Jan 2008--Ain't it Great?

hello jewels...

I saw Bette Midler the day before thanksgiving (my annual vegas trip) Great story,,

we bought tickets in june..100.00ea pluas fees and tax. I always wanted to see her..

we where in peanut heaven..you can see the stage and it was realy hot and the seats where cramped together like sardines. this is when i first got the celiac dx. I was starting to get sick, and now iknow where the anxiety comes from now(f'n tamox) I kept runing to the bathrom and the usher asked me if i was ok.show didn't even start yet an said icould sit with him.he brought me water.he went and got vetteguy and said give me your tickets and handed us seats 14 rows from the front..he said it was cooler for me and easier acess to restroom. Seeing Bette up close and her voice is stil awesome and she is still her raunchy self and droping f'bombs left and right and she made me laugh and made me cry.Best show i scene in vegas. I did see LOVE @ mirage 2 years ago and if you like the beatles you wil love the show.

Paula & Ed--------->good vibes  xxoo

D1 Planet Hollywood has a great workout area...

Ladies have a wonderful day and remember you are loved!!

patty

Just a quick Hey!!! I've read all the posts...I like Sun - Wed for Vegas...Hmmm, thinking thoughts of a Vegas Jewels reunion brought on the Cher/ D1 connection.

Paula...(((((HUGS)))) for you and for Ed ((((HUGS))))) {{{{{{positive loving energy}}}}}

I've been dragging my butt to school this week. I have no voice now, and still stuffed up, and havea  really nice deep cough,but don't feel badly enough to take a sick day. 

Yippe for the deporting of Kathy, the anticipated deporting of Cathy Ca, the successful tattoo for Carla, the win for the Ravens...I don't watch football much or any sport for that matter.  I love to watch as a social event like the big games, then I vote for the underdog team ...so GO RAVENS!

D1 - Loved your words about all of us bearing our own crosses....so true. 

Gotta get to my Dept. Chair meeting. Check back in this weekend.

SIS Kimberly 

Kimberly 

We have a new plan. Ed has his first treatment of Avastin and Irinotecan here at Duke in the morning. If he feels okay afterward, we'll come home tomorrow. This regimen was mentioned to us in Nov., but Eddie's tumor wasn't judged severe enough... Our onc. At home gave this as his treatment of choice when we saw him last week. Dh will have chemo every 2 weeks at home and we'll get another MRI in 6 wks. Apparently the "fingers" of his primary tumor are "waking up" and beginning to grow. The docs are hopeful that he will regain his ability to communicate. He is getting more confused and I'll need to arrange for someone to stay with him. I am off the rest of the week and Monday is a holiday, so I have until Tues. To work something out. I'll check in tomorrow. Paula

Hi Gang, I spent I just wrote a post and lost it. I hope I can remember what I wrote. I did a new training skill for my work at home company and I start the new job tomorrow. I also get .75 more an hour. It was voluntary to switch. I will miss my old job. But I get to make more money and the job is easier. Yeah for Me!!!. Been very busy this week, got fitted for 2 lymphdema bras and my insurance paid for it. I can already see a difference in the fluid in my breast, and my nipple who has been hiding since the first surgery, is out a little bit. The bras are working.

D1  Yes, I would be happy to be your roomy in the "Looney Bin"  I hope we both survive the tomox. I also was at my oncologist the other day and he told me to go to my primary care doc for something for depression. He got real defensive about me not wanting Tamox we go threw this every time I see him. Well you know the drill. LoL. He said the side effects aren't going to kill you and the cancer will kill you. He always wins this same argument. Let me know how the Welbrutin works on you. Maybe I will go and get some. I'm learning when you have a cancer Dx, you can get the drugs. I'm glad your sonogram came out good. Tamox can cause spotting.

Paula  Sending much Love and Hugs, I will pray for Ed. Cancer just sucks!!  Glad you love your new computer, you deserve it.

KathyL  I copy your BRRR!!! Since Sat in MI we have had at least 15 inches of snow. I'm starting to have trouble walking in it. Tonight its going down to -5 or lower. Yeah its winter.

CHJ  Hoping the Ravins win!!! I'm not much of a football fan, but used to play it.

SIS Kimberly  Sending you lots of Energy for the rest of the week. You go Girl!!

I think i'm going to go for now and try to get caught up later, I'm worried about losing my post again. I don't know if its the cold or what

Patty  Sorry about the fall out with your sister, glad you loved your cation.

Enjoy the rest of the week Jewels.

Tina  Glad you are offically (SP) in Menopause, I'm glad i'm threw it.

Sherry

P.S. incase anyone was wondering, the cat is my grandbaby Cougar and she loves my feet. LOL

Happy Hump Day ...

First off ...

Paula I was very happy that you got the chance to post.  It's got to be somewhat settling to have both set of docs on the same page for Ed's care.    Here's hoping that he tolerates the drugs well enough tomorrow so that you'll both be able to head back home.  Continued strength my friend. 

Next up ...  A big thank you to my Secret Pal.  Here I was just last night reading my first issue of Food and Wine (yes, while taking a tubber) and then I receive yet another treat in the mail tonight.  Yes, the peanuts are addicting ... and in a matter of minutes I will be enjoying some of the Minnesotian seasoning on my broccolini (oops hope that mentioning the origin of my seasoning does not let the cat out of the bag in regards to my "Secret" pal!!!).  The dh is in the galley preparing dinner ... and it smells so good!!!    Fast forward about 20 minutes ...   OMG ... those Minnesotian's know how to put together a great seasoning ... and yes it does include more than salt !!!

Patty, awesome pics gal ... I'm glad that SiS Julie could help you out with the posting.   Your short do is very cute ... did you have short hair prior to this whole ordeal?  As I recall you had posted a pic with a hat on while getting a txt last year. 

So what does the pool area at Planet Hollywood look like?   I only checked out the 360 view from the Expedia sight and it looked like it may be on a roof ???  I was looking for some foliage, umbrellas, you know what I mean?  Now I may be one of only a couple that enjoys the pool atmosphere of a resort hotel, personally not being a big gambler, I prefer to be outdoors typically near water if its over 100 degrees, but some shade would also be kinda nice to have.   I realize that everybody has their likes and dislikes and bottom line is that I will be a happy camper if I we're to meet you all in a campground !  Okay, maybe not !!!! 

Hate to beat a dead horse but coming up with firm dates would probably be good to do in the near future.   I realize that some work weekends, have limited vacation days, etc.,  but if we choose maybe a 3 to 4 day gig, hopefully each of us would be able to at least meet  on one of the overlapping days.    So here I go again, and believe me, I personally have no issues with whatever works I just don't want the ball to drop now that we have some dialogue started  ... How about Sunday July 12^th to Wednesday July 15^th ??? 

Carla, now I remember you saying that you we're having a butterfly done as your tattoo.  Your still braver than me gal !!!   I enjoy hearing your posts with a ibit of a positive spin ... thumbs up to ya !!!

Maz, been thinking of you ... hoping that you'll post soon.  We are a dynamic group of ladies and have plenty of good spirits to share with our sister friends which may be in need. 

Julie, so I'll admit that I read your post about a "Smack Down ...  Watch Out" ... and initially I thought, what the heck is our thread  being banned from BC.org or what.  What a dork I am?!?!?

D1, well I got a lot of my mind babbling thoughts out of my head today ... thanks for taking the time.  You'll be happy to know that I made it back to work with a mere 30 minutes to spare.  No OT today ... actually I very/very rarely work overtime.   My guess is that after taxes, your screwed anyway !

One thought which I probably have already asked you but forgot ... so being the gym rat that you are ... I believe you do the elliptical trainer.  Are you doing your upper body as well, and is there not a problem with the repetitive motion of the arms?   My apologizes in advance if I already asked you about this.  I personally thought about it recently while walking on the treadmill at the gym, I work my arms either in an upwards position or down at my sides, conscientiously trying to move them around.   Just thinking about your friggin' le.  Back tracking a bit, it did put a smile on my face to read about you feeling pretty "normal" while still laying in bed a morning or two ago.

Wendy, right on gal ... it's always too cool to see a Jewel that comes home to the family.  Yes, some moved on completely, others took a break from all things BC and how cool is it that in the long run, each and everyone of us knows that we can come back to our JJ's group and know that somebody will be there to give that cyberspace hug!  I must say that I'm personally amazed (in a very good way), that I'm not the only one a year later still enjoying/needing (whatever you want to call it) the friendship and sisterhood from our experience.    I deep down inside have this gut feeling that my friends and family would think life should be great, all back to normal.    How do you explain that it's not???  Personally I come here, and doing this makes me feel normal today.

Cathy, so I took your recommendation and I ordered the 3-day book "Why We Walk".  I'll be forwarding it to Therese after I read it.  So I had asked Therese if she had heard/watched a whole bunch of ads for the 3 day in the media.  They are saturating the media up here.   Your energy level never ceases to amaze me.   Hip-hip horray on the your last Herceptin txt.

Therese, so with my PM's I never did ask if your planning on doing the pink tent experience of the 3 day.   Many of my notes are for the packing aspects (with the weight/size limits of our bags)  to camp out.   I out of curiousity e-mailed the 3 day staff to ask about switching cities of participation at a later date after registering for my local city, no problems to switch ... just food for thought for the future.  I actually toyed with the idea of doing AZ ... although my friend (Ginny) whom lives down there 6 months out of the year has decided not to walk at all this year.   She is toying with the idea of crewing, personally at some point in time I would also like to crew.      

Joan ... what more can we ask for .... ALL CLEAR on the MRI .  Great news gal friend.  Wow a trip to Ireland ... now that would be a reunion destination !!!

CHJ ... okay I'll fess up ... the one scrip I have refilled since the beginning of this adventure has been my Lorazepam.    I find that just .5mg does the trick to turn my pea brain off when I need it.   I do like the fact that I don't have a spacey feeling in the morning, such as if I we're to take an antihistamine. 

Do I dare say go Ravens ??? ..... sorry Patty, but at this point I must blow off the black and gold (that Superbowl  game a few year back against the Hawks was too painful). 

Kimberly, I have the hunch that you had a game plan to teach without a voice that was going to be most productive.   So tell me, did you ever have a sniffle while on chemo ???  I personally thought that crap killed everything including the good, bad and the ugly !!!  Here's hoping by the 3 day weekend your back up to par.

Kathy, right on for your "new" co-workers.  Seems to me it might have been a long story from last year, but right on with the support from your current new worker-bee's !

Interesting your take on "still being watched", it is a weird feeling isn't it, although most of us have bitched and moaned about so many doc appts, it does give just a bit of a security blanket feeling, does it not ???

So you'll be happy to know that your tax dollars are not being wasted away entirely on my paycheck.   Most of my spare time throughout the day is spent in inspection lines, since 9/11 base security IMO is beyond ridiculous.  Nothing like being treated like a threat to your country at the place of your work.   Then in the eve's, now that we're down to one kid at home which is only about half of the week, I end up with a bit of time to myself.   I can typically hit the gym, go to yoga all after work before my dh gets home.   This time of the year the yard is dormant so other than some small meals and a bit of wash, I have a pretty easy life.    You know that is why I get such a kick out of hearing about your kids, it was not  that long ago I was right there with every move your making.   Now I turn into a pumpkin in about 15 minutes, which is 9 pm west coast time. 

Sherry, here's to your new job endeavor.  More money, a bit less work ... that a win-win.

Awesome to take part in your insurance coverage for some new undergarmets.    Thanks to my insurance co, I have the best fitting bras I've ever owned as well.   What a beni ?????   Think in the long run I'd keep my old ill-fitting ones !!!

Okay, turning into a pumpkin and I don't believe I'll be needing a Lorazepam tonight, hit the gym for an hour on the treadmill and then a ass-kicker yoga stretch class.  Add a small glass of vino, and I've been sitting here in my recliner for the past hour and half. 

A pleasant eve to all, Carol

a Quick Hello

The dates of July 12---July 15 are good for me..

Talk soon to ya all

HUGSSSS  Carla.

Hello Jewels

Surgery is March 23rd. Hysterctomy off for at least 6 weeks!! Just got to work..want to post..came in late!!!

I feel no love on the steeler front BUT that is ok. Because we are going to win anyway!!!

GO STEELERS

Patty

Hey again,

Sitting here beside Ed in the infusion center at Duke. He's just finished the chemo (irinotecan) and they're getting ready to start the avastin. I've seen lots of BC patients on Avastin, so you all are probably familiar with it. Approx 50-65% of brain tumor patients achieve a good response to this treatment, so we're optimistic.

We'll be on our way home within an hour or so. It is plenty cold here (teens), but I hear we're headed home to some really cold weather in the single digits. BRRR!

BTW, talked to my onc. in Charleston this morning about Ed and he also reported in on my recent tests. The tumor markers I had last week are fine and the CT Scan from Wednesday was normal... so I just have a "lumpy" neck... I'll take that! NED for now-- WOOHOO!

I'll check in again when I get home and try to catch up with everyone.

Paula 

Carol -- those dates are fine with me.  Can I suggest we start picking some specific events and come up with a tentative itinerary?  That way people who only are able to be there for a few days or want to coordinate around family plans will know what times to reserve.  Are people interested in shows (fun, but not a good chance to talk), a lunch or dinner at a restaurant, tour to Hoover Dam, floating around Lake Mead on a boat, ?????

KathyL -- (((hugs))))  I know what you mean about just wanting to go back to normal.  One of my friends made a comment about my being done with doctors now that I'm finished with herceptin.  I laughed and said, except for the every 3 month visit to the surgeon, every four months with the onc, every six months with rads onc., etc.  I swear I'm never going to get away from these people!

Paula -- so happy to hear your report -- both on your lumpy neck and Ed's Avastin. 

Therese -- the best advice I can give you for the 3-Day is to join one of the training groups.  It makes it so much more fun and really helps you prepare.  I learned a lot about the mechanics of the event and so many hints that helped me make it through blister free.

Patty -- I don't follow pro football (strictly college), but I'm glad your team is still in the competition.  This year I only care about the halftime show.  LOL!

To all in the cold, wish I could send you some sunny Southern Cal weather.  I watch the news while I'm on the treadmill in the morning and it looks brutal for most of the rest of the country.

Hello Jewels, yes ... truly a quickee ...

Boy, I'm sure everyone has saw/heard a bit of news tonight ... what a sight to see a jet airliner in the Hudson river.   A true miracle !!!

One day closer to a 3 day weekend for a few of us ... yeah !!! 

Paula, I'm hoping that you made it safely back to the "holler" and are settled in.  Thank goodness on some good news from your own onc.   You know that your family is in my thoughts.

Kathy, I could feel your disappointment in your post with having to "do" yet another doc.   Let's just hope that we're getting it all out of our systems in a couple of hellacious years.  My guess is that with due time we'll be back to being "normal" people.  Hang in there. 

Therese, okay gal, I'll have stuff to share for the pink tent experience !!!    Oh, I'd ditto Cathy's advice of walking/talking/training with other 3 day'ers.  They will be a wealth of info.   So have you received your "booklet" from the 3 day event yet.   Trust me, if I had a lot of vacation, and knew that I could raise the proper funds, oh ... and if I thought my body could do it, I'd be all over trying to walk more than one event.   I bet in Texas you don't have to worry about a wet dew all over the inside of your tent in the morning !!!  We left our tent unzipped the first night ... that was a poor idea as the moisture/dew in the Pac NW in September is too darn damp, and that was with weather during the day of about 80 degrees.    Our stuff was rather wet  feeling even though it was tucked into our tent.    This year though, I think I will be sticking to Seattle.    I will find room in my bag to bring my pics to Vegas  !!!

Cathy,  I see you we're on the treadmill today ... I as well hit the treadmill afterwork.  This was a first tonight, but after already having a pretty good sweat going on I decided to have myself a hot flash.  Talk about turning the furnace up to "wow".    Needless to say, even my ear buds we're having a hard time staying in my ears as the sweat was dripping into them.    So do you walk/run ... combo on the treadmill?  I tend to do a random incline and hit it at about 3.6 to 3.9 mph.   I figure that if I keep this up atleast three/four times a week, I will be so much ahead of the game for training than last year.  I did not even think about the 3 day walk until April of last year.  

I like your thought about Vegas ... although I am the first to admit I am less than a social/travel agent.   If anyone would like to do some research on things to do, that would be too cool.   Your talking to a gal who can sit by a pool and vegetate (if I'm not golfing) on vacation for many more hours than I'd like to admit !!!  

So time to do some snuggling (be with the one you love, your four legged one, or a nice cozy blanket)  for those of you freezing in the east ...  okay for those of us out west as well !!!

Okay, I said quick ... better sign off for now ...

Carol

Good morning all!

Yes it's cold here (6 degrees outside my window).  And Carol - OMG, the story about that airplane in the Hudson, what a miracle!  It muct have been terrifying.  They are doing a lot of the stories on the Today show this morning.  I can't imagine being in that water even for a split second.

Cathy/Kathy, ditto with you on the doctors.  Enough already!!  I honestly don't get why I need to go back to the rads doctor at all.  The onc will monitor the bloodwork and the effects of the Arimidex, etc. and my surgeon is the one who directs followup mammograms & MRIs.  So what do I need with the rads doctor anyway?  I saw him a month after rads were over, and he had me make a 6-month appt which is in Feb. I'm thinking of cancelling it, because I don't see the point.

In the meantime, I'm going to see my new onc today.  I have high hopes for a better connection with her than the other guy.  We'll see!

Vegas?  I don't need to be busy at every minute.  I just want lots of "chat" time, maybe 15 minutes at a winning slot machine (who's in charge of that?? ) and a chance to see the sights around town.  Maybe one show or something.  The last time I was in Vegas it was 1987, and I KNOW it'stotally different since then. How many of you are bringing partners?  I usually like to travel with dh, but I think he would be bored, so I'm just wondering what everyone else is thinking.

Stay warm, everyone!

CHJ

Carol -- I do roughly 4 miles every morning on the treadmill.  I do a fast walking pace (4.2-4.5 mph) on a hill pattern.  I've been doing this for years, so it's really just a warm up for my other classes.  It does give me a chance to watch the morning news shows and feel like I know what's going on in the world.

I heard back from the surgeon's office and I'm not being de-ported until February 17th.  She only does port removals every other week and only on Tuesday afternoons.  I have a Chinese cooking class from 5-9 on Tuesday nights, so I wanted to wait until she had an early Tuesday afternoon opening.  Considering how much I hated this port when I first got it, I'm laughing over the fact that I'd rather keep it in a couple extra weeks than miss Chinese cooking.  It really has become something I don't even notice.

CHJ -- hope all goes well with the new onc.  Of all the docs, I probably like the onc the best.  Guess it's a good thing since I've seen so much of her this past year.  She has a great nursing staff, as well.  I'm going to miss seeing them every three weeks.

As far as Vegas, let me throw out an idea.  The hotel/casinos are pretty expensive for meals, so I'm willing to do some checking around with area restaurants and see if we can get a banquet room for the evening.  That way we can relax, eat and visit to our hearts' content.  Does Monday, July 13th sound good?

TGIF friends!  Fingers have just thawed out now...we've now been sub-zero for the last three days.  Longest stretch in 13 years.  It was -24 in my backyard this morning...Snowy Joey wanted NOTHING to do with being outside.  And, that was the air temp -- I'm scared to even tell you what the windchill was...believe me, I SOOO won't miss living here! 

Carol, please include me on the Vegas list.  I will put it on my calendar!!  Hopefully, we'll be all moved to CO by then.

Paula, still sending best wishes and hugs your way.  Glad to read about DH's plan.  Are you using your Mac laptop now?

Kathy, what's with the eyes?  Is this a se?

Cathy, Chinese cooking?  Yum!  What's been your favorite thing to make so far?  I think you made the right choice between the class and the deport! 

CHJ, how'd the appointment go with the new onco?

Jules, bet you're looking forward to a day off on Monday. 

GTG...am at work...duty calls. 

Tina

Hey Jules ... your link takes me to the Facebook log in page ... I have an account ... but where would I find your pics?