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  • Lilah
    Lilah Member Posts: 4,898
    edited October 2011

    I saw The Debt.  My boyfriend didn't like it (but I can't remember why).  I enjoyed it well enough but there was something about the story that didn't hang together enough to make me love it. 

    Where is Patty?  Haven't heard from her since Vegas. 

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  • gillyone
    gillyone Member Posts: 1,727
    edited October 2011

    The Debt was unusual. I don't usually like flashback movies, but this worked for me!

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  • gillyone
    gillyone Member Posts: 1,727
    edited October 2011

    Plus I really like Helen Mirren. I will never forget her line in Calendar Girls "I think we'll need bigger buns" - her Yorkshire accent was so good.

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  • Lilah
    Lilah Member Posts: 4,898
    edited October 2011

    LOL Gill -- I loved that movie and her in it.  I agree that The Debt was better for having Helen Mirren in it. 

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  • gillyone
    gillyone Member Posts: 1,727
    edited October 2011

    Jenn- how are the shingles?

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  • msmpatty
    msmpatty Member Posts: 818
    edited October 2011

     Here I am.  Sorry!  I got back and have been really busy.  Colonoscopy...our Fall show coming up...painters working on the house...school events....you know the drill. 

    Jenn - I'm so sorry to hear you continue to have pain. They must have something to get it under control...right?   I also can't imagine your continuing rounds of doctors and hospitals and meds and everything else cancer treatment involves.  I'm getting worn out on follow up appointments and I'm just fine.  Hang in there sweetie.

    It was soooooo great to meet Lilah and Gill in LV.   Did you know that "Gill" is pronounced "Jill"?  Yep.  It is.   I saw both Elton (with Gill) and The Beatles Love show.  Both were great. It's hard to compare them because they were so different.  Gill...I still chuckle every once in a while thinking about your story of your family going down the row trying to find seats in the dark. Tee hee.

    Great news Penny!

    Patty

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  • jenn3
    jenn3 Member Posts: 3,316
    edited October 2011

    Patty - I was going to respond to Lilah's inquiry about you saying you were still recovering from Las Vegas. 

    It sounds like y'all had so much fun. 

    I called the onc a few days ago and told him that I thought this "rash" on my back is not shingles.  While I am no expert, I just knew it wasn't shingles.  Yes, it followed somewhat of a pattern from front to back, but I think it's a coincidence that it's in the same place as my normal pain.  The area on my back is no longer red, but looks almost light brownish, doesn't hurt other than my normal aches and pains in the area and never blistered.  Soooooo, the onc said the next time I'm in the clinic or hospital area to run by his office or he'll check it on the next appt, whichever comes first.  I was there yesterday he looked at it and agreed that it wasn't shingles and told me to stop taking the medicine he partner gave me.  I let him know I never took it because I had forgotten for the first few days at the pharmacy, then started thinking it wasn't shingles.  And.............it's not.  I think it's a burn from my heating pad.  I don't remember feeling burned in the area, but it is in the area where the heating pad is always located when I lay down.  I have started making sure to keep the heating pad on the lowest temp and only use it now for a few minutes, take a break and so on.  I also make sure to turn it off and not sleep with it.  Whew..........long, long story.

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  • Lilah
    Lilah Member Posts: 4,898
    edited October 2011

    Aw wow sorry you got a burn from the pad Jenn.  I guess you use it because it helps with the pain?  Have you had radiation in the area that has diminished your feeling? 

    Anyway hope it heals soon!

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  • jenn3
    jenn3 Member Posts: 3,316
    edited October 2011

    No, I can feel everything where the heating pad is.  It's just so painful at times I think it trumps the pain of the heat.  I am being a lot more careful, only using it on low and for 10 - 20 minutes at a time.  I also stopped sleeping with it as well. 

    Has Fall come to any of you yet?  We don't get Fall in the way that the more nothern states do, but I do love the feel of Fall, the colors, the smells, the excitement of school fairs, football, etc.  My mom, sister and I may try to take a drive up the Natchez Trace in a few weeks to catch a little bit of the Fall colors that nature gives us. 

    I hope you're having a great weekend.  Go Saints!

    Jenn

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  • Lilah
    Lilah Member Posts: 4,898
    edited October 2011

    Sounds like a nice trip, Jenn.

    Yes here in the NE we have plenty of fall colors happening and cool weather. Getting out my sweaters!

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  • gillyone
    gillyone Member Posts: 1,727
    edited October 2011

    Jenn - glad it wasn't shingles, but still - ouch!

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  • msmpatty
    msmpatty Member Posts: 818
    edited October 2011

    Jenn - I hope your back feels better soon.  Have you ever tried those Thermacare heat wraps for your back?  You probably shouldn't try them until your skin heals up, but I've used them when my back hurts and they give a gentle warmth that really helps.  You can sleep in them as well and they stay warm for 8 hours.

    Lilah -- Isn't NE THE place for fall colors?

    Gill - You must have some nice color too?

    As for San Diego we get a few more dead leaves on the ground and the rose bushes bloom again in the cool weather.  That's about it for our fall.  Oh well.

    Patty

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  • Lilah
    Lilah Member Posts: 4,898
    edited October 2011

    Patty -- yes it is!  So far, though, perhaps because it's been so wet this year... the leaves have only just begun to turn.  But it's looking very lovely here.  I am not that far north, though... probably much prettier as you head north.

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  • Loveshermother
    Loveshermother Member Posts: 101
    edited October 2011

    Good Morning everyone,

    I live in the tri state area in NY. We are not getting a pretty fall at all. The leaves are just going from green to some dull color to brown. So depressing not to be able to see the beautiful colors.

    I have not been on to much just been so busy. About 6 weeks ago my 6 year old lab tore a ligament in her knee. She is doing much better. Also a uncle of mine was told he has lung cancer back in mid summer. He has been going thew chemo and getting ready for radiation. He isnt doing well at all. Its so sad to see him going from a viberant man to one who is so depressed and lifeless.  Last test have showed the tumer to be shrinking but the cancer is now in the lymph nodes.

    Then I was told by my best friend sence we were 7 that she has a very rare disease (SMA) that is ususlly only found in children and its life threating. She hasnt been able to eat much and has begun to vomit even if she eats a small teaspoon. She has lost all feeling in her feet and over the summer she feel and broke all the bones in her feet, that is what lead her down this path as to what is going on. There are very few dr's that deal with such a disease. What has happend is a tumor has wraped itself around her arotic artery threw the small intestines and to the stomach. It has cut the blood flow so much that, that is why she broke her feet. Im so fightened for her. She lives in wy. We have never lost touch. She lost her mom 2 years ago to BC and still struggles with it today. We have always been there for each other. we were inseperable. I wish I could help her out. So between life and all the worries I just feel negitive and just want for all my family to be better.

    I know I can get my family threw this.... Im just so frightened for them all.

    Mom is doing well and enjoy NED. I helped her last weekend get all her fall decorations out and her apt looks cute.

    Sorry for the rant... But thank you for taking the time to read it. It helps sometimes just to get it out.

    Hugs to you all and hope you are all doing well.

    Jenn- Hope you are feeling better.

    Penny

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  • Lilah
    Lilah Member Posts: 4,898
    edited October 2011

    Penny I am so sorry.  I'm sure your friend is very scared.  Sending good vibes your way.

    Also re: leaves -- this morning everything turned yellow!

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  • gillyone
    gillyone Member Posts: 1,727
    edited October 2011

    Leaves just starting to turn here. We've picked all our tomatoes and tomatillos, fearing frost. Plus it is kind of cool so nothing seems to be ripening outside. Now I have tomatoes all over the place in the house. We have been oven roasting tomatillos - they are good! We have not grown them before but they are on our list now.

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  • NavyMom
    NavyMom Member Posts: 1,099
    edited October 2011

    Hi everybody.  Sorry I haven't posted much lately.  But reading along, as usual. 

    Gilly, I did the same thing with my tomatoes.  Great idea to roast them.  And I read here that Gilly is pronounced like "Jilly"  I just can't get get used to that!

    How ya doin, Jenn?  Hope your pain is better.   I think of you everytime the Saints are playing.

    A Big hello to everyone.  And sending hugs.

    Navy 

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  • Lilah
    Lilah Member Posts: 4,898
    edited October 2011

    Yes the correct pronounciation of "Gilly" was a revelation :)  I must admit, in my head, it's still a hard G and not a soft J sound.... sorry Gill!

    Good to hear from you Navy!

    Roasted tomatillos -- yum -- I admire you folks who actually grow things :)

    Hugs Jenn!  How are you doing?

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  • gillyone
    gillyone Member Posts: 1,727
    edited October 2011
    Names names names!!!! My actual name is Gillian (pronounced Jillian)- a really common name in England but I was mostly Gill (Jill). Then when I came to the US, it was like I had the most exotic name ever with people having no clue - never heard it before. So by the time I corrected people with the soft G, I just stayed Gillian, though I mostly think of myself as Gill. I was a complete novice when it came to avatar names and chose Gillyone as  friend's husband used to call me that as a take off of Obi-one (wan won)? which shows how old we are. But as I'd never been on a discussion board before I didn't know that was what everyone would see. So it appears I've become Gilly!!Smile
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  • Lilah
    Lilah Member Posts: 4,898
    edited October 2011

    LOL Gilly -- love the OB1 Kanobi reference!

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  • jenn3
    jenn3 Member Posts: 3,316
    edited October 2011

    Sorry for not posting, I haven't been on the boards too much.  If I do get on, it seems I get a few things read, a few responses then something comes up or I'm really too tired to stay up.  I am doing really well.  The pain has gotten so much better.  I'm taking less than half of what I was taking for breakthrough pain just three weeks ago.  I almost feel like old me and I've had to remind myself I do have cancer.  I don't know if the new chemo shrunk the tumors on the spine and ribs or if the slow release morphine is the the reason.  I am feeling wonderful and would like to think it's the chemo shrinking those little tumors.  This week, I walked my biggest dog, Riley for an hour, potted mums and arranged them in the garden nearest the front door, repotted some hanging plants that really needed some TLC, then put them on the back patio because they'll need protection later in the winter.  I also cleaned off the patio, the shelves I have at the corner of the patio that hold a lot of my gardening equipment, pots, baskets, etc...  I cleaned out every pot on the shelf, washed all of the garden gloves (15 pair), cleaned all of the tools.  All I have left is to run the sand paper over the tools, rub them with oil and put them away for the winter (southern winter that is).  Today I washed the blinds in the kitchen and bathroom as well as other household chores.  I really feel like my "old" self and am enjoying every minute.  I don't want to waste my feel good time, things could change at any minute.

    Gill - you are so funny! I know tomatillos are used in salsa's a lot, but have never eaten one.  What do they taste like?  When roasting, do you roast them whole?  I've seen them in the store and they are usually hard and small.  How would I know if they are ripe and ready to eat?  I love tomatoes, especially home grown tomatoes.  This year was my first time growing tomatoes and loved them - will do next year.  I'd like to try growing more vegetables next year.

    Hello Navy, how is that Navy Baby?  Are you getting to see him often?

    Lilah - I went to see Moneyball.  It was good, a little slow for me, but good.  My sister loved it and thought I was crazy for saying it was a little slow.  I went with a bunch of girlfriends (10), I think we're going to see Footloose next time.  DH has been so busy with work that by the time the weekend comes all he wants to do is sleep in, poor hubby.  But..........he's got plenty work, which is a good thing.  Did you get the snow that hit the East Coast?

    Jenn

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  • Lilah
    Lilah Member Posts: 4,898
    edited October 2011

    Jenn -- so glad to hear you're feeling like your old self and getting out into the garden and out for walks with Riley.   That ROCKS!

    We did get the snow that hit the East Coast (and the attendant downed tree limbs and power outtages) but we are good now... electricity back up and heat is on :) 

    Funny that about MONEYBALL... you're not the only person who feels that way.  For whatever reason I didn't find it slow... but I am beginning to think I'm in the minority LOL. 

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  • gillyone
    gillyone Member Posts: 1,727
    edited October 2011

    Jenn - good to hear from you, and glad to hear you are feeling good. Excellent news.

    Tomatillos are ...interesting. You can just chop them up and eat them fresh in salsa etc. DH has tried them in his eggs. They are really easy to grow. Th papery "lantern" thing grows first, then the tomatillo grows inside. As far as being ripe, the papery outside gets dried up and that's a hint it's time to pick. Sometimes the tomatillo gros big enough to fill and split the papery cover, other times they are really small! I'm sure there are many varieties, but we'll try them agin next year.

    Our leaves are all tumbling down. Fall is definitely here. Last weekend DH and I went to California to visit his parents and it was in the 80s. Quite a change.

    Lilah - sorry oyu got hit with the weather, good to know you have power and heat.

    I seem to be really busy which is quite odd when I think how much time I used to put in at preschool. I'm teaching 4 music classes a week, with the possibility of more in a little while. I am having a lot of fun preparing material for our podcast and we plan to start "publishing" (releasing? - not sure what the correct word is) a series of 12 podcasts on a weekly basis in December. Very exciting!! But still lots to learn on the technical/business side of things. Writing songs and stories is the easy part so far.

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  • Lilah
    Lilah Member Posts: 4,898
    edited October 2011

    How cool Gilly!  What is the content of your podcasts (related to the music classes you teach)?  Sounds like after running your own business is turning out just fine!

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  • gillyone
    gillyone Member Posts: 1,727
    edited November 2011

    Hi Lilah - our podcasts are around 15 minutes of original and public domain children's songs plus a poem or rhyme and an original story.  We are working on the premise that children need to learn to listen without visual distractions. There is lots of interaction suggested, like using rhythm instruments and dancing. It is intended for young children and their parents to listen to, together.

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  • Lilah
    Lilah Member Posts: 4,898
    edited November 2011

    Wow Gilly - those sound great!  Can you post links to the podcasts when you've got them up and running?  I'd love to hear/see them.

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  • Loveshermother
    Loveshermother Member Posts: 101
    edited November 2011

    Good Moring.

     Hope everyone is doing well. I have a question. My mom showed me the other day these weird spots showing up on her chest. I have been trying to get info on skin mets but not getting anywhere fast. From what I understand they start on the side of where the cancer was. Hers is on the right side. (good side). One small spot on the left side. they have now gone up over her should and down her back. Maybe 10-12 in all. There is one that is changing in size and color sorta dark brown and getting blistry looking. Think I should have her call her dr and have them checked?. She seemed a little concerned about them sence they just kinda appeared. She said they dont itch. She never had radiation either. I just dont want to become jumpy at everything that appears and get her worried. We have been enjlying the good news of cancer free and we even went and look at a senior citizen housing yesterday and she just loved the apartment. We are going tonight to sign some paperwork and get the application in place. I just dont want to burst the balloon on her. Should we wait and see what they do? If so what would we be looking for as far as changes? Thanks for any advise

    Penny.

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  • Lilah
    Lilah Member Posts: 4,898
    edited November 2011

    Maybe shingles (in early stage)?  I don't know.  Take her to her PCP for a look.  Blistery says shingles to me -- also being on only one side -- and though shingles can be itchy/painful... it may just be early.  Treatment is Valtrex (a pill) so it would be a simple matter to treat.  And if it's not shingles, she needs a doctor to look at and diagnose what's going on.

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  • gillyone
    gillyone Member Posts: 1,727
    edited November 2011

    Yeah - shingles is what I am thinking too. It is pretty common when your immune system has been compromised.But whatever it is, it needs to be checked out.

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  • Loveshermother
    Loveshermother Member Posts: 101
    edited November 2011

    Thank you lilah and gill, I googled shingles and at this point they dont look like that, but I went over to see her tonight and asked if they itch or bother her and she said no. So I said we should proably go have them looked at. She goes for her yearly with her gyn on wed so I told her to have him take a look at them. Thank you again for your help. With shingles should we be looking for anything thing as far as signs that, that is what they can be other than itching or being painful?

    I knew somthing wasnt right with her yesterday and today because we went to look at a new apartment for her in  senior housing. For weeks she was very excited and the last 2 days she has been off. So I will keep a close eye on her and we will see what the dr has to say.

    Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

    Penny

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