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  • hrf
    hrf Member Posts: 3,225
    edited January 2012

    Ditto for me, Titan. As they say, the days go slowly but the years pass quickly. I think that is one of the joys of grandchildren - feels like starting over.

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  • Titan
    Titan Member Posts: 2,956
    edited January 2012

    Helen..how are your grand kids doing?  I know that you enjoy them immensely and my friends that are grandparents just light up when they talk about them.  I don't think my DD and her husband will have kids for some time yet..she still needs to find a job in her field..so it will be a few years...

    My niece has 2 little girls that I'm close to and I just love them...it's almost as good...they love me too...it's sweet!

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  • Titan
    Titan Member Posts: 2,956
    edited January 2012

    Thanks for listening you guys...but with the kids "grown up" its like starting over again.

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  • BetsyBuzz
    BetsyBuzz Member Posts: 592
    edited January 2012

    Hi all,

    Titan we got snow for one day then non-stop rain. It has been miserable. I was suppose to go to Seattle this weekend to visit my sister. My dh is having a guys poker party right now so I was trying to get out of his way. Anyway, all Amtrak trains were cancelled. Seattle got lots more snow than we did, it's just finally melting there today. Wind and more rain predicted so I decided to stay home. I went to see Hugo tonight. I realized it was kinda nice to be on my own tonight. I also realized I've sort of lost touch with some of my girl friends. So tonight I decided I need to nurture my friends more, I think that might be my New Years Resolution. BTW...I loved Hugo!

    Had my Lynch Syndrome testing done on Thursday. I really, really don't want to know mostly because there are all sorts of cancers associated with it. Colon being the most likely. I learned something, when they remove any tissue, tumors, etc from your body they keep it for 25 FREAKING YEARS! The counselor told me this because I could have choosen to have a test on my tumor. But she said with my family history if it came up negative she would not believe it and recommend the genetic test anyway. She and the "2nd opinion" doctor both said I had a very bad family history. I'm sure my family will be happy to hear that joyous news. I finally decided knowledge is better than putting my head in the sand. Needless to say, I was very depressed that night. I told my dh it was a hell'va day to quit drinking. We be both decided to have a glass of wine....ah...maybe more than just one glass. But who's counting?  

    I will get my results in three weeks, waiting again really sucks. But like Amy said, others have it so much worse. And yes...I miss and think of Lena often too.

    So do we want to try to get together sometime in the fall? Titan I know we've tried this B4 but maybe this year it will work.  I have all of August and early Sept. off and I've never been to New York? Do you want to meet there? Maybe we could do something to honor Lena? Just throwing out the idea. Judy...we could try to Sykpe you into to the group unless you could join us too...which would be totally awesome. Thoughts?

    Hugs,

    Betsy

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  • hrf
    hrf Member Posts: 3,225
    edited January 2012

    Hey Betsy. So sorry for more testing....more waiting .... it's never ending, isn't it? early September would work for me. NYC is just a one hour flight for me and I think I have points I could use for a flight. With a new grandbaby on the way, I need and want to be around  ..... September works best for me. ....although early August might also be good....maybe even better.

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  • Titan
    Titan Member Posts: 2,956
    edited January 2012

    I'm not sure I can affort the NY trip but I would certainly LOVE to go...that would be so fun to see all of you!  But I maybe able to find a cheap flight and if someone would share a room with me (I don't snore all the time) maybe I can swing it...

    Betsy..why in the freaking heck would you quit drinking??? Way too stressful if you ask me (and no one did..I know)..

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  • Titan
    Titan Member Posts: 2,956
    edited January 2012

    Was it something I said?  HA HA

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  • hrf
    hrf Member Posts: 3,225
    edited January 2012

    You didn't say "anything" ... LOL

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  • JudyNaomi
    JudyNaomi Member Posts: 1,413
    edited January 2012

    Hi Ladies! I am back in Israel now. I spent a week in London with my middle daughter. My sister made a Bar Mitzvah at the weekend and it was non stop partying! Starting with a family dinner on Thursday night, family meals on Friday night and Saturday and a fantastic party on Sunday night. It was wonderful to have so much fun and to spend good times with family and friends. It was hard to come home. When we all celebrate together, it brings home how fortunate we are to be here. Both my sister and I have had BC and my father survived Pancreatic cancer. Every minute counts when we are together and we realize that with all of the remaining "issues" from our cancer, we are alive for the time being, and we are doing alright. Sometimes, we can get bogged down in our own problems, but it is important to remember that there are so many people worse off than us. I miss Lena too and think of her often. I really feel her absence from the group.

    I would love to be able to join a gathering, but don't think I would be making it to the USA in the near future. I would definitely join on skype though if that worked for all of you.

    Amy, your trip sounded both happy and sad in a way...

    Geri, hope the bathrooms come out exactly as you want them to. Betsy, sorry you are having to go through more testing and more waiting. Please keep us posted.

    Helen, I love to hear you talking about your grandchildren. When I see my parents with my kids, it is wonderful.

    Titan, you know you can say whatever you like here...

    That's all from me today, hope you all have a good day, hugs to you all, Judy x

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  • AmyIsStrong
    AmyIsStrong Member Posts: 1,755
    edited January 2012

    Judy - wow what a trip. And you didn't even mention being tired from it. It sounded wonderful.

    Re the get-together - NYC is very easy for me, just a 2-3 hour drive, so that is no problem. However, just be aware it is a very expensive place to visit. Just getting to the city from the airport, then the food, the hotel rooms (which are TINY), tipping every minute, etc.   Don't get me wrong - I will definitely come and I love New York (grew up there). But I think everyone would need to know what to expect.

    If it were completely up to me, I would rather pick somewhere quieter and not quite so manic. Somewhere with cheap flights, easy access, nice weather and not so expensive.  Somewhere with lots to do but where we can just relax and unwind if we want to. Not sure where that is though. Foot in mouth  Vegas? Orlando? (I don't like either of those places particularly but they might be good for something like this) or a spa type place somewhere? Heck, I'd even go to where Titan is from (or somewhere close) if there's a main airport nearby. We could take over a b&b for the weekend, see the local sights, eat good meals, take long walks, just be together.

    But saying all that, if it is to be NYC - count me IIN! (And I can help a lot with the planning - my dad still lives there and is a retired travel agent - he would LOVE to work on a trip like this for us.)

    Just realized my mammogram this year is exactly 3 years TO THE DAY from my dx.  Yikes. Will be glad when that is behind me. I expect it to be fine. But there's always that tiny fear....

     Seeing my trainer 3x this week for a new set of workouts.  Did Monday, which was hard but doable. He said I am in the top 25% for strength for women in my age group. That was exciting.  Today will be harder. I am a little nervous but determined.

    Love to all.

    Amy 

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  • hrf
    hrf Member Posts: 3,225
    edited January 2012

    Judi, sounds like a great trip and celebrating with family seemed to boost your spirits too.

    Titan, I know I have to be financially responsible too ... you are not the only one.

    Betsy, hope the waiting isn't too stressful.

    Geri, how are the bathrooms

    Amy, I'm impressed with your strength!! 

    It doesn't have to be NYC for me - even if I have points for the flight, the hotel, the extras etc ... are a lot. I'm open for someplace else - don't care for Orlando though - somplace near a spa (or with a spa) sounds appealing....I am open for suggestions.  

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  • JudyNaomi
    JudyNaomi Member Posts: 1,413
    edited January 2012

    All the trip planning sounds like fun, I am sorry I won't be there with you all! Amy, hope the new workouts go well for you! Good luck for your mammogram, let us know how it goes.

    I have a chest ultrasound next Wed, part of the new Onc's follow up here. I didn't have any imaging in the US after my surgery. I am a little anxious, need to tell the story all over again, I hope it will be fine.

    We did have a fantastic trip and even though I am tired, it is a good tired. I am trying to get back into my routine now.

    Have a great day everyone, hugs, Judy x

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  • JudyNaomi
    JudyNaomi Member Posts: 1,413
    edited January 2012

    Have a great weekend everyone!

    Hugs, Judy x

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  • JudyNaomi
    JudyNaomi Member Posts: 1,413
    edited January 2012

    Hi all, has been a bit quiet here over the past couple of days. I hope everyone is ok.
    We were away for the weekend with old friends and had a really good time.

    Hugs to you all, hope you are enjoying your Sunday.

    Judy xxx

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  • BetsyBuzz
    BetsyBuzz Member Posts: 592
    edited January 2012

    I don't know the east coast so someone else needs to pick an easy location for a get together. Boston is another place that sounds interesting. Location does not matter much to me, other than like Amy says it needs to be a place easy to get too. Titan...if you need a roomie...count on me, I'll bring ear plugs just in case you're lying about snoring. LOL  

    My bloated surgery stomach is coming back down to my new normal humongous size (at least for me). My weight is awful but I've decided not to worry about it, I'd rather feel good than worry too much about weight.  I've begun my gym workouts again, so I am feeling better these days. I look ghastly in my workout clothes. Vanity is a great incentive, I refuse to get new fat lady gym clothes. Last week, I went to the gym 5 times, so it seems to be working.Embarassed

    I get my genetic results Feb 9th., 20th my mammogram, 27th another meeting with the gastro dr. Oh joy, a month full of appointments. February is the month for most of us to have annual appointments. It's amazing that three years have past, sometimes it feels like it was ages ago and other times it feels like it was just yesterday.

    Hugs to all.

    Betsy 

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  • Titan
    Titan Member Posts: 2,956
    edited January 2012

    Are you guys serious about maybe coming to OHIO?  Wow...that would be something..there are things to do here..depends on what you want...Cleveland is a nice city despite what some of you may have heard...art museums, a casino opening up this summer, Lake Erie..plus the islands in Lake Erie are alot of fun to go to...Put in Bay is awesome...if you like to pub crawl...(and I do)..you drive golf carts from pub to pub...lots of fun...I live near Amish Country..if you like that kind of thing...I'm not that excited about it because I see it every day but you city ladies may like it alot..I could put up with it for awhile...for all of you.

    Columbus is also a nice city...very young town with the university there...nice downtown area with shops, german village,..a casino is opening there very soon also.

    My own town is small..about 30,000 people but there are bed and breakfasts here...the north end has the usual stuff, chain restaurants,..that kind of thing but the downtown has undergone a revitalzation with a lot of unique stores and restaurants..actually..I haven't been to them all yet..been meaning to do that.

    Another thought would be Niagara Falls...may be easier for Helen...I haven't been there since I was about 5 so I don't have a clue what it would be like...

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  • hrf
    hrf Member Posts: 3,225
    edited January 2012

    I guess Toronto is always an option - a beautiful city.

    Niagara Falls is the same as always although there is now a casino there as well.

    I've never been anywhere in Ohio ... always interested in seeing something new. Any of the US locations mentioned so far are only about 1 hour away by plane. Is there someplace that has a nice spa attached?  

    If we are talking spring Niagara on the Lake is lovely - near Niagara Falls but a very picturesque little town with a wonderful theatre - the Shaw Festival - beautiful hotels there 

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  • JudyNaomi
    JudyNaomi Member Posts: 1,413
    edited January 2012

    Good morning all! So jealous here that I won't be joining you all! All the locations sound fab to me LOL!

    Betsy, it is so important to feel good, sometimes now, my weight takes time to shift, but if you are excercising and not worrying about it too much, I think that is definitely the way to go!

    Good luck with all your appts this month. I have an US this week and an Onc appt and plastic surgeon appt in Feb. It brings it all back, but as you say, who can believe it has been 3 years since it all began?

    Wishing everyone a Happy Monday! Hugs to you all, Judy xxx

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  • Titan
    Titan Member Posts: 2,956
    edited January 2012

    I had an onc appt. last week...I have another appt. with him in 3 months along with a mammogram...I will also see my BS in 3 months ...IF everything is ok then I may get extended to every 6 months for the onc and every 12 months for the BS...but we will see....

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  • AmyIsStrong
    AmyIsStrong Member Posts: 1,755
    edited January 2012

    I have my mammo and appt with BS on 2/28 - EXACTLY three years to the day from my dx. I expect it to be fine,but I can also tell that it is looming in the back of my mind.   I guess this is the season for all of us in this group to have our checkups.  Let's stay close and lend each other support. We can check each one of us off one by one as we get our good results and can put it aside until the next time.

     Also, re the trip - I am going to do a bit of thinking about this and post some ideas. Just need a little free time to do so. Stay tuned!

    Love - and as always, gratitude to you all for being here - 

    Amy 

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  • JudyNaomi
    JudyNaomi Member Posts: 1,413
    edited January 2012

    Titan, glad you have your Onc appt behind you. Amy, I think it is a very good idea to stay close during this time, I know that I am finding it difficult with the appointments looming. I have been quite down since I returned from the UK and I assume it is because of the time of year. Lots of associations for me!

    Geri, hope you are ok, haven't heard from you in a few days.

    Have a good day! Hugs, Judy x

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  • inthemoment
    inthemoment Member Posts: 538
    edited February 2012

    Hi everyone, sorry I haven't been able to post, but I have been reading, especially about getting together - I am near New York City (about 30 mi N. of Manhattan), but really, I will try to get anywhere you all decide.

    Speaking of travel, it's less than 3 weeks till I go to Jamaica with my daughter - getting excited now...looking forwardto sun and rest for 5 days!

    I got my colonoscopy pathology report today - 4 polyps removed...all benign Thank God!  So that's "behind" me, excuse the pun Sealed.  

    I have the onc at the beginning of March, and no mammo for me with the bil mx.  Everyone keep posting those good results!

    Geri

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  • hrf
    hrf Member Posts: 3,225
    edited February 2012

    I see my docs regularly but no one ever does any testing .... should I worry?

    Geri, enjoy your time in Jamaica 

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  • Titan
    Titan Member Posts: 2,956
    edited February 2012

    Ha ha Geri...glad the polyps were benign..I still have to do that..dang it...I have to stop putting it off.

    Oh yes..Judy..this time of year is freaky isn't it...we were all being diagnosed or finding the lump during this time and it is a bad feeling...

    On a brighter side..I jogged 2 miles tonight and it felt good..and the onc didn't find anything last week so all is well..

    It is amazing that we are almost 3 years out...I'm so happy for all of you/us..I just wish we could hear something about Lena..I know she said her goodbye.but I have a hard time accepting that she isn't here with us.

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  • JudyNaomi
    JudyNaomi Member Posts: 1,413
    edited February 2012

    Geri, good to hear from you! So happy the results were benign. Mine is scheduled for May, but if the Onc wants it sooner, I will have to find an earlier appt. I had my US today and everything was clear. I have been very grumpy the past few days and now I feel a lot better, it must have been on my mind more than I realized.

    Helen, when I was in the US, there was no follow up other than check ups. Here, they are doing everything, so I just think it depends on your doctor.

    Geri - Jamaica!!! Very exciting!

    It is good to read that we are getting good results this time of year, but it is making me think about Lena alot.

    Hugs to all, Judy x

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  • JudyNaomi
    JudyNaomi Member Posts: 1,413
    edited February 2012

    Hope everyone has a great weekend!

    Hugs to you all, Judy xxx

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  • BetsyBuzz
    BetsyBuzz Member Posts: 592
    edited February 2012

    Hi all,

    Helen, I've heard Niagra on the Lake is beautiful. Titan, I've been to Ohio but would be happy to come back. I have a whole lot of former inlaws there and could always swing by and visit them too. I've been to Canton, Sugarcreek and that's about it. I've been to Niagra Falls too. I like all the ideas so far. WE just have to decide and follow through.

    I have get my genetic test results this week. My ins. only approved 2 of the 5 gene sequences as necessary. I just got the letter on Friday, so I'm not really sure what that means other than most likely it's going to cost me out of pocket. I really, really don't want to hear the results. I'm way more nervous about this than even my endo. cancer dx., mostly because there are so many different types of cancers that this gene mutation causes...it's frankly scary! Keep your fingers crossed for me.

    Geri...oh Jamaica sounds fabulous. Enjoy!!!

    Hugs to all.

    Betsy

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  • Titan
    Titan Member Posts: 2,956
    edited February 2012

    Betsy..I'm 30 minutes from Canton...

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  • hrf
    hrf Member Posts: 3,225
    edited February 2012

    HI Betsy, I do hope your genetic test comes back negative. I am BRCA2+ unfortunately.

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  • JudyNaomi
    JudyNaomi Member Posts: 1,413
    edited February 2012

    Betsy, hope your genetic testing comes back negative, I am sure it is scary. I am keeping my fingers crossed for you! I am BRCA1+ and it is often at the back of my mind unfortunately.

    Please let us know when you get the results.

    Geri, when are you off to Jamaica?

    Hope everyone is doing ok. Have a great Monday! Hugs to you all, Judy x

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