Starting Chemo in JAN 2007

Oh, Mel, the pet psychic...  oy.  You guys must be really bummed.  I'm sorry you're dealing w/that on top of all else. 

You are so right on get a group of people together for a year and you are bound to hear about all of life's trials/tribulations.  I'm just glad it's with you guys.

I've got a showing tomorrow...and it's been horrible weather here, so that's good news.  Grey is sleeping over.  We'll see if the 9:45 b'ball tournament is on or not...  I hope so.  It's so fun!  The snow here is NOTHING compared to what I grew up with.

Skye, good point about me not discounting "close in" areas.  People are always trying to keep up w/the Jones's (no pun intended) and I bet there are some pretty tripped out old homes there.  Jan, so hear you on the traffic issue and I DO need to explore Maryland thoroughly as well.

Oh, God, there was something else I was going to say....what was it....  OK, if I remember, I'll post later. 

I am so glad I have people to "talk to", more than ever, with the DH gone.  When you have young kids, you are kind of "grounded" at night, so it's so great to have all of you to chat with...not to mention the added bonus that you 100% know what I'm going through (wish you didn't, but...).

Hi, everyone, I've been trying to read and catch up with the posts this week, but it seems that we are such a chatty group that there are always more to read.

I had a good "normal" week being home trying to get back in the routine. I saw my PCP for a 3-month diabetes check. All my tests came out good, even lower counts than in December. It's always nice when a vacation doesn't throw things out of whack, health wise. My next appointments are the 3-month checks at my cancer center on the 18th.

My neighbor treated me to lunch on Thursday in honor of my recent birthday. I'll do the same for her in April.

Some of you expressed interest in pictures. I finally got some uploaded to photobucket so I can share them here.

Me and my sil on my birthday

John and I on our anniversary

Me with the Great Nephews

Me and my Great Niece

I used another one of me and Irie as my new avatar.

I can't figure out how to email the picture of this dress so I'll post the link and see if that works.  I haven't even tried it on but like the pic, so we'll see.  http://www.davidsbridal.com/bridesmaids_detail.jsp?stid=3327&prodgroup=110&sid=18720   If only I had the hair to go with this! 

Mel, glad you are feeling better.  I am so sorry about your cat but you are doing the right thing. 

Tina, if you post the whole link it should take you to the dress I think.  It is listed as a bridesmaid's dress but also listed under MOG.  Still not too sure about it being sleeveless for end of May but the reception hall has no air conditioning (duh) but is on the water.  I could always get a wrap for the church and transport. 

Cindy, I had a friend at work who had a major dryer fire.  Now I am careful not to leave the house when the dryer is on.  I guess you are not suppose to put rubber-backed rugs in the dryer? Didn't know that.

We're going out tonight for my DH's bday and his sister who is tomorrow.  Actually hubby's is not until next Friday but they always celebrate it together.  His brother Ken would also be this week so it will be a sad/sweet occasion as he is usually with us.  I really am not looking forward to it, don't know exactly why.  Feeling still blue for not getting my vacation.  I'm trying to decide on what to do, Vegas, or something else.  I really need something now but hate to spend the money and don't really want to go alone.  Joni, are you on vacation yet?  Hope so.  Hugs.

wow Mary that is a really nice dress!  To see it, I copied the text of the link and pasted it into the address line of my browser.  What color do you think you will get?

Oh, Mary, that dress is HOT!  Love it.  What color will you do?  May...  something springy?  What color is the bridal party wearing?

Debbie, I love San Fran.  Haven't been up there in years.  Tons of good restaurants.  I'll have to take the kids there for a long weekend some day.  They'd love the crooked st...what is that, Lombardi St?  I remember having a total panic attack and not being able to drive down it because it was so steep.  I think that marked the beginning of my high bridge phobia too.  I can do the Golden Gate and the one into Oakland fine...  but even approaching the Tappanzee or George Washington terrifies me.

Hello Ta Tas,

We ended up driving to London (2 hours west of Toronto) to Amanda's dance/fashion show - the drive there was okay, coming home at night wasn't easy, but DH is an excellent driver.  Amanda was so happy we came, and it was a very nice event, proceeds went to the Canadian Cancer Society - I think they raised over $15,000. 

This morning we had a Bar Mitzvah and it was a friggin' blizzard out - luckily the synagogue was close, and once we got in it was a nice morning/afternoon - too much food, we really veered off our South Beach diet, but hey, tomorrow is another day (right, Scarlett?)

Debbie - you look fabulous in your pictures, along with SIL, DH and the kids are adorable.

Tina - sounds like Jaclyn and Paul are having alot of fun in the snow and with their friends.  When are you going to DC?  How far is the drive?  Nice of the new office group to get that cake for your DH - it must have lifted his spirits.

Melia -  Yes it seems we have alot of angst here, but as Mel said because of our situation, ages etc. I'm also not surprised.  Don't be disheartened by what doc # 3 said about your DH's prognosis - didn't the other 2 sound more positive?  Wait for the path. etc. - and the Ta Tas will be right there with you.

Mary - wish I could see your dress but I am so tech challenged.  I'm sure whatever you get will be lovely.

I had my Herceptin infusion on Thursday and as per usual I am feeling tired.  Also nauseous - came home from the Bar Mitzvah, popped an anti-nausea med and slept for 2 hours.  I will be so happy when the Herceptins are over.  Remember I mentioned about one of Cassie's friends whose mother started chemo - well that mother called me the other day and asked me all kinds of questions - she just got diagnosed with Her2+ so I filled her in on Herceptin, and gave her some tips about head coverings, the little cotton caps, scarves etc. - She's on 4 rounds of Taxotere, then will have the year of Herceptin.  She was very happy to talk to me, and I was more than happy to inform her the best I could. 

What a nice evening. Dinner at Famous Dave's with friends. I had some great brisket. Then off to the symphony to hear a special concert of Beatles music. The visiting musicians are from Ontario. They're "Jeans and Classics" - perform pop music of all varieties with symphonies. It was quite nice. I really enjoyed it. Sang along to almost every song.

My dryer scare happened a week ago. I'd washed a load Thursday night. Friday morning early I dried the load so I'd have a clean lab coat to wear to work. I thought that the dryer was off. It wasn't tumbling.

When I came home 10 hours after I'd used the dryer, the house was SO HOT when I entered and there was a smell of burnt chemicals? Being the smart woman my mama raised, instead of calling for help I ran right into the house.

I patted down the kitchen appliances and wall thinking that something was happening there. Then I ran to the basement and the smell was much stronger. I put the dogs outside - they were pretty frantic when I came in.

I could hear something buzzing and when I went into the laundry room I realized that the problem was the dryer. I managed to unplug it although I burnt my hand on the outside it was so hot.  The lint trap melted, the hard plastic pieces inside the drum had melted all over the clothes that remained inside. I lost my favorite pair of jammies. And some new underwear!

But I didn't lose my house or the dogs or my special things, the memories here. I don't know what happened to the dryer. Something failed.  I said a prayer of thanksgiving that I got home in time. Then I pouted for awhile because I didn't want to have to buy a new appliance. The washer had been acting up but I'd put off calling anyone. The set was just over 20 years old.

So after my pouting, I pulled myself together and went shopping. Good Grief!!! The cost of appliances is crazy. All the options. The goal is clean clothing. So I opted for middle of the road appliances. My big splurge was choosing larger drum sizes. 3.5 instead of 3.1 or 3.2. It's just me in the house but I want to be able to clean quilts and rugs and things.

So y'all beware your dryers. Older appliances.

Caya, my friend who made my Titbits for me is from London Ontario. Two weeks ago she was diagnosed with a rare brain lymphoma. She starts radiation and chemo this week. She has already received my wig and scarves. Did I tell you ladies about her already? I don't remember. I've been so bummed about her diagnosis. I think her outlook is grim.

well, anyway.....that's my life recently.  

I've got to go reset all my clocks now so I'll know what time it is when I get up.

Happy Sunday to all.....Cindy 

Thanks Mel the dress does come in lilac.  Caya, I tried emailing the page to you, let's see if that works.  Glad you made it to the dance and the bar mitzvah.  I am so sorry that you are still getting sick from the Herceptin.  Debbie, my son and his fiancee are coming to Austin for Easter weekend - I guess the city will be hopping.  Debbie, your pictures are great.  You look really happy.  Cindy that was a scare with the dryer! 

I decided to clean the grout on my porcelin floor that goes from my kitchen into my dining room into my foyer into my hallway.  Now I can barely move, everything hurts but the floor looks better.  Now I am too tired to make dinner!  Yes working out really helps with the arms.  I am not sure how much working out I will be able to do tomorrow.  Nancy, hope you are hanging in there.  Hugs

Sunday night...just checking in.  Boring weekend.  Snowbound from Fri. at noon until Sun. at 3:30 PM.  Took Jaclyn to her "first reconciliation", which shockingly, they didn't cancel w/the weather.  The old stodgy priest scared her and she broke out in tears when she came out of the confessional.  She told me she's "not doing any more sins" because she's never going in there again.  Thank God her communion is May 3 and I can put all this PSR stuff to rest for a few years, until it's time for Paul to make his confirmation, which is usually 8th or 9th grade.  I can easily disappear under the radar from the church for a few years with this upcoming move.  Boy, you'd think after having cancer I wouldn't talk like this... 

No showings all weekend due to weather.  Hoping things pick up this week.  Weather is supposed to improve.  I literally have like a 3 foot snow drift on my garage roof...it needs to melt before it caves in.

Not a whole, whole lot going on this week.  Picking up Wendy at the airport tomorrow am...  need to check on Ann's house every night while she's away..shut lights off, etc. (the one for sale).  Next week will be me MRI, cardiologist visit and echocardiogram and I need to pack/do Mapquest for DC.  I hope I don't regret driving.  It's 486 miles or something...7 hours.  I've done much more, but I've lost my patience for it, I think.  Oh well.  That's what Atiman is for.  After the drive, of course. 

Oh, I hear ya Mel.  The church will be far different, I'd say, in another twenty years or they'll be no one left to go.

Mary, steam cleaning the grout always worked real well for me in FL.  They charged like .25 a s.f. and it really made it look like new.  I was a skeptic, but later sold on it.  However...  that tile was on the concrete floor.  Up north here, I guess because it's laid on wood, it can create moisture below it, so I'm not sure how they clean it.  That is back breaking work though.  Does a job on the nails too!

Mel, we're both having breastless MRI's.  Fun, fun, huh?  I am beginning to hate being stuffed in that freaking tube.  I am def. takign an Atiman beforehand this time.  I'm not the panic type, but I have to say, it's getting on my nerves as this will be the third I've had this year.  My M.O. is to close my eyes before they push me in and to not open until they let me out.  I was feeling so much better about all this stuff prior to my visit to the dr. last week.  It brought it back too much for me.  Not going there, not having IV's, etc. for 3 mos. made me feel like me again.  I'm hoping this MRI is the end of this crap for a long while.

School is cancelled due to icy roads and I've gotta pick up Wendy at the airport.  Hate dragging the kids out...  but, gotta do what I've gotta do.  She's helped me a bazillion times.

Oy Cindy!  A dryer fire?  What a drag.  When my DH moved into our first home, and were young and ignorant of such things we melted OUR dryer by installing it with a too-long vent.  Thankfully we were home, and the thing melted instead of bursting into flames.  Needless to say we never made THAT mistake again!  On the other hand, congrats on the new appliances.

Caya I hope you are feeling better today.  Glad you had a nice time at the party and the fashion show despite the Herceptin blues and the blizzard.

Mel and Cindy…my hands also bother me A LOT more when it is cold out.  It has been quite cold here for the last few days, and my hands are so stiff and unresponsive it is scary.  When I force myself through the stiffness I then find that my hands become fatigued much faster than I am accustomed to.  We did some work in our bathroom yesterday, and one of my tasks was using a little rasp to grind stains out of the grout (we re-grouted the entire bathroom) and after about 20 minutes of this, it was all I could do to HOLD the tool much less grind out stains.  It was a bit upsetting.

Mel, I am sorry about Ted…I know how hard it is to lose a devoted friend like that.  My older cat, Sport is about 14 now, and I think he is starting to feel his years.   That is wonderful that Harrison can play again…that is a huge step indeed.  As someone who has adopted many already-grown pets I can attest to the fact that they often have quirky habits, and unexplained fears.  Joy is terrified of magazines…and I DO NOT hit her with them.  Our first dog (whose name was Fez) used to take individual kibbles and carefully place them on the floor next to the bowl.  Over time, she placed the kibble further and further from the bowl progressing down the hallway, through the living room and finally starting to put them INSIDE Matt’s shoes by the front door.  We never figured that one out, but we used to joke that she was leaving offerings to the food god.  She had a rough start in life (she had been abused and neglected before being rescued by the SCPA) but she shaped up very well, and led the rest of her days surrounded by love and comfort.

Viddie I had the opposite reaction to the Effexor…I ran like a maniac for the first week and then settled down.  Now that I am used to it, I do find that it makes me sleepy…particularly an hour or so after taking it. 

Mel hope your breast(less) MRI is going smoothly!  LOL

Tina..I did pretty much the same thing during my MRIs…closed my eyes and concentrated on being relaxed.  BORING!!!  I hope I do not have to do one of those again any time soon….

Melia, I agree with Skye..do not let Dr. Negativity get you down.  Medicine is as much an art as a science as we all know by now.  Show two doctors the same patient, and they will usually come out with at least THREE interpretations and FOUR projections of prognosis.  Perhaps this new guy is just very conservative, and as Skye said…maybe he is also just thorough. 

EEEW Skye that does sound like an odd virus!  Sounds strangely similar to the virus that got Frances on Friday…she had dreadful body aches, pounding headache and mild sore throat.  No fever until about 1:00 PM Friday at which point her temp zoooooomed to 101.  I medicated her, and it went away, not to return.  She was better by the evening, and at full speed by Sunday.  Almost seemed flu-ish, but she had a shot!

Ah well, my sisters…I am again caught up…for now, anyway!

Quiet day here today…I am catching up on some consulting work that I do and counting the hours until the grout and silicone in the bathroom is dry enough for me to take a shower.  Tomorrow is my appt with the PS behind “door number three”.  I will of course let you guys know what he says.  Next week I have an appt with my Onc…and I can not believe it, but I have to renew my Tamoxifen!  I am not sure I have anything to really report to him, except for the weakness in my hands, and possibly the tingle in my back (wonder if they are related?).  Oh…and something REALLY strange has been going on with my mouth for the last few days…I have had a recurrence of chemo-mouth of the “scalded mouth” variety.  YECK!!!!  I even had a little mouth sore.  The pain has subsided a bit (I reverted to the Biotene mouthwash and toothpaste), but my taste is a bit dulled, still.  What is up with THAT?!?!  I am hoping that it is just an allergic reaction to something, or perhaps a transient infection. 

Well anyway…I have some data to analyze…catch you all later!

HUGS

Hey Ladies,

Rebecca I also enjoyed the Fez story. Grendel will always snarf any kibbles that fall around his dish, it's like they taste better with a lick of the floor.

Mel I'm also sorry about Ted and happy to hear Harrison is playing again. That is a great sign and a testimony to your care. Very strange about the MRI not being tuned to your body and then getting bubble wrap? At least you got through it. I always meditate in those things and time zips by.



Here is something funny. You know that tabloid called The Sun? My mom just called (she is the only person I know who reads it) and told me that she picked one up in K-Mart today and there was a big article about my two werewolf books, it showed the covers of both! Wouldn't be my magazine of choice but any publicity helps, LOL.



DH continues to recover. He felt good enough to take Grendel for a little walk but now is back asleep. - Skye

Hi Ta Tas,

Sharon - glad you checked in girl!! Yes it's major snow here, you do have to be very careful backing out of the driveway because the snow is piled up so high.  And I hear you on the fatigue - I think mine is mostly due to the Herceptin, but I am told post-chemo fatigue can linger for years... OY!!

Tina - I was ROTFL with little Jaclyn's episode with the old priest and her confession - I'm glad to hear that she will be "sinless" from now on - (remind her of that remark when she's 13...)  Hope your ride to and from the airport wasn't too bad. When are you driving to DC?

Mel - sorry about Ted, but glad that Harrison is more playful.  I'm sure your MRI will be fine.

Skye - glad DH is feeling better.  What a weird virus.  Maybe it has something to do with those werewolves and weird Wisconsin happenings - Gals, I ordered Skye's book "Strange Wisconsin" from amazon.com -  It is one of the coolest books out there.  I highly recommend it - and no, Skye did not pay me to say this - lol!!

Cindy - My MIL once had a dryer fire like you and was also lucky the house did not burn down.  I am very careful with my lint catcher and clean it out faithfully after almost every cycle.  And sorry about your friend - hopefully she'll be okay.  My friend Marla in Ireland has a friend who was diagnosed with 2 very rare brain tumours when I was dx. with BC - she is still undergoing treatment and is doing well, 18 months out. 

Rebecca - congrats on Frances being chosen to rep her school in the art exhibit. Your children certainly are all very talented.   BTW, the TA TA posse will be right there with you tomorrow when you see PS #3 - hopefully the third one's the charm - you just speak up and demand his HONEST opinion -

Pretty quiet here today.  My main accomplishment was making a big batch of cabbage soup.  Tomorrow the DH and I are going on a road trip to a couple of customers within 2 hours of Toronto - Welland and Burlington - Sharon will recognize those towns.  It's always nice to get out of the office for a day. The DH is off to Vancouver on Thursday for 5 days for - yes you all guessed it - the Vancouver Shoe Show.  It's the last show of the season, then he doesn't have any more shows until early June in NYC.  I may go to that one.  If I do Rebecca, I'll let you know in advance and maybe you can come into the city for lunch.

xoxo Caya

Hi all, just a quick check-in. I've been reading posts, but I'm just swamped at work right now (a good thing). DH is working long hours, so kid duty and trying to work are competing for my time. I so regret firing my cleaning lady. I started working out again this week. Finally. It helps me so much with stress.

Oh - and for all of you stuck in the snow - it was nearly 70 here today and I did my walk/run in a t-shirt! I'm going to try to send some of this warmth your way.  

Hugs to everyone.