Jan 2008--Ain't it Great?

golfer779 · May 2008

Hey All, received an e-mail from Jennifer, was so happy to see a quick note, thought I'd share ...

Carol, I'm sorry to be away for so long. Nothing has gone south physically, just mentally. Been hiding out from the world lately. Tell everyone I think of them & maybe one of these days I can post again. Thanks for the phone call, you did get the right number. Love & prayers, Jennifer ...

Jennifer,

Hoping so much that your back on a positive spin soon, its difficult to hear of a fellow Jewel strugging in any way. Know we're thinking of you and are here to support you in any way we can.

Carol

JulieK_11_30_07 · May 2008

Hi Jewels! It's hard to catch up with everyone's posts - we are so chatty! I'm really pooped tonight, but wanted to do a quick post. Great news! I got my drains out today!!! I'm sooo happy to be rid of those darn things and I'm hoping I sleep much better tonight. I should be going in sometime next week for my first fill.

Thinking of everyone -- you all are wearing me out with all your running around and accomplishing around your houses!! I'm not sure I'll ever have the energy again to do all that stuff!

Dana -- I'm one of those that had a complete hysterectomy, including ovaries - about 2 1/2 years before my diagnosis with bc. My prayers are with you as you face this next decision.

Hope everyone has a nice Memorial Day weekend -- we're just hanging around the house and I'm hoping to start feeling a little more energy soon. I'm still pretty restricted on what I can do, so I'll just be "directing" the boys with their chores -- gotta love that!

Take care all -- I'll check back in soon!

Julie

tinalee123 · May 2008

Good Friday morning, friends.

Heading off to the ps this morning, for a post-op check of the new foobies. Wednesday didn't feel all that great, and actually ran a temp later in the day. Yesty was much better, temp was gone, took a shower and peeled back the dressings. Ps used the same incision as mast, so just have a bunch of steri-strips along part of that line. I'll be interested to hear from ps today how the nips will be created.

Wanted to let you all know too, that my friend from work that got bc (we're telling people at work not to drink the water), started chemo on Wednesday. She's going to my same cancer center and onco! So, I'm glad she's going to be in such good hands. I'm also able to give her a few tips about how things work there.

Carol -- Sounds like you've got a busy weekend with training and fish displacement. Hope your weather is nice and you time outside is pleasant. Thank you for sending the update on Jenn.

Julie -- Glad to hear you are feeling so good. YAY that the drains are out! That will help the sleeping situation. I have to chuckle over your comment about everyone else who is so busy, and that you wouldn't have the energy! Between you, Kathy and Therese with your little ones (and all the others with teen children in sports)...it's YOU who have the true energy. I can't even IMAGINE having to go through this when my guys were little. You all amaze me, I'm pretty certain I never had that much energy.

Kimberly -- Your trip will be so fabulous! The one thing to remember about AZ weather...it never lasts. Although, lightening storms in the desert are among some of the most beautiful things. I can't wait to hear about your stop in Sedona. Open yourself up to it. Visualize the energy there. Have a great time, sis!

Dana -- I still have my ovaries. So, I am in the camp of uncertainty when it comes to tamox. My ER/PR are "weakly positive"...putting yet another spin on things.

Our Memorial Day plans always include smoking of ribs (thanks to dh), and a visit to the cemetary. We pick up where my Granny left off, "grooming" all the headstones of those who have gone before us and adding nice fresh flowers. Hope to get in some walking and a visit to the farmers' market...looking for some purple basil.

Gotta run and get ready for the ps appointment, will shout-out more later.

Have a great day all!

Tina

SISKimberly · May 2008

Good Morning Jewels,

Another windy day in Lincoln. We’ve had some fires in our area that had the road closed yesty up where my principal lives between Auburn and Cool. I hope he got home. Also, a fire in the Santa Cruz mountains where I went to elementary school-remember the Loma Prieta earth quake? That is where I went to school. I’m hoping too many people don’t lose their homes. It is just too dry and the forests up there not managed well in my opinion. Sad. Cry

Sherry- Hope that cake was really delish!!!! How exciting that the wedding is coming together and will be here before you know it!

D1- I am so glad you did the adjuvantonline report. I would recommend it highly to all as a useful tool. I totally agree that being the one person who seemed to fall into the rare se category, gaining another 12% overall is great. And like you said, if you can’t tolerate the HT, you can always stop taking it. So, you’ll take Tamox for 8 months until you determine if you’re in menopause, then switch to an AI if you are?

I completely understand and support your wanting to throw everything you can at this, D1.

Commercial Break: I’d like to just check in and make sure that the Jewels are taking my research as just information and not my pushing others to make the same choices I have. I would never presume to offer up the things I think are best for me as the answer for everyone. We all have such different pathology and different experiences from which we draw to make decisions. My intent is only to share the information I’ve found, so that it can be considered as any other information would be considered. I know that I can sometimes put my two cents in even when it hasn't been requested...one of those things I need to work on as I grow into myself. Surprised

And now back to the D1 Show: Hey, a rinse out color sounds like a good idea. I’ll call my gal to see what she can do for me.

TMI,not at all. Thank you for sharing. It’s important to hear that life does return to some sense of normal with our men after this roller coaster ride we (our dhs, too) have been on for the past 5 months. How sweet that you two are missing each other already, and you haven’t even left yet. That kind of reconnecting is so powerful. I can tell you still smile when you think about it even as you type. Wink

So, it’s off for our respective ‘cations tomorrow. Watch out Willy!!!!

Carol- Good one on the goldfish potentially ‘kicking the bucket’after you move them into their new ‘digs’…couldn’t resist that! Gold fish are very resilient. We had a huge koi pond in our Folsom house that was a fiberglass small swimming pool. Greg got it on sale for such a good price, we designed the yard around it. Talk about having to dig. Oy Vey!

Sounds like an active weekend. I know you’ll have a great time with Ginny again yapping the whole walk. And speaking of walking, that is awesome that you and your bro are spending quality time together taking walks. Excellent that your bro wants to help you train!!!!

OMG on two sets of twins!!!! Identical or fraternal? The good news is they will so entertain each other even though the potential for major mischief is high. Well, it was for my twinsis and I. Smile

I just checked the weather again in AZ. Flagstaff will not be warming up beyond the 60’s as of Sunday, but Sedona will be in the 70’s and sunny. Cool

Maybe the rest of the week will shape up…not that a little indoor recreation would be bad.

I am sooooo glad that Jennifer sent you an email. Poor thing having such a hard time emotionally.

((((HUGS)))) Jenn. We miss you!!!

LWDana- May I make an observation? Your posts the past few times have been calm and more at peace as if you’ve had some kind of shift within you. It is so good to see!!!!

I hope that your docs can help you make sense of everything. Ask until you understand all the why’s, OK?

Look forward to hearing what you find out.

Hey Julie- Good to hear from you. Yeah on the drain removal. I remember the joy I felt at the thought of being able to take a real shower and sleep on my side again. And, heck yeah, just direct the kids in what needs to be done and get lots of rest… like you have an option with your restrictions. In another week you will feel so much better.

Tina- I’ve heard the lightening storms are spectacular. I loved the lightening storms when I lived in Tahoe…so beautiful. I’ll be packing for both cooler and warmer weather…layers I’m thinking.

I can’t wait to just feel the healing energy of Sedona. I hope we get a chance to sit and meditate while on the Vortex tour. It’s a three hour tour…hey, didn’t the SS Minnow go out on a three hour tour and become marooned? Hmmm, maybe I’ll have a mystical marooning that allows me to just connect to all that energy.

Your BBQ sounds yummy, and I personally love cemeteries and the history there. The peace and quiet is fabulous as well. My older sister is the keeper of the gravestones for my grandparents and her husband.

We just planted some purple basil. It smells wonderful. Good luck on your hunt!!!

Today is an easy day. Meeting my twinsis for lunch, doing some errands, and then packing. We leave at 12:30pm, so the morning won’t be too rushed. I’ll check in for sure tonight, and if I can tomorrow before we head out.

Have a great day all,
SIS Kimberly

golfer779 · May 2008

Yeah Julie, losing the drains is such a lift while trying to heal. Those darns things we're a "pita" although doing a specific job. I suspect you'll sleep much better tonight!

What a great excuse to kick back over the weekend and "direct" the boys. So happy for you to be one step closer to the finish line with your adventure.

Tina, how fortunate for your friend to have you as her sounding board with the txt process. Hopefully she will take advantage of all your knowledge and will be prepared for war with those chemo drugs.

"Creating nips" who would have thunk any of us would be wondering about that!

Ribbies ... sounds like a great meal for the weekend, think I'll pick up some babybacks myself!

Okay, off to take the ds for the driver's test, will check back in a bit.

Carol

golfer779 · May 2008

In the words of Sis Kimberly "Whooooo Hooooooo", back from the drive test and the little whipper snapper passed and now has his driver's license. First call was to his dad, who thank god is putting him on his insurance. Hoping that it can be squared away so we don't have to wait until Tuesday to get him legal.

We've decided that Zach can pay the difference on the insurance for not having the 3.0, looks like about $400 difference per year. He cashed his first paycheck today, and will pay monthly payments to his dad. His words as he walked into the bank we're "I feel so much more mature with a driver's license and a job". My little guy is growing up! He'll be at skate practice tonight and working Sat, Sun, and the holiday. Should be a busy weekend at the restaurant, there is a large soccer tourney in town as well as the usual boaters who arrive on the weekends. Sorry for the babbling, "I'm pretty hyped" for him.

Kimberly, no need for the commercial break here ... I have taken advantage of your research for my own benefit. You hit it on the head, as we all have bc in common, probably not one of us would have known that there are so many factors to our individual diagnosis.

Thanks for the reminder of Adjuvantonline, I still did not get my onc to run my numbers, but should.

Oh, and the twins, first set are fraternal boys, and the second set which we're a HUGE surprise are identical girls. They've got their hands full with the 4 of them ages 6 to 4, and ol' mom and dad are my age. YIKES!!!

Your trip sounds wonderful, cooler temps or not, time to just relax and enjoy the beauty of Zona! Some bonding time with the dh is probably just what the doc would order as well, no interuptions, no fences to be painted, just plan ol' R&R.

Your right I will be doing my share of yakking while walking tomorrow, atleast for the first 5 miles, found out the training walk is for 10 miles ... this should be a true test. Thank goodness I'm on week two of my txt "holiday".

Wow, the dh just got home, this is a shocker as he usually doesn't get home until about 6 or 7, guess we'll be eating a bit earlier tonight and I'll be hitting the rack early as I have another early get up tomorrow.

A great long weekend to you all,

Carol

Determined1 · May 2008

Man, what a day! I'm seriously catching up on stuff I let slide for the last 6 months...

Got my bag pretty much packed for my too early departure in the morning. I'm really excited to spend some time with my mom and sisters away from our families. I hope we get all good and caught up. Willie's already grinnin' and I hope does some pickin' for us! We should laugh a lot about him. I won't be around till Tuesday, so keep the posting to a minimum, Jewels. I don't need to get all overwhelmed when I get back! Jk

Carol-It was good to hear from you. I've got my fingers crossed that the ds managed to pass the driver's test. Those can be tricky, sometimes. Thanks for the update on Jenn.

Jenn-we're here for you. If you need an ear, there are plenty around here. Be well, fellow Jewel.

Julie-you direct away, my drainless friend. Take care of yourself and soon, you, too, will be doing stuff around the house that you'd rather not! J (oooh, yep, just read Tinalee's post. She's right, you know.)

Tinalee, sounds like the foobies are going to shape up real nice for you. Hip hooray! Don't run yourself ragged and score another temp-you don't need that right now. The smokin' sounds fabo-I'm headed to one of my old favorite restaurants in Austin for some rib action myself!

SIS Kimberly-thanks for the call. Its fun to connect on the phone, too. Actually, don't stop sharing your research with us. I, for one, appreciate how it makes me think about what I'm doing here. Not that I don't question everything, anyway, but knowing that others are questioning, too, gives me strength to persist. I'm going to read about the studies my onc is recommending on the plane and hopefully, when I talk to the study coordinators next week, I'll have some good questions. (And you gotta know I'll add some of the ideas I get from you into the mix, so thanks.)

Have a wonderful time in AZ. I agree with Tinalee that Sedona has its own energy, but I'll bet you notice it right away... So I read about the 3 hour tour and immediately my head starts singing the Gilligan's Island theme and then you go on to mention the Minnow! We are both totally sick.

I hope KathyL gets some time off this weekend...it's time for a breather in that new schedule!

Okay, ladies, I'm outta here till Tuesday. Keep the thread hopping, but not so much I can't get back in the swing!

Hook ‘em horns!

D1

Went to post and the site crashed-good thing I've learned to compose in Word! But I see the news from Carol that the ds passed the test. A BIG WOOOHOOO to him!!!! He's right, it IS grown-uppy to have a job and a license. I'm impressed on the deal with the insurance, that's a perfect way to give ds a little more incentive to get those grades up so he'll qualify for the good student discount. You should all be hyped! Enjoy that early arrival of the dh and start the weekend party!!!!!

SISKimberly · May 2008

Yeah!!!! on the Zach passing his test and Kent being home early!!!!

I am so hyped for this trip to Zona!!!! My sis goes to Tempe often, but doesn't get much outside of Tempe. She did go to Sedona with the ex and said it was one of the most beautiful places she has ever been. My older sis would agree. Talking with D1 today would seem to make that assessment a triple header!

Enjoy your 10mile walk...Oh, man. I don't know if I could do that even now that I've been almost 5 weeks out from my last tx. You are amazing woman!

Take care Jewels. I'll see you on the boards when I get back.

SIS Kimberly

golfer779 · May 2008

Kimberly and D1 ... have great well deserved "CATIONS", some of us will be here "plugging along", and looking forward to hearing your stories of a much different adventure than the one of the past 6 months!!! Enjoy yourselves ... Carol

LilWarrior · May 2008

Kim - he ha I dont know about your observation because my blood pressure is sky high and I have been stressing out very badly! I just feel I cant come here and vent because sometimes these ladies take me the wrong way. I am doing well though.

I spoke with my Onco today and told him least try the shot and the tamoxifen before I go ahead and remove my ovaries. I want to see if this works if not then I will reconsider the option. I made him laugh so hard I said I am still young and I might meet a wonderful man and have a beautiful baby and if I cant find him, then I will just have one by you. He was laughing so hard, he said Dana I am 60 years old and I said all my baby needs is your eyes and money - he ha. As always I had the whole office laughing so hard. I asked him why did we stop chemo and he said because I am trying to starve your tumor from the hormones and I want to see if this works, he also said that once we try chemo again and that doesnt work we can think about going in and cutting it out of my liver- WOW! But I have to do what I have to do. I am leaving all this to God! I also found out that the tamoxifen makes you gain weight and thin your hair out really badly. Wonderful!!!! He ha..

Its rainining in Cali and I just loving it.

Thanks Julie for your input on your ovaries and I did ask the Dr does removing my ovaries prevent or help the Cancer not to return and he said no - so what the hell I told him, I am not giving up on my dream finding a good man and having a beautiful healthy baby.

God bless,

Dana

RN2teach · May 2008

Hey JJs,

It has been a busy week here obviously-don't think I've gone a week without posting since I found this site in January! I've been involved in several different projects at school that kept me hopping the first part of the week.

Wednesday brought all of that to a screeching halt. My nephew was visiting during his lunchtime and found my dh walking around dazed and unable to talk. By the time I got home he was having a full-blown seizure. An hour and a half and 20 mg of Valium later he was still seizing and had to be taken by ambulance to the ER. MRI showed 3 new masses around the old tumor cavity. Saw the neurosurgeon today... surgery is not an option. He can't have any further radiation to that area of the brain either, but stereotactic radiosurgery might be an option. We'll see the rads doc next Tuesday. Tomorrow morning we will meet with the oncologist to discuss chemo. Hoping to get him back on Temodar as his tumor is very sensitive to that chemo. Should be able to bring him home tomorrow.

Carol- thanks for calling to check on me Wednesday. Your timing was great (even though I was driving!) I needed to share my troubles. Thanks for listening, girlfriend!

To our JJs with new boobs: congrats on the new ta-tas and happy healing!

Dana, D1, and everyone else making treatment decisions: thinking of you!

So glad to see our treatment list getting shorter. Hope our sisters who had treatments this week are doing well.

Kimberly and D1- I know you're both gone already on your ‘cations. I'll look forward to hearing about them when you return!

My rads are going well. The boob is a little pink. I have 19 more to go...

Hair is coming in and just this week has started to look more brown than white. Still very, very short and sparse, but moving in the right direction. No eyelashes, but no arm/leg hair either...

I need to get to bed so I can get to the hospital early tomorrow. Should be able to post again this weekend and update you on the latest.

Take care, Paula

chj127 · May 2008

Hi everyone,

Long time no see! So, since I posted last, we sold our house (finally!) and moved into our new place. I am exhausted (17 days past my last chemo), but it's all good. We are going to try hard not to do too much work for the rest of the long weekend. The weather finally went from mostly cool and rainy to warmer and sunny. Wow, it's beautiful now! Our new house has lots of windows and is so bright and cheerful.

So in the midst of getting moved in and unpacked, I went for my rads simulation and I start rads next Wednesday. I'm all marked up, and have to keep it from getting washed off. Which means I can't go into the hot tub or pool at our new digs until after mid-July. Frown Whatever, at least we're moving forward. I also took my first Arimidex pill yesterday.

I can't even hope to catch up with all of the posts since I was here last, but 2 quick things:

Paula, we'll keep you and your hubby in prayer. Sorry to hear about his last bout.

SISKimberly, it's awesome you are going to Sedona. When I was past all my treatments with my first bc back in 1995, dh and I went to Santa Fe. There's just something about the southwest that is so therapeutic!

I'll try not to be a stranger. Smile

CHJ

JulieK_11_30_07 · May 2008

Happy Saturday, Jewels!!! Definitely had some better sleeping the last two nights without those stinkin' drains!! I still have some pain/pressure in the foobie area, but that's tolerable and I've just been taking some Motrin for that. I haven't had many muscle spasms - just a couple. I found out yesterday that I'll have my first "fill ‘er up" next Friday!!

Kimberly and D1 - not sure if you're already gone on your trips, but I hope you both have a FABO time!!! Can't wait to hear about all your exciting outings!

Carol - CONGRATS to ds on passing his driver's test!! He really is growing up - a job and driver's license all within a week or so! I bet you're very proud! Glad you and your ex got things worked out and I like the idea of him paying the extra since his gpa wasn't quite up there. Good plan!

Thanks for the message from Jenn! I've been worried about her too. Glad she's doing okay and hope she checks back in soon!

Tina - yummmm, smoking ribs sound wonderful!! Those and pork steaks are my favorite over Memorial Day and my dh doesn't enjoy grilling either. Take it easy this weekend, so the temp stays down, dear!

Change of plans for the ds this weekend --- my sil called and said they wanted him to come visit them for the weekend - they live about 45 minutes away. Their town has a big festival over Memorial Day and they wanted to take Tyler with their 5-year old so the two could have some fun. He also adores his uncle and they do all things "military" together - he's an ex-Navy Seal and Tyler wants to join the military and become a SWAT team member (much to his mother's chagrin!) His uncle promised him a trip to the Army Surplus Store for some new fatigues. I'm sure he'll have an absolute blast and it will be a good get-away for him so he doesn't have to see me laying around not doing much. The dh is driving him there now and will be home later today. I was hoping to be able to sit outside and enjoy some sun while reading a good book, but it's decided to be cloudy here today - yucky!!

Kimberly - I sure hope the fires stay away from you and those you know and love!! Those are always so scary to watch on the news - I can only imagine living it! Even though I'm not one of those facing all of the decisions you and others are, I really do appreciate hearing your take on all of the research out there, so keep it comin', sister!

Dana - glad you were able to talk more with your onc. Keep asking away until you're satisfied that you're well-informed. Hang in there, sweetie!

Paula - WOW - what a week you've had. I'm praying for you and your dh. I'm so sorry he had to go through that again. I hope they're able to do the chemo on him that has helped in the past. My thoughts are with you, my friend.

CHJ - So good to hear from you again! Glad the move went well and you're now settled in your new digs. That has to be a good feeling!! Sure hope your rads go well for you.

Well, Jewels - I think I'm about as caught up as I can get for today. Need to actually get in the shower today - I was too pooped yesterday to attempt it! Laughing It will definitely be nice to not have to deal with the drains anymore. Hoping for a nice, relaxing weekend of not doing much around here. I might be going to school on Tuesday for the last day Teacher Inservice - it's only a ½ day so it wouldn't be too bad. Just depends how I'm feeling by then. Hope everyone has a great weekend!!

{{{{{{HUGS!!!!}}}}}}

Julie

sheshe48 · May 2008

Hi JJ's,

How is everyone this Sat? I'm trying to get the lead out of my butt and get some cleaning done, I'm tired all the time. Later today I'm going to my mom's house my older sis wants to have dinner and bring a cake. It's my birthday today, the big 49er. Yesterday my rads team sang Happy Birthday to me, they are funny, I'm going to miss them, I can't believe I said that Surprised well I'll miss them and not the treatments. dd and her boyfriend gave me a digital camera for my birthday. So I can take pictures now and hopefully by tomorrow or tonight get them loaded in the bucket for you to see.

Sis Kimberly, Sorry I must of been out of it, I do know you are done with chemo. I hope Wendy is doing ok. I loved the pic of you and your fellow walkers. It looks like you all have a great time. Sounds like the twins are beautiful I just love their names. I'm glad they are doing well.

D1 I hope dd finds a job soon, I'm also still looking. I'm going in June and really start looking harder. congrats on her internship that will really help her. I wish she could of found one that paid her. My survival rate is 92% without Tamox or a AL drug. That's good enough for me. I will go on a AL drug if my oncol writes the script but I'm not going on Tamox. Unless he can convince me, I don't think he will. That's not the right one for me. The side effects are too scary for me. I'm happy with 92% survival rate. Sounds like your night rocked lol. I hope you both enjoy your vacations.

Dana I'm so sorry you have to make this decision being so young. I was 31 or 32 when I had to have a complete hysterectomy. I had huge tumors on my ovaries and my uterus was lined with tumors. They said I did not have cancer back then. My oncologist disagrees for me to have that type of surgery I would of been dying. I told him I was dying. That is the only reason I had the surgery done. I was lucky I did have a daughter, she was 8 years old when I had that surgey done. I would have been very sad if I did not have any children and had my ovaries removed. I actually died on the table twice. I'm very lucky to be here. It's not an easy decision, I did not have a choice. It's strange I went through all that and then 14 yrs later get breast cancer. My body has a bad habit of turning on me. (oh well) You are in my prayers and I hope you make the right decision for you. That is an interesting idea that D1 had to freeze your ovaries for future use.

Carol I also hope ds gets his drivers lience. It is so cool when you don't have to pick up your kids at night. I remember those days fondly. Lately my spelling has been off.

The fish pond sounds so cool, I'm sure they are going to love it. Thats great you are spending time with big brother. I have been lazy on the walking, I really have to get my motor running. My daughters wedding cake was good. I tried the french vanilla and chocolate. The vanilla tasted better to me. They are having both flavors of cake and they decided on buttercream frosting. ( My favorite ) Tomorrow we are working on the wedding invitations. It's busy trying to keep up on this wedding. I have people say they did not get their bridal shower invitations. ( Don't know what happened there) I hope they all get the wedding invitations.

I'm still a page behind, I'm getting there.

Big Hugs to all, Sherry

Jenn51 · May 2008

Hi Jewels,

This is hard to write. I am sorry if any of you were worried where I was. It wasn't that I didn't think about you guys & you were always in my prayers. I'm not sure what is happening to me but I can't seem to dig my way out of my black hole. I will keep trying & I'll try to catch up on at least the last couple of weeks of postings. I have really missed you all but everything is so raw inside I can't put my thoughts on paper.

I hope everyone has a good long weekend.

JulieK_11_30_07 · May 2008

Jenn --- it is SO good to hear from you - I have been thinking of you often. Just remember we're always here when you feel up to checking in or venting or crying or whatever! That's what your fellow Jewels are for. I will continue to pray for you and hope that you find what's needed to help get out of your black hole. Don't even worry about catching up --- we're so chatty that can be overwhelming. Just start from this point forward and know that we're here when you need us.

Your SIS -

Julie

sheshe48 · May 2008

Hi Jenn,

I get the same way, especially when I was on chemo. I'm coming out of my depression, but I still have my days. It was a horrible dark place I would go to when I was on chemo. We love you and we are thinking about you. It does help to read the post even if you don't post. Have a nice Memorial Day.

Julie I love your Memorial sign, really cool. I hope you are doing great.

Just got back from my B- day party, I'm exhaused. That was the best birthday that I have had in years, It was a lot of fun.

I hope all you Jewels have a nice Memorial Day weekend. I'm hoping by Monday I will have a couple of pix up loaded, I'm still new at this. I'm going to try in the morning.

Dana God Bless, that was really funny what you said to your oncol, I can just see his face. Remember the reason why he wants you to take your ovaries out is because they make estergen and you have positive cancer. Estergen is like a steak dinner to the cancer. I don't blame you, I would try the drugs first and see if they work to shut down your ovaries for now. I hope and pray one day they can cut out that tumor in your liver.

Lots of big hugs, Sherry

golfer779 · May 2008

Hello Ladies,

It's almost my bedtime, just got a chance to read todays post. Walked on a 10 mile training walk for the 3 day today, felt pretty darn good, but I'm totally pooped out tonight. Tomorrow will be a day of puttering around the house, and then I'll be hitting another training walk on Mon for 8 miles. I'm taking advantage of my chemo holiday, with as much walking as I can. Will be a little down once again come Weds.

There's too much to shout out to tonight, but did want to note that after reading todays words...

Paula you and your family will be in my thoughts. Not quite sure what words would help ease the strain of your last few days ... try to keep your positive spirit and feel free to call anytime, I would love to talk, but I certainly don't want to be intrusive to your family by calling at an unappropriate time.

Jenny, thanks for popping in, and please know that we're all here for you when you feel the need to yak. I'm hoping that each day forward will help you get over the hump.

Sherry, a very happy 49th birthday to you. I sure hope that I had not missed something over the last few to know that today was you special day. A very happy birthday to you!!!

I'll have to check back in the morning ... as with most nights, I'll be thinking of you all, take care my SIS friends, Carol

jkiss75 · May 2008

Hello everyone...it has been along time.

I am still around and things are fine. Finished my tx on March 28th with really no side effects at all to talk about. I have just been living life and trying to have fun and am tired of talking about BC.

I did have my follow-up with Onc and Radiologist and have decided against doing radiation. So now I just visit the Onc every 3mo to get the blood drawn and see what the cancer marker number is.

I see that you all have busy little bees chatting a mile a minute.

take care, Jenny

tinalee123 · May 2008

Good Sunday morning, Jewels.

Just a few shout-outs before heading to the cemetery to get the flowers put in before the rain drops begin again. We have two sets of great-grand parents to visit, a grand father and several sets of great-aunts and uncles. Most of my mother’s family is here in MN, my father’s family is in AZ. So, I leave the southwestern visits to my dad’s sister (my last aunt on that side) and my cousins.

Paula – Oh, dear, my thoughts and prayers go to you, your dh and your family. I pray for dh’s recovery and strength for all. I am so sorry you’re going through this. Thank you for taking the time and energy to let your SIS’s know your situation. We’ll be anxiously awaiting your update. Blessings to you and yours.

Jenn – It was so good to see your post. Wishes for brighter, sunnier days go out to you. They will come!! You don’t have to worry about explaining or figuring out what to say. We’ll be here when you get back.

Sherry – Very happy, happy birthday wishes heading your way!! I’m glad you had such a lovely day.

Julie – So glad to hear you’re sleeping a bit better without those drains. Don’t worry about your fill at all – it’s a quick and painless process. Good to stay up on the Motrin. I noticed a feeling of tightness and pressure after the fills. Definitely not pain, though. The Motrin will help with all of that. Hope your days turn sunny so you can get out for some relaxing and reading. Hope your ds has a great time with his cousin and family, sounds like fun!

Carol – Your walking is inspiring. I think I’m going to talk dh into a walk today after cemetery duty, if the rain holds out. We had thunderstorms here last night…apparently we’re getting that storm system that hit Denver with that mile-wide tornado. Tomorrow is supposed to be nice, though, so hopefully another walk then! Happy to hear ds got his license! Boy, are things ever going his way. This will be a big time for him, emotionally. My ds #2 grew up a great deal once he got a job and his license. It was like he “bloomed”. It’s very cool to observe.

Wishing everyone a wonderful day. Will check in later.

Tina

golfer779 · May 2008

A pleasant Sunday morning to my Jewel friends,

Carol, sounds like a good time to try and relax, what a whirlwind you've been in. So sounds like no permanent tatoos for the rads markings. Looks like some feet dangling along side your "water features". I love the thought of lots of light beaming into a home, yours sounds fabo. Glad you popped in to let us know your settled in your new digs! Good luck with your rads, sounds like we have a lot of good advice from our fellow Gems to guide our way.

Julie, boy they don't wait long to send you in for a filler up, hopefully your pressure in that area will have subsided considerably by then. Yeah for some decent nights sleep!

Last night was so nice, the ds drove himself to work, we just asked that he come and wake us up when he gets home, wasn't too late last night (around 10:30). I still had one eye open! He was pretty jazzed up yesterday as he bought a pink ribbon air freshener for his car (the car he is able to drive). Thank goodness the ex hub had a spare vehicle.

Hope you get some sunshine back in your neck of the woods today ... we had a gorgeous day yesterday, and this morning woke up to rain (yuck).

Sherry, looking forward to your sharing some pics with your new camera, so glad you had a great b-day. Sounds like your up to your eyeballs with wedding plans, nothing better to distract from all this other nonsense we've been through!

Tina, what's up with this weather, hopefully some of our sunshine from yesterday is making its way east, and you all can avoid raindrops while visiting the cemetery. Sounds like maybe you'll be getting some walking in as well today. I swear my energy level is twice that is was back in Jan/Feb and they say this chemo crud is cumulative. When I'd come home and plop in my recliner telling myself I was pooped I believed it ... going with a slight different approach these last couple of months and its made all the difference in the world. Hoping to hang on to that inspiration when I have txt #11 on Weds.

Jenny, so nice to have you pop in, another Jewel all wrapped up with txts. YEAH!!!

Paula, hoping that your dh was able to come home yesterday, and is resting comfortably. I'm assuming you have Mon off, I'm sure you could use it. You and your family have been in my thoughts quite often, wish there was more that I could do to help support you right now.

Sounds like your rads is still tolerable, last thing you need on your plate is a painful boob.

D1 and Kimberly, I'm assuming your not quite as anal as I was on "cation" to want to pop in, I'm sure your both enjoying the heck out of some time away with nothing but positive mojo around! Miss you gals!!!

Okay, time to "ramp up" the back flower bed has been calling my name all spring, time to throw on a rain jacket and hit it ... hoping that it clears up later, planning on ribs on the bar'b and looks like we'll have 3 kids here tonight to feed.

I'll check in tonight, Carol

KathyL · May 2008

Hi Jewels! I have been caught up in the everyday things. Running errands, doing chores, etc. So sorry I have been absent here. The kids' end-of-year picnic was Thursday. It was nice to be able to go this year (couldn't get off of work last year). They had pony rides, train rides, face painting, spin art, sand art, and a huge soft slide for the kids. Plus, it was all at the local park, so there were the slides, swings, etc to play on, too. Had a picnic lunch with the kids before heading to work for the afternoon. Dd was the "old pro" and knew all the stuff she wanted to do. Ds loved the bus ride there-his first--they could've just taken him and his class on a bus ride around town! He actually got on a pony, too, which is a huge step for him-he was afraid all the times we tried before. I just loved being there and taking it all in. Another one of those glad-I-am-here days!

Saturday was gymnastics with dd in the AM, and our thank-you party for her friends in the afternoon and evening. They had a great time. We played outside most of the afternoon-it's been gorgeous here the past few days (another reason why I haven't been inside on the computer at all). The girls had pizza and pink lemonade. We made smores for dessert. I felt really good letting the other parents have a night out after all they did for me during chemo.

Dd and I also got the rest of our flowers picked out yesterday. I hope to plant them tomorrow. Today, we were all over the place running errands, getting gifts, buying shoes, and went out for ice cream with the kids after dinner (crab cakes that dh made).

Tomorrow will be house cleaning day and getting ready for another busy week. And BBQ-ing some burgers, of course. This Wednesday is dd's preschool graduation. I'm also seeing the ENT specialist about my ear on Tuesday-still can't hear. One of my colleagues is having her baby (C-section) on Wednesday; her second, a boy. Her first was a girl. So, I'll have to stop by and see her Thursday; I got her the cutest little boy outfits today while I was out shopping. Friday dh leaves (again) for a 2 day golf tournament down at the DE beaches. At least this one is a shorter trip, and closer to home.

It would take me forever to post to everyone from all the days I've missed (I've read all the posts, of course, just not going back to shout out). But glad to hear the Jewels are recuperating from surgeries, keeping tabs on our missing "Gems", vacationing, and generally keeping busy!

Paula: Thinking of you and dh. I can't imagine what you're going through right now... ((HUGS))

D1 and Kimberly: Can't wait to hear about the ‘cations!

Carol: Congrats to ds on passing his driving test! That's such a huge step. And great timing with the new job for sure. Hope your walking goes well, also.

Sheshe: Happy 49^th B-day! I didn't know, and it wasn't in my notes... sorry!

Dana: Good to see your post and that you're still forging ahead. I hope your tx go well and you get some good news soon.

Jenn51: I can hear your distress in the tone of your post. I hope things get better for you. I've been thinking of you and wishing you happier days ahead.

Before I sign off... the list (of course, I couldn't forget it)!

January Jewels Schedule: Week of May 26-30

Monday, Thursday, and Friday: No treatments!

Tuesday: Kris 60 #6 of 12 weekly T

Wednesday: Wing (Wendy) #9 of 12 weekly T

Golfer779 (Carol) starts #6 round of oral/IV (one more IV to go after this!)

golfer779 · May 2008

Hey Kathy, so your post must be much more of a pre-bc kinda thing, so thrilled to hear of all the happening's with your kids. That's what we need to be reading, you go gal!!!

Hate to say it, but our list of txts this week is almost kinda pathetic. I knew all along that it would be a hand full of us plugging away come June, actually I pretty much imagined going solo come the upcoming weeks. Thank goodness its almost a done deal for all of us.

Paula, just a note that you and your family have been on my mind quite frequently throughout the last few days, as we have pretty much gone on with life as a normal thing around here, I know your family is dealing with so much more. Again, your in my thoughts for things to turn to a positive note for you all.

Early wake up for me tomorrow, heading to Seattle once again for a training walk with Ginny, doing 8 miles in the morning. Poked around in the yard all day, had ribbies with the kids and now I'm ready to call it a day.

Night all, Carol

tinalee123 · May 2008

Good Memorial Day, Jewels.

May the thoughts of your loved ones who have gone before us fill you with a sense of family, connectedness and fond memories. And of course, special wishes go to those whose lives have been touched by selfless persons who gave their lives serving their country.

It’s quite a glorious day today in Minneapolis. The sun is shining and the temps should get to be in the low 70’s, with a pleasant little breeze. As you all have been made painfully aware thru my winter complaining season…we here take these days and make ‘em gold. There’s so few of them, it’s what we do.

Dh smoked up some fantastic pork ribs on Saturday and we reheated them for a little get together with a couple neighbors last night. My dh’s recipe is similar in thought to a good lasagna…it gets better the next day! We had a great time last night, sitting out in our corner neighbor’s backyard, sipping wine and g & t’s, talking about everything from the state of our society, to politics, to dating (corner neighbor is a 46-year old single woman), to mental health issues to “classic” movies. We didn’t get any of the worlds’ problems solved, but, we had a nice time chatting. After we had dinner, we stayed to watch “Caddyshack”…hence the classic movie talk. I hadn’t seen that in an age, but saw it more times than I care to remember and laughed my goofy arse off anyway! We pledged last night to have a once-a-month movie night, where we resurrect some old (stupid, silly) funny movies…you know, the kind that make you laugh out loud…perhaps even snort! We decided it’s good to laugh like that…even healthy! We need more of it! If you all have a suggestion of one of these kinds of movies, please let me know. I’m going to make a list to make sure we don’t leave any on the shelf.

On that note, wishing all of you SIS’s a wonderful day. I think Memorial Day should remind you of your family and friends who have passed on, but, also remind you to give an extra hug to those who are still here and be thankful to be able to do it.

Extra (((((hugs))))) to all of you today.

Your SIS,
Tina

sheshe48 · May 2008

Happy Memorial Day JJ's,

I'm going to use the photo bucket today, I have to do it later today.

chj I hope you enjoy your new home, and that's great you are getting ready for rads. I was one of the lucky ones they did draw on me but I got to wash it off. I have a cancer friend and they drew on her and she could not wash it off for a week. She was not a happy camper.

Kris, Wendy, Carol I hope all your treatments go well this week, and your se's won't be so bad.

Carol So glad ds got his liense (sp) I wish I had your motivation for walking. My allergies are so bad and the cars kick up all that dust. I'm glad your energy levels are soaring. I feel better and stronger but so tired and pooped all day. Carol you will be done with chemo before you know it, and it will be off to the sun tan booth for you.

Paula I forgot to mention please forgive me I'm also praying for your husbands speedy recovery.

Jenny So nice that you are back on the boards. I also want bc to be over, but rads is really not that bad.

Julie I hope you are feeling better.

Tinalee and Jenn sending sunshine your way and to all my friends. Cool I agree with you Memorial Day is a time to reflect and remember. That sounds like a great idea watching old funny movies with your friends. Just on Fri me and my sister was talking about renting that old funny movie "27 Dresses". So tomorrow we are going to rent it after my treatment and laugh our sorry butts off Smile

KathyL Don't worry about it, I really did not tell anyone. I'm so glad you are getting back to normal and enjoying doing things with your family. The picnic sounded like fun. And your dd graduation should be really nice. I really miss those days.

I gotta go there is a piece of pizza in the refridge calling my name.

Hugs. Sherry

sheshe48 · May 2008

sheshe48 · May 2008

sheshe48 · May 2008

Hi JJ's,

I finally did it, I figured it out. My dd helped some. I have not been wanting to post my picture because of my swelling. All my rads oncologist said was to take motrin 3 times a day for the swelling. I'm doing that and water pills. After treatment I will see a LE specialist. I want to send one of my dd too.

Have a blessed Holiday everyone. Sherry

sheshe48 · May 2008

sheshe48 · May 2008

Jan 2008--Ain't it Great?

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