Jan 2008--Ain't it Great?

Wow, did that whole week just fly by or what? I can't believe it's Saturday already. It seems like i was just looking forward to a week off, and now it's almost time to go back to work. Crazy how time seems to fly faster and faster.

Sherry, you must have been posting the same time I was. Sorry to hear that you've been sick. With the crazy hours you're working I imagine there isn't time to get the rest you need and to really take care of yourself.  At least the job is getting easier for you, so that's got to be some consolation.

Lj13 - Hmmm, a traveling turkey dinner...I guess we sort of did that with everyone chipping in a dish and all meeting at my son's gf's parent's house.  D1 mentioned your dining room set...we still haven't seen pictures of it unless the one of your hand was over the table. Hahaha.  I recall it was like a 1950's malt shop booth? (or did I just dream that?)

A year being cancer free is something to celebrate in my book, but I totally understand your stance. Can I say WhooHoo for you? 

D1- Speaking of WHooHoo, the drought is over!!!!  The not touching the breasts issue can be dealt with in time, but the fact your drought is over is such a big deal!!!!!

I'm sorry telling your dh how you were feeling didn't go well. Sometimes it is hard for men to hear their women talk about their feelings because they don't know what to do with them. How can he fix that?  It isn't tangable.  On the other hand, many feel they are somehow being blamed for our feelings when we share them. So, maybe ending the drought was his way of dealing with what he heard you saying?

I agree that you need to find the right fit in a counselor.  I'd give her one more go and let her know what you're feeling toward the end of the next session if you feel you don't think you two are clicking.

With your busy schedule, I can imagine finding time to be Flexed would be a problem...but the alternative isn't such a good one, right?

How exciting that your dd is going to write a screenplay for a scholarship.

Carol, man, that must have been some lightening bolt.  My port site is pretty sore, and I've got to press on it to encourage the skin to reconnect with the other tissue since there is now a hole where my port once lay.  Did you have to do that? 

I'm glad you got in some golf, some noshing, and football. Sorry your Seahawks lost so badly...again. Caught the game before dinner on Thanksgiving.

Carla, how sad about your friend and her husband, and even more tragic how their teenage sons must be feeling.  Are they with relatives?

What a great thing that your oncologist has such a great raport with his patients.

Yes, indeed, we have all come such a long way.

I'm sending out the new SP's on Monday, so you should be getting them sometime next week. 

Take care all,  SIS Kimberly

Good evening,

LJ I really link the dr set.

Kimberly- Yes the boys are living with there Aunt for now. Our survivor club is starting our own Relay for Life Team for the upcoming year. We had decided on the name Susan's Army in memory of her. How are you feeling after port removal ? Remind me did you have it removed in hospital or in docs office? My surgeon said she can remove it in her office when I get to ok from Onc.

Paula Hope your trip was a safe one and Ed's doing better. Lifting you both up in prayer.

I had my us of thyroid this am. The radiologist said it looked to her like is was fluid filled cyst. And probably nothing to worry about the largest was 1 cm and they usually wont do a biop unless it is 1cm or larger. But whit my history it will be up to the Onc. I will have to wait until Dec 10

Take Care

Carla

Hi Jewels! I'm a little behind on my reading, but wanted to do a quick post to let you all know you've been foremost in my thoughts this last week as I thought about the last year over Thanksgiving weekend. I can't thank you all enough for being there whenever I needed you! You girls are awesome and I'm so thankful to have "met" you all -- can't wait for the real meeting, though!

It's been a crazy-busy week!! Spent all of last Tuesday afternoon/evening "prepping" for my upper/lower endoscopy - that was a joy! NOT!! I was at the hospital from about 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday then came home and slept since I was up every hour the night before.  When I woke up from my nap, I had a massive migraine that lasted that entire day/night -- it took three Imitrex shots to finally get it under control at about 2:00 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning. We figured out that it was from the meds they used to keep me under sedation -- they were apparently anti-emetics, which are what caused me to have such bad migraines during chemo. Anyhoo..... glad that's over and both of my tests came back with nothing of concern at all - completely clear (other than a few minor hemmoroids which is what they're guessing has caused the periodic bleeding). That was quite a relief!! I didn't realize how worried I was about it until it was over.

So sorry I don't have more time to shout out tonight --- we were out of town at the in-laws over the weekend and just got home yesterday afternoon. I survived 23 hours of Christmas shopping on Friday/Saturday -- had a BLAST, but I'm exhausted! Today was ds's 13th birthday (I cannot believe I have a TEEN in my house!!!) and we went out to dinner tonight - he wanted chicken and dumplings and I informed him that I wasn't making those from scratch on a work day so we decided to eat at Cracker Barrel - he was thrilled! My dh is leaving for North Carolina tomorrow and will be gone until Saturday. Not looking forward to being a single parent and driving ds all over every evening -- that's tough when I work an hour away and have to get back home earlier than usual.

Thinking of you all -- hope to have some time this week to check in with everyone. I did briefly read a few posts -- Kimberly, hope you're doing well after your port removal....D1, WOOOHOOO, indeed!....Carol, hope you enjoyed your time on the links - glad you survived the storm!... Sherry, don't forget to take some "me" time - sounds like you could use some.... Kris, thinking of you - glad your team is supporting your decision.... Paula, wow - you and Ed are in my prayers - stay strong.... Cathy, CONGRATS on the 3-day!!! Can't wait to see pics! ... LJ, love the table!! Sorry to those I didn't get to yet - more later this week, I hope!

Take care, Jewels!

Julie

I just love a good cathetor don't you? and how about 3/4 a bottle of good ol magnesium citrate, that stuff puts mirilax to shame......bombs away!!!!! 

LOL  I had my PET scan Monday and no news yet.  Still getting lefty whacked off this Friday

back to work, life is good, be back laters.....

I feel like everything is moving at hyper-speed and I can't quite catch up.  I spent part of the Thanksgiving weekend in Utah with my ds.  He is working as a snowboard instructor, so couldn't come home since holiday weekends are a busy time.  My mil with lymphoma is on AC in addition to a couple other drugs, so has lost her hair.  I used to make knit caps to donate to the hospital, so had sent one with dh when he went to visit her a few weeks ago.  She said she was wearing it all the time, so I hurried and made her a few others that we could take when we went to see her.  Between getting Christmas decorations up and getting ready for a cruise in 10 days, I've got a lot on my to-do list.  LOL!

I've been reading the port reports since I only have two Herceptin infusions left.  Yeah!  The nurse said the onc will probably let me get it taken out as soon as I'm done, so figure I'll do it at the February appt I have with the surgeon for a normal check-up.  I'll just need to call and let them know. 

Carol -- yes, I've signed up for next year.  Our training group is having a potluck brunch in January to share pictures and stories.  The group I trained with became such a special part of the experience that I'm looking forward to those five-mile walks we start in May.

I'm schedule for an MRI tomorrow afternoon, so am drinking lots of water.  I have rotten veins, so am trying to plump them up.  The mammo was perfectly clean, but the surgeon still wants an MRI.  I think some of this is overkill, but I'm going along with it for right now.  Went and got a tetnus booster this morning because our upcoming cruise is to Central America and I figure I would rather be safe than sorry --  particularly since we are going cave tubing, zip lining and wandering through jungles to go stare at Mayan ruins.  Seems like those are all activities that could lead to a scrape.

Take care everyone.  I'm sure everyone's holidays will be a lot cheerier this year.

a fast good luck to twin sis Kat, I'll be thinking of you today,,,,,,,

Kris, you know I'm joining in the chorus ... I'll definitely be one of the backup singers though !!!    Hoping you have a very uncomplicated surgery and that the bottom line is that it will have been for preventative measures.  Your definitely in my thoughts.

Kimberly, hoping that your Sis is home and doing as well as expected tonight.

Oh, thanks for sending out our new SP's.  Should be fun ! 

I'm off to dinner with Kalen, you may remember me talking about her, she as well has finished all of her txts ... chemo, rads, and a ooph as well.   I'm looking forward to sharing an evening as friends out to dinner, not as cancer patients.

A pleasant eve to all, Carol

Hello Jewels!  It's been too long since I had time to sit and read.  I was 3 pages behind I think.  I saw Carol's post and even though I don't have much time today, I wanted to say hello and that I'm thinking of everyone and all that they are going through.  My life is busy, but quite dull compared to what I'm reading.  I have just enjoyed being mom and basking in being here for my kids.  It's hard to think that if I hadn't gone through the past 16 months of cancer stuff, I might not have been here right now, enjoying the mundane.

The next month will be busy (like the past 2 haven't been for me?). Sunday is my birthday (#38).    My last herceptin (yes, I said LAST!) is 12/17.  I get my port out 1/9--- then I guess I'm officially done.  I'm a little scared.  Having that herceptin every 3 weeks has somehow given me the ability to forget about cancer and not worry.  I have felt soooo good and normal, it will be frightening to not have that safety net.  I haven't seen my therapist since... hmmm, maybe October?  May have to revisit in the New Year after I'm "done".

Carol (SP)-- thanks for the last gift.  dh and I skimmed through it and agreed we'll have to try out some new seafood recipes!  D1-- I ditto what many have said about the therapist.  You need to find a good "fit", so if this one doesn't feel right, keep looking.  Paula-- so sorry to read about Ed.  I know you won't give up, and I wish you both well with the next treatment plan.  Kimberly-- hope your sister's surgery went well.  Kris-- thinking of you also and your surgery.  I am disheartened to hear of a Jewel having to go through that again so soon. 

I also got my new SP yesterday.  Guess I need to get cracking on some ideas for this one

I have read all the posts.  I'll try to not be a stranger and let life get in the way of keeping up here.  I just seem to need more hours in the day, or another day in the week-- but it's all good, I'm happy with the return of that pace.  So, even though I may not be around as much as before, please know that the Jewels are never gone from my thoughts. 

I'll be around....

Happy Sat Eve Jewels

Decided the yard needed some puttering action today ... its been too long ... went out at 9:00 and came back in at 3:30.  The bones are now aching big time.    I know that I won't be getting too much sympathy from the dh, he gets quite irritated with me when I over-do.  Today I definitely over-did.  My hands are killing me ... too much tugging and pulling  ... but bottom line for me is that things look much more in order around here.  Now maybe I can concentrate on the holidays.

Oh, the other exciting news around here is that we had a new washer/dryer delivered today.   It will be replacing a set that I've had since I moved out of my parents house in '82.  Boy it will be something to have a wash machine that doesn't shake the whole house !!!

So it looks like its been rather quiet on the boards ... once again I take that as a good thing.  Hmmmm, what the heck is my problem, I still seem to check in quite often, guess I just can't quite cut the apron strings.

I am happy to see that Kris is home and doing well, I've got everything crossed that you will have great news come next week. 

Kathy, thanks for sharing a quick hello ... glad to hear that life is flowing along smoothly for you.   So here our go to gal for birthdays etc., is having her's Sunday.   I feel badly that your special day had been an oversight, then checked your header at the beginning of the post and noticed we didn't know when your b -day was, so tomorrow I wish you  a ...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KATHY  !!!

Paula, so as I puttered in the yard today, my mind tends to go off in many directions, got to thinking about you.  Wondering how your doing?  You have always been such a "rock", getting through your own battle, and being there for Ed with never a word of negativity .   We've spoken of SHERO's in this group, and you in my mind are just that to the truest sense of the word.   

Kimberly, hoping you'll have the chance to let us know how you and Kathleen are doing.  I came really close to getting on the "horn", but I'm assuming your very busy as usual. 

Time to start prepping for a little dinner, it should  be a lazy evening here tonight, sitting in the living room with the fire going ... where to start with the DVR'd TV ???

All for now ... Carol

Hope you had a wonderful birthday today, Kathy! 

Julie -- glad you're getting in the spirit.  The decorations are up in our house and I've gotten most of the shopping done and packages wrapped.  Not feeling very spirity, but have several Christmas parties this week, so maybe that will move me in the right direction.

Kris -- that's wonderful that you were feeling well enough to come home the same day.  Make sure to take it easy, so you don't overdo.  Keeping my fingers crossed for a good report.

Paula -- I hope things are starting to get better with Ed now that he's off chemo for a few weeks.  Your family is enduring so much and you are doing it with such courage and a positive outlook.

Carol -- my issue with the MRI (which came back clean) is that they are known for false positives.  I can see doing one if there is even a shadow on the mammo, but I don't know that I agree they should be routine.  One of the hospitals in our area is now using Breast Specific Gamma Imaging technology which supposedly lets them see cancer as "hot spots", which lets you avoid a biopsy for anything other than cancer cells.  I may talk to my surgeon about switching to that hospital for screening since she's on staff there as well.  It seems like the three main hospitals in our area are all competing with each other on who can have the fanciest technology for breast health.  I still use the hospital that had the first "women's center" since my boys were both born there when it was still pretty new. 

D1 -- I have only spent time with therapists as part of my son's treatment, but if you think things are improving with dh, you might want to wait and not go back until you have something to discuss.  While I think therapists can provide a great service, it can also be a very expensive sounding board if you're not actively working on something specific.

The picture below is from the 3-Day with a couple of my training partners.  I'm the one in the middle. Carol -- I'm wearing the "check your boobies" hat you sent me.  I received a lot of comments on it along the walk.  Thanks again!

A lot of the walk was along the ocean.  Here's a picture of one of the pit stops.  You can't see them but there are thousands of people still walking along the ocean who haven't gotten to this stop yet.  There were 5,500 walkers and I was around 1,500 at this rest stop that day.

Happy Monday,

Hope you all had a good weekend, I wasted yesterday away with doing absolutely nothing. Thought about putting up the tree, thought about pulling out decorations and outdoor lights and that's as far as it got. I'm not quite sure what my problem is ... but I just can't quite seem to get in the mood. Atleast last year I had an excuse.

I had received my authorizations for both a Mamo and MRI this past weekend, called to make my Mamo appt this morning and YIKES they could fit me in at 11:00 today. She at first said that they we're booked until after the first of the year, I kidded and said I'd be a quickie as I only had "one" to squish. So squish-a-roo on ol'lefty is complete. Wow, I didn't realize how tender the area where my port was removed really is. My boob was fine, but the pain from that really put a grimace on my face. Off for the MRI on Weds at 6:00pm (how weird of a time is that?) I'm happy to have been able to get these diagnostic tests done and over with, so HOPEFULLY I'll be starting the new year out with a bang!

Julie, so what does a Washingtonian do in December in the yard ??? Since we have yet to really have a freeze, all of my annuals we're kinda still hanging in there. Finally it was time to yank everything out of the pots, and beds. Then pruned an ugly pear tree (I know not the time to be pruning, but the dh and I really don't care if it goes belly up) in fact the dh wanted to prune it with a chain saw at the base! One flower bed outside the kitchen window never did really get the once over this year, so I weeded it, then weed whacked and mowed. The compost bin for recycle is overflowing, in fact I had to toss some junk over the fence in the back yard! I wish I could blame my total laziness Sun on my work Sat, but unfortunately I have to admit at overindulging with friends that stopped over Sat night. After I posted Sat that we we're kicking back in front of the fire being mellow, some friends we're in the neighborhood and called, next thing I know we're having steaks and working on too many bottles of vino.

Glad the dog scare was resolved ... we'd be a mess if we had a missing pooch.

Cathy, awesome pics gal!!! Our team cap up here walked for the first time in San Diego. I read her diary of her experience ... she said it was by far the best event she has walked in and she has done quite a few cities. I see you already have your pledge page up for next year. Glad you got some "mileage" out of your cap !!!

So Breast Specific Gamma Imagining ... that's a new one on me. I truly believe that monies raised with so many of these walks etc., have helped so much with our diagnostic tools.

Kathy, score on the shades !!! Hope your dh is feeling better, sounds although your day was "uneventful" it was enjoyable none the less.

Maz, yeah ... so glad you popped in, sometimes I wonder if we'll ever read from some of our Jewel family again, and wholla ... there they are !!! I always hope that even though some of us still gab away it will not deter others from just popping in to just say "hi", reading or not all the pages of posts.

Hope everybody is doing okay and just crazy busy as usual,

Carol