Jan 2008--Ain't it Great?

I'm off from school for Election Day. Met my students at the local nursing home for a community service event and then stopped by the polling place to cast my votes. I spent the weekend catching up on laundry, etc, so I'm going to try to chill a little this afternoon. Looking forward to watching the election coverage later this evening.

I took last Friday off from work to attend a Komen-sponsored reception for BC survivors. We were served a delicious meal and treated with goodies. Very nice. I spent the rest of the afternoon shopping for myself. Scored a great buy on shoes ($17) and finally bought myself a medical alert bracelet. I found a sterling silver bracelet with a round charm at Things Remembered and had it engraved. Very tasteful, IMHO. (Not as nice as LJ's, though)

Our nurse started yesterday. She is going to be a great teacher! The next couple of months should still be a little hectic while she learns the ropes, but it's all uphill from here.

Unfortunately, things aren't so good with Eddie right now. He's sleeping 24/7 and is really out-of-sorts when he is awake- disoriented, dizzy and has fallen several times. Fortunately we've been here when he fell. So, trying not to leave him alone anymore than we have to.

WOW! I'm a whole page behind on the Jewels...

Cathy- great to read that you fared well on your first training weekend. Hope that the weekend coming will be just as successful. Good luck!

Carol- I am so glad you opened that can of worms. It is a relief to know that I'm not alone in feeling out of sorts. One of my co-workers alluded (in a very kind way) to my moodiness last week... thought I was holding it together pretty well... guess not!  Sorry your dh couldn't handle letting you air your feelings. Great advice from your CMF friend- thanks for sharing that!

I don't feel that I can take anything else on right now, but my mom gave me some yoga tapes for beginners and I'm trying to work that into my evening routine. (You've inspired me!)

So, the port removal is coming up soon. I think you'll be surprised at how good it feels not to have the pesky lump in your chest. I didn't have a bit of trouble afterward- very easy recovery!

LJ- I hear you- hard not to worry about what is going on with our bodies after all they've absorbed this past year. It doesn't help to read up on BC- I remember that quote "We tell them we got it all and send them on their way and tell them not to worry. What else are we going to do?"  Unsettling, isn't it?

PALady- An ovarian cyst, eh? Hope it resolves and doesn't cause you too much pain. Happy belated birthday to your ds. Mine will turn 18 on Dec. 30^th. I'll be sending you an email about the calendars soon. Still trying to decide how many I want!

Kathy- how wonderful to have a therapist who can truly relate to what you're feeling. Thanks for sharing some of her insights with us! Glad ds's birthday party was a success.

Sherry- you're burning the candle at both ends, sweetheart. Hope your new job works out well for you, since it sounds like standing on your feet all day is really taking a toll on your health.

Therese- very thoughtful of you to be out there giving support to those who are beginning their cancer treatment! I know I'm a little late on the care package suggestions, but don't forget the aloe.

Julie- hate that you have to have the endoscopy from both ends, but I'm glad it is scheduled soon and praying for good news- sounds a little warped to be rooting for you to "just" have hemorrhoids, but there it is! I was thinking the same thing as Kimberly- you'll have lots of room for feasting on Thanksgiving, eh?!

CHJ- thanks for your input on the blue mood some of us are experiencing. You are a SHERO!

Carla- you sound great- strong and decisive. WTG!! We haven't got that visit scheduled yet. Will keep you posted as I can't wait to meet you! Our birthdays are just 2 days apart- we definitely need to celebrate together.

Kimberly- what a delightful verse! Halloween must have been some event at your house. Loved hearing about the kids and their costumes. We had 8 kids show up out here in the boonies. As always, you and twinsis are in my thoughts. Her report sounds very encouraging!

Joan and Kris- hey there, girls! Good to hear from you.

Deb- I'm having a return of the restless legs here also. And I still hobble around like an 80-year-old after I've been sitting for a while. I had stopped my RLS pill (Mirapex), but I'm back on that now... can't sleep without it. Here's hoping that the SE's of the taxanes don't stay with us for much longer!

Oh, and thanks for the birthday wishes. Dh and I will celebrate together: he turns 52 on November 14^th and my 47^th is on the 15^th. I suppose the end of this month is technically my cancerversary. I found my lump on November 30^th, had my mammo the next week, biopsy the week after that and surgery on Dec. 26^th.

GTG-time to check on dh and figure out what to fix for dinner. Take care, my friends!

Paula

OMG ... been home for less than an hour, and I've had 3 calls thus far from those pesky recorded political ads.  I was done with all of this over a week ago when I sent off my ballot.   Hope I'm not as bummed as I was 4 years ago !!!!!  We will probably have a very close Governor race, that one may not be decided for days ... let the fun begin !!!

I was happy to hear some pretty good news from Kimberly (re Twinsis), relieved that our Fearless Leader has arrived safely at home, and my thoughts are with you Paula that Eddie will be able to once again get over the hump.  

I will save my long winded shout outs for another night...

Off to pour myself a LARGE glass of vino and tune into the fun ... shoot, I don't have my dh here to pipe out profantities about the politicians on tv tonight !!!   The dogs look less than interested !!!!!

Later, Carol

Welcome home, D1! We missed you.

Carol- meant to call you this eve, but instead I was glued to the tube all evening. I just quit watching an hour ago and straightened up the kitchen, took my shower, and ironed my uniform. I'm still pumped and feeling very patriotic--I'll be wearing my red, white, and blue scrub tob to school tomorrow!

Julie- I thought about doing some grading while I was watching the results...but didn't. I should have been more disciplined, but I had fun relaxing with dh (he's had a good day--even felt up to going out to vote).

As for what's going on with Ed... probably seizure related (although we haven't witnessed any big ones lately). The trial meds cause his seizure med levels to fluctuate. He had bloodwork today to check that out. It's always possible that something new is growing, but the seizures tend to pop up every 2 months or so. Last ones were in August, so he's due...

For those who were wondering about good free weight exercises, I just came across this guide:

http://www.aarpmagazine.org/health/free-weight_workout.html

It's an excellent set of basic exercises working the major muscle groups. The only difference between this and what I do is the Dumbell Lateral Raise ... I do the military press instead (lift weight straight up overhead). It burns more, but seems to put less stress on the shoulder.

Hi All!

Just a quick check-in - the kids should start rolling in any minute from school, & once they're home, I like to devote my time to them. If I'm done w/ everything I need to do for the day - i.e. chores, errands, me-time, etc... then I find that I'm much more patient w/ them as we sit down at the kitchen table to do homework.

As far as the election goes - I am sooo happy the campaigning is over. With that said, even though my candidate did not win, I am respectful of the office of the Presidency, & our new President-elect, along w/ our country, has my support & my prayers.

Had my tats-for-my-teeeets  done on Wednesday!!! They look great!! The first thing my dh said was 'Congratulations!!! You're done!!!'. Wow - that is so hard to believe... my first surgery will be 1 year ago on 11/13. I go to my onc on 11/27 for my second 4 month follow-up - I figure I'll start holding my breath on the way to my appointment & until then...no worries!

Speaking of hair - I'll be going in next week for my 2nd shaping. Everyone says they like my hair better short, but I haven't decided yet. I feel like I'm just a 'hair tease' away from an old-lady-once-a-week-to-the-beauty-parlor haircut - in other words, I feel like my mom (no offense to her or anyone her age) I'm just not ready for that yet. Yep, my vanity is alive & well here in Texas!!

Well, the schoolbus just pulled up.....

TTFN,

Therese 

HELLO LADIES,

 ITS ME DANA - THANKS FOR CHECKING ON ME SWEETIES. I HAVE BEEN SO BUSY.  MY DAD GOT SICK ON SEPTEMEBER 23RD AND I MOVE HIM IN MY HOUSE BECAUSE IT WAS TIME FOR HOSPICE.  I TOOK CARE OF HIM FOR FOUR WEEKS AND HE PASSED FROM GASTRIC CANCER ON OCT 25TH.  I HAVE BEEN ARRANGING FUNERAL AND CRUISE STUFF. IT IS JUST CRAZY.

 Oops sorry for the caps.  I am still blessed and God is so good to me but I have been pretty busy doing all this and that.  I did graduate but it didnt seem the same because my Dad was dying.  He seen me at the graduation but it certainly was not the same.  I havent had time to be happy for me, because I guess I am in a state of shock of all this.  My Daddy left me everything and my half brother is asking about it every time he calls me. All this is just crazy. 

I have the funeral on 8th, and cruise on the 9th so I will have a busy week this week.  Just want to get away from everyone. Once I find a job when I get back, and test the board test, I am moving out of here.  God has blessed me.

 You never know why you have to go through all these trials and tribulations but at the end you are truly blessed. You just have to hang in there and be positive.

I miss ya Ladies and thank you for the Cards Sweeties.

 Love ya,
Lil Warrior

Hi Jewels!  Slow start to my day here...

Glad to see some posts from some people we haven't seen in a while.  Chj:  I agree, the impact of this election is quite amazing.  I do not envy the position and undertaking Obama has ahead of him.  I just hope that things turn around for all Americans in general.  D1: DE is not sure which governor will be making the decision about filling Biden's senate seat.  It depends on when he vacates; it could be our current gov, or the new gov.-elect.  There's lots of talk about his son (I personally would like that choice as I think he shows promise), and also about a snubbed Lt. Gov. choice here (Carney).  Should be interesting...

Dana:  Congratulations on your graduation.  Try to enjoy the moment for yourself, even in the midst of your sadness over losing your dad.  It must be a bittersweet time for you right now.  I hope you can vacation, gather your thoughts, and come back renewed.  My heart goes out to you, girl.  Best of luck job hunting.  You should be able to pick and choose... the market's so in need right now.  Find the perfect job that works for you; you deserve it.  And I think the fact that you liver tumor hasn't grown is definitely a positive!  Keep your head up !

Hope  everyone has enjoyed their weekend

A co-worker come up for the day on Saturday we went bargain shopping and out to eat. We did well at the thrift store..Then went up to my mom's Aunts and Uncles,brother was there had a nice visit.

Today I am catching up on laundry that was neglected yesterday.

I found out Dh has $$$ hidden out in garage. I have started putting money back for myself and opened a checking account of my own. I ask my daughters to be put on the sig card. One said she did not want in on my dervish plan. Although she is the one who told me about her father hiding money. She said you know dad is trying.I said what about Monday night when he cussed you sister she said he had a set back. She said if I would leave now she is afraid dear daddy would stop paying car ins. and car payment. I wish I would have said that does not show much for his character.I told her I am not happy and emotional destroyed. She said so is my sister and I, I told her why should I stay.

Oh listen to this.

The other night dd's were at football game he was on couch I in chair he blurts out lets go have sex.(real charmer). I said no he said come on all you have to do is lay there you wont have to move. I told him I am having a hard time and don't feel that is the answer. I said you emotionally abandoned me when I needed you the most and the comments made to me had destroyed me inside. I said If I was as strong a person that I am now I would have left you years ago. He said well I am glad you were not strong. I

The girls said they do not want put in the middle I told them I would never ask then to pick a side. They still live at home and commute back and forth to collage. I told them they know there dad and I have not really gotten along for years now and why should I stay just because finacally it would be better. I told them I deserve to be happy. They just don't understand.Well enough of me venting...But I needed to let this out and no better place than here with my sisters..Don't know what I would do without you all.

Dana-SO sorry to hear about your fathers passing.Hugs to you Congrads on your graduation Hope your crise is great.

Paula hope Eddie is doing better.

D1 how was the black tie ?

Take Care

Carla

Good Morning Ladies!!

I am excited that I finally caught up with reading all the posts. I think it takes me about 1 hour for each page!! 

Just to catch up - I had my first mammo down in Pittsburgh last Monday which ends up being an all day affair. It is a two hour drive for me to get down there. The mammo dept took about 2 hours because they make you wait there until the radiologist reads it. When the tech came back and told me that it looked fine and they just recommended another mamm in one year I told her I really wanted to alternate every 6 months with a mamm or ultrasound or something since my tumor wasn't found on the mamm even after I had found it, she asked if I wanted to have them do a us then. I agreed and it was nice because the radiologist came in and did and she explained how she could see exactly where the skin had thickened from the radiation and also all of the scar tissue around my lumpectomy site. She did say the thickness should soften up some over the next few years. What I didn't like was on the mammo report it says there is "heterogeneously dense fibroglandular tissue present in both breasts limiting the sensitivity of the mammogram".  Doesn't give me a whole lot of faith in having mammos done!  Then I had to wait about an hour and a half before being seen in the surgeon's office. Since my mamm was clear I only saw an assistant dr. He said that they do not recommend having mri's done unless you are BRCA positive (which I am not) because of the false positives. He said they end up doing about 30% more unnecessary biopsies when doing mri's.   I have very mixed emotions about all of this.  BTW I was very happy that the mammo did not hurt as much as I was expecting on my bc boob.

Tuesday I had to go back to my gyno's office for a follow-up ultrasound on my ovaries. Now I have 2 cysts. She said one is small, the other she said is about 2.4 cm. She is not sure if that is the same one they saw last month or if this is a new one. So now I have to go back again in 5 weeks and have it redone. I think if it is still there, they would drain it and have it biopsied since my younger sister had ovarian cancer at the age of 29. She sounded like she is pretty sure it is non-cancerous - yippee. *said sarcastically*.  I am sick of dr. appointments.  For most of the month the cysts do not hurt, I am just very aware of them. The first day or two of my period they are extremely painful.

Just as a heads up, one of the girls in my survivor group just had a mole checked on her breast and it turned out it was malignant melanoma. She is only 30 and has had bc twice - the first time at 24! In any case, seems that the melanoma was the result of radiation to her breast for the bc. It was so small and caught so early she did not have to have any other treatment other than the removal. We just need to be aware of skin changes...

Paula - so sorry to hear about dh. I hope it is just something with the cycle of things and that he starts feeling better. Regarding your heart palpations, my youngest ds who is only 13 started having palpitations. He had me concerned enough that we went to the pediatrician. He sent us to a pediatric cardiologist and Matt ended up having to have an EKG, and ultrasound of his heart as well as to wear a monitor for 24 hours. It was interesting because even though the palps are unpredictable on when they happen, when they put him on the ultrasound he had 2 palps right away and we got to see them. It also helped the dr. to diagnose it. Seems he has PVC which is Premature Ventricular Contractions. One of his valves want to beat earlier than it should. Which both drs. said they really don't do anything for other than monitor him about once a year. We have found that him cutting out caffeine makes a huge difference. He is bummed because he likes Mountain Dew and has found that now even when he has just one, he starts to get them. Now the poor kid has become very aware of things with his body (much like his mother!!) and thinks every little twitch is something. (much like his mother!)  I am hoping he starts to relax a bit and lose some of this new found anxiety. In any case, go get that checked out girl - you don't need anything more on your plate.

Speaking of which, I have not really had any of the depression problems that it seems a lot of us have, but more anxiety. It comes out for me as not being able to breathe. I find I have to take my xanax for a few days and then will be fine. Most of the time it is more a subconscious anxiety that I can't exactly put my finger on; although I do have the neurotic thoughts that come in at times where I think every twitch is a reoccurrence. LJ - I am a worrier like you!

Carol - you talking earlier about "I don't want sympathy, but I don't want those around me to think that life in my little world is just hunky-dory" was a perfect way of expressing what I feel. I would just love acknowledgement that there are some long-term side effects (that may not be huge, but there are there) and I still have some good and bad days  instead of people just them assuming I am strong, I got through everything relatively easy so I am therefore fine.

Carla - I love the butterfly tattoo. I am way to wimpy to have a tattoo done, but that is a good one. I am glad you are finding inner strength to move on with your life.

D1 - Your trip sounds great. You sure have an interesting life! I must have missed somewhere how it is that you were reconnecting with friends from childhood? Did you used to live there or visit there as a child?

Chj & Julie - my onc is recommending a colonoscopy, too. I was going to put it off till next year, but got to thinking last night I should probably do it this year since I am maxed out on co-pays and wouldn't have to pay anything if I have it done before the end of the year. Not sure how expensive they are...

Chj - I loved your Obama story.  Would love to see a pic of your hair.

Dana - So glad to hear from you!  I think of you often.  I am sorry about the loss of your father. Hopefully you are enjoying your cruise this week and recharging.

Therese - That is exactly the way I feel about my hair. When I got mine highlighted I told the girl that does my hair I just feel really frumpy. Everyone else says they like mine short too. Not sure what I will do with it.

Sherry - I hope you get your job situation all taken care of. I hope you can quit at Kmart, too as it doesn't sound like all that standing is good for your knees.

Kimberly - so glad to hear the good news about your sister! She has a lot of people thinking/praying for her. I hope you are perking up a bit. I loved your 6 period story, too. Can't wait to see how it turned out.

Have a great day everyone!  (WOW - sorry that was so long...!)

Good Afternoon Jewels,

Just a quick post and a few shout outs.  Busy week and weekend and still catching up on the posts.

Carla- I understand about your daughters not understanding tho are probably old enough to get it, just don't want to.  MHO is....get out as soon as you can.  Being emotionally dead is no life.  You deserve much better and are much stronger than you probably are thinking right now.  And vent here whenever you need to.  Don't let it fester inside.  {{{{{HUGS}}}}}

CHJ and Therese - I am right there with you.  I also wanted the McCain/Palin ticket to win but am respectful of the office of the Presidency and will watch and hope that it brings America together and back to the powerful nation it once was. (Can you tell I am ex military?)

Dana - I am so sorry to hear about your dad.  I hope that as time goes by, the good memories linger and the sadness fades away.

D1 - Welcome back and thanks for having my back on the "at least your alive" comments.  I guess it would be impolite to respond by saying "to bad you are"?

Well, as for me, still stuggling with the neuropathy and am with Paula on the walking like an 80 year old after sitting.  I take gabapentin and oxycodone but am taking less and less of the oxy (my choice, don't want to be dependant).  Also on amitryptaline (sp).  Don't know if it is doing any good or not.  Looking forward to the day that I only have to take my synthoid every morning and be done with meds.  Anyone else having BP problems since chemo?  Mine leans toward being a little high now and never goes down.  Taking low dose HCTZ but not making much difference.  Seeing PCP this friday so maybe will be able to get some answers there.

One more thing........I WANT MY PORT OUT!  Sorry to yell but I am really just wanting it gone.  The lump is like a constant reminder and I want it gone.  Looks like it won't go until after January sometime.  UGH!

Better get some work done.

Love you guys!

D1 - I like both the plates.  Too bad about FUBC.  I am kinda leaning toward "D WON"  cuz you did!

Maybe they would go for "BCSUX"  HAHAHAHA

I agree with Deb - B WON is cool.  LJ - I like yours too!!

As a follow-up to my post on weight training, which showed the exercises, this site has some excellent general recommendations on weight training:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/weight-training/SM00028/rss=1