Jan 2008--Ain't it Great?

Hi Jewels -- drove in for my nastylasta today - feeling a little foggy this afternoon. I'm caught up on all the posts, but don't have the energy for individual shout-outs! Hope everyone is doing okay and fighting off those lovely se's - FUBC, girls!!

For those bellying up tomorrow, go get 'em! You're all in my thoughts and prayers always.

I'll be in lurk mode throughout the weekend - I'm sure you'll all take good care of each other!

Julie

Carol - when I pasted a picture into the little box where I type, I have been able to just grab the corner of the picture and resize it.  It's weird because you have to move around a bit when it's a big picture, but it has worked for me.  I have even gone in and edited after I posted to adjust the size.

CHJ 

TinaLee123, You are a genius. And if you didn't think of typing in Word you are a genius for remembering & telling me. This also helps remembering what to write. I'm such a happy camper right now. Doesn't take much to please me does it?

Julie, I think I started my ‘lost' post by asking you to stop sending your weather to Indiana. It's snowing again, don't know how much but it's going to blow & drift and I'm sick of this!

KathyL, your kids are adorable. I can't imagine going thru this while trying to take care of them, but you seem to be finding the strength somewhere. I'm sure they do plenty to make you smile. Just hold those thoughts in your mind's eye when they are giving you trouble.

Vettegal, I love your hat! My cousin just sent me a cap covered with pink sequins. Wild, but fun. I'm going to wear it to work next week & maybe to the Race for the Cure.

Ours here in Indianapolis is one of the biggest across the country. It's mid-April. I had been going for the last few years with my bf Melissa (16-years & still going strong!) Didn't have any idea that one day I would walk for myself as well as her. It's the 2^nd weekend after tx so I may not make the walk, but I will be there cheering everyone else on. Or I may try the 1-mile version.

Carol, If I read your post correctly we are both ½ way thru. At least with the chemo anyway. Yahoo!

Dana, I have a port & consider it one of the world's greatest inventions.

D1, I can't imagine you putting up with a less than great doc. You go out & find someone a little more competent.

OK, now I'm going to read recent posts & see what else needs attention.

Julie, I can't believe you aren't free to walk around or have visitors. I'm getting to know some of the guests as well as the patients. We don't have many places to go except the chemo room, not like Dana's walk, but I can go down the hall to a different restroom or do laps around the room. Or go to the snack table by the long way.

Cathy, You make me tired just reading you plans. Russian History.....is that a class you are taking by choice?

D1 & Tinalee, I'm with you on the arm thing. When I realized I couldn't put drops in my eye I knew I had to do something. My wonderful sis-in-law heads the PT dept. of a local hospital. She has a breast cancer specialist on staff. She is starting to have the spec. train some other PT's in bc care. She needed a bc patient for them to train on. Guess what! I'm getting the treatments for free & they are thanking me for letting them work on me. I met with the whole group on Wed. & the spec. taught the other how to do an eval for bc. Next week I get a 1 on 1 with the teacher & 1 student. This is a huge blessing that I can't believe just fell into my lap. I didn't know there were special pts who saw bc people. Anyone needing some pt might with their local cancer center to see if there is one in your area.

D1, You dream sounds very unnerving. Do you know anyone who looks like her or dresses like her? Now your new doc on the other hand sounds quite nice. I'm looking at the same rad schedule as you & w/ln involvement will probably have the same se. I'm almost dreading this more than the chemo. If rads make me tired & I'm already tired from the chemo....I just don't know. But we have to do what we have to do.

I know I'm not caught up yet, but this is getting long. I'm going to go eat & try to finish tomorrow. My wish is that everyone is feeling as well as I am right now. Sweet dreams, especially you D1.

Evening Jewles,

PaLady,Vettegal and Peg Hope your tx went well today. And the se's are few and far between.

 I did not get much sleep last night. Maybe the steroids had something to do with it.

My treatment went good. The dh met me and went in when they were sticking my port. He said I have to turn my head I can not watch this part. I was placed in a very small room with 2 other patients. I told the dh to go get something to eat and come back later. He did he brought me come baked chicken back. He had to sit in the hallway for about 45 minutes. He was able to talk to one of the gals in my room dh until she was finished. He was then able to come into my room.

I meet gorgia's mom she is finished with her chemo and now doing rads. I was so glad to finally meet her. We went on about how wonderful our Onc is.

Tina Lee Hope you got along well with the Neulast shot I have to go get mine tomorrow. My last one yeaaa My onc said I will not need any when I start the A/C

Peg-Sorry your tx plans have been extended. But you will get through this girl.

Kimberly-Glad you had a great day. I hope your dinner and wine was very tastefully Thank you for the shout out. I seem to be doing a little better bit by bit I hope Great advice for Julie, and CHJ

KatyL-rainy and dreary here also. Keep playing that lotto the most we ever won was $100.00 and it was at a much needed time.

JulieK-Hope you have a smooth and relaxing weekend

CHJ Sounds like you have things under control Glad the fog is lifted

Di-Have a safe trip to get collage girl. I hope the two of you have a great week together

Dana- We most have been posting about the same time. I am so glad you are doing well. I wish I was able to have the energy to walk. I did however sign up with the city I work for . They are having a walk 100 miles in 100 days starting next week. I am gonna force myself to put to use the new treadmill we bought a few weeks ago. You go get em little worrier

Oh Yea one more thing - is it me but even three days later you are driving at is like everything is foggy?  Blurred, and you forget?  Or am I just losing my mind - he ha

Being it takes me forever to send a shout out, it appears others we're firing away as I was typing along ...

Jennifer, great to hear from you.  I would be a smart woman to type in Word too.  I have lost a long post or two over the months that just ticks ya off. 

How great to be the guinea pig for the pt department.  Gotta love the price!!!  I am lucky that my pcp office has a pt who specializes in le as well.  Are you having some progress with your mobility? 

I'm almost half way through, next Weds will be #6 of 12 txts for me.  Time flies when your having fun!

Dana, wow a 2 mile walk, you go lil' warrior.  I'm back on my "weather for the bones" band wagon here.  Another west coasties that is up for a two mile walk ... gotta be the sun helping out!  Sounds like you know to rest as well.  So happy your doing so well.

wvgirl, so the dh isn't into needles ... like we are!!!  Hope the chicken was tasty, and you get some much needed sleep tonight.

Pleasant dreams to all...

Carol

Happy Friday night Gems!  I had a great day despite the rain.  Went shopping for things for the kids' Easter baskets.  I refuse to fill it with candy only.  Got each a book, and some new spring/summer clothes at Old Navy, and to not be a total mom-- a toy for each of them (cars for ds, Polly Pocket for dd).  They're still young enough to like all of the above.  And yes, I'm not a total freak-- choc. bunnies, and some other candy will be in there.  Got plastic eggs for their class parties and stuff to put inside (they do egg hunts in each preschool room).  dd has another b-day party next weekend, so I picked that gift up.  Then met dh for a lunch date at an Asian restaurant-- had ginger chicken with string beans and miso soup.  Yum!  And I could taste it.  Soooo delish.  Came home, made pizza with dd for dinner.  Got the kids in bed, spent some time talking with dh before he went off to a poker game.  Yakked on the phone with two of my gfs inbetween all that.  The weekend will be busy. dd has gymnastics every Saturday, and I go when it's not a "chemo weekend".  She has another playdate Saturday afternoon.  Plan on cleaning the dust-dinosaurs while she's there and ds naps.  And I need to get ds's room cleaned out for his new big boy bed.  It's coming at the end of the month.  Can't believe he'll be out of the crib soon.  Whew!

About the b-days... post or PM me even if you had your b-day already this year girls.  I'll be keeping track for the future!  Thanks CHJ.

Tinalee:  Good to hear T#1 went smoothly.

Cathy-CA:  my next visualization locale will be that pool with the warm sun you described!

SIS Kimberly:  Got your PM.  I like your psychology rewording.  Like Carol, I'm going to have to think about that now when I post

Peg1212:  We've talked about Miralax a lot-- can't believe you missed all that poop talk.  Anyway, I personally swear by it now.  Kowtow to the purple bottle...

Carol:  I think you can also change a pic's size when you click on the tree icon and change the numbers by "dimensions".

Jenn51:  nice to hear from you again.

Dana:  you sound great!  I seem to only have 1-2 days of "crash" and then things perk up.  Hoping that your one day is all you get.  Walking does seem to help, not sitting too much.  The "fog" sounds like some chemo brain maybe.

Good night Jewels.  See you later this weekend.  Hope everyone has has little or no SEs to contend with (especially Julie!).

Hello Sister Jelwls.

Dana- I just finished Taxotere- I only had a little constipation and Miralex helped with that. With Taotere my nurses told me it causes more achy bone pain. I will now be on the A/C . She said it will cause more gastro problems. The fogginess yes I do have it. Funny story I was loading the dish washer and noticed something different . It took me a couple minutes to notice that I had placed some writing pens in with the silverware. Oh Jeez!

Vettgal-Sorry you had another reaction to the T. Sounds like they were well prepared for you.

 KathyL- I still get my dd's a easter basket and they are 19. They will always be my little girls.

I for got to mention I wore my FUBC shirt yesterday and the nurses told me they really liked it. I did not get to take a picture I was in a very small treatment room with 2 other gals. I did have dd take one of me befor I left for work. I will have to post if later today.

I am off to buy a baby shower gift for a cousin. I hate it that I will not be able to go to the shower. Gotta go get my nasty shot . I called the charge nurse to ask if I could get it earlier. She advised me not to. I will have to have my mom take it for me.

Good morning!

KathyL -- come join me in that pool anytime.  I live in a planned community and the recreation centers scattered around town (there are three) were intended to be key social centers.  Believe me, that is the case.  The aqua aerobics group has bridge and bunko groups, a breakast out each month to celebrate that month's birthdays, weekly coffee groups, etc.  We do exercise, but there is a lot of chatting and fun along with it.  It can't help but lift your spirits to be with this big group (sometimes more than 40 in a class) of happy people. 

D1 -- I'm glad you made it home safely.  We have a road trip through the south planned for between round 5 and 6, so I'm assuming my husband will need to do most of the driving.

Jenn -- Yes, I'm taking Russian History because I want to.  My mother and I do a big trip together every year or two and this fall we are going to Poland, Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania and Russia.  I figured I would enjoy it more if I learned more about the culture and history before we go.

Carol -- I'm glad the Spanish grade has improved.  My son was out sick for almost a week at the beginning of the semester and one of his teachers still hasn't recorded the make-up work.  I panic every time I see the "F" on the on-line grade website.  I know he actually has an "A" in the class, because the work has been graded, but I will be happy when it finally gets updated.

Kimberly -- my friend was Stage 1, so had a small tumor.  In her case, the doctor felt the advantage of chemo versus tamoxifen alone was so small it wasn't worth it.   I know I was told somewhat the same thing very early on.  The early imaging showed my tumor right on the 2 cm borderline, so was told if it turned out to be less than 2 cm I might be able to avoid chemo if the full biopsy showed hormone receptor positive.  Of course, neither of those things happened, so here I am.

Dana -- I'm so glad you don't seem to be having much in the way of side effects.  And, it's great that you were able to get out for a walk.  My taste buds are so shot the first week after chemo that I have to force myself to eat, but I know the steroids make a lot of people very hungry. 

WVgirl -- My husband shows up towards the end of my chemo sessions.  He is a total wimp about medical procedures and I don't mind spending the time alone.  I schedule afternoon appointments and he comes by when he gets off work.  He normally has to hang out for an hour or more just because these things take so long, but he doesn't have to see any blood.  I'm glad yours was able to go.  I hope it gives him a better understanding of what you are experiencing.

Vettegal -- Glad treatment 3 was a little better.  Maybe next one will have no problems.

SheShe -- glad the gas pains are easing up.  I hate that feeling!

I hope everyone has a good weekend!

Good Saturday Morning Jewels,
Again the sun is shining, the little tree outside my office window is starting to get little pink buds, and I'm off for an adventure in Calistoga (in the Napa Valley Wine Country) for some Jazz and Wine- although not too much for me. I had a nice Hahn Pinot last night with dinner, but couldn't eat my whole meal. Ate half, so I've got salmon for another meal this weekend.

Peg- You're so welcome...supporting one another is what we Jewels are all about. Yep, Miralax is something many of us have tried for the ol pooper problems, and many of us swear by this little miracle...unless we take too much by miscalculation eh, Carol?

Julie-Already starting to feel foggy? I'm sorry to hear that the se's have snuck up so quickly. But, you'll be healthy and strong during this bout- blood counts up, tummy cooperative, pooper under control, and that's all there is to it darn it!!!! Take care sweetie.

Carol- There is a way once on photobucket to choose the size of the pic. It can also be done on their computer before uploading it to photobucket. OH, CHJ, that is a much easier fix. BRAVO!!!!

Good news on the ds' grade status!

Oh, your trip to Mesa sounds delightful, and meeting a fellow CMFer while there is such a bonus!

About the positive thinking thing...I do believe that our intentions are powerful, so wording our thoughts and words in the positive provides for a better outcome...and in kids, it is found to have a significant impact on their behavior...it's a mind game.

Hope your had a great evening with your man, once he got home, and that the Chinese food was yummy.

Jenn- I'm so glad writing in Word and then cutting and pasting has given you such joy (heehee). It is true that the simplest things can be so great! Tinalee, thank you for passing on that suggestion as you were correct in stating that I'd given a fellow Jewel that tip after losing her post awhile back. Sure saved me from going through pads and pads of sticky notes as I tried to keep up on the shout outs. WhooHoo on the free PT treatments. What a wonderful win-win situation. Glad you're checkin' in as you can, Jenn.

LWDana- I'm so glad that you were able to get out an take a walk with a friend. I think that you need to do what is right for you, and if doing walks, work, school, sleep, or whatever works, then go for it!!!! Foggy- check. Forgetful-check. Eating everything in sight- Uh, no! Glad you can.

Wvgirl- I'm glad all went well yesterday and the dh was there. Take it easy this weekend and rest up for your mile walk on Monday. I think that's a great idea to walk a mile a day for 100 days. It might improve you overall fatigue and sleep issues.

OMG, laughed out loud about the writing pens in the dishwasher!!!

Kathy- Wow, talk about a whirlwind schedule yesty and this weekend. You must be feeling good!!!! I miss the little things about Jon being a kid...like Easter baskets and egg hunts. I wonder if he'd think I was a total dork ( he already knows I am, but that's beside the point) getting him a grown-up basket and doing an egg hunt at his house with the roomies- eggs filled with dollar bills (starving college kids you know). A fun idea to consider.

A big boy bed...such a huge milestone!

Vettegal- Sorry you had a reaction,again, but it didn't sound like it was as bad...so here's to a better bout of se's this time around!!!! Loved your signing in story...and I say, if she was offended...oh well, she'll get over it. Glad the other gals caught on and enjoyed it. Did I know your mom was having treatments...for?...and my chemo brain can't access that file or what?

Can't wait to see you in your biker bitch hat.

SheShe- I'm sorry you're having such a rough time, but it will pass soon. Here's to a bone scan that shows your healthy strong bones!!!! Take care of yourself.

D1- Wow, your drive does sound harrowing. That's good to note...fatigue sneaks up on you, so be careful about driving long distances. Good thing the college girl could have taken over driving on the way home if you needed her to drive.

That's awesome that your daughter did as well as she did with dyslexia and other learning issues. With her positive attitude (and some firm boundaries at home), it's no wonder.

Glad you've got some fun planned for the visit home.

LJ13- WhooHoo on the easy infusion, and the doc's visit...wow! Mine is right next door as well, but he probably figures since he sees me the day prior to the infusion, he doesn't need to stop by. I'll bet your dps' run in's might have had a part in that visit. Glad to hear your drugs can be lessened so you aren't a zombie.

OK, got to go. Our friends will be here in 20 minutes, and I haven't showered.

SIS Kimberly

Well Jewels, I finally caught up on the posts and am going to try some shout outs.  I know that I won't catch them all but maybe now I can stay more in the loop, at least for a few days.

Tina - Thanks for the reassurance about the Taxol.  I think I will do the Claritin also.  Is it just the regular Claritin? And not the "D"?  And please keep me posted on how your se's go.  Hopefully none for you. I have my first Taxol on Friday the 14^th.

SIS Kimberly- I also love cinnamon on my applesauce.  Quite the treat and is good for you too. As for more time between infusions, I will still be at every 2 weeks.  But if I can hang in, that will make me done at the end of April.  Thanks for the encouragement.  It really does help.  As gross as it may sound, I didn't have hemorrhoids before I am sure I do now.  Catch 22, you want to poop but oh no you really don't.  Some days, I pray for diarrhea.   The snow was beautiful and I was able to get some pictures but it is sunny today and most of it melted.  Think it is supposed to get up to 60 or so for a few days.

Julie- Lurk away.  I was doing that for a week.  I understand about the energy thing as I have none.  I tried something different this morning and am going to try and do it more often....I have been so consumed by my life WITH cancer that I have forgotten what it was like BEFORE cancer.  And I was getting really depressed these last few days and thought that if I can't concentrate on what it was like BEFORE, then maybe I can really DWELL on what my life is going to be like AFTER cancer.  I appreciate a lot more now than I did before and no more, someday. There is only now.  There are things I want to do and things dp and I have been wanting to do but never seemed to have the time.  The time is coming.  Anyway, call it meditation or whatever but those thoughts in the morning are sure better that having the first thought be about cancer.  Hope you are feeling better very soon.

D1 - Sorry that you are suffering from the lymphedema probs.  I have been so lucky so far.  I am seeing my surgeon again on Tuesday and am going to have her really look closely to make sure there is nothing developing.  May also find out about getting a sleeve just in case I fly.  You have been such an inspiration to all of us.  I really hope that there comes a time that we can find a place in the middle and actually get to meet as a group.  Maybe everyone could start putting their state with there name so we can see. Most do but there are a few that do not.  Anyway, we all love ya and hope that now things can start going your way with less worries.  And yes, I am ok.  Thanks for asking.  Was just down in the dumps a little longer this time.  Took me longer to dig out.  Oh, and I have been taking Ativan and it really seems to help keep me at a more even keel.  A little loopy but I will take it.  Oh and one last note, it is probably a good thing you can't pick your nose.

KathyL-  In regards to fearing you wouldn't get published....the reward is in getting it out of your head and then seeing what you can do with it.  I have always teased myself with the thought of getting published one day. But look at all that we have written in a short time.  So I say, WRITE!  You can always edit later and maybe submit somewhere and be published.  There are several writer mags that have small contest and then there is always the big writing challenge in November where you try to write a novel in 30 days (50,000 words).  You can check it out at http://www.nanwrimo.org/              Pretty cool.  I have never finished but this year I think I may have a lot more to say.  So as they say, write and then write some more but don't edit til you are done or you will never get done.

Well, I have rattled on trying to make up for what I have missed. 

I love you all and there is one thing I would like to hear from everyone......where are good places for short vacations in the US?  Interests would be easy hiking, bird watching, astronomy and other outdoors type stuff.  Like eclectic shopping and coffee stops.

Just something for me to think about doing after all of this is over.  I already have Montana in my sights for some really cool telescope time.

TTFN

Deb

I'm back ... 

Cathy, I'm loving the sounds of your community.  It sounds like a great place to stay as busy as you would like.  How fun to be able to travel with your Mom, a trip to Russia, wow!  Where have some of your other travels been to?

Therese, a body full of lead ... what a great analogy.  You just veg away this weekend and hopefully you'll have a little more energy by the first of the week.

Kimberly, okay "Miss the Sun is Shining"!!!  I actually love hearing those words, we pretty much had another overcast day.  Havn't had much rain, but the thermo doesn't want to jump much over about 50.  Needless to say, I'm sitting here with the fireplace burning.  I don't know about you all, but my circulation especially in my hands sucks.  I'm not sure if its the water I drink all day or what but I seem to need to take a hot bath at night to just take the overall chill off of my bones.

Caught your reference to my Miralax episode ... I'm with Deb on that topic right now, this diarrhea to a "no go" the last couple days is a literal pain in the butt.  I did reference my drugs that I get on infusion days and the "D" word does appear.   Then I take my Zofran for nausea each morning for 14 days that likes to bring the "C" word up.  Trust me Kathy, I'm trying really hard to negotiate the "purple bottle"!

Egghunt for college kids, sounds like a hoot.   Reminds me of being at the in-laws years ago when my ds was little.  She had a hunt for Zach as well as for us oldies, I swear we almost pushed each other over trying to get the eggs.  All in fun ...!!!

Again, thanks for the b-day card, its displayed with great appreciation.

Julie, yeah to feeling so much better this go around.  Hope you are enjoying your quiet evening at home.

Deb, I already noted my pooper problem once again, I'm feeling like a bloated whale at the moment!  Hope your having a better "go" of it as of this evening.

I'll give a recommendation for the Olympic Peninsula up here in Washington about an hour and half from Seattle.  Google Port Townsend, kind of a eclectic town.  You'll have mountains, water, birds, and during the summer months its not to hot.  Oh and the Seattle area is a coffee mecha.  There always a clean bed to sleep in here in Poulsbo as well!!!

Paula, just in case your lurking in the evening, thinking of you, hoping your feeling mighty fine and having a good time.

LWDana, are we laying low tonight?  Hoping that your still doing so well fending off any of the se's.

Joan, havn't heard from you in a while, I'm also hoping that your maybe just reading some posts and that your doing okay.

PALady, Tina, Chj and Peg, lets hope that your all tolerating this last go around with minimal se's.  Your in my thoughts as I read and write tonight.

Once again, my day is complete now that I have had the chance to read and see how my fellow jewels are doing.  Thanks gals,

Carol

Good morning, Jewels!

I am home from HOSA State Leadership Conference. Our kids were terrific and scored big in their competitions. There were 600 competitors from all over WV, competing in 70 events. We brought home 10 Gold, 8 Silver, and 2 Bronze Medals. In all 32 of 55 students placed (several medals were for teams, like my CPR/first aid team of 2). My ds earned a Gold in his team competition- they made a public service announcement on school safety. We also had 3 students elected as state officers-ds was elected state reporter. I think this will be a good experience for my lazy boy-he has so much untapped potential (as do most teens, I guess!).

The awards ceremony ended with a farewell from the 2007-08 officers-one of our students was state pres. She gave her speech last and ended it with a tribute to me that was so touching that I sobbed! Judging from the sniffs I could hear behind me, I wasn't alone-my principal sat beside me and HE even teared up!

She started by saying that she believed that God didn't give anyone more than they could handle, said I was the strongest person she had ever met, and thanked me for my positive influence. She then talked about my battle with breast cancer and ended by saying that she wanted me to know that I was not alone, that all of my students were behind me in this battle and would be walking the Komen and Relay4Life in my honor. As if that wasn't enough to ruin what was left of my makeup, I received a standing ovation from the whole conference delegation. I can't describe how wonderful (and humbling) that felt.

I have a lot to catch up on (I've MISSED you all!). I'll be back later after I read all the posts... just had to share my joy w/ my favorite gems.

Paula