January Mastectomy

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  • ariesrottie
    ariesrottie Member Posts: 260
    edited February 2010

    Hi GIrls !! Got my first treatment tody . Had a little allergic reaction to taxotere... but nothing that Benadryl c oundn't fix... So 1 down and 3 to go. TE are much better since my fill .. No discomfort at all....Even fit in my regular bra although they are a little crumpy in the middle. Sorry Kat- and the rest who having TE pain.... Now I have to worry about side effect of chemo...Getting tired now....

    Paula- good luck with the baby

    Gina- hang in there with the drains... They will come out...and thank for the info.

    Cindy - good luck with your fill.

    Kat--- Hand in there with the TE. Maybe you need another fill cause maybe thats what you are feeling.  Courage and strenght sister.

    TTYL,

    Donna

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  • burley
    burley Member Posts: 631
    edited February 2010

    Maybe pulling weeds wasn't the best idea!  But they have to get done...the front yard itself is 1/4 acre, and the rain/Arizona sun has sure done on a number on it.

    The TE's were definitely tender last night and this morning-I couldn't get to sleep until almost 3am.  I agree about the feeling of a tight, underwire bra that you can't take off-so frustrating!  And I too used to come home and take my bra off right away-I guess that's a thing of the past!

    I posted this on the chemo forum, but thought I would share that at Day 14, I'm finally beginning to lose some hair.  But it's my pubic hairs!  So weird...just one more thing the husband will be excited about, and I'll have to shoot him down with a look of death!  hahaha

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  • cleo100
    cleo100 Member Posts: 104
    edited February 2010

    Hi, January ladies, cleo here. I want to add to the discussion about the tissue expanders, sleep and numbness. I am back to work full time and have so little time to catch up with all of our progress so I'm sorry I'm a little behind in posting. I am a side sleeper and have had back problems since a 1983 car accident. About a week ago my chiropractor noticed major problems going on with my lower back to I stopped sleeping propped up. She suggested one pillow(it's an ortho curved pillow) and one under my knees. That was okay but I'd still wake up several times nightly with back pain at that would last forever! Finally last week I asked the plastic surgeon about side sleeping and he said go for it. I have tried several times with a pillow propped under my side and it was okay but not the same. Perhaps I am afraid to fall asleep and hurt myself. Last night I took a tylenol pm and slept soundly throughout the night.(on my back even!) And I was blessed with a snow day today!

    Now to the underarm issue. I had 2 sentinel nodes removed. I posted a few weeks ago about cording. That seemed to get better but the tightness continues. Something even more disturbing though is the horrific pain and spasm I experience if lying down I try to lift that left arm up to my head. Have any of you been able to raise your nodal arm above your head while lying down? Someone gave me the name of a lymphodema massage therapist but I won't pursue it without the ps's blessing.

    Marianne, I am SO sorry to hear of all the problems you're experiencing. Good luck with your next fill and I hope your questions all get answered to your satisfaction. I was glad to hear the numbness in the nodal underarm subsides. There is HOPE!

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  • cleo100
    cleo100 Member Posts: 104
    edited February 2010

    Hi, January ladies, cleo here. I want to add to the discussion about the tissue expanders, sleep and numbness. I am back to work full time and have so little time to catch up with all of our progress so I'm sorry I'm a little behind in posting. I am a side sleeper and have had back problems since a 1983 car accident. About a week ago my chiropractor noticed major problems going on with my lower back to I stopped sleeping propped up. She suggested one pillow(it's an ortho curved pillow) and one under my knees. That was okay but I'd still wake up several times nightly with back pain at that would last forever! Finally last week I asked the plastic surgeon about side sleeping and he said go for it. I have tried several times with a pillow propped under my side and it was okay but not the same. Perhaps I am afraid to fall asleep and hurt myself. Last night I took a tylenol pm and slept soundly throughout the night.(on my back even!) And I was blessed with a snow day today!

    Now to the underarm issue. I had 2 sentinel nodes removed. I posted a few weeks ago about cording. That seemed to get better but the tightness continues. Something even more disturbing though is the horrific pain and spasm I experience if lying down I try to lift that left arm up to my head. Have any of you been able to raise your nodal arm above your head while lying down? Someone gave me the name of a lymphodema massage therapist but I won't pursue it without the ps's blessing.

    Marianne, I am SO sorry to hear of all the problems you're experiencing. Good luck with your next fill and I hope your questions all get answered to your satisfaction. I was glad to hear the numbness in the nodal underarm subsides. There is HOPE!

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  • jizogarden
    jizogarden Member Posts: 375
    edited February 2010

    Hi Marianne, Thanks so much for your encouragement regarding my first fills tomorrow.  I hope your fills went well today.

    You ladies make this whole experience so much easier...to be able to ask any questions and learn from others is invaluable =)

    Strength and healing to all,

    Laura 

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  • KatRNagain92
    KatRNagain92 Member Posts: 522
    edited February 2010

    Greetings Team January!

    Laura, you are my surgery day buddy!  And we are in good company with Sally and Donna too!

    Seriously, the TE fills are not that bad.  I had my upper lip waxed yesterday and that was way worse.  My stylist says...my heavens, after everything you've been through and your making such a fuss over waxing?  Well, yes...yes I am. 

    The TE's are tight and just like you, I couldn't wait to get home at the end of the day to take off my bra off and get into comfortable clothes.  Now I can't wait to get out of my clothes period...and they do feel better as the day progresses.  I would say the one time I am truly uncomfortable (that word again) is first thing in the morning when I go from a lying to a sitting position.  Nothing a little Excedrin can't take care of.  Oh, and bumpy car rides are not the best either. 

    I feel as though now begins the emotional recovery portion of my program.  I think I'm healing well physically...I'm using CVS scar tape on my axillary node scar which is healing beautifully...I coldn't be more happy with that.  No numbness, pain or anything.  The BMX incisions are healing well save the spot on each side that I'm just covering with a bandaid.   Now that chemo is not in my future, I am trying to learn how to channel peace and harmony into my life.  I want to take the next few weeks and really concentrate on lowering my stress level and healing my spirit as well as my body.  I do feel as though this journey has taught/is teaching me some valuable lessons and I am an eager pupil. 

    An interesting side effect of the Tamoxifen...I'm a huge cry-baby...I mean I could cry at the drop of the hat.  I hated that and have always wished I could change it.  Well, guess what.  No crying going on here!  It's fabulous.  I can't wait to test it out more.  I have been watching sad movies to see if it will trigger it and it doesn't.  I simply have no desire to cry.  I also haven't had any joint pain or hot flashes or other undesirable SE (that's not to say it won't happen but so far so good)

    Brenda...I'm so excited for your job interveiw...best of luck to you!  The port thing is just noise that I know you can turn a deaf ear to.   Donna...I'm so glad you have one session down!  It will be over before you know it.  Hows Paula and the new grandbaby?  Good luck with your drain Sally!

    Here's to everyday being a little brighter than the one before....Go Team Go!
    Kat

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  • faithandfifty
    faithandfifty Member Posts: 10,007
    edited February 2010

    Team January. (I like that concept Kat)

    I am so far behind and so many have so much going on right now.... I'm afraid if I start commenting individually, by name I am certain to miss others having challenges. I will go again with the promise to each of you: that while I read your post, I focus completely on you & your story, say a prayer for you, and then send you some goodness.

    Today I had the very lovely experience of an Ohio friend who happens to 'winter' close to where we are, came today to our home and brought a luncheon for the two of us. She is a retired teacher of children with special needs & now writes grants for 'special' events such as me, to come to their school in Cleveland. What a hoot!!

    So we visited and planned my next excursion to her site. It was great to be reminded of the bigger picture and to think of the spring.

    *****Oh, I just remembered one of the topics that I feel imanently qualified to comment upon: "SEX." Now granted my DH would tell you I'm always ready, willing and eager for intimacy....at any level!! LOL. I have certainly never, ever had a 'headache' in all the years of our relationship (16 married years, next month.)

    I can't remember if I was 'candid' with our team here at the time, but on "my" thread I shared that we had sex on the early morning of my learning my pathology report. My surgery was on a Friday. Came home on Sat. Slept in recliner in our bedroom Sat., Sun., and Mon nights. That Tues morning around 3:00 a.m. I awoke, completely wide awake. I left our bedroom to go spend a couple of hours on the computer..... at some point I turned on my cell phone and predawn heard the message from my surgeon that the pathology report was in and that there were no surprises and that it had again been caught as DCIS, stage 0. Whooohoooo.

    Anyhow I did my happy dance...... read up here @ BCO...... and sometime around 5:00 a.m. I climbed back into our bed, cuz I couldn't keep the news to myself one minute longer. And then we did the adult version of the happy dance together. (Remember, at this point I have two drains attached to my upper body, which are both bulging from the over night accumulation.) 

    So that dawn we added a new category to our categories of sex. We now have what we call, "good-pathology-sex" and later that week we had "drains-out-sex" and we have been merrily adding new categories for the last 5 weeks since then.

    Now, dear sisters, I go on at length, because for those of you battling the finding of pleasure and the seeking of happiness, I have to say that absolutely EVERYTHING south of my navel is still highly and quite happily functional. I would urge you to do all that is possible to get that new normal into gear..... to me it was a much bigger deal to wear a swim suit into the public eye than to be intimate with the one who has held me together thru this journey...... I'm just sayin'....... get back to pleasure post-toasties. GO Team Go!!! (quoting Kat above.)

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  • neversurrender
    neversurrender Member Posts: 508
    edited February 2010

    Kat - so you're saying TEs not so bad, but look out for waxing ?  :)

    Donna - you go girl!  One down ! 

    I just got a call from the hospital that will do the new drain.  She wanted to let me know that my insurance will pay 90%, and I will need to cover the 10% remaining -- $780.00 !!!  All for an irritating drain that will probably be in for a week...geesh. 

    On a good note, last night I slept on my side again.  Two nights in a row, I am so excited !

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  • neversurrender
    neversurrender Member Posts: 508
    edited February 2010

    Debbie - I was going to post a similar message to our girls.  If at all possible ladies, get back in gear with your SO.  Great stress relief Wink

    My DH was a big fraidy cat in terms of my drains, so not even a question for the first 2 weeks.  But, as soon as my last drain fell out - look out.  We had some issues, such as huge incision across my entire abdomen and the new boobs that had to be 'protected', but so worth it.    

    This adds to my irritation at having my drain put back in Frown 

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  • TNgolfer
    TNgolfer Member Posts: 253
    edited February 2010

    Debbie,

    When I got home from the doctor's office for the fills there was a lovely vase of tulips on the kitchen counter with a sticky note that said, I love you.  Wow, I think "Mr. I can't communicate" had a little breakthrough.  I also never had a "headache" in our almost 4 years of marriage, and I haven't been happy with Mr. Wonderful's behavior, but I went into the other room and told him that there is no better reason to give or receive flowers than simply because you love somebody (not a get well, happy birthday, anniversary).

    So, maybe I'll take you advice.  Although I'm not quite sure how I'm going to have sex now that my left breast starts up my arm and goes up to my collarbone!  (Filled the left w 100 cc and the rt with 50 cc).  Next week, I think maybe just 50cc more in the rt only.)

    Maybe we can invent a new position; I'll give it a go....you are my inspiration!

    Marianne

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  • burley
    burley Member Posts: 631
    edited February 2010

    Sally and Debbie-YOU GO GIRLS!  Holy cow, wow-I'm not gonna tell my husband about you two!  I seriously don't have the urge-it took me 3 weeks to even show him my scars...blpppp

    I feel the opposite of sexy right now-maybe after I get my second fill on Monday and can fill out a nightie or something.

    Wow-everyone who is exercising or having sex-wow.  You are awesome!

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  • faithandfifty
    faithandfifty Member Posts: 10,007
    edited February 2010

    Marianne.

    This is the very best time to use the adage, "where there's a will -- there's a way!!'

    I can't wait for a full report.

    Or even a wink.

    Wink

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  • faithandfifty
    faithandfifty Member Posts: 10,007
    edited February 2010

    Kim. Shock yourself. Don't over-think it on the nightie and the timing,

    "JUST DO IT!!"

    more laughing-out-loud and more winking!!

    WinkWink

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  • KatRNagain92
    KatRNagain92 Member Posts: 522
    edited February 2010

    Am I the only one on Tamoxifen in our group so far?  The libido thing is scaring me (what they say may have a shread of truth) so I decided to take matters in to my own hands...IT WORKS!  
    The Tamoxifen does hinder progress though...may make the real deal a bit more challenging, but I'm optimistic by nature :) 

    I'm preparing for a triple wink axel tomorrow night...Not tonight cause I have a headache..i.e. the Olympics are on and I can't miss it.  Besides which...I've already been taken care of!  HA! 

    How funny are we?  You girls just brighten my day! 
    Wink

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  • neversurrender
    neversurrender Member Posts: 508
    edited February 2010

    I agree: Where there's a will, there's a way !

    Use it as an opportunity for a little creative thinking :)

    Kat - you make me smile every time you post.  I will admit, I did a trial run on my own before I gave DH the green light Wink

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  • binga
    binga Member Posts: 140
    edited February 2010

    Hi Jan girls,

    Just a quick hello.  Got my second fill on Tues and  this time he only put in 50 instead if 100 and it was a lot more tolerable for me.  Still pretty sore yesterday and tight today- like most of you I am tired of the imaginary underwire bra that can't be taken off or pulled down a little but it isn't unbearable this time.  I am going to do my best to get out and walk some even if it is just a little the next few days because it seems like you walking girls are feeling better physically and emotionally. I saw by BS for the first follow up and he confirmed that there would be no other treatment necessary at this time.  So very thankful for that and feel so blessed in that regards.

    Good luck to all in treatments and continued recovery for surgeries and upcoming surgeries.  Praying for you all.

    Becky 

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  • CinD
    CinD Member Posts: 163
    edited February 2010

    HA HA, you girls are a trip!  Now I've got that old Marvin Gaye song, "Sexual Healing", going around in my brain. And you know, some of the perks of happy dancing in bed (or wherever suits your fancy) might come in handy now -- improved immune system, pain reduction, better sleep, and stress relief. 

    Like Debbie said, I also focus on what everyone writes and send out good thoughts and prayers to each of you. And, I celebrate when someone has something good happen like Marianne's husband surprising her with tulips. I've always loved tulips, they're so colorful and smack of springtime and rebirth. Once we get thru our treatments, it will be like a rebirth, wiping out the bad and looking forward to a fresh start.

    I wish the best for each of you!

    Cindy 

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  • mom2mms
    mom2mms Member Posts: 21
    edited February 2010

    Hi Guys,

    Quick update, I am having surgery tomorrow at 7:30 am,  I started running a fever, they will remove the necrosis and the infection and try to use the skin he left to cover as much as the opening as possible.  I am praying that the TE is not infected and will have to be removed.  As soon as I can I will give you all an update.

    maria

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  • neversurrender
    neversurrender Member Posts: 508
    edited February 2010

    {{{Maria}}} I will pray all goes well tomorrow and your TE does not need to be removed.

    Strength and Courage !

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  • faithandfifty
    faithandfifty Member Posts: 10,007
    edited February 2010

    (((((((((((((((((((((Maria)))))))))))))))))))))))

    (((((((((((((((((((((Maria)))))))))))))))))))))))

    ((((((((((((((((((((Maria))))))))))))))))))))))))

    Starting humongous prayers on your behalf.

    Hoping & praying for a quick and efficient resolution to bringing you to well being.

    We will all be here with our Janurary powers of sisterhood until we hear from you.

    xx00xx00xx00xx

    Strength and courage.

    Strength and courage.

    Strength and courage.

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  • Lynbob
    Lynbob Member Posts: 140
    edited February 2010

    Hugs and prayers Maria {{{hugs}}}

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  • robinlbe
    robinlbe Member Posts: 585
    edited February 2010

    praying for you, Maria, specifically right now....

    blessings...robin

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  • bcincolorado
    bcincolorado Member Posts: 5,758
    edited February 2010

    Hi Maria:

     I think I had seen your posts before surgery before and we were doing similar things.  I pray that all goes well for you tomorow.  I know my PS had warned me that infection is always a possibility.  I hope the infection clears up quickly and you are back on the road to recovery soon!

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  • grdnslve
    grdnslve Member Posts: 310
    edited November 2010

    maria--me heart goes out to you--praying all goes well & this is finally resolved & wonderfully so.  hugs to you

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  • bookart
    bookart Member Posts: 564
    edited February 2010

    Maria - I'm imagining you cuddled up in a warm pink fuzzy blanket of caring, healing and love. 

    I woke up today with an infection in my right armpit and down my supposedly healed incision.  Hot, swollen, painful, also throbbing headache and nausea.  Whoppee.  My dr called in a RX and told me to stay home and rest.  It's the first day I've had to use pain meds in a while.  Feel like I just took a huge step backwards.  I know it's not my fault, I'm sure I'll get better, yada, yada, but I cried more today than since the day of my diagnosis.

    Cleo - I had SNB on both sides and couldn't raise my arms at all at first.  Now at almost 7 weeks, I can lie down and put my hands behind my head with my elbows out.  Can't get them down flat yet.  It's still tight - I can't raise them straight over my head yet, but almost.  However, I'm not doing TEs, so I know that's not the same.  I was also starting to be able to lie on my side for 5 minutes or so with a pillow, but now I'll have to lay off that a bit, I think.

    Elaine

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  • pbebow
    pbebow Member Posts: 575
    edited February 2010

    Maria, hope all goes well today...  

    Elaine, sorry about your infection...

    Hugs and prayers to all...

    Now, on to my grandson!!!   He is the most adoralbe thing in the world!!!  I held him a lot, although I had to be careful not to snuggle him up to my rocks!  I either held him above them or below.  Alhtough, mostly below because he weighed so much I would start hurting if I held him above.  He weighed in at a whopping 8 lbs 10 oz and 21 1/4 inches long!  If you saw their parents you'd be shocked, they are both tiny and not super tall.  My son is only like 5'10"-5'11"...  but he is a keeper!  His name is Eli Forrest (Forrest is after my grandpa).  I'll try to post a picture...  apparently, I don't know how to do this!  Any tips Debbie, you seem capable of doing it!  Okay, I figured it out!!!!  Here he is with his proud (very young!) Grandma (me!)

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  • KatRNagain92
    KatRNagain92 Member Posts: 522
    edited February 2010

    Congrats Paula!  How wonderful for you to have this life affirming event.

    Dear sweet Maria...I am praying for you today.  I'm glad that they are finally taking the bulls by the horns here and getting you the help you need.  This will be the answer!  Continue to stay your positive self and some sunny day this will just be a distant memory of your journey.  Here is to a very swift recovery for this point forward!

    Elaine you too...and guess what?  Me too I think.  My right TE feels more 'east' than usual.  I'm probing around and I'm not sure if it's an infection or if I slept on my half side last night and the gravitational pull sent it towards my armpit.  I"m squeezing my arm as I type trying to scoot it over to center.  I better go lay down and will try the half side on the other side to see if gravity will pull it over.  <sigh>
    Kat

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  • KatRNagain92
    KatRNagain92 Member Posts: 522
    edited February 2010

    Ps Paula...he's adorable and so are you!  Enjoy! :)

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  • pbebow
    pbebow Member Posts: 575
    edited February 2010

    Kat,

    Thanks, I can't wait to see him again today!  As far as your TE goes, my right side TE is kind of gravitating under my arm and when I mentioned it to PS he said that after it softens up again that I can try to manipulate it, kind of push on the sides a little and try to move it back where it belongs.  Although, it's pretty much in the same place that it has been, just the bigger it gets the more noticable it becomes.  Also, I have read other women that said sleeping on their sides kind of does that.  I was able to sleep on my side before this last fill, so hopefully when I get so I can again I'll try the gravity thing!  Thanks again!

    Paula

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  • faithandfifty
    faithandfifty Member Posts: 10,007
    edited February 2010

    Maria. Finished my day yesterday with prayers for you.... starting today with additional prayers. I echo all the posts above that are sending you encouragement. We will be so eager for your update when you are able. "This too, shall pass."

    Elaine. Crud-muffins that you've had a set-back. Hopefully this will be VERY short lived and you will be moving forward again with renewed strength. I'm trusting the anti-biotics will come roaring in to your aid and then you'll be back at reclaiming your life and using your talents. I am still interested in your book-site. So when you need a distraction please share all about that.

    PAULA!!!!!!!!!!! Thank goodness you were able to post a picture for us. I know that you will treasure that picture always. WOW! His eyes are wide open. What a beauty. I dare say you are a young lookin' grandma & positively glowing with the thrill. Seeing his safe arrival sends a whole new shiver of hope right thru me. We are meant to celebrate life. Oh, happy day!!

    Kat. Keep us posted on your suspicions of infection. Have my fingers crossed for you.

    Robin. How's your emotional roller coaster these days?

    Lola. How are you holding up? Always sending you encouragement.

    Cindy. Marvin Gaye and "Sexual Healing" indeed!! Our thread has a theme song. Some one go find a YouTube clip to add. LOL!!

    Cleo. You touched my heart by printing out the sand writings. Always thinking of you -- back in the saddle already. Sure hope that your weekend has some down time, just for you.

    Lyn. Have I told you how much I like your avatar?? It always make me smile. Your loving, lengthy post to the whole team a while ago has inspired me.

    Becky. One step at a time. One step at a time. One step at a time.

    Sally. I had no idea that you're doing in-home care providing. How awesome. Have you ever gone on the Franklin Co. in-home providers retreat sponsored by Action for Children?? I have led several of those for them. They hold it at a state park south of town. It's da coolest! I know you'd love it, if you haven't been yet.

    Kim. I promise not to say anything to your husband next time I'm in AZ. LOL.

    Marianne. Have you written your letter of constructive criticism?? That had to be THE most disconcerting episode that I've heard around here. True craziness. I hope that you find the proper avenue and send them an appropriate RANT when you have the energy.

    Regina. Certainly sending you encouragement for the continuous frustrations over the draining. Another round of "this too, shall pass." Of course that's a lot easier to type without the drains, than read with 'em. We're here. Come in and we're happy to listen to the emotions brought on by the challenge.

    Laura. Welcome. Glad that you found us. We're an amazing group and quite chatty. What else can we help you with??

    Donna. You're making progress. Hope you've got plans to celebrate this weekend.

    Brenda. You have such an up-beat & delightful way of posting. Just want ya to know I'm cheering for you at every juncture. Looking forward to your next report. Have my fingers crossed.

    Cathy. I never mentioned how grateful I was to you for your lengthy report on the shopping experience of your foobies. Really made my day. How have these first several days gone? Are you beginning to 'accept' them?? I'm still a couple weeks away from that adventure. If you don't mind sharing even more specifics of your experience of selecting what you chose, I'm ALL ears. If you'd prefer to share the details thru PM I'll be eager to read. Still can't imagine your ability to cross country ski. I stand in awe.

    The problem with making a list is that inevitably people are left out. Know that I hope & pray for each on our January Team, by name and collectively as well.

    So I will wrap up with big hugs for everyone A to Z and Z to A and back again.

    xx00xx00xx00xx

    Strength and courage.

    Strength and courage.

    Strength and courage.

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