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  • LisaSDCA
    LisaSDCA Member Posts: 2,230
    edited November 2008

    Hi friends -

    Are we just going to wind down the weekend ~ or is anybody game for a pitcher of margaritas this evening? Brenda, have you got gobs of family still there? Melia, you were going to have a houseful, too, I think. So maybe this holiday weekend is not the best timing. We could celebrate my brain-fry when I get back...

    Lisa

  • guitarGrl
    guitarGrl Member Posts: 697
    edited December 2008

    Well I'm in DFW - for some weird reason, they have free internet only in one location. And luckily, the guy next to me had extra ethernet cable. Free internet that isn't wireless - so 20th century.

    I'm on my way home from my cousin's wedding - boy could I use that pitcher of margaritas. Gotta see what bars are around. On my way to Savannah, I found a tequila bar - but I don't remember where & this is a big airport.

    Hope you guys all had a good holiday. Brenda - how are the boys doing?

    Lisa, hope you will be connected in LA & let us know how things are going.

    susan 

  • SoCalLisa
    SoCalLisa Member Posts: 13,961
    edited December 2008

    My grandkids just left

    I am pooped...need I say more..

    LisaSDCA...glad you are safely home and now to pack again I guess...

    Our thoughts are with you...

    BMD..still holding you in a hug..

  • LisaSDCA
    LisaSDCA Member Posts: 2,230
    edited December 2008

    How did she grow so fast?!?  My goodness, isn't she gorgeous, too. Yes, Liz, I washed and hung out a load of clothes, and now they are mostly going right back in the packing pile. It will be warmer than in SF  Cool so I won't have to pack so many layers. I have a little kitchenette so I will be taking a couple of bags from Trader Joe's - hospital food or fast food in the neighborhood just doesn't agree with me.

    Susan, I had plans to be connected in LA. My friend gave me his iTouch that he didn't use as he simply must have the very latest model of all techno-toys. But I couldn't get it to hook up to the wireless at my sister's and I can't get it to connect with my wireless here at home. Taylor worked for nearly 2 hours to get out the glitch with no success (her iTouch functioned perfectly). But I shall take it up with me and keep trying. Glad your trip went smoothly.

    Brenda - I, too, am extending {{{HUGS}}} to you and your family.

    Thank you so much for the love and support you are sending along with me - it truly does make me feel stronger.

    love you guyz,

    Lisa

  • BMD
    BMD Member Posts: 1,492
    edited December 2008

    My BIL died of hypertrophic cardio myopathy. He was actually only 50. It has been a crazy week-end and the week ahead won't be any better. Thank you for all you love and prayers.

  • Shirlann
    Shirlann Member Posts: 3,302
    edited December 2008

    Oh Brenda, I am so sorry, give your DH an extra hug.  What a double whammy, right in the middle of the holidays.  God bless you all.

    I am packing, getting everything ready, we leave on the 10th.  Back on the 27th.  RATS!  I think I will miss another lunch.  I hate to miss them, I even look for myself in the photo when I know I am not there, maybe Liz can Photoshop me in?  haha

    I love you all and will see you in January.

    Hugs and kisses, especially Lisa and Brenda, Shirlann

  • SoCalLisa
    SoCalLisa Member Posts: 13,961
    edited December 2008

    LisaSDCA...we are all hovering...sending our bestest hugs...

  • BMD
    BMD Member Posts: 1,492
    edited December 2008

    Just checking to see if we heard anything from LisaSDCA. Hope all is well.

  • guitarGrl
    guitarGrl Member Posts: 697
    edited December 2008

    She said she probably wouldn't have internet access - does anyone know her cell phone number?

  • LisaSDCA
    LisaSDCA Member Posts: 2,230
    edited December 2008

    THIRD attempt. I have a weak-ass conection and a VERY unreliable one.

    I happily report that progress is being made.I had my definite MRI yesterday (and I thnk I saw progression. Cry ),.later I had the CT scan, I got a 'Hannibal Mask crafted - weird stuff, but necessary and kinda cool. had no treatment

    I geeked-out totally and left, of all thngs - my cell phone at home. So I got a temp TracPhone. Not able to get my messages from SD, but what the heck.. I leave in a few minutes for the linear accellerator.and the treatment. I have been trying to confirm w/ my oncologist in SD that he has ordered a simltaneous infusion of Xytrin, a radiotherapy sensitizer that has been shown to delay progression. There seems to be a whole pharmacy barrier just between SD and LA, so I won't know until I get there. I have been noticing increasing symptoms, but I guess it's to be expected (despite the DAMNED decadron) since I have had NO treatment for the past month.

    This will be an adventure! I'd love to have prayers that my symptoms don't get worse, and rapidly better.

    Thank you for your caring.

    Lisa

  • GrammyNancy
    GrammyNancy Member Posts: 666
    edited December 2008

    Lisa,

    Just checking in from the March Chemosabi's.  I'm sending many prayers and good vibes your way....for quick response to your treatment.  Hang in there girl and kick cancer's ass!!!!

    Love ya,

    Nancy

  • BMD
    BMD Member Posts: 1,492
    edited December 2008

    Lisa-thank you for checking in. I was getting a bit worried about you. Sounds like the plan has been put into motion. You know I will be praying for you girl.

  • SoCalLisa
    SoCalLisa Member Posts: 13,961
    edited December 2008

    Hi Lisa...it is inconceivable that they can't communicate with each other...we are all in your room tonight...giving you a backrub...

  • sylviag
    sylviag Member Posts: 266
    edited December 2008

    Hey Lisa---hoping that you get this-- and please know that we are all saying a prayer for you --to help you stay strong and beat this thing.....

    Sylvia

  • kristifromsandiego
    kristifromsandiego Member Posts: 271
    edited December 2008

    Hi Ladies,

    Lisa found me a while back on another site.  I live in the Hills near Mt. Helix.  Diagnosed in Sept. surgery in Oct, had my second chemo on Monday.  Sounds like there are way to many people that have this terrible desease . I have 4 more rounds, ick. Hope you are all doing well.  Kristi

  • BMD
    BMD Member Posts: 1,492
    edited December 2008

    Kristi-Welcome to the San Diego Lunch Bunch. Sorry you have to join us under these circumstances. Please don't hesitate to ask questions or look for support here. These ladies are wonderful.

  • guitarGrl
    guitarGrl Member Posts: 697
    edited December 2008

    Lisa - glad you found a way to communicate to us. Know we are all thinking about you and hoping for success (or what passes for it in our world)

    Hi Kristi - I don't remember when we thought we'd have our December lunch, but please join us if you are feeling up to it. We know what chemo can do to you and how it makes plans impossible. 

  • jeanne46
    jeanne46 Member Posts: 1,941
    edited December 2008

    Hi Lisa, Hope your day went smoothly with no glitches in communication between SD and LA.  You are certainly in my prayers, my thoughts and I send you white healing light (not radioactive!) and best wishes for an easy week - if possible.

    Jeanne 

  • LisaSDCA
    LisaSDCA Member Posts: 2,230
    edited December 2008

    HI FRIENDS - 

    My treatment was Wednesday, all afternoon. Bizarre. The neurosurgeon was totally flummoxed that I had even heard of the Xytrin, much less worked to get it. He had actually been an investigator of the Phase III clinical trials. Unfortunately the FDA didn't like the results of the European Arm (where protocols were not followed - grrrr!) and used that as an excuse to yank it. So even he could not get it if he tried. Oh well.

    I will not be scanned until the very end of January to see how well this all worked - I just have to have confidence it did. Oh - and the 'progression' I feared that I saw - was on someone else's screen. Still had only the ONE well-defined lesion! WHEW! Cool

    I made it back mid-afternoon yesterday, thanks to my sister's masterful negotiation of LA traffic. I could not have done it safely. I'm still feeling weak and shaky and have MAJOR fatigue and headache - but they had warned me that all this was to be expected, so no worries. I believe it is at least half due to the meds (damned decadron around the clock and now an anti-seizure med, too - not to mention an anti-nausea and a Dilaudid when necessary). I had been so pleased when I eliminated almost ALL of my meds.This too, shall pass.

    Sorry to be such a whiner.

    I felt you all with me and it was SUCH a comfort. I also took my afghan made by the Wagon Circle girls with me and it hugged me every night!

    Love

     Lisa

  • kristifromsandiego
    kristifromsandiego Member Posts: 271
    edited December 2008

    Hi Lisa and everyone.  Wow, from reading some of your past blogs it sounds like you have been through the ringer.  I had chemo (TAC) #2 on Monday and am just, I think, coming out of it.  I have yet to be brave enough to cut off all my hair so instead I look like a balding old man, but I am wearing hats so who cares.  I may never be brave enough to shave it off.  It is hard for me to believe that so many women have endured this chemo stuff, it is so hard on your body and your sole.  I have 4 more to go.....oh my gosh.....I am borrowing my neighbors dog for a bit of therapy today, she just wandered over so I guess she thought I needed some love.  We had to put our 13 year old golden retriever down a week before surgery in October...Lisa, I like the dog picture.  Hope everyone is doing better today than yesterday.  Kristi

  • meliaanne
    meliaanne Member Posts: 682
    edited December 2008

    Lisa, So glad you are home safely. And really glad the progression you saw was not yours. I hope the side effects lessen steadily and quickly. Yes, we were all with you every single minute, and we continue to be by your side.

    Love, Melia

    Kirsti, hang in there. We all look forward to meeting you. I know it's hard, it's scary, but just take one baby step at a time. And occasionally that baby step will be backwards, but you will get through this. I promise.

  • BMD
    BMD Member Posts: 1,492
    edited December 2008

    LisaSDCA-LA traffic gives me a headache and makes we woozy even if I don't drive. I hope you are feeling better by now.

    Kristi-Doesn't your head itch?  Boy before I shaved it my scalp just about drove me crazy. I shaved it about 3 days after TAC #2.

    Didn't we tentatively settle on Dec. 21 for our next luncheon? I was worried about traffic wherever we go. Is there some place good that is not in a shopping  center?

    We had the memorial service for my BIL yesterday. It was very nice and just what he would have liked. Afterwords we all headed to El Cajon for a Celebration of his life with his racing buddies. They all brought food and drink. There must have been 150 people there. It was a very nice party in the parking lot of a body shop and sheet metal business. I know that may sound crazy to some people but it was very fitting for all concerned. We were there until 11:00 so we didn't get home until 12:00. I am so glad the week is over though.

  • SoCalLisa
    SoCalLisa Member Posts: 13,961
    edited December 2008

    Hi all, I have been AWOL with all my activities going non stop..

    LisaSDCA..I am sure glad you were reading someone else's pix..I wonder how often 

    the docs do that...glad you are home..anything we can help you with??

    Condolences to Brenda and her family....holding you all in our thoughts....I do believe 

    we settled on the 21st of December for our next lunch...

    Be back sometime when I have more than a few seconds to rub together...

    Hugs all around..SoCal

  • guitarGrl
    guitarGrl Member Posts: 697
    edited December 2008

    Lisa - I do believe sometimes you can know too much. I'm glad you were reading someone else's scans. Next time don't look!!! You are not whining - and even if you were, you have a great excuse.

    As for me, I bit the bullet this week and have my retirement "election" interview on Monday. This is when I tell them if I want a lump sum or pension. No contest - you lose medical benefits if you take the lump sum. Something tells me I can't afford that. Amazing how this disease puts everything else in perspective - Sylvia, I may not need those drinks anymore. Though of course, I still WANT them ...

  • BMD
    BMD Member Posts: 1,492
    edited December 2008

    LisaSDCA-I hope you don't mind but I shared your last post at nosurrender because everyone was asking how you were doing. One of the other ladies shared the one before that. Isn't it great to be loved by so many.

  • Shirlann
    Shirlann Member Posts: 3,302
    edited December 2008

    Hi Lisa love, damn this frickin' disease.  Here are all my hopes for a good response to all the things they know to do.  Things are a lot better than they used to be.

    I am so sorry this stupid thing has re-surfaced.  Stupid disease.  Just know my heart is with you and all of us are with you everywhere you go.  We are a sisterhood and you are our sister.

    Much love, Shirlann

  • LisaSDCA
    LisaSDCA Member Posts: 2,230
    edited December 2008

    Awakened after only 4 hours of interrupted sleep and gave up and have been sipping warm Chai tea and honey - even made some muffins!

    No, Brenda ~ I certainly don't mind if you  post my updates on the No Surrender site. I haven't been able to keep up with posting much at all, so you are doing me a favor! Yes, it does feel good to receive such love and support. Your BIL's Celebration of Life with his racing buddies sounded like a good closure for all. What a turnout! It's really an outpouring of love and remembrance when these things happen so spontaneously. Now to wrap up all those legal loose ends - and probate.  Yell  Hope you can sell the bike ASAP so that you have some working monies - everybody wants their fees! Thank you for the reminder of putting my house in a Trust. It was one of my first priorities when I got my mets dx, but somehow it's slipped. I've called the Cancer Legal Resource Center to see if I can get pro bono for at least some of the costs.

    Susan - it sounds wonderful that you have your retirement meeting tomorrow! I know your great job had turned into less than you wanted. DEFINITELY agree with taking the long-term payout for the benefits, Medical coverage is priceless for us. Hey, do you want to do some traveling now that you'll be a woman of greater leisure?

    I agree with all that my date is penciled in for Dec. 21st for our lunch. Too bad to miss you once again, Shirlann - but someone has to take those cruises through tropic isles. And I agree that a NON-shopping center would be best. Adams Ave. has several good, reasonable spots, but I am so far South of many of you. How about Ashoka the Great- (Indian Cuisine and lots of veggie options) on Black Mtn Road, near MiraMar Rd and the air station. They open Sat. - Sun. at 11am  Very reasonable and they've been there for nearly 20 years. A friend who loves Indian-everything took me for my first time.

    Just tossing out that possibility. . . Kristi, I hope you can join us, too. I did TAC x 6 also and know it's a tough one! However I never missed a luncheon with these women all the way through - it was such a boost for me, even on my rough days!

    Thank you all for your sisterhood, your love and support. I don't think I need anything else. An ability to go to work on Tues/Wed would be nice.

    Love

    Lisa

  • guitarGrl
    guitarGrl Member Posts: 697
    edited December 2008

    Lisa - I don't care if you can't sleep because I love seeing you able to post with lots of words - that is a good sign.

    I do want to do some travel, but I don't think I can afford Bora Bora just yet.

    I love Indian food, but I vote for something on Adams because Lisa is the least able to drive far right now. I'll also offer up Rock Bottom again - they do take reservations & have a variety of 'Murican foods and a ton of parking on weekends.

    Kristi - if you do come, I have some hats that I bought that I never wear - lots of hats are good when doing chemo. 

  • BMD
    BMD Member Posts: 1,492
    edited December 2008

    Indian is okay with me and Adams Ave is not that much farther down the road Lisa. Either area is fine with me.

  • sylviag
    sylviag Member Posts: 266
    edited December 2008

    I am back from Denver (a few hrs ago----doing laundry,drinking wine and wishing I didn't have to go to LA tomorrow to Tues!!) and it was a terrific Memorial Service for my Uncle---cannot wait to tell all---so we have set 12/21 for lunch--ok---where????---works for me...Lisa---hang in there and Brenda I can drive.

    S

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