Jan 2008--Ain't it Great?

Kimberly -- love your travelog.  Chicago is a fun city and I'm glad you were upgraded to 1st class.  While it's definitely better than being in coach, 1st class has gone downhill since 9/11.  I miss the days of shrimp cocktails and ice cream sundaes!

Deb -- enjoy your treadmill.  I keep thinking about putting one in the game room once my youngest leaves for college in August.  But, I like the companionship at the gym, so will probably keep going there.

D1 -- We buy cars using the Costco fleet price, so you don't need to negotiate.  They charge $300 over invoice and since this is a "limited availability" car at this point and there was only one in Southern Calfornia the color he wanted, I'm sure we ended up with a better deal going through Costco. 

KathyL -- I know what you mean about the endless appointments.  I keep thinking I'm getting near the end and then a few more pop up!  I have a mammo next week in addition to the last few rads and a Herceptin infusion.

Carol -- my great uncle left money for both my sons to buy their first new cars at 18, so technically this was my son's money (or great uncle's depending on your point of view).  We just needed to be involved in the process since he's not quite 18 (two more weeks) and the car has to be in our name in addition to his to be on our insurance policy.

Happy short week Jewels!

Carol - As far as the port goes, I was told I have to keep mine for a few months and the dept that put it in will take it out.  I am also confused about the "address list being snail mailed".  Is that for the secret pal thing or so we can keep in touch or did I just really miss the boat.  I don't have any problems at all with it.  Just think I missed the post that talked about it and can't seem to find it.

SuePeet - I had a Power Port put in and haven't really had any problems.  It is under the skin so no problems with water or anything once the small incision heals.  I would prefer it over a pic line for sure.  The only real downfall is having to be poked through the skin each time but there are creams to deaden the skin.  They also don't knock you out to put it in. Not sure if that was an issue for you.

Well, I read the directions for the treadmill last night so am ready to go.  How far?  I'm sure it will be short for a while but at least I will be doing something.  It looks much bigger than it looked in the store and has all kinds of cool bells and whistles.

Hope everyone if having a cool day.  I am looking forward to Friday.  Headed out of town and hope to do a little trout fishing on the river.  Trying to get my mood back up and back to having as normal a life as possible.  Also need to get strength back for the Race this year in October.  I know it is not far but heck, it would feel like 50 miles right now.

Catch ya later......back to work

Hi Ladies,

Had an uneventful zapping, then off to my onc. He was pleased when I told him I felt like a million bucks. No GI distress to bitch about, my hair is still on my head (although very thin), and my energy level is peaking!!!

Talked about my port removal, basically its up to me when to have it out. I'm opting to have it removed when I have my ovaries out (probably in Nov) as I‘ll be asleep for the surgery. The ovaries we're another topic of discussion, he agreed with the other opinions I had seeked on having them removed. He wanted me to wait until after rads are completed to start taking Tamo.

Then he discussed with me Zometa, which I believe Joan and Kathy had chatted about. It a drug that is approved for use with osteoporasis diagnosis and prevention. I guess out of the San Antonio Symposium on BC, studies showed that its been effective as well as a preventative cancer drug for high risk woman that are pre-menopausal, ER+, node positive patients in decreasing the chances of mets to the bones. He talked about me taking an infusion which last about ½ hour once every 6 months for 3 years.

They took 5 viles of blood, (which I told the nurse I really didn't need to know), I'm such a wimp, thank god for my port and Emla! Blood work for thyroid, hormone levels, and to check to see if my body will metabolize tamoxifan, plus a couple of other test which now escape my memory. It was a long visit as I guess they had to get approval from my insurance co so they could run the metabolizing test. Leave it to Group Health to get their knickers in a knot! I'll be chatting with my onc again in a couple weeks, this will give me time to decide if Zometa is something I'd like to be on as well. So far I have pretty much played the numbers game with all of my treatments. If there is even a slight chance that a particular drug can lower my number for "reoccurence" (I hate that word), I'm more than likely going to bite.

Deb, hey the address list has been requested by a few Jewels. Basically it would be for the Jewels to be able to keep in touch with each other. Sending out cards, etc., but not part of the SP thing.

Julie, ahhhh "cation", sounds like you'll almost be traveling like the Griswolds!!! Assuming you may have seen the first Vacation movie.

I bet you'll have a fantastic time tonight (tell that slight migrane that you don‘t have time for it), and the surprise of you being there should add to the fun.

Heading outdoors to see if the yard work guys that the neighbors have hired will come over to our place and take the top out of a small tree (shrub), that's growing up past our gutter. My dh might not be the happiest with me doing so, but hey, I'll get the job done. Seems like my list of honey-dos is growing and it's the time of the year we want to be playing.

Gotta go, back at ya later, Carol

 Okay $25 bucks later the top of the shrub is gone, the mess cleaned up, I'm a happy camper!!

 I posted this goofy pic to my friends and family that I keep updated on my journey.  I have basically been keeping a journal, figured this is part of it, might as well get a pic.  The techs we're to cool, the one tech told the other one to look like he was doing something important while she took the pic.  Between playing whatever tunes you would like (he has like 15,000 songs to choose from) and their great attitudes, seeing them 5 days a week is going to be alot easier.   Yep, kept that gown pulled up for the photo op!!! 

Good Afternoon/Evening Jewels,

Well, what a busy day.  I haven't read all the posts, but will do so in the morning. I'm bushed. I typed this earlier, so thought I'd do a quick insert, then go back and catch up in the morning before I head out to my port flush and lunch with a friend.

I had my follow-up with my surgeon, whom I adore, and was presented with a gift of hair gel made for post chemo hair when it gets to the length it may need a little taming…maybe in a few weeks. It doesn’t dry the hair or flake.  I got hugs from Dr. Guirguis and her assistant after they read my gift to them…a pic of me in my Supergirl cape with my poem Ode to my Body and my reflections on being done with treatment. They both just loved it.  So, I’ll see her in February, and she wrote me a lab slip to redo my FHS and then to also do my Estradiol levels. She said they both need to be showing I’m in menopause before we can be sure of my status.  She supported my decision not to do rads and Tamox, but said I may want to consider taking an AI after we get the results in Feb. I told her I would consider it, but would be doing a lot of research first, which she understood.

Then it was off to my plastic surgeon’s office.  I gave him a pic as well with a copy of my poem. He and the gals in the office really loved it.  He was also very pleased with my foobies although he thinks the left is still a bit smaller than the right even though he added more fluid to it originally.  I told him it wasn’t that noticeable to me and besides, natural breasts aren’t always identical anyway.  He smiled.  I see him in August for my final post op appt.

Afterwards, I walked to the hospital to see a friend of mine’s mom who has been there since last Monday for surgery of cancer of the appendix (is that how you spell the body part?) which hasn’t appeared to spread anywhere else. However, because the cancer was touching the ovary, fallopian tube, and the top section of her large intestines they removed those just to be sure it hadn’t spread to them. It hadn’t.

Just finished a late lunch with the twinsis, drove home, and have about 30 or so minutes before I need to leave for yoga.

Travel log…segment #2.  June 22,2008

We woke early, got ready, and met Kathleen’s coworkers from the Tempe, Arizona office in the lobby. Made a bee line for the Star Bucks then hopped on the M bus to take us to the McCormick Center, a large convention center that once housed warehouses of the garment district.  The organizers of the SHRM(Society of Human Resources Management) conference did an outstanding job with tranportation, having lots of volunteers to point people in the right direction, a place for people to store luggage if needed, a spot to make reservations for lunch and time off for those attendees who came alone and wanted to network, a fabulous bookstore, and HUGE exhibition hall.  There were over 13,000 people in attendance from all over the world.

After registering, I went to the bookstore with the gals to look around. I asked the gentleman at the door if Mr. Portier would be signing books, but he said, “Regrettably, no.”  I was disappointed as I told him that Mr. Portier and Lionel Richie were the only reason I’d come as a guest.  I did decide to purchase Mr. Portier’s book anyway even though Kath was looking out for me and told me I could get it at home and not have to carry it around.  I found two other books I felt would be good for my classroom and went to the cashier to check out.  Naomi, my cashier, was so bubbly and friendly.  She asked where I was from and how I liked Chicago so far, and as I signed my receipt told me to enjoy the rest of my conference.  I explained I was only a guest and had paid the $350 guest pass so I could hear Sydney Portier speak since that was a once in a lifetime opportunity, and that going to the Lionel Ritchie concert was just a bonus in my book.  She looked at me and said, “I have a surprise for you.” I must have looked surprised as she pulled out from beneath her register a label with Sydney’s actual autographed signature telling me he’d only signed a few and that she was told only to hand them out to people she felt would really appreciate it.  I about fell over.  I was so excited I was jumping up and down saying, “Really?”  and “Oh, my God!” while Kath kept saying, “ Kimberly, be careful with the jumping up and down, new foobies on board.”  Naomi was just tickled with my reaction and kept telling her coworkers, “You should have seen her reaction. Wish I’d had a camera.”  I carefully placed the signature into my book and thanked Naomi over and over again for choosing me.  Needless to say, every time I was at the bookstore, we hugged.  I am so blessed. I was walking on cloud 9.  Took my picture next to Sydney before heading back to our Bus Route M stop.

We had time before the Opening General Session, so we went back to the hotel, dropped off our purchases, and ate brunch. Afterwards, I attended the first session with Kath for the first hour until 1:00 or so before I got up to get in line to hold seats for the girls up as close as possible to Mr. Portier.  The Guest speaker at the session was a man named Steve Gilliland. He talked about Leading from the Heart.  He had a great sense of humor and a fabulous ability to tell a good story. Anyway, I guess others had the same idea to line up early, but I still managed to get fairly close up.

I held our seats for almost an hour and then Mr. Portier was introduced after SHRM business was taken care of…the current CEO was leaving after 20 years and this was the 60th Annual conference in the city in which SHRM was created.
May I just say…still at 81…Mr. Portier is one handsome man!
He spoke so eloquently and with some humor about his life and finished with the thought that, “It isn’t that we get up when we are knocked down that matters as much as what we do once we’re up.”  Isn’t that the truth.

Afterwards, Kath and I got cleaned up and took a cap to Spiaggia, an Italian restaurant I wanted to go to after meeting the chef and buying her cook book at the Monterey Wine Festival two years ago. It was the most expensive meal I’ve paid for myself, but I soooo deserved it. An 8 course small plate meal with a wine pairing for each course. Thankfully only a two ounce pour until we got to the Nebiollo, my favorite, so I was given a 4 ounce pour of that. Anyway, Kath was just so thrilled to have been taken to this restaurant as she doesn’t normally eat in such high class shi-shi places. It was a meal that capped off the perfect day!

 I'll catch up in the morning.  Oh, my SP sent me a great birthday gift...an awesome mug with an inspiration saying on the back, birthday tea (who knew there was something called Birthday Tea by the BagLadies? - that has carmel flavor, an Origami Peace Crane, and a card. Thanks SP.

 SIS Kimberly 

Hi Ladies,

Got back from Indianapolis on Monday evening. Had an okay weekend. Weather was not great, but we never got poured on. Ds's team played well, but didn't get to move on. They tied one game and lost two. All the scores were within one point though.

Yesterday, played catch up a bit around here. I am going at noon to see my hairdresser to see what she can do with my hair. Tomorrow I go to see my gyno for my annual. Will pick her brain about the ooph.

I did finish the Deanna Favre's book "Don't Bet Against Me", so if anyone is interested - let me know and I will mail it on.

I've caught up on all the reading and am glad everyone is doing well.

Have a great day!

Yesterday started off with fender bender on the way to work.  My car stalled on the way to taking the kids to preschool, and the guy behind me ass-ended me.  Luckily he was nice, no one got hurt, and there's barely any damage to my car (his truck is fine, of course).  Dh looked at it again last night and we decided to do nothing; my car's 8 years old, and the dent it small, in a spot that you really can't see unless you're looking for it.

Went to work ("new job") for 4 hrs., then off to the onc's.  He was 1 ½ hrs. behind schedule which is rare for him-I've never waited that long.  I was getting really perturbed (more so b/c I had to go to my next job and was afraid of being late).  Luckily, they've decided to do the herceptin infusions over an hour now, so I was able to make up some time there.  It's so nice to have a short infusion after the marathons I had for chemo!  Anyway, he did not want to hold off on the herceptin.  He felt my shortness of breath was more due to recuperating from chemo and not being back to "normal" yet.  I felt better after his explanations, and know what to look for if things are not as we suspect.  I'll get another MUGA in September just to make sure.  If it's worse, he said we'll stop herceptin early then and be done.  He isn't worried about my rib pain (it's intermittent and has happened twice now); he's seen this happen after reconstruction evidently.

After the herceptin infusion, I made it to work ("old job"), and had a great evening.  My assistant seems to be good,a nd the eves are quieter than the craziness of the office during the day.  I think I'm gonna like it.  Was out of there early, and home by 8.

Today I went to the dentist (uneventful), and saw my breast surgeon.  I really like her and hadn't seen her since January (the day I was hospitalized with the nonexistent WBCs!).  She commented on the "great looking breasts" I now have (she makes me laugh in general, but it really cracked me up to hear another woman say that sincerely) and that I was looking good overall.  I'll see her every 6 months now, and she's going to do MRIs of the opposite side every 6 months for a while.  The plan is to do mammo, then 6 months later MRI, then mammo... etc.  for about 2 years.  I get my mammo in August, so I'll get my next MRI in February.

Cleaning ladies did make it today!  I like them both, and they did a nice job.  Final verdict will be dh since he's the "cleaning nazi" as I call him.  I'm just happy to have help, he's more critical.  Hopefully the kids and pets will not destroy their work before he gets home...

Carol:  Sorry I'm responding so late.  I asked my onc about some sx I'd been having (shortness of breath with activity, and some left rib pain), about doing another MUGA (should we, and if so, when), as well as when/if to do a breast MRI (my second opinion onc had recommended it, and so did my surgeon).  Glad to hear you got all your questions answered. 

My post will stay in until I'm done with herceptin.  I was told it can come out pretty much as soon as I'm done with that in January.  My breast surgeon and my PS have both said they can do it.  I'm opting for my PS since she's "neater".

Mailing out the address list sounds great.

SuePeet:  My port has been a Godsend!  Unlike others here, I was knocked out for its insertion ("twilight anesthesia"; so I was not totally under, but I don't remember a thing), and they'll do the same when they take it out.

Julie:  Poo!  Sorry to hear about the HA.  Hope you recovered and could enjoy the dinner.

Kimberly:  Loved reading the next installment!  And what an awesome picture of you and your sister-you look fab, girl!

Great gifts from your SP.  OK, how do we fold the cranes?!

PALady:  Welcome back!  I read Deanna's book, too.  Now I'm reading one about life after treatment... so far, so good.

Gotta run.  Dirty kids to bathe.

Carla, YEEEEAAAHHHH!!!!!  ...  what great news you received today, for those who did not have neo-adjuvant therapy, its gotta make them feel pretty darn good as well, as chemo once again did its job.  I'm so happy for you, its got to make the last few months feel really worth it.

Hate to go there, but I would make sure that you have a game plan in place for surgery day and subsequent recovery time.  Your DH may be in denial, but your going to need a caring love one to be at your side.  YOU GO GIRL!!! 

Kathy, had to laugh at your "dirty kids to bathe", I was pounding on the door to the bathroom tonight to tell my son he doesn't have to wait until the hot water is completely out to finish his shower.  Oh how they grow up! 

Gal, you have not had the best of luck as of late, a "ass-ended" accident.  Sounds like you we're able to re-group, and get back on schedule.  Yeah for the "great looking breasts".  Seeing your pic, your a great looking lady, and I'm sure your resonating beauty. 

No problem on the onc questions, we do have quite different paths, so my questions are probably  a bit different than yours.   I will be pressing for a MRI/Mamo schedule such as yours. 

Kimberly, so after eating lunch out, are you still hungry enough to go home and fix dinner?  I'm still having a motivational problem when it comes to preparing dinner, and I can't blame it on not having my little nipper in the eve. 

I saw my rad doc today, she had many computerized pics for me to look at, as she explained more about my treatment.  Hate to say it, but today is only #8 and I definitely have started to experience a bit of skin tightness across my chest and my underarm is a bit more sensitive.  YIKES, this could be quite the ride. Yes you experienced rad queens, I am buttering with aloe, and acuaphor, in fact the doc was very happy to see how I had gooped that greasy crap all over my site after disrobing and getting dressed.  My "hoot in a box" is going to probably be camping out right there (in her box) from now until after I recover from my radiation.   Well, maybe on "cation" I might want to sport her a time or two, we'll see!!! 

.Tomorrow night in our small town is our large celebration for the 4th.  Our town is located right in a small bay of water, they bring in a barge and shoot the town's fireworks from it on the 3rd.  We'll be going (within walking distance) to our old neighbor's new house to watch.  She moved just down the street to a home right on the water overlooking the town and marina.   My ds is hoping that the dh gets our boat ready to put in the water tomorrow, as he is hoping to take a "date" out in it to watch the fireworks.  My oh my, my little boy is growing up!!!  We will probably make sure that he has it tied up to the dock prior to dark, the bay gets rather crazy at the end of the fireworks show and just what we need, a hormonal teenage boy at the helm in that chaos!!!

 The dh just called, coming home very late from work as he is planning on taking tomorrow off, ds is at work as well, so its me and the wieners once again.  More than likely I'll be 10 toes up by the time they both get home

Morning gems. Using my BlackBerry to post as the laptop is in the bedroom. Woke up early, sitting here drinking my java and watching the sunrise. Everyone is having a wonderful time. Yesterday was gf birthday, did some outlet shopping and got some great buys at the Anne Klein store. Had a yummy meal of fresh seafood and topped off the eve with a couple of magaritas and a walk on the beach. Today looks like another perfect beach day. Dh and I SO needed this! have a great day, my friends! Paula

Hi Jewels,

I've just been lurking and staying on top of everyone's posts.  I have to echo Carol's YAY for a 3-day weekend!!  Even though we really don't have any firm plans for the 4th, it will be so nice not to have anything to do.  We have been out on the Harley's several times.  Hope we can do more of that this weekend, sounds like we're in for some nice weather, although a little cool (go figure).

Hope you're all well...will check in again later.

Tina 

Hellooooo Jewels! Happy almost 4^th of July!! I'm glad our working Jewels will get a 3-day weekend - I LOVE those during the school year! We're hoping to be out on the boat tomorrow - it's only supposed to be in the upper 70's here, though, and may rain - our typical 4^th weather is in the 90's and sweltering! The ds invited a friend over tonight - they're hoping to be thrown about on the tube tomorrow, so we'll see.

Carol - Love the pic of you at your appt - too cute! Yep - we're absolutely going to be looking like the Griswold's on our trip! Should be interesting - apparently our niece is a bit "torn" about leaving her mommy and I'm really hoping she gets over that before Saturday! We took her with us last year and she did fine, so let's hope it goes as well this year. I hope you're able to get your boat out over the weekend - your fireworks display sounds cool!! I grew up watching the STL fireworks which are amazing, so it's hard for me to be impressed with anything around where we live - they're pretty lame.

Kimberly - loved your travel log #2 - too cool that you got the signed pic of Mr. Portier!! I bet he was an amazing person to listen to. You and your sis look wonderful!

Norma - glad your trip went well - I'm with Carol on the teams not continuing sometimes being a blessing. I'm one of those that always hoped that ds didn't get "picked" for the traveling team b/c it's just soooo much work and I like to enjoy my summers! I know - that's selfish - at least I admit it!

Kathy - bummer on the fender bender!! Glad no one was injured!! Bet it was nice to hear that your surgeon thinks your new breasts are "great looking!" I'll just be glad when I can get these hard-a** coconut-like expanders out and get my implants!! I've been rather uncomfortable sleeping and am looking forward to my exchange at the end of the month.

Carla - YIPPPEEEEEEE --- just a cyst!!! That's awesome news!! I agree with Carol - make sure you have someone who will be supportive and willing to help you during your recovery. I hope DH thinks about what you said and comes around eventually.

Joan - your puppy is adorable!! How big will she get? Hope the training is going well - our pups are doing pretty good with theirs - it's a chore though!

Paula - I'm so glad you and Ed are having a good time at the beach! It sounds just perfect!!

Tina - glad you checked in - I've been wondering where you were - out riding those Harleys apparently! We'll be up your way this weekend - only as far as Black River Falls, WI, though (about an hour from Eau Claire).

Deb - your new puppy's adorable too!! I've never seen a Corgi either - very cute!

D1 - hope you're enjoying some time with your sister during her visit!!

Well, girls, I better figure out what we're going to feed the boys for dinner. Dh is out on the 4-wheeler "puttering" in the property - who knows what project he's cooking up now! Hope everyone has a great 4^th weekend!!

Julie

Carla:  Yea!  So glad to read your great news... now if only we could hear something good regarding you and DH.  I agree with others that I hope you can get some good support for your upcoming surgery.

Joan:  Your new puppy is adorable.  Good luck to you with the training.  I envy you and Jules with the cuties, but I have enough adventure trying to potty train ds right now!

Paula:  Some R and R is definitely needed for you and dh... enjoy!

Carol:  I'm not much help on the adult hormone numbers.  I don't deal with it too much in peds.!

OK, I'm going to be a mom here... girl, you shouldn't post that number!  You never know what wackos could call you.  Just looking out for you...

Had to chuckle about your rads on the 4^th.  It is the little things like getting done earlier despite doing tx on a holiday that make us happy, huh?  WTG!

Deb:  ANOTHER Jewel that's adopted a pup!  And yours is cute, too.  What's going on here?  Hope you have a nice time on the river.

I'm leaving to go visit my parents in PA tomorrow for the weekend.  The kids are so excited--- I just hope they get some sleep tonight.  I'll also get to see my new niece that was born in Feb. (my stepbro and his wife are coming in from Chicago).  In case I'm not around Sunday... this week is a biggie! Kris60 should be finishing her LAST tx on Tuesday!!!  The Jewels will all be done with chemo then (except Dana, but I'm not sure if she's doing any chemo at the moment; last I'd heard she wasn't). 

Happy 4^th Jewels!  (Carol, I can't believe it's July already either!)

yup, I'm a single digit midget !!!!!!!!!!!!!  I'm getting very antsy... 

I actually went to Wal Mart today without my 'dew rag' on..... had a few stares, oh well, I'm at the point where I don't give a hoot anymore.  I was actually hoping that those that were doing a double take would bump into something and knock it all over, then I could be the one to laugh... is that mean?  Hope everyone has a safe and fun weekend!!!!

Kris

Happy 4th ...

We had a great evening and our weather cooperated, started it off at the yacht club at 4:30 with our friends for a barb'que, spent about 2 hours visiting, back home, grabbed the boat and off to the gas station to top her off,she holds 40 gallons and looks like we put her away last year on the big "E". Between the boat and my SUV we pumped 55 gallons of gas, that was UGLY!

The launch was uneventful, the dh and I have it down to a science, my fil and I took the boat, the dh heads back to the house to wash the trailer (the bummer of salt water). Picked up the dh at the marina across the street from our house, and off to slowly tootle about looking at all the boats in the harbor. Next stop was to our elderly ex-neighbor's new home on the water, the dh dropped myself and fil off on her little dock, and he headed back to tie up our boat at our summer slip, as the ds was planning on taking it out after he got off work. This is all within walking distance.

Our other neighbors joined in on the fun at Muriel's, she had lite dinner for us (I ate very little at the bar b' earlier) and watched the fireworks from her porch. Walked back home last night at 11:00, and a good night was had by all!

Jumped on line this morning, and more test results we're available on my Group Health site. This one is the Estradiol level. Mine is less than 5. Meant nothing to me, so had to Google it, its looking like those hot flashes are happening for a reason. Sis Kimberly, thanks for the input, I'll be having a chat with my doc once all the results are in. I know there is atleast one more test result pending, as he mentioned the thyroid and the metabolizing of tamo test.

Kimberly, just had King Crab legs as well on Thurs, nothing better IMO. My dh is pretty picky when it comes to King Crab as he worked on a crab boat (in his younger days), they had it as fresh as it comes, we hit the jackpot with a great tasting bunch of legs!

Kudos to your dh for dealing with his feelings and having the "kahoonies" to discuss it with his doc. Sounds like things are getting better and better for the two of you, and yeah on the end of the drought! Now as far as Kent and I, I've got the sitting on the deck having a glass of wine thing down, its that communication thing I have a tough time with. I've pretty much spent my whole life not wanting to chat about the serious stuff that needs to be addressed. Kent is much better than I about talking, I tend to get too emotional so I dislike it when the topic hits home, and I usually will try to change the subject. Definitely something I need to work on, and lately with whatever hormone changes are happening, my tear ducts are ready to flood (not a pretty sight). I have personally gone to a counselor over the years, first time to get over my divorce (which is a story in itself), then again when my mom died. I swear I'd just walk into her office and the flood gates would open at that time, I can't even imagine what I'd be like now.

Oh, the rad site (which is definitely not a "hoot") is not burnt yet, its just gotten really tight feeling. My arm is also pretty tender, yesterday as the tech was trying to smoosh me into my mold it was a bit painful where it had not been a biggy in the first few appts. My dh is accompanying me today, as he hasn't been to the rad center except to meet in the office of the doc for my initial consult. Today will be a little show and tell!

Kris, our "single digit midget", crack me up gal. Hope your last txt is eventful in a good way. I don't know about your Walmart, but at ours there are a lot of other goofy looking people wandering in it that would be worthy of staring at besides a gal who is missing some hair on her head!!!

D1, enjoyed the update, had a hunch that your visit was going well.

I don't think my cholesterol has ever been that low. Must be that good clean living! Actually being the exercise queen you are, that's got to be a big contributing factor. So no snackies with that nipper, your hard core.

Kathy, okay so I'm not the "sharpest tool in the shed", removed my number, I actually was going to PM it then decided to post it to save time as I try to sneak a peak from the work puter and post quickly. Advice was appreciated!

Hope your enjoying the time with your folks, and what a bonus to see your baby niece. Sounds like the perfect 4^th weekend.

Hoping to spend a little time in the boat this eve, thinking to myself maybe a dinner out via boat would be fun. There is a great steak house that has a dock we can tie up to. We'll probably have to see how busy it is tonight, usually our little town is kinda mellow on the 4^th as it celebrates on the 3^rd with its fireworks.

Hope you all are having a great day yourselves, off to shower and then to the rad office. YEAH ... 10 down 25 to go!!!

Carol