Let's make plans

mginger
mginger Member Posts: 150
edited June 2014 in Life After Breast Cancer

  

      Aren't we alive?  Yes we are. So let's make plans.

      Why am I starting that post?  3 days ago, I realized that I had been filled with anxiety because it was my 1st year ''symptom'' anniversary. I wrote a post on that topic. Barbe1958 gave me a wake up call:  hey, baby, you are 1 year older.  True, one year older, so... still alive!

       When I got diagnosed, I felt like I had a plywood sheet right in front of my face. I couldn't see the horizon anymore. I had regrets: I never tried this!  I never did that!  

       And you know what?  I already forgot about it... and I am ashamed. So here and now, I am going to make a commitment for the next year:  I will make plans to go in France visit my friend. No more postponing. 

        What about you guys?  What is your plan for this coming year?

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  • lexislove
    lexislove Member Posts: 2,645
    edited March 2009

    Like you...I have decided NOT to postpone my trip to Europe this summer.

    My husband and I have been putting it off for 3 years! We both agreed its time to go.

    Also, to reduce stress / anxiety. I tried yoga and loved it. I want to get a membership at a studio near by. AND...last to get my Bulldog. I have wanted one forever but..again put it off because of money....NO MORE!!! Tongue out

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  • mginger
    mginger Member Posts: 150
    edited March 2009

      Funny you talk about a dog. Stupidly enough, when I was diagnosed, I thought about the lab I always wanted and that I never got...

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  • Estepp
    Estepp Member Posts: 6,416
    edited March 2009

    great thread!

    My plan is to actually have a summer! See my youngest graduated HS and start college. See my oldest grad. is 4 yr trade school... ( this weekend)....see my grandmother turn 91... spend time .. mucho time with my grandchildren..!..

    Meet a BC friend I met here in May!

    Meet a whole lot of ladies I met here in Sept in VEGAS!

    There is so much more..... my plans are never ending now.

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  • Makratz
    Makratz Member Posts: 12,678
    edited March 2009

    Good for you!  I would love to make plans to take a trip to the Islands, but money and my children will not allow it.  So, I promise to dream about it ALOT within the next year.  Best of luck to you!

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  • lexislove
    lexislove Member Posts: 2,645
    edited March 2009

    I grew up with pets.

    but then when I moved out of my parents, I was not allowed to own one in my building. There was something missing....something not right. I missed coming home and having something run up to me to great me. I love animals in general, my husband not so much. Dogs help me to relax, and when I see a Bulldog ...I always feel so good and laugh!

    I just want to hug and kiss it!  **~ Mwaaaaa ~**..lol

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  • everyminute
    everyminute Member Posts: 1,805
    edited March 2009

    We got a pug a few months ago - she makes me laugh (and scream when she eats my shoes) every day!

    I try not to let any moments pass but to enjoy them all. 

    We do have a few vacations planned - some big and some small. 

    I am going to run a half marathon this coming fall.

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  • PSK07
    PSK07 Member Posts: 781
    edited March 2009

    It's not even the cancer thing. Sometimes we have to tell ourselves that this is our life. That the journey is what makes it. Waiting for 'something' before we do something else is no way to live. A few weeks ago, 3 people from my company lost their lives in a plane crash, another was seriously injured. They were coming home from a trip.  Two weeks ago, a person on my program suffered a massive heart attack and died -at 45. My own dad died suddenly 29 years ago at age 46. Shit happens, and it's best to live like you're truly alive..   

     I am training to run a half marathon in June. I figured that there was no time like the present...that, and the peer-pressure from a friend who turned 50. We're doing this together. So far, so good.

    We're sending #1 daughter off to college in August & #2 daughter will begin her Jr yr in HS. It's our 25th anniversary & after discussing w/#2, will be going off to France in September (after HS begins & before parents' weekend at college).

    everyminute - pugs are the best. We have two. They're getting up there in years (16 and 13), and both are deaf as posts, but they are something. The circle dances, the howling, just wait til yours starts talking .... really! She will own you soon enough.

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  • everyminute
    everyminute Member Posts: 1,805
    edited March 2009

    :-)  I hear ya.  DH and I actually got a wake up call before bc - his mom died at 64 and we said at that point - no regrets - lets live large.  So we set up life insurance and all that other mature stuff and then set our budget so we go on 2 vacations a year - we eat out a lot (cuz we like it not because we dont like to cook) .  We spend tons of time together.

    Ironically dh's brother came and visited us about 2 years ago and said he hated his life and only lived for his daughter and when she went away to college he didnt know what he would do.  He was unhappy in his marriage and had been staying together (for 20 years) for his daughter.  He hated his job.  We told him he was crazy - LIVE!  This is not a dress rehersal!  He died this past summer - the month his daughter went to college.

    So I keep putting one foot in front of the other and try to enjoy every second and know that I am blessed to know and be able to do that.

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  • Maeve
    Maeve Member Posts: 82
    edited March 2009

    Sometimes I just stand in one spot and jump up and down because I can, when I take a deep breath I'm thankful because I can and it doesn't hurt. 

    I find it a bit scary to plan ahead, but what I do is make sure we don't question or justify what we want, hence my hubby bought me a border collie, we are now living in Romania for the next few months, next on my list of  'want to dos' is to learn how to make the best ever cupcakes.  

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  • sahalie
    sahalie Member Posts: 2,147
    edited March 2009

    Maeve.  Romania.  How wonderful it must be.  I would love to make plans to visit there. 

    I love planning trips to anywhere.  Just the first action of packing and getting on the plane makes me feel like a kid with excitement. 

    We are in the beginning of planning a wedding in the family.  It is exciting and stressful at the same time.  I'm trying to keep calm.  It's not mine.  Been there done that.  Now a young widow. Wow that sounds so awkward and strange.

    Also.  A new baby in the family is due this spring so excitement there too.

    We just had a huge family reunion back east which was wild and fun.  Great memories.

    Work. Work and more work.  But a nice work it is.

    Lexi.  The hugalishous baby in your avatar is so sweet.

    Pugs.  So hilariously wonderful.  I love all doggies and animals.

    So *  Plans this time of year are vast and varied and at the end of the year I hope to return to our island that renews my soul and replenishes my spirit for the next year.   I don't ask for much.  Just that and to be in the magical waters and swim with the big puffy yellow fish and the turtles that swim sideways and look at us with the most loving eyes.

    Linda.  Air fare is at an all time low cost now and if you book now for the future you can get to your island too.   There are bargains galore out there.  Also.  Wednesday's are the best day to search and book on line if that's how you can plan.   It's very competitive in the travel world these days do to our economy being what it is.

    This is a great and fun thread.  Thanks mginger !

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  • mginger
    mginger Member Posts: 150
    edited March 2009

        I like your posts, girls!   Don't forget to tell us when your plans come true!

        Reading how many people got dogs makes me really think I should get my lab.

        Learn how to make great cup cakes?  I make so many that I have a complete shelf of those in my freezer Smile .  Anyway, that the kind of project that will make everbody happy around you!

        And for the runners, well, congratulations!  Let us know how your competition went!  (yes, we want a complete report)

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  • Maeve
    Maeve Member Posts: 82
    edited March 2009

    mginger - seriously you need to get a lab!   Hard work at the begining and a lot of commitment but they are SOOOOOOOOO worth it, I can't imagine life without my Collie.

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  • everyminute
    everyminute Member Posts: 1,805
    edited March 2009

    I have a lab too!!!  The pug drives her crazy but they both make me smile

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  • sahalie
    sahalie Member Posts: 2,147
    edited March 2009

    Lab here too.  A joy.  A drooler.  A creature made to play till foam fills the face and we have to tell him "Time Out"

    Their straight face at all times cracks me up.  You know they are thinking at the speed of light inside their adorable head for the next throw and fetch game.

    We had a collie when I was growing up.  She was a treasure of love and happiness.  They are so gentle and loving.  I miss her to this day.

    Labs as all dogs are so very special. 

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  • junie
    junie Member Posts: 1,216
    edited March 2009

    There is life after a bc dx and tx (IDC, lump, ax node dissection (0 nodes), 4 A/C, and rads, Tamoxifen..........two years after chemo/rads, I magically found myself walking along the canals of Venice, Italy.   It was my 3rd visit to Venice, my favorite place of all the places I have ever been to.   That trip, I also managed to spend a few days in Geneva, Switzerland, with a friend who's lived in Europe for 30 years--we have been close friends since kindergarten--now, over 50 years ago!!!   Dream big--do it--if you can, take your trips to Europe.  Make plans and do whatever you can physically and financially afford-------and, get that dog you've always wanted!!!  Shortly after my rads ended, I retired and we moved and one of the kids gave us a puppy for a Christmas present (long story there).   He is now 6 yrs old--half Lab/half Human!!!!  an absolute joy to have around and a total pain in the ass!!

    I have lots of plans cooking on my "back burners"--know I will never realize all...so, they simmer, and once in awhile one will get done....dream big and go for it!!!

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  • everyminute
    everyminute Member Posts: 1,805
    edited March 2009

    I got a call yesterday from my cousin asking me to join him and my other cousin on a trip to Ireland this summer.  Don't have the money (well, something else will have to go!) and dont have the vacation time (will have to take it without pay maybe) but I am GOING!

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  • PT63
    PT63 Member Posts: 329
    edited March 2009

    Hope I can join in the fun.

    I was diagnosed in 2006, one day after I was accepted into a doctoral program.  I immediately deferred my acceptance.  Later I decided I was not going to let this diagnosis change my plans so I re-accepted.  It was a lot of work but I completed it this past summer!

    My other committment is to the annual family reunion so that I can see my 92 year old grandmother, my parents, brothers, sisters and extended family.  This summer our plans are to go to the Lake House owned by my brother for the reunion.

    I am planning on taking my immediate family on one big vacation per year.  Last year it was to the Grand Canyon.  This year I think we will wait until winter and take a family ski trip.

    And dogs.... I love bull dogs and pugs! We have a sheltie mix who is a bundle of nerves.  He is really awesome at frisbee.  I always thought it would be fun to train him for frisbee competitions but now I think he is a little too old.

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  • lexislove
    lexislove Member Posts: 2,645
    edited March 2009

    everyminute..

    Ireland would be fascinating to go. the pictures I've seen are sureal. My mothers father was Irish...so my grandfather and I remember his stories of "back home".

    Damn it...going anywhere sounds good!

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  • mginger
    mginger Member Posts: 150
    edited March 2009

      Everyminute: that's fantastic!  

      I am going to say like Junie:  dream big and go for it!

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  • Maeve
    Maeve Member Posts: 82
    edited March 2009

    Everyminute, Ireland is beautiful, I'm from the North of Ireland which is lovely but there are some really stunning places in the south.  The weather can be somewhat unpredictable at times but as long as you're not expecting an all over tan, then Ireland is the place to see. 

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  • everyminute
    everyminute Member Posts: 1,805
    edited March 2009

    I can't wait!!!  We are going in July so weather should at least be seasonable. 

    Went to NYC this weekend with a friend and got my nose pierced....always wanted to do that too!

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  • Celtic_Spirit
    Celtic_Spirit Member Posts: 748
    edited March 2009

    I'm planning to visit my best friend who lives in New Jersey this June. Hopefully, in the fall, I'm going to visit friends in Tennessee and do some hiking in my beloved Smoky Mountains. Maybe I'll even drive across the mountains to North Carolina and hike Cold Mountain and Chimney Rock again. I'm already starting to write again, and I hope to get back into stained glass and learning Scots Gaelic. In the immediate future, I'm getting some of my needlework ready to enter in the county fair this summer.

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  • AccidentalTourist
    AccidentalTourist Member Posts: 365
    edited March 2009

    We are going to NYC and Washington DC in April.  I cannot wait.  I spent all day trying to buy insurance which does not cost an arm and a leg (one company quoted me £300 for two weeks just for me when in the past we used to pay £100 a year for the three of us).  There are agencies on web which organise home exchanges which makes it cheaper to travel. I have never done this but would like to.  Apart form making it cheaper it can be a bit a home away from home with books and toys etc and what is best you can look after each other pets.  I hate to leave our pet cat in a cattery.

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  • Floradora
    Floradora Member Posts: 29
    edited March 2009

    Cancer really does have a life-changing effect on us. I don't quite know why it is, perhaps it's that we've come face to face with our mortality and realise we've got to stop taking life for granted. Since cancer, I have definitely changed for the better as a person, and have done things I never dreamed I would do before. I have taken singing lessons, and have sung solo in public, I've become involved in potitics and plan to stand as a candidate in the next local election. I visited the U.S for the first time, after finishing chemo, then went again the next year and had a Caribbean cruise as well! The years of treatment and surgery (yesterday I had what I hope is the very last surgery) have made me much stronger mentally, physically and spiritually.

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  • everyminute
    everyminute Member Posts: 1,805
    edited March 2009

    Flight to Ireland is booked!!!!!  Happy 40th bday to me

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  • AccidentalTourist
    AccidentalTourist Member Posts: 365
    edited March 2009
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  • sherry35
    sherry35 Member Posts: 409
    edited March 2009

    I started quilting.  I was afraid to start because what if it didn't get finished?????  I am also celebrating 20 years of friendship with my bestest friend and we are going to the Dominican Republic in October.  I also got a dog that I've been wanting since moving out of my parents' home.  My husband isn't a dog guy either.  We rescued a two year old boston terrier a month and a half ago.

    Cheers to making long term plans.

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  • lexislove
    lexislove Member Posts: 2,645
    edited March 2009

    ohhhhh...

    everyminute I'm happy that you booked you flight! Fabulous!!!

    It's nice to have something to look forward to...and when you come back you will be "brand new"

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  • lexislove
    lexislove Member Posts: 2,645
    edited March 2009

    sherry, I love Boston terriers so cute!

    *sigh* I want my Bulldog, I'll name him Ferdinan or Biggie.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited March 2009

    Im planning too!!!

    My sweetie and I are planning a trip to Las Vegas in November for the National World Championship Bull Riding....

    Ive never been to Vegas so am enthralled with all the lights and hoopla that goes with it.....

    I told my sweetie last night that I want to see one of the shows with chorus line dancing girls and maybe take the night tour of the City.

    Any suggestions on sites to see, places to go anything you all have experienced there and think I might like???? But please keep in mind Im SCARED SILLY of heights!!!!! so NO bungie jumping or sitting in that thingy on the Stratoshere that drops you like a rock or the one that spins you out into space!!!

    I know its months away yet but the excitement is wonderful.....and the idea that Im here to make plans months in advance doesnt hurt a thing!!!

    Best Wishes

    Jule

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