2005 ROCK-TOBER CHEMO GIRLS

The Indian is the type of food , as in Chinese , Italian etc. Actually Ishmail is Bengali so i guess its a Bengali Take Away - he justs markets it as Indian. And it sure is yummy !! MMMmmmmmmmmmmm Prawn Puree followed by Chicken Tikka Bhuna - my all time favourite!

Dev, our Debbie said that her friend is having a baby and since they had a lot of rain, actually flooding, her friend wanted to name the baby with that in mind. I just didn't catch if they knew if it was a boy or girl.

Sometimes things work out the way they should.

Meet Kelby...we found her randomly yesterday. We're picking her up next weekend. She's amazing The breeders are near us and both are vets. The dogs are gorgeous. She was born on May 14th and is 9 weeks old

http://www.deeprunretrievers.com/pictures/spencerstarpup2.jpg
http://www.deeprunretrievers.com/pictures/spencerstarpup1.jpg

i'm over the moon

Hi Ladies!

Warning: this will be longer than my usual greetings.

First let me tell you about Vegas:

As we were driving to Vegas I received a phone call from my brother who was very worried because he knew we were going to stay at the New York New York. Apparently there was a shooting. A man, who was just caught, randomly shot several people in the casino! My brother was glad we were not there yet, but the story got me very worried.

When we did get to New York New York everything looked normal, everything was cleaned up, no extra security, etc. We went through the usual line to register, got our keys and proceeded to “our room”, which was supposed to be a suite with 2 queen beds. My older son opened the door with the card key and guess what he saw: a very overweight white man with a shapely black woman doing something bad. My younger son and I were in the back, and fortunately we did not see any of this, but my husband and older son did. I think my older son said, “Sorry... “ and shut the door quickly. When Sean, my younger son, asked my husband what they saw, my older son, John, quickly said, “Oh, just somebody ironing clothes...”

So after apologies from a clerk and supervisor, I was still upset. I don’t know why the rest of my family just took this event so lightly. I was just so disgusted and displeased it ruined my whole night.

But I slept very well. Though my sons didn’t. Apparently they could not sleep through MY snoring! As they described the loud, scary noises I made, I looked at my husband and asked, “So how long have I been snoring like this?” He said, “Oh, maybe for the last 2 years.”

So John and Sean slept with earplugs the next 2 nights.

The reunion was the highlight of the trip. I saw cousins I had not seen in 30 years! There was a lot of singing, dancing, eating and drinking. And of course, reminiscing and catching up.

We all gambled a little bit. I won enough money to feed my family for free throughout our trip.

When we came back it was time for my yearly mammogram.

As the technician, Martha, took images of my breasts, she had a worried look on her face. I asked her if there was something unusual in what she was seeing. She said she did not know how to interpret the images.

When she was done, Martha took me to an empty room with 2 chairs and asked me, still in my gown, to sit and wait for the doctor. I could see other women through the open door being led outside and being told that results will be in after 2 or 3 days. Yet here I was, in my gown, waiting for a doctor. So my anxiety kept growing as I waited. After the longest 10 minutes, a doctor appeared with Martha. He introduced himself and said that there was some thickening in my left breast, and that it could be due to the lumpectomy and radiation. (I was thinking, well duh...) He added that he was not that worried about it, but I need to come back in 6 months instead of 12. Then he started to explain why and all I could hear was blah blah blah... After he left I must have appeared thunderstruck to Martha, so she sat down and repeated what the doctor said:

In 2005, the mammogram slide view that showed my tumor was called “exaggerated cc”. In 2006, for some reason, the person who did my mammogram did not take an image using that particular view. Because of this, the doctor did not have an exaggerated view image to compare the thickening to. If it had been done in 2006 he would have something to compare it to. And this explains why I needed to go back in 6 months. He wants to be able to observe the thickening 6 months from now.

So I feel better. At least they did not see a nodule in the shape of a sea monster.

Going back to the snoring in Vegas. Ravdeb and Michele: Are you willing to wear earplugs or should I sleep in the tub?

Brenda, thanks for a post that was at first very scary but ultimately entertaining. Aren’t reunions with family wonderful? I’ll bet you have pictures of everyone. Bring them to our get together. I love to see people’s extended family.

Amy, love your Kelby. Our first puppy was a black lab, Lady. Some where I have pictures of her with the kids when they were young. So happy it’s worked out for you.

Debbie, my two favorite types of food are Indian and Thai. How wonderful to live in a place where you can get takeaway/take out and from friends at that. If I get really hungry for it I make my own but though I can do it from scratch I resort to bottled sauces and an already made curry powder.

RoseMarie-So glad you’re back-loved the pictures of the kids. Have fond memories of visiting Florida with my kids and a couple of years before dh died with gd Erin.

V-loved your pics-especially the one with your friend. You look good together. I hope your getting some rest between painting sessions, but I suppose that’s like wising you would rest between breathing.

Mary-Hope you have survived the NY heat. It was really hot here on Saturday and this morning it was below 50. Glad to hear your sister’s dog is better. I’ll bet you are enjoying your nieces. They’re at really fun ages.

MaryAnne–I continue to marvel at your stamina with the dragon boating –three times a week. It must help with upper arms. That’s where I could really use some help. So you must have made the cut and are in the boat. Does some one drum? I could do that.

Laura, I’ll go along with what ever others want to do on Friday but sitting poolside and visiting w/o any planned activities really appeals to me.

TracyNY-I’ve been thinking about you today. Hope your dog ears are a thing of the past and you are in a happy place.

Kelly-you come up with incredible names. Loved the rainbow ones. Must be almost time to go RVing. Are you going to be able to come to Chicago. I have been saving up questions I have for you. I am especially intrigued with some of your past references to religion. It’s one of my favorite topics—particularly from and ecumenical point of view.

Deb–also can’t wait to meet you face to face and hope to have a little time to share more in depth some of your interests.

Curlylocks–love your new avatar. Suffering from curl envy here.

My two year survival anniversary is July 19th. I count for the day I was diagnosed. Grand daughter was born that morning in NY. It was a day mixed with joy and sadness. Now it is a day of great rejoicing for me. One more year.

I had planned to visit NY for her birthday just as I did last year but life has a way of moving in directions we don’t plan for. About a month ago I was sent an email from a freelance magazine writer who knows my NY family. It was an invitation to fill out a questioner concerning an article she was writing for a monthly magazine about what friends and family can do to be helpful for women going through treatment for bc. Apparently she liked what I wrote so she sent my comments to the editors and I was one of five women to be picked for the article which will come out (of course) in Oct. Two phone interviews followed and then the writer told me they wanted to fly me to NY for photography. So this past week I fit my life into their schedule and tomorrow will be flying out with the photo session on Friday. They said I could stay through the week and fly back when I wanted to but I just can’t take more than the weekend off so I will be celebrating gd’s birthday early.

I wasn’t really excited about it until now. Haven’t told too many here. Reality is setting in. The women are from NJ, NYC, Florida, California and (yes it really does exist) North Dakota. I have a couple of other details about this to share with all of you but don’t really want to do it here on the forum. After the week end I’ll pm everyone but will also try to post to let you know what it’s like to have my 15 minutes of fame.

Have lot’s to do to get ready. They sent me a clothing list and I think I have everything, just have to find it in my closet or laundry room. Good news is I finally, after two years got my desk at work cleared off.

Hope everyone is having a good day.

Love you all.

Amy!!!! What a sweetie!!! OMG! I love black labs.... They are wonderful dogs you will have many years of love and companionship!

Just a quick note to let you know that the job is going well. Nordstrom is a great company to work for (#24 of the best companies to work for in Fortune Mag). I am bored right now as everyone is busy but me. I have not been able to get in touch with the people who can provide info on the project that I will be working on. Maybe tomorrow....

TracyNY - thinking of you, hope all is well!

Mary Anne - Sure! we can meet at the airport! You are right I get in sometime around 3pm.

I am pretty overwhelmed right now with Aquafest.... So if I am not around much that is why.

Love you all!
t

Love the puppy Amy. Gotta go. Leaving for Niagara Falls in a little while. Hope everyone has a great day.
Mary

Thanks for all the good wishes and kind thoughts. I don't think it could have gone any better. I hopped on the table at 1pm and was home by 4pm! The procedure took about 40 minutes and I didn't get knocked all the way out.

I had a pleasant sleep and was absolutely wowed at the results. My dog ears are history!! Gone, gone, gone! I don't think I could be any happier.

I can't wait for it to heal. I have some outfits I've been waiting to debut!!

TracyNY..glad it was successful! And glad you have a few outfits to try it all out on! Hope it heals quickly.

Michele..YUCK! I've had to clean up after my dogs before, too. We don't have any carpets. That would be disgusting!

Tracy Seattle..glad the job is going well. I agree with Debbie..try to look busy!

Amy..the dog is adorable. You will love Kelby!

RoseMarie...that's a coincidence that your therapist lived in Israel. Next time ask where she lived and where her parents live. Ya never know...this is a tiny country!

Debbie..sorry to hear about your broken yellow car. Was Rog able to fix it?

Brenda...not sure I'll hear your snoring over mine. I've been told I do the same! what a story you reported. So much happened. You've been reading Debbie's posts too much!!! sounds like it all worked out, including the mammogram. They always write on my reports that it "appears" to be a benign something caused by the surgery. I have another one in Sept.

Kelly..great names...Moshe is Moses in Hebrew. Glad you are being entertained!

Cathy..good luck! sounds exciting! I was on TV for a documentary about the oncotype, if you all recall...my 2 minutes of stardom!

Hey..I've got my tickets, they are paid for and are hidden in a safe place til the day I leave. Just noted that I actually need to be at the airport on Aug 15th but my plane takes off on Aug 16th at five minutes after midnight. Good thing I noticed that!

Have guests coming Sun/Mon leaving on Tues. from overseas. Will take them on my usual tour. Anyone wanna come? I have tours I take my guests on and I keep finding more and more interesting places in my area. I once thought to open a B&B, cater only to overseas visitors, buy a van and take them on local excursions. I actually did research for the tour parts since I do take a lot of people on tours here. And I did buy the van..that's as far as I got!

Ravdeb, even if i come with a friend, i will still be staying with you girls!! He is good like that - gives me my space.

Amy, what a cute puppy! You must be busy now with all the potty training..

Tattoo... well i definitely want to get one, but not yet. Havent decided on a picture yet. Plus i want to make sure i go to a reputable tattoo place. Dont rush girls, thats not something you want to come to regret any time later..

PLUS, like Gail said, a new tattoo needs lots of TLC, and who wants to be worried about creams and dressings on a holiday??!!

Ladies, what is a good spot for a nice relaxing shopping/sunbaking holiday in US? We are thinking of going somewhere nice and sunny after Chicago, i dont know anything apart from Hawaii.. which i love but we want to go somewhere new. Bahamas? Baja California?

Cathy, Good luck on your trip, can't wait to get hear how it goes! Ask your questions to me via pm....I won't be able to go to Chicago, my job schedule has changed again! I am so upset by it all....not a good routine.

V--sorry I haven't called in a while, been busy and getting ready to take the rv out! PM me!

Rosemarie--how did your kids get lost and how did you find them? Did I miss the details?? I would have had a heart attack!

When is Labor day? Will I be there for that??
Kelly - sad you arent going to be there - Iwas looking forward to meeting you and princess Teryn.
Do we know who will be there? And which kids?
My window is sorta mended . we spent hours straightening metal cables through tiny holes , winding reels and shortening springs. I cant open the window until we get a new bit - but the rain isnt comg in !!
Debbie

Paula -
You may want to look into Key West FL. Supposed to be a very fun place...

MaryAnne -
Yes! I am so looking forward to everyone coming here! I can't wait!

-------------------

Hi Girls...
Still working out, but only 3 days a week now...but, I am getting lots of x-ercise around here daily! Two years ago today, I had the breast biopsy that changed my life forever. It's weird...I still can't believe it all happened. I took the Goat for a long ride tonight and choked back tears, but at the same time, I thought about all the things that would never have happened in my life had I not gotten bc. It's all so very bittersweet...

I hope you're all doing well. Love you all...

Paula - Key West!!! AWESOME Place! So is Destin, but Key West would be my choice!

RoseMarie - I am so glad you found yourselves... LOL - how cute.

TracyNY - glad all went well!

Kelly - darn it! I really wanted you to come....

V - you have me very curious!!! I am waiting for a PM!

Gail nice to see you back.

Amy - I just keep looking at that sweet puppy. I love Denali to death but there is nothing cuter than a Black Lab.

I'm not very good at talking to each of you - sorry about that...

We have a busy weekend as usual. Tomorrow is a Kiwanis picnic and we are also working the concessions stand at the local park. Sunday I am hoping for some rest.

Aquafest is two weeks away!!! Check it out at www.aquafest.org.

Talk to you all soon! Have a good weekend!

Happy Saturday Ladies!

My dh is still sleeping so I thought I would catch up with everyone before I get ready to go out to breakfeast.

Last night we were watching the astronaut farmer on pay per view tv and I couldn’t keep my eyes open…ended up going to sleep at 9:30 p.m. I am just getting over a cold that’s probably why.

We made a decision to drop the price on our house again to $275,000 from the originally listed price of $289,900. I told my dh I was tired of keeping the house so immaculate after 10 weeks of it being on the market and the fact we both really want a new home motivated us to reduce it so it will sell. With the property that we have ½ acre and the new kitchen and the other work that we have done on the house hopefully it moves soon along with us.LOL.

I got my hair highlighted on Thursday, am pleased with the results and this time you can see the highlights and she did them all over this time and it is also a lighter colour . I didn’t end up getting my whole head coloured as my hairdresser said unless I was willing to keep up with colouring it every 3 to 4 weeks with the way my hair grows to not go that route. I will see if the grey becomes too much maybe I’ll change my mind but for now I;m not vain and it looks fine.

I was going to post some pictures of the wedding my sister and I went to last weekend but she still has my picture card so will have to wait.

Laura – cant wait for our get together, today is July 14 so a little or 9 weeks or so away.

Debbie444 – Cody seems to be fine, didn’t feed her anything and she only did that on the Wednesday. OMG Deb, how did the window in your car just break! You have so much that happens in your life….glad that you are okay though!

Since it is summer things have slowed a little on the weekends as people go away but generally the market is still pretty good. Country properties tend to take longer to sell and the fact that we are on a major roadway and set only 75 feet back from the road doesn’t help things!

Brenda – I heard the story about the shooting at the New York, New York in Las Vegas and thought what are the chances that she is staying there? Glad to hear that you arrived after it happened. It is not very professional of the hotel to give you a key of an occupied room. Glad to hear that you enjoyed the reunion with your cousins though!

Deb - My dh told me that I was sniffling and snoring the other night but that was probably my cold. Yeh I wear earplugs to sleep so wont hear anyone snoring, no worries.LOL.

I think you would make a fabulous tour guide, what a great idea for a new business venture but you would be on the road driving so much, don’t know if I would like that…too much driving makes me tired.

Rosemarie – that is so scary about your kids, especially in today’s crazy world. You must have been so afraid….a happy ending is all that matters! Your son’s quote is too cute for words…we cried and cried until we found you…out of the mouth’s of babes!

Love the pictures, kids look like they had a blast!

Graycie – nice to see you back, glad you are feeling better. Thanks for the compliment! Keeping my hair pinned back or in a headband and right now in the “in between short” and long stage is the only way that keeps me sane and it from getting cut really short!

Paula – Glad to hear that you may be able to make it after all! We have been to Bahamas and it has beautiful beaches, is very safe to go shopping and you can take a cab into an area just outside of the main strip and they have tons of shopping and lots of jewellery stores. We stayed in Paradise Island last November, the weather was terrible in November (rainy season) but better in August. Florida would be great this time of year and plenty warm with nice beaches too!

Couldn’t get your link on the puppies to work?

Victoria – I hope it is our turn, waiting patiently enough for it.LOL. I am excited that you have some good news, cant wait to hear it when we meet up. Enjoy your painting!

Kelly – I am disappointed that you cant make Chicago, was really looking forward to meeting you and your little princess Teryn.

Tracyseattle – you keep yourself so busy and I commend you for doing all your volunteer work.

Tahdah – happy to hear that your procedure went well and that you will soon be strutting some of your new outfits!

Maryanne – I keep my hair in a headband for now, it too is “wolly”, just got it thinned out which helps make it manageable. The inbetween stage growth between short and long is tough and at times you feel like getting it cut all off but may regret it so hang in there.

You must be in great shape paddling three nights a week, working and making supper…gosh it is making me tired thinking about it.

Have a great Saturday my sisters and hi to anyone that I have missed.

Love You All
Michele