333
    edited August 2008

    Hey all!  Sounds like all of you going through tx are doing ok - normal stupid side effects and all!

    I did scarves throughout my baldness - 6/18/07 youngest shaved my head and I finally started going without mid January 08 - except outside where I needed a hat to keep my head warm!!  It has been nice this summer feeling the breeze through my chemo curls!! Laughing

    I've been mia - left for CA on the 7th for my brother-in-laws wedding & then Las Vegas for vacation.  Lots of my husbands family went as well and my mon flew out to stay with us.  My mom has metastatic bile duct cancer - hoover dam, grand canyon & Vegas were on her list of things to do before she can't.  We are waitnig to hear from ins whether they will pay for "bead radiation" - her largest tumor is the size of a grapefruit.  Mom was diagnosed in early Jan - most don't make but a year or so.  Also took my youngest off to college at Old Dominion U.  Not empty nesters just yet (22 year old just graduated from the Art Instititue & looking for 3d animation position) but getting closer!!  Pretty quiet around here without my baby.

    I had my bone scan - really cool seeing my bones on the screen - especially without showing my chub like the ct scans do!  Laughing  I'll find out this week if anything showed up.

    Looks like no one met for lunch?  I think someone suggested September when vacations are over etc.  Sounds like a plan to me! 

    Hope everyone is having a good weekend and not sufferering from too many side effects!

    Dawn

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  • oldlady
    oldlady Member Posts: 87
    edited August 2008

    Isn't it fun when your kids go off to school?  One set of neighbors took their 2 to W&M and CNU yesterday.  The other neighbors brought both of their kiddos to Tech on Friday.  My oldest also departed on Friday.  It's going to be a quiet neighborhood with only 2 teens left.

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  • flyrzfan
    flyrzfan Member Posts: 557
    edited August 2008

    hey all...a quiet weekend for us...I had a friend up from Florida last week so I didn't get any "board" time. How is everyone? The SE's are a different ride for me each week on this Taxol...fortunately this week I was only on the steriod craze for Friday but was able to sleep Friday night and Saturday and enjoy my visit. Perfect timing...the hot flashes and burning feet were pretty insane this time though...only 8 more to go, whoo hoo!!

    Nancy, did you get home ok? I wish you would have taken the ride...I don't trust metro access Frown I was so looped up I never would have noticed the extra time it took to get you home!

    Dawn, crossing my fingers for you on the bone scan...Your mom must be one tough cookie flying out to meet you..I hope you all had a wonderful time. I'm looking forward to an extra special vacation when this is all behind me. Vegas would be sweeeet!

    Hope everyone is getting by ok and the end of the summer brings some time to breathe Smile

    Check in...we still have to plan our get together!

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  • GramE
    GramE Member Posts: 5,056
    edited August 2008

    Bonnie - call it chemo brain or old age or whatever, but I had transposed two # of the phone #.  Went downstairs and got the receptionist in the Lombardi Center to phone for me and got a ride right away.   Thanks for the offer.   Are you doing every week tx?   I am there this Thurs at 10:30.   

    A few hot flashes seem to have found me  - thought they were LONG gone...   I took my temp, just in case something else was going on, but it has remained normal.   My leg aches from time to time, but nothing that needs  a pain pill - yet.  

    Toe nails don' hurt anymore but fingernails are tender to opening pull tabs and buttoning blouses.  Dang, how many other body parts do I need to be reminded of  ?????????    

    Here's hoping the week started out good and continues good for all.   HUGS, Nancy 

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  • GramE
    GramE Member Posts: 5,056
    edited August 2008

    For a possible get together:    Saturday mornings from 6 am till 10 am is a Farmer's Market at the town square fountain in Old Town, Alexandria.  It is a short, free trolley ride down King Street from the King Street Metro station.   The trolley runs all day, so a free ride back up to the metro station is available or down to the river front also.   There is a Madelines or similar name a block from the fountain and there are outside tables, as well as many inside tables.   They have all kinds of food, cafeteria style.  Starbucks is near the river front, with a few tables outside also.    

    Maybe others can throw out some ideas of a place to meet up.   Casual is what I vote for.   If one does not want to drive or find parking, Old Town is metro friendly.   Parking can be a hassle.

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  • Monique
    Monique Member Posts: 121
    edited August 2008

    Hi ladies,

          I think that Nancy's idea for Saturday morning in Old Town Alexandria sounds great, especially with the metro and trolley access.  How does Saturday Sept. 6th sound? 

          I will try and keep track of the responses for everyone to see.

    Monique

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