Jan 2008--Ain't it Great?

Sounds like everyone had fun plans for the 4th.  We went to a barbcue/potluck and, of course, ate way too much!  We live in an area where you can see fireworks from at least five surrounding cities, so caught pieces of different fireworks shows since they all start around 9 p.m.  Add that to the too much I ate at Bunko on Thursday (we, also, do a potluck) and I feel like I 'm waddling today.

Julie -- have a safe trip to Wisc. and enjoy your your time alone with dh and the puppies.

Kimberly -- sorry your yoga class was cancelled.  That's the one thing I haven't been good about going to lately, but am hoping to get back to it after rads.  The raw area under my arm is starting to heal so it doesn't hurt as much to lift my arm.  Loved your additional pics of Chicago. 

Kris -- congratulations on being almost done.  Isn't it a great feeling.

Paula -- sounds like your vacation is just what you and dh needed -- time to relax and unwind.

Joan and Deb -- we're definitely experiencing a puppy boom here.  Both of yours look adorable.  With our youngest heading off to college next month people keep asking us if we're going to get a dog to keep us company. 

Kathy -- sorry about the fender bender, but relieved it wasn't serious.  Sounds like the two jobs are keeping you hopping, but that you have a good assistant.

D1 -- I'm glad you're getting to play tour guide for your sis and her family.  I love walking around D.C. It is such a fascinating place and always something new. 

Carol -- Enjoy the boat now that it's in the water. How great that you didn't have to miss a day of rads.  My center was definitely closed yesterday, but I'm getting a week vacation because of it.  I only have two treatments to go (because of Memorial Day and July 4th closings).  Rads doc had agreed up front to let me miss two days for ds's college orientation this week and decided he'd rather I do my last two tx together rather than one on Monday, miss two days for orientation and then have the last on Thursday.  So, no rads for me until Thursday and the last one on Friday.

Kimberly:  dh gave the cleaning a thumbs up.   Looks good to continue every other week.  I'm sooo happy.  It literally took me only 15 minutes to clean what was left of my house on Thursday.

Hope you dh can get some help with his depression.  I agree with you regarding counseling... I'm not against medication, but sometimes talking with a good professional is all that's needed.

Glad another Jewel "scored"!

Kris:  LOL on your post!  I don't think it's mean at all.  So happy for you finishing up this week!

D1:  Glad to hear you're making some progress with your arm.

Sounds like you had an awesome week (even though I'm sure you'll be cleaning again afterwards... that's what I always do!).

Carol:  Sounds like you 4^th was good, too.  Sorry to hear your hoot is already tender/burnt.  I hope they can stay on top of it for you--- a stronger cream to slather on, maybe?

Well, gals, my 4^th was exhausting.  Went to visit at my dad's.  He had a small get-together, which was nice to see a few people I haven't seen since dx.  The kids had fun despite the rain.  No fireworks where he lives-they do a big celebration later in the month.  Dd was bummed, but she was so tired that she wouldn't have made it even if they did have them there.  Ds had trouble adjusting to a new sleep environment and was up until almost 10 (my kids are down by 8 at the latest on the weekends).  Got to see the new niece-she is so adorable.  Makes me want to have another--- NOT!  My step-aunt is a professional photographer; she did some beautiful shots of the baby that she posted on her website already.  My step-sis and her bf introduced dd to the Wii--- she mastered it pretty quickly and spent a good portion of her time playing with them. 

Today went to my mom's to visit, then came home.  I was so tired (really didn't sleep much last night) and took a nap!  Dh is home with Chinese now, so GTG!  Catch ya later!

Happy Saturday, Friends.

I hope you’re enjoying the long 4th of July weekend.  I really am.  Dh and I have been out on the Harley’s several times.  And loving every minute.  We are still beginners, so, taking the ‘backroads’ is what we’re all about.  I find myself doing the proverbial, stopping to smell the roses, too.  Hmmm…could it have anything to do with being a bc survivor???  The shit I used to get so wound up about…well, just doesn’t matter any more.  

We had a nice, relaxing 4th yesty, ending with a wonderful fireworks display held in the heart of Minneapolis, overlooking the Mississippi River (very near the bridge that collapsed last August).  It was fun people watching, the weather was great.

Shout outs:

Kris – OMG!!  You make me laugh, gf!  And, thanks for that!  Love the Phyllis Diller quote.  And, your comment about having a beer…friend, you deserve it!  I’ve got to get dh to snap a pic of my hair.  It’s about ¾ - 1” long.

I am proud…I want you all to know that I went to work all last week WITHOUT my wig!!  Several factors were at work…the heat of the summer, the length, and just plan ol’ being sick of wearing it.  I’m loving how quickly I can get up in the morning, get ready for work, and head out the door.  I still need to wear a hat while gardening, it’s sparse enough to allow for a sunburn.

Kimberly – I’m so glad you had a great time with twinsis in Chicago.  Your pic was great!  Thank you for the great postcard.  I love Chicago.  I took my boys there when I was newly divorced (8 years ago).  It’s about a 6 hour drive from Minneapolis.  We had a great time doing the Shedd, the AI, the Field Museum, the Sears tower, the Hancock building and riding the eL.  We even found the Billy Goat Tavern, made famous by the Saturday Night Live skit, “cheese burger, cheese burger, chips, no coke, pepsi.”   LOL

 Julie – Hope your trip up in our neck of the woods is fun!  

Deb and Joan – Had to LOL with CathyCA’s comment about a puppy boom!  Saw your sweetie peeties, they are the cutest things!  We, too, are looking at a puppy.  He’s a little wiener dog from Dubuque,  Iowa.  We’ve only made an initial inquiry…dh is seriously rolling his eyes right now…okay, I’VE only made an initial inquiry.  He’d be perfect for us.  We’ll see…

D1 – Hope the relative vists are going well…DC is a place dh and I have been talking about going for some time.  We thought it would be fun to take the Amtrak there.  I’ve never been, but, dh has and wants to go again.  Both ds’s have been there, when they attended the National Boy Scout Jamboree at Fort AP Hill, Virginia.  Ds #1 is an Eagle Scout and went in 2001, ds #2 is  Life Scout and went in 2005.  Their experiences were memorable and fond.

CathyCA – Read your note about having just 2 rad tx’s to go!  That’s awesome!  You’re really on the down-hill slide.

Carol – Was surprised to see you got in a rad tx, but, glad you did!  One more under your belt.  Your holiday on the water sounds great!  How has the weather been there?  My ds #1 called yesterday from WA and told me all about his trip.  He arrived home this evening and is hanging with his best friend, who’s heading back to Boulder, CO in the early a.m.  So, the full report will have to wait until tomorrow.  But, he had an awesome time.  He learned a lot and met some wonderful guys, one was from Belgium.  Believe it or not, I think he actually has a short-term life plan (as well call them).  I am relieved and happy that he’s finding his way…

Well, Jewels, I have been thinking of you often.  My family and friends always ask about you.  I tell them that we all are in the process of getting back our lives, and creating the new normal.  I know that my life has been enriched by each and every one of you.  

Movie night is starting shortly, so, I’ve got to run.  Good night, girls.

Tina

Hi JJ's

I tried to get on, on the 4th to say hi, and I could not get on. I think too many people were on the internet. I hope everyone had a great and safe holiday. I went to my nephews house for a bar-b-que. I had a great time. Yesterday I ran a temp all day, just not feeling good, I'll live.

Carol  You will get there, just keep counting down, fireworks sounds fun, I did not go with my family when they went, I got tired. Rads on the 4th, you are intense Carol. Love your photo of you and your doc.  It's Rad!!! ha ha lol.

Kimberly  Nice photos of Chicago.

D1  I'm glad you had a great time with your sister, Virginia sounds lovely, and so rich in history. I think it's great that we are all here to support each other. I have noticed on Tamox, that cake is very rich now, which is a good thing. Is anyone getting the chemo curls yet?  I can't tell, my hair is so short still. My chemo oncologist ask me if I had the curly hair yet, I said it's straight for now, he said hair comes back straight, then curls up. (I don't know).

Kris  you are so brave, I'm not going anywhere without a hat or scarf.

Joan  Good luck with the puppy.

KathyL  Enjoy your visit with your parents and family in PA, last month my dd and her fiance was there in Pittsburgh on a bussiness trip, my dd said it was really nice there.

Julie  Have fun on the boat, love your greeting.

Hi JJ's,

I tried to make this pix smaller, I still don't have the hang of it yet. still working on it. This is my little sis, we use to look like twins, I think once I get the weight off and lose the glasses, we will start to favor again. Those glasses are horrible. This is at her son's 4th of July Picnic.

Sherry

Good Morning Jewels,
It is going to be a HOT Sunday here in Lincoln. Over a 100 degrees.  But for now, the windows are open and I’m enjoying the coolness from last night. Still smokey here in the mornings due to all of the fires, but clears up a bit as the day goes on with the breeze. Hopefully, that will happen again today.

I must have posted at the same time as Cathy and Kris as I posted right after Carol’s post, or so I thought. Didn’t mean to ignore your posts gals.

Cathy- How fabulous to have the view of 5 different firework’s shows. Potlucks are killers aren’t they? You want to try everything people brought. You’ll just have to forgive yourself the overindulgence and get back into the workout mode you’re so dedicated to this coming week.

I’m sorry your underarm is still so tight, but glad it is healing up. So, two more zaps  and you’re done!!!! WhooHoo, another Jewel is done with treatments!

Kris- You’re in great spirits as you should be being the single-digit midgit you are!!!!  Once you gain your full strength back, you’ll start to lose that weight.

My hair is about ¼ inch on top and a mix of grey and dark ash blond like before. My sides are longer and laying down. They seem to be a lighter than the top.  I’m liking this look. I think I’ll let my hair stay real short.

Loved the Phyllis Diller comment. I loved her.

Kathy – Yeah on the dh’s blessing with the house cleaning.
Wow, you had a busy weekend, but it sounded like a fun trip seeing the new baby and folks you haven’t seen in awhile. Glad to know you’ve still got some weekend left?

Tina – Yippee on getting time on your Harleys and to stop and smell the roses.  Isn’t it great to not get worked up over silly little things, or even some of the bigger things that might have sent us spinning out of control before bc?
It sure makes life easier when you can just say, “Hmmm,” and then move on. Life is Good!

I am proud of you for going to work topless. Isn’t it freeing?  I too love how easy it is to get ready and knowing I look more trendy-Annie Lennox-like – these days.

I can’t wait to hear about ds#1’s trip.  I’m so glad he had such a great time and met some great guys. A short term plan isn’t bad…they often lead to longer term plans. My son is definitely on the long term plan with his college degree, but the fact he’s in college and staying the course for almost two years is HUGE!

Oh Carol, isn’t it heartwarming to know you’ve been watching the place you grew up grow up right along with you? I’ll bet you’ve got stories about many of those houses you boated by.

The kids’ trip sounds great.  I’m so bad about remembering the history or story behind all the pics I take. I always try to remember to take pics of the information plaques so I don’t forget.

UC Davis is about 45 minutes from us off Hwy 80 heading towards San Francisco.  UC Stanford, Palo Alto, where Paula will be meeting her college kiddo is maybe two hours.

Dad is selling the waterfront home?  I’ll bet he’ll get top dollar even in this economy.  Where is he planning to move?
Gotta love a handsome elderly man in a Miata.

Buffalo, grass fed, is leaner than beef. It doesn’t taste gamey at all.  It’s actually better than beef in my opinion. Sounds like a buffalo bbq will be on the menu when you and Kent get here.

Man, I so understand the guilt feelings and the not wanting to be intimate. I just finally jumped into that anxiety and it wasn’t so bad. We’ve actually been intimate several times since Chicago. Getting started is the hard part…feels like I’m new at it for some reason…but once the ball is rolling, then WhooHoo!  You’re right about this being more about your feelings keeping the ‘talk’ at bay. Carol, you’re a beautiful woman who has gone through a crappy situation so soon after the nups, but what a true test of your love for each other…and your dh has certainly risen to the occasion. He is so going to hug you when you spill it, and tell you he understands…and the conversation will be rolling. Are you worried he won’t find you as sexy? My dh told me he misses my former boobs, but that he’ll just love my hips and butt more than he already did. Maybe getting Kent a card that really says what you want to say on the front- my dh does that for me- and then writing in your own words what you want to say to him on the inside would be a good idea. At the end, you could let him know that you’re ready to talk about things. Maybe put it in the brief case or something so he can read it on his time and have time to let it sink in. That could be a good ice breaker and take some of the anxiety out of it. Just a thought.

Hope you slept better last night.

Sherry – Nice pic of you and your sis.  To make it smaller, when you click the pic icon and copy the pic link in, there are two boxes that will show a number in each. Divide that number in half and replace the new number in each box.

Have a great Sunday all,
SIS Kimberly

Nothing going on today for me.  Gearing up for another work week.  I go to see the PS tomorrow.  I'm hoping she'll touch up the "nip" a bit.  I think it needs some more color.

Let's go on over and see what's up with my Jewel friends...

Must've missed the last two posts.  I didn't see them when I was composing yesty.

Cathy-CA:  Isn't overeating always part of the holidays?  Somehow I know you'll burn it all off with your busy schedule.

Congrats (early) on finishing rads this week!  I seem to think/remember that you're doing herceptin like me?  If so, when is your year up?  I'm done in January 2009.

SIS Kimberly:  OK, most of your meals sound scrumptious... but buffalo?  Guess I need some more details about that one; I've never had it.

OK, just read your latest post, and it sounds OK.  Heck, I've eaten venison and like that better than beef, so buffalo might not be too bad.

Tina:  Glad your Harley trips involve some QT "smelling the roses".  I think a lot of us have learned to appreciate that.  Makes life so much more meaningful, huh?

Carol:  How nice to have moved the palate up a few notches from Cream of Wheat in the past month.  Sounds like you had a delish meal, and a great weekend. 

I second Kim's comments about you and Kent.  I doubt you can say anything "wrong" to your beloved.  Maybe just telling him how you feel and that you don't know quite why the "drought" is occurring.  It'll probably make him feel great just to have you acknowledge what's "going on" (or not, in this case), even if it's accompanied by a few tears.  Plus, I know I always feel better just getting it out.  Communicating doesn't have to be pretty or rehearsed, just heart-felt I say!

As for rolling in the hay.  Ditto (again) Kim's comment.  You just gotta jump in (so to speak!).  I'm not nearly racking up the bed miles like she is post-Chicago, but at least the ice has been broken.  Of course, now that I've "given it up", he just wants it more... but he's a very patient man .

Sheshe:  I am still waiting for some chemo curls!  I have probably about an inch of thick hair. Luxurious, as D1 has referred to hers before, is def a good word for its quality.  Maybe I wouldn't hate it so much if it curled.  I venture out without a hat or wig all the time now, except for work where I wear a wig still-mostly just b/c I hate how I look and am vain at work I guess.  I am hoping that after my next salon appointment to ditch the wig altogether-I'm going to get some color to make me blonde again.

Loved your pic with your sis!  Cute hat!

CHJ:  Lots of us lost the lashes so late, like you.  The good news is they appear to grow back in quickly.  I'd say I had some back within 2-3 weeks after losing them all.  Now I have enough to curl again.

Gonna call it a night, gals.  TTFN!

Hey Gems,

Been a busy day, writing a fund raising letter for my 3 day event, went for 7 mile walk, hit the grocery store (yes did buy some Buffalo meat), and putzed around the house.

Received a call today from Ginny, letting me know that our close family friend,  (whom has been my surrogate Mom the last few months), just found out her son (Ginny's nephew)  was just diagnosed on Thursday having cancer of the tongue.  He has been a non-smoker/chewer his whole life.  This would be my brother's best friend since birth.  He lives in San Francisco now and his folks live across the street from us.  His mom is going nuts with the process of waiting for answers.  I spent some time with her today, (she's an emotional wreck), I actually amazed myself at holding it together to try and be the most support I could be.  Her son ended up calling while I was there and we we're able to have a good long chat.  He has been following my journey with the e-mail updates I have sent out to family and friends, and said that now that he is in this situation he will try to muster up as much positive spirit that can be had.  I told him that for myself it was pretty easy as I knew my family and friends we're right there with me throughout my journey.  He as well will be blessed to have a great support network. 

 Whew, not the news we wanted to have at the end of a fun weekend.  Life works in mysterious ways.

 So Jewels ...

CHJ, I've been following along a bit with your adventure on the Rad Post.  So sorry to hear that the whole grind of daily visits has been a PITA.  Hang in there gal, its almost over and you've been a trooper thus far.

Kathy and Kimberly, so Group Health should be reimbursing my Jewel friends.  You guys will probably save me a trip to the "couch"!!!  At times I think to myself, "self, your sharing TMI with a bunch of gals who are trying themselves to move on with life".  Then I think again that if anybody is going to really relate to the situation, it would be you.  So I must say, thank you for reading and responding.  Kimberly, I will definitely start off with a nice card and note.  Its funny, years ago, we shared cards with each other on a regular basis.  God knows I spend enough time typing up a storm here ... guess I should be putting my energies towards communicating with the one I love.  See if I we're to communicate in person with you all I'd probably clam up!

Kimberly, okay, bought some Buffalo today, my goodness, they had cuts from 11.99lb to 15.99lb.  I think the filet of beef was 19.99lb.  Trust me, I'm not one to spend too much time looking at prices if its what I want, but I did take a look as I've never bought it.  Any take on the Girasole Vineyard, Mendocino Cnty, bought a bottle and had a splash of their Zinfindel tonight, must say, although not being the picky wine drinker, it hit the spot! 

Yep, dad is selling the only other home I have lived in.  He'll hopefully get top dollar as there are not alot of waterfront homes in the area for sale.  It will take a unique family to buy, unless they just buy for the property and bulldoze the house.  The house is a rambler, and has an indoor heated pool that is directly connected to the main home.  Pretty cool when we were kids, many a birthday party was held in the pool room!  The house will probably go on the market for $850,000 to $900,000.  He has already purchased a town home in town.  They have not broke ground on it yet, but its supposed to be completed by X-mas.  HUGE changes for him and his "significant other".

Sherry, yep, can definitely see the similarities in sis and yourself.  Thanks for sharing another great pic.  Its always so nice to have a smiling face to accompany the post. 

Okay, dh just made the call for dinner, we've had a ham in the fridge for a bit, not my favorite, but when the dh cooks I'll come a runnin'. 

Night all, Carol

Spent the weekend in a family education seminar at the rehab center for oldest son.  We've been through this type of thing enough before that there weren't any ah-ha moments but it was probably useful to have some of it reinforced.  I had visited a sober house last week that we want him to stay in after discharge, so took him to see it and meet the house supervisor.  Right now he seems amenable to everything, but we know how quickly that changes.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, I'm getting ready to head off to Salt Lake City tomorrow for youngest son's college orientation.  They do a one-day parent orientation in addition to the student orientation.  They offer various orientation options and he chose the outdoor education one, so will do the normal orientation activities plus spend a couple extra days white water rafting, rock climbing and hiking.  I come back Wednesday night, but he'll be there through Friday.

Paula and Julie -- sounds like you both had wonderful trips.  So glad Ed was able to relax, Paula.  I can only imagine the stress both of you have been experiencing.

Carol -- so sorry to hear about Ginny's nephew.  It's great that he already has such a wonderful support network.

Kathy -- I enjoy those "nothing" days.  They give me a chance to recharge.  I'm on Herceptin until January, as well.  In fact, that's why I'm up posting early this morning -- have an infusion first thing this morning.

CHJ -- happy you checked in to let us know how you're doing.  I understand how you feel about radiation.  It hasn't been harder physically for me than chemo, but I think it's been harder mentally/emotionally.

Sherry -- loved the picture.  You two definitely look alike.

Kimberly -- I think your hot weather is headed our way.  Yesterday was great, but looks like it's hot the rest of the week.  I'll be back in workout mode the end of the week when I get back from orientation.

Good Afternoon Jewels,
This whole PT thing is changing up my routine…and that’s a good thing for me as I have a tendency to get stuck in the same routines…but finding time to get on the boards during the day not so easy especially if I’ve got stuff planned for the rest of the day as I do for several days this week. Today, there's nothing big on the books.

Anyway, range of motion is back, but rotator cuff issues ensue. He wanted to tape my left shoulder today to keep my shoulder ball in the socket, but told him that I just couldn’t do that unless he had silk tape as I was highly allergic to adhesives. He was bummed as he knows it will help, so will have to order silk tape for me and tape me up when it arrives.  I stopped by my women’s gym to pick up their July schedule and will start doing cardio workouts Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays along with leg work via the machines.  No arms for me unless it is PT until released with PTBabydoc’s blessing.

Hey CHJ- I’m so glad my card found you. Thanks for your new address, I’ll make sure to update the address list.  Sounds like everything is going along smoothly with the exception of the annoyances of going to rads daily, but the good news is you’ll be done by next Wednesday, right?  

That’s great you’re already dialed into your new neighborhood. That makes a big the difference in the ole comfort level doesn’t it?

Even if you only check in every few weeks to say, HI, that’s OK by us.

Kathy – Quiet is good!  Hope the PS appt. goes well and that she’s game for giving your foob a bit more color.

If you can get buffalo where you live, try it. It’s really good.

Julie – Yeah!!!! Glad to hear the kids and puppies did so well. Have fun. Look forward to hearing about the trip upon your return.

Carol – Tongue cancer without ever having used tobacco products?  Hmmm, that’s weird and horrible for your friend Ginny’s nephew. So, how do you deal with that I wonder?
Glad you could bed there for his mom and for him. Just as you’re nearing the end of the journey, you’re there to help someone at the beginning of theirs, again.
Buffalo is pricey, only because it isn’t in demand yet. Once more people start asking for it, then maybe more people will raise buffalo instead of beef cattle…of course, if beef cattle were eating grass instead of grain, they’d be healthier animals, and be much better for us and taste better, too.  We get one steak, and I eat about ¼ of it and Greg eats the rest.

You are so welcome for the encouragement to do what you already know you want to do. I’m glad you were able to think away your doubts about what you can share online with us as you’re right about us being the ones to really understand.  

I babysat a family when I lived in Tahoe that had an indoor pool. It was great!  Hope your Dad can get his asking price and have his new home ready at the same time as his old home closes escrow.

Not a ham gal myself, but if my man loved it and made it for dinner, I’d be in there, too. I’m doing that with Halibut tonight. Hoping my taste buds have changed, and I find I like it now.

Welcome home Paula.  Glad your trip was a success especially for Ed. I agree that your ds can wait until the August event for the college orientation as it will be closer to when he starts anyway, and fresher in his mind.

Cathy – I wish your oldest ds all the best as he tries out his new sober choices when he’s released.  Hoping that the multiple reinforcements will kick in for him this time.

Wow, what a great parent/student orientation. That sounds like so much fun.  Enjoy!

Deb – I’m so glad your fishing trip was a success, so much so that you’ve booked another for Labor Day.  That’s a big trout…I love trout both alive and on my plate. They are a beautiful fish. Did you keep him or release him?

I read Cure and Mamm when in the docs offices, but choose not to subscribe. I don’t want bc to be how I identify myself, and if I got a magazine each month, it would just be like validating that this disease still has a hold on me…but again, that’s just weird, me.

I’ll see ya later gals,
SIS Kimberly

  At our birthday bash. Vegan cake ordered by Kathleen’s honey as she’s allergic to eggs sits in front of us. It was soooo yummy. Kathleen and Kimberly in front. Cousin Suzanne and older sis, Terrie, in the back.

Carol:  No need to reimburse the Jewels... our advice is shared freely, you "pay" by your comments back and support to others!  I find, as you said, that no one gets it quite like someone who's been there.  Sometimes having someone else's perspective on a situation is so helpful anyway.  I just want all the Jewels to be happy in whatever way works for them.

Paula:  Glad you and dh had some good bonding time with your friends.  Nothing feels better these days...

Cathy-CA:  Hoping ds has a better time with this rehab program.  That must be tough for you to go through.

Deb:  Will have to check out that magazine.  I'm all about learning more, especially with a free subscription.

SIS Kimberly:  Can they wrap your shoulder (like with an ACE bandage) instead of taping?  Just a thought...

Great pic, too. 

Jenn:  So nice to hear some good news about your bff's son.  I hope things continue to progress for him.  Medicine is such a gray area...

Please, get that leg checked out!  That swelling doesn't sound normal to me, and I'd want to image the whole leg and knee.

Saw the PS today.  For those of you gals doing implants and getting the "whole boobie" done... here's a note.  Apparently some recreated breasts cannot or do not take up dye well, especially with some colors of pigment used to tattoo.  My PS isn't sure if the fading of my nipple tattoo is because of this, or just normal fading (which also occurs with tattooing).  So, I have to wait to see how much more it fades in the coming months.  I'll see her again in 1 ½ months and if it's just normal fading, I'll get it retattooed this fall sometime.  Not sure what will be done if it's from the fact that the skin won't take up pigment (I must've missed that explanation somewhere in my brain today); maybe choose another color?  Hmmm...  at this point I just say "whatever".

Tomorrow's my 8^th anniversary.  I guess one test to the "in sickness and in health" vow in 8 years ain't so bad!  Dh and I are planning on going out for dinner to my favorite seafood restaurant Saturday (without the kids).  Gotta work late tomorrow, but he already got his presents.  He's golfing next week in a 3 day tournament, and oh yeah... THAT (gotta fulfill my wifely "duty"...   Hahaha!).

Hi Jewels,

First, thanks to everyone who wished me well on my new puppy. She is just adorable and I'm so glad I got her. Her first vet appointment is Thursday for the initial checkup more shots. (Had the first ones at the breeder).

I'm glad most everyone had a nice 4th of July. I went to barbecues with families on Friday and Saturday and guess who was the "star"!!  Lucy loves meeting people and other pets.

Today I had my 6 month follow up mammo and appointment with the breast surgeon. Everything looks good and clear!  I was so happy to hear it.

I have a lot of catch up reading of posts to do. But in the meantime, I want to thank SISKimberly for the beautiful postcard of Chicago. I've put it on my list of places to go!

Joan

Thanks for the congrats on the fish but we didn't eat it.  (I DO NOT clean fish!)  He is going on the wall!

Is anybody else just tired of being tired?  The achiness and fatigue just never seem to let up.  And I don't mean sleepy tired, but bone weary tired.  I wish it was sleepy tired

Joan - glad all is working out with the puppy.  Ours is being a little of a challenge but the cute factor definitely saves her.  We will be going to puppy obedience soon as I want to do some competing with her either in agility or rally obedience.

wvgirl - it really sucks that you live with a DH!  I so wish you had the support at home that you find here.  I will be thinking of you for your surgery Thursday.

Kimberly- you are an inspiration as always!  I understand about wanting to not not let the disease define you.  Unfortunately, I am an information hound and am also getting involved with a few things that I hope to lead to some "activist" type activities if I'm still feeling it.  I also will enjoy hearing from the other people at the forum because we are all so different yet so alike (as is evident here).  And I do truly enjoy the magazine with the info and personal stories.

Well, guess I better get back to work.  Still trying to get caught up on posts but will probably have to just keep the shout outs to the new stuff.

Have a blessed and beautiful day Jewels......you shine!

Hey Jewels,

I'll try to post while sitting here dispatching, I need to brush up on this desk duty ... hoping my old secretarial skills from 20 years ago will kick in as I don't seem to be able to multi task like I used to.

So Paula, a good time was had by all, I'm tickled that your trip was good for you both. 

Cathy, your son's college orientation sounds like a lot of fun.  What college is he going to?

Deb, a trout worthy of mounting ... that should look good next to the new dining room set!!!  Sounds like your fishing trip went great, already booked for Labor Day huh?

I get Cure mag myself, I will have to say that I'm getting to the point where I will grab my "Golf for Women" mag over one devoted to cancer! 

Kimberly, so the Buffalo was a hit.  I ended up feeding 4 college age guys, my step daughter, fil and dh, good thing I had planned on cooking pork tenderloin as well.  I ended up re-heating the left over ham to feed the kids too.  Nothing like a tribe to empty the fridge!!!   Its amazing how the boat goes in the water, and suddenly Kent and Carol's place becomes very popular.  I must say it was a pleasure to have the kids over, we havn't seen some of them since last fall, before they headed off to college.  Good kids!!!  It was kinda funny as my son (the youngest of the bunch)  was the only one who had to go to work. 

Thanks for sharing another great pic, looks like fun!

Jennifer, YIKES ... on the description of your nip!  And a sore leg to boot ... hate to say it but sounds like yet another doc appt. 

D1, your whirlwind week sounded like fun was had by all.

Ahh, and happy to report that I dove right in with Sis Kimberly and Kathy's advice, ended the NW drought, not too many words needed!!! 

Joan, any more puppy pics to share ??? 

Yeah, on the 6 month "all's clear" sign from your doc. 

Carla, will have you in my thoughts as you prepare for your upcoming surgery.  I'm still hoping that you have somebody that will be with you to help out during your recovery.  You'll want somebody to probably be able to help you with your drain. 

Kathy, hey, looks like we're both hitting the puter from work today.  Enjoy that massage!!! 

All for now, will be checking back in tonight!

Carol

Tra la la boom de ay, Kris finished chemo today, tra la la boom de ay, we're ready to par - tay.

OK, I've had a busy day today, and I'm pooped, so I won't be doing any shout outs beyond the one to Kris...and to encourage Deb in her endeavor to get to the conference in Texas. I applaud your wanting to keep on top of what's going on and getting involved in advocating for cancer causes.

 I'll catch up later, SIS KImberly