2005 ROCK-TOBER CHEMO GIRLS

Girls.. you are all SOOOOOOOOO welcome in my backyard!!
(except i dont have a backyard... only balcony)
maybe next get-together can be in Sydney?

Deb - so glad you had a good appointment. I hope your insurance covers everything!! And, what a blessing to other women if you can get all of this sorted out and get the cancer community to take it seriously!
Debbie - holy smokes!! You really should write a book -
Paula - Australia would be awesome!
Laura - very cool!! When will you be modeling?? Maybe I can trek up there for the day!!
TracyS - again, you are awesome!
TracyNy - it must be a fab piece of furniture if you're considering the drunk crazy guy again!!! Take it easy moving!

My good friend is coming in today from Virginia - (she's my friend that adopted the baby from Guatemala) - so we get to see "baby Jet." Should be a fun visit.

Ok - if I don't have a chance to log on this weekend, have a great one ladies!

Funny, I found cheetah flip flops on sale at Target the other day and purchased them!

My Little Miss Muffet was afraid of mummies and had some nightmares ( courtesy of cartoons and Night at the Museum) so while searching for things to do on our day off, I found the Bowers Museum of Cultural Art. They have an exhibition called Mummies and the pieces are on loan from the British Museum. We had the best time there and then went to their Kidseum afterwards where we painted with watercolors and salt. We got to keep our paintings. Before leaving, stopped in the gift store and found a cheetah scarf which I had to buy!

To top off our day, we went for an early dinner at Joe's Crab Shack on the water in Newport Beach and had King crab legs then we called my uncle who lives 1/2 block from there on the water as well. DD nicely demanded a boat ride so off we went for a cruise of the harbor.
But yesterday was back to work as usual not fun ...... if anyone finds a spare million, let me know!!

Checking in . . . . .

Debbie: I knew your sailing story was going to be something like that. I agree, if you ever write a book you could be the next Urma Bombeck. Don't know her? She was as very, very funny humorist who wrote great books about family life and women in general. One of her best lines was, "If life is a bowl of cherries, why am I always in the pits?" Check her out.

Tadah: good luck on the office move. We did that about 6 months ago. What a lot of work!!

Ravdeb: you go girl! Breast cancer never had exposure until powerful women like you got involved and started educating the world. Yeterday a woman told me her grandmother had both breast removed years ago but never told anyone why. Even her daughter and granddaughter have never known. Back then women were so ashamed of having cancer, especially in the breasts. And who knows, perhaps she didn't even need such radical surgery. But, she is dead now, so no one will ever know. I advised this woman to act like it was a cancer surgery and be very diligent about self-checks and mammos. In this conversation was a 74-year-old who never gets mammos. She is afraid of doctors and tests. She said, "I'm 74 and if I get cancer I won't fight it anyway so why worry about tests?" I was startled but have to respect everyone's choices about their own health. I didn't say it but I know her family (her son & his family are friends of mine) and I'm sure they don't want to lose her any sooner than they have to and would feel terrible to see her suffer through an lingering illness. I hope it never happens.

At girl's camp yesterday we made the cutest craft but I am not going to describe it . . . let's just say I hope to show it off in Chicago when we all meet. Are we all up for some kind of a "show and tell" at the Friday night "slumber" party? I hope we will all bring pictures or something to share with each other.

Tracy: Yay!! We'll meet up on Thursday. I'm arriving about 1:30 on United. I do not know anything about the airport so maybe Laura can advise us about a good place to meet. We could wait for MaryAnne or anyone else and go to the hotel together. Cathy is also arriving on Thursday but I do not know when. She'll let us know, I think. I cannot wait to hug you either!!!!

21 days to go!!!!!

Mary

Debbie..with 28 nodes removed you definitely should get a preventative sleeve and glove for your flight. It's a long flight and with that many nodes removed, your risk of getting lymphedema is about 30% or higher, I believe. You may not get it since most women do not. However..if you can prevent it, it would be worth it. You do NOT want lymphedema. Just ask the women here who already have it.

My girlfriend in the States had about that many nodes removed. Because she was not careful with her arm after surgery, she developed lymphedema. She also gets cellulitis all the time and she said several times a year she is hospitalized because of this...infection and thus antibiotics by infusion.

So, you want to avoid this...

My surgeon who did my surgery faxed me a letter this afternoon stating that I "need" a sleeve for flights. I hope this will help when I go to the guy in charge in my HMO.

I am relocating the program I run from one site to another. In addition to the stuff thats in the building, there are also the clients that need to be relocated as well. Its quite the project.

Dev: I saw you mention a sleeve, do not forget the glove. You can wear a glove with no sleeve but not the reverse. If swelling does occur, without a glove it will all get pushed into your hand.

Cindy, thank you so much for the pm ... I am sitting here crying. That was so nice of you. I wish I could meet your mom. I try hard to hide my fears from Teryn, too, I am guessing she will be like you and she may never know how scary life is for me sometimes!!

Kelly, you would like my mom. She looks like a little old lady, but she's really quite the stem-winder. Actually, she's not little. She's 6 feet tall! (Blame her 6'5" tall father from Sweden!) At 5'10", I'm the runt of my entire family! Except for one little sister (out of three total), who only made it to 5'9", poor thing.

My mom's so excited about our meeting in Chicago. If she was there, though, she'd probably cry on all of you because she knows how much you've all helped me. Heck, there's a good chance *I* may cry a bit on some of you when we meet. I'm kind of a sap that way. So I'll warn you all up front! The waterworks usually don't last long, so just bear with me for a minute or so. (Now watch me not cry at all and everyone get hurt feelings!) hahahahahahahahhaha!

ravdeb -
Thanks for your model story...I love to "hear" stories of people's lives - past and present. Your G-Ma sounds like a real beauty! That's a great family memory for you.

Tracy-Mary-Mary-Anne-Cathy -
I will look at a map of O'Hare Airport and figure out a place for all of you to meet at. Perhaps a gate# and then you will be able to tell the pickup service where to pick you all up at. I would be happy to pick you up, even though my suv holds 7, I would be concerned that I couldn't fit you all in with all your luggage too !

Meeshell -
Are you coming in on Thursday?

Cindy -
Don't worry...the tears will be flowing quite a bit that weekend. We're tough...but not too tough! Bring your Mom along! My Mom will be helping me here at our Saturday night get-together. They would have a great time together! My Mom's the same way...she truly appreciates each and every one of you girls...she knows how much you all mean to me! She always asks me..."how are the rock-tober girls doing?" And of course I update her often...she was a nurse for 28 years and retired a few years ago and now is a very-in-demand, in-house pet sitter! She rocks!

OY..not sure where my baby pictures are!

TracyNY..as for the sleeve and glove..I have both. Thanks! The therapist said that since I don't have nor have had swelling and this is just preventative..I don't really need the glove but to be really on the safe side, she said to take it anyway..can't hurt. I had read that about the swelling going into my hand. Thanks for the warning!

Debbie...Because you don't have lymphedema, you don't need to wear it beforehand, I think. In fact, I had read to wear it 2 hours before the flight and not to take it off for at least 2 hours after the flight, but that's all. I asked the therapist and she wasn't aware that I needed to wear it for any length of time before the flight. She said just make sure it's on before going on the plane. I will have it on for a few hours before the flight since I'll put it on at home, it's an hour to the airport and I need to be there 3 hours before the flight (EL AL requirements for security which is why I fly El Al).

But, you are right. There are so many opinions on it. You just have to go to an LE therapist that you like and trust they know what the heck they are talking about. Since you dont' have lymphedema, you should be able to buy the sleeve and glove off the shelf like I did. They come in all different sizes. I had to get the smallest size. They come in different brands and not all the brands were good for me.

There were police all over the place stopping cars last night on my way home from services. They stopped me as I got onto the road that leads into the village. But, they didn't talk to me..just had me pull over and then other cars were behind me and they told me to leave. There was a terrorist on the loose. They caught him (or them) later on in the evening! WHEW!

I'm getting so nervous about my trip! I am packing in my mind. I'm packing light. I bought a great bag/purse that is small and I can put all my essentials in it and carry it on and then put "carry on" and suitcase in baggage. This is my first time I'm going to go really light on board...just my "purse" and my camera.

Does anyone know if a small bottle of eye drops is okay to take on board? What are the rules? I need my eye drops with me for the long flight....

Oh..thanks for that info. I went to the EL AL website and there are so many rules! For these trips to the States I always had everything with me. We can't get those tiny tubes of toothpaste here and I'll try to remember to buy them in the States for future flights. My biggest concern was my eye drops. I am taking all my meds on with me and one is a turbo inhaler for my asthma. It's not liquid..a powder..but they won't be able to tell that. The other is I guess..a spray thingy with whatever is in it..also an inhaler. I can't travel without that and always have it in my purse. I don't recall a problem. It's is more in the States than here. But..I'll ziplock my stuff so they can see it. I don't have much. I only travel with gum and hard candies for the food part. I don't know what I'll drink on board. I need to drink a lot of water and I have not been able to drink water lately..only flavored water. Maybe I'll bring some powdered stuff to put in the water....somebody brought me crystal from the States. I don't really like it but it's better than nothing!

I also have my journal and my book. That's about it. And my rubber ball to exercise my hand while I travel....if I remember it!

I think I will need to carry the birthday gift I'm making for my mom..the birthday book..since the book doesn't close!
Hey..we are on the third page of it. My daughter started hers, and tonight we will get one son's almost done and the youngest one has all week to work on it. I just have to do the cover. "JUST"...HA! Lots of work yet and no time!

Hi Ladies,

I am now officially off on 2 weeks holidays, yes! I actually left an hour early yesterday as we had a last minute showing scheduled with 1 ½ hours notice. They called at 3:15 and wanted to see the house at 4:30 pm. and I thought there is no way I could make it home and wake up dh in time, so total our real estate can you ask them to come at 6:00 p.m.? They called back 5 minutes later and said 5:00 p.m. was the latest they could do as they really wanted to see our home before heading up north for the long weekend. I rushed home from work, dh was sleeping as he was working nights last night and was still swiftering the floors when they pulled up into the driveway 10 minutes early!

The couple that saw our home were in their late 40’s with one teenage son. I was exhausted and drove past the house three times and they were still here. They were here for almost an hour at which point I pulled into my neighbour’s driveway next door not wanting to intrude on the showing. I was sitting there and then one of the agents came over and knocked on my window and asked if I could come back to the house as the people had questions. They wanted to know where the septic system was in our yard, how old the system was, the water quality and about the sump pump down in the basement. They asked if we had ever had any problems with the septic clogging, I then brought out the receipts from 2005 that show that we had our whole system overhauled and five main lines replaced, system was flushed and shown in good working order.
They must be really interested as the agent made a comment to them when he asked about the water quality that it would be included as a condition of the offer.

We are hoping that we hear back from them when they return from up north on Monday!

My sister came down for the weekend from Ottawa which is about 5 hours from here and we had planned to go out for dinner for a belated birthday celebration for my dad’s bday but that got messed up with the last minute showing. But I did drive back to Brampton which is a 45 minute drive after driving home to allow the showing and then drove back home again last night. I was zonked didn’t take much to make me fall asleep and didn’t wake up until 10:40 this morning!

We are going out for dinner tonight though.LOL.

We are planning our exodus to the trailer on Tuesday as my dh finishes nightshift on Monday morning.

The humidity as finally broke her and the fresh cooler air is a welcome relief although it is still 28C today.

TracyNy – Laura wont send out her lighthouse either.LOL.

Laura – the market here is still good although a little slower now due to a lot of people being on summer vacation and this weekend is a long weekend, Monday is a Civic Holiday here. Dh is finally feeling better thanks.

Congrats on being our “new celebrity” here in the group. How many clothes do you get to model, wow a new wardrobe here you come!

Yes I am coming on Thursday but not until around 9:10 pm. as I only have Friday off work…

Cant wait to meet your mom!

Tracyseattle – another honor getting to speak in front of others about bc. As October is bc awareness month it is so much more important! I was diagnosed in October as well….

Deb – I will be at the hotel on Thursday night and setting up the International Room.LOL.

I find a lot of doctors don’t know much about lymphodema and even the nurses at the clinic where I had my chemo wanted to use my affected arm for blood draws, like duh!!

Debbie444 – my post was mammoth, my punishment for getting so far behind, ha haJ Don’t feel alone it doesn’t take much to get me confused these days, sometimes I feel like the scare crow in wizard of oz, “all I want is a brain” or one that functions right!

Rosemarie – enjoy your weekend with your friend!

Kelly – dinner on the beach sounds wonderful and your daughter is plain cute so innocently demanding a boat ride. Glad you enjoyed it! Wouldn’t it be nice to have a million, we keep buying a lottery ticket every draw but our numbers have still to come up yet.LOL.

We are not giving up yet, that word is not in my vocabulary…this showing yesterday night seems very very promising and just maybe we will get an offer when the people get back from the long weekend.

Mary – thanks for reminding me about the pictures (baby one’s right?). I will have to raid my mom’s photo album tonight while I think of it.

Cant wait either…..August 23!!!

Cindy – hey sister don’t worry about the waterworks I’m sure all of us will be alike as the meeting of all of our sisters is going to be soooo special!

Enjoy your Saturday, will check back in tomorrow!

Love you All
Michele

Lets hang out that these people buy the house!!

I too cry at the drop of a hat (have stopped watching Extreme House makeover as i blubbed through most of it!)

It has been a lovely Summer day today , which was nice as we could walk down to the blessing of the well. Our village doesnt have a well , so our well dressing is next to the river at the sheepwash. Then we walked up to the parish rooms to look at the local arts and craft show. I will get my act in gear and have some embroideries ready to show next year!!
Deb - as far as i understand from my friend who flies to France regular , liquids in hand luggage gave to be decanted into 100ml and carried in a clear bag. Those packed in main luggage dont matter.

Oh, heard from Dad today - he is in Berlin safely. He is travelling to POland on the train you remember. He and his friend got lost on the station in London - not a good start , but are having a good time. Both 76 , one is registered blind , the other cant breathe - any wonder i worry!! I wont see him now till Sept as our holidays overlap. Kinda hard as we speak everyday and see each other about 5 times a week!

I saw chemo nurses using veins in the leg - plenty to go yet Cindy!!

Laura: I'll be arriving at 5:15 on Thursday. Don't worry about me getting to the hotel. I have an old buddy who offered to pick me up and take me to the hotel. She made me reserve Thursday night for her.

Ravdeb: Any liquid 3 ounces or less should be placed in a ziploc bag and put on the tray along with your shoes, purse, etc. If you have anything more than 3 ounces you need to check it in as luggage.

Debbie: Your Dad will have so much fun, don't worry.

I spent a whole day yesterday looking for a Wii. I went everywhere within a 20 mile radius. No Wii's in sight. Today I ran to the nearest Target right before they opened. I ran to electronics as fast as I could, but the person in front of me bought the last one. I was thinking of bribing this guy when I remembered that Toys 'R Us sold video game systems as well. I called them and sure enough they had them and promised me that I could have one if I got there in 20 minutes! So Sean has his birthday gift, thank goodness.

I felt so good about the purchase I went next door to a furniture place and ordered 2 sofas, 1 loveseat and a dining set. Angus has outgrown his gnawing stage so I figured it was a good time to replace the damaged furniture. They were either very old or hand-me-downs anyway.

Have a pleasant Sunday, ladies!

Well Kelly..I'm sorry work is not good these days but if you are at the weekend..that would be both a bonus for you and for us! I hope you DO come but not sure quitting work is the way to go????

Brenda..thanks for the 3 oz tip. I wish I could get a few things in that size here but I can't besides my eye drops. So, it will mean I will be going on the plane with a light load and that's a good thing. You seem to have caught the TracyNY bug that makes you buy furniture!!! I bet it will be beautiful It's always fun to get new things for the house. We also need new sofas but I'll wait til one of the kids moves out and then we can let them have ours and we'll get new ones....maybe...depends on dh. He grows attached to things...

Debbie..ah..that makes sense the 100 ml. I wasn't sure what 3 ounces was. I've been living in Israel too long. But..there are no little toothpastes and lotions that size unless we go away for a weekend in a hotel before I fly and I take the bathroom stuff with me! That would be expensive bathroom stuff! Hope your dad has a fun but safe trip. I think it's wonderful that he is traveling with a friend and enjoying life. I'm sure you will do the same at that age.

Laura..my veins are better now. I have thin veins anyway but I get blood tests like "normal" people do these days. I had blood tests, when I was hospitalized taken from my foot and groin when the arm wouldn't deliver. Not a pretty thing at all! YUCK! and very painful...


Be well everybody...I'm off to fight the insurance for a return on the money I paid for my sleeve and glove.

Have a good day.