Determined1

Holy shit.  No, Kris, it's

FUCK YOU BREAST CANCER!!!!!!

(I hope I didn't offend anyone.)

I guess you're going to be seeing your surgeon tomorrow.  I'll be sending all my very best your way.  Be strong, and like Carol says, stay optimistic.  You've got the sparkle of the Jewels on your side.

CHJ-I'll bet you're a little shaky about your mammo/MRI.  Hold your head up and march on in there.  Don't second guess any decisions you've made along the way-you made them when they were the best options at the time.  You're going to be great, I can just tell.  (Weather cold enough for you?)

LWDana-Glad to have you back.  It sounds like your cruise was just the ticket-despite the fact you had to dress for dinner.  I know what you mean about wanting to call your dad.  Mine died seven years ago and I talk to him all the time.  You have to know he's there for you-and will probably do a better job parenting with the advantage of hindsight.  Don't ever give up on him.  As for your family, be gracious, but firm.  Family is a tough nut sometimes.  But you have to look out for LW (who will find a way to prepare for those exams-you always amaze).  Oh, and it's so unfair that you didn't gain any weight on your cruise-you put me in an environment with that much rich food and it's a disaster waiting to happen.

So I went to my gentle yoga trial today.  I LOVED it.  This would have never been my schtick a year ago, but I'm a little different now.  I'm going to call the coordinator tomorrow to see if my friend and I can pay a prorated amount for the remaining three classes in this session, rather than waiting till Jan. 21 (day after inauguration!!!!!) to start the new session.

Oh, and I made the first call to a therapist.  It led to a list of referrals since the doc I was calling was not accepting new patients.  So I made the call to a LCSW on the list since it's a woman and she deals with relationship issues (which I believe is the crux of my bad feelings).  I'm a little anxious awaiting her return call as it means I'll have to start actually spilling some beans, but I can do it.  I know you guys are all cheering me on and it helps more than you'll ever know (and if you're not cheering me on, you should.)

Carol, have a good trip and I hope some golf is in the cards for you.

Onward.

D1

So, I've had a hankering to give our girl Carol a ringy dingy, but have hesitated because I don't want to interfere with family time.  So a post will have to do.  How are you?  As I recall, Friday your port was headed out to sea.  Perhaps as I read through the thread I'll see how you're doing, but you should know, you've been on my mind.

Ah, yes, there's the mention of your "de-porting" (lol).  I love those warm blankets-the only good thing to be had in a surgery, imo.

Darn it all, anyway!  Why does the ds have to do his weird teenage shit when you leave town?  Does he want you hanging in his business all the time????  Tell him it's time to straighten up and fly right.  You and his dad are tired of being disappointed, particularly when he seems to be moving along so well.  Maybe you all need to come up with a more constructive way for him to decompress whenever the whole "being a teen" scene gets overwhelming.  Would he be receptive to talking about options with you guys?  (Why is it so hard to be a teen?  You'd think with all the years humanity has been working on it, that it would improve, but NOOOOOOOO!)

Yellow Bird-the rum drink with crème de banana, orange juice and pineapple juice.  You drink too many of them before you realize you're wasted...

Well, maybe your sleeve fits okay, then.  I will say, I HATE wearing my compression every day and really look forward to about 7p when I allow myself to take it off.  The sick part is that when I take off the big bra, I can't just go braless-too much of a shock to the system-but wearing a regular bra feels great.  How sad is that???!!!!  I remember the day when I'd shed the regular bra at 7p and felt like the world was right again...

Okay, I'll try to relax about the boyfriend for college girl.  I guess I don't really have to deal with it till he comes for dinner over Thanksgiving break...

CathyCA, good for your doc in being so thorough.  I really like having all the testing done for my peace of mind.  I imagine you're getting the same comfort from your medical care.  Oh, and I know exactly how you feel about having buried your chemo memories.   When we were in the Bahamas, one of my old friends was really curious about chemo and I found myself describing some of the se's and, in the back of my mind, wondering where on Earth I found the strength to deal with them.  I hope your MIL finds the strength, too.  Oh, got a smile out of your ds' charges from Claire's.  And our kids think we're stupid...

Good luck for your 3day!  I'll be there in spirit (and marveling at your wisdom in forgoing the tenting experience).

Reminder to Carol-you're supposed to stay AHEAD of the pain.  Take the scripts and some colace.  Maybe you can use it as an excuse to call in sick tomorrow...

Paula-I cannot imagine you doing the 80 year old shuffle-you are as vibrant as anyone I've ever met!  Oh, I do hear you on the whole boyfriend scene.  I want to talk to my college girl about boyfriends (this is her first relationship-unless you count the high school years she spent pining for this kid) and how you are still "you" and don't have to become anything else to please this other person.  I want her to know that her goals and dreams should not change to accommodate anyone else-it's okay to achieve things as an individual-couples can still celebrate the individual successes a partner has and still be a couple.  You know, that kind of thing.  I'm just afraid I might blow it because she'll see right through to my disappointment that she's with this guy.  I'm going to have to keep it in check.  I remember from my own teen years, anything my parents really wanted me to do, I did exactly the opposite (and I wasn't particularly rebellious).

Oh, and you guys want to see drinking smiles?  You should see the photos we took after we'd finished our Yellow Birds!  Those are not fit for the internet!!!

I'm off to the in-laws this afternoon to watch the Vikings.  My fil has the football package so we can see the Vikes every weekend.  It really chews up the time I'd spend puttering around the house, but it is fun to watch the games (and if they're willing to pay for the package, I'm all for it!).  Tomorrow I get my next massage-I am SO looking forward to it!

Later.

D1

Has it been since Monday that I've posted?  Time flies!

Well, college girl's news was that she has a boyfriend (she's almost 20 and this is her first one).  Unfortunately, it's not the guy I would have picked for her.  She's known this guy since they were in 6^th grade together and he hasn't always been a good friend.  She's always had a crush on him and I know they've hooked up (I think I'm using that right) on and off since they were freshmen in high school (much to my dismay).  I know she's always held a candle for this kid (part of me thinks it has something to do with how women form emotional attachments once we establish physical attachments, but that's probably too heavy to discuss here), but he has been emotionally abusive to her over the years.  She acknowledged that he probably isn't the guy dh or I would have picked for her, but she says he's changed (oh yeah, heard that one before).  She would like to invite him to dinner at the house over the Thanksgiving break, so I'll be on my best behavior.  (Is it time for me to mention that this kid did well in high school, but dropped out of college after the freshman year?  Now he's thinking about attending community college in South Carolina, where his mother recently relocated.  I can already see my college girl dumping her prestigious college to follow this kid...)  What a rant!  Hopefully, this will allow me to behave myself around my daughter and her, swallow hard, boyfriend.

License plate options.  Love your idea, LJ, but there's already someone driving around my town with that one!  And BC SUX would have the same problem as FUBC, I'm afraid.  So here are my ideas:

DTRMD1

D-WON

BP1BC0 (BP are my real initials)

FU1BC0

What do you guys think?

LJ, thanks a million for the weight videos-it's hard to misunderstand how to do the exercise when you watch someone do it correctly.  I can see that many of them will do the same thing as my bands, so when I graduate from the bands, I imagine I'll be substituting these.  If you find some more, send them on-new ideas are always welcome.

Carol, I read about your visit with Baby Katie with a big smile on my face because it wasn't clear to me who drank the 4oz and then experienced the big burp!!!  Glad you had a good time.  You look fabulous in the photo.  I think your hair may be thickening up again.  Oh, and the baby is really cute.

Your sleeve should not be cutting off circulation to your fingers.  When I fly I wear my sleeve and a gauntlet (glove w/o fingers) to keep the compression from sending fluid into my hand.  I don't have to wear the gauntlet every day, tho.  Something about the pressurization when you fly that I need it then.  Try this:  put your sleeve on.  If your skin bulges at the upper arm or wrist around the edge of the sleeve, then it's probably too tight.  Didn't you see a le therapist for an evaluation?  If so, call her and ask if you can pop by between her appointments to show her your sleeve so she can give you some guidance.  My experience with those folks is that they're willing to come out for a few minutes to talk, even if you don't have an appointment.

Hope the weather is okay for you.  The forecaster here keeps talking about your rain...

Oh man, SISKimberly, I'm so sorry your students are disappointing you.  That would be hard for me to take-putting in all that effort, only to have it fall on deaf ears.  I hope those kids wake up soon and realize that you're one of the best things to ever happen to them!  (Sounds like the weekend getaway was good for recharging the ‘ol batteries!)

For crying out loud, Carol, what's up with your "whore moans?"  I know what you mean about the emotions being right there.  As you'll recall, I'm not a crier and since I've been on the Tamoxifen it seems a cry is just around the corner.  Maybe your AI is messing with you.  (Is everything okay with the ds?)

Hey, Happy Birthday, Carla!!!  I just sang for you at my computer (and you can thank your lucky stars that you couldn't hear it!).

Take care, gang.

D1

Happy Friday!  I managed to find a top to complete my outfit for only $23, so I'm feeling good about myself!  I've also scheduled my first massage/MLD therapy for Monday, so that's moving ahead.  I've tried ringing up the head therapist recommended to me a couple of times, but no answer.  I'm not sure if that's a sign...  I'll have to redouble my efforts on that next week.

LWDana-it's so good to hear from you.  I'm so sorry to hear about your father's death.  I guess I didn't realize he was battling cancer, too.  I'll bet it made him a lot more comfortable to know his daughter was caring for him.  And you gotta know, he was/is so proud of your accomplishment, even though he couldn't celebrate the way he would have liked.  Enjoy your cruise and know it was his gift to you to cherish.  I'm confident that you will find a job that suits you-you seem to have a great deal of compassion.  Hang in there-and I, too, like the sound of your tumors stagnating.  You're going to come out of this a stronger person (if that's possible).  ;)

CHJ, what a great testimonial from your co-worker on the election.  It really puts it in perspective, doesn't it?  Hope the colonoscopy went well today and you got a humongo ham sandwich to celebrate!

Wow, Therese!  Your recon is complete!  I'll bet you thought the day would never come.  Congratulations!  You know, it's funny, part of the reason I've been stalling on keeping the short hair is because I'm not ready to look like my mom, either.  My hairdresser said she'd like me to grow it out a little more, but keep it short.  She keeps saying she wants to try something edgy with me.  I guess "edgy" doesn't sound like my mom's hair...

Have a safe trip, Carol.  Don't sweat the small plane too much.  Both of my parents were pilots and we only flew the little ones.  Sometimes I feel more secure in those planes.  The bloody mary should help, but don't have too many.  When my sisters and I were leaving the Bahamas last week we had a 2 ½ hour layover in Nassau and had some money left in our kitty (we pooled our money for the week to minimize arguments over finances).  Well, we decided to drink the kitty dry.  So we each ordered up a couple of yellow birds (that's the banana rum drink).  Next thing you know, we hear our names over the loudspeaker that they were closing the door to our flight and were "last calling" us!  We freaked out!  And then completely stumbled to the plane.  I think I'm still nursing that hangover!

I agree with you, KathyL, I think Beau Biden could have a good career in government service.  I hope he gets the nod.

Oh my, Sherry, take a deep breath and exhale slowly.  I hear there's a lot on your plate and it sounds like it's completely stressing you out.  Make yourself a list and triage it.  Only do what you can do without stroking out and let the rest of it go (oh, and send this same message to me when I start freaking).  It's all good.  Enjoy Brandy and her pals.

I should get back to my laundry and walk the dog before I start primping for my black tie affair tonight.  At least it shouldn't take me long to do my hair!!!!

Onward.

D1

So I made it safely home.  It was a good trip.  We did some good deeds in a couple of libraries, but the best part was doing it with my sisters.  We reconnected as sisters and ran in to some old friends on the island.  We were all moved by the impact of all three of us being there, with our childhood friends, all at once.  That may never happen again in this lifetime, so it was really special.  I don't think my husband will ever understand how that Christmas gift was greater than just about any other I've ever had.

Unfortunately, while we were on the island (mostly without phone service), one call that got through was from my NM sister's onc (she's the one who had Hodgkin's Lymphoma 3 years ago and recently discovered a new lump).  Apparently, after reviewing her test results, they have decided that she needs to have the lump surgically removed for more testing.  (I mean, we couldn't seem to get calls through to our families, but the onc managed to find us!)  My sister will be calling to schedule that surgery later this week (she came home in time to vote and repack for a business trip).  I'm glad I was with her when she got the call.  I know IF she has to do this again, I'll be much better equipped to support her than I was before my own cancer journey.

Speaking of my cancer journey, waiting for me upon my return was a letter from the VA DMV saying they were rejecting my request for a license plate bearing the personalization "O FUBC" on the grounds they thought it might be construed as lewd.  Ya think???!!!  I'm peeved.  Now I have to come up with a new personalization and I can't think of anything I'd rather have.  Your suggestions are welcome.  Maybe you'll get my creative juices flowing.

So what have you guys been up to? 

Hooray to CathyCa on a good mammo!!!  One more hurdle cleared.  Now it sounds like you're full on into your training for your 3day.  Keep us posted on your progress.

SISKimberly-I totally hear you on the impatience to get back to normal.  Quite frankly, I think that IS normal.  I do understand the whole "tears of a clown" gig, though.  Please vent any old time.

I'm also wondering how Kathleen's consult with the surgeon went.  It was yesterday, right?

Gosh darn it, Paula, what's up with the heart?  I know you must be stressed out-everytime you post your agenda it makes MY heart palpitate.  PLEASE take care of yourself.  Mention this to one of your docs.  We worry about you.

Very eloquent, Carol.  With Kimberly's start, you really took off and put our feelings in to words.  I think what you wrote is why I'm trying to get a script for a therapist.  While I really, really need you guys to help me on my journey, I think I have some more stuff that needs professional attention in the hope that I can not only get back to the physical normal I enjoyed 18 months ago, but also the mental normal I've left behind many years ago.

LJ!!!  Yes, I hear you on the bone mets fear!  I awoke one morning with a pain in my ribs and was convinced something was really wrong.  I tried to ignore it for a couple of days and only casually mentioned it to my physical therapist, but it wouldn't go away and I didn't want to appear stupid by talking about it.  I ended up skipping situps and any exercise that seemed to be aggravating it and it did go away.  But my head is a scary place these days.

OMG, Norma!  A cyst on your ovary!  What do they do for that?  I really wish this weren't happening to you.

KathyL, thanks for the encouragement re: therapy.  I really don't know how you do it all and still have time for the Jewels!

Gosh, Sherry, you're really having a time of it, aren't you?  I hope as you settle in to your new job things will improve.

Love your optimism in getting over the Jewel Sapphires (Blues), Therese.  Thanks for helping us keep it in perspective.  And you can steal my ideas any ol' day.  I live by the words, "there is no such thing as a new idea, the difficulty is to think of it again."  I think it was Thomas Wolfe who said that, but don't quote me.  Ideas for the survival bag-Biotene mouth wash, Colace, immodium, lotion, lip balm, A+D ointment for q-tipping in a dried out nose, good smelling shower gel (because it makes you happy), um, that's all that's top of mind...

Hooray for heavy twilight, Carol!  Glad you pursued it.  So we'll mark our calendars...

Hey, I'm sorry dh wasn't on the same page when you tried to communicate your feelings.  I've had a couple of disappointments in that regard.  Heck, I'm disappointed trying to communicate my happy thoughts (reference my comments about being with my sisters in the opening paragraph).  Somehow it's just different once you've walked a mile in the shoes.  I don't know why, but it is.  I think we should continue to try to connect with the mere humans in our lives, but really, let's face it, the Jewels get it.

Hooray to Therese and SISKim for their cyber empathy.

LJ, you just da bomb, gf!  Okay, bring on those hot flashes!

Hey, CHJ, thanks for the perspective.  Your input is always so spot on.  Try to stop in more often.

LOL, Julie!!!

Carla, I sense some moving forward in your post.  Good for you.  And I still think Pippi Longstocking was a hippie...

I really like the way you handled your socializers, SISKimberly.  The cause and effect lesson they will receive will likely stick with them forever.

(Oh, and I liked your comments to Julie about her poop system!)

You remind me, my sisters and I dressed for Halloween, too.  We all wore green t-shirts with a large "P" drawn on the front.  Then we each gave ourselves one black eye.  We were the "Black Eyed Peas!"  Get it???  It was fun having people guess.

Great entry from our poet laureate!!!

Good to hear from you, Joan.  I hope you're getting more and more obedient in your classes every day!  (I imagine Lucy's a very good teacher!)  ;)

I love the story behind the butterfly tattoo, Carla!  Although, with my needle phobia, the only tattoos I'll have are the four rad dots running across my chest-good news is that one shows up when I wear v-neck clothing, so I can point out that it's a tattoo to those who would be amused by such things and feel very cool, indeed.

Hey Deb, Ima gonna bitch slap the next person who says "at least you're alive."  Geesh.

Paula, I'm not happy reading about Ed.  Particularly when it seems he was doing so well for a while, there.  Does his med team have any idea why he'd be having these problems?  Are they related to his tx?

Oh, speaking of things medical, my appointment with my radonc has been moved to tomorrow.  So I imagine I'll be out of pocket pretty much all day (gym in the a.m., appointment with my legu at noon, then the radonc).  I'll let you know what he says.  I'm going to try to stop by my onc's while I'm at the hospital and see if I can't shake some scripts outta him.

Don't forget to vote, everyone!

XOXO

D1

Oh my gosh, you guys, I'm just frantic getting ready to leave!  The folks who live on this out-island don't have access to many of the luxuries we enjoy in the States and my sister gave me a shopping list to make their lives easier.  So the beginning of the week was filled with shopping and getting my own stuff ready to go.  Then my sister was rear-ended, totaling her car, (she has some whiplash and neck issues), so she couldn't get out to buy the stuff on her list.  So she sent it to me.  Now I'm wondering where I'm going to pack my clothes!

On top of all this, I've been calling my med team this week to make sure everything is set for my rad onc checkup the day after I return and come to find out, they needed me to have my MRI BEFORE I went in for that appointment, so they can talk about the pictures with me when I go.  So, I had to rush in at 5:45AM for my MRI yesterday.  I was yanking on my big girl panties BIG TIME, Carol, as they could not get the IV in for the contrast.  My hand is all black and blue and swollen today.  It even hurts a little to type (maybe I should pour me a drink to alleviate that pain...).  I was so stressed out by the experience that I gave myself diarrhea (who said it's not mind over matter??).  That was fun having me race off to the bathroom just as they were going to put me in the MRI machine.  (This bc stuff is still a laugh a minute!)  I won't know what they saw on the MRI till I get home.

I did finish up p/t for my rotator cuff this week.  I'm not sure I'm really ready to be sprung, but I have a list of exercises and my therapist gave me her email so I can check in with her in six weeks for the next set she wants me to do.  She said that if in 8-10 weeks I'm still having the pain that I should get a new script from one of my docs and start another round of p/t.  I'm kinda hoping that the exercises and the massage therapy (if my onc would ever call me back to give me a script for that!), will take care of it.  Massages sound much better to me than p/t.

Are you guys tired of reading about me?  Let's see what you all are up to.

Carol, thanks for the ringy dingy.  I'm sorry I missed you.  You're always a mood brightener.  It sounds like the ds losing his wallet was a "found" opportunity for you!  How cool to reconnect with an old friend!  (And how great that the wallet was found right away.)

I leave for my trip in the morning, Julie.  I return on November 2.  It will take us all day to get to the island tomorrow.  Then we get up on Sunday and do our grocery shopping and drive about 4 hours to the other end of the island to the house we've rented.  Luckily, the two libraries we're working in this time are only about 45 minutes apart, so our house is kinda in the middle.  That way we won't have to move during the week.  When we're done working next Friday, we're going to drive back up the island about 3 hours and visit our old family friends, who live there.  Then on Saturday, we're going to drive the rest of the way toward the airport (in fact, about a half hour past it) and spend the day on a cay there.  We'll take a water taxi to get to the cay.  This is our day to kick back.  Then early on Sunday, we start the process of returning to our homes, which will take the entire day.  I think I get in to the DC area at 8pm.  I'm really looking forward to this (even though my sister sent the work schedule and we start at 8am every day, but should get out at 5pm-plenty early enough to get in to trouble!).

It's a good thing you and your dh ironed out the school situation BEFORE you moved!  It sounds like your ds is doing well this year and I can completely understand that you would want to get him in an academic environment that would continue to encourage him.  Oh, and don't worry about the decorations-we don't have a pumpkin, yet! (And now it's not my problem!)

Good to hear from you KathyL!  How cool that the dd's picture was chosen.  I remember my own college girl was honored in the same fashion many, many years ago.  I never did see that picture, but people told me they saw it in the Ed building, and then in a local mall when they did the display there.  I hope you're a better mother than I and get a chance to oogle her talent.  Happy 3^rd b-day to the ds!  Ages 3 and 8 were my favorite years.  Have a great partay!

Don't you hate those tests that require fasting, Carol?  I can go without food on any given day, but if you tell me that I CAN'T eat, then I'm starving!  Hope it all went well (I don't know what half those tests are for, either, so don't feel bad).  Keep up the exercise (I'm jealous of the yoga-looks like that waits till after the first of the year for me), eating fish, and drinking wine excessively!  (Oops, that last one is me, I think.)

Okay, I'm off to the Caribbean!  Cross your fingers that there are no hurricanes.  I'll pop in if I can find a computer with internet access.

Shine on you crazy Jewels!

D1

Thanks, Karen.  I leave at the crack of dawn on Saturday.  I'm running around right now, trying to buy everything on the shopping list I've been given.  They have limited access to so many things on this island that whenever someone comes in from the US they send long request lists!  I hope I have room for my clothes!  I also need to find some good insect repellent as the last time I did this the sand fleas feasted on me!

I'll give you all a trip report.

Take care.

D1

Okay, I was just going to read through the comments, but I can't stop myself!  I HAVE to chirp in!  (Besides, I was just going to head into the garage and get down my homemade gravestones for Halloween and do the repairs that are needed each year before we put it up again-OMG, they are SO fun.  We have names like "C.U. Laytor," "Anita Coffen," and "Yuri Goner."  Much better than the ones you buy and we've used the same graveyard for, hmmm, this is our 15^th year!)

Anyhoo.  Carol, did you manage to stick around to hear the only good line in the whole debate?  When McCain said if Obama wanted to run against George W. Bush, then he should have run four years ago.  Oh schnap!!!!!!  The rest of it was watching McCain trying to get under Obama's skin and Obama trying to look presidential.  Not one of the better debates, IMO.  I'm all ready to vote, tho (I have a couple of hot issues that are important to me-Supreme Court appointments being my biggie-so it's relatively easy for me to figure out my candidate based on those few things), the debates were not going to change anything for me.  I was just watching for sport. 

Oh, college girl.  Yes, she's trying to figure it out, that's for sure.  She called me today between classes to complain about the amount of money the sorority life is costing her.  I didn't bite.  I told her she'll really be motivated to get a job over winter break!  (Mean ‘ol mom!)  I know, I should be more understanding as she seems to be keeping the academics under control, but that's what she's there for!  I told her to invite her grandparents up to take her out to dinner, they'll probably slip her a $20 (not that it would go far...).

I picked up info on yoga today.  Looks like this "round" of classes all started mid-September and won't be done till mid-December (these are the ones through the county-price is right).  I'll bet they won't start another round till after the first of the year.  I am going to call the rec center that holds the classes and see if I can sit in on a couple to figure out which one is right for me.  There were probably four in the course book that sounded like beginner level.  So at least I'm starting on that project.

I'm probably not the right one to ask about weight-bearing, Carol.  While I did some lifting (perhaps I should put that in quotes-I never used a lot of poundage.  I think even at my peak I was only using 12 lb free weights), before, because of my rotator cuff injury, I've been side-lined.  My p/t does have me using the bands and my surgeon did observe that my back has good def...I attribute that totally to the band exercises I'm doing.  In fact, I have 2 p/t sessions left next week and we're putting together a workout routine designed to keep my rotator cuffs happy and still give me some strength training, so I may not ever go back to the machines.  (I will miss them...)  That said, some type of strength training is critical.  You, in particular, should be interested as the AI will leech your bone density and the strength training will help you combat that.  I'm not sure what kind of routine you should do, but if you have free weights, some curls for your biceps (start low and work your way up-I mean, start at like 3 lbs), light weights at your sides with your shoulder blades pushed together and pelvis tucked and lift your arms straight out to the sides for 10, then straight forward for 10, then repeat (don't lift your arms up higher than your shoulders), um, heavier weights held at your sides and "walk" 10-15  steps one direction lunging so your back knee almost touches the floor with each step.  Reps are more important than pounds.  My descriptions are lame.  Sorry.  But if you can figure out what I mean, at least it's a start.

Hope Sylvan was okay.  I know what you mean about 5 and 3 year olds.  I loved it then because I still walked on water...

I saw that about Julie's 6 acres, too!  That's a lot of grass clippings, Julie!

Oh, there's LJ with some weight ideas.  And she's right, the le is a risk with repetitive stuff.  I'm supposed to break up my lifting routines, much like LJ describes, but I just alternate lower strengthening and then upper strengthening to keep from doing too much at once.  And I agree, once you can do 15 reps 2x comfortably, then increase the weight and then move back to 8 reps and work your way up to 15 again.  Once you get to 10-12 pounds, though, I think I'd stick there.

Sounds like you had a similar reaction to the debate, Deb.  There must be a reason that campaign after campaign we get these same debates where you don't learn too much about the candidates.  Maybe we Americans are dumber than we think we are and the handlers know just how to feed us our information... (Try Jon Stewart or Stephen Colbert-they've got the issues!  Jk-although I watch regularly.  Sunday talk shows are pretty good for filling in some of the details.)

Not dealing with much neuropathy anymore-well, the tips of my toes are still numb, but it doesn't seem to bother me too much.  So I can't help you there.

Hey, if you want the FUBC license plate-go for it!  It'd be great to know that my sister in Arkansas is "driving" the same message home!

Carol, you hit the nail on the head.  (I'm so full of puns today!)  Your mind was in game mode when you were training for your 3day.  Now just wrap your head around your new regimen and be as committed to that.

OMG, CHJ!  I think our oncs are related!  I told him about the nightly drenchings (I get them during the day, sometimes, too) and he just blew them off.  He did suggest that I take vit e and oil of evening primrose 2x a day to help the hot flashes, but I'm not convinced it's doing anything.

I did the BRCA1&2 testing this fall.  I probably wouldn't have done it, but I'm participating in all of these studies at Georgetown and one of them deals with genetic counseling/testing.  Since I've met my deductible for the year, I figured, why not?  All my stuff came back negative, but I'm hoping that doesn't change my level of care going forward.  I guess it's a good thing for my daughters that I'm negative, but from what I understand, it doesn't much help my sisters.  About the only thing that would have come out of being positive is the whole ovary thing, but I'm not sure what I would have done about it.

The testing's got to be easier than a root canal/colonoscopy...  (you've got it coming and going, don't you!)

Carla-mani/pedi, good for you!  (I've become such a sucker for that girlie stuff.)  And so many of us looking in to yoga!

LJ/CHJ-you guys crack me up with your Komen planning!

Okay, off to check on the graveyard...

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Oh Clessie, I'm so sorry about your dad.  It sounds like he sensed your families' anxiety over the nursing home decision and helped you all through it.  The grieving is so difficult, but give yourself a chance to do so.  I know you have your hands full, but you need it for you.  Yeah, you'll miss him.  But he'll be with you every single day.  You can count on it.  Please let us know if there's anything we can do.

Dawn, good to hear from you!  Hey, just let me know when you want to get together!  I'm getting ready to fly to one of the Bahamian Out Islands to volunteer in a couple of literacy centers down there for about 10 days, but maybe we could squeak something in before the holidays.

Ditto what Karen said--my thoughts are on you guys all the time.

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Okay, SIS Kimberly.  Get twinsis a cape.  It's a must-have.  Who'da thunk you'd be leading your baby sister through this journey?  Well, as others have said, she could not have a better guide.  (I'm still trying to wrap my head around the idea that your BRCA results were negative.  -That's right, isn't it?--  With all the bc in your family I find it hard to believe it's coincidence.)  We're totally here for you and Kathleen.

Deb-It was SO good to see your post.  I'm happy that life is getting in the way of your time online with us!  Your walk was yesterday-hope the dogs aren't barking too much today.  Speaking of dogs, your puppy is looking good.

I, too, had occasion to wear my Jewels FUBC t-shirt yesterday.  I attended a bc awareness conference at the hospital where my surgery was done.  It was interesting-particularly when they had a panel of 4 women describe their journey.  Even I was on the verge of tears!  I did realize a couple of things about myself there.  First, I want to try yoga.  They had a demo of seated yoga and I was really digging it.  Second, I'm going to really try to get a script from someone to get massage therapy through the wellness center at the hospital as their massage therapists are also trained to deal with le and will adjust their touch to the le side (I'd been told no real massage due to the le, so this could be just what I need).  Third, I'm going to try to make my mind more open to the idea of seeing a professional to get me over my hump.  Listening to the presentations yesterday, I think I might be allowing bc and my marriage situation put me in a state of depression.  Not sure (no doctor here-just see them on tv), but maybe, just maybe...  Now I have to figure out where to find a therapist and allow myself to talk out loud to someone about these things.  I'm really not excited about the prospect of more appointments, especially since I should be dropping two a week at the end of this month (the rotator cuff therapy) and I'm thinking about adding the massage therapy, but I'll think about it. (Not till after my trip!)

Ugh, Julie, you have to wait till the end of the month?!  That sucks.  Glad you survived homecoming.  Our dance was held last night and dd is still in bed, so I don't know how it went.  But she looked really pretty.  College girl (who is a clothes horse) brought home a couple of dresses to loan her sis, so we didn't have to go out and get a new one.  College girl helped dd cover her backne and off she went.  She went with a really nice group of girls, so I'm sure there were lots of laughs.  I can't wait to hear the report.  Today dd is going to try playing basketball on her ankle again.  It's been 5 weeks since she's played, but her p/t seems to think she's ready to try it-not to mention the fortune in orthotics and braces she'll be wearing...  I just hope she plays well-she allows her performance on the court to color her outlook on the rest of the world.

Hey SP!  Great gift idea!  I received a bookmark and a booklight to take on my trip.  Now I have to find just the right tome to break them in.  Thanks!!!

Oh, and just an update on college girl.  She's blossoming in to a wonderful adult.  She's so much quicker to give a hug than she's ever been.  She has thought-out opinions of the world and can concisely share them.  And, she's beautiful.  I'm loving it.  Of course, she came home and announced that she's met her future husband (again!).  She's bumped in to this guy twice at school events and they're talking.  The other girls are jealous, so that's encouraging to college girl (we all know how girls are!).  There doesn't sound like much to work on, yet, but she's swooning and eager to get back to school to see if something works out.  It's fun to watch.

That's about it here.  I think today is going to be go, go, go!  Guess I'd better get ready!

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