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  • Alyad
    Alyad Member Posts: 817
    edited February 2011

    Hi everyone, I haven't checked in a few days- missed alot! I started the new job monday- its been a hectic somewhat stressful few days-  I was in the office for 3 days, easy enough work training etc- nothing very new for me- just the stress of being in a new situation and staying away from home- miss DH horribly. tnight I'm in a hotel in OK-tomorrow I train with my boss on the field work. discussed the job future with him some- he mentioned them possibly putting me on insurance but keeping me hourly for field jobs- I'd have some periods of a few weeks here and there not working- which actually is my dream job  cause I hate working 50 weeks a year- I like this hiking stuff and that would give me some time. so maybe that will work out for both me and them- a win win . I have told them when my COBRA runs out- but not told them about the preexisting condition issue. I had the thought that if I can just get them to give me coverage, even if they have to let me go, I would at least qualify for COBRA again, but I just did some research and COBRA only applies to companies with 20+ and during the last year they have shrunk from 28 to 7 people, so it may be a gamble. UGH!!! I hate having this pre-existing crap hanging over me! going without is not an option.

    I feel like this is the right place to be for some reason tho and for the next few weeks here, I will just see how  things go and  go from there. DH is going to come down here and visit weekend after next- bouthalf way through our 4 weeks apart. Can't wait- looking forward to getting settled into a routine here. I just read the hotel guests have workout privilges at 4 diff gyms- I am going to look into that tomorrow. 

     Sorry I can't respond to everyone - dragonboating sounds cool- I've seen them once. vacations are wonderful! And Rachel- such WONDERFUL news. I saw a fb post where you said you and Damian were apart and you asked for no one to remark. Sorry things aren't as solid as possible- but regardless- a child will be a wonderful gift and I will pray for your continued health. My best friend is pregnant too- she is due June 3- having a boy. she and I are like sisters, I'll be an honorary aunt.I can't wait! 

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  • bethr
    bethr Member Posts: 259
    edited February 2011

    Hi All...

    HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!

    Alyad, congrats on the job again and it sounds like it would be good.  I'd love to have a job where I'm not working 50 weeks a year as well.  Oh well, some day I'll retire..  I sincerely hope you're able to do something about the coverage. 

    Janine - Good Luck today!

    Francine - I hope you enjoy your cruise.

    BethP and Patty - There is a Dragon Boad team in DC called GoPinkDC.  I took a good look at the web site and am very interested in it.  I contacted them and they have their first meeting before the season starts next weekend, so I'm going!  I'm psyched!  And an added plus is that my lymphadema therapist says that it will be very good for my arm which I continue to deal with.  So, thanks for mentioning your experiences.  I hope it works out here as well.

    Rachel - I'm continually happy to hear your updates.  Keep us posted!

    Have a great weekend all!

    Beth

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  • crusader1
    crusader1 Member Posts: 1,222
    edited February 2011

    Hi ladies,

    Once again so great to hear from all such good things.

    Janine ..hope all went well with you today.

    BethR- good that you found a dragon boat team near you..

    Dayla-- so good to hear about your new job and that it is going fine at this point.

    As BethP said to Rachel..it goes for Dayla too..you both have a team of women rooting for the best right behind you..

    Off to the oncologist for my monthly B12 shot..nothing bad and to get some blood taken for my MRI--yuch... at the end of the month.

    Thks all for the good wishes on my cruise. Looking forward to a little time away with my DH and some warmer weather.

    Hugs,

    Francine

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  • pickle
    pickle Member Posts: 1,409
    edited February 2011

    Dayla: Glad to hear that your job is going well. I'm sure you're looking forward to seeing your DH.

    BethR: That's awesome that you are going to check into dragon boating. We have several ladies with Lymphadema.

    Here is a brief history of Breast Cancer survivors and Dragon boating

    History of Breast Cancer Dragon Boating


    In 1995 Dr Don McKenzie, a sports medicine physician at the University of British Columbia, started researching the issue of rehabilitation following diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Current opinion had prevailed that the avoidance of strenuous exercise was necessary to prevent lymphoedema or swelling of the arm where lymph nodes had been removed. Dr McKenzie believed that upper body exercise has a role in recovery from breast cancer and lymphoedema because it can improve range of motion and reverse muscle atrophy, activate skeletal muscle (which may help pump lymph), and stimulate the immune system.

    To test his theories he formed a dragon boat team (Abreast in a Boat) in Vancouver in February 1996. The only criteria for joining was a history of breast cancer: age, athletic ability and paddling experience were not considered.

    Dragon boating was chosen for several reasons. It is a strenuous, repetitive upper body activity. It is non-weight bearing and therefore associated with a lower risk of injury than weight dependant activities such as running. It uses predominantly upper extremity and trunk muscles, and the improvement in strength has a carry-over effect to day-to-day activity. The training intensity can be varied simply by pulling harder.

    That first team had their first look at a dragon boat in April, trained twice weekly on the water through April, May and June, and then competed in their first race at the Vancouver Festival in late June 1996. The findings were compelling. The paddlers showed a marked improvement in both physical and mental health. Several women reported improved range of motion of their shoulders and there were no cases of lymphoedema. To other people with breast cancer, the women paddlers have become role models, giving inspiration to lead full and active lives.

    Today there are more than 140 breast cancer dragon boating teams worldwide, in Canada, USA, a team in every state of Australia, and teams in New Zealand, Singapore, Italy, Poland and United Kingdon, all reaching out to other women and offering them a message of hope and support.

    Read articles about the medical history of Abreast In A Boat in the Canadian Medical Association Journal:August 1998 | October 1996

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  • pickle
    pickle Member Posts: 1,409
    edited February 2011

    Francine: How about Halifax???

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  • PattiB
    PattiB Member Posts: 421
    edited February 2011

    BethP - Wow that is a rigorous schedule.  How has it gone so far.  The rowing technique is a little hard to get at first (especially on the machines), but then it clicks all the sudden.  Good luck with it.  Have fun!!!

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  • pickle
    pickle Member Posts: 1,409
    edited February 2011

    Hi Patti

    Yes, the 3 x week workout is busy but so far I am loving it. Spin classes are a great workout. We will starts paddling training April 7th in a pool with a mock dragon boat and by mid May we will train 3 x week on the river. 

    Ok fellow Princess Warriors, a few people have shown interest in getting together again this year which would be fantastic.

    I am looking for ideas about where anyone would like to go. I know we all have time and budgets to consider so at this point gathering ideas from all of you would be great.

    I am obviously the farthest away...up here in the northwestern part of Canada. 

    I'll start with a few ideas that vary in time, distance and $$:

    1) NYC weekend again. Not sure what it cost everyone last year

    2) Francine mentioned Orlando or DC. Both are a great distance for me for just a weekend

    3) A cruise out of Miami (7days)  Carnival Cruise lines has a Breast Cancer cruise in May to the Carribean. Info is available at Breastcancerwellness.org. Approx 803 per person dbl occ - 953 per person including all taxes and port charges. Price varies in this range depending on inside or outside cabin. Plus airfare. It would be a ling trip for me but 7 days in the Carribean with free food would be fine with me.

    4) Halifax...the home town where I grew up. Francine has been there many times via cruise from NYC. She loved it.

    5) Might be able to get a cheap 4 day cruise somewhere?? 

    All comments and ideas are welcome. Smile

     Hugs

    Beth 

      

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  • Laceyk
    Laceyk Member Posts: 48
    edited February 2011

    I am going on the Breast Cancer Wellness Cruise.  Is anyone else planning to go?  I'll be traveling alone (I was able to find a roommate) due to the expense of traveling from Alaska.  It would be great to get to know some of my fellow travelers...

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  • pickle
    pickle Member Posts: 1,409
    edited February 2011

    Hi Lacey

    That's great that you are going. It's supposed to be a wonderful trip.

    Keep checking back and I'll keep you posted on what the consensus is from the other gals here. 

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  • jdeking
    jdeking Member Posts: 408
    edited February 2011

    Hi all!

     Just a quick note to say that my colonoscopy went well, and there didn't seem to be anything suspicious. So now I go back to the GYN as my symptoms may be related to the problems I have been having with fibroids, cysts, etc. That darn Tamoxifen!

     Have a fabulous cruise Francine.

    Congrats on liking the job so far Dayla!

    Hope you are well Rachel, I follow you on fb too. Hugs!

    I would love to try to make a get together if possible Beth. A cruise would be great. NYC or DC or Halifax would be awesome too.

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  • pickle
    pickle Member Posts: 1,409
    edited February 2011

    Janine that's great news about your colonoscopy and good luck at the gyn.

    Waiting to hear back from everyone else about trip preferences. It would be great to meet you in person this year

    Cheers and hugs

    Beth

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  • bethr
    bethr Member Posts: 259
    edited February 2011

    Hi All,

    Janine - great news about your colonoscopy results!  I hope you're eventually able to zero in on what's causing your problems.  This gets you closer to that! 

    BethP - Thanks for the options.  Although I'd love the cruise, I can't get away from work for an entire week until after the end of May.

    But, NYC is always great!  Halifax would be fantastic!  I've never been there and love to see new places.  DC is good because it's very practical for me and Diane as well.  I'd also like to throw Chicago out as an option.  I love that city!

    Before the end of May, a long weekend is doable for me.  After May something longer is O.K.

    Thanks and have a great evening all!

    Beth

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  • ChrisC433
    ChrisC433 Member Posts: 553
    edited February 2011

    I am with BethR....with teaching, I am unable to get away for a week until mid June.  A long weekend is doable...but now a whole week!

    Trying to search some options!

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  • pickle
    pickle Member Posts: 1,409
    edited February 2011

    I'm good with a long weekend too.!

    Any good deals for Vegas for you gals?

    Just a thought.....

    Hugs

    Beth P

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  • pickle
    pickle Member Posts: 1,409
    edited February 2011

    Niagra Falls on the Canadian side in Ontario?

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  • bethr
    bethr Member Posts: 259
    edited February 2011

    Well, both Vegas and Niagra Falls sound good too.  The Canadian side is much nicer than the U.S. side in my opinion.

    I also let Dianne know and she's interested as well.

    Beth

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  • bethr
    bethr Member Posts: 259
    edited February 2011

    Hi All,

     I also heard from Christy who's interested as well.  Just making sure everyone's in the loop.

     Have a great day!

    Beth

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  • pickle
    pickle Member Posts: 1,409
    edited February 2011

    That's great ladies.

    What is your prefernces so far

    Vegas

    Niagra Falls

    Halifax

    Chicago

    DC may be too far for e for a weekend

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  • didle20Diane
    didle20Diane Member Posts: 404
    edited February 2011
    Hello warriors!  I have moved our FB group to the new format so we can post privately and be notified via email when someone posts to the group.  I can't paste the link to the bc.org site (cripes).....if you didn't get an invite, please send me a PM with your contact information on FB.  Thanks!  Looking forward to getting together for the 2011 reunion.
    hugs
    Diane
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  • Alyad
    Alyad Member Posts: 817
    edited February 2011

    Hi All

    I vote for Vegas. Are we thinking April again? I'm not sure of my job schedule, but I have relatively cheap flights to Vegas available from my home town. It looks like I will work for a couple more weeks- then go home for a couple weeks, then come back and work for a few more weeks possibly. They discussed possibly giving me benefits and just hiring me for the field work, having a few weeks off between each job, which would be ideal as far as I am concerned, so maybe that will happen. Its not a job I could do forever. I miss DH, but I will see him tomorrow as he comes down to OK to visit me for the weekend, tho I still have to work as I work 7 days a week- long days driving around in a car getting out and talking to people, collecting addresses in rural oklahoma. 

     so I'm not sure what my chances of being able to attend are, but I'd vote for Vegas as I have never been there. 

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  • ChrisC433
    ChrisC433 Member Posts: 553
    edited February 2011

    Niagra Falls sounds nice....I bet you need a passport for the Canadian side.

    Vegas....sounds exciting!

    I would not be able to go too far during the school year...I don't have personal days so I am limited to Friday afternoon until Sunday night.

    Don't schedule around me though!  I will try to do whatever you decide on!

    Chris

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  • crusader1
    crusader1 Member Posts: 1,222
    edited February 2011

    Hi Ladies,

    Home from my cruise. We had a really great time..As often when one does not expect too much things are always better . We met wonderful people , had warm weather and just relaxed..

    Glad to hear that we are planning to meet once again..

    I do like your choice of places. Whatever we agree upon will be fine with me..

    There is a four night cruise out of NYC on Carnival that goes over a weekend..Thursday to Monday but only goes to St John..Halifax and St John.. by cruise is 5 nights but goes Monday to Friday....which I hear is hard for all of the working women..

    Niagara Falls sounds like a fun place. Would all be willing to get up there?

    Well let's keep the discussion going..

    Glad to hear all are fine..Great news Janine..

    Hugs,

    Francine

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  • pickle
    pickle Member Posts: 1,409
    edited February 2011

    Wecome back! Francine!

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  • crusader1
    crusader1 Member Posts: 1,222
    edited February 2011

    Thanks Beth...

    Glad to be home..Not really ....

    Busy week coming up. Thursday is my MRI , Mamogram and then the next day ultrasound. I am sure I will be a nutcase by then...

    Let's keep talking about the reunion..I kind of think most would be able to come if we made it once again in NYC. Beth I do feel bad that you have to travel so far.

    Hugs,

    Francine

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  • pickle
    pickle Member Posts: 1,409
    edited February 2011

    Hi Francine;

    I guess you are getting snow again. It's been cold here again and I wish I was in Mexico for just a while longer.

    Do you have any date in mind for the get together?

    I could make NYC work maybe but I have my dragon boat training and festivals too. We are having a Festival meeting next Saturday morning so if everyone could decide on a date by then, I will see what I can arrange.

    Hugs

    Beth 

    I'll post this on our FB site too 

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  • crusader1
    crusader1 Member Posts: 1,222
    edited February 2011

    Beth,

    The second weekend in April- 8,9, 10  would be good. Same one as last year. I can't seem to post on the warriors FB page. Any suggestions?

    Diane posted her availability and this seems good for her too. In April other weekends gets one into Palm Sunday and then Easter..

    Beth I saw Diane's posting..would you consider DC.Is that a much more expensive flight for you? Great city..

    Hugs,

    Francine

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  • pickle
    pickle Member Posts: 1,409
    edited February 2011

    Hi Francine: We are going to Vegas March 31-April 3. Our kids are taking us because we both turn 50 this year. (I already did last month) DH is 50 in March.

    My DD is going to Palm Springs from Apr 14-23 so I will have to cover at work.

    I don't think April is going to work for me and I wasn't sure about going so far for a weekend. It sounds like April will work for most of you and I am uncertain so please don't wait on me before your solidify your plans. .Perhaps I can get my DH to go to NYC with me sometime and we'd stay for a week.

    Hugs

    Beth P

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  • PattiB
    PattiB Member Posts: 421
    edited February 2011

    Beth - Happy 50th to you and your DH!!!

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  • pickle
    pickle Member Posts: 1,409
    edited February 2011

    Thanks Patti.

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  • crusader1
    crusader1 Member Posts: 1,222
    edited February 2011

    Beth..have a great time in LV..

    Ladies..how many would be interested in meeting in DC the second week of April..let's say the 8th, 9th and 10th..Many have volunteered to put some of us up so expences will be more minimal. What do you all think?

    Tomorrow is my first MRI since my dx ..Kind of nervous..

    Hugs,

    Francine

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