Jan 2008--Ain't it Great?

Determined1 · December 2008

So it's almost time to begin celebrating the new year and I'm still into Christmas up to my eyeballs! Santa was good. My big gifts were a GPS thingy for my car (which the dh has already commandeered-one of those gifts that are purchased for the purchaser, not the receiver) and a gold bracelet with a medic alert charm on it for my le. It's really pretty and I was touched that dh actually got it (even though I'd written down the item number for the bracelet and charm and then spelled out exactly what the charm should say), because it means that he's acknowledging that I have le. He really prefers a bucket of sand for his head when it comes to health issues. Other than that, I got the usual-pot holders (which dh has already set on fire), wine opener, some seeds for my garden, bottle of wine, you know.

My mom arrived Christmas day and then we invited her boyfriend (who lives in this area about half the year) and college girl's boyfriend over for dinner one night and played Guitar Hero till we were exhausted. Lots of laughs.

I did hear from my onc's office yesty. Turns out they want me to stop taking the Megace immediately. I sent an email to my onc's nurse before Christmas and she replied that the onc was out of the office till Jan. 5, so I didn't expect to hear from them, but she called first thing yesty morning saying she didn't like the se's I was describing in my email so she tracked him down on his cation and he said stop taking it. I'm going to go a week without anything and then let them know how I'm doing. I told the nurse that I'm worried about the depression from the Tamox and she said I should exercise. I laughed. I told her it may not look like I exercise, but I go to the gym 4x a week for at least an hour and a half each time. She said, well, keep it up, exercise helps mental health. So I'm thinking I've got another hurdle to clear before they realize that the Tamox is making me depressed and I'm already doing what I can to combat it. Oh bother.

So how was Santa to all of my friends?

Looks like there's a birthday celebration at Paula's house today! I hope you all have a happy, happy celebration this year!

And a milestone birthday at SISKimberly's! Happy belated to Greg!

Go listen to some Snow Patrol, girl. Start with Deb's suggestion, "Chasing Cars", and then try "Run". I even used some of my SP's iTunes gift certif. the other day to pick up a few more Snow Patrol tunes.

I like what you're saying about the appointment with the surgical OBGYN. It sounds like he's in synch with you. Get all of your questions answered honestly so you can make the best decision for you and go for it!

Carol-Great gift from dd#1! Now that's showing some support.

And Kris got her drain pulled for Christmas! Yay! I'm sorry it was hurty coming out, but I'll bet you're way past that by now. I hope you're healing up beautifully.

Sherry, don't feel badly that you can't hang here 24/7. You're supposed to get on with life. We want to hear from you whenever you can spare the time, because we care, but don't let keeping in touch become a burden. That's not the point, here. I hope you're feeling better and taking some time for you over the holiday.

Carol, your Christmas day sounds perfect. There is nothing better than being surrounded by love, is there?

Hey Tina! How bout those Vikes??????

OMG, Norma! Sounds like you had the Tamox scare, too! How long had you been taking it? My onc put me on a low dose aspirin every day from the get go with the Tamox, because I was all wrapped up about the blood clot thing since my dad had several strokes before eventually dying from heart attack/stroke. My onc also has me stop taking Tamox a week before flying for more than 2 hours because of blood clot risk. So I think your reaction must be more common than anyone cares to admit. I'm just glad you were smart enough to make the call on your own. Please let us know what happens at your appt on the 5^th. I'm curious to see what they recommend for you (I have a feeling I'm not far behind you...).

Geez, Paula, I'm so impressed that you're already undecorating. Dh tried to convince me to take down the outside lights yesterday while it was hovering near 70 degrees, but it just seems too soon for me. I'll take them down on the next nice day.

The 18^th bday party sounds like fun. A bit crazy, but fun. It's hard to argue with a bunch of 18 year olds who want to hang out and play video games-they could be in to much worse things. I'll be curious to see what you all decide to do.

Julie, you must be in for your unveiling soon. I can't wait to hear what you have to say about your new girls.

CathyCA-you sound busy. But working on the float must be a bit of a kick! Dd and dh visited Pomona last Spring, while I was in rads. She LOVED it. I don't think she has a chance to get in there-too many kids with the same or better, but she has pulled the trigger on it. I think she has applied to Pomona, Wesleyan (CT), Emerson (Boston), Occidental (LA), and Colorado College this round. The next batch goes out for the Jan. 15 deadline...

Sounds like there was some good eating out SISKimberly's way! Glad you got your spirit on, my friend!

Wow Carol, you were chatty! But I feel kinda caught up with you. Thanks. (Oh, and don't feel bad about not wanting to undecorate, yet, as you can see, I'm with you on that one!).

I think people will begin to stir around here soon, so I should move on. My mom leaves today and I have appointments to see my rotator cuff gal for the next set of exercises and my legu to be measured for new compression garments! Now I know how to have a good time!!!!

D1

tinalee123 · December 2008

Good morning, friends.

Thank you for the welcome back. I appreciate your thoughtful words, I've missed you all very much. As you can expect, I've been getting on with life. Keeping busy with work, getting DS #1 packed up and moved out to Colorado, getting DS #2 packed up and moved as well. We are now officially empty nesters! It's a little weird. Here are the stories:

DS #1 finished two years at community college, which left him with a 2-year degree, but, no where close to figuring out what he wants to do (SISKimberly...I know your boy has been down this road). I don't know if you'll remember that he's the one that attending the NOLS program for a month last summer. That is a national outdoor leadership school, teaching outdoor skills (kind of like Outward Bound), up in the North Cascades in WA (Carol's neck of the woods). He's my outdoor boy, having learned to ski at age 2, rock climbing, backpacking, hiking, you get the idea. Anyway, he followed his girlfriend and best friend out to Colorado, where he's landed a job working at Winter Park Ski Resort as a "liftie". WP has a world-reknowned disabled skier center, and a first rate ski school. His lift is the primary one for skiers from both programs. He finds it very rewarding and was recently recognized by his bosses for exceptional customer service. He plans on enrolling in another community college to take the First Responders Course so that he can move into ski patrol. He turned 21 in early December and is having a great time!

DS #2 attends Dunwood Technical College in Minneapolis. He's in the HVAC program and really loving it. He's applied to Phi Beta Kappa honor society, and has been asked if he'd consider tutoring at some point. We found an efficiency apartment for him within walking distance of the college, in a funky area, right next to the Walker Art Center. So, he's got his own space and has really blossomed. (OMG, could they be...growing up???!!!) He continues to work weekends at the pet food supply store, which gives him just enough spending money for the occasional pizza (ok...probably more than just occasional) and gas.

DH and I have been busy the last couple of months preparing our 1926 restored bungalow to put on the market. You might remember me saying we'd had a plan to relocate to Denver (which was put on hold due to someone's medical situation, ah hem) a while back, well, that has now become a reality. DH was promoted in November to a new position in a different group, where all of his employees are in CO; Dublin, Ohio; and Bolston, VA. We have a full calendar year to get moved, so, are jumping on getting our house in MN on the market, hopefully, seizing the opportunities (both selling & buying) that come with these low mortgage interest rates.

Other notable items, we joined all you dog-loving sisters and on Labor Day brought home our mini long-haired wiener dog, Joey. He hails from Dubuque, Iowa and has been making us chuckle and providing wet and cold nose-pokes ever since. He's a dear little clown, and like Carol, we're thinking he needs a brother. DS #2 swears Joey is his replacement! LOL

D1 - Yes, friend, the Vikes ROCK! Much to the chagrin of my cheese-head DH. Sorry to have been reading about your depression with Tamox. I recently stopped taking it, but, haven't told onco about that. The thinning hair, sleepless nights had me fed up with it. Come to read here, and think perhaps that little red spot on my left calf is the one that Norma describes as the superficial blood clot. I'll be seeing onco soon so, will be expecting some answers! Tell me about the 10 pills you take each day...you said 1 was a multi-vit, 1 was the tamox, what others for the se's? LOL about the lefse! DH and I made a huge batch this year. Sent half of it to DS #1 in CO, along with some pickled herring, he was in heaven! (yes, it's a weird Scandinavian thing...)

KathyL - Thinking of you, dear. And, thanking you for the thoughtful SP gifts, you're the best!

Julie - Oh, it's nip time!! YAY!! Having them has made such a difference for me! I will be getting the tats very soon. Are you using anything on the scars? I've noticed a slight improvement using New Skin Scar Therapy. Anyone have better luck with something else?

Joan - So sorry to hear about your Mom. Thoughts to you and your family.

CHJ - What a cute pic! Your hair is looking so nice! Will you keep it short? I've decided to do just that. I'm loving the 20 minutes or so I've gained back each morning, by having the short, sassy hairdo. I've gotten it trimmed several times, and also color it (to hide a few grays and help the mousy brown). What's the general thought, sisters, everyone keeping theirs short??

Carla - Didn't we tell you, no falling down!! Geez. Hope the bumps and bruises are healing. What a cool note from your customer.

Carol - The pictures of the doggies crack me up! Wow! And, I thought we had a lot of snow!

Paula - Have fun on your break! LOL on the Burger King body spray...I'd be afraid the dog and DH would try to lick and nibble on me if I used that!

Kimberly - YAY for Kathleen. Glad to hear you're feeling a little more "seasonal".

Norma - Was amazed to read your post about that little red spot. I had dismissed mine as typical dry skin issues (everything in MN during the winter is dry, ugh!). It happened to coincide with my decision to stop the tamox, thank goodness! I will be interested to hear what your onco says next week. I have just started taking a low dose aspirin now, after reading about the blood clot issues.

Well, sisters, sorry this got so long. DH, Joey and I are on vacation in the Rocky Mountains this week. The weather has been incredible, and we're looking forward to seeing both DS's later today. Will check in later.

Tina

golfer779 · December 2008

Hi Jewels, okay I promise to be short ...

Tina, I can't resist ... "Ahh Sure U Lefse" ... so in my small town which they call Little Norway the high school actually has a cheer that includes lefse in the chant. Oh, having a little pickled herring is also pretty darn common. So for this German gal, doing a lil "Scandahuvian" gig is pretty common !!!

D1, sounds like you have done-done Christmas. Just think you will always know where your at with your GPS !!! I'm thinking its a guy's gift ... Kent bought one for his Dad. Actually we bought one with foreign soil on it for Kent's daughter last summer before a trip they took to Europe ... they actually really enjoyed it. Lets hope that you can plug some locations into it other than to a doc office in the near future.

So I'm no doc, but I'm not surprised that your onc office said to cease taking your Megace. That drug seem to be having some pretty extreme se's for you. So the percentage of our Jewels with Tamo issues seems to be on the rise. So what would be the down side of switching to an AI ??? Okay there are issues with another set of se's but maybe you would be exempt from many of them. I know you mentioned the bone loss se, my thought if you have not had any issue and had your bones scanned so they could keep up on any problems so be it. Also maybe if your concerned about the bone loss you could also ask about Zometa ... just a thought.

I met tonight with my friend who just finished up with her chemo and had her first rad treatment today. After a spending yesterday with her arms above her head for over an hour, she wasn't a very happy camper with the set-up process of rads. Boy I'm happy that I've forgotten just what a PITA that whole set-process was. I shared my 3 day scrapbook with her ... I'm hoping that I may have a taker for walking next Sept. She is an avid runner and fit as a fiddle so I'll keep my fingers crossed that she might want to participate.

Lastly, Kathy ... been thinking of you, hoping that your just up to your eyeballs with kids and family over the holidays and that all is good. If you get the chance just let us know your okay ... okay ???

Night all, Carol

wvgirl · December 2008

GOOD MORNING

Just in for a quickie

Christmas was good I got an IPOD how cool

Did a dumb thing mailed out SP gift with no return address on it I hope she got it..Haven't seen her post yet..

When I forget to mention something I call myself chemo brain Carla he he

I met with Sharon (Georgia's mom) last week for breakfast.It was really nice we are planning on doing this once a month. She is doing well.

Hope everyone has a Happy New Year better get back to work....

Take Care

Carla

PAlady · December 2008

Paula - Thanks for your comments on the pictures. They were taken in July and I had only been out of my scarves for about a week - I don't care for them much! I do find it amazing how fast my hair has grown though when I compare. Happy 18th to ds - I found it odd to have my son turn 18. He has used the "but I'm 18, Mom" once or twice! So did you end up having a sleepover?

Cathy - How fun that you get to work on the float. I love watching the parades. I will look for yours.

Carol - That was so nice of Ginny to request donations for you. Why has she opted out? Are you going to have some of the other ladies that you walked with on the same team? Your scrapbook must have been pretty big. Impressive the number of miles you walked!

I'm with you on still having the tree up. I probably won't get ours (and all the other knick-knacks) down and packed away till the weekend.

As far as I know, clots are not an SE from the ai's. Hopefully your rash has cleared. I don't think they will put you on an ai unless you are post-menopausal.

I need check my Washington geography. It sounds interesting. I do have a cousin that lives in Snohomish (sp?) if you know where that is. I do find it interesting that all of the address that I have encountered from there are SW or NE etc.

Did ds have a torn mcl or acl? or just a bad sprain?

Kimberly - I have never had Beirochs but they sound good! How nice that Greg is a good cook - my dh does no cooking other than hotdogs or grilled cheese! So nice to hear Kathleen is doing so well.

D1 - We have a gps and I love it. We do quite a bit of traveling to Pittsburgh and Cleveland and it really helps getting around places you don't know. Although a few times it has gotten "confused" in the big cities.

I started the tamox on July 5^th. I was just so happy my other se's (cysts, nausea) had cleared up. It probably is a good thing they took you off the Megace. Will be interesting to see what they do now.

Tina - Lots of changes going on your way. It's nice you have a year to get moved. I think I would call the area on my leg more of a lump or a thickening larger than a silver dollar. It was bright red but now looks more like a bruise - not bright at all. It is very painful to touch though. I have a few other areas that you can't really see, but are painful to touch though. The largest of them has gone down quite a bit - usually a little swelled in the evening. I will just be glad when they are gone as they do freak me out a bit when I think about it.

Have a good vacation!

Carla - I got an Ipod nano 8g to upgrade from my 1g which was full. DH also got me a dock for it so I can listen to it in the kitchen. I love it!

Kathy - I've been thinking of you, too. Hope all is well.

I think we are staying home tonight, dd may have some friends over, but it will be low key. I hope everyone has a Happy New Year and 2009 is good to all of us!

SISKimberly · December 2008

OK, Jewels, no time for major shout outs. Greg and I decided last minute to go to San Francisco for New Years. I have to pack still. He found a great deal at the Hyatt Regency on the Embarcadero near the warf for two nights. We should have a view of the Bay where fire works will be going off at midnight. Greg called and the gal stated she would make it happen.

Tina, it was so good to hear from you what's been happening in your world. Your boys are on their way aren't they? My dad and older sister taught handicapped skiers when we lived in Tahoe. It is a rewarding endeavor. Hoping the year you have to move will lift the market a bit so your house sells.

Carol, Norma, and D1...I usually wait to take the Christmas Decour down until after the New Year, but I've not had a maid before, and it just seemed like the thing to do... start fresh for the New Year so to speak.

Tamox se's do not sound fun to me at all. I am so sorry that you guys are dealing with them, and Carol, you with the AI se's. Do you think they are more tolerable than the Tamox from your experience?

Yoga sounds nice. Our District cancelled our Wellness Program claiming it costs them too much, so I guess I'm on my own again. I'll be hopping on the Eliptical at school Monday and doing three days a week in our weight room. The Wii is fun, but it stops every few minutes to give you a change of exercise, so it's not a fluid routine. My son got a newer program he's trying out that doesn't stop after each exercise, so I'll wait to hear how he likes it. The games are fun to play, however, so it's still an asset to have IMO.

OK, gotta run....

As 2008 fades, exhausted by the challenges of getting a nation to see how far off track it was and to finally remove the blindfold, America blinks and squints painfully as its eyes adjust to the light of reality, and the way has been paved for the Devine 2009.

Bette Midler is going to love her!

You didn’t think I’d send you into the new year without a poem, did you?

The Devine 2009

Reminiscent of a 1940’s pin-up,
her upswept silky chestnut brown hair,
makes her thick-lashed doe eyes stand out
against a back drop of pale porcelain skin,
lightly rouged cheeks, and a rosy full-lipped mouth.

Elegantly dressed in a black satin,
figure fitting sleeveless gown trimmed with
shimmering gold accents along the bodice and hemline,
she descends the twelve-step staircase, as if floating,
just as the clock strikes midnight.

Everyone looks to her as she gracefully glides
to the center of the staircase with a breathtaking smile that assures all who witness her that Devine 2009
will bring with her long awaited change
and the beginning of a new era.

Her striking features would ordinarily bring whispers
accusing her of being all beauty and no brains,
but not now, for we are more aware of the importance
of looking beyond the media glossed surface of things.
Something about her elicits our confidence.

Her message is simple for it is borne of universal truth… “Now is the time to work together for the betterment of all, rather than for the few. Our planet, our children, and our elderly need us to ensure they will be well cared for and loved now and far into the future.

We need to see our community as one global community rather than one nation trying to gain or to regain power. We must become a community of nations, siblings born of the same life energy, doing what’s right for the family, so that all may benefit equally, no one more important than another.”

As the clock concludes its inauguration ceremony,
Devine 2009 draws nearer to the last step, and
as she does, her visage begins to change before our eyes.
Her hair now lustrous silver, and her face
although still luminous, now shows signs of age.

“Ah”, she says softly, “In my youth, your past, my beauty captivated you, but my words fell on deaf ears as you frolicked in your prosperity. A gift wrapped beautifully is more often easily received. I offer my wisdom and a gift, a rare, pivotal-moment opportunity. Do not squander it.”
Happy New Year
All my love, Kimberly

Hmmm, this is not the format of the poem on the original. It should all be 5 line stanzas, but the site won't let me fix the lines. Poopy!

sheshe48 · December 2008

Happy New years Eve Jewels,

I'm still trying to get caught up, I don't ever want to be gone this long again. I'm going to spend the rest of the week getting caught up with everyones lives.

PALady good thing you went to the doc. I have been wondering the same thing, I have several little round bruises on my lower calfs. I have not stopped the tamox. I have been wondering if it could be blood clots because I have not been excersizing. My oncol said I have to excersize everyday. I was walking 2 to 3 miles a day but with the snow and ice I just can't. I'm going to go to the doc tonight, I have a ear infection anyway. I wanted to mention it a month ago with my legs but kept forgetting it.

Joan I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of your mom. Take care sweetie.

I had a nice Christmas my dd and her husband bought me a new desk and a pashimina. It's dark blue I just love it. It's so warm, I sure could of used last winter I was so cold during chemo. Ha Ha. I'm showing it off for my avatar. This picture was taken at my older sisters home. my hair is still curly. Wow 2009 is the year I turn 50 it's gonna be interesting year.

SIS Kimberly I'm so glad to her Kathleen is back to work and feeling better. I know Christmas wil be extra special this year. My mom was in the hosp for a couple of weeks, She is home now. I loved your poam very well done and so true. I'm listening to Christmas carols while I read and write.

We in MI have had lots of wind 50 mile an hour winds since Last Sat night. Winter blew right in. My sister did not have power for a few days. My phone was out for a few days. Computer was out too, my dd called from Utah and d son in law told me how to reset the router. It showed last night a few inches. It sounded like everyone had a nice Christmas.

D1 I hope you are feeling ok, I like the words Carol used to describe a funk. I just can't get out of this funk. I think if I just get on more and read about everyones lives I think it will help.

Carol, Paula, Julie miss everyone.

Kimberly enjoy San Francisco.

Happy New Year! Heres to a healthy and blessed year for all of us and farewell to 2008,it was great!!!! We all kicked some cancer butt.

joteach · December 2008

Hi Jewels,

Carol, I'm glad you enjoyed ther picture of Lucy.

I'm only scheduled for a 1x a year infusion of Zometa. My onc says that would be enough for my situation. I had the infusion in July, 2008. The side effects were a little like chemo but not nearly as long or intense. Achy muscles and general malaise, decreased appetite but no nausea. They were only a few days after - maybe 2 or 3.

I go see my bs on January 12, right after having a mammo. I also have to see my onc in January. I'm praying everything is clear and no problems.

PAlady - sorry about your blood clot scare. Do you think they will put you on Arimidex or Femara since you can't take the Tamoxifen? I guess you'll find out on the 5th. I know I feel I am doing something preventative by taking the Arimidex and I haven't had any side effects from it yet.

Happy New Year!

Joan

RN2teach · December 2008

Ah, 2008 draws to a close... farewell and bring on 2009! We'll celebrate quietly with dh's family. Dh isn't feeling well, living in a constant state of confusion and lethargy. His chemo was delayed a couple of days because of abnormal values. He'll start his next round tomorrow.

Ds had a great birthday bash. We had 20 teenagers--12 boys, 8 girls-- all playing Guitar Hero, Rock Band, listening to music, etc, for 8 hours. They took over the family room tv and set up another set in the dining room. It was total chaos and they had a ball! Most of them are under 18 and have to be off the road by 11pm, so that made a good stopping point. It was all too much for dh. I took him to his sister's house nearby and picked him up at the end of the party. I stayed around, but out of the way-- so different from those little boy parties when I had to entertain the masses... I got some great pics. They're such hams!

Kimberly- what imagery your poem evokes! I love it!

Back to the laundry-- one of the last chores of 2008.

Happy New Year, Jewels!

Paula

sheshe48 · January 2009

Happy New Years again,

Paula thanks for the card, I loved it. I'll be thinking about you and your husband. I hope his round of chemo goes well and he gets feeling better soon. Sounds like the party was a hit. I went to the doctors today I have a ear infection and UTI infection. No Thrombosis yet, the doctor wants me to cut down on my aspirin. He thinks the aspirin is causing that promblem on my legs. I only take 81 mg a day and 200 mg with my aleve for arthyritis. No I don't see me cutting that down. I went to the doc's and then to the drug store and then the antibiotic was not covered on my insurance so I ended up in the ER. because the doctors office closed on me. What a day What a day, 2008 can't go out quiet.

Palady I'm glad you are ok and got to the doctor when you did.

Joan Good luck with your chemo treatment that does not sound too bad, once a year. Hoping your mammo is clear.

D1 Sounds like Santa was good to you too. Sorry you could not take the megace (sp).

Sherry

golfer779 · January 2009

Hi Great Ladies,

So this morning at work the topic of how fast this year flew by came up. I sat and listened to "the guys" and after a moment decided to pipe up ... "personally there we're moments during an 8 month period that we're not quite whipping by as fast as I may have liked". After we dispersed in our different directions for our work assignments I started to think to myself about what I had said. Did I really want the time to whip by faster ??? The more I pondered, the more I have thought of just what this past year has brought to my life.

My gratitude to all my family (especially my dh and kids), friends, neighbors, co-workers, 3-day walking buddies for all of their support. It may have been a dinner prepared, a note in the mail, a ride to chemo, or just a quick phone call, but each one was extra special. I will never be able to understand how someone could tackle this journey alone.

I've also been extremely lucky to have checked out this website called BC.org. Wow, what would the past year really have been like without the sisterhood established with words from all of you? As I chatted with my long time gf last weekend, I truthfully told her that I have not been too good at picking up the phone to chat and share like friends would do. I then spoke about this "bond" I have felt with you all and how I have spent A LOT of computer time sharing the ups and downs of the past year with those that have been in like shoes. I guess I felt I needed to apologize for being rather absent in our relationship but wanted her to know how much love and support I have received on-line. I thank you all for that !

So 2008 was not always great but as it comes to a close I will appreciate each day for what it was. I'll be grateful for the positive things that dealing with cancer treatment has brought into my life. I feel my priorities are better defined and my health which I have been lucky to have been able to kinda ignore for many years is now something that I will be paying more attention to and thankful to do so.

Off to share some time at friends this evening, will probably be home before the magic hour of midnight ... I'll raise my glass at 9:00 to my sister friends on the east coast, and then at 10:00 to the mid-westerners. Kimberly and Cathy ... you'll be on your own to toast in the New Year out here in the west !!!

Have fun, be safe and enjoy those your with ... you gals are the best !!!

Carol

Donna1955 · January 2009

Happy New Years to all My sister Jewels

Just a quick note with an update.

I just wanted to thank everyone of you, I know it had been quite a while since I had posted

But you guys are great in all the positive comments on my new problem, which might not be anthing just as most of you have said.

My outlook now is

My Life is changed for ever and there will be more scares but you know what

I will beat whatever may happen to me I have grown so much in the last year with dose-dense chemo, all my surgeries, the great news the cancer was gone.....then the little bump in my road again that i may have it in my lungs

oh well I will not let this ruin my outlook on life.....I will see the onc on Jan 9 and we will see how we will deal this bump in road.....

I appreciate all your wonderful comments and great advice.....One day a time and enjoy every minute.

Anyway enough of rambling, I had a great Christmas and dh and I are in Rocky Point Mexico

(about 4 hours drive from Tucson)

We have a Motorhome with our jeep parked on the beach, 75degrees today...I took a beautiful picture of the Sunset tonight and will post it when we get home next week

HAPPY NEW YEARS TO ALL OF MY JAN. JEWEL SISTERS

ARIZONA DONNA

P.S. THANKS FOR ALWAYS BEING HERE

Determined1 · January 2009

So the end of 2008, our year to fuck with cancer, is coming to an end. We probably all thought the fucking would be done by now, but we're learning that this is a longer term fuck (so where are our partners for the long term fuck???), than we expected. One thing I will say, despite the commonwealth of Virginia, I still think FUBC has a place in the cancer survivors' lexicon. We be the January Jewels. No one can touch us.

I'm so happy to hear in length from some of our friends, Tina, Sherry, Joan, and DonnaAZ. I'm all over the Vikes, Tina. I got a new Vikes sweatshirt for Christmas and I hope it brings some luck.

Carol, thanks for the new year wishes, I missed you by 20 minutes. I would have rung you right back, but dd injured her finger at the game last night (she played awesome) and I was waiting a call from dh about her xray (we thought it was broken). Turns out no fractures, but the darn thing is bruised into her palm. She has no practice tomorrow and we're hoping she can just run with the team on Friday (no ball handling). It's so funny, she kept playing with her injury while players who usually get to play all the time head to the bench crying when they take an elbow or something less. I have to respect that my kids keep persevering. College girl broke her hand her high school sophomore year, the first game in which she'd earned a starting position, and kept playing with her broken hand until the pain was so great that she couldn't handle the ball any longer. I wouldn't be able to do the same...

I'm moving on without the Megace. Already I notice that my heart rate has improved, but I didn't sleep a wink last night and stayed in bed till 9am today. I guess I'll have to go back to the Ambien. Based on what I'm reading here, my time with the Tamox is somewhat limited... I truly am hating what it does to me, I'm just trying to take it because I know it's so effective against recurrence. (What am I afraid of-cancer????) Fuck.

Happy New Year!!!???

It's January. We are the Jewels.

D1

JulieK_11_30_07 · January 2009

Wishing you all a FABULOUS 2009, Jewels!!! In-laws leave tomorrow -- hope to check in when things get back in order around my house!

Hugs to all!

Jules

KathyL · January 2009

Happy 2009!! And good riddance to 2008. I have missed the Jewels immensely the past 2-3 weeks. You have been on my mind a lot. Thanks to for all the encouraging words regarding my MRI. I had an 8am appointment yesterday (couldn't get in earlier with the holidays and my work schedule, plus another "bump in the road" that I'll get to in a bit). I took my Xanax an hour before, grabbed the "Jewels 5" CD, and headed off for the test with dh driving. I had an awesome tech for the test, was really good and told me how far along I was at each step of the way. I kept my eyes closed and just focused on the music and thought of all the Jewels (really, I did)... and I made it! Don't know which helped the most, the music or the drugs, or both, but I did it without freaking out. Whew! Now the waiting part... ugh! I've also had to reschedule my follow-up eye exam twice, but that's set for Jan. 14 now just to double check things from that end I guess. Will I ever get to stop this patient thing? (rhetorical question!)

So, why I haven't been on in ages... I ended up in the hospital for 2 days (12/21-22) which totally screwed things up for the holidays. They wanted to keep me longer, but I was so outta there after those 2 days (the unit I was on was awful)! I was out of work the whole week (sucks, b/c I had so little time accrued), and didn't really feel good until well after Xmas. Went in and was admitted for what they thought was appendicitis, but turned out to be a very wicked gastroenteritis (didn't have surgery, luckily). I have NEVER been that sick in my life, and I'll spare you all the gory details. Chemo was better if that gives you an idea of how evil it was. Got 5 liters of fluids and about 4 doses of anti-emetics before anything improved. I was pretty badly dehydrated and was weak for days. I can see how 3^rd world countries have high death rates from this stuff... seriously! So Xmas was a bust as I had very little ready beforehand except the shopping. Thank God dh can cook. I spent what little energy I had wrapping gifts and putting on a happy mommy face for the kids. My mom and in-laws were here Christmas Day. The kids were up at 6:30, rarin' to go! I wasn't back to work until this Monday, and now have some time to make up after being out again yesterday for the MRI, and next week for my port removal surgery. Life kinda sucked for 2 weeks there. I'm so tired of all the drama. Just want to feel normal again (whatever that is, I know it's not what I went through in Dec.). 2009 HAS to be better. I'm just looking ahead hopefully.

Joan: Sorry to read of your mother's passing. I know my message is late, but my sympathies to you. I hope having your family round for the holidays helped.

Been meaning to ask... is Lucy a Bichon? I'm considering one as our next dog down the road, or a weiner-dog; but def. something smaller than our 90+ lb. lug (our choc. lab is still around, but getting up there in the years).

D1: Nuts on DD not getting into Vassar. I know it's cliché, but I truly believe everything does happen for a reason... maybe there's a better fit out there for her.

Just read about Lewis and Clark and the other prospects... Good news!

Tina was my last SP (or should I say, I was hers... I sent her stuff). I got a card from her thanking me for the stuff I sent. Was happy to hear from her, and glad to read others have also had some contact with her. Just read her post, too!

Hope your days ahead without Megace are brighter.

Julie: Very reassuring to read your post as you are the migraine guru of our bunch. My eye doc still is leaning towards that dx. I hope the MRI results are negative so the onc will be assured, too. I haven't had any more episodes since that one. But I have had some run-of-the-mill HAs more often than ever.

I'm so far behind, I didn't know you got your nips! Hope they look good and are even. I hate that my "highbeams" are not symmetric, but I'm sure it's ‘cuz one's real and one's not. And they took the tissue from WHERE to make yours?? Ouch! Mine were just pulled up from the tissue on my breast.

CHJ: Thanks for the encouragement. I am a HA newbie I guess. I really don't ever get them, let alone this weird visual stuff.

Carol: Thinking of you lots recently (hope you got the warm vibes!). First off, thanks for letting me borrow the Jewel's Big Girl Panties for my MRI (OK, that sounds really weird, but you catch my drift...). Secondly, have read about the cold weather you guys have had. Yuk! And third, love the seafood cookbook. Made a fabulous salmon with balsamic vinegar sauce while my dad and step mom were down last weekend; it was delish!

Whomever mentioned Vegas as a reunion site... that sounds awesome. It's on my "bucket list" of places to go someday. But I'd have to bring dh with me as I'd want him to share the Vegas experience with me (but could still do some "Jewels only" activities I'm sure). We both love CSI! I've been to San Antonio before. It was OK, but no desire to go again really. The Alamo was lame (sorry, it was).

OMG, just saw the pooch pics in the snow... I just love your doggies!

And the snow-girl pic! Love it, LOL!

Carla: Again, I'm late. Hope you are feeling better after your spill. I hope the bruises are gone by now. Love your SP's gifts to you BTW.

Paula: LOL at your description of the Burger Kind ad. It is so bizarre. Got your card yesterday in the mail when I got home from the MRI. Thanks, it made me smile. Amazing how a card from a fellow Jewel can make such a difference. And glad to hear your take on my HAs, too. I really do hope that's all it is as I'm leaning towards that theory currently.

SIS Kimberly: Just read your post and I second it. I was completely not in the holiday mood again this year, and really got myself bummed about it all (being rushed, "unprepared", just not ready at all). I just had to stop and remind myself to be thankful for being here and having my family around regardless. I agree, it has gotten so commercialized! Hope you and your sis got to spend some quality time together over the break. And also that all the teachers in the group are getting relaxed and refreshed before returning to their charges on Jan. 5.

CathyCA: One more herceptin to go for you... yea! It is gonna feel really weird next week when I don't get anymore. My port's coming out instead on Jan. 9. Hope you had a nice b-day, too.

Therese: Reading about Julie getting a new car, and you did last year. Dh and I are due for one by the end of 2009. We want an Acadia, so I'm hoping we'll find some deals this year. No one wanted to bite last year as our Sequoia is leased and who wants an SUV lease on their lot?

Kris: Glad the drain's out... what a great Xmas present.

Norma: Glad to read your episode wasn't a DVT. No fun visiting docs at the holidays, huh?

I know this is sooo long, but I finally had time to write and didn't want to miss anything or anyone. Happy 2009 and Happy January, Jewels!

vettegal · January 2009

Hello jewels! Happy new year!!

I have missed you all. It has been a hard 6 months for me. Between the cancer stuff, I now have celiac disease. Which means I have to go "gluten'free" no wheat,rye,barley! Had so much stomach problems finally got scoped and voila!!! I just found this out about 6 weeks ago. Make it hard for my mon to fiqure out I can't eat at her house. She just doesn't get it. I have explained but,,,no luck. I see other people have been depressed on tamox. It must be the drugs!! I am just battling another round of thrush,,(why can't it go away) Now, I am scheduling a hysterectomy in march. Had a period from hell after 10 months and all my doctors agree it would benefit me since all the cancer in my family. I want to thank everyone for the cards /photos..I need to talk to you ladies more. I have been sad. vettesis is doing great! Honestly, I still feel like my sister took the easy way out. I am still numb for AND. Still have scar tissue and soreness and she doesn't have anything...sorry just venting!! I will find a recent photo, my hair came in blond and had to color it back to a redhead....LOL hope you all had a safe and wonderful new year...2009 is going to be a kick ass year!!

xxoo

Patty

kris60 · January 2009

Did you know if a drain tube from a mastectomy gets removed too soon you'll have your own instant implant? It's like the sea monkeys.. add water and watch it grow!

Just let fill until you reach the desired cup size... I can't decide which is more accurate-- a jello mold or a waterbed.... told my surgeon if this is what implants are like fuhget it!

Needless to say he inserted a huge ass needle and syringe and deflated my waterbed. yay hamburger bun again. For the record yes I was nervous but did not feel a thing.the area is still kinda dead/numb.. whew! This was last Monday, and here we go again, prolly go back next week for more deflation. I can't for the life of me figure out why this one is draining sooooooo much more than the right one did.

So far 2009 has been uneventful----imagine that, it's a record compared to 2008.

My son was flipping out the other night though because he was one of the Zune owners that had it freeze up on him. Not sure if you seen, but it seems Microsoft didnt plan for leap year and on day 366 the thing stopped working, but started working Jan 1st. Y2K???

Yay Kathy!!! So glad you made it through the MRI--whoo hoo

golfer779 · January 2009

Just a quickie from work ...

Kathy, OMG ... our Jewel with the youngest kids (whom putting X-mas off for a few days is not an option), and she is down for the count. Wow, I'm sorry to hear what you went through, lets start 2009 on a little better note !

Vettegal, what a surprise to see that you popped in this morning. Sorry to hear that you have been having some health issues. Enough is enough, ya think? Hang in there gal.

D1, so how do you really feel about cancer in 08 ??? !!!

GTG ... work calls, Carol

vettegal · January 2009

Cool Cool Cool

Okay...got shit for not telling you all ...

VETTEHUBBY.....says hello to everyone...He was mad I didn't include him in my post!

Determined1 · January 2009

So we're firmly in to 2009! Guess Kris was right, I just needed a good fuck to close out 2008! (Thanks for the pm, Kris!)

My bil and his partner stopped in DC yesterday unexpectedly and so dh and I had lunch with them. It was the first time I've seen my bil since his bout with meningitis. He says his only lingering issues seem to be balance problems and periodic anxiety attacks, for which he's got some meds. We all agree that he was incredibly, incredibly lucky. I told him about the crossed fingers here on the thread and he said to say "thanks" to the Jewels.

So KathyL, what a holiday nightmare! I agree with Carol, of all of us, you have the little ones who just don't understand that sometimes things need to be put on hold. So there you were, soldiering on. I'm so sorry you went through all of that, but happy that your tx did not include any surgery.

And WTG on the MRI!!! Don't worry about borrowing the BGP, they are certainly making the rounds! I'm a little concerned that the elastic on the waistband is going to give with all of us yanking so hard...

We all agree with you on Vassar-we think there's a reason. We were all disappointed, but now we're waiting to see what the reason is...

It's so good to see you back online, Patty! Gluten-free? It seems like that would severely limit your epicurean choices. Is that a difficult lifestyle change? How is going out? (I always wonder how people with dietary limitations do in restaurant situations-it doesn't seem like our world is well-equipped to handle anyone with limitations/differences.) Glad to hear Vettesis is doing okay.

Hey, you need to talk to your onc about your blue feelings. I'm still struggling with mine (they seemed to lighten with the Megace, but that brought on a host of other problems, so my onc took me off it 4 days ago--I'm curious to see if my mood darkens again. I don't know if my mood got better because of the Megace or the holidays. Time will tell, I guess.). Point is, we should not have to bear depression for 5 years. My dh had a colleague at work tell him that his wife took Tamox for 5 years and was suicidal the entire time, but they both believed in the power of Tamox, so they gutted it out. That is not for me! I am NOT going to give up 5 years of a happy life for a drug. I will try to find a way to make it work, because all the reading I do on Tamox shows me that it does bring some benefit, but I'll stop taking it if my quality of life sucks. Well, that was soapboxy, wasn't it?

Kris, the next time you go in and have your implant drained, count the number of tubes they fill. I was forever competing with myself! I think 33 was the most in one draining, but I routinely filled around 20 tubes (and I was going in every other day for several weeks!). The worst time was when they ran out of tubes in the exam room and the doc had that huge ass needle in me and we were both screaming for the nurse to bring in more tubes. Sometimes this stuff is comedic!

Glad to hear from Vetteguy! Oh, and Patty, what's up with sending Karen to NYC on Californication???? I can't believe that show is going to benefit from that twist.

So today we have tix to the G'town/Pitt basketball game. Dd has to skip practice to go (this is the 3rd time she's missed a practice in her LIFE-my kids always went to practice even when they couldn't play due to injury). She went in and asked the coach if missing practice would have a negative impact on her playing time and the coach was hesitant to let her miss (of course, other girls miss all the time and nothing happens to them. Heck, she has one girl that routinely turns up stoned and she's the sixth man!). I'll be totally pissed if she uses dd as the example for the team... I think we'll have to thank the coach for her compassion or some other suck up bs. Suck up ideas welcome.

Tomorrow is big excitement in our house. Well, the morning will suck because we have to clean up our holiday decorations, but the Vikings play in the afternoon. I'm a little worried because our defense doesn't usually do well against a mobile quarterback and McNabb can really get around in the pocket, but maybe he'll do the right thing and run right into our QB sacking specialists! I'll be cheering.

So, on with the day (more coffee needed).

D1

SISKimberly · January 2009

Good Morning Jewels,

Happy New Year. San Francisco was fabulous!!!! We had front row seats via our room for the fire works. There were 50,000 people in the streets watching the fire works…may I say, I was thrilled to be in our room watching rather than in that crowd. Our windows opened practically the full length of our wall, so we had our own balcony-like experience.

We spent the next day walking all over the city. We walked to China Town and then on up to Union Square. If I had a choice where to stay in the future, it would be at the Hyatt Regency Embarcadero as it was so close to everything.

Friday morning we headed out of town after breakfast. We had hoped to go to the rebuilt Steinhart Aquarium, but the lot was full when we got there at 11am, and you couldn’t even get into the park. Another time. So, we drove up to Mill Valley, a cute little town and walked around, then had a late lunch in Sonoma before heading home. It was a great little trip, much needed before heading back to school on Monday.

I still have narratives to read and grade, and new seating charts to do before Monday. Guess I’m under the gun, now…and I lecture my kids about procrastination…geez. I do have one class set graded, I just have one more.

Sherry, how’s the ear infection? What did the doc say about the bruises?

Joan, interesting that you’re doing Zometa only once and others are doing it more. After my complete hysterectomy, I think Zometa will be recommended. I can do once a year if absolutely necessary after all other non-pharmaceutical options have been exhausted.

Man two weeks just flew by, didn’t it, my fellow teacher friends? Joan, Jules, and Paula, it’s back to school for us on Monday. I’m ready for ‘em.

Paula, sorry to hear dh isn’t feeling his usual chipper self. His body has been through so much. NO wonder he’s tired and out of sorts. Hoping the chemo he’s trying now will be tolerated.

Sounds like the b-day bash was a huge success, and everyone at school is going to hear about it. “ Man, your parents are so cool!”

Thanks for the card and gift for me and for Kathleen. I just got it yesterday. I will give Kathleen hers when I see her. The double heart is perfect. Thank you.

Carol, thanks for sharing your reflections. It is good to look back to see where we’ve been, but more importantly, as you noted, to gain an appreciation for the gifts offered and to use those gifts as we move ahead.

Donna, so good to hear from you. Your sunset view from the RV sounds just like what the doctor ordered.

Keep us posted on the potential lung issue…but the operative word used was “may” be an issue. Crossing fingers and toes that it isn’t anything to worry about.

D1- It seems that Our Leader Extraordinaire needs a pep talk, and you soooo have the right to just say FUCK this!!!! I’m sorry that Tamox is holding your emotional well-being hostage and causing some physical discomforts, too. I know that you want to give cancer a run for its money, but at what cost? There is no shame in saying, “I’m more important than the potential benefits of this drug.”
There are other options, and I encourage you to discuss them with your oncologist or OBGYN. (((((HUGS)))))

Glad you’re feeling better as posted later. Enjoy your games…watching one live today and the other on the big screen in your newly cleaned digs.

Speaking of (((((HUGS)))), here’s one for Kathy, ((((HUGS)))). Man, you’ve been through the ringer girlfriend. I am so glad you’re OK. So, is what you had a virus?

2009 is going to be better, that’s why you got that nastiness over with before the new year. The fact you made it through your MRI with your big girl panties on is proof positive. Hahaha

Port removal is a piece of cake, you’ll be back to work the next day.

Vettegal- Patty!!! I am so glad you’ve checked in with us.
Celiacs disease? Yuck. What kind of symptoms did you have? Was it from chemo? Well, the good news is there are lots of Gluten Free products on the market, and great cookbooks.

Glad to hear your sis is doing well, and it’s OK to vent after all you’ve been through.

Crap, a period after 10 months? I so don’t want to deal with that potential issue.

Keep in touch…it really does help to share with the those of us who know what you’re going through...well,maybe not everything, but you know what I mean.

HI Vettehubby!!!!

Kris – Hmmm, think of your ‘waterbed’ boob as a pre-skin stretch exercise. When the eventual implant is placed, it won’t even need extra time to settle cause the skin has already been prepared.

What is a Zune exactly?

Off to grade papers and get that seating chart done.
SIS Kimberly

KathyL · January 2009

Happy Weekend! Best news ever yesterday... MRI was negative. So I guess I can't blame brain mets for my craziness Laughing . I am sooo relieved. Next up (and hopefully last for a while) port comin' out on the 9^th!

Vettegal: Glad to see you again. I am familiar with celiac disease from my peds. patients-what a shitty thing to be dx with after all you've been through. I do agree with Kimberly... there's actually a lot out there about it and many cookbooks, menu guides, etc. Read up! It does suck, but as with any new dx that has dietary restrictions (like diabetes) you'll persevere and adapt with time, I know it!

I miss my blonde hair (so jealous). I'm now brown and wavy. I can't wait for it to grow longer, and I'll probably go lighter by the summer.

Kris: I remember I had my drain removed early b/c it clogged. So every so many days I had to go in and have my "third boob" drained manually with a big ass needle like you. I did this for about 3 weeks and then the fluid was gone. You'd never know the skin was saggy/squishy there once I got the implants put in. It looks fine now. Hang in there!

D1: Hope your sports-filled weekend is fun. My dh and mom watched Penn State get spanked the other night. Dh hates the Eagles, so I'm sure he'll be rooting for the Vikes this time (he's from MA, so he's a Pats fan normally).

Kimberly: Yeah, it was some nice GI virus. I'm not a fan of viruses since there's not much to do but weather out the storm of sx... and we can see how well my body does that! (((sigh))).

GTG, I'll try to stay in touch better. I love checking in here.

tinalee123 · January 2009

Happy New Year, sisters! I hope 2009 is filled with health, fun and love for each of you.

Speaking of fun, here's a funny picture of our new mini-wiener dog, Joey. He's providing lots of entertainment and companionship. I think also providing the cat with a migraine. Of course, this is before we got slammed with the snow and the cold. We're calling this one, "Snowy Joey". Laughing

-Tina

wvgirl · January 2009

Hello to everyone

I had to go see family doc this am I have tennis elbow it has been her ti visit me for 3 weeks I have been taking Advil and using a are brace. The pain was getting worse so I went to him for a shot of steroids and cortisone. I hope the hell it helps.

I then went to visit my brother his son was there he is in his first year of law school. He will have 3 more years after this one is over.We had a very nice visit.

My twin collage girls already had plans to go to the movies with friends so I borrowed one puter downloaded some music and thought I would pop in for a minute

Paula and Kimberly thanks for the cards.

Take Care

Carla

SISKimberly · January 2009

WhooHoo, Kathy!!!! I told you 2009 would be Devine,and so it has begun for you. Yippee!!!

Tina, OMG is Snowy Joey a cutie pie or what? That little face almost makes me want to be a pet owner again...almost.

Carla, glad you got in to see the doc about the elbow. What the heck are you doing with your arm to get 'tennis' elbow? Certainly, not tennis this time of year. LOL

Here's a URL for our balcony view on New Years Eve. I don't know how to make it an active link, so copy and paste it into your browser. The voice at the end is me saying Happy New Year...listen...as I held up the phone for the twinsis to hear all the festivities, then explaining where we were.

Off to see a musical review called, "Forever Plaid". I got my seating charts done, all my email from being gone for three days, and all but ten narratives. I'll read those tomorrow, head to school afterwards to make sure I'm ready and to enter their narrative scores, then hit the grocery store on the way home.

Have a good evening all,

SIS Kimberly

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FjNJ2Z9Cm0 

Our balcony view on New Years Eve

golfer779 · January 2009

So the holiday festivities have come to a close around here. We topped it off last evening with a fondue dinner (steak, shrimp and scallops) and then fruit with chocolate for dipping to cap the evening off with friends. What a fun dinner as it takes longer than 10 minutes to eat ... although it leads to a bit of extra wine drinking for some, (thankfully the dh and not me this time)! I had gotten a massage just an hour before our guest arrived so I knew in the back of my mind that I should have been drinking a lot of H2O.

Today we de-Christmased the house. It was quite nice to have the dh help out. In the past he usually handled the outdoor decos and I did the indoor. This year we opted not to do the outdoor lights, so his extra help getting everything stowed away in the attic was so great. This afternoon I'm just in heaven knowing that we have no social engagements to attend and no entertaining to gear up for. The calendar is looking pretty blank for the month of January. Time to focus on eating a bit healthier, exercise and my general well being. I'm looking forward to getting back in the groove of Yoga twice a week and I'm also scheduled with a massage each week for the next 10 weeks (with my insurance picking up the tab). Although most of my discomfort from that darn Femara is in my joints of my hands, elbows and shoulders I'm thinking that trying to alleviate the knots in my muscles especially in my neck and upper back could be helpful. I saw a new massage therapist as she is contracted with my insurance co, and I seemed to really connect with her. She is very familiar with bc patients and the whole le issues as her mom is a bc survivor and has had a mastectomy . She was very informed about ER/PR status and the use of Tamo/AI's etc, and the possible se's of them.

So I will back track a bit as I've been reading but not necessarily responded to the posts, okay I'm stopping at the top of the post ...

D1, so Santa had me figured out ... I got a new wine cooler. It holds 18 bottles with two temp settings, for whites/reds. So Kimberly the wine you gave us is still being cared for! I wanted to put it in our dining room, but unfortunately I think I may end up putting it in the laundry room as the fan is a bit too loud. The nice thing will be that those unexpected times of offering a glass of white wine and realizing that there is none chilled will be history.

Caught the last half of the Georgetown game ... sorry that it slipped away. Our one and only team of the PNWest (Gonzaga) has been going down the toilet lately. Hopefully with the league games starting up they'll turn things around. I think they we're ranked in the top 6 just a few short weeks ago, now I don't even think there in the top 25. Par for the course in these parts.

Tina, OMG ... Joey is tooooo cute !!! I swear those little guys have a personality like no other. Thanks for sharing the pic.

So I took a peak at your bungalow on Zillow.com, wow ... I can't believe your home was built in 1926 ... looks like a very nice neighborhood, who wouldn't want to move right in ?!?!?

I'll be tuning in the the Viks game tomorrow 1:30 start time I think.

Carla, oh boy another Ipod junkie ... your going to love it !!!

Norma, just hung up my Linked by Pink calendar today, boy those were tastefully done. I love it !!!

So the ds just dislocated his knee cap. It actually popped back into place fairly easily. He is slated to start some PT on Monday. They would like him to learn/do some exercises to help strengthen the surrounding muscles. They did not take an MRI, if the swelling did not go down and he was still in pain a few short days after it happened they would have checked for something being torn. Personally I think he will be just fine, and I know that he is dying to get back on his skates. Well see what the PT has to say.

So what the heck, I must have scared off my walking partners !!! Actually Ginny who is only in Washington for about 5 months out of the year really wants to take the time to be with her kids/grandkids this next summer. They are all in their teen years and she knows that soon they will all be off in many directions. They have a lovely home on a lake that the kids like to stay at. Ginny also has a daughter who is dealing with some health issues that having Mom close by may be of some benefit. Bottom line ... it's a heck of a time commitment to train properly and she definitely would only want to be in the proper shape to walk (she will be 69 this year). My other two gf's ... well one was a bit challenged to complete the walk due to blisters, although she did, and the other one is concerned more about the fundraising efforts. You are committed to raise $2300, and once you sign up you either raise the funds or it is charged back to your credit card. So just maybe, my tentmate will walk again and with the help of my other friend's fundraising efforts.

Kimberly, what a great NY letter. It made me think that maybe I should fire a note off as well, atleast to those I had been e-mailing over the course of last year. I kind of just dropped off the planet in that regards after the 3 day, and I had a motivational problem with doing X-mas cards again this year. And once again, the Divine 2009 was worthy of re-reading a couple of times!

Your NY Eve evening sounded spectacular. Are we booked for next year ??? We ended up staying up past the new year at some friends ... actually hit the hay at 2:00am ... a record for us. The kids blasted off some pretty decent fireworks of their own. It was quite a site as it was also snowing ... pretty cool!

So you asked about AI and my se's. I'm thinking that most se's have mellowed out a bit. My emotional rollercoaster rides seem to be much less, and I definitely do not have the hot flashes like I did a few months ago. My largest concern is the joint aches. Thankfully it seems to be mostly in my hands and elbows and then my feet after I've sat for a bit or when I get up in the morning. My hips/knees don't seemed to be effected. I'm really hoping that after my Zometa infusion next month I don't have any new flareups of the achies. I'm scheduled to have all of my blood levels checked this month, I'm with you the last thing I would want is a surprise visit from Aunt Flo. I'll be happy to get poked to check all those hormone levels.

Sherry, yuckers on the nasty weather. Isn't spring just around the corner, or is that my wishful thinking? Hopefully you will thaw out a bit a be able to start on your walking regime again soon.

Joan, right on ... no se's from the Arimidex. I'm still hoping that mine will decrease with time. I guess there would be the option of trying Arimidex as well. Wonder why some are using it vice Femara? Good question for the onc I guess.

Paula, so did you give Guitar Hero a whirl? I tried playing it last week at some friends house ... thank god I wasn't expected to sing along.

As always, I enjoyed chatting today and thank you once again.

Donna, I felt a rush of warmth while reading of your whereabouts ... beach... 75 degrees ... oh I'm jealous!!! Sounds like just what the doc would order for good health.

Kathy, AWESOME NEWS !!!! Your anxiety level has had to come back off the ceiling with such great results. Well worth sporting the BGP's !!!

So with some of you gals from the East giving a thumbs up for Las Vegas ... are we getting closer to a time/place ???

Vettegal/guy, how great to hear from you. I was saddened to though to read that you have been having a tough go of it with some health issues. Where's the fairness in this thing called life anyway? Boy, maybe you and a few of our other JJ's can get a group rate on hysterectomys.

Like you I have not gotten the feeling back on the underside of my arm, what a yucky feeling. I'm still hopeful that some day I will wake up and surprise myself with a normal feeling arm. Hang in there gal, and always feel free to vent away when needed ... there is usually somebody close at hand with a kind word or two.

Kris, enough already with the draining ... not being a big needle fan, your description gives me the willy's !!!

Okay, this was a winded one ... imagine that ... off to visit a family friend who is at his folks next door. He has been recuperating from radiation/chemo due to tongue cancer. I just spoke to him on the phone and he sounds great. Before Thanksgiving he could barely spit out a couple of words with much pain. I guess we'll be sharing war stories.

Happy Sat Night ,

Carol

golfer779 · January 2009

Kimberly ... I love modern technology ... great link !!!

JulieK_11_30_07 · January 2009

Hiya Jewels!!! Hope everyone is having a great start to 2009! Sounds like everyone had a nice Christmas/New Years with family and friends - we did as well.

We've been pretty busy since our house emptied out on Thursday! We've decided we're done for the weekend now and are planning to just chill tomorrow and enjoy our last day of break. We've made some great headway on the next part of our redecorating/remodeling project. Our focus next will be changing ds's "playroom" into a "media room," moving his bedroom to what is now the den in the basement (his current bedroom will become the guest room), and remodeling the basement family room to make it a gameroom/sports bar area.

Dh and ds picked up my new dining room set yesterday and I've spent many hours assembling the chairs for it - there are eight of them!! We've got to get the most bang for our buck, so we bought something we could assemble ourselves and ended up saving about $700! I LOVE it and am soooo glad it's now assembled!!

Crazy development with the new vehicle --- long story short, we found out that the vehicle we purchased had actually had TONS of body work done to it (with only 42 miles on it...go figure!) and the warranty had actually been activated 16 months prior to our purchase!! It had been in a BAD wreck of some kind and the work that was done to it was very shoddy --- i.e. the engine mount was CRACKED and the motor was resting on the oil pan! We drove over 800 miles the first week we had it and the dealership is VERY lucky nothing happened while we were driving it!! We ended up with a "real" new one and are pleased with how the dealership handled it - they had inherited the vehicle after another dealer went out of business and had not done the proper inspections before sending us off in it! We actually ended up with a color I'm happier with and a vehicle that was about $2000 more.

Okay - enough about me --- it's been busy here this week!!

Kimberly - glad your appt went well about the ooph/hyst... it sounds like the same procedure I had. VERY easy recovery.... it'll be nothing after all you've been through this year! THANKS for the Christmas card and sharing your letter. I enjoyed reading it and learning more about you and your family. I had really good intentions of getting ours out this year, but failed again! I think it's been three years since I sent something out - oh well, maybe next year!

Sherry - so sorry to hear you haven't been feeling well. Check in when you can, but no worries!!

Kris - BIG BUMMER on the fluid build-up! Hope things are getting better for you. Glad you enjoyed your Christmas with the kiddos.

Kathy - Hope you're feeling much better by now! Dh and ds have both had a touch of some type of virus yesterday and today - I keep telling them to stay AWAY from me!!

Cathy - glad you had a nice b-day! So cool that you worked on one of the floats for the Rose Parade! I only saw a small part of it - was yours the one that actually had kids jumping into the pool?? If so, I actually saw that one!!!

Norma - I'm so glad you caught blood clots early!!! Wow - that had to be very scary for you. Yes - I had my ooph and hysterectomy at the same time. I had the procedure referred to as LAVH (laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy with oopherectomy) - fairly easy recovery - my sister was back to work in 2 weeks. I actually also had a herniated umbilical repaired at the same time and that was the worst part of the entire procedure for me - I was back to work in three weeks.

Paula - I'm so sorry to hear that Ed's chemo has been so tough on him. I hope they can find something that will be easier for him to tolerate. Sounds like you had a very successful b-day bash for ds!! One of the reasons we're redoing our basement into a game room is because I HOPE my son and all of his friends will want to come spend time at our house for fun times like that - I worry about all the things teenagers can get into and I'd rather they just all be here under our roof where I can keep an eye on them. Hope your computer hangs in there for you until you're able to get a new one!!

D1 - hope you're feeling better now that you've stopped the Megace. I hope they can help with the depression you're having - I got a chuckle out of them telling you to exercise more - pretty sure that's not possible to do!! So, are you all undecorated there yet?? I haven't taken down a thing!!! Thought about it in a fleeting moment, but dh had other ideas of things that we needed to focus on. I'll get to it eventually, but it won't happen before I go back to school.

HI TINA!!!! I'm so glad you checked in with the Jewels!! I've thought of you often and wondered how things are going for you. WOW - sounds like you've been very busy - and EMPTY NESTING it now! How exciting! Love the pic of Joey - what a cutie!

Yep! Got the new nips - things are healing well. I actually had a procedure where my ps used skin from the breast area to create the nip, then he took two circles from my lower abdomen to make the areola with a skin graft. I'm amazed how "real" they look and I still have more healing to do. He actually sewed up the abdomen in a straight line so I don't have two circle scars down there - amazes me what they can do!! I go back on the 12^th for another follow-up with my ps and he'll decide if things look the way he wants them to - he's VERY particular! He recommends using Mederma on the scars - I'd been using Vitamin E lotion but haven't had much luck with it. During my nip surgery, he injected them with a steroid and they look a lot better. He might have to do that a few more times - mine are pretty pink and raised a bit.

Okay - I'm out of time for the night and want to get this posted! I'll try to check in tomorrow again and finish reading all the posts!!

Good night to all!

Jules

vettegal · January 2009

Happy Sunday Jewels!!! Smile

D1-Yes its hard tring to be gluten free. Whole Foods has a lot of gluten free stuff. I really like the choices they have..alot of organic food. Which is probably better for me and vetteguy!! Eating out is becoming a chore. I need to go on websites to see if they have gluten free menus and if they are wiling to not cook what i am eating with someone elses meal that has bread crumbs or whatever in the kitchen.

Cool who is on the hysterctomy list besides me? My appointment to schedule the surgery is jan 15th.

I love seeing all the jewels with hair...OMG You can see in your photo....the happiness in the eyes and the smiles..that means alot!!!!

I see you are still planning a trip for the summer. I do have a casino host in vegas who can hook us up for rooms @ Planet Hollywod..she is awesome!!

D1-I know califonication..I can't believe Karen left..Poor hank.at least that baby wasn't his...what a way to get him out of that!!! Tongue out Do you watch Dexter? God we love that show!!!

Any idea on the hot flashes? I didn't have any till I got my period after 10 months. Night sweat/hot flashes has come on like a steam roller. Just today in walmart..I lok at dh and say give me your cold hands and put them on my neck and head. I was like beet red! I was ready to throw of my clothes if you know waht I mean. I walked outside w/o my coat it was about 35 but i didn't care it felt good!!!

Hope you have a great day..getting ready to watch some football(playoff time) our game is next week(steelers) but we love football!

hugs to all xxxxooooo

Patty

golfer779 · January 2009

Happy Sunday Morning, well it was head out to the golf course to freeze my hind end off with the dh, or plop on the couch in front of the fire with the wieners on each side of me, hmmmm that will take alot of time to decide, NOT.

Hey Tina, great new pic on your avatar !!! So does "baby" Joey sleep in your bed under the covers? I've not heard of too many wiener dogs that don't end up owning a queen/king size bed!

D1 and Tina, never thought I'd say this but .... "GO VIKS" !!! Heck atleast I know somebody that still has a passion about their team. Ah, Patty too with the Steelers !

Jules, yikes on the car episode. Atleast the dealership did you right in the end. We had a strange experience as well buying a one year old rig, got it home and then noticed looking under the front seats some pretty obvious rusting, upon further expections, we ended up finding alot of sand down the knooks and krannies of the vehicles. Bottom line, it looked like it had been doing some serious sand dune or beach driving. Needless to say we we're rid of that rig within a month and we'll never purchase a vehicle on a wet/rainy day. I think we we're not half as thorough as we would have been looking over the car before signing on the dotted line ... live and learn.

So sounds like the nips are taking shape (so to speak). Wow, I've not educated myself at all on the processes of the recon, but listening to the various stories, it sounds pretty amazing as to what can be done. Every once and a while I have thoughts of what it would be like to have chosen to go that route.

Off to do some indoor puttering ... feeling like this is going to be a lazy day, spending time watching the boob tube with my laptop close at hand. Life is Good ...

Carol

Jan 2008--Ain't it Great?

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Happy New Year! Heres to a healthy and blessed year for all of us and farewell to 2008,it was great!!!! We all kicked some cancer butt.

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