Jan 2008--Ain't it Great?

golfer779 · July 2008

D1, sneaking a quick peak here at work ... my lymphedema bracelet says, "LYMPHEDEMA ALERT" and under that NO BLOOD PRESSURE ... NO NEEDLES ... INTO RIGHT ARM, its not too snazzy looking but atleast is serving the purpose especially with all the doc visits. I was stupid enough to get my finger poke back in Jan on the wrong side so decided to sport a bracelet since then.

So your not communicative ??? You seem quite chatty, maybe you have "my problem" if the topic is serious, you tend to clam right up!!! How about a card or note to get the ball rolling??? Gads, I should be following my own advice here!

Julie, yeah for some great weather while sharing time with family, sounds like your having a good time, enjoy your day on the boat tomorrow.

YIKES, the jobs are rolling in, better go!!!

Carol

golfer779 · July 2008

Maz, I'm so very sorry to read about your dad's passing. Life definitely has no rules when it comes to fairness, I'm hoping your able to find some peace in remembering all the good times spent with him. What an 80^th birthday celebration you all threw for him. Sounds like you'll be finishing up soon with your rads, and hopefully the timing will work out well for you to be there when he ashes are set free at sea.

Wow, your trip to the ER ... how much more stress can a gal endure. Sounds like a good bout of anxiety to me. Glad to hear that your ticker tested out okay. Remember that we're here for you anytime a vent is in order.

wvgirl · July 2008

A quite afternoon here.

My surgery went well. I stayed in hospital overnight. I came home Friday afternoon with a drain.

I saw surgeon yesterday and they were able to remove the drain. Boy did it hurt when the nurse

pulled it out.

I will have path report in 7-10 days.

I have been having goose bumps on my l arm (lymph nodes removed). My arm it not cold. When i ask surgeon she laughed. Did not hear of this before...

My hair is growing back. It is standing up on top my head. My S In Law told me hair grows about 1 " a month.

I still have my port in Onc say to leave it in for now.. I ask surgeon about sleeve. She said for now not to worry about 1 until I see here in 1 month.

I ask about work she said let me be my own judge about it. I don't know if I should take next week off or not.

Well off to start supper....

Take Care

Anonymous · July 2008

Here you go D1 ....

I wear this bracelet all the time. I found a Medical Alert charm online and ordered it with the inscription on the rear. Had my jeweler mount the alert on the bracelet for me.

Carol, here's the photo of me you were looking for. Ok, so it's only my hand. Better than nuttin ....

KathyL · July 2008

I'm a little behind. I worked the second job last night and didn't get home til 9... went right to bed I was so pooped. Worked there again this AM. But I do love what I do, so not complaining just tired from obviously overdoing it. Cleaning ladies came this afternoon--- so awesome to come home to a fresh-smelling, clean home! Took dd for a haircut; it looks cute. She's trying to grow her bangs out, so bought her 2 new headbands.

Woke this morning to a broken, frozen dehumidifier in our basement (dh just happened to be down there and noticed it... thank God). Dh took a ½ day to clean up the mess: bleach everything as it looks like mold was starting. He cut out the wet pad and tack edge; will replace later this week when everything dries out and we can survey if more mold grows back. Crossing our fingers he got to it soon enough and we don't have to replace the carpet; it looked ok. Looks like the dehumidifier's shot though, so that'll have to be replaced. And the rust probably stained the carpet. Things could be worse.

But the best part of today was a gift from Carol (don't think she's my PS; this was an extra). She's the "seafood goddess of the PNW"! It just made my day after the crappy start. That and the clean house got me smiling again.

Let's see what I've missed over the past 2 days...

Oh, too much to chat with everyone tonight. I need to spend some time with dh. He's going to be out the next 3 nights (pro/am golf tournament). So just briefly...

LJ: LOL on your "photo"! Nice bracelet...

Maz: Oh dear, you had a shitty few days! My sympathies about your father's passing. I can't imagine losing my parents right now. I hope the hospitalization was just stress/anxiety related... totally seems that way after what you've been through.

SisKim: You are amazing... need I say more? What a strong woman you are and I admire you like so many others here.

D1: NO slouch yourself there either, lady. I hope you and dh can reconnect for your anniversary. Just keep trying.

Carol: You give and give and give. There is a place for you in heaven someday I know it. You are such a good soul, and I am so lucky to have you as a friend (even if it is just "virtual" friendship).

Jewels, you all are such amazing women. You inspire me each day to be a better person, and I'm so happy to know you all.

golfer779 · July 2008

Hi Ladies, just finished puttering in the yard, believe it or not, WA hasn't had rain in over two weeks. Been watering up a storm, the dh put in a sprinkler system a few years back with 12 zones, but still have to hit the pots.

I'm actually going to hit the "galley" in a few, thought I'd check out some skating and the "gals on line first". I stopped at the store and bought all the seafood I needed to make a Ciopiono (sp) tonight. I've got a recipe that is quite easy and great tasting. It also made for a great excuse to open a bottle of white wine tonight.

LJ, hey I love your bracelet, mine is more like the kind you'd wear as a kid. I'm liking your idea much more, thanks for sharing the pic!!! I added it to my file of pics!!!

Carla, so glad you popped in to give us an update, sounds like all went well except for a drain removal that was painful. Give yourself time to get some energy back before hitting the work scene again if your at all able to.

Ahhh, just got off the phone with Sis Kimberly, think relaxation tonight, and lots of H20, okay with maybe a little vino as well. As I hung up my local fellow CMF'er (Debra) called. Hated to hear of her having a problem with nausea, I totally could not relate to that one, we chuckled as atleast she is not having a problem with the other end!

So much for finishing this post, hitting the galley or will be eating to late for me!!!

A great summer's night to you all, Carol

Determined1 · July 2008

Okay, I didn't read any of the posts tonight, I want to take my time and enjoy. But I just have to say:

LJ, you are such a tease!!!!!!!! Check out those hands!!!! OMG!! I've got the vapors....

D1

Determined1 · July 2008

So....

WTF are the vapors?????????

LilWarrior · July 2008

D1, Sista, and Kim,

Thanks! You are all right, I will allow God to do the judging. Its just weird this man sucked my breast and they are thinking about using me. Hello, anyone home!!! I will allow God to judge him now for all his actions. I talked to my one of my bestfriends and he is a Detective in San Diego and he said that sometimes it hard to use others to testify because you dont have evidence to prove it, he said welcome to wonderful Americas Justical System is the greatest ha ha. Like you said I can hit him in his pockets. I just dont know if I file suit now, or wait till the criminal is over. I wil wait one more week to hear back from the Detective and DA and then move forward and find a good attorney.

I am so pooped lately from all this! This tamoxifen is putting a hurting on me because I cant keep cool, I am going thru hot flashes alot. They gave me effexor I think that is how you spell it to help me with hot flashes but it made me cry all day. It was weird, and it suppose to help you with depression and it made me cry so I didnt take it again. When I told my Dr and Nurse they just laughed and said you are just too happy to be depressed and that pill did the opposite on you. How weird.

Well off to relax, I am just so drained lately! Love ya all - God does too.

LilWarrior

Determined1 · July 2008

A quick check this morning before I get going on my jam-packed day. The curtains are really nice, but they made a couple of mistakes on them. For example, we have 5 windows in our breakfast nook and I had a roman shade made up for each of them. Well, they sent me two different styles of roman shade for the same room! Doh! And the balloon valance in the adjacent room was supposed to have a 2 ½ inch thick board on the top and they only put a 1 incher. I don't think these are biggies, but just another thing to follow up on for the to do list. I really like the installer, though, so it will be nice to have him back to chat while he works (hey, am I supposed to tip that guy? I didn't and then felt bad about it later. And if I do tip, is it a percentage based on the total cost of the job? They didn't break out the installation costs for me on my invoice.).

So today I pick up my new sleeve. I'm kinda excited about it as the old one really doesn't fit anymore. It's also going to be the first time I've been in the shop that carries the sleeves and other garments (they've been coming to my rehab center with a travelling case of their goods, so far), so I plan to look around to see if there are any compression garment alternatives that float my boat. (I've lost it-I'm actually excited to shop for compression gear...)

Then tonight the family is going out for a nice dinner to celebrate the 26^th anniversary. No compression stuff for that-I'm going to wear something from my pre-bc wardrobe and cannot wait!

So, what did I miss last night in my excitement over seeing LJ's hand? (BTW, thanks Carol and LJ for the engraving hints. Clearly you have the standard wording on your alerts since you both have the same thing. I think I'll be getting that, too, just substitute "left" for "right.")

Hey Carla, glad the surgery went okay. Waiting for the path reports is not a fun time, I remember it clearly. Try to keep yourself otherwise occupied as best you can. A sympathetic OUCH on the drain removal. But be happy you had the drains, I didn't and ended up with a nasty seroma. Those drains do serve a good purpose. When you go back in a month, do ask again about the sleeve. They won't want to fit you till your swelling from surgery is down, but sometimes the docs forget about these things and we have to advocate for ourselves. I don't remember about my arm being cold, but I will say not to let the docs dissuade you from identifying your se's-they don't know it all.

Oh, KathyL, do I remember the bang grow-outs! Headbands are a must. I guess we'll be doing it soon enough ourselves! Funny, our dehumidifier bit the dust this year, too. Luckily, we realized it right away and we replaced it immediately, so we never had to worry about the mold thing. We've replaced our carpeting in the basement twice in 14 years, though, so I guess it just wasn't our time to have to do it again. I hope you guys can dodge that bullet. So glad our Carol helped you get over the bad start to your day. She IS amazing, isn't she?

Speaking of Carol, thanks for the call and the ideas. I tried (well, maybe not hard enough), but to no avail. I'm going to keep it up, though, till I prevail (they don't call me D1 for nothing!).

LWDana, try some black cohosh for the hot flashes. It hasn't eliminated them for me, but they seem to be fewer and I'll take what I can get. I'm still ripping my clothes off in bed (you'd think that would get me some action, but noooooo), but its better with the black cohosh than it was without it. I've also heard that evening primrose can help, but I haven't tried that one. Might be worth a shot.

Okay, moving on. Later.

D1

SISKimberly · July 2008

Well, my dh just called and asked if I’d go to our Berryessa property and check to see if the guy hired to trim everything up- fire prevention stuff- did a good job, so Greg can send him a check. Not what I planned on doing today, but it will get me out of looking at curriculum all day today. I will still do that when I get back, but it will be a three hour trip there and back. Maybe I’ll put the top down on the convertible and let the breeze blow through my hair Laughing … WHEEEEE!!!

Maz- You must have posted when I was posting, I would never have missed responding to your loss of your Dad. I am soooo sorry. Certainly your family can wait until you’re able to attend the burial at sea.

Whew, on the ole ticker being fine though, but two nights in a hospital doesn’t sound like fun at all. I’m with D1 on getting out there and walking to get the blood flowing to help with the blood pressure issue and to relieve the stress your undoubtedly feeling. ((((HUGS))))

Julie – Well done on the four hour mowing job. Kids and water just go together don’t they? Thank goodness ds was willing to hang out with them and be a great big bro and cousin.

D1- Nothing like a girl who knows what she wants. Some guy is really going to appreciate that quality in her some day. WOW!!!! Her AP scores are fabulous. She's got smarts that one! Brag away!!!!!

Hey, nice shiny ring and a sweet message from your dh started the anniversary off a day early. Nice!

The fact you’ve been working on this for four years means you’re both in it for the long haul. Communication is so hard sometimes since we all have different patterns of communication and don’t often know how to ‘hear’ other types. Kudos to you both for hanging in and working on things.

So, if I may ask, do you know what the dh means when he says just be more communicative? As I said above, what he means and expects may not be what you understand communicative to mean as your communication styles are very different.

As an example, I’m a ‘sayer’ and my dh is a ‘doer’, so I need to ‘show’ him more, and he needs to ‘tell’ me more when it comes to feeling appreciated and loved.

Sorry to hear that your hotflash strip tease isn't getting you any action. Would installing a pole in the bedroom help? Surprised

Glad Kippy is springing back to life. The other pups in the neighborhood may have to wear shades around her new pearly whites, eh?

Have a wonderful well deserved anniversary dinner tonight, and I hope the curtains look as good as you imagined them based on your swatch. (Just read that the curtains weren’t exactly what you ordered, but didn’t hear the fabric was the problem, only the style mixups. Tipping an installer? I’ve never heard of such a thing. Offer him a glass of ice tea and one of your fabulous brownies maybe?)

LOL on the vapors comment regarding LJ13’s hands. I don’t think you want to get the vapors.

The vapors -A name for hypochondriasis, spleen, or depression of spirits. [Thomas1875]

Archaic - 1. Exhalations within a bodily organ, especially the stomach, supposed to affect the mental or physical condition. 2. A nervous disorder such as depression or hysteria. [Heritage]

Also can be flatulence.

Carol – Looks like you’re able to check in through out the day at work. That’s a nice perk if you have to be at a desk.

It was good to talk with you. Bummer that Paula won’t be out here to meet us, but we’ll raise a glass of vino to her and Ed. I’m planning on seeing you sometime between the 14th through however long you guys want. There’s lots we can do until your dh arrives. I don’t know if you want to head down to SF to see your friend with the tongue cancer and stop by Davis on the way back up to see your step daughter before you come here, or reverse that on your way back home and drive up the coast. Whatever works for you.

OK, so my PT Babydoc really gave me the once over today. OUCH!!! Then added an exercise to my routine I do there. It involved rolling over a ball and catching myself on the other end. Took some practice before I didn’t look like I was drunk. The massage later in the afternoon was deep and this morning I feel like someone beat me up. Yep, I need to drink lots more water today.

I agree with Kathy and D1, you are amazing with your 'just because' gifts, cards, and calls. I love that we all have something to bring to this table.

Hi Carla – Good to hear from you. Glad all is well as far as your surgery. Getting back to work will be OK if you’re not having to lift stuff or do lots of reaching. The side where nodes were removed will get sore with use and may swell a bit.

An 1” a month? It’s been at least two since I started getting fuzz and I’ve barely got ¼” up top and ¾” on the sides and the back of my head, but it’s laying down nicely so far.

LJ13 – Nice hands!!!! Your emerald is gorgeous.

Kathy – Sounds like your job is really meeting your expectations. I’m sooo glad.

A frozen humidifier? I guess with the moisture/humidity there houses need those. Man, mold is not good. I hope your dh got it before it caused too much damage. Are humidifiers expensive to replace?

LWDana- I’m glad you’ve decided to just let this play out. Again, your testimony will be most likely be used to bolster the case if you don’t get to testify personally, so just remember the goal – get this guy out of medical practice. If you choose to do a civil suit, know it won’t be any easier, but if he’s convicted of the criminal case, it will bolster your civil case. You might want to consider a civil suit with the other victims to make the case even stronger. Of course, once he's convicted, you may want to just let it go and move on with your life.

OK, gotta run, or should I say drive.

Have a fabulous day all,
SIS Kimberly

golfer779 · July 2008

Hey Ladies,

Feeling pooped out today for some reason ... I'll be really talking myself into a walk after work.

I rather looked forward to rads this morning, not for the txt, but so I could lub up my chest after my zapping. After a night of sweating, then a morning shower, my chest is screaming for a lubing. From rads to the dentist, an appt I had put off during chemo ... thank god for a clean bill of oral health!

I just received a call here at work from my onc. He had reviewed all of my bloodwork, and said that he was very surprised at my numbers. I am showing levels of complete menopause. He does not believe that those numbers will change drastically over time, and that yes, chemo did shove me into this state at a high rate of speed, but he still feels confident that I won't revert back to being "pre" meno. So on that note, he has suggested that I forgo Tamoxifan and start with Femara an (AI). He also did not recommend having an ooph, which he and my second op had suggested, while we all thought I was "pre" meno. So I don't know exactly how I feel at this moment with that news. I guess maybe just a little older!!! The thought of not having to deal with a period is nice, but as with all of the drugs, reading se's can scare the heck out of ya. So I guess its off to the Femara boards for me ... well after I check out the Jewels of course.

D1, have yourself a great eve out ... no pressure gal!!! Heck your going to be feeling a little "nakey" without your "garmet" on. It is pretty sad what makes us happy these days, (a trip to the compression store), how pathetic!!! Actually, hope they have some items that can make life a little easier on you.

Kimberly, hope you had your "fuzzy" melon covered on your adventure today. So you had that hurt so good feeling today from your massage, and I just can't picture this ball exercise.

Okay, back to catch up the "work" puter, this keeping track of drivers is getting in the way of my surfing time!!!

Carol

KathyL · July 2008

D1: Glad the curtains worked out... sorta. Not sure on the tipping; I'm so bad with that stuff I leave it up to my dh. Hope you have a nice night out and a yummy dindin.

LOL on the ripping your clothes off in bed... to no avail. Maybe next time you need to rip HIS off!

SIS Kim: You are a busy girl. Hope you had a nice ride today to your property house.

Yes, dehumidifiers are pretty essential in DE. We are a very humid area in the summer, which is what makes our summers feel so darned hot (today it's in the low 90s, but feels well over 100). I affectionately call DE the "armpit of the nation"! Anyway, we run our dehumidifier in the basement to avoid mold growing since it's cool and dark down there (and humid otherwise). I'll bet the unit we had wasn't broken too long... and there was mold growing already (OK, so the extra wetness from the water didn't help matters any, but you get the drift). Since we're only focused on the basement and it's one big open room, we can probably replace it for about $200 (a cheaper, basic one). I figure that's still cheaper than replacing carpet, which is only 3 years old.

Carol: Maybe your doc could recheck levels again later on after a few months off chemo? Just a thought to really determine if you're in menopause for sure, though it sounds like it. Well, one positive is that you might not need more surgery.

Dh is off golfing. Hope he's keeping up on fluids in our sweltering heat today. My mom is coming to visit tomorrow evening and staying for the weekend. The kids are starting to get excited. Have a good night Jewels!

sheshe48 · July 2008

Hi JJ,

I swear I don't mean to dissapear you all mean a lot to me, I have been so busy. I joined a painting class at my cancer center, I paint every Fri for 3 hrs. A few days ago me and my sisters went to see Sex in the City, mind you I have never seen the show and did not know what I was in for. I could not believe it was only rated R. We brought my mom along too, I'll bet she was blushing. Has any other Jewels seen it yet? I'm watching a Tigers baseball game tonight. I'm going to start by tomorrow and start reading all the post. I really am sorry I'm behind.

Congrats to Diana 63 on the new grandbaby, she is adorable, So Pretty. I can see I missed a lot.

LW Dana Glad to see you back on the boards, you are still in my prayers.

This board is so crazy how it took off.

SIS Kimberly I hope they put all the fires out and the air is better quality. Kenney Rodgers is pitching and he is my Tiger. I will talk to you all later, I'm still swelling from this Tamoxifen and it makes me eat. I have lost a few pounds and I'm walking. My daughter bought me my dress for the wedding and shoes. I'll have to put the picture on the board and see what you all think.

I will write more tomorrow after I read the post. Hugs, Sherry

wvgirl · July 2008

Well I got good news today.

The surgeon called they removed 5 lymph nodes. Path report on them came back No Cancer. Yippe

And they removed a radius 50 by 50 by 50 mm and 4 mm showed invasive cancer cells. Which she said was good report. I will see Onc in about 3 weeks for follow up and to plan the radiation.

I was surprised they did not give me any exercises to do for the arm.My are is sore but I am able to do a littler around the house. Even 1 are laundry.

I will not see surgeon aging for a month.

The Sat before my surgery the DH wanted to go to a rodeo I did not want to go. He got mad and said he would just go get drunk then. And this he did. Sunday he awoke with a hangover-blaming me. He told me if I would get my head out of my mothers ass maybe I would do something else. He told me why don't you go live with your Mommy. I just laughed and said it is ashame you jealous of the relationship my mother and I have. It is sad and I told him I just don't care anymore. He yelled and ask our daughter what she was going to do that day. He then answered himself and said are you gonna lay in your room and play with your ass all day.

I believe he is miserable and wants us to fell that way also. A friend of mine told me let it go in 1 ear and out the other. It's easier said than done.

I have called to make and appointment to see my options on this matter. They are to call me back for a meeting next week.

When I mentioned this to my mom she said would you leave your daughters ? I said mom they are 19 and are free to come with me. She was not very encouraging and does not think I could do it on my own. Maybe if I confined in her about what has been done and said she would be a littler more supportive.

Oh well. I had a good day today. Went with gf to a thrift shop got 2 cute hats. Funny story on this. When I arrived home I put one of the hats on. One of my daughters said please don't tell me you got that at the mission. I said I sure did! It was brand new and I only paid 50 cents for it. She said mom your gonna get lice. My other daughter said no she wont , you have to have hair before that would happen. We got a good laugh over that.

Take care my wonderful sisters !

Carla

Anonymous · July 2008

Thanks for all the lovely comments on my hands. They really aren't that reddish.

Kimberly, I got the emerald after my mother died (mid-90s). It is my birthstone and she was always giving me jewelry with tiny emeralds in it. They're so horrifically expensive, and she couldn't afford much. After she died, and left her house to the kids (4 of us), it was sold and the money divided among us. I invested most of it, but bought myself this emerald ring as a remembrance of her. She finally got to give me a big old honkin' emerald.

Carla, that is excellent news about the pathology from your surgery ! I told you that chemo was going to kick your cancer's butt ! Please be sure to use your arm normally, though you have to avoid heavy lifting. Especially try to get the overhead reach back as soon as you can. Don't do anything that hurts -- but a little twang to keep things stretching out isn't bad. Your dh is a butthead. Just sayin'.

D1, you're a goof. In a good way.

SISKimberly · July 2008

Good Morning Jewels,
It’s gorgeous outside this morning.

So, Carol, I was really out of it as well yesty. After my four hour drive, I came home to eat lunch at 3pm, and just couldn’t get myself moving to get to yoga. I did some curriculum stuff then just vegged out a bit. My dh wanted to go to the Farmer’s Market, so we did that, then went to eat Thai food. I slept pretty well with the exception of getting up to pee several times.

I also felt foggy headed yesterday, and I think the fact that I’ve been so good about not eating processed foods or doing caffeine, then the past few days, I treated myself to a blended latte, eating Sun Chips with my sandwich, and popcorn at the movies. Wondering if that might be the problem.

Anyway, today is PT and a visit with a friend- the gal who came over for the 4th- in Sacramento for the afternoon. Then we have a neighborhood BBQ. Should be fun. I’ll provide a fresh fruit salad, and Greg will grill zuccinni and squash from our garden to share. We also got all natural pork from our local meat vendor last night that we’ll BBQ up. He sells his stuff to the Green House Restaurant where we had the 47th Birthday Bash.

So, your numbers show you’re in full blown menopause, eh? I agree with Kathy that it should be rechecked in a month or so just to make sure although I’m thinking your doc is probably correct that you’re not going to swing back into premenopause. I’m having mine retested in February again to make sure. My surgeon is then going to recommend my next step. I’m thinking she wants me to consider an AI, too. I haven’t done a ton of research on AI’s, but I have looked at the se’s, and they don’t look any better than the Tamox se’s in my opinion. I’m still thinking that I don’t want to put anymore chemicals into my body, but I’ll look into it. Good news on not having to do another surgery though. WhooHoo!

The ball exercise = You’re on your knees with the ball at your belly. You roll over the ball and catch yourself on the other side then push yourself back. My balance wasn’t so hot the first go few tries. I looked like a drunk circus clown or something, but then I got the hang of it.

I slathered on the SPF 55 on my exposed parts and only had the top down for maybe an hour.

Kathy – We have property at Lake Berryessa on a cul-de-sac with a beautiful view of the lake and canyon that we haven’t been able to build on due to the sewer being updated. It’s been two years and not much progress seems to have been made to get this resolved. Ah, well. All in good time.

Glad to hear the dehumidifier isn’t going to be expensive.

Sherry – I saw Sex and the City, and it did have some ‘hot’ scenes for sure. I hadn’t watched the show either much as we don’t get HBO, but did catch an episode or two while in Chicago.

Good for you on your weight loss and your walking. Just goes to show it doesn’t take a lot of machines or anything to get into better shape. I can’t wait to see you in your dress for the wedding. How nice that your daughter bought you your shoes and dress.

Carla- WHOOHOO on the good news!!!!! Don’t worry too much about exercises and the compression sleeve yet, you’re still healing from the surgery and there needs to be some time to determine if the swelling is just from surgery or truly lymphodema related. I’d imagine that six weeks out you’ll start to get some basic exercises to do at home, but like LJ13 says, try to do what you can except heavy lifting and reaching beyond your comfort level to get things stretched out and prevent the retraction that keeps things so stiff and tight.

I agree with your friend. Don’t worry about the DH. Just do what you need to do to heal and take care of your girls.
You know my stand. No one deserves to be verbally abused. How sad that he is feeling so intimidated by you and your growth as a person that he has to put you down to make himself feel better. I also agree that he’s miserable in his life and wants others to be miserable too. It’s so much easier than working on his stuff and your relationship.

LJ13 – What a wonderful gift you gave yourself from Mom.

OK, gotta go put the chops in the marinade before heading out.

SIS Kimberly

Determined1 · July 2008

The anniversary dinner was very nice. I had gazpacho soup and then scallops and asparagus. The dh ordered a Sequoia something or other chardonnay that was fab (sorry, but I am SO bad at remembering wines)! Even college girl was loving it as she snuck sips from my glass. My dh got up this morning and told me again how great I looked last night, so I was feeling good about myself. Sigh.

So, SIS Kimberly, you're probably back from your excursion by now. I hope the hired hand is keeping you out of fire danger. I think about you all the time when I hear the stories.

You pose some good thoughts about the communication thing. In all honesty, I see it as an excuse. My mom always said the reason she and my dad divorced was because he wasn't a great communicator. Problem was, he wasn't great with words, but if you listened to him, you could hear what he had to say. My mom just didn't have the patience. Now I think my dh is just using that, "you're just like your dad" line instead of listening to me. Sometimes I'm patient enough to get past all of that and other times, frankly, I'm not. Unfortunately, we (neither of us) is working hard to find time to talk to one another, so things tend to drag on (witness the fact that we haven't even discussed the genetic testing issue, yet). I have been content to wait it out, but now that I've been through the bc thing, I suddenly find I'm feeling more of a sense of urgency. Since dh didn't have bc, he's not where I am. I think we'll get there (mostly because we want to), but I think we have more time to put in. Another sigh.

Now, on to topics less deep. OMG, girl, I'm LOL rolling on the floor with your definition of the vapors! (As if I need any help in the flatulence department-she writes while she munches on hummus and pita.)

Oh, yeah, I meant to respond to Carla's comment about 1" a month, too. Carla, don't mean to burst your bubble, but I'm nowhere near that growth rate. Although it sure would be nice...

Carol, interesting that they're sending you straight to Femara. My onc said even if I am completely post-menopausal, he wants me to take Tamox for a period of time because of the bone building it does. I think somewhere down the road I'll switch to an AI. It seems to me he mentioned at least 8 months on Tamox, though (this of a 5-10 year sentence of HT). Try not to freak yourself out on the se's (I certainly did with the Tamox and it hasn't been that horrible). If it gives you peace of mind (it did me), then see your gyn or gp for a complete physical before you start so you establish a baseline and tell them you're anxious about taking the Femara. They may put you on an enhanced screening schedule to keep you at peace (my gyn is doing that for me). Oh, and congratulations on achieving a new plateau in womanhood!!! Now you can fly without a net at any ‘ol time!!

OMG, you guys are cracking me up today-KathyL, suggesting I de-clothe my dh!!! But I don't understand how that will alleviate my hot flashes...

Hey Sherry, not to worry about being MIA. The painting class sounds great. Good therapy, IMO. I'll bet you're there right now! I'd love to see a pic of your dress for the wedding. You must all be getting very excited. What a good thing to have in your life right now.

Oh, Carla, you should've heard the sharp intake of breath I experienced as I read with relief about your path report. I have goosebumps for you! Good move on talking to someone about your options with the dh. It sounds like you're ready to see what's out there. I think when you see what you can do and lay it out for your mom, she'll be more supportive. I imagine right now she's fearing what could happen and doesn't know what you can plan for yourself. Give her time to catch up to you in her thinking-you've been mulling this over for a long time and have adjusted to what you want to do. She's still reeling from the news. Stay strong and focused. You will do the right thing in the end. (At least if you do get head lice, the twice daily nit picking will be a breeze!)

LJ-you know, my dad always called me a goofy doof. I take it as a compliment.

Loved the story on the emerald. I'll bet your mom is so happy to know you have it.

Man SIS Kimberly, how do you keep up with yourself? I'll be by for the bbq, sounds delish!!!

Okay, I'm off to start making some headway on my to do list. I have never figured out how it gets so big each and every day!

Happy Friday!

D1

sista2 · July 2008

Hi Jewels! Lurking, as usual, but i had to share this story.

stopped on my way home from work and the second half of my rads sim to get sod from home depot. (chinch bugs have done a number on my lawn) i had on a sweatshirt because where i work is always freeeeezing and the usual bandana on my head. the young checkout girl says "how can you stand it in that sweatshirt?"....it's very hot. i said "i'm about to die" and she gets this horrified look on her face and says, "are you really?".....omg! i then realized with my obvious lack of hair, sparce eyebrows and the markings you can see through the top of my shirt from the rads appt...wow! i am so oblivious my current appearance and to people around me most of the time, i just do my thing and don't pay much attention to stares and such. i just had to laugh and assure her that i meant the sweatshirt, i wasn't really dying.

and while i'm posting, congrats carla on your great path!!!! that is wonderful news! having to deal with your DH is the last thing you should have to do now but i'm glad you have enough self respect left to consider your alternatives as far as he's concerned. hopefully you have people around you that will support whatever decision you make. out of respect for you, i won't call your husband names but you know what i want to say................

take care everyone

sista

golfer779 · July 2008

Hi Ladies

Its going to be a long day, in anticipation of my ds skating early this morning, I woke at 2:00am, not being able to go back to sleep. We we're able to watch his race at 4:00am our time, 6:00 in Nebraska via the internet. Unfortunately, he and his partner came in 4^th in their heat, needed atleast a 3^rd place finish to move on. Oh well, atleast he was able to get his feet wet on the national level. I had a pretty good hunch that the competition would be extremely tough, and my ds had been missing quite a few practices (training), do to his work schedule. I spoke to him after his race, and he had been in the restroom, sick to his stomach afterwards, he just was not in tip-top shape.

I've read the comments in regards to my onc's wanting to put me directly on an AI. I am just going to let this all sink in for a few days, then I'll be more prepared to have a discussion with my onc. He really caught me off guard yesterday, and I really did not have much to question. Thanks for your thoughts.

Carla, what great news you we're able to share. Time for a "Julie Happy Dance"on your behalf!!!

Kathy, enjoy your weekend with your Mom, I think its so cool that your kids get so excited for grandparent visits.

Sherry, okay we're waiting with grand anticipation for the pic of you and your dress for the big day.

So have you been a painter in the past, or is something new? It sounds like a neat program.

Again, there's absolutely no reason to apologize for not tuning in daily to the "Jewel jabbering", that's the best part of this post, there is usually somebody popping in daily if any of us need a pick me up!

LJ, love the sentiment of your ring, I have my mom's wedding ring, but still don't know what exactly I'd like to do with it.

Kimberly, holy Toledo, you are going off the deep end "Sun Chips"!!! In all honesty I tip my hat to you for your efforts to feed you body nothing but healthy fuel. I need a little of that mentality to rub off on myself. I tend to go in spurts, and lately I'm not spurting to healthy of a diet.

Okay, got the pic of the ball exercise. Sounds a bit painful to me at the moment (pancake and all).

D1, sounds like your dinner out was just fine ... and yeah for feeling good about yourself. That's what we like to hear!

So I'd love to put all these onc's together in one room and ask the same question to all of them and see just how many different answers you'd get. I guess this medicine thing is not an exact science.

I'm looking forward to my 2 days off from the "baker". Last night I applied my aloe, layed on the bed to let in soak in before applying saline compress and Aquaphor, ended up falling asleep, waking at 2:00 with an itchy chest.

Just got an interesting call from the dh, sounds like he's heading out in the morning for Long Beach unexpectedly. Seems that the deckhands/engineers on the tugboats in Long Beach are planning on striking Sat am. Looks like management is going to show some force and be prepared to operate the boats in a pinch. Sounds like an ugly mess to me, and as of right now, the dh has no idea how long he'll be gone.

So much for the company we had planned on taking out in the boat and having to dinner tomorrow. Looks like I just might be going to town to walk instead. All for now...

Carol

sheshe48 · July 2008

Hi Jewels,

WVgirl I'm so sorry that your marriage is in trouble, he has had no sympathy for you during your breast cancer journey. I'm so glad your report was good and they got all the cancer, Thank goodness. I hope and pray that you won't have to leave your husband and that he will start caring for you again.

LJ13 Love the ring, it's bueatiful and you do have nice hands.

Carol Let me know how you do on it with the se's on Femara. A couple of wks ago I started having bone pain and muscle cramps in my legs at night. Last night was a bad night for me. It takes awhile for that se to kick in. I cannot take my mediatication during the day because it makes me drowsy and out of it. I have to take it before I go to bed. How exciting for you having ds in the nationals and on tv. I know you are proud. Smile

D1 Sounds like your anniversary dinner was special, you have a nice dh. I'll upload a picture of me in my dress, I don't have on nylons or make up and I did not brush the wig. I just wanted to get an idea what I would look like for photos.

SIS Kimberly Enjoy your BBQ.

I have to get caught up on the postings, I'm glad everyone is well, I'm missing in action so much I'm sometimes afraid to get on and find out something bad happened to some of you. I worry and have crazy fears. Sounds like we are all getting well. I went my painting class and had a great time. I love my teacher Meg, she has bone cancer, she is very inspiring. Then I went to my sisters house, she had her tooth pulled out today and I went with her to get her script filled. Have a nice weekend Jewels. Sherry

KathyL How are you working 2 jobs and taking care of the kids? You are a super mom. Go Girl!!!!

sheshe48 · July 2008

sheshe48 · July 2008

sheshe48 · July 2008

Ok I could not get the picture of just my shoes to post. Let me have your honest opinion on the shoes. I could not find a pair of flats in champayne color, or they weren't in my size. My dress is champayne. My shoes are gold, let me explain, You can't tell, I have gold and silver studs in the front of the blouse and on the sheer jacket as well. The gold in the dress is the exact same color as my shoes. My sister Theresa thinks I'm nuts and hates the shoes, she wears guady jewely but thanks my shoes are guady or two much she says. I will be pulling my pearls up some, they are light pink pearls, the bride and her bridesmaids are wearing pearls and I had a pink strand. So I wanted to kinda match. Since I had 1/2 my breast chopped off on the right side the blouse is big, we are going to tac it up so it lays flat. This is the smallest size I could wear, it's a size 16, I know the 14 would of been too tight in the belly. Please tell me what you think. If no one likes my shoes I will go shopping again and try some different stores. We went to about 4 so far with no luck except with the shoes that I bought. I wish the studs would show up in the picture better and you could see the gold in the dress. My sister has not come over my house yet to see the dress, I just showed her the shoes, She hates the shoes. Let me know what you think, so I don't embarress myself. LOL Sherry

sheshe48 · July 2008

sheshe48 · July 2008

Ok I finally got the shoes loaded, now you all can give me your honest opinions. That big stone in the middle is like a mirrored glass. I think it's pretty my sister hates it. At first I looked over the shoes and then noticed the dress had the same color of gold as the shoes. I was tired and grabbed them. Now i'm having my doubts.

tinalee123 · July 2008

Hi Jewels,

Sorry to be MIA, friends. I have kept up with everyone’s postings. My, oh my, but aren’t we all getting on with our lives?!? It’s very cool to read what people are up to, and, honestly, it’s encouraging, and I’m happy to say…so normal.

D1 – Happy anniversary! Sounds like a great time! Congratulations. Glad to hear tamox isn’t too bad for you. I’m in the same boat, haven’t noticed any other se’s than the hot flashes/night sweats.

Sherry – What a beautiful picture. You look so lovely, that dress is gorgeous. The pearls are perfect.

Carla – YAY for the great news! I’m so happy for you. Sending wishes for continued strength with the dh. I agree, I bet if your mom knew the kinds of shit you’ve been putting up with, she’d so totally have a different view and opinion.

Kimberly – Sounds like a fun evening is in store for you. Aren’t good neighbors a blessing?

LJ – Good idea about the medical alert medal. It looks really nice on your bracelet – not like the ones I was thinking of (like my cousins’ diabetes one). What a nice story about your emerald. It’s a beauty! It’s cool to have something like that, that reminds you of someone so special.

Carol – Can’t believe you’re still awake to post!! LOL Sorry to hear ds didn’t qualify. Where is Long Beach? Is dh considered management?

Dana – I take Vitamin E to help with the hot flashes. 1000 iu’s. They don’t stop by any means, but, they are less “hot”. Wink

Both of our boys are working tonight, so, we’re heading out for sushi happy hour. Have a wonderful evening everyone. Will check in again later.

Tina

tinalee123 · July 2008

Sherry -- I vote YES for the shoes! I love 'em! The metal-tones are VERY in this summer, and I've seen LOTS of beads and jewels on shoes, too. They look great. And, I bet they'd be comfortable when standing for long periods of time.

Tina

sheshe48 · July 2008

Thanks Tina I also love the shoes, they are designed by a.n.a. I just showed to one of my daughters friends and she also loves the shoes with the dress. The shoes also have a pinkish tint to them also that's why my pearls go with them so well. I do value my sisters opinion, I love her but I like the shoes.

Oh Tina I just noticed you take high doses of vitamin E. It has been proven that anything over 300 units can cause a stroke. I lost one of my clients because to a stroke from vitamin E. Her husband found out it helped her memory and was feeding her high doses of it. It turned out badly for her. Please contact your doctor about using such a high dose of vitamin E. I don't want to scare you but I thought maybe you don't know about it. Enjoy your dinner tonight.

Dana I'm so sorry you got caught up in that mess, you are doing the right thing by going to court. That doctor is a predator and you are helping to take him off the streets. I know it's a horrible feeling to know when someone is getting away with murder so to speak. Be brave LW, you can get threw this. I will pray that when you get your MRI that you are healed too.

Sherry

JulieK_11_30_07 · July 2008

Happy Friday evening, Jewels! It's been busy on the thread the last couple days! I'll do my best to catch up with everyone.

We had a FAB time boating yesterday!! It was beautiful weather -- sunny and HOT! My ds and two 5-year old nieces had a lot of fun playing in the water at the beach and both of my nieces tubed - although they insisted that ds go with them, so he was pretty worn out by the end of the day. We went back to my sil's house last night for dinner and visited until about 11:30 p.m. She asked if ds could just stay with them through the weekend - they're planning to bring him home on Sunday or early Monday, so dh and I are "childless" again for a few days.

Diana - your granddaughter is just beautiful!! I'm sure you're loving every minute you can get with her.

Kathy - sorry to hear about your dehumidifier crapping out - glad it won't be too costly for you. I hope you enjoy your weekend with your mom.

Vettegal - glad you checked in! I hope Denise gets things figured out for herself - I understand your frustration, but be patient with her --- she needs to do what she feels is right for her. I hope your knee is better by now!

Sista - feel free to lurk away - just glad you checked in with us! I've been wondering how you're doing. As always, so many of the Jewels had great advice for you on your mri, etc.... hope you come up with an answer you're comfortable with.

D1 - so sorry about your toenails - definitely a "WTF" is appropriate there! WOW on dd's AP scores --- you must be so proud!! That's awesome! Happy belated anniversary --- glad you had a nice dinner out with the family. Great advice, again, from so many sister-Jewels about the communication issue - my dh and I have had to work through that issue before too and it definitely takes some hard work and time to get through it.

I hope you "enjoyed" your trip to the compression shop - yep, LOL on that one!!

Paula - Big WOOOOHOOOO on the good news from Duke!!! I'm so happy to hear Ed is responding to the meds. I hope they get his digestive issues under control for him - we all know too well how awful those can be! I'm another one who feels like an 80-year old anytime I get up after sitting for a while - my dh has had knee problems for years (he actually needs both knees replaced at some point) and when we are both getting up at the same time, we just laugh at how pathetic we are!!

Kimberly - sounds like you've been as busy as ever!! I'm with you on not feeling like dealing with the curriculum stuff - I've been putting it off too. I went into school about a month ago and worked on one of my classes, but I still have two more to do - and both are completely different this year. Guess I better get on that, huh?! I'm hoping I can get a lot done next week - we don't have much else going on so I hope to get movin' on it.

Dana - WOW - you've had so much to deal with and now this. Good for you for coming forward, though, and telling your story. Guys like that need to be dealt with and I admire you for your courage. I will continue to keep you in my prayers.

Carol - how cool you could watch ds's race online - you gotta love technology! Sorry he didn't win, but what an experience for him! I hope dh doesn't have to stay in Long Beach too long - bummer on the weekend plans! I hope the pancake is feeling better tonight.

Norma - I'm glad things are going well for you! I'm just now starting to stop wearing my scarf too - I need to call my hair girl and get an appt before we start school. I'll probably have her color and trim my sides and back - it'll need it by then.

Deb - thanks for the Vit D info - I'll be checking into that for sure. I'm not very good at taking vitamins, etc... I already have so many to worry about with my migraine meds, but I guess I need to get better at it.

Maz - I'm so sorry to hear about your dad - you have sure had it rough here lately. I'm glad things ended up being okay after your ER visit.

WVgirl - I'm glad your surgery went well - what great news on your path results!!! Here's your happy dance!!

I'm glad to hear you're talking to someone about your options with DH - the time will come when you feel it's time for your mom to know what you've been going through and I'm sure she'll be supportive.

Okay - on the hair growth - my hair gal (and I've seen it online somewhere) told me that it grows about a quarter of an inch a month - which is about right for what I have right now.

Sherry - I bet things are getting busy with the wedding getting closer! I love your dress!! I think the shoes look good with it - esp with the gold on the dress too - and you want to be comfortable. My sister and I often have differing opinions on shoes!

Well, girls, I think I'm caught up for now. Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

{{{{{HUGS}}}}} to all of the Jewels!!

Julie

P.S. I know we have several "travelers" among us - I'd appreciate any input on all-inclusive, beach resorts any of you may have!! Dh and I will be celebrating 20 years next summer and I'm starting to look into a get-away for just us. We basically just want to get away for some sun, relaxation, beach, and things to do. LMK if you have any suggestions or places to avoid!

Jan 2008--Ain't it Great?

Comments

Categories