Jan 2008--Ain't it Great?

tinalee123 · June 2008

Hi Jewels,

Finally all caught up with the posts. Been out of the loop this last week, busy on the home front. Ds #2 had his graduation ceremony last night. It was really great. He had a smile on his face a mile wide. I was very proud. After commencement, they bussed all the kids back to the high school where they promptly got locked up for the senior all-night party. He had a great time. Good food, good games and prizes (not to mention a safe, chaperoned place to be). He was one tired puppy at 6 a.m. when they let them all go home.

On Tuesday I said goodbye to ds #1 as he traveled out to Seattle and then up to Mount Vernon as part of a month-long mountaineering class with NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School). He’ll be studying other wilderness courses, and I’m hoping he’ll get in on some wilderness medicine courses. This is totally his gig. He’s big into rock climbing, camping and hiking. I also hope he’ll “find” himself…what really makes him happy. Spoke to him late Tues., he got into Seattle and to the hotel just fine. The NOLS shuttle was to pick him up early Wed. morning and head up to the mountain.

We, too, have had cloudy grey days most of the week. Had quite a storm last night, with hail and heavy rain. Second one of the week. Haven’t had a need to water the garden. In between rain drops I checked the it tonight, actually have some lovely strawberries, my herbs are going bananas and the pepper plants have many flowers. Not much happening with the tomato plants yet, probably not hot or sunny enough, yet.

I smiled in reading back through the posts how the topic of berries in the garden brought back pleasant childhood memories for some.

Kimberly – Sorry for the late shout-out. I knew today was your day and having been sending good wishes your way. Looking forward to hearing back from you when you’re up to it.

Julie – Great pics! Looking good! What a beautiful smile.

Carol – Hoping your bad tummy is getting better. Congrats to dh on the new job. I’m glad that it’s happening at a better time in your lives. Two months ago would have been the pits.

Carla – All the best to you today, too! The last one!! YAY!! Good luck on the relay tonight!

Paula – I’m so glad you’ve had the energy and time to update us on dh. I’m praying that the study will benefit him. As others have said, he couldn’t be in a better place. That in itself is a blessing. Very positive! Best wishes continue to you and your family.

D1 – Sounds like you’re going to have a houseful this weekend. Glad the painting went well and you’re happy with it. I’m starting to eyeball things around here too…we’ve got a graduation open house to host in a couple weeks. I liked your comment about travel vs. “stuff”. I’m with you…but, haven’t been abroad before. Good luck on the walk tomorrow!

Wishing you all a good Friday evening.

Tina

This is ds #2, John. Mr. Graduate. The green ribbon is in memory of a classmate, a boy John has known since elementary school, who was killed while a passenger on a "crotch rocket" motorcycle. He and the boy who was driving had to make a hard stop, they both were thrown. The boy who was killed wasn't wearing a helmet. The driver, another friend from elementary school was in critical condition for over a month. He was at the graduation last night, in a wheel chair, still looking pretty banged up. The parents of the deceased boy were there to accept their sons' diploma. It broke my heart. They were so brave and sweet walking up to the podium, the Mom was sobbing and trying to be so strong, waving at all of her boys' friends. All of the students stood and applauded. It was really moving. My heart goes out to the boy who survived the crash. I am worried about his mental and emotional health as much as his physical health.

JulieK_11_30_07 · June 2008

Wow - the Jewels must be busy today - not too much chatter on the boards! Hope everyone's had a good time doing something fun today!

I went for my second fill and agreed to let the doc double me up - I think, after today, we're actually closer than we thought we'd be to the right size. I go again next Friday for my third one so we'll see how I do this week. I'm pretty tight and uncomfortable tonight, which I expected.

D1 - I hope you have a great time at your Relay tomorrow!!! Hope the weather cooperates for you too. That's great that your dh will be joining you --- my dh has the knees of a 70 year old and won't be able to walk with me for mine --- he'll be on the sidelines cheering me on. Wow! You are a TAD anal about the cleaning, huh?? I think you've cleaned your oven more times since I've "known" you than I have in the seven years I've lived in my house!!! Hope you're happy with the painting job.

Carla - So good to hear from you!!! WoooooHoooooo on the last treatment!!! I hope your se's are minimal, girl!

Carol - glad you're tummy's doing better today. Believe me, you're not missing much not have a Long John's Silvers!! Talk about grease, grease, and more grease!! My dh and ds love it and I can't stand it! Hope you got to eat something decent tonight.

Kimberly - thinking of you today - hope your surgery went well! Glad you could get your classroom packed up and cleaned. There's a summer school class in mine, so I won't be able to get in there until sometime in July. Let us know how you're doing when you're up to it - hope you're resting well!

Tina - I read today that MN had some bad tornados yesterday/last night - I hope all is well at your house!! We've been "dodging" storms all day today. I had to stop at my Regional Office of Education today after my fill and when I went in, it was getting really dark out. The ladies at the counter told me they had just come up from the basement because the tornado sirens kept going off. I got out of there fast and quickly headed home! So far, we've missed the worst of it.

Sounds like you've had a busy week with graduation and ds#1 heading off! Congrats to the graduate and to his proud mama!! I love when schools do the lock-in parties for the graduates - I think it's such a great idea to keep all the kids safe on graduation night. Your other son's trip sounds really cool - I'm sure he'll have a wonderful time.

Well, Jewels, I'm signing off for tonight. Hope everyone has a great weekend!!!

Julie

tinalee123 · June 2008

Hi Jewels...just couldn't help myself. Here's another pic of the grad and me.

Julie -- Yes, like you, we've been dodging severe weather since last weekend. Thank you for your thoughts, we've been fine, just had a little hail -- not enough to hurt the garden or veggies. All around us is crazy, though. It's awfully early in the season for this kind of stuff!

Have a good evening!

Tina

golfer779 · June 2008

Tina, I sure hope your ds#1 packed plenty of rain gear ... this has been about the ugliest weather we've had in quite some time. Sure hope it dries up a bit, maybe before the 4th of July this year!!! I'm curious as to what mountains he is going to be in, maybe Mt. Baker? My friend Ginny (my 3 day partner) lives very close to Mt. Vernon, its a pretty cool place in the spring when the tulip fields are in full bloom.

I enjoyed seeing the pic of ds#2, I'd say he looks like a "happy camper" himself. Does he have an idea of what he would like to do now that he is a graduate? Boy I can't imagine that there was a dry eye in the house, kinda puts things into perspective doesn't it?

Julie, my "boob" hurts in sympathy for your doubling up today.

Guess I shouldn't complain too much about our weather, looks like some of you have had it much worse ... hope this crappy stuff doesn't keep heading east towards you all.

I'm hoping to get some walking in this weekend, havn't been out after work all week, between a bloated gut ache and yucky weather I have some making up to do this weekend. Planning on a 10 miler tomorrow, and hopefully after that I'll feel up to a 12 miler on Sunday. I had to laugh at my dh as he asked if I wanted to golf Sunday, think I'll pass on that one.

Til tomorrow,

golfer779 · June 2008

Tina, another great shot, showed this one to the dh, he was surprised when I told him that you ride a Harley. Boy your son definitely looks like Mom's boy, lucky kid!!!

Since I'm back, thought I'd ask if how your tolerating taking Tamoxifen? I think your about the only one I've heard that has started taking it .

I just googled NOLS Mt Vernon, looks pretty cool. Hopefully he'll get the chance to venture to both the Cascade and Olympic mountains.

Later

golfer779 · June 2008

Good Sat Morning ...

Me again, I know my little avatar is getting tiresome to see!

Had a very mellow Friday night, sat with the lap top snooping around the net as there was not much on the boob tube to grab my interest. I ended up going back to page 1 of our post. I know, maybe I need to get a life!!! I started with page one and about 3 hours later (time flew by), I got to page 15. OMG, what a ride this has been. Since "getting to know" about so many of you, your families, your passions, and of course all of the ups and downs, it was just an awesome read. All thats been attributed to this post, and how it snowballed into what it is today was astonishing to me.

I almost cut and paste a few of Kimberly's inspiring poems, remember those? Trust me they can get the ol' emotions rolling (in a good way gal). I'll let you decide if you'd like to re-post any of them.

Julie, I took a special notice to your post back Dec, talking about your sister also having a double prophylactic mast, and the losses you have had from ovarian cancer in your family. I think back at that time, alot of what I read was kinda foreign to me and I really didn't quite get the total picture. As time has moved forward that big picture is becoming much more vivid.

D1, a story of your talking about meeting Hota from the Today show on your return trip from NYC, led me to google a great interview she had done on the Today show telling her story.

I could obviously go on and on, so all I can say is that thank god I decided to check out the breastcancer.org site on what was probably a "downer" day in December. Sharing our experiences will be a lifelong memory.

So does anybody know how to go directly to a page of the post, or do I need to start at page 1 again?

Off to shower and head out for a walk, be well my friends ...

Carol

Determined1 · June 2008

Whew!! I'm hot and tired. I just got back from my Race for the Cure. It's now 105 degrees outside, according to the weather minder on my computer. I drank tons of water and my dh tossed a cup over my head (we all laughed how it wouldn't mess up my hair!). There were approximately 50,000 people at the walk and WAY too many pink shirts. I only saw one woman with shorter hair than mine, most of the survivors (weird word) were clearly a few years out from their tx. I wore my pink tshirt and my boobies cap (complete with assorted bc pins on it). My friend showed up bearing gifts-she gave me a dog tag with my name on one side and "FUBC" and the words "You are an inspiration" printed on the other. I almost cried. I think it will become a wardrobe staple for me.

We walked the 5K in 1 hour 20 minutes, which was amazing, considering how packed the streets were with people. You could barely move! We saw groups of folks walking with photos pinned to their shirts and we were all thankful that I was wearing a pink shirt and they weren't wearing my photo. It's funny, I get into my own little world and forget that people are still dying from bc-I feel so alive! Guess I should take time to remember how lucky I am.

Anyway, I recommend the walk to all of you. Affirmation of survival is a wonderful attitude adjuster. I'm going to try to be a better person-for a few days, at least.

WVgirl-I don't know why, but I thought you were done with your tx. Well, a big ole sloppy WOOO HOOO to you!!! Hope your relay went well.

You're so funny, SIS Kimberly, not enough nesting at home for you before surgery, oh no! You had to go in to school to get your itch scratched!!! No making fun of me cleaning with Q-tips. I hope the surgery went well. I'm anxious to read on and see if you have a report posted.

Oh, and you remind me-I spotted Helen Reddy right away, too! My sisters and I made up alternative words to that one that are not fit to print here.

Alright, Carol, the pooper's back in biz!!! Oh, and I see YOU'RE the one giving me grief about the Q-tips...

Glad I'm not the only one confused about WVgirl's tx status. Sorry, Carla, we're still with ya all the way.

Isn't graduation wonderful, Tinalee? I've got one left next June. They take our senior class and put them on a boat on the Potomac for the night-same idea as locking them in the school. The kids around here speak disparagingly of the Boat Trip, but they all go! Your kid is a real cutie, too, love the dimples! You guys should be proud of him. Your older son's trip sounds amazing, although you wouldn't catch me dead on that trip (I think I've already shared that I survived a week in the Boundary Waters Canoe area when dh and I were first dating and I had to prove my manhood-no more of that for me). I don't see how he could miss learning a little about himself on a trip like that.

Okay, shit from Julie, too??? I think you guys are just jealous that I'm so compulsive (although you wouldn't know it from seeing my house!). Hope the fill is tolerable this time around. Doubling up sounds like hurty time to me, so my hat is off to you for having the courage to try it.

Got to your second pic, Tina. That's got to be your wig and I'm the one who's jealous now! If I didn't know it, I would never guess that's a wig. I NEVER looked that good in mine (guess that's why it's already in the back of my closet).

Carol, hats off to you if you can manage a 10 or 12 miler. My hips are killing me after just 3 miles! And my big toenails (the ones threatening to fall off) are achey from hitting the tops of my shoes. Perhaps the workout on the elliptical doesn't simulate a good old fashioned walk very well...

Goodness, Carol, are you talking to yourself again???? I've looked back over our posts a couple of times myself, but it's been a while now. They always make me feel closer to everyone, because you're right, the more we know of one another and our journeys, the more those early comments fit together. I agree, we've all been so lucky to meet.

Thinking of SIS Kimberly.

Man, I'm hungry. I think I'll try to motivate people here and see about some food.

D1

RN2teach · June 2008

Ahhhh, it's the weekend! I hope everyone has beautiful weather, good company, and sunny spirits. It is looking promising for that here!

Kimberly- hope you have a speedy recovery from the exchange yesterday.

I'm also wading through all the end-of-year reports, room organizing, and planning for next year. I have a few more days to get everything finished.

D1- Q-tips? What do you clean with those? I use a toothbrush in places--like the grout on my tile countertops. Haven't done that in a while. Our house always "looks" clean (exc. the kids' rooms), but it is long overdue for a good spring-cleaning.

I'm with you on the travel. Have only been out of the country a couple of times, but we try to go somewhere new every year. We've really missed our 'cations (my new fav. word, Carol!) as dh's illness has had us sidelined for the past two years. We've had some nice in-state travels, but I am longing to "hit the road."

Just read about your Race for the Cure experience. The dog tag was a sweet gift. I had the same feelings seeing the "In Memory Of" pictures on t-shirts. It is good to be alive and strong, isn't it?!

Kathy- I'm also watching for your report from the Relay. Congrats on being the top fundraiser!!

It is such a joy to read all the hair stories. And we're reporting these with all of the excitement of a new mama watching her baby's first milestones. Laughing You're a month ahead of me on growth and already getting the first trim!

Julie- my hair looks about like yours. I'll have to get one today and post it so we can compare! I loved your picture with your ds--you gals have truly beautiful smiles!

WVGirl- another Jewel all finished with chemo! Congratulations!!

And another Relay participant! The Charleston event is next weekend.

Tina- John is a handsome lad. Thanks for sharing the pics. You're looking good yourself! Another lovely Jewel smile! I'm glad ds' graduation went well. I was very touched by the tribute for the boy who was killed... I can't even imagine the pain his parents are experiencing...

Joan- how's the boob holding up? You're one ahead of me now. I'm doing okay. A little pink and itchy, but no blisters or sores.

Carol- we'll never tire of seeing your avatar (it is so adorable, BTW) I'm so happy that the tummy issues have passed and you're out and walking this morning.

Reminiscing through the thread, eh? I did the same thing a while back. Some good reading there. I wasn't around for the first month so it was interesting looking at those early days.

We were all set to go back to Duke this weekend for dh to start on the clinical trial on Monday. Got a call yesterday from the research nurse managing the trial... dh doesn't qualify d/t high lipid levels--something I pointed out to them last Monday when we were at Duke. ARGHHH

So, I fired off several phone calls to Duke and by 3:30pm we had another trial lined up. I read over the details last night and looks like he will qualify for this one without any problems. It is another Phase I (sigh!) of Dasatinib (Sprycel) and Erlotinib (Tarceva). Less data on its use with gliomas, but there is some research out there that shows promise.

We don't have to go to Duke until a couple of days after he begins this trial. In the meantime, I'll be knocking off my rads treatments until we have to go... possibly even finishing up the whole boob ones (I have 6 more of those to go, then the 5 boosts).

Time to retire to the front porch to look through some of the studies I have printed out. Have a good Saturday, Gems!

Paula

Jenn51 · June 2008

Friday 6/6/08

Hello Jewels,

I'm trying to get a quick post in before dh & I go out for the evening. WOW! Can't remember the last time we did this. We are going to Hoosier Park which started out as a horse track & this year opened with a casino too. My 1^st real experience with gambling was last summer & fall. 1^st at an Indian Casino in MI & then on the cruise. And dh took a trip to Vega$ with 2 of the ds before my cruise. We both really liked it. A friend is picking us up so since I'm not driving...... WooHoo

Carol, sounds like you & dh are a match made in heaven. Those are always worth the wait. BTW have you tried olive oil. That is one of my standby methods of regularity. It's great on salad with some balsalmic vinegar or just do a shot of it.

Kathy, groomed???? That's what I do to my cockers. You had a styling. Wink I had a ds shave my neck last weekend. It feels good to have a hair line again. I would like some color too but don't think it's long enough yet. All that would color would be my scalp. Wouldn't that be cute. I glad you treated yourself today, we all need that once in a while. Congrats on the Relay for Life $$$.

Julie, great pix. Thanks for sharing. I should take some at certain intervals for a future laugh. I love to scrapbook & this ordeal will surely get a few pages in the book of my life.

D1, good luck on the RFTC tomorrow. I went down for ours in April, right before I fell in the hole & stopped posting. Walking thru those balloons - no describing it. My bff was with the 16-yr. group so I was at the back by myself. Not for long though. I hooked up with another single gal & we walked together, arms linked, smiling & crying at the same time. There are people out there who actually call us heros because we won our fight. It doesn't seem to me I had much to do with it, but maybe I did.

Sat.6/6/08

Right here is where the power went off - again! Seems the fix from last weekend broke again. We got ready without ac or power to iron my outfit. Bff picked us up & we headed out for the casino. No sooner than we got there than there was an announcement that a tornado was on the grounds & we all had to move to the lower lever. OK, we won't eat, we will gamble. The next announcement said to "Cease all gambling" because of the lightning & electrical danger & to move to the inner hallways. They had us behind the scenes with the food freezers & storage units & that's where we stayed until the storm passed. There were 2 funnels out there, 1 on the ground & 1 still aloft. Since no one was hurt it was exciting.

I'm going to post this now & then go back & try to find my place from last night. TTYL

Jenn51 · June 2008

Hi Jewels,

Let's try this again. My heart just sunk when the power went off again last night. 2 Fridays in a row. But it was back on when we got home from the casino. At 1:00AM!!!! It was so much fun. I completely forgot I had bc until someone saw my pink bracelet & said she was a 3-yr survivor. Maybe that life afterwards is not so far off afterall.

Carla, Congrats on your last tx. You've come a long way Baby! Good luck with your booth at the Relay. I hope you aren't having the same rainy day we are.

Kimberly, so good to know at least 1 person here has heard of Helen. When I quoted that line at work the gals just looked at me like I was crazy.

I'm sure it did feel good to clean your school room. And when you go back it will be your room again.

Yes, this stuff does have magnesium & some other things I can't pronounce. But my pharm. looked at it & said it was all natural & shouldn't cause any problems. I really slept good last but maybe because it was so late & I was really pooped.

Carol, good for you! Enough said!

Tina, congrats to you & your ds. They had a lock-in after prom when my oldest graduated. He volunteered me to chaperone. And who was one of the last seniors to arrive, you got it, him & his date. It was fun & I miss those days. The pix of ds#2 is great. I can't imagine losing a child. Those who have survived a tragedy like that must have suffered so much pain. You 2 look so much alike. And you look so happy & proud. Sounds like ds #1 has a great adventure ahead of him.

Oh no, here come the storms again. Frown I'm off the ‘puter & will finish later.

JulieK_11_30_07 · June 2008

Hi girls - we spent several hours working outside today. Dh finished planting all of my flowers, we got the pool pump hooked up, and ds dug up all of the mulch in one of our flower beds b/c we need to replace it. It's so frustrating when grass grows in it and we've got weed-block down! Oh well - I mostly supervised since the foobies are a tad uncomfortable - helped a little with some of it and sprayed off the patio. It was nice to be outside with the fam just doing some "normal" stuff for a change.

Tina - LOVE the pic of you and the graduate - what a cutie he is! Glad the storms didn't come too close to you and your garden is still in tact.

Carol - thanks for the "sympathy" pains. Very sweet of you! Hope the weather cooperated and you were able to get your walking in today. It was a beautiful day here - about time!! My sis and I are only 16 months apart and have been the best of friends since birth - we, of course went through the typical "rough" patches in high school - mainly fought over clothes and the phone - but we've always been close. Losing our mom at such a young age definitely made us even closer - I was 20, she was 19. She has been to almost every appt with me since I was diagnosed - especially through this reconstruction process.

D1 - WOW - what a HOT day for you!!! Glad your race went well. I'm afraid it will be pretty hot for mine too - at the end of June in St. Louis - always hot and humid by then! I have intentions to at least start walking on my treadmill this week so I can start getting in shape for it - I'm a little worried since I've been pretty sore since my fill - hoping it gets better by Monday so I can start my work outs. Sorry to give you crap about your cleaning, but Q-tips??? Seriously??? That's almost a sickness, sweetie!!

Paula - Aren't you out of school yet?? Sounds like you're still in session. Sorry the first trial didn't work out for Ed, but I'm glad the one he was able to get in does show some promise. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. Hope you're able to get the rads done before you have to head to Duke - that'd be great if all you had left were your boosts!

Jenn - How wonderful that you were able to have a night out - win anything? I just love the casino - we don't go often b/c it's hard for my dh to drag me away from the slots!! Sounds like you had some extra excitement -- glad the storm didn't do any damage where you were. You've certainly had your share of power outages - good gravy!! Hope this last storm wasn't too bad.

Well, Jewels - we're watching National Treasure 2, so I'm gonna sign off for now. We're hoping for another good weather day tomorrow so I can get the pool going and start cleaning it out - the ds is getting a little anxious!

Take care, girls - love to all!!

Julie

P.S. I'm still waiting for some of you others to post your "hair" pics -- I'd love to see some of you further out from tx!! Laughing

golfer779 · June 2008

Hello Jewels,

Aahhh, feels good to be sitting down this evening. Managed just over a 10 mile walk today, and the woman I walked with (whom I just met today, an 18 year survivor) has a very fast pace. Came home and decided that I should mow the lawn and tend to the annuals, the weather had been so yucky all week it was due. My dogs are barking a bit tonight. Hoping that I'm up for another 12 miles tomorrow.

D1, wow 105 out, just completing a 3 mile walk is an accomplishment in that heat. We're watching tivo'd golf from Maryland on the boob tube tonight and they are talking about the heat and humidity. How bout sending a little this way, it was cool and cloudy again today. The ol' toe nails can be a doozy when walking some distance, I guess a lot of people have lost all their nails doing the 3 day. Sounds appealing! Boy I know the hip action too, I was shown a pretty good stretch for the hipolas.

Like your take on being in survivor mode, sure as heck beats the alternative! What a cool gift your friend came up with. Almost cried??? I'll be looking forward to the Seattle event on the 21^st.

Q-tips ... maybe I should leave some out for my housekeeper!!!

Paula, sounds like you were ready for the weekend. I could only imagine that you must be a bit wiped from rads, and mentally pooped between work, doc appts and researching info for your dh. What a let down to get a call about the trial (especially since you noted the problem). Hope your research today adds some encouraging news to embrace. Ed's a lucky man to have you in his life!

Jennifer, holy moly never been in a situation where we've had to take cover. So did we bring home a few winnings? My goodness gal, home at 1am, you wild woman you! So glad you had a fun night out.

LOL on your commenting to Kathy about her "grooming"!

Kathy, looking forward to your walk report when you get a chance. I'm guessing it was a hot one for you as well.

Carla, hope your doing well and tolerating your last N-nasty shot today, its got to be a great feeling to know that your chemo txt is a done deal.

Kimberly, thinking of you today, hope your as comfortable as possible and on the mend.

Julie, just poked back into the post saw you had a good day on the home front. Sounds like the ds is working his time off from the tv mishap. With your good weather, looks like you'll all be taking a dip soon!

As I only have a "big" bro, I have enjoyed the tales of the sis's within the post. I don't think my bro would be too comfortable accompanying me to most of my appts!!!

Glad to hear that the foob's are just a "tad" sore. I'll ease up on my sympathy pains!

Getting ready to hit the hay, I decided the last couple of days to not take my Zofran prior to taking my oral cytoxan pills (something had me plugged up), thinking that wasn't the best idea this evening. The pit in the gut is rearing its ugly head tonight ... hoping to sleep it off. Eight more days of those darn pills, not that I'm counting!!!

Night all, Carol

KathyL · June 2008

Shout outs first...

Julie: LOVED the picture of you and your sis. Red is a good color for you-you look outstanding! Hope fills are going well.

D1: Glad to hear your walk went well. It is an emotional experience, huh? And I hope you got your house back in order. I know how you feel wanting everything "just so" (as my grandma used to say). I'm the same way (shocker, huh?). Had to laugh about everyone here giving you sh*t--- I'm not even gonna comment, cuz I'm just like you!

Hair... yes, it's growing like crazy "down there". And straight and fuzzy. So weird. Sorry girls if that's TMI. You know how D1 and I can be. Nothing's sacred...

As for head hair, my hairdresser said to start conditioning now. I've got about ½"of hair (I think), and she said new hair can be fragile and break easily as it comes in, so conditioning is necessary! Just thought I'd pass on that tip. I've switched from Nioxin to Redken shampoo with a deep conditioner.

Carla: Sorry I missed that Friday was your last tx day. Don't know how that happened... can I blame it on chemo-brain??? Hope your Relay went well. June 6 must've been national ACS Relay day or something, b/c I know of several that happened then (mine included). I guess several Jewels got their exercise this weekend.

Kimberly: Hope the surgery went well and you are more comfortable with the new, softer boobies! Next step is hitting Victoria's Secret or some other bra shop of choice to dress the gals up!

Carol: Glad to read your GI system is back in order. Mine finally got itself back to normal after the walk. Maybe all your walking this weekend helped??

What's your official countdown to being "done" (with chemo at least)??

Tina: Congrats to your ds #2 on graduating; what a nice picture of you and your boy. Is he heading off to college next?

Paula: Are you doing the Charleston relay you mentioned? Don't know how you'd have the time with your busy schedule, but wasn't sure. Hope the new clinical trial for dh goes well. Sorry to hear he didn't qualify for the first one.

Wow! You're almost done with rads-that must be a great feeling.

Jenn51: Hope you had a great "date night". Sounds like it would be a great mood booster for you. OK... I just read further, and it sounds like it was an exciting night--- thanks to the weather! Sounds like it ended up being a fun night regardless. Life IS good!

So, girls, sorry I've been gone for a few days. Friday night was amazing. The heat wasn't too bad-upper 80s, but the humidity creeped up. We started with the Survivor/Caregiver Dinner at 5:30. A catered spread under a tent with big fans (ahhh). Very tasty food. My mom, dad, and stepmom joined me (they all came down from PA) and dh, dd, and ds. There was a kids' area nearby with slides, and rides. They loved it! Anyway, at the dinner, we got to sign big letters which were put up at the track later on... they spelled CURE. My dad got a pic later of my signature on the "C". Next to it on the track were big letters spelling HOPE which lit up at night. Dh got a pic of that I think. (Yeah, I don't have any pictures downloaded yet, but will be sure to post them when I do). At the dinner, survivors got their pictures taken (I did mine topless! I only had a hat on when the sun was up) and we got to write our "story"-both got sent to our state legislators for support for state funding for cancer. Opening ceremonies were at 7. I found my "boob buddy"-my friend I've talked about on here before-- and we stood together. There was a speech by another survivor (breast CA) who had been in the herceptin clinical trial 3 years ago. She's looking good. Next each survivor got a dove (actually a trained homing pigeon). We all let them go together. It was amazing. This was my favorite part and I can't wait to do it again next year. I was petrified at first that the bird was going to peck me and/or poop on me-but he was a good birdy and just sat still until I released him. All the birds flew together and swooped over the track a few times, then landed behind a tree where their trainer was. My dad got lots of pictures; I can't wait to see them. I was a little teary after that. Next we started the walk with our caregivers, then our teams. I have no idea how many laps I did, but I know I did a lot. At 9, they did the luminaria ceremony. Very sad, as it really was to remember those that had died (although they were also a tribute to survivors, most of the stuff said was for those who'd passed). I had found a luminaria for a girl I used to work with who was not much older than me-I had no idea she'd had BC let alone had died from it. Really choked me up to see that. There were so many luminarias, I couldn't find but one of mine. But a slide show ran for a while of all the tributes on the luminarias, so I got pictures of that-and have one of the January Jewels'!!!

Dh and I stayed until about 10:30 with my mom, then headed home (the kids had left earlier with my dad and stepmom). Saturday AM we went back, and I walked some more laps. I brought donuts and coffee for my team. The kids did a kids' lap and got free t-shirts and goodies. Dd had to leave for her recital rehearsal. It was so hot and humid, we decided to leave around 10. I missed the closing ceremony at 11, but I got to meet up with dd and my stepmom for rehearsal. It was just such a great experience overall; I'm glad I did it even though I didn't stay overnight (maybe next year). But as D1 said, just remids me how happy I am to be alive.

Spent today cleaning, etc. to get ready for the week. The kids start "summer camp" at preschool tomorrow. dd has her final performance for gymnastics Tuesday night, and her recital is Saturday-so this week will be busy too, but not as bad as last week. I have my next herceptin infusion Tuesday afternoon, too.

The schedule...

Monday: I think...Carol's last chemo! (Unless this got postponed b/c of her prior setback).

Tuesday: Kris 60 #8 of 12 weekly T

Wednesday: Wing #11 of 12 weekly T

Saturday: Happy 49^th Birthday to Deb102307!!

Kris and Wendy... the end is in sight!

SISKimberly · June 2008

June 8,2008

Good Morning all,

Surgery on Friday was a success! I now have my little foobies (fake boobies) that do not in any way feel like coconuts upon my chest. WHOOHOO!!!! Hey, there may be a poem brewing about foobies lurking somewhere in the back of my mind. We'll just have to wait and see what springs forth.

May I just say, I had forgotten what a pain in the arse it is to have tubes coming from my body, not being able to shower, and having to sleep exclusively on my back? I've not gotten the best night's rest these past few nights. I had to get up about 3am and go sleep in my chair last night, and then came back to bed around 6:30am and slept until almost 10am. However, all-in-all, what a small price to pay for being DONE with my treatment for breast cancer. It's all over except for the monitoring. May I have a big collective WHOOHOO? That's what I'm talking about!!!!

Greg takes care of the drains for me as it is awkward to do oneself. I have very little drainage as of today and it's clear, which is good. That means these drains are coming out on the 12th. Yeah!!! Greg also had to drain a big ole blister forming just on the edge of one of my bandages today. I have developed a great sensitivity to all adhesives on my body, as rashes appear, and apparently blisters, too. But, then again, a small price to pay to be at the crossroads where I get to walk down the path that points to the Cancer Free Zone.

OK, can't say it's the best poem I've ever attempted, but it is what it is.

Let's Hear it for Foobies!
by Kimberly Montgomery

I used to be one of those people, who without malice,
noticed those with 'too perfect' boobies,
but now my not so perfect original pair have
retired –replaced by perky little foobies.

My foobies will never pass for the real things,
for they don't, at least not right now, have that bounce
that hints at being natural, young, and free, yet
not having to wear a bra – won't miss that one ounce.

No longer do I have to worry about being cold.
Now ladies, you know exactly what it is I mean.
No more embarrassing prominent protrusions saluting
at inappropriate times – can't leave, no fleeing the scene.

On the bright side was being able to choose my size.
Prior, shirts in fashion that fit weren't easy to find.
Wearing a button down was not even a thought to entertain,
but now, there's no problem here – got shopping in mind.

'Too perfect' boobies, au natural, or foobies, it makes
no difference as we are not our breasts. Alive and well
is really the bottom line when it comes right down to it.
In truth, Ms. Reddy's, "I Am Woman", - rings clear as a bell.

OK, shout out time:

Wvgirl- I must have been posting the same time as you were. WhooHoo on the last tini!!!! We will be waiting for you on the other side of the fog. May the se’s be minimal.

Carol- LOL on having an ‘open’ and honest relationship with your OB-Gyn. I know you didn’t mean it the way I just took it…but then I have one of those minds being a junior high teacher.

Thanks for calling me Friday morning. It means so much to me that you took the time to do that. You are soooo good at giving us Jewels your personal touch!

Isn’t it amazing that we’ve written 99 pages worth? I’m still saving them, and will find out how much it will cost to print and bind our posts when we all decide we’re ready. What a wonderful record of our journey this has allowed us to create along with our new SISes.

Hope you and the tummy were up for your walks yesty and today.

Tina- Congrats to you recent grad!!!! What a handsome boy. I’m so sorry to hear about his friend’s passing and of the surviving boy’s challenges ahead. How wonderful for the young man’s parents to have been there to accept their son’s diploma and to be so warmly received by his friends and classmates. As sad as it must have been, it had to be a comfort to be so supported.
My son’s school did a Sober Grad Night gig as well. It is such a great idea to keep our kids safe on a night that used to claim too many grad’s lives as they celebrated with alcohol.

And, WOW, on your ds#1’s going to National Outdoor Leadership School. I think he’s found what makes him happy- being outdoors doing the things he loves to do. I guarantee he will come back a very different young man- full of confidence and knowing more of who he is and what he wants out of life. What a great thing to offer our youth. I’d never heard of this school before.

There was a ton of medicinal info on our ‘cation as the Indians had the whole of Mother Earth at their disposal.

Julie- Man dodging storms doesn’t sound like fun…although it could be good exercise, I suppose. Hahaha

I agree about Long John Silvers and IMO all those fast food joints. Grease city.

Glad your last fill wasn’t too bad. The tightness should subside about the time you go in this coming Friday.

Yeah on having a ‘normal’ family day doing stuff outdoors.

I haven’t seen National Treasure 2 yet. I’ll have to rent it.

Speaking of slots, both my mom and older sis are so lucky on the slots. They never walk away without at least $1,000, but more likely a lot more. Since my mom passed, we always tell my older sis that mom is with her pointing out the good machines. My twin sis and I did not get the gambling luck. I do well with parking spots. Not as lucrative, but nice when parking is packed.

D1- I know, I’m crazy! My cleaning ladies wouldn’t probably have agreed to clean my classroom. If I hadn’t gotten my class room done before surgery, I would have been overwhelmed come the fall when it is time to get the room set up for next year. Hey, I’m with you about Q-tips being good for cleaning all kinds of tight spots, like belly buttons, although I haven’t used them in cleaning my house as of yet…and probably won’t now that I’ve got my ladies to do it for me. OH YEAH!!!!!

Glad you had such a good time at the Race. 105 degrees. Man, that’s hot!!!! What a thoughtful gift…the dog tag.

Paula- Isn’t that the truth about reporting on hair growth like it’s a baby’s milestone. It kind of is, isn’t it, since it feels just like baby soft hair.

Bummer about not getting into the trial you and Ed hoped for, but this new one could prove to be even better for his type of cancer since there isn’t much research regarding these drugs and his kind of cancer. He could be the breakthrough!!!!

Glad you’ll have time to get your rads knocked out before heading back out to Duke. Any chance they could do a regular dose in the am and then the booster in the pm for the last five times?

Hope the weekend gives you time to just rest and rejuvinate some after such a busy week. SHERO for sure!!!!

Jenn- Wow, how wonderful that you two are going out on a date. I hope this might be the start of you and the dh being able work through the rough patches of late.

OK, so that was a lot of excitement for a long awaited date night. Glad you had a blast being out until 1 am. I haven’t been up that late unless I’ve been asleep and woke to pee.

Kathy- Wow, what a wonderful description of your Relay event. It sounded like a wonderful and emotional time. I’m so glad your mom, dad, step mom, dh and kids were there with you.

Glad to see things are ‘slowing down’ for you this week. I swear, you are one busy gal with work, being a mom and wife, and getting the kids to all of their activities.

OK, got to go. My twinsis is coming over to say hi.

Have a fabulous day everyone.

With love and gratitude,
Kimberly

golfer779 · June 2008

Happy Sunday Eve

Okay, my legs and hips are a hurtin' unit tonight. I think the fast paced walk yesterday was a little much. Today's walk of 12 miles was at a much slower pace, but between the two I'll need a day or two of rest.

I don't have my infusion until Tuesday, tomorrow its off to the big city to have a 2nd opinion on my rad regimen. I'm scheduled for my simulation on Thursday, and didn't have alot of options on appt times so had to push my LAST infusion back by one day. Thanks again Kathy for hanging on with us stragglers.

Kathy, thanks for sharing your weekend experience with us. Sounds like there was some pretty special touches to your event, and having your folks attending was cool. There's nothing like seeing all the luminaries lit, and I can only imagine the rush of emotion when you all released the pigeons. Looking forward to seeing some pics when you get a chance. Looks like another busy week for you!

Kimberly, aaaahhh, just the news we wanted to hear. Foobies in place with no hitches. So did we come up with the latest creation (poem) while on pain meds? Your too much gal!! Good news on having little drainage, and bummer on the tape being a pain. Just few more days, and you'll be sleeping like a baby!

Need to motivate out of this recliner, already took an Epson salt bath and have been a "recliner potato" most of the afternoon.

A good week to all, Carol

SISKimberly · June 2008

Carol- Yeah... that's it...I was on drugs!!! (actually haven't had a single pain pill). Thanks for giving me a good excuse for that not so note worthy creation. It needs some work, for sure. Hahaha

Sorry your legs and hips are hurting. Hope the Epson salt bath kicks in soon.

So you have your last infusion this week? Awesome!!! And the oral Cytoxin will be done as well? Yippee Skipee!!!!

SIS Kimberly

Determined1 · June 2008

Today was good-although my armpit feels a tad bloated. Can't wait till Tuesday and have that fluid massaged out...

Paula, like you don't have enough on your plate right now. I hope the new trial works for you guys. The universe works in strange ways, so keep the faith.

I use the Q-tips to dust crevices on my knick-knacks. I don't have a lot of that stuff (remember, the dh is a Scandi), but I've picked up a few things that are treasures to me on cations over the years. Crevices only get dusted a few times in life, so I'm celebrating the fact that they are clean for now!

Boy, I hope you guys get a cation soon. They're good for the soul. The US has so much to offer, so a road trip is always good. I'm trying to "collect" all 50 states and I only have Vermont, North Dakota and Mississippi left. Don't think I'll be hitting all of those in one trip! I'm doing okay on continents-North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa so far. I've always wanted to visit Australia, but I'm not sure I'll ever get to Antartica...(or if I really want to). I live for my travels and we're really getting psyched for our next trip. Dh was just calling Croatia this a.m. and was so relieved to find someone to speak English. (I must say, I'm always so impressed at how much English the world speaks. It makes me a little embarrassed that we don't learn more languages in the US. I did my study abroad in Germany when I was in college, so I used to be pretty good at German and I've had 3 years of Spanish and 1 year of French. Not sure if the 3 courses of Mandarin counts for much as you learn that language VERY slowly. I can really only say "hey, how are ya" and "thanks." I can also ask if someone is tall or not as that was the sentence we learned to demonstrate the "tones" in that language. Kinda like the whole "the pen is on the table" thing you learn in French).

It sounds like you're tolerating rads well. I'm glad for you. I may sound like a broken record, but keep that baby lubed up and hydration is good, too. The boosts are even easier than the whole field rad, but the burn shows up a few days later and seems to last longer. I'm 4 weeks out and even though my skin is recovered, I can still feel the heat from the boost zone.

OMG, Jenn, the whole casino thing sounds so exciting! Like you said, no harm, no foul, so you were all able to enjoy the camaraderie that comes with shared inconveniences. Hope your weather gets better.

Wow, Julie, I'm so impressed that you were out supervising when you're just off your double-fill. What a trooper. And, yeah, I'm totally sick about the cleaning. This will pass!

Carol, I'm grimacing at your tummy troubles. I know what you mean about counting down the days. I've done my share of that over the past 9 months. Hang in there. You're certainly active enough, so you can't say you're not doing what you can to help your body out. Those darn poisons they give us, many, they do a number, don't they?

Oh, KathyL, I'm just so moved reading about your Relay. Dh even just stumbled in and I told him about your experience (he's not been "into" the whole Jewels thing-he always just says, "oh, you're talking to your friends again"). I'm amazed at all of the different ways you all were acknowledged and celebrated. Wow.

Oh, and my sister clean-a-holic! Thanks for the affirmation.

SIS Kimberly-You make me laugh. Love your take on your foobies. You make me wish I had some (almost). You may have a gargantuan WOOOOOOOHOOOOOOO from me!!!!

Okay, I lol at the comment that you get up at 1am to pee...

Hmmm. So I end my shouts on a comment about Kimberly's urinary habits. Oh well. It is what it is.

Tomorrow I see babydoc for my rad followup and then I go to have my blood drawn for the menopause study (I must really want to pay it forward if I'm agreeing to a blood draw). I hope I have a chance to stop in.

FUBC.

D1

Determined1 · June 2008

Oh Carol, you posted whilst I was over in Word doin' my thang. Would've been better to end on something other than Kimberly hittin' the head. Anyhoo, take care of those sore hips. They'll pass quickly. I'm surprised that even today I'm already recovered from all that walking (okay maybe the elliptical is worthwhile after all). Now hobble over to the bed from the recliner...

D1

camazur · June 2008

This is me and my ds from our visit last Thurs. I hadn't seen him since Feb. He's 300 mi. north in a drug rehab program for the past year, just about to finish and move up to an after care program. He's done so well, gotten his GED at 17 and wants to start community college in the fall. A complete turnaround.

Maz

JulieK_11_30_07 · June 2008

Hi all! Another HOT day here today! I actually got my pool filled enough to turn on the pump/filter - hoping to work on cleaning it tomorrow a bit. We worked outside again today - I didn't do as much as yesterday, but the dh and ds worked like dogs --- they got down in our woods and cut down several trees that died over the winter. I went down and helped them load and bring up our 4-wheeler that pooped out while they were down in the woods. We ended up all cleaning up and going out to dinner about 8:00 p.m. b/c we were too tired to cook.

Kathy - your Relay sounds very touching - thank you for such a great description of the event. I'm glad you had so many of your family there with you. They really had some cool things taking place! Hearing about yours and all of the other's experiences, I'm getting excited about mine coming up! Sounds like you have another busy week coming up - not sure how you manage to do it all!

Kimberly - Woooooohoooooo!!!! So glad your surgery went well! LOVED the foobie poem!! LOL!!!! I sure feel for you with the drains --- I was soooo happy to get mine removed this last time and I'm not looking forward to having them again! But, I know they have a purpose, so we gotta deal with them. WOW! I've never been that lucky on the slots!! I just win a little here and there - the last time we went, my dh won $450 and that's the most we've ever won in one visit. My step-mom seems to always win too - my dad has a hard time keeping her away from the boats. Hope you had a nice visit with twinsis today and that you're feeling even better as the days go by.

Carol - sorry to hear you're hurting tonight - just hang out in that recliner - you've certainly earned some down-time with all that walking - holy cow!! YAY!!! Your last infusion is Tuesday --- I'm so happy for you!! Hope your appt goes well tomorrow.

D1 - WOW - you've been quite the traveler!! That's one thing I'd like to start trying to do - my dh's first plane trip was for our honeymoon and we have traveled only to Florida a couple times since then. We go to Wisconsin almost every year to visit his dad and family, but that's about it. With my son's huge interest in US history, I think we'll plan a trip to some historical areas in the next year or so. Hope your appt goes well tomorrow too!!

Paula - hope you had a nice, relaxing weekend!

Maz - what a nice picture of you and your son. You must be so proud of him making it through the program and having new goals for himself. That's wonderful!!

Vettegal - thinking of you and Denise. Hope you're both doing okay.

I'm off for now - need to get ready for bed. Hope everyone has a good Monday tomorrow!

Take care, Jewels!

Julie

SISKimberly · June 2008

Greg and Kimberly at Montezuma's Well

So, here is a pic of my sweetie and I sitting in front of the irrigation ditch created from the spring that escaped from the well by the Sinagua inhabitants. This well has a huge capacity of water coming in from underground and then leaving via the spring daily.

I'll do my shout outs next.

SIS Kimberly

SISKimberly · June 2008

Good Morning Jewels,
I’ve been just taking care of busy work…no, I’m not lifting anything, I promise…and am finally in a place where I can post.

I slept better last night. Took a melatonin. Again, barely anything in the drains this morning. Wish I could get these drains out before Thursday’s appt. Maybe I’ll call and see if that’s possible. Doubt it, but it doesn’t hurt to ask.

At least the drains will be gone by Friday when we go to Murphy’s, a wine country area in the foothills near Calaveras County, to see Sheryl Crow and the Los Lonely Boys. How cool is that?

D1- Thanks for the big WhooHoo.

And about my peeing…my twinsis and I have a saying. “Never pass up a good opportunity to pee.” We’ve got the smallest bladders on the planet. We swear we split one. We even shared what we call ‘bathroom dreams’ where you find yourself in places where there is no bathroom or it is so disgusting you just can’t bring yourself to use it. Seriously sick, we know, but you will be glad to know that those dreams haven’t surfaced for a very long time. Guess life isn’t in the shitter any more?

Wow, I had no idea, or don’t recall if you stated so in the past, what an extensive traveler you are. I’m so jealous…imagine me turning a lovely shade of green.

And…to attempt so many languages. I didn’t get that gene. I took French and totally remember the pencil on the table, and Hello Guy. Hello Michelle. Do you want to go to the beach. Yes. Let’s go to the beach…of course, I couldn’t write that in French to save my life, and apparently couldn’t speak it well enough to want to continue on with French 2.

So, is everything back in the family room and kitchen? Do you just love it?

Maz- It warms my heart to see your son, handsome lad, doing so well. Breaking addictions is pretty tough, and the fact he’s taken care of this now is huge!!!! Sounds like both mother and son have faced their worst and come out on top!!!! BRAVO!!!

Julie- Look at you giving those new pecs a work out!!!! After such a hard working day, you all deserved a nice meal out.

Thinking of all of ours sisters who have been living their lives and taking care of business. Hope to hear from you soon. We miss you.

Have a spectacular day all,
SIS Kimberly

KathyL · June 2008

Glad to see I'm not too far behind today on the new posts. It was uneventful for me at work. The biggest thing is just this blasted heat (heat index over 105 in little DE today). I do not like heat AND humidity. Hoping we get some rain tomorrow and it cools things off.

Kimberly: What a PITA that you have drains in! Hoping you will be rid of them Thursday (or sooner).

Carol: Good luck tomorrow. Big WOOHOO on it being your LAST tx!!! Hope your legs have rested from all your walking.

D1: How did the visit with babydoc go?

I also did not realize what a traveler you are. Right there with Cathy-CA (maybe even ahead of her?). I'm so impressed. Hope I get to see you next time you go through DE.

Maz: Nice pic of you and your ds. I'll bet you're so proud of how he's turned his life around. Major accomplishment.

Julie: Sounds like you were busy! Never woulda known that you were so down and out just a month ago!

That's it for me. Tomorrow night is dd's gymnastics finale. I'll check in Wednesday I hope.

RN2teach · June 2008

Evening Jewels,

Just sitting here with dh watching Andy Griffith reruns on TVLand. They're so silly, but they make us chuckle!

Jenn- I'm glad the storms didn't ruin your evening out.

Julie- I'm glad you got to get outside and work with the family this weekend. A day spent supervising the menfolk is a day well spent IMO! Smile

This is my last week of school. We have an extra week tacked onto each end of the school year.

Kathy- your Relay event sounds wonderful. I am signed up for Friday's event...dunno if I'll make it... we'll see!

Hope dd's gymnastics finale goes well tomorrow.

Carol-You've been in my thoughts a lot these past few days. I've wanted to call you, but haven't had any time to myself (at least when you'd be awake--this time difference sucks sometimes!) Anyway, I'll be thinking of you tomorrow for the LAST chemo. YAHOO!

Kimberly- loved the Foobie poem--what a hoot!! Laughing

Nice 'cation pic from AZ. Looks like the timing is going to work out perfectly for your trip this weekend, too!

Maz- what a nice picture of you and ds. Sounds like you had a good visit. You should be very proud of him for turning his life around. I'm praying for his continued success!

D1- you're quite the world traveler, girl! I've only traveled in the Americas and Europe, and I've only visited 1/2 the states. I'm taking dd to Stanford in August for a leadership conference. I had actually toyed with the idea of taking a family road trip to California so that the kids could see some more of our great land.

I didn't go in to work today. I spent the morning on the telephone with Duke trying to get dh's new clinical trial started. Had my rads at noon and then took Ed for the pre-trial tests to make sure he is clear to start this trial. If things go well, we hope to get started by Wednesday or Thursday. We will have to go to Duke for labs within 3-7 days of the start date.

Catch you gals later,

Paula

golfer779 · June 2008

Hi Ladies,

Finally home for the night, we left this morning at 7:30 had my dr. appt, lunch, shopping at the golf store, ferry ride home, out to buy chocolates for the front desk and nurse staff for tomorrow's farewell txt day, stopped for a decaf latte and home. Considering most of my day was sitting on my behind, I'm pooped. Out of the blue my mind decided that today would be a good day to have that "meltdown" feeling (kinda like my return trip from "cation" back in March on the plane). The rad doc was plugging along with her "recommendation" and my tears ducts decided to let loose. She was apologizing as she thought maybe it was something she had said to upset me. Actually everything she said was almost verbatim what the 1st rad doc said, which I am good with.

We stopped for lunch, and yep, I got weepy again while munching a salad, my dh asked what was I thinking and I literally couldn't even comprehend in my mind what was triggering my tears. I'll blame it on the pending emotions for tomorrows txt or another se from chemopause. Last nights sweat fest was a doozy so maybe its my body saying hey what the heck, where's the estrogen???!!!

Okay, enough about the weepies (D1, thats not the group)...

Kathy, sitting here listening to the national news and the heat wave hitting your neck of the woods, where's the middle ground? ... we've got the opposite wet and cold weather.

Happy to report my hips have loosened up (so to speak) throughout the day, and my legs and feet feel great. I'll be ready for a short training walk on Weds. I may hit the links tomorrow, depending on the gut after txt tomorrow.

Kimberly, geeez , you never stop, off to another concert Friday ... you go gal! Sounds to me like those drains can come on out, I'd definitely be calling the doc office on that one. I wasn't a "big drainer" myself and only had mine in for 5 days with both surgeries. Good luck on that one.

Thanks for sharing the pic, your looking like happy campers enjoying a relaxing "cation". Its nice to put a face (Greg's) to hearing what a great guy he is. Once again, "you go gal"!!!

Julie, sounds like your "supervising" is producing some good results around the house. I bet your ds is really chomping at the bit to get that pool ready to go. So is school out for you all? My son goes until June 18^th. A couple snow days we're tacked onto the end of the year. Dinner out is usually music to my ears and!!! We've saved a fortune on not eating out half as much as we usually would over the last 6 months. I'm hoping to make up for those nights here real soon!!!

Maz, you must be so proud of your son. His success with treatment is commendable. Thanks for sharing the great pic, and good luck to new beginnings for yourself as well as your son.

D1, Holy toledo, I'd say we've traveled a bit. Ever think of getting into the travel agent business? As you've said, you all travel well together .. Good thing!!! When you heading back to the Pac NW?

So are our visits to Babydoc going to be a thing of the past? I'll be interested to hear about your trial as it progresses.

Wow, its blowing like a son-of-a-gun outside, think I'll post before we have the power flicker.

Kimberly, geeez , you never stop, off to another concert Friday ... you go gal! Sounds to me like those drains can come on out, I'd definitely be calling the doc office on that one. I wasn't a "big drainer" myself and only had mine in for 5 days with both surgeries. Good luck on that one.

Thanks for sharing the pic, your looking like happy campers enjoying a relaxing "cation". Its nice to put a face (Greg's) to hearing what a great guy he is. Once again, "you go gal"!!!

Julie, sounds like your "supervising" is producing some good results around the house. I bet your ds is really chomping at the bit to get that pool ready to go. So is school out for you all? My son goes until June 18^th. A couple snow days we're tacked onto the end of the year. Dinner out is usually music to my ears and!!! We've saved a fortune on not eating out half as much as we usually would over the last 6 months. I'm hoping to make up for those nights here real soon!!!

Maz, you must be so proud of your son. His success with treatment is commendable. Thanks for sharing the great pic, and good luck to new beginnings for yourself as well as your son.

D1, Holy toledo, I'd say we've traveled a bit. Ever think of getting into the travel agent business? As you've said, you all travel well together .. Good thing!!! When you heading back to the Pac NW?

So are our visits to Babydoc going to be a thing of the past? I'll be interested to hear about your trial as it progresses.

Wow, its blowing like a son-of-a-gun outside, think I'll post before we have the power flicker.

Cathy-CA · June 2008

My son brought in a box this afternoon from my secret pal! A lovely picture frame, photo album and scented candles. Thank you very much, secret pal.

I did a training walk yesterday for the 3-day and met a women whose mother was just diagnosed with breast cancer. Spent time walking with her and trying to give her a feel for what her mother will be going through these next few months. Gave her the website address and strongly urged her to have her mother check out this wonderful place.

Maz -- thanks for sharing the picture of you and your son. I'm sure you are proud of how much he has accomplished. I've mentioned my older son has put us through so much, so I know how important it is to treasure their accomplishments.

Kathy -- your relay sounds like it was inspirational. Our city is doing one later this month, but I didn't sign up. I wasn't sure how I would be doing by that point in rads, so hated to commit.

D1 -- like you, I'm always embarrassed by the fact that it seems like everyone else in the world speaks multiple languages and here I am pretty much only speaking English and some very basic Spanish.

Kimberly -- glad the surgery went well and that the drains will be gone soon.

Carol -- we had a lecture at our training walk yesterday about not doing too much too soon. There are both Saturday and Sunday walks and the two leaders are trying to coordinate to make sure they don't both do longer walks on the same weekend. Yesterday's was an easy 5-miler, but the San Diego walk is a couple months later than Seattle. I'm still working on my fundraising. I've set a goal to send out three messages/cards a day asking for donations.

Julie -- hope your hot weather goes away soon. It's miserable when it's that hot.

Paula -- are rads going smoothly for you? I'm starting week 4 and, so far, no burns or other problems. Occasionally the shoulder harness of my seatbelt rubs the tip of my nipple just wrong and it hurts a tiny bit, but that's about it. I'm using lots and lots of aloe.

golfer779 · June 2008

Okay, got that one posted without a glitch. Just heard on the local news we're expecting some pretty high winds throughout the night, and I guess the snowplows are coming out of spring storage for the mountain passes.

Tina, your son is going to come home from Washington and say, "the weather sucks there". Hoping that being from Minnesota he won't think its as bad as we have this month. I'll be curious to hear an update from you on his experiences.

Paula, been thinking of you and your family as well. I tried calling Sat afternoon (my time), hoping you all we're enjoying some quality down time over the weekend.

I hope that things can get moving for Ed's treatment, in the mean time looks like your banging out your rads. I bet your looking forward to wrapping up your school year, you've had more than a full plate.

I chatted with the dh (on our a.m. ferry ride), about wanting to go to CA a couple days earlier than we had initially planned on, as I believe you spoke of being at Stanford the week of Aug 11th?. He is a little concerned about his time off as he just took a new position in his co. I'm thinking that planes fly to that neck of the woods regularly and that I may head south a few days before he does. Kent's dd and fiance will also be in the area (going to summer school), so I'm planning on making something work.

Speaking of the dd, I screwed up and made my rad appt for my simulation late in the day on Thurs, forgot all about her college grad ceremony at 6:00 that eve over in Seattle. I'll be the missing step-mom, but there in spirit. Typically the 48 hr period after my txt is not a great night for me so maybe staying closer to home will be a good thing. I'd hate to be the downer for my dh and her on such a special night.

1 infusion and 6 more days of those ugly blue pills and I'll be doing the happy dance!!!

Pleasant dreams Jewels (that means you too Kimberly, no potty dreams!!!)

Carol

golfer779 · June 2008

Cathy, I'm actually onboard for the "not doing too much". I screwed up and walked with a woman on Sat right here in my town and our pace was way too fast. It was a cardio workout on the inclines. The team that I train with over in Seattle has a much slower pace (atleast the gals I walk with). I know that my hips we're aching from the pace not the mileage. Happy to report my feet are doing great. I've never had such an expensive pair of tenni-rippers, but I'm really pleased with them. If fact I'll be getting another pair to break in, I guess its good to have two good pairs in case of wet weather during the walk. I'm humbled each outing to meet such supportive people on our training walks. This weekend is the 3 day expo, I guess there are a lot of tips for packing, seeing just how small the tents are, yada yada. I'm more than hyped about taking on this whole adventure, hope to hear more stories from your experience as well.

Determined1 · June 2008

Good Morning, Jewels.

Yesterday w/babydoc went well. I don't see him again till November at which time he's going to order a new MRI for me (I didn't even have to remind him that I'm not very confident about mammos, he remembered). He said I'm healing so well that he thinks if I keep my field out of direct sunlight this summer that will be enough (at first he said it would be a year, so I'm pleased). Then I went upstairs to give my blood for the menopause study. The gal running the study is really a sweetie. She's going to be a fab onc one day. I told her about my rotator cuff thing and she didn't need to hear more, she got out her script pad and wrote me one for a consultation. So I'll take that with me today for my le massage and have my legu hook me up with the best rotator therapist they have. I'm SO ready to have that under control. Anyway, back to my blood draw. While there, my assistant onc (the one running the test), told me to make an appointment to see my onc in 3 months. So I don't have to go back to Georgetown for a doc appointment for 3 months!!!! WoooHooo!!!

So let's see what everyone is up to.

Maz-You look fabo in that photo, dahling. And you must be really proud of how your son is turning his life around. Sounds like both of you are ready to get on with it.

Julie-You're quite the supervisor! Way to go on all the outdoor stuff you're getting done. It always makes me feel so good when I look out of my windows and see a good looking yard. I sure hope you guys are able to get started on the US tour. I've been SO amazed at all the wonderful and beautiful things in our country.

OMG SISKimberly! I would LOVE to see Sheryl Crow!!! I keep meaning to get out and buy her new CD. I want to get the CD so I can download to my iTunes, but then have it for my car. Oh, almost forgot to mention how much I enjoyed the new pic (I was all in to the Sheryl Crow news).

Everything is moved back in, but the painter is going to come back to touch up a few things we've noticed since he left. I've got to figure out when I'm going to be able to work that in...

KathyL-I don't think our travels hold a candle to what CathyCA has done, but we really like to try new places and things. My dh gets restless on vaca, so many of them are harder work than being at home, but we do get to see some amazing things. I think learning about different cultures helps us to be more tolerant of differences, so I'm always encouraging us to try things that will broaden everyone's horizons. And as long as we can avoid the cations that include camping, I'm happy!

I hope the gymnastics finale is wonderful tonight. My girls were such klutzes at gymnastics. I always wished they'd done better at gymnastics and dance stuff, but it was not to be. Good thing we were able to find basketball!

Paula, I sure hope you're able to get Ed in to that trial. I know it will be a lot of commuting for you guys, but it sounds like they know how to help him.

Good Gawd, Carol, the weepies (not the group, as you duly noted) are a-okay. I'm jealous that you're able to let all that emotion out. Going for that last chemo tx IS a big day, and everyone here can totally empathize. Give yourself the space to have your feelings, please. And then get your butt in there today and totally fuck cancer over, but good!!!

CathyCA-sounds like you're keeping yourself lubed. When I saw babydoc yesty he attributed my speedy recovery to generous use of lubricants and exercise. Sounds like you've got both of those nailed, yourself. I hope you continue to breeze thru. (By week 4 my nipple was a blistered mess, so it sounds like you're doing even better-you go girl!)

Okay, speaking of fucking cancer over. I have to start my Tamoxifen today and it's already 11:30 and I can't seem to make myself open the pill bottle and just do it. I guess I'll get my strength from you guys. I'll go get the damn pill. I'm back. When I went out to get my pill, college girl was parked in front of the tv (watching Jon and Kate plus 8-her new obsession). She wondered what I was cussing about. I told her I was getting my damn pill. She made an excellent observation. She said, "Mom, you've had such a good attitude about everything else you're done. You've just got to keep that attitude about your pill." She's right. Sigh. Here goes.

FUCK YOU BREAST CANCER!!!!!!

D1

Determined1 · June 2008

the damn thing is stuck in my throat. I hope that's not a sign...

Jan 2008--Ain't it Great?

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