2005 ROCK-TOBER CHEMO GIRLS

Here in S.D. we have a male newscaster who has had bc.

BTW, Miniland in Legoland of CA features different miniatures of U.S. sights as can be expected. But it also has famous world sights like the Taj Mahal and the opera house in Australia. The newest addition, I believe, is Las Vegas.

No news yet if I got into a sleep study.

Ravdeb: Since my left arm did not swell when I flew to San Jose, does this mean I don't need a sleeve for my flight to Chicago? I don't think I've had LE (though I've had the SNB and lumpectomy like you).

And yes, Rosemarie, Sean will be 12 on Sunday! Hope you and your loving husband celebrate in style...Happy Anniversary in andvance!

Tracy - do you EVER stop?????LOL You have the energy for all of us.
Apart from Cindy , who has had a set back (which wasnt ordered) it seems that everyone of us has grabbed life with both hands and is giving it a good shake. Dont worry Cindy - we will help shake it for you until that darn chemo has finished for you.
Its funny how many of the kids are close in age and yet we are all different in age isnt it.
Do we have any numbers for Aug yet?? We are trying to decide what to bring that is British , that we can possibly haul through customs!! I would hate to get there and have got my numbers wrong!
Deb

Kelly...you are right. I'm more optimistic once again. It comes and goes but for the most part, I think I'll be okay. I'm glad that you are beginning to see a future out there. That is the best way to live, I think. Good that you are checking out your thyroid as weight gain is one of the signs of hypothyroidism.

Looking forward to the pictures.

My fil is going to be in the hospital for a long time...something like 6 weeks. This is not easy. He is in pretty good spirits despite it all.

I should really get on my bike but it's just so hot. The walks on the beach are good, though...breezy and I walk in the water. The beach is flooded. The waves have come up on the sand and there is hardly any dry sand! Really weird. I never remember it being like this so my walk basically HAS to be in the water. There are "pools" of water on the beach and the little kids are splashing in them. The waves are dangerous and the warning flag has been out. I just walk in the water up to my ankles. If a big wave comes I have to stop or else I lose my balance! I'm so OLD!

What is this new set-up on the site here? I feel lost.

Okay, I feel terribly guilty for letting so much time go by without writing. I do read the board almost daily, but since I have more strict rules at work now, I don't find as much opportunity to write. Lately in the evenings I have been busy in other activities and have not used the computer. The last 3 weekends we have been out and about doing one thing and another so I have not been at my computer. I guess I don't need to apologize for living my life but I do feel badly about letting you think I was "missing."

Never fear, I am planning and preparing for our meeting in 22 days. I keep imagining meeting everyone as I go to sleep most nights. I sure hope you are all as wonderful in person as I imagine you to be. (chuckle)

Good news: had my 6 month mammo on the bc breast and the annual on the so-called "good" breast. The result is everything looks normal. The doctor tells me now I go to a yearly mammo schedule and so I will not have that exam for another year. I still will be seeing the radiation onc in August and the medical onc in December. In a way I want to keep having those 6-month mammos but know that this is a positive step into the future. My hubby and I agreed that I will be more diligent about self-checks and he will ask me from time to time how it's going.

So, I'll tell you about my latest adventure.

A friend from work invited my hubby and I to come to her "cottage" on Sodus Bay off Lake Ontario, about 30 miles east of Rochester. We went sailing on their 34 foot sailboat. Got out in Lake Ontario and the breeze just died. The water was smooth as a mirror. But, never fear, there was a motor on the boat. We motored back into the bay and there was wind again so we got to sail around the bay. I had never been on a sailboat so this was a grand adventure. My hubby got a chance at the tiller and did a good job keeping us on course. I was not so good at it. I couldn't remember to turn the tiller opposite of the way I wanted to go. It was a super fun day. Only one mishap . . I took a misstep getting into the boat and my knee struck a winch. I have a spectacular, multicolored bruise now. Why not, my last name is also WARD!!!! Stopped off at a really old diner on the way home for dinner and had the BEST strawberry ice cream for dessert. I have had a renewed love of strawberry ice cream this summer.

I want to comment to everyone (even if I am a couple of days behind in the messages)so let’s see if I can.

Ravdeb: I also was skeptical about lyphedema, but my scar area began to really ache last summer, when healing from the radiation, and I was surprised to get this diagnosis. But the manual drainage techniques really worked wonders. I hope you do not have problems with it on your trip. I hadn’t thought about it, but then my flight will only take about 90 minutes. I know yours will be much longer. Hope your FIL returns to health.

Debbie Ward: Wow – those pictures are great. I agree that you are such an inspiring mom, joining in with your kids activities and interests. My anticipation at seeing all of you is growing and growing.

Tadah: Once again, I’m wishing we were neighbors. I’ll bet I could learn at few things from you about good cooking. I think though that we could be dangerous in the pursuit of shopping. I love shopping, also!

Amy: You puppy is bringing me so many memories of the lab puppies that have been in our family. Right now I am an “aunt” to a 2-year-old black lab. She has some of her puppy behavior left in her. I would recommend a good obedience class for all of you when you are feeling better. There is nothing as wonderful as the love pouring from the eyes of your lab when you are nestled on the sofa with her head in your lap and you are petting her soft, soft ears.

Graycie: How are you doing? We're in for a few hot days. Can you beat the heat? I'm right in front of the air conditioner now.

Rosemarie: I'll be interested in your decision about the dragon boat. It is so nice to read about your kids and the fun you have with them. Happy Birthday to your young son!

Laura: Lots of work to keep the trails cleaned up and such. I got the measurement for Buddy Love and will try to make a leopard print collar for him.

Tracy: I agree that you are a super woman. I am so looking forward to talking to you and knowing you better. You and I joined this group on the same day and have other days in our treatment in common so I think of you often as a "twin", sort of. But, I am not your twin in the leadership role. I admire your skills and energy.

Kelly: Sounds like you and Teryn are really enjoying the summer. I have sympathy for your desire to get into better shape and hope you will be able to reach your goals. When I am exercising I do feel better in mind and body.

Brenda: Happy Birthday to your son, also. I suppose you are really enjoying your summer break. I was interested in your mention of the concert you attended. In my town there are free concerts on Thursday nights and on Sunday nights. It's a nice way to spend a summer evening.

Paula: Still have my fingers crossed that you'll be able to join us in Chicago. It would be so great to welcome you and enjoy your bubbly personality.

MaryAnne: I suppose like me you are busy with life. I know you are enjoying your hubby and kids.

Michelle: Don't overwork yourself on the house. I have sympathy for your efforts to get it sold. How was your time at your trailer? How are your pets?

Cindy: Hang in there, sister. You are an inspiration. I have wondered how I would react if I ever had to face this journey again. I hope I would have a smidgen of your courage and positive attitude. You are inspiring.

Cathy: Looking forward to our next meeting. We are going to have a wonderful visit.

Victoria: Hope all is well with you. I enjoyed seeing you at the art festival in your pics and wish I could have been there in person. I love to go and see what artists are creating. Best wishes to you and your dear ones.

I am really hoping that I have not left anyone out here. Likely, I have forgotten someone. My memory is not what it once was. "Mental-pause" or something. Nevertheless, I do wish everyone good health, happiness, and the strength get on with life in the fashion you want. I hope your troubles are small and your joys enormous.

Oh, one more thing: is anyone else arriving on Thursday, 8/23? Can we meet and share the ride to the hotel? I am scheduled to get to Chicago approx. 1:30 pm.

Love to all,
Mary

Hi Ladies,

Another "M" checking in, ha ha:) Your funny Laura!!

Will post more later, been crazy busy as usual..got eyebrows done tonight, dh was sick yesterday and a showing tonight...just got back in house.

Have a great sleep, will catch up tomorrow..when I catch my breath!

Love
Michele

Paula -
I'M SO SAD...I REALLY WANTED TO MEET YOU AND SHELBY DID TOO! She asked about you a few days ago!

Meeshell -
Glad you saw my post about the "M"'s Hope the showing goes well and hope you hear the word SOLD real soon.

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

Hi Girls -
Gawd...I'm still clearing the forest and it's killing me! But honestly, I love it! I get a great deal of satisfaction being able to say "We did it ourselves". You'll see what I mean when you come here! I did manage to meet my gal-pals at the pool today for a couple of hours...ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...it was great! We have thermal mugs and we fill them with the libation o' the day! Today's was a mixture of: berry wine cooler, diet tonic, and chardonnay! I am truly a Mixologist! Add Mixologist to my list of honorary degrees! LOL

Love ya all...OMG 22 days! Yikes...

Paula: sorry you won't be with us. Hope things are okay with you.

Okay, I love the countdown.

Been watching the news about the bridge collapse in Minneapolis. Wonder if this affects Cindy? So sorry for the folks who have been injured or killed, and their loved ones. Such a tragedy.

sweet dreams everyone,
Mary

The bridge collapse was on the news this morning. How awful.
Mary - glad you had a good time. Did i ever tell you all about when i entered Colwyn Bay Sailing Regatta????? Oh that was funny!
Busy busy Meeshell. We will be able to tell you in Aug then. you will be the one with perfect eyebrows , handing out house fliers to hotel staff.
Love the countdown - I have sent you another countdown Laura - i hope yours will compete !
Deb - I am with you camping in Paulas back yard!

Good morning everyone! I waited till the last minute to book my room and no more double/doubles - oh well, my kids will be sleeping on the floor (ick) I don't know why I'm such a procrastinator - but it'll still be fun!!

Mary - so glad to "see" you! Lol, I hope everyone's as nice as I imagine too!!
I will certainly miss those of you who can't make it!!!
Michele - you sound so busy! Hope the showing went well!!
TracyS - WOW!! You never cease to amaze me. You are an incredible woman!!!!!!!!!!!! So glad Aquafest went well.

Just getting ready for school to start around here - school starts on 8/15 - my kids are soooo ready (actually, I'm sooooooo ready!)

Well everyone, please have a safe, blessed and awesome day today!!!!!!

Just in from The Country..on vacation. Will read and post tonight. Looking forward to our real life event.

Fists up!

Mary-Anne

All the "M"s have checked in! Over and out...

I looked up AB's online and found it would be a great way to use the book as a frame for pics, its a great way to use the old book and since it's bound a new way to display it. You could paint over the pages and glue down your child's school artwork! New project for me!!!

Suppose I told you I was thinking about getting back on the rollercoaster with the furniture man?! I have one piece in there that I need to get out and should probably spend some of my bonus check to get it out but I don't have the strength for him plus I have a houseguest until the end of the month. I can't take the disruption in my little apartment right now.

I am in the process of relocating my facility about half a mile down the road. I got the keys to a beautifully renovated building yesterday and the fun begins tomorrow, scheduling deliveries and all that. I am going to be as busy as all outdoors so if you don't see me, no need to call the dogs out!

MARY!!! It's me! Your Twin!!! I am arriving on Thurs afternoon, if I remember right it is around 3pm. MaryAnne is also arriving on Thurs afternoon!!! We can all meet at the airport!!!

WOW - I am so exicited!!!

Laura - how come they invite you to do things where you get clothes??? that is SO COOL!!! I have been to one of those fashion shows, right after I was diagnosed. It was encouraging to see the Survivors and know that they were back to their lives....

I've been asked to speak at an American Cancer Society luncheon for Boeing employees in October.... Wonder what I am going to talk about? Guess I had better get thinking...

It's past my bedtime, I will try to catch up with all of you this weekend!

(((hugs))) Can't wait to hug each one of you IN PERSON!!!

I have no time to write but wanted to tell you, especially Brenda since she asked..about my LE therapist visit.

First of all, I felt really comfortable with her. She does her LE work out of her home and has a therapy room there. She is just really nice. Anyway... I was with my dh who was skeptical and didn't believe I needed any preventative measures before traveling because none of my doctors agreed with me and he thought I was just reading too much on-line (though he is impressed with my knowlege). She told him that she advises all bc patients who had any lymph nodes removed, including just one node for SNB, to wear a preventative sleeve on flights and during strenuous exercise using the affected arm. She told me I didn't really need a glove but said just to be sure I feel I'm doing all I can, to go ahead and use a glove, too.

She then armed me (no pun intended)with information about lymphedema to bring to my doctors..all of them. She also invited me to the conference in Sept (but I'll be in Florida). She is holding my check so that I can see if I can get a doctor to write a letter recommending the sleeve for flights so that my insurance will cover the costs. She said they definitely should be covering the costs.

I told her I want to educate as many doctors as I can about this so that other women in my situation will not get the run around like I've been getting and then end up paying privately for the therapist and the sleeve, etc...

She agreed with me. She was happy about this and in Sept when I'm in the cancer center I will give copies to the oncologists there.

She feels that with only one node removed and a lumpectomy, that I have about a 3% chance of getting lymphedema. She said that even with a 3% chance she wouldn't take the risk of possibly getting it as wearing the sleeve on a flight is nothing compared to actually having lymphedema as many of you know.

So, I'm on the bandwagon with a new cause...moving beyond cancer and into the side effects. I always need a cause!

I'm arriving on Friday...when would be a good time to come? I'm thinking that I might as well just hit the road in the morning and meet those who have arrived...for lunch?

Please give me an idea. I am taking a cab and can order one for whatever hour I want....

must run...
Have a good day everybody...