Starting Chemo in JAN 2007

Hi Tata's.,

Go...go...go....Tina...sounds wonderful!!!

My nephew Davey is still here with me.  We are having lots of fun.  My sister got back from Saskatchewan, and I had to tell her a badger had taken up residence in her backyard.  Today we had the Fish & Game people over...seems he has a few holes in the neighbourhood.  Anyways, she'll have to be really careful with her little schnauzer, and the F&G are going to set some traps.   The other weird thing that happened in the last week, a woman and her hubby were out for a motorcycle ride in Kananaskis area, and she hit a Grizzly bear.  She had to go to the hospital, but she is not too bad, the bear was killed instantly.  She didn't have a chance to get out of the way.  Her husband was on his own motorcycle just ahead of her, but the bear came charging out of the ditch. 

Caya, you should ask your doctor to put you on B6 & B12 shots to try to bring up your immune system.  I feel for you with all the times you have had to take antibiotics.

Lynn, I sent you a private email....I LOVE your yard!!!

Rebecca, I have Frances in my prayers that all is okay.

I redid the bathroom upstairs.  I did it all in Sage Green & Brown, and it actually looks pretty nice.  I'm feeling pretty good this week...No Chemo.

On Friday, I have my bloodwork, onco appt., and then I'm off to Canmore for the weekend.  My girlfriends are all coming down from Edmonton, and we'll be staying at Patty's beautiful condo again.  We have golf booked for Saturday in Kananaskis, and Saturday nite we are going for dinner in Banff at the Banff Springs Hotel.  On Sunday the girls are going to help me along with a real estate agent to find a condo for Dan & I in Canmore.  We have decided that Dan will quit working at the end of this year, and we are going to downsize.  We are also going to spend 4 to 5 months in Phoenix this winter...taking Thor with us.  RC (my cat) has to stay home, but my young nephew Gerad is going to stay at my place, eat his meals at home, (my sister only lives across the lake).   Wish me luck finding something in our price range in Canmore.  The one good thing if I have to stay on chemo, they do it at the hospital there.  That is where I had my port put in.

Skye, I'm glad the shower went well.  Sorry for your sister, but she must know that what she did to your Mom is no less than theft.  Taking advantage of older parents happens all too often. 

Melia have a great time with your kids. 

Cindy, have a great trip to Colorado.

Debbie, hope you are doing well.  It was nice sharing that last morning breakfast with you in Vegas.

Mary, hope your son is better soon.

Jan, Viddie, Amera, RobbinJaye, Shorti...hello all of you guys. 

Hugs tot all....JONI

Joni, I'm jealous of your girlfriends. It was just a few weeks ago that we were getting to enjoy you and spend time with you - now your girls get you. I hope you all have a wonderful time, and find a condo for you and Dan to live in besides. Canmore sounds like such a great place. I want to live there, too. Right after I go to Barcelona! Hope your onco. appointment goes well, also, and that you're feeling well for your trip. Did you find out whether you can golf or not?

Mary, your poor DS is probably more affected by the humidity than the cat - this place is horrible for sinus problems and allergies. Of course, not being able to open your windows, thus keeping all the allergens inside, probably makes it worse, too.

Tina, I'm thrilled for you - I've always wanted to go to Spain, especially that part of Spain. I can't believe you even questioned it - guess that's a sign you're tired and run down still.

Lynn, your yard and view are absolutely breathtaking! I had to look a long time before I realized just how huge that tree is - no wonder it dominates the neighborhood. I hope it survives. I too was surprised at the beauty of the landscape where you live. You guys probably have a better view than the "other" Mr. & Mrs. George Maloof!

Melia, glad you had such a good weekend with your daughters. Did you pick up any recipes to rival Rebecca's hummus? I think I'm losing weight on the hummus, believe it or not.

My dh is still working 12+ hrs. a day, still haven't seen much of him since before Vegas. Another few days and he should get back to normal working...then I'm going to talk to him about whether we are going to take a vacation this fall (like before I go back to work).

Love and miss you all.

Joni, your weekend plans sound great.  Sounds like you needed about a week/two to rebound from Vegas and now you're back on your merry way.  I knew you would be.  I love your Canmore/Phoenix plans.  That is living.  It's funny...of all the places I've been, I've never done Arizona.  I really want to.  I want to shop at Scottsdale and stay at the Phoenecian hotel, see Sedona.  It's on my To Do list.

Mel, I'll tell you the real reason for my reluctance to go to Barcelona.  I don't like both of us traveling w/out the kids in case something happened.  You'd think after all I've been through, I'd fully realize I am not in control...  but, control freak that I am.. 

Debbie, totally hear you on the incarceration feeling of no car. My parents deal with that in the summer.  They only drive one car up to Boston and my father will golf at least two days a week and my mother is holed up in her basement apt.  She haaaaaaaates it.  That's why she's so anxious to get back to FL and I felt bad about delaying that by asking her to babysit while I go to Spain.  Well, at least my house is sunny and spacious.  Oh, and Skye, she and her sister made up after the family feud stuff so they are doing lots of traveling through New England...thank God for both of them.

Hey Tina, we're all coming up on the two-year dx anniversary, and I think that is a milestone in itself especially for HER2. But three more years sounds very do-able. It's always good to see something positive regarding the big C.



Joni I also love your plans. Winter in AZ sounds good to me. Steve and I vacationed there a couple of years ago and spent one day driving to Sedona, which was gorgeous. We even took a "vortex" hike, mostly for the scenery.



My sister is now saying we "stole her dreams" because her access to our mother's $$ has been blocked and she will have to work again at her well-paid occupation instead of go to private college full-time at the age of 56. The drama continues...



Mel I hope you get that vacation! - Skye

Skye - I think any reasonable person would agree that by the time you are 56 you should pay for your own dreams. My parents didn't pay for me to go to college when I was a teenager - I certainly wouldn't expect them to fund anything for me as an adult. I don't know why people feel entitled to someone elses money.

LOL, Jan...when I read "any reasonable person at age 56...".  Sounds so logical in black and white.  We used that phrase when my SIL was 35, 40, now 45.  I bet we'll still be saying it about her when she's 56.  So glad ties are cut.  She ran threw all my FIL/MIL's cash and had gotten a foothold into our wallet.

Melia, you sound so good.  Even the work stuff isn't getting you down.  What a difference a month or two can make.  Once the big worries are alleviated...  Yesterday I found an article on AOL and the main headline was "Floral Industry Going Extinct", but they were referring to the actual designers...  although I'm sure it has a trickle down effect to the suppliers.  On the "up" side, people are sick, dying, having birthdays, committing screw ups requiring apologies, every day....

DH took yesterday off as he came home the previous night w/his face ready to pop off from sinus pressure.  (My relapse is gone, thank God.)  Anyway, it was a good thing he was home because he had to help me assemble a TV table, and get the TV out of the box...so heavy I couldn't do it alone.  Cable is coming today to hook up the basement and exercise room.  Sears delivered my elliptical but did not assemble, despite my paying for it.  As if I'd buy an ellipitcal and assemble it on my own.  Now, it seems the chase is on to get in touch w/the install company.

Skye, I have had similar dreams.  In them, I find out I'm pregnant.  Then I panic, thinking it's going to make my cancer come back (the surging hormones) and I'm in this huge dilemma...  I've had this dream more than once.  I was very definitely done having kids.  I had Jaclyn at 36 and certainly wasn't ready for another at 38...I need 3 to 4 year spacing.  And at 40, I felt too old.  Since then, several of my cousins and friends have had a late baby at 40 and 41...  I did sort of do a poor me...  "they get a baby at 40 and I get cancer"...

Skye, when is the actual wedding date?  It must be fairly soon w/all these festivities cropping up now...  what a fun time.  Sadly, most everyone I know has had their wedding (or second and all of our kids are way too young...so it'll be awhile until I go to another.  The last was Ivan and Angies, last summer in OH when my hair wasn't fully back and I had the wig/black hat/black dress... 

Just a quick check in to let you all know that my ear is pretty much better, a bit of a dull ache sometimes, but nothing that a couple of extra strength Tylenol can't handle. I think it will be fine over the weekend.  If not100%  better by early next week I'll have to go back to my GP.

Allan and I had to go out to our warehouse today to inspect some cartons that came in crushed - what a mess.  In 20 years of shipping I've never had so many damaged cartons come in at once.  We needed this like a hole in the head, because this weekend we have the Toronto Shoe Show - Saturday, Sunday and Monday pretty fully booked with appointments.

I think I forgot to report that when I saw my onc. last week he told me I could get my port out - Monday Aug. 25th is the day.  I'm really looking forward to that.

I hope everyone else is doing well.  Okay I also had a horrible nightmare about my 11 year old nephew Zack, last night.  I dreamed that he was having horrible stomache pains and they had to rush him to the hospital for surgery.  I was so upset when I woke up.

hugs to all

Mel, happy happy birthday and anniversary! Hope you have some special times for each. My anniversary is next Tuesday but we don't know what we're going to do about it yet.



Caya big yay on getting the port out. I'll be doing that after the wedding; I didn't want to chance an infection mess before it, after remembering what several of you went through. Good luck with the big shoe show. That's terrible about the damaged cartons; thinking of shoes being damaged is nightmarish for a shoe lover. And you're having nightmares too! Is it the time of year or something? I had another one last night; I was sick, with dark circles under my eyes and wearing a coral robe I used to have 30 years ago, when my grandmother who died 28 years ago came to visit me for my birthday (which is in March). She wouldn't come in the house, just walked around outside. Very weird.



DH has been gone on biz most of the week but will be home tonight at last. I'm typing with Grendel curled up under my left arm; his shivers are getting worse so I guess I have to call the vet. He's on antibiotics and an anti-allergen plus the salve cream. I doubt he's cold because it's been quite warm here.



Good weekend wishes to all - Skye

Good Morning to All,

Skye, that wedding is creeping up, isn't it?  Remember to slow down during it and look around. At our older daughter's, I was in kind of a daze, so at our younger one's last Oct, I consciously made myself notice people individually, watched our kids dancing and laughing, just paid more attention to the components. You will have so much fun. Like I said recently, there is a peace that comes from seeing them with good partners. Someone has their back.

Tina, so glad you decided to go. The kids will be fine and you will have a great time. I love ellipticals, think they give great workouts. I go to the gym 3 - 4 times a week and don't think I would use one here, but if I didn't have the gym, that's the machine I would get.

I have a mammogram on Monday, just hate those. I see the onc on Sept 2 for a routine (I hope) check up. I am thinking again about having the other breast off. The surgery site isn't nice and flat, so I would like it fixed too. But I still have such a horror of elective surgery. I think I will talk to him about it again. I wish the bad side were flat, think the prosthesis would be more comfortable if it were. I don't think it's lymphedema as it doesn't pit, and the dr in the past has said it's fatty tissue. I think the surgeon left enough tissue to do recon, and that's not going to happen.

I did all my errands after work this week so am not leaving the house today. I have lots of little things I want to do around here. Steve is going on a midnight bike ride, they do this every year here, but that's not even a little tempting to me. So tomorrow may be pretty quiet too. That's fine with me. I have a business  trip this week, a trip to see the kids and celebrate birthdays in a few weeks, and a three day business trip mid Sept. So time at home sounds good.

Stay safe and happy, everyone. Rebecca, how is Frances?  Caya, glad the ear is healing.

Hugs to all,

Melia

Hi Ta Ta's,

Ok, I FINALLY uploaded my pics to our photo album..yay!  So sorry it took me so long. 

Mel, happy Anniversary and birthday!  Hope you are having a lovely weekend.

Melia, good luck with your mammo and Onc appt.  I totally understand where you are about having the other breast removed.  Although there is no rush, so you can take your time to make the right decision for you. hugs!

Joni, I hope you had a nice weekend with your girlfriends! 

Caya, congrats on getting the port removed!

The 2 days of George's dad's services were pretty rough.  His parents were married for 59 years, they have 9 children, who are all married and 16 grandchildren.  We all met at one of George's brothers house before the wake so showed up at the same time.  It was so awful to see his mom, she hardly remembers her life without him.  It was an emotional time and still is, but getting better.  George went on a motorcyle run today (I'm too scared to ride so close to other bikes, so declined to go).  I'm glad the run it today as he can get his mind off of his dad.

We finally have a nice sunny weekend in New England.  I spent the day yesterday weeding my gardens, wow, the weeds are out of control from all the rains this year.  I'm with you Tina, going to enjoy the sun! 

I have clients coming into the office tomorrow, then go to Charleston Wed/Thu. It's a busy week, but once I'm done with it, I'll be on vacation! YAY!  We aren't going anywhere because we have the 11 day vacation in Puerto Rico in December. 

Last week I booked a 7 night cruise with my sister for next February.  She'll turn 50 while on the cruise...we are so excited!  George won't go on a cruise so suggested I go with my sister...well, ok, I can do that!

Ally is through 1 week of a 3 week CNA (certified nurses assistant) course.  She is the only one that is in high school and is doing very well.  I am so proud of her to spend her last 3 weeks of summer vacation doing this course.  She's going to practice taking my vitals today. 

love and hugs,

Lynn

Hi, gang!

I'm home early. Got home yesterday (Saturday night). Colorado after having a time of drought is now having relentless rain. It started Thursday afternoon while I waited in the car line to get into the festival site. It was still raining yesterday morning when I got up. The prediction was for more rain until Monday, snow in the higher elevations and a flood threat. 

That was enough for me. My fingers hurt from the cold (left-over neuropathy). I was cranky. The tent was starting to leak. My pillows were wet. So I had a slow morning of chatting with my festival friends, eating dark chocolate  for breakfast, packing my car slowly and then giving final hugs with promises of a dryer festival next summer.

The week wasn't a total loss. I enjoyed exploring Boulder for the first time. Went hiking in a park just south of Boulder. I failed doing the one trail. I made it about 3/4 of the way, 1.4 miles up 800 feet, but turned around when I couldn't hear the wind in the trees for the sound of my heart pounding in my ears! Did enjoy the slow amble down to the trailhead and took another trail on a more horizontal route. Watched people rapelling down the rock face of the mountain. Why the hell do they do that??????

I ate a nice lunch in Longmont at a place called Shorty's - it seemed appropriate for me to eat there. Wonderful iced tea after the hiking and a good barbecue sandwich. I bought a handcarved bear for my brother. It's a cowboy bear - wearing a hat and bandana. Steve thinks he's an urban cowboy and I couldn't resist.

And I saw my festival friends. It was good to hug and spend time with them. Met some new friends who've now joined the group. Mike and Allison were in the car line in front of me and before the rain showers started we whiled away the time playing Scrabble. I won all three games!

Now I'm doing laundry, trying to nurse both heels as they have terribly sore cracks in them. I guess from being wet for so long.Hard to walk - I'm prancing around the house like little children do on their toes. I've got to go pick up the tent and tarps and chairs that are out in the yard. I think they're dry now.

Lynn, your view is spectacular. What a gift. And what fun to anticipate the cruise with your sister.

Tina, I understand the traveling together aspect of parenting. I thought of that when my girls were young.

Caya, I'm glad your port is coming out. I would recommend doing some massage over the area when the doctor says it's okay. It helps keep the scar tissue from getting all knotted up there.

Joni, you're way too busy to be still going through treatment. It's so wonderful to read about it all. Glad you're having time with your nephew and the friends.

Melia, I have to tell you that I don't regret my 2nd mastectomy. It's so easy to be flat. I am so comfortable being balanced flat as opposed to that year of having just one breast.

Rebecca,  tell Frances that the Aunties absolutely refuse to think anything but the most positive, healthy thoughts related to her blood.(Do you think the threat of having to eat liver would have any positive effect? Nah, probably not.) 

Mel, I do hope you have some birthday and anniversary surprises. Happy days from me to you, anyway. 

Debbie, I'm with you on the reliance on cars. I'd be lost. 

Skye, I'm still shaking my head at your sister. Unless Mom is Warren Buffet's sister, your sister should be making her own way. Heck, even Warren expects his offspring to be self-sufficient. Have fun with the wedding craziness.

Hugs to all, I think I need a nap before I go pick up my yard.

Cindy...trying not to be sad about the music I missed. You should have heard me singing my way across Nebraska! 

My Internet was done for a few days so I was out of touch.

Tina, you have to break in those elipticals.  The new ones at the gym are stiff and after a little use, well probably a lot of use, they seem easier.  Go slow and check with your doctor first please on that exercise.

Caya, I hope your port comes out easily.  Will you be awake?  I was but it wasn't painful just took a long time to come out, a lot of tugging with that scar tissue but we talked a lot about different traveling we had done so it went by fast.

Skye, sorry you are not feeling well.  When is your son's wedding?  You better keep well until then and forget about the exercise.  Skye, I never got to thank you for the lithograph.

Lynn that is a beautiful view.  Our back yard is beautiful but not like that.  I hope you enjoy your cruise and that's great news about Aly.  It sounds like she is coming around.

Melia, good luck on your mammogram.  I go for my 6 month visit to my breast surgeon on Thursday so I know these things are never pleasant.

Rebecca, we had friends over Sat that grew up not far from Edison, NJ.  They were very familiar with the area, the community college and the lumber yard.  It's a small world.  I made your hummus and they liked it.  We also had chicken jubilee (chicken with cherries) - turned out good but I think I overcooked the chicken a bit.  I'm practicing for my younger son's girlfriend who loves that dish.

I have Mon and Tues off.  Younger son is home to go to the dentist and get his car checked.  I hope to have a relaxing couple of days although I like to keep busy.

Cindy so sorry about the rain at the festival.  The last time we camped it really rained the whole time and that was it for me.  Did you see they had to pluck people out of the Grand Canyon due to flooding?  Glad you are safe and hope your feet are mending. 

Mel, happy birthday and happy anniversary.  Let us know how you celebrated.  I hear that Houston has been having bad thunderstorms.  Take care all.

Joni and Mary good to hear from you both! Mary you're welcome on the print, and the chicken jubilee sounds really good. I also made Rebecca's hummus (should we call it Yummus?) yesterday.



Joni, 9 holes of golf, you're amazing! Those liver enzymes could be due to a lot of things but keep us posted, and think of us all in that chemo room today. Pat Thor for us.



I'm feeling better today, thanks to the weekend slothfulness. I managed to make most of our walk this morning, about a mile and a half to the field where we see the cranes. All three of them, Frasier, Niles and Daphne as I like to call them, were out and walking around. Grendel is in awe of them, as he is of the horses we also see on our walk. Puts him in his little place.



Mary I remember the trouble you had getting your port out too. I think I'll get mine done right after Ben's wedding, before we go to Virginia, so it can heal before dh has his surgery in October. Otherwise I'll have to wait til November.



I saw that LeRoy Sievers passed on Friday. I will miss tuning into his blog when the mood hits me. He certainly reached a lot of people in a poignant way. - Skye

Hello dear Ta Tas,

It's Caya, surfacing from 3 days of selling Spring 2009 shoes at the Toronto Shoe Show - DH and I packed up at the hotel and got home last night after 9 p.m.  I have alot of paperwork to do today, and catch up on laundry, groceries etc. It was a good show for us, we saw alot of accounts, and the feedback from the shoes we have delivered for fall has been excellent.

I'll read through the posts from the last few days later, sorry I'm too tired/busy to comment right now, except that I hope all my sisters are well...

hugs to all.