Anyone starting Chemo in August 07?

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  • nash
    nash Member Posts: 2,600
    edited March 2009

    Hi, girls. June--so glad you checked in. I've been thinking about you. I'm glad the job is going well and that you had a nice get-away. And thank you for the good thoughts.

    The taxes are, well, taxing. Wink But I'll hurry up so we can go on our island excursion. 

    Kaye, about the tape--I had regular adhesive with my first surgery, found the tape to be somewhat irritating, then had regular adhesive with my port insertion and had a really hard time with it. It seems to get worse as I go along. I can't even wear a regular bandaid anymore. And the paper tape from my biopsy turned the skin red and itchy after 12 hours. So, I don't know if it's an allergy that can be controlled with an antihistimine or if it's just a skin sensitivity issue, but that's a good suggestion about the antihistimine, and I'll ask doc about it on Wednesday.

    And big hugs, Lilith, thank you. 

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  • yellowtownhouse
    yellowtownhouse Member Posts: 142
    edited March 2009

    Thanks ladies for the info.  It's nice to know that once in a while a brain cell or two kicks in for me!  LOL  Boy oh boy could I really go for a cruise about now you all.  But I'm like lilith with the new job and Kaye with probably having to work myself from port to port along the way....talk about a 'slow boat to china' girls! 

    One idea that I did have was to plan a cruise out about 12-18 months from now.  If we each got enough people to sign up to go, we would all qualify for a free cabin for ourselves and significant other.  We have belonged to various groups thru the years that have done this and it was successful.  Is anyone interested?  It might be longterm but perhaps eventually bringing us all together at last for a "beginning reunion." 

    Nash, I have the same problems with all sorts of tape.  It started for me after a surgery about 15 years ago and has gotten progressively worse...except I don't seem to have any issues with the occasional bandaid. 

    Best to all.......

    June

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  • nash
    nash Member Posts: 2,600
    edited March 2009

    June, what do you do about the tape situation?

    A cruise with all of you sounds lovely. We'd have to plan something that had activities for the wee ones, but there seem to be plenty of cruises that are geared towards families. I'd love to cruise up to Alaska--I have some friends who have done that and said it's spectacular.

    Well, in sympathy with me, I guess, my computer is having some health problems and will be in the shop starting tomorrow. I am hoping to get it back mid-week, and am also hoping to be able to get on-line at DH's work or the library or something. So if I am not around for a couple of days, don't worry--I've just been disconnected.  I will, however, get biopsy news to you all one way or the other.

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  • yellowtownhouse
    yellowtownhouse Member Posts: 142
    edited March 2009

    Nash, take care and let us know whenever you can.

    There hasn't been anything that's really helped me.  If I've had a surgery or biopsy dressing  I leave the tape  on for as many hours as I can stand (this could be 2-10 hours) then it has to come off for I'm scratching myself to death!  About the only thing I've come up with to use when a bandage has to stay in play is to use Kerlex to wrap around the bandage (and sometimes the body) to hold it in place.  This does work and at least it doesn't itch!!!  :)

    June

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  • DGHoff
    DGHoff Member Posts: 624
    edited March 2009

    Hi Ladies, 

    Just checking in to see if there was any biopsy news. If I'm on pins and needles, I can only imagine how much you must be feeling the wait, Nash. 

    Ah, a cruise sounds lovely, though I too may have to sell souvenirs along the way to pay for it, or scrub barnacles (which are quite tasty, by the way). 

    I'm getting a little mini-vacation on Thursday. My DH will be in New York for work, so I'm flying out to hang out for a couple days in Manhattan. Not exactly balmy weather, but still a nice break. 

    DeAnn

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  • nash
    nash Member Posts: 2,600
    edited March 2009

    Hi, girls. No news yet. Did get the computer back from the shop already--turned out to be a faulty fan. Easy fix.

    Thanks for the info on the Kerlix, June. I'll have to try that.

    I'm oddly calm about the biopsy wait. It's my DH I'm worried about. It seems to be worse this time for him than the first time. I guess b/c he knows what to expect. I keep apologizing for putting him through all this. I know it's not my fault, but I still feel really bad that he has to deal with it.

    DeAnn, have a great time in NY! What fun--I've always wanted to go. My dad grew up in Manhattan (after emigrating from Germany), and lived in George Gershwin's former residence for awhile. I always thought it would be cool to go check that out. 

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  • katoMato
    katoMato Member Posts: 645
    edited March 2009

    Hi Ladies, Hangin' here, waiting with everyone else for info, Nash - and any other's tests incoming that have slipped my mind. (It's very slippery in there.)

    Reunion:..or actually that would be "union" as we've never unioned in the first place to enable us to RE.  New York would not be a bad place...I have 2 sisters there, and Jackie is in NJ, and I think Angie is back there and the flights are practically free these days - I've been watching because I'd love to go back there and see my biological sisters...how fun to be able to see you all at the same time! Not to mention cost-effective. But cold. 

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  • katoMato
    katoMato Member Posts: 645
    edited March 2009

    Nash, that is so cool about George Gershwin's former residence - I love stuff like that. Not in a dopey star struck kind of way...I could give a flying rip about brad pitt angelina or jen or where they live or what they wear, but old composers, old musicians - That's exciting stuff.

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  • DGHoff
    DGHoff Member Posts: 624
    edited March 2009

    Hey, NY would be a fun place to meet! I even have a cousin I can stay with on Staten Island.  I won't be able to go anywhere this summer as we are still planning the California Disney thing for my MIL (so I will at least be able to meet Nash and Kaye!), but I might be able to swing October or something. Fall in New York is pretty nice! Let's keep it in mind!

    DeAnn

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  • lilith
    lilith Member Posts: 543
    edited March 2009

    Kaye - I think it is still a re-union. We've been all in the same place before - even if not a nice place...

    On the funny side: yesterday a phone advertiser phoned - just during dinner prep time. I hate and despise those folks - honestly, what way to earn a living! or, wait, maybe I feel sorry for them. Anyway, this lady starts nicely, then she tells me she is phoning to test my "awareness about female cancers"!!! That was the easiest way to shut out an unwanted phone call EVER... I just told her - actually I have one, anything I can help YOU with?

    So, I finally found one advantage of BC: shutting up insurance advertisers....

    New York... New York... oh it is a wonderful city. I have no clue how my summer and fall will swing, but I am overdue for a visit back... let's see. It is true that fall in NY is wonderful, Central Park is a dream... although my favorite season there is Xmas time.

    Hey, if we do so we could even catch a show together!!! :))

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  • nash
    nash Member Posts: 2,600
    edited March 2009

    OMG, Lilith, that's hysterical. The phone advertiser must have been speechless!

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  • katoMato
    katoMato Member Posts: 645
    edited March 2009

    Lilith, That is pretty funny. I HATE being disturbed at home when I'm cookingdinnereatingdinnerdoingthedishesanddoingthelaundry. All while after working, and trying to spend a few moments with dh before we both collapse and go to bed. (On the other hand, I'm truly glad someone is willing to donate some of their time to raise awareness, and funds. I just wish it wasn't during a direct call to me. Local and or national Advertising, Fund-raising events - whatever works, I guess.)

    It reminded me of right after my 3rd tx, when I was very bald in my  pink "Quiet! Hair Growing." baseball cap. I was at the grocery store where it happened to be Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the cashier didn't look up but said routinely "And would you like to donate to Breast Cancer Awareness today?" then she looked up - stricken - and I laughed and told her that I"ve been donating quite a bit for the last several months...so,...not today. Thanks! The poor thing looked like she was going to have a stroke on the spot. I wanted to go back the following year and donate - just so she'd see I was still alive...

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  • nash
    nash Member Posts: 2,600
    edited March 2009

    I totally remember your grocery checkout experience, Kaye. You should hunt her down and show her that you're still alive and kicking, and that you don't need your cool little cap anymore. Smile

    I sometimes get bc awareness e-mails from well-meaning but clueless friends--do they honestly think I need to be more aware than I am?!?

    Anyhow, I'm on countdown for the appointment tomorrow. It's at 8:15am, and so help me if she doesn't have the path report back. I may have a coronary. Yesterday I said I was fairly calm about the whole thing, but I think I'm really not, b/c I find myself zoning out quite a bit.

    DH can't take me tomorrow b/c he needs to take the kids to school, so my neighbor is taking me. I'd turned down some other driving offers last week, but today realized that I'm so distracted that I might just drive myself into the back of a semi by accident.  So, anyhow, we're going to venture out at 6:30am onto the Southern CA freeways on our way to Dr. Ozzy. Will update you girls as soon as I get home tomorrow. 

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  • yellowtownhouse
    yellowtownhouse Member Posts: 142
    edited March 2009

    Girls, Girls, Girls.......

    How CAN you compare azure seas/white beaches/ half naked buffed men/ and enough tropical drinks to float the navy to 15 degree weather in December in New York????  What are you all thinking??????    LOL  Seriously now, I just don't do COLD!  I would try girls, I really really would but I'm sure I'd be the biggest 'wet blanket' (um, maybe that's cold blanket) you all ever saw.  Honestly, the old bod just shuts down when I'm out in weather much below 50!    Come on...I'll bring the sun block and bottles & bottles of fake tanning lotion.  I'll even lead 'karoke' night!  :) You all haven't lived until you've heard me "do" Patsy Cline.  DeAnn, you and I could do a duet...course it could take a while cause I do need  a few libations to get ready for my audience.  LOL

     DeAnn, all kidding aside you and your DH have a great time in NY.

    Nash, that zoning out you're doing my dear is your sweet little body's quick fix coping mechanism in times of excessive stress.  Just let it do it's job for a little while longer.  I understand perfectly about DH.....we are truly soul mates and I swear I agonized as much about what he was going thru as I did for myself.  I know all of us will be praying like a house afire tomorrow morning for you.   

    best to all.......

    June  

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  • katoMato
    katoMato Member Posts: 645
    edited March 2009

    Nash, I'm glad you're going with the plan of having the friend drive...I wish i lived just a little closer...I'll be thinking about you all day until i hear.

    And June. You are so very right. New York would be really fun in the SPRING. In the mean time it's like absolute paradise here in the desert right now..."azure seas" (=swiming pools) /"white beaches" (=lots of beige sand)/...but, uh...i draw the line on the half naked men. We're very close to Palm Springs, and a huge portion of the men - the half naked buffed ones - are gay.  There's only dh, and I pretty much make him wear clothes. Sorry.

    The karaoke night does sound fun though.... 

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  • katoMato
    katoMato Member Posts: 645
    edited March 2009

    Hey, wasn't today Jackie's Fipple Installation Day?

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  • lilith
    lilith Member Posts: 543
    edited March 2009

    Kaye, bummer on the naked men. June's post got me all dreamy... (after all, I am only "dating" my guy, so I guess looking is still allowed??), now I am grounded again.

    I remember spending time in Phoenix in spring - and the desert was indeed gorgeous - the men not quite that much, they weren't gay but rather of "another age". Oh well. Then in summer the weather was barely bearable (nice allitteration don't you think), and the men were hiking - so there were occasionally some eye candies :))

    Planning wise, I don't know anyway. I can do NY easily from here, it is a "short" 9 hours flight - pricey yeah but totally doable even for a short time. California for me is further away, and given the jet lag and all I have to plan it for a longer time; but as I said it is likely that I'll come over with my man during summer, and/or for work purposes in the fall. Said that, I'll do my best to be there whenever wherever you gals decide.

    Otherwise, you will all have to fly to Italy to visit me here http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff235/ChBeRo/Donato/roachhenge28.jpg

    Nash... hmm. let me think. 8h30 am for you - its my 17h30. I am making a mental note to think of you and send all my love.

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  • wackyjackie
    wackyjackie Member Posts: 669
    edited March 2009

    Hi Ladies,

    I caught up on all posts.  

    Nash....I'm praying for you and getting butterflies in my stomach thinking about how nervous you must be.  Please hang in there.  You need a second set of eyes and ears to drive you and hear what the results are.  Good luck and tons of hugs.

    I had my fipple construction yesterday (LOL).  Some liposuction on the side of the breast implants.  PS would not do stomach lipo at same time, even though I would have loved that!!  I'm a little uncomfortable but nothing too bad.

    DeAnn, I would have loved to meet you in New York but with these Madonna like bandages sticking out I'm not feeling very ...well...Madonna-ish?? Enjoy your stay.  I was there last Sunday in Little Italy and Chinatown.  If you get that way there is a great Smoothie and Yogurt place called Pinkberry (I think they have one in California too).  It's on Spring St. between Mulberry and Elizabeth.  It was delicious.  Of course, they don't put as many funky ingredients as you and Kaye do, but I enjoyed it.  Have fun.  I LOVE NEW YORK!

    You are all more than welcome to come to my house in New Jersey.  I'm getting to be a good cook.  Of course, I will go anywhere you all decide. 

    Hugs to all,

    Jackie

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  • wackyjackie
    wackyjackie Member Posts: 669
    edited March 2009

    Ladies,

    By the way, I went to a breast cancer fundraiser (started unbelievably by two teenagers...a boy and a girl...whose moms are sisters and both had bc).  It was in honor of my plastic surgeon, who I just learned they go to.  I know I'm babbling trying to explain this.  Bear with me.  One of their mom's...is on this board.  Carol1220 is her name and I got to meet her and her family.  It was a fancy gala and it was just beautful.  These teenagers raise money for local bc women who are in need of rides to treatment, groceries, help for their children.  It has really taken off and I am in awe of them.  There were a lot of women with beautiful gowns and pretty scarves on their heads.  I admired their courage and thought of all of you all evening. I wish we could all attend something like that together.

    Hugs to all my wonderful sisters,

    Jackie

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  • nash
    nash Member Posts: 2,600
    edited March 2009

    Hi, girls. Just got back with GOOD NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's benign!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't frickin' believe it, but I am really, really relieved. PHEW!

    The onc walked in and said, "You know the biopsy was b9, right?" Um, no? She said, "Oh! You can always call us 48 hours after a biopsy and I'll have results." Well, radiology told me 5 working days, and that doc would call me if the results came in early. What is it with this lack of communication? It causes tons of unneeded stress, just like telling me it was an 80% chance of malignancy when they really didn't know.

    Anyhow, I am one happy camper to say the least.  Sealed Thank you all so much for the good thoughts, virtual hugs, and prayers.

    Jackie--the fundraiser sounds like it was amazing. I wish we could all go to something like that together, too.

    Love and hugs to all. 

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  • katoMato
    katoMato Member Posts: 645
    edited March 2009

    Nash - DH and I both heaved a huge "THANK You, Lord" to that one... As a matter of fact, he found out first and came in to tell me while I was in the shower. So - big gulp - and overwhelming gratitude.  I do believe there is a God, and that He answers. (Unfortunately sometimes He doesn't answer the way I want Him to, and I always need to be prepared for that.) 

    NOW LET'S PLAN THAT REUNION.

    Jackie can do the cooking. June can find the half-naked buffed males. Lilith can oogle them. I'll bring the wine glasses and get Angie there, and DeAnn can write a song about it.

    Easy.

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  • yellowtownhouse
    yellowtownhouse Member Posts: 142
    edited March 2009

    Nash!!!!!!!   I had to get my eyes dry enough to see to type!  This s**** is so damn scary.  I'm so grateful to all the good things in the universe that you're okay.  Like Kaye, I called DH because he had everybody at work sending the best vibes they could conjure for you.  :)

    As far as the lack of communication goes.....they either don't give a s**** or none of them have a clue!!!????   It seems to be about 50/50.  I have talked to a ton of oncologists regarding having a nurse liaison or advocate as part of their medical team.  Not ONE of them was interested!  Care to hear their rationale girls? 

    #1 answer:  not cost effective/ can't afford it.  In other words this nurse wouldn't be doing things that could be legally billed to an insurance company, therefore NO CAN DO...you've got to bring in the money or forget it!

    #2 answer:  all such questions/ clarifications/ and support should be directed to the MD or medical team nurse; having another componet would only be confusing for the patient.  (it's such a shame that we are all so damn dumb!)  Again:  money talks here and can you hear their 'inner selfs' screaming that they may have to give up a little control.  Not to mention the fact that they shake in their boots when they get a patient or two who already believes in the theory, "that this is their body". 

    Ahh me...I've been part of this wonderfu profession :(    40 years and sometimes I don't think we've made any progress at all.  One last thought and then I'll get off my soapbox girls.  Having known dozens of vets through the years they have openly shared with me their thoughts on animal practice vs. human.  Many of them said they were interested in medicine early but knew they could not practice on humans......the reason???  humans talk back.  I admire them for realizing this was a weakness and doing what they knew they could do and still contribute.   

    Now for that reunion or union...you all have me confused.  Let's think out of the box a bit if we can.  How about thinking about a 2 to 3 day get together?  That might be easier for all of us to manage.  Except for lilith I realize.  We could hang a Friday or Monday on to the weekend and manage 2 to 3 days that way possibly.  For those of you with small children, would the summer make it easier to make arrangement rather than when schools in session?  Personally I would really like to bring my DH and meet all of yur that could come BUT I will do whatever makes the majority of us happy. Going back to the cruise thing girls for a minute:  they have many 3 days cruises out of various ports in Florida.  The pros for this would be no meal planning or entertainment planning needed.  They are also pretty cheap and children could easily be accomodated.  Now that we can breathe again re Nashie......lets really start to put this plan together.  Lots of talk and thoughs okay.  We especially need to hear from you all with little ones.

    My best to all

    June

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  • lilith
    lilith Member Posts: 543
    edited March 2009

    NASH!!!! oh, heavens, I feel a ton lighter, best news I heard in a long time!!!

    You see? even with your *@%*& gut feelings, and with the radiologist saying those stupid things about her thinking it was bad at 90%!!! I am so glad and relieved. You are FINE, and will live many more cancer-free years, see your kids grow up, see them graduate, marry, have kids of their own... yes, you will darling. :D

    June: there is only one kind worse than doctors: that is lawyers. Best is not to need either... 

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  • wackyjackie
    wackyjackie Member Posts: 669
    edited March 2009

    Nash, Nash, Nash!!!

    I'm so happy for you and your family and relieved!!!!! That is the best news we've all heard in a long time.  Sorry you had to go through all the crap but I'm glad you're okay!!!!

    Happy, happy hugs,

    Jackie

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  • nash
    nash Member Posts: 2,600
    edited March 2009

    Thank you, thank you, thank you, girls. I can't tell you how much better I feel and how much I appreciate everyone's support. A big thank you to the DH's (and their coworkers!) in the group, too! I'm touched.

    The only thing that's bugging me is that now my confidence in doing BSE is shaken, b/c the nodule they biopsied felt hard, like a grain of rice, and very much like my tumor had felt. I didn't think fibrocystic changes would feel that rigid, but I guess so. So I had fleeting moment of "what if it was a false negative biopsy?", b/c why would this nodule feel hard and light up on MRI? But I've put that out of my mind, and am just going to go about my celebration. Smile

    And enough tropical drinks to float the Navy, as June says, sounds good to me! When are we going on that cruise? Kiss

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  • DGHoff
    DGHoff Member Posts: 624
    edited March 2009

    CRASH!!!!!  That was the weight on my mind that just fell to the ground at your good news! Big  ol' group hug to you all, and an extra big one to you Nash!

    Cruising could be great fun,  so long as I knew I didn't have to be stuck on the boat the entire time, I'm fine being stuck on a boat all day so long as I'm the one paddling it, but otherwise, I think I might go a mite stir crazy. I know I'd love to meet your families, but I realize it might be prohibitively expensive for everybody to bring theirs. But that would be sweet if we could work it out that way.  What about a cruise, say, in October or November? It would be a warm getaway for those of us in the hinterlands. It is probably a lot easier for me to get away during the school year than during the summer. 

    DeAnn

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  • yellowtownhouse
    yellowtownhouse Member Posts: 142
    edited March 2009

    Okay Gals,

    I did a little "cruising" of the web (not the carribean) last night.  Actually the best deals on cruises are  in the fall.  The reason for this is that is hurricaine season.  We've cruised many a time in the fall and have never had a problem.  A couple of times the ship just changed course to be far away from a possible storm and there was nary a ripple on the 'azure sea'.  :)  Also booking that far out would allow us to shop for the very best airline deals.  DeAnn, on a 2-4 day cruise, you are  going to be in port 2-3 of those days depending on itinarary.  There are a ton of things to do on a cruise...I cannot believe you would have time to be 'stir-crazy' for one second girl.  I know I'm pushing Ladies, but I really want us to do this if there is any way possible. 

    Kaye, I also see cruises out of the San Diego area for very reasonable cost.  Would the west coast be easier for the majority of us?  Harley, chime in here since you're also a seasoned 'cruiser' girl.

    Last thought:  We may not have willingly chosen to be in each other's lives.  But God thought otherwise and provided us for each other when he knew we needed each other the most.  I want to celebrate that gift with you all and toast each other that we're alive and came through this battle albeit slightly altered but stronger and better. 

    Hugs to all....

    June

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  • lilith
    lilith Member Posts: 543
    edited March 2009

    June, seconding your thoughts.

    I don't know how feasable a cruise would be at that time of the year for me, but I'll say - you gals make the plans as best fitting all of your schedules, and I'll see if I can, or how I can, or if I can join you in a port of call, or similar. Something like this could do...

    http://www.royalcaribbean.com/findacruise/cruiseDetails/itineraryAndPricing.do;jsessionid=0000bTYRQEbWloMVS2uxBj6nIbu:13hldio7n?packageCode=MJ03S014&date=200909&selectedCurrencyCode=CHF&promoType=&hasSenior=&hasMilitary=&hasFireandPolice=&state=

    For me, a departure from a city with a big airport would make it easier to come if I get a week off work (if, if), and possible to drop in at departure or arrival to have at least a dinner together otherwise...

    ;))

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  • katoMato
    katoMato Member Posts: 645
    edited March 2009

    Ditto. And Ditto on the cruise plans. Airline fares are so low it's insane. I just priced $155.00 round trip to New York from Orange County, CA through June this year. That's just nuts. ALSO, there are (so I've heard) fun little long weekend cruises out of San Diego to Mexico that are very reasonable. Haven't done them, but know a few who have.

    And Lilith, I had to agree with your:  " there is only one kind worse than doctors: that is lawyers. Best is not to need either... " Let's try to NOT NEED EITHER.

    Have a great day, Ladies!

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  • wackyjackie
    wackyjackie Member Posts: 669
    edited March 2009

    I would definitely come out to San Diego for a cruise!!! Keep me posted.  I'm pretty much available all the time now as I am not currently working.  My husband loves cruising.

    Hugs to all,

    Jackie

    Nash....I can't stop smiling about your good news!!!!

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