Jan 2008--Ain't it Great?

It has been absolutely beautiful here this week, with temps in the 70s and lots of sunshine. This is the first evening I've been able to rest at home all week. I took a nap earlier... hope it doesn't interfere with my ability to rest well tonight. Tomorrow night ds has a tournament and I'll be in my usual place working concessions. We have a good view of the game since the building is behind the batter's box and has a full window on that side of the building. It gets a little chilly after the sun goes down, so the concession stand is the perfect place to avoid the chill!

Carol- Oh, you made me LOL talking about dh's gift. Look out now that he knows that battery-operated devices give you a thrill! hahahaha

Wendi's book arrived today-thanks again for sharing it with the Jewels.

Oh, and I'm with you on the DWTS loser... too much ps for that chick, I think!

Julie, Tinalee, and AZDonna- I hope things went well for you on your LAST trip to the chemo bar today. Congrats on being finished with chemo and may the se's be few.

LJ- ¾ of the way there-not as good as being finished, but the end of the chemo train is just around the corner.

Kimberly- lovely philosophy. It is so good to have our resident poet back!

Confession time... I haven't even filled my cards out yet... I'm going to do that NOW, right after I post this message.

Julie- yikes on the tv! On the positive side, thank God he wasn't aiming at someONE! It was an expensive lesson, but much less traumatic than some of the heartbreaking stories you hear on the news. It will be about 8 more years before the impulse control/reasoning area of his brain is completely developed, so prepare yourself for more no-common-sense moments in the foreseeable future!

I'm really sorry about the tv, though... what a bummer!

D1- little robin red breast-how funny!

Congrats to CG on the internship.

Joan- glad you checked in. So, you're 2 weeks out from chemo and already have fuzz. That sounds promising!

Kris- good to hear from you. IMHO, I find Taxol much more tolerable than AC as far as fatigue and stomach trouble. It is a BEAR on pain for me, though, and I need something stronger than Tylenol for the first few days (esp. to sleep at night). But that passes and things get back to normal. I have enough energy to work and keep up with my own kids and my students and all the spring activities associated with teenagers. Hope it goes well for you with this part of your chemo!

KathyL- sounds like you're a much valued employee. Glad you have some good options to consider. Good luck with your decision.

Deb1023- hey girl! How have you been after Taxol # 2? My thermometer is definitely on the cold side most of the time. Night sweats haven't happened here yet, but I do occasionally feel the need to rip my topper off and cool the head!

Patty- happy belated Bday to vetteguy.

Glad you are able to be there for your sister. Best wishes to Denise. No need to apologize-- you are doing what you need to do. We're thinking of you both!

Maz- oh, my dear! I am so sorry to hear about Val. You haven't had much time to absorb the fact that she has cancer and now this... You and Val will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Your adventures on the Grey Rabbit Bus sound fabulous! You'll have to bring pictures to the retreat next year.

Dana and WVGirl- best wishes for a smooth treatment day tomorrow.

Rest well, Jewels!

Paula

Julile, a big ol' CONGRATS ... one more jewel completed with this part of the journey.  Here's to kicking those se's in the booty!!!

Hey the scary one on DWTS is Priscella Presley, sorry but it would help if atleast she would crack a smile a few times.  I also think the make up artist could have done something other than that ugly black looking shadow. 

Paula, had to read your comment to the dh about the battery operated devices, I got a little smirk from him, poor guy thinks were all nuts I think!  I just wonder what men would be chatting about if they we're say on a prostate cancer site, my guess is it wouldn't be half the fun we have!!!

Off to our clean sheets, with my "battery operated" .... fan!!!

Night all, Carol

SIS Kimberly:  I've noticed my lashes and brows are falling out now more than before-hate to pass that on, since I'm a month out now.  My arm hair never did fall out at all.

The "J" at the end is some weird computer glitch I just figured out.  When you mentioned it, I thought "what???" and went back to look.  I'd put a smiley face there when I typed in Word, but somehow in transposing it here, the face is gone and there's a "J" instead!

Deb102307:  I've always been cold all my life that I can remember, but it's definitely worse with chemo.  Maybe it has to do with the low cells counts?  I seem to be back to my "usual" cold self now!

Tina:  Loved your post from the "lounge"!  And thanks for the comments about my job (and those from many other Jewels)--  I'm starting to come out of my shock and see this as the opportunity it could be.

LOL on your later post and the steroid comment!!!  I almost spit my breakfast yogurt on the computer screen!

Vettegal:  Girl, you've had a busy week!  No need to EVER apologize for spending time with family-especially with your sister right now!  She needs you, and we're lucky we get any time from you these days with all you have going on.

Sista2:  I think I've heard some chatter on here (the site, not necessarily this thread) about the Procrit shot for RBCs.  But honestly, I don't know the details.  Maybe you can google it or do a search on the home page of this site?  Either way, I'd bring it up with your onc next time you see him.

Just read the thread farther and saw Kimberly's post-leave it to her to do some detective work for us all!  Thanks Kimberly!

D1:  LOL on your post and reality TV!  I must be the "biggest loser" b/c I Tivo or watch way too much: DWTS, AI, Survivor, AND Biggest Loser!  I have a couple episodes of Survivor and BL to catch up on still.  Anyhoo... I checked out my nails while reading your post, and some of mine are white with dark lines/rings halfway, too.  I don't think they're lifting, just funky colors.  So sick of lingering chemo effects!  I guess I've been watching Biggest Loser way too much-after all my sweat and good eating this week I expected at least half my 10-lb. gain to be gone-and of course it isn't.  Maybe I've lost 1 pound this week.  Ho Hum!

Maz:  Oh my dear, fellow Jewel... a few things to say to you.  First of all, you don't have to be brave right now.  Pray for strength instead and guidance in getting through what seems to be coming for Val.  It's OK to cry and whine and be upset-the thought of losing your friend is so hard and painful.  One of my dear HS friends whom I've kept in touch with over the years e-mailed me this week to tell me her mom who's been fighting ovarian CA for the past few years just got moved to hospice.  I'll tell you what I told her--- hospice is wonderful and will do everything they can to keep that person comfortable and die with dignity.  I know I can't speak for everyone, but I think that's what the dying wish for-peace and comfort.  I know it has to be much harder for those of us left behind.  You have our love and support here to hold you up as best we can.  A quote for you: "there is no support so strong as the strength that enables one to stand alone". 

Lastly, and on a lighter note-try orabase on the lip sore.  You can get it OTC at any drug store in the mouthcare aisle.  And the eye twitching could be stress, but also chemo.  My eyes are still twitching from chemo!!

Take care my friend and keep us posted.  ((((BIG HUGS))))

Carol:  I so can picture your weiner dog laying there at night.  He was probably nice and toasty up against you!  Hee hee.

P.S.  Got my mail today-thanks!  I love it!!!

Paula:  Glad you got a slower paced week to relax and rejuvenate a little.  Plus the weather HAS been such a bonus this week, huh?

Julie:  Your explanation of the "J" was so much more savvy and eloquent than mine! 

I just want to give you a huge WOOHOO on finishing chemo.  You've had such a tough time with it, I'm happy for you that it's done!  Just focus on getting through the last round of tough SEs by reminding yourself, it's the last time...

Love your last post-so fitting!  Hey, maybe that's why my @$$ has gotten so huge???

So 2 weeks and counting before I have to return to the real world Jewels.  Yesty I saw my PS who said I'm ready for the next reconstruction step-a nipple!  Yahoo!  I'm on her schedule for Wednesday already.  Will be glad to have one more thing done before going to work.  She said the tattoo will be done in a month-in office.  The nip part is while I'm totally awake, no IV, no sedation.  Yikes!  I really hope I don't feel it (she gives a local anest.).  It only takes about 10-15 minutes and I can shower the next day.  I have a busy week next week with that added to it, something each day.  But I'm starting to feel less tired after these busy days, so that is a good sign I think.  Off to the grocery store soon, exercise on the TM, and tonight a Relay for Life fundraising Beef N Beer that one of my friends is hosting.  May have to stop and find a new outfit if I have time! 

Good day to all and pull through all the SEs--- there's lots of us here to help. 

Good Morning Jewels,
So, I go in for my recheck with the plastic surgeon this morning. There is still an angry red section of infection under the right mound which I fear will postpone my last chemo.  I hope not, but if this infection is still hanging on after 10 days of antibiotics - 4 more to go, then my body must really be unable to help fight this in any way, and chemo won’t help that storyline at all.

I’ll keep you posted.

Tina- Yummy, pizza.  Hope it was exactly what your tummy wanted.  Your new pic is fab.  You look so happy there.
I imagine the fall colors are just gorgeous up there.
So, is the Indian Reservation a tourist destination? Is Grand Portage the name of the tribe?  Tell me a little more if you don’t mind. I’m drawn to native tribal peoples and their culture…must have been part of a tribe in a past life or something.  WhooHoo on being done forever with the chemo-tini lounge. Did you turn in your key and sign the wall with the permanent marker before you left?

Paula- I’m so glad that you’ve had the chance to enjoy such beautiful weather and the opportunity to rest at home today after such a busy week, and sounds like an upcoming busy weekend.  Good luck to the ds in his game tonight. Stay cozy in the concession stand.

Thank you for your compliment of my new philosophy, and no worries about the cards as long as I get them next week, we’re good. I want to get everyone their secret pals mailed out by May 1st.


Julie- Love that Happy Dancin’ guy!!!!!  You so deserve to be to be doing the Happy Dance…congrats!!!!! Hope the dance floor at the lounge was big enough to contain your enthusiasm.

And that would be me asking about the J at the end of emails.  Thank you for explaining it.

Hope the se’s are minimal for your last round. Yeah sil for coming to the dh’s rescue and helping out with laundry.

Loved your friend’s email to you. The poem is hysterical.

Carol- Did the dh blush?  We can be a little naughty in our implications can’t we?  But hey, if we can’t have fun and laugh, we’d all be crying and a mess.  I like that we have balance here.  Hmmm, men on a website asking for support for their own health issues?  I’m sure there are some men who have it in them to reach out, but so many just can’t get passed the role they think they have to play. It’s sad, really.  A discussion would more likely be very fact based and how to fix it oriented. I can’t see a majority of men having as much fun as we do given our circumstances.

Here’s to all of us fabulous women and the community we’ve created! (clink of glass as we toast)

Hope your ‘battery operated device’ was helpful as you snuggled into those nice clean sheets.  Hee Hee Hee.

Kathy- Wow, only two weeks and it’s back to the real world? How time flies when you’re having fun, eh?  WhooHoo on the nipple reconstruction.  Your new girls are just going to be stylin’ now being all perky.

Off to shower and get ready for my appt.  I’ll check in later.

SIS Kimberly

Hi all,

Just checking in before the weekend -

Had some wild weather last night. Of course, here in TX the weather changes so quickly, especially in the springtime. We had some wild thunderstorms last night w/ golfball sized hail. We were at the ballpark for my ds's baseball game ( a make-up game for one that was rained out last week ), & luckily they cancelled it & sent us home before the storm hit. The minute we got home, though, he started having fever, chills, headache, etc.., & of course I had no

children's motrin or tylenol in the house, my dh was out of town, & the storm was just 15-20minutes away, so I couldn't leave to go to CVS. I couldn't even stick him in a tepid bath b/c there was a tornado warning, so we had to wait the storm out in the downstairs hallway closet. Poor little guy, he was so miserable - when the storm let up I was able to borrow some motrin from my next door neighbor. Took him to the pediatrician today - yep, you guessed it - strep throat. So now I'm 3 for 3 w/ the kids & strep. Luckily all 3 were off of school today, I think it was an unused snow day?

As far as my bc journey goes -

Saw my ps last week - am scheduled for my implant/exchange surgery on Tues. May 6th...I'm pretty excited about this next step!

Saw a genetic counselor a couple of weeks ago for bloodwork - she called today w/ the good news - I'm negative for both BRCA 1 & 2.

I'm equally excited about those results!

My hair is still trying to fill in - I evened it out again today w/ the clippers, to 1/4 inch. I'll probably keep doing that until it all fills in b/c I'm much more comfortable going 'topless' when my hair is all even - especially at work. If my eyebrows continue to fall out I'm not sure I'll know where to draw them in on my face.

Maz - I am so sorry to hear about your dear friend Val's continuing battle. As I've said before, you both are so blessed to have each other, & I pray for continued strength for both of you.

D1 - congrats to your CG for her internship. My sil & also a childhood bff of my ds's have both done internships at that level of gov't - & even all these years later, they both have only good memories of that time in their lives - you must be so proud of her!

Hope your trip to Austin pans out - I've always loved it down there.

I hope you are able to stay on track w/ your rads...b/c WOW! only about 3 more weeks left...I'm definitely rooting for you.

KathyL -  How exciting - next Wednesday to get the 'cherries on top'! My ps told me I could get mine by midsummer, but I'm going to wait until the kids return to school in the Fall.

Good luck w/ returning back to the real world in 2 weeks. Time went by sooo slow while I was in the middle of my tx's...but now that it's over, looking back on everything, time feels like it has flown by.

Go figure - I guess it's just a matter of perspective.

Julie - Congrats to you too! All done w/ tx's - YAY!!

I just loved your computer poem - definitely can be applied to me.

Glad you & yours survived the earthquake. Being from Calif. I have

experienced quite a few of those.

Kimberly - how did the infection check-up go this AM? Hope things are improving.

Hope everyone has a beautiful weekend...gotta go...dh is here w/ dinner.

Therese

D1 - Thanks for adding my birthday to the top list!

Joan

Part 1. Okay check it out;  I went back to clinical the following day and I found out another girl has the letter and she is saving it for ammunition.  I discussed it with my other friends (classmates) and one decided to confront her. She asked the girl do you feel like someone is threatening you and she said yes, and she said who, and the girl replied no one - I just feel like that sometimes.  IS THAT CRAZY OR WHAT???? SO I AM THE CHOSEN ONE TO GET  ALL PSYCHO ABOUT - HE HE HE..  

Part 2. I wash my car and didnt realize that a rock hit the window and made a small crack so went I went to apply water being with the heat on the window (98 degrees outside) the window cracks all the way to the top - Needless to say  $125 it cost me!!!!!

Part 3.  I AM GOING THRU MENUOPAUSE. Its the worst!  I cant sleep cause I wake up drenched from sweating in my sleep.  I turn on the air conditioner and it doesnt help not even with the fan.  I have to apply ice packs to my feet to cool down.   I am so hating this; Oh my Gosh......  This is truly the worse part of this Cancer I have to say even with bone pain and nausea (in the morning).  

Part 4.  My fat butt is gaining more weight and I am getting more tired after Chemo that I take naps now but because I am gaining weight and BP flew up 143/91  - I NOW HAVE TO WALK MORE (4 MILES) AND PICK UP THE  SPEED TO BRING ALL THIS DOWN!!!! 

Okay now that I let all of that out, I really want you to know I am so blessed! I tell myself over and over this because it can always be worse - even with the swelling/rentention in fingers, Elevated BP, Cracked corner lips, bleedy and crusty nose (sorry but i have to keep in real), burning cucci (fire in the hole) from the decadron , burning jalapeno buttcheeks, tiredness, bone pain, and MENOPAUSE - I KNOW I AM TRULY BLESSED AND SO ARE YOU.  We are able to see this computer and write - God is good.

I love you all and I am so sorry I havent been here but I am not doing well in school - didnt want to tell you because I thought I would do better, but the last two test I failed; and on the second test I got the opporunity to retake and passed with an A but I am really STRESSING OVER this and I know. I already know that I shouldnt because God has my back; but this is my only outlet to move out, find peace and serenity, respect and Finally accomplish something Good in my life.  THIS IS WANT KEEPS ME GOING AND BEING POSITIVE AND NOT DWELLING ON ME;  BEING ABLE TO GIVE TO SOMEONE ELSE FEELS GREAT WHEN I WORK ON MY PATIENTS.  Please continue to pray for me that I pass and do well!  I know I will make it because I already see me receiving my honors and certificate!  Its just getting hard for me!

I told the Nurse today I feel school is more important to me instead of this Cancer, she said No its the Cancer and focus on you! I said I dont have Cancer, I already gave that problem to God; just havent been able to give him my school problems - now is that sad or what. And I think that Lady is crazy in my class - heck it might be me - LOL - ha ha..

XOXOOXOOOOOX 

Love ya!

Hey Jewels, 

Quite a Friday here. We had an induction ceremony for our National Technical Honor Society members this afternoon. I'm the NTHS advisor, so I had a lot of preparation before and clean-up afterward. Everything went very well--ds was one of the inductees and also gave the invocation. I was so proud of my boy AND all of our new members. 

Kimberly, I went straight from school to the post office and mailed my SP cards and SAS envelopes to you.  

Jumped back in the car and headed to the ball field. I didn't realize when I signed up for concessions this evening that I would be working all 3 games. On the positive side, the two gals I worked with are great and we enjoy each others' company. But we were SO ready to get out of there when the last game ended at 11:30pm.

The highlight came late: ds hit a homerun in the 3rd game, bottom of the 5th, to tie the game! Unfortunately, we ended up losing 12-10, but ds was PUMPED about the homer--the first in his baseball career!

Carol- I read a chapter of Wendi's book last night. She was so beautiful... it IS going to be an emotional read, I think.

"To boob or not to boob" --got a good laugh outta that one!

Julie- sending strong, healthy, feelin'-good vibes your way. Hope they help to keep the se's away!

Glad the earthquake didn't do any damage--a TV is enough for one week, eh?

KathyL- dang! Figured I might be okay in the eyelash department since I've only got one more chemo to go... so I'm going to continue losing hair AFTER I'm done?? I know I didn't sign up for THAT side effect. hahahaha 

So, Kathy, I guess you won't get THOs (titty hard-ons) with the new nipples when the weather is cold?

Therese- hope your ds is feeling better now. Are you back to working every weekend?

Glad to hear your BRCAs came back negative. I'll be having mine done soon.

Joan- LOL I thought the same thing about Priscilla--she CAN'T smile! I know Neil Young wasn't talking about plastic surgery when he wrote "The Needle and the Damage Done" but for some reason I always think of that song title when I see a botched ps.

Dana- you're in my prayers--I want you to be able to tolerate your treatments and remain in the nursing program. Keep moving forward and don't waste precious energy on negative people--IGNORE THEM!

Well, I think I'm winding down from my busy day and can get to sleep now. I've always been that way--when I worked evening shifts I would get home at midnight and I could never get to bed before 3am.

Hope all of you Gems have a great Saturday!

Paula

Sorry I've been MIA for a few days.  I've gotten the news about several deaths from cancer of aquaintances this week and it has hit me hard.  Obviously, it seems a lot more personal now. 

Maz -- knowing how hard cancer issues with acquaintances is effecting me, I can't imagine going through this with a close friend.  My thoughts are with you and Val.

Dana -- keep hanging in with school, but don't be afraid to talk to your teachers and get extra help if you need it.  I only take classes for fun and I know I'm having to work a lot harder than normal to prepare for tests.  Whether it's "chemo brain" or just the distraction of treatment, it's hard to focus and study.

Paula -- Congratulations to your son and your students!  That's quite an honor.  Glad you made it through the long night at the concession stand.  When I worked concession for wrestling when my son was first in H.S., we'd get parents who would ask how we knew what to do.  We would laugh and explain we'd been doing this together since our kids were five and in Jr. T-Ball.  You make great friends over the Slurpee and popcorn machines.

Carol -- sorry to hear about your son's infection.  Don't beat yourself up for not noticing.  I figure by this age, they need to start figuring out for themselves when they need more than a tylenol.  It's an important skill when they finally go away to college

Therese -- bad weather AND sick kid.  Ugh!  My oldest needs to get in for a strep test because he's showing symptoms.  Of course, at 19, it's hard to make him do anything.  He has a heart condition and saw the cardiologist for a regular check-up yesterday and was told by that dr. to get in for a strep test before it did damage to his heart.  Not holding my breath that he does it.

Julie -- Congratulations on finishing treatment!  I hope this one turns out to be easy and you can start enjoying being done.  I am counting the days (17) until my last one.  Sorry you got to experience an earthquake.  I'm a Calif. native, so am pretty used to them, but they can be scary. 

Kimberly -- hope your infection is clearing up.

KathyL -- Hope the fundraiser was yummy and you found a great new outfit.

Good morning jewels,  thought I would get a couple comments in this morning, before the body aches start in following last taxol tx on Thursday, and neulasta shot yesty.  Feeling so far, so good.  On my door step this morning along with the Saturday newspaper, was a bouquet of flowers from my boss!  What a surprise!!  With a simple note, "Yahoo!  It is over!!"  She's the best. 

I told you girls about my amazing co-workers and the chili feed they held in my honor about three weeks ago.  Well, I received a huge greeting card, with everyone's kind notes and signatures...and...get a load of this...ten $100 bills taped to the inside!  I was shocked!!  Floored, really.  They also included a dvd of the photos taken during the chili-fest that one of my co-workers snapped.  Incredible.  I am so humbled by their generosity and thoughtfulness.  My dh and I are lucky that we have adequate insurance...but, this windfall will help to pay for all the meds, the co-pays ($20 a pop) and all the other parts that aren't covered.  What a blessing.

Kimberly -- Our American Indian population in MN, WI and the Dakotas is very strong.  We have a mix here of Anishinabe (Ojibway), Sioux and Dakota.  They were the first to greet the French traders and voyageurs (via the St. Lawrence seaway) and had thriving trades of goods, especially beaver, which was at the height of fashion in Europe.  As with so many American Indian populations, they were reduced to giving up their lands, and traditional ways of life, and forced onto reservations, as white people continued to move west.  Some of these lands were acceptable, most were not (think Badlands in So. Dakota -- there's a reason for the name). 

In this day and age, many of our tribes are seeing new opportunities for commerce and financial gain via casinos.  But, generally, overall I'd have to say many of the smaller tribes continue to struggle.  Alcoholism, unemployment and segregation all contribute to these peoples' hardships. 

My dh has some Cherokee in him, so, he too, is very interested in American Indian culture.  We vacation regularly to the north shore of Lake Superior at Grand Portage.  There's a strong, but, small Ojibway band there.  They have a casino which draws people from all over, MI, WI, MN and Canada.  Although, probably not as successful as some of the casinos on reservation land, closer to the metropolitan areas.  

This area, at Grand Portage is historic, peaceful, relaxing and breathtaking.  There's never the wrong time to go -- each season has it's own gifts.  If you're so inclined, google "Grand Portage", it's an interesting story.

CathyCA -- Missed you, I'm sorry to hear you got some bad news.  It is much more personal now, isn't it?  Damn cancer, it's becoming way too common.

Paula -- Congrats on ds' honor.  You must be so proud!  What a great kid he is!  And, the icing on the cake was the homerun!  WOW.  You are one busy person.  I hope you're taking care of yourself, eating right and staying strong.   Do you find, staying busy like this, helps you combat the se's -- as well as get the mind off the inevitable?

Dana -- You go girl!  Keep up your good work at school.  You're getting there -- keep your focus on you!

Carol -- Cool news about the massage.  Definitely something to take advantage of!  Sorry to hear about the ds.  I bet that couldn't have felt good.  Poor thing.  I surprised the dr said he could get out skating again so soon.  

Therese -- Great news on the moving forward with the exchange surgery.  Mine will be on the 20th of May.  Just one more thing "down".  How many weeks are you out now from your last tx?  Noting your 1/4" hair.  

Julie -- That earthquake has been all over the news.  Glad to know you didn't have any injuries, or damage.  Geez...who'd have thunk it...in IL!   

Lastly, have you girls read about the plastic that is used in Nalgene bottles?  They are those popular water bottles, previously used only by the outdoorsy-types (camping, hiking, etc.), they've made their way into mainstream, every-day use.  Heck, dh and I had a small fortune invested in these things.  I kept one at my office desk, filled with ice water -- ensuring I got my 32 ounces of water a day!  Well, it's come out now that this plastic gives off estrogen, and has been linked to breast and prostate cancer!  It's the same plastic that is used in some baby bottles.  My onc told me about this on Thursday -- she's pissed!  She has two little ones.  Saw an article in the newspaper today that reported Canada has banned this plastic, called BPA (bisphenol A), from being used in the manufacture of the baby bottles. You will know this plastic, from other water bottles, it is rigid, you cannot squeeze or flex it.  Often times, although not always, it will have the number "2" on the bottom of it.  Don't confuse it with the recycling code that is stamped within a triangle.  Please get them out of your house, car, backpack, camping gear immediately.  

All for now jewels, will check in later.

Hope all who had tx this week are hanging in there.  

Tina 

Tina, the Number "2" on a plastic bottle does not indicate BPA content. No. 2 is polyethylene, which is not currently linked to any health issues.

The number is "7."

I think there's a bit of a knee-jerk reaction occurring here, but there is some indication that under duress, BPA can leach out of the plastic. This would be most common in very old containers, those that have been repeatedly heated (like for microwave cooking), scoured with steel wool, etc. A gently used Nalgene/Lexan bottle should be perfectly fine. Still, to be perfectly safe, you can get rid of your containers with the 7 in the recycling symbol.

EDIT: The thing is, virtually every canned good has BPA in the can lining. So don't just throw out your No. 7 bottles, make sure you don't buy any canned goods either. (See the problem here ....?) 

Thing is, who knows whether any replacements they develop will be safe?

Sometimes it seems like we're dodging big fuzzy soft bullets while invisible bullets are the ones hitting and killing us .... 

Hi LJ - Yes, I'm here... there is one of the docs in the practice I go to who is suddenly AWOL, but I hadn't heard what happened to him.  Not my doc... it could be the one you're talking about though.  Yes, that would be horrible. The rest of the practice (3 other docs) is crazy busy now, harder to get an appointment.  At least I only have 1 more tx!

I've been hanging out in the Taxotere/Cytoxin thread mostly.  After tx #5 this past Wednesday, I'm pretty much down for the count.  I do lurk here, though, and it's nice to keep up with everyone.

CHJ 

D1,

I can't believe you were in my "neck of the woods" on Sat and Sun!

I live walking distance to Vassar College! (Poughkeepsie, NY) Too bad you had to be zapped on Monday or we could have met in person!

Joan

Hi Jewels,

On the topic of the plastic water bottles, I found this link from National Geographic. Very informative with good advice and articles.

http://www.thegreenguide.com/doc/101/plastic

Joan

We had a ladies' inspiration day at our church this morning. The topic was "Showers of Blessing" (from Ezekiel). It was well worth crawling out of bed to attend!

We've had rain today, so the baseball tournament was postponed after game 2. I wasn't a bit disappointed to get home and kick back for the evening!

Maz and Patty- I've been thinking of you two Jewels this weekend. Denise and Val are both in my prayers.

Carol- hope your ds is feeling better.

Therese- Glad you're enjoying getting back in the routine. I'll be walking the 5K here on May 3. I kinda slipped on my exercise this past week, need to get back with it or I'll never make it past the first mile!

thanks for the congrats-yes, same ds (I have one of each: ds is 17, dd is 14)

PALady- Aren't dreams fascinating? I hope we were doing something fun... I dreamed last night that I had an inch of hair all over and it was as blonde as yours. (the stubble that just jumped ship with Taxol was very dark brown).

Wishing all my Gem sisters a good Sunday.

Paula