TIME TO CIRCLE THE WAGONS GIRLS

Carrie .. that poem is beautiful

Marsha .. thanks for the update on Jankay. Hopefully she'll get her new puter today.

Shirley .. good to see you and glad you'll be home soon. Life will go on because it must. That is so true. Hugs for your sister and her family.

MB .. hmmm, I wonder if running after a toddler all day will get me to those 10,000 steps? I had to google pedometer to see what it was. LOL As soon as I'm done with this post I'm going to go stretch.

CherylnC .. your poem is beautiful too. I love the pics you post.

Guz .. always good to see you. How did the second interview go?

Suz .. I believe you're right about the role stress plays in how we feel and anybody dx with BC and undergoing treatments has an enormous amount of it. People talk about the end of treatment but often are on hormonal therapy .. which of course is another adjuvant therapy. So often treatment really isn't over and we all know the SE's from Tamoxifen and AI's which include the pain in the joints and depression. A heated pool would be heavenly I think.

Amy .. Ouch about the tooth. That's a long time to wait when you have that kind of pain. I hope the Advil helps. You may need a little whiskey to go with that. LOL

Susan .. LOL at your singing frog pic, how cute! Cowboy Up .. very cool attitude. Love your new avatar!

Shokk .. glad you checked in , you had us worried

SoCal .. That would be tough with all the doctor changes. You should have better luck with the civilian doc sticking around.

MizSissy .. Sweet story

Cheri .. Wow, you finally posted! That's a good idea about checking in and then saying bbl to finish so people know you're okay! You sure do have Alot of friends! So glad Amber is alright. Keep checking the mail for those cards.

Deb .. I hope you're doing better today.

Iris Angel .. Karl made my new avatar that morphs. The angel is tattooed on his arm! Thanks, I thought it was cool. You're so right about the small stuff..actually, I believe that's what matters most for a happy life!

Denise .. LOL My Onc told me I could get a job there because of how well informed I was when I first met her. I wish I didn't know Any of this medical stuff! I had a transvaginal ultrasound when I was pregnant. I can't remember why, just remember having it! Wow, you have a lot going on. I think an ativan might be in order! Have a great weekend, we'll miss your funny posts.

Jan .. Work sounds like a nightmare. Hang in there, it's almost Friday!

Rita .. We all are suffering from the poor ol' brain disfunction so you'll fit right in here!

G .. I love that ME song and it fits well with your alteration for the circle.

Tricia .. wow, I thought I was moving quick, having had my mast in March and undergoing recon in July. Man that's tough about the insurance. I understand you wanting to get the exchange in this year. I was very small breasted at the time of my mast. and it wasn't skin sparing in the least. So I think you've got a point there, I'm feeling every bit of expansion!

Brenda .. What a beautiful post, yesterdays and your first one!

Nicki .. That's just unbelievable coming from a breast cancer center! It sucks how your plans got screwed up but I'm glad you're going to go to the wedding. Get all the rest possible beforehand, I'd be afraid of the relapse also. But I would have your DH paint your toenails for you. You should be getting some pampering.

Elaine .. I had to google costochondritis. Ouch, it sounds painful. I imagine your ribs are going to be sore for some time.

Sheri .. So glad your friend got the court order against her husband.

Robin .. I agree with everyone else, you need to put your foot down. They are trying to make you feel bad about it because if you take time then suddenly they are responsible again. Well they should be.

(((((( Puppy )))))) So sorry.

Christine .. I hope you're enjoying the birthday breakfast! You're so right about taking the time for the important people in our lives.

Peter .. where are you?

Margaret .. Glad the ativan helped, I've used it many times for sleep. It doesn't keep you in a deep sleep though. I have Ambien on hand as well which if I know I'm going to have 8 hours to sleep I can take it. I never have 8 hours though!

Well that mean horse woman emailed me back and here's her untrue and very unprofessional response:
"We made a special exception to take just 3 riders on a trail ride that their father had reserved. After waiting an approx. an hour past the departure time he came and said there was only two riders!!!!! I made it very clear the night before when I called to confirm his reservation that their was a least 3 riders and he said yes. NO WAY WILL WE DO A TRAIL RIDE WITH JUST TWO RIDERS...................... He should of called Sunday morning and told me the number had changed and I would of said not to come!!!!!!!!!!!! THIS MATTER IS CLOSED AND NONE OF YOU WILL EVER RIDE AT MY STABLE!!!! Waste someone else's time. MY time was wasted getting the horses ready for the ride, noone paid me for my time."

Karl wrote back to her very professionally and pointed out her errors .. such as he had no idea this was a special exception and thought they were joining others on a trail ride and they were 10 min late due to getting lost on all the backroads to get there and he called her to let her know. His response is very long so I won't post it but he does tell her that she's been reported to the BBB. She ended up replying with this one sentence: "You did not have a reservation at my bed and breakfast, it does not own any horses or do any horseback riding. Get you facts straight".
What a looney! So how was her time wasted getting horses ready if they don't own any? I almost worry that she has my name. I think she's a bit of a psycho. We're not communicating any longer to her, she's already wasted enough of our time. We'll let the BBB handle it from here!

Now that I'm feeling better I need to go try and catch up with all the stuff that's been sitting .. mail, laundry, etc., not to mention spending more time with my girls. I hope everyone has a great first day of the new year of the circle. I found my first post and it was Cheri who was the first to welcome me here! With everyone thinking back to 08/22/06 it made me do so as well and made me very sad. On that day I was blissfully ignorant of the beast inside me and how terribly it was going to change my life. But I am so grateful for this circle and being able to be here with those who understand.

Love&Hugs to all from A - Z,

Charlene

ROBIN>when my grandaughter was born I let my daughter know that I wasn't going to become her babysitter. Especially since we just got the "empty nest" here, I loved my new found freedom. I did tell her if she's needing me a day here or there then I was willing to do it. Worked out fine for the both of us. As it was the other grandma did want to babysitt so I had no problem with that.

PUPPY> I'm so sorry for your loss.

CHARLENE>wow she does sound weird. I thought the horses were also part of the B&B when I looked at her website. Me thinks she won't go with 2 riders only because she doesn't think that pays enough for her time thus all the lies and excuses? Like I said, I'd hate to see how she treats her horses even though they do look well fed in the photos.

NICKI>that is wonderful you are going to the wedding come hell or high water! LOL! I've never been in Lake Michigan on a boat. Just swam in, dang that water is freezing cold! I hope you don't get seasick with those big waves!

RITAJEAN>where in Illinois? I'm from Lake Villa/Antioch area, was there in June for my Mom's 80th birthday party. It was part of our motorcycle trip, went to DEnver, CO after Illinois!

We had to do "tough love" with our oldest son. Our last resort was to finally kick him out of the house. Few years ago he told us that was the best thing we ever did for him!

Good to hear good stuff about Zappo's, they have alot of boots I would love to have but I hesitated since I didn't know anyone that has used them. I had found them a while back when I was searching for tall lace up biker boots.


Tamoxifin can cause depression? Wonder if thats why I'm having such a hard time mentally this week dealing with his news about his leg. Hubby even notices my memory is really bad lately too. Its like having chemo brain all over again.

I'm still hanging out clothes, DH hasn't had time to mess with the dryer yet. When he flipped the fuses off and back on my timer started working again but still nothing else(none of the fuses are labeled, can't find the paper yet that we did label what fuse did what...grrr) He's thinking it may be the fuse or maybe the line outside the house that powers this and the ac. The ac is working fine yet...so I'm thinking we may have a bad fuse after all. He tested the outlet and only half of it is putting out charges.

Good morning sweet chicas and Peter.......quick fly by......oldest daughter and I are cleaning today......youngest is writing a paper on World War II over a summer reading book she had to do.......school for her actually starts on Monday.......I am so pleased to see so many sisters getting good news.....Nicki and Cheri glad to see ya'll are doing better........Vickie so sorry about the flu/cold stuff you got going on.......DebC I just have to say since we are both triple negative and seem to be have some weight issues.......I feel exactly like you do......you described it completely.......I even did that nutrition class and lost 11 pounds.....go in for 3 month check-up freaking out just knowing my markers are going to be climbing.....get everything looks real good come home and start eating again.......I know better.......its so important for triple neg to watch fat......but still its such a emotional roller coaster and I don't do roller coasters well at all...............I can't bring myself to cook.....I used to love to cook.......youngest is calling me brb......................

I am having a "poor me" today. Son in North Carolina called yesterday and said he would be home to stay Saturday. This meant I had to clean out Bob's bathroom for him.
I had never disposed of his medicines, tooth brush, brush & comb, razor....Nothing. This has been so hard, I am still unable to get rid of all of it. I made a "Bob Drawer" so I can go look at it, touch it, etc. occasionly. As I share this with you, the tears are starting again. It was 20 months August 20th.
Friends and family tell me to get rid of it all, that I am just torturing myself. They don't understand. I don't even share with them anymore.
Would love to hear his tell me one more time that everything is going to be all right.

Hi girls - just popping in for a minute between conference calls uggh.

Robin - YOU DESERVE TO BE HAPPY! If not now, when? I can't believe your family is so cruel to you. Those girls need a whoopin' IMO!

I hope today is better for you. And please remember to take care of yourself. Your family takes you for granted and talk to you like a dog, but I guarantee - if you were out of there tomorrow they'd quickly realize just how valuable you are.

((HUGS))
Donna

Good Afternoon Everyone: Being lying around most of the day, but I did have Nicki's physical therapy today. So went for a walk. Down to the cornier which is 2 houses down. Probably about 40 steps MB. Then I drove up to CVS and bought some nail polish. Put it on and its sorta pretty. A lavenender has that has some sparkles in it. Doesnt look bad I must say so.

Puppy: So sorry to hear about your loss. Send hugs your way.

Denise: Looks like I missed you so have a great time.

Robin: Time to set up one day a week that is for you. The family will just have to understand. Dont let them bring you down.

MargaretB: Working in home health is fun. You develop relationships with you patients, unlike hospitals where there is a nursing shortage. Working in a hospital now a days is hard work with not alot of satisfaction.

Suz: How did your doctors appointment go.

Choco: Glad your feeling better, but the rib pain stinks. Make sure your doctor knows, maybe you need a chest x-ray. Remember in the beginning I thought I had a broken rib.

Brenda: One of the big reasons your dragging is because its been so hot and humid where you are. That usually takes everything out of me.

Charlene: Im pampering myself. Someone mention hair stuff you could wash in your hair, but I didnt see any at CVA. All of them were put on first then wash off. Ive never colored my hair myself - so I dont think Im gonna start now. But when I go back to work - Color and style in on the top of my list of things I want to do.

OK Im getting tired and need to go lay down. So this will be quick.

RitaJean: Hot here too and rainy. Getting lots of flooding in this part of Illinois. Good to see you. Loved your advice to Robin. Sort of struck a cord for me at home here.

Wild/Jan: My DH plays at a bar in Antioch all the time. Steves sports bar.

Silka: Im sorry your having to go through such a difficult time. It must not be easy. Sending strength your way.

OK diving head first into bed. See ya later.

Nicki

LADIES

I AM BACK

JOKES WILL COME LATER

Jumping on here real quick...

Cheri .. Come out, come out, where ever you are! Well, I know where you are. I hope today finds you one day better! Looking for a post from you!

Wild/Jan .. Yeah I wondered too when I looked at the web site after all this happened but they do have a separate page for trail rides...she's just trying to cover her sorry a$$! LOL Too late, she already said too much. But Karl insists he told her 2 and she never confirmed 3. I understand why she might not want to do two .. but communication wasn't made re that and of course there's no excuse for how she went off on them! I think she's insane! lol Yes, re depression being an SE of Tamoxifen. Perhaps you want to look into Cymbalta or Effexor with your doc if you're not taking anything. I believe most of us are on an anti-depressant. Even if depression weren't an SE of Tamoxifen just having BC is more than enough of a cause!

Shirley .. I'm sad we might miss partying together for our birthdays! I'll try and pop on Sat night but my twin will be here and it will be hard. Have a safe flight and enjoy your solitude!

Jankay .. Welcome Back! We miss your funnies!

Have to go eat dinner and then go to Audrey's soccer practice... Have a good night everyone!

Love&Hugs,

Charlene

Hi Ladies!!!

I'm at work and didn't take notes. I am so freaking busy I am having trouble finding time to post. The temps in our office are driving us NUTS!!!!!!! I can't wait for our regular assistants to come back. I am seriously grinding my teeth and giving my self a headache!

Ritajean, I don't think I welcomed you yet!

Indago, the same with you.

Welcome to you both !!!

Nicki, I'm glad you decided to go to the wedding, although I hope you take along something warm to wear in case it gets cold!

Puppy, I'm so sorry for your loss. Big hugs for you.

Robin, your daughter may have gone to a lot of appts. with you, but you are watching those kids every day! I work with a girl who has a similar background as you and it just breaks my heart. She doesn't get stuck watching the grandkids all the time, but her husband is Evil II. You NEED to stand up for yourself and tell your girls that you will not let them use you for a doormat any longer. You need a day a week (at the very least) for yourself. They need to understand that you have been through a life altering experience and things are going to change. Life is too short, for you to not stop and smell the roses! You need to get back to school and do something that you want, instead of what everyone else wants. Phewww!! I said a mouthful! It's only cause I care .

Cheri, hope the leg is continuing to get better!

Charlene, that was some story about the horsewoman. How unprofessional!

Wild/Jan, love your new hair color!

Liz, have a great trip.

Vickie, take it easy and get well. Nate needs his mamma!

Amy, hi there! Give Mazer and those puppies a big kiss from me.

I can't remember anymore. I'll try to check in later, when I get home! Love to all, from Amy to Z!

Charlene, I just have a minute and had to respond. I have been following your story and what really gets me was the total unprofessionalism of her post. Maybe it's the schoolteacher in me, but her grammar was atrocious! (Of course, I probably spelled that wrong). If I am communicating for a business that I plan to use as my income, I would be much more careful with my proofreading. She responded very defensively and I think sloppily. You have done exactly the right thing in all ways. Be proud. You are a good mom.

Evening all,

Hope everyone has had a good day. Amy, Cheri, Jas, - miss you.

I just can't move I'm so exhausted. Got really sick and had to leave the front counter at work for a bit. Doc now says he thinks I may have "silent" bronchitis - What???? Anyway, feel as if someone sucked all my potassium/energy from my body.

I have no idea what to have for dinner and I don't feel like cooking. Should get interesting.

I'll see you guys in the morning. I'm gonna need some good coffee - hint, hint, Blue Jamaican MY FAVORITE!!, hot biscuits in the morning and anything else you gals can cook to get the day off to a great start.

Hugs, Brenda

Hi all!
No scans yesterday and no surgery today. they have been postponed till next week. My port site is infected and runs all the way up to my neck! Happened really fast. Wasn't feelling really hot after the 3 hours in the dentist chair for the root canal on Tuesday so came home and went to bed. By that night my chest was hot and getting red. I called the Oncs. first thing in the morning and they had me see the guy who put it in. He was upset cause my team should have been the ones to see me but he agreed it was infected!
My Onc saw me right away, (she's not usually there on Wed). She cancelled all the scans, chemo and surgery and had them rescheduled for next week. so now I do scans on Tues, surgery on Thurs and see the Onc for results and get chemo on Friday! Another fun filled week. I had taken antibiotics on Tuesday before seeing the dentist and the Onc put me on a different one last night. So I think I'm covered!

Now I need to go back and read what's been going on but first....
Naniam... did you call the Dr. yet?????

ok off to read

Hello everyone,

All caught up on work - finally. Had an interesting experience at the doctors office today. Went to get my cholesterol checked, so I go into the little room where they draw blood. I sit in the chair and hold out my right arm and the tech asks "Do you always use that arm" and I told her that is the only arm she was gonna get. So she puts the tourniquet on my arm and immediately swabs my arm with alcohol, puts the needle on the little holder and without feeling for a vein sticks my arm. Now mind you - you cannot SEE my veins. I am very hard to get - give anesthesiologists a hard time. I was shocked and of course she could not get any blood. Then she takes the needle out and is surprised that I am not bleeding. Huh. Then I start pressing around on my arm to see if I can feel any veins. (think this would give her a clue - like you might need to actually feel the vein). Nope - did the same thing the second time and of course came up empty. At this point, I was feeling like a human dart board LOL. Then she wants to know if she can take a look at my hand and I said no way. It dawned on me that I have my onc appointment on Tuesday and they could just add it on to my usual labs. Had to talk to the doctor anyways about my bladder infection and she wrote an order for the blood to be drawn at oncs office. As for the bladder infection now on antibiotics for five days.

To add insult to injury, came home from the docs office and my oncs office calls. At first I thought, oh no you're not rescheduling my appointment again - but no, had my chest x-ray on Tuesday and they got the report back which stated that they did not get good views and I need to have it repeated. Oh Joy, get to go in extra early on Tuesday. They will have them read it stat so I will get the results at my appointment. I am a little nervous about this - talked to the NP and she said they did not necessarily find anything suspicious but would like better pics. Pre-bc I would have thought the pics were just lousy - now post-bc I am afraid they found something and want to get a better look - I hate this disease. Don't have any respiratory symptoms - at least not yet - I'm sure by Tuesday my nerves will have caused all kind of things.

Gina - that story is so funny and I bet his wife knows exactly what he did to deserve it - they never know what they did.

Jankay - you are back with your funnies! Missed your posts.

Charlene/Angel - I think that horse lady is certifiably crazy. I agree, I would not want to have any more to do with her. Let the BBB handle it.

Nicki - sounds like you are feeling better. What is up with all this rain?

Biker/Jan - sorry you are having a hard time at work. When do the regulars return? Sure hope it is soon.

BMD - glad you are feeling good. Funny about your dog, will have to look up Belgian Malinois as I have never heard of that one before. My dog is always happy to go for a walk - can't even say the word around him or he will bother you until you take him.

Liz - praying that your dh family makes a good decision for your MIL.

Silka - hugs to you. My Mom passed away 17 years ago and I still have some of her clothing. My Dad couldn't give her things away so he divided them up between the three sisters. Even though they are so outdated and would not even fit - I still keep them because they were hers. Put the things in your "Bob drawer" and don't let any one else tell you what to do with your Bob's things. Everyone handles things in their own way.

RitaJean - it is too hot to walk outside in this heat. Is it raining too where you are? Walking in the mall is fun, you can window shop while you walk.

Brenda - never heard of silent bronchitis. All the heat you have been having in NC is not helping with the exhausted feeling I'm sure. If you think you are low in potassium make sure you drink OJ, eat bananas, etc. I think Cheri had low potassium a while back and was pretty sick. You might want to get your level checked if it does not get better soon.

CY - Yikes! - you rest up and take care of that infection. Knew you were having scans but not the surgery. You have had one busy week with the dentist and all. Take care and slow down.

Cheri - where are you?

In fact, lots of people missing today it seems.

Vickie- did you fall asleep at your desk? I have really almost done that a few times. I type reports for the medical examiners office and I have almost fallen asleep while typing. Have to really proof read those reports.

Well my time is up - need to go and get some dinner. Will be gone the next couple of days to take another kid to school. Will be back on Sunday.

Wishing everyone from A to Z sweet dreams and a better tomorrow.

Love and hugs,
Suz

Holy crap, Suz!!!! That totally sucks!

Here is my question of the day.....I have had cheese cake in my refrigerator since Sat. Is it still good??????