Illinois ladies facing bc
Comments
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Hi everyone- this is a drive-by post because I've been having trouble with my computer and I'm soooooo behind on my work now.
I loved dinner last night and I LOVE YOU ALL!!! Here's a photo of the gang:
From the back, left to right:
Pat (Smerf), Connie, Julie R (Buster's Mom)
Joanna, Rita, Wendy
Leesa, Michele, Laura (LauraGTO)
Michele (BlackJack), JanClare, Kate (Kater), Sharon (Motherof4sons), MaryJane
More photos soon! I promise.
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" Wendy #1, JoAnna, and Leesa (who continues to be my inspiration!!!)
" Connie with her cute curly hair!!!(and of course her beautiful smile!)
" JanClare and Pat (Smerf)...two lovely ladies!!!
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" Another version of the whole group...Take your pick!!
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O.K. gals! I am seeing the red boxes by my pictures but I am also seeing the pictures. Can any of you see these? I'm asking before I spend time putting the rest on here.
I thought I had this figured out. I don't know what I did differently this time than the last.
Rita
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Rita THANKS for the PICS!!! I see the red x but pics are great!!!
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Hi girls.....the pictures are great! I was just showing them to DH and he thought we all looked fantastic!!!!
Rita...I had no idea you were staying over! And I waited up until I thought you had gotten home cuz I was worried! (OK..I lied...I was sound asleep in about 15 minutes after getting home )
I can see the pics, but see the red boxes too.
JulieR....good thing you are getting a 2nd opinion on this one! First thing I would find out is if your cobra will pay for the genetic testing. Since you do not have 2 close family members quite a lot of ins. co.'s will not pay for it and it is around $3500. BUT...the co that does it is totally fantastic about seeking payment, working with you...and they do tend to eat a lot of the costs. This way...if you turn out to have either BRCA 1 or 2, or both....you can make a better decision re: mastectomies. It does take about 3 weeks to get the results but you can pay extra to have them rush the results. BUT....you are still early in your dx and have some time to play with. That being said...and assuming that you do NOT have either mutation you could do chemo first to shrink Arnold and have a breast-conserving lumpectomy. I can't venture an opinion on a single or a bil mastectomy as I was not in that position. I am sure some one else will have an opinion, or personal experience, to share with you. Is your other breast clean? Do they know what the other areas of concern are? Wow....REALLY good idea about that second opinion! I think I've confused myself! Glad you had a good time and Karin (tdbear) is sooo right...not a family you wanted to join for sure...but you are stuck with all your new fairy boob sisters!!! We will be friends for life AND....IT WILL BE A LONG ONE!!!! A LONG, HAPPY ONE!!!!!
Good luck tomorrow Jackie!!! I used Biafene (Rx only) and NEVER even got pink, just a little peely in one area and that was that.
Becky...so glad you came back...we thought maybe we scared you away! And you are so pretty in your avatar! Hope your se's stay minimal...I didn't have your chemo protocol but then everybody reacts differently. As far as the hair loss...my anticipation of the whole thing was worse than the actual hair loss. REALLY. I did cut my very long hair shorter, then above my shoulders and then just pulled it out gently over 3-4 showers with a thingy over the drain. I refused to shave my head. I was left tho with this teeny little group of hairs on the very top of my head which stayed on thru the whole while which I lovingly shampooed and conditioned and moussed and blow-dried. I was really kind of sad when my hair grew back and my old hair finally fell out. Well...not that sad, but I did miss those few little strands. Oh well...the girls will tell you...I am weird. And proud of it.
Time to take of my jewelry and dress for my big trip to the hospital. This is just nuts....having an MRI at 10pm...wonder if my teddy bear has any metal in him? I think I'll go ask him.......
Night-night!
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Whoa...Karin...the vampired moved their bedroom furniture out to the lawn in the middle of the night????
What the heck is going on?
I'm putting garlic around the windows tonight......
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"Wendy and Laura...looking good on a Wednesday night!
I have no clue why there is a double post of this here...maybe because these two are "double knockouts!!!" JoAnna and Kater!
" Michele(101) and Mary Jane...brightening up the group with their smiles and presence!
Hope you can all see these! Thanks for a wonderful evening, gals!
Rita
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You girlz are AMAZING!
I looked at the photos and saw smiling faces. We could have been misconstruded as a sorority reunion. This simply emphasizes my opinion of each and every one of you. We are tough, we can have fun...whether we are beyond treatment, ending it or approaching it. You girlz are frickin' AWESOME...thanks for being such an important part of my life and such an important part of my recovery and beyond.
I just luv ya all!
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OMG those pictures are great. Everyone looks so pretty and your all going to be so fat and I'm not because I didn't get to go....and geesh that doesn't make me feel a bit better. Sigh!!! Anyway, good for all of you.....it's just what the doctor ordered and I'm glad you paid attention.
I'm a bit on the sad side tonight. Denny saw my friend from down the road at the drug store today and Kay has a recurrence it seems. I am so bummed....for a while I could hardly think. Seems like all the air went out of me.
Now Kay has been so wonderful through all of this...picking out special cards for me and sending them---specially when the weather was bad or dreary. She knows how that bugs me. She had bc about 7 years ago. She is one of those people who would have done whatever it took and do it religiously. I know she keeps her wt. in check and walks miles and eats well. A positive attitude person.....so what happened !!!!! Just sort of reinforces my ideas that we do choose many of our circumstances and challenges before we come to this life---because she is one of the few people that would stay on track and on top of things and veer little if any. Am I right about this....well, I don't know, but there is nothing proving to me that I am wrong.
I still feel that once I get through with all this I will be through. But I still feel great sorrow that my friend whom I have always admired has to go through this AGAIN. I'm a little, mad, a little upset, a little frustrated and a little of a whole lot of other things I don't think I can even identify right now.
I think I will give Kay this web site....she tried a couple of these her first time around but found that it pulled her down. I think if she looked into this site....it would be a completely different experience.
We cried together when our mothers died at about the same time. Then she had bc...then I had a stroke. We would meet each other walking and just hug each other for dear life through all of our life tragedies.
Well so as not to end on a sour sort of note......You all looked so great. Connie your hair really is quite curly isn't it? Michele's looked like a close second for curls. Mary Jane...this is the second time I met you in pictures (Komen walk with Rita was the first ) and it's the second or third time for Leesa now.
First time for pretty Joanna and Kater--loved your hair too. Mine is coming---mine is coming.
Julie...another looker. Pat is pretty as always as are Wendy and Laura. Sorry if I forgot anyone.....didn't mean too.
I'm writing every thing down you all told me so that I can hit them with ( my needs ) at the center tomorrow. Or at least let them know that I have excellent help besides them....there, that should go over like the proverbial lead filled balloon, but I do.
All have a good night. I'm going to play a round of Mah Jong Titans and then get off of here and try to get to sleep early.
Probably won't get to talk to you til' tomorrow night.
Jackie
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Hi everyone,
Just wanted to check in and say what a nice evening it was. I really enjoyed seeing everyone again, and meeting some of you for the first time. Can't wait to do it again! The pictures are great.
For those of you wondering, the chocolate cake did not set off a migraine headache. But to be sure, I am running another choc. test tonight (You guys sent me home with alot of cake!!!)
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Hi ladies,
It was great meeting Sharon, Leesa, Blackjack, Wendy and Julie R last night. It helps to have a face to go with the names. It was wonderful to see Kater, Michele, JanClare, Pat, Connie, JoAnna and Laura again. Such a neat group of girls! Rita and I were on the road again by 8:30 this morning. I dropped her off around 11:45 and was home by 1:30, in time to go to work at 3. Needless to say, after that meal I didn't weigh in today. (I work for Weight Watchers. For those who don't know, one of WW's programs counts points for food. I figured the dessert alone was about three days worth of points....) I wish I could have talked more to you at the other end of the table, but there is always next time...
Julie, my thoughts and prayers are with you as you figure out your treatment plan. Blackjack, good luck with your gall bladder surgery. Laura, hope your foot gets better soon. Wendy, it's 9:19 p.m., so I'm envisioning you in your jammies and with your teddy bear, leaving to go for your MRI. Kater, thank you for the CD.
Rita, the flower I couldn't think of is periwinkel. Knew I'd think of it when I quit trying to remember!
Good night all.
MaryJane
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Good Morning Ladies...
I hope you are all recovered from that great dinner you had. It was so much fun..and yes we all do look good in those pics.
Jackie..good luck today as you find out about your rads TX..when do you start them.
JulieR...take you time in deciding what is best for your tx..ask lots of questions and remember we have all been there.
Wendy..how was your jammie MRI test. Did DH sleep through it in the waiting room.
Laura..how is your foot doing..did you start PT yet. Want to go to LV..got some great pricing for summer..let me know.
Rita..signed up for golf lessons with a very cute instructor. I don't know if I can concentrate on golf or look at him lol
Smerf..going to OR Monday..Had a very bad attack yesterday. Maybe I had to many cosmo's last week..lol
Connie, Mich, Kater, Sharon, Maryjane, tdbear and everyone else I missed hope you all have a great day today.
I am off to the showers as I have to go into work early today. Only 3 days left to summer vacation yeah !!! Will ck back later today.
Remember be healthy...be happy
Blackjack
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Morning! Dreary and drizzly I see this morning...but that means no watering!My MRI last night was totally uneventful. Seems Delnor when they opened their brand-new waiting room for imaging a few weeks ago also extended their hours...last appt is 11pm as they want to accomodate people who just cannot take off work without being penalized but need testing done. DH was in 7th heaven let me tell you...whined all the way there about missing NBA playoffs and in the waiting room what does he find...the most humongous brand-new flat screen with the game on! He whined when we left. I have the films in a sealed envelope and will drive them over to Naperville this am.
Blackjack....next week is your surgery? Gee...what a terrific way to start your summer vacay! I know you are going to Rush-NorthShore. Please let us know what day so we can deluge you with cards. Maybe pick one of us to phone with update on you so we can post???? Just an idea. Cute golf instructor huh? That's our Michele...she does have her priorities straight...cute men first, gbl surgery after!
JulieR...totally forgot about the fact that you will most probably have to go thru genetic counseling first! I went straight to the blood draw as my Dad and his Sister both had bc. Being Her2+, it is very rare to have a mutation so I wasn't too worried so I actually didn't have the test until I was done with chemo (meaning I didn't let that influence my having just a lump. + rads first). I was negative.
Jackie...I am so sorry about your friend Kay. Please tell her where to find us. We would dearly love to have her here and maybe she can find some info on the reoccurance thread as well. Let us know how you make out today. Hugs!!!!!
Mich101...how did your chocolate test go?
Karin...any vampire sitings last night?
Not going to exercise today as I am ouchy, ouchy! Hope everybody has a good, if somewhat, wet day...will check back later to see if any more news on WendytheYounger.
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Good morning everyone! The sun is still shining here but the weather forcasters are saying that the rain will move in later today. I hope it's REALLY later as I'd like to play a round of golf this afternoon.
Jackie...so sorry to hear about your friend, Kay. Please do send here here. We will all put our arms around her (as you well know) and help her through this repeat appearance. She sounds like a wonderful lady and it hurts so much when one of our friends has to face this journey. We just want to shelter them. She is lucky to have you near. You have such a positive attitude and will be so much help for her.
Mich101...so glad you took that chocolate cake home. I could barely waddle when I left. I don't know when I've eaten so much food in one setting, but I just had to try it all! Heaven forbid that I missed something! LOL Hey, it was so good to see you again. I wish I could have chatted a little more with you and Connie. I hope you make it to Starved Rock in June because there will be lots more opportunity there for us to "get around to everyone." There are also beautiful nature trails where we can "walk and talk!"
Wendy..glad you made it through the late-night MRI! At least it's done! Will the results in that sealed envelope be revealed today? Let us know as soon as you have them! Sending good vibes your way.
Blackjack...you're just one lucky person....you even got a good-looking golf instructor....two things for the price of one! LOL Aren't you glad you invested in those cute golfing clothes????
Becky..so glad that you're back. If you have June 28th free, join us at Starved Rock. That's just a "hop, skip, and jump" for you and we'd love to meet you. Blackjack is our social coordinator so as soon as she has the lunch finalized, she'll post the details. I'd love to meet you!!!
Julie R...so nice to meet you! Good luck with all the final test results. I was telling Wendy the Younger about you and about your Cobra insurance information. She was in the same situation as you with the Cobra and has some important information about applying for an extension. If she doesn't pop on and tell you about this, send her a PM or PM me and I will pass on her email address to you. (She's going to officially register with Laura when she can spend more time at the computer.)
And speaking of Wendy the Younger, she has some good news but I'm going to let her have the honor of sharing it with all of you!!! :-)
Pat, thanks so much for the shoe catalogs. I have poured over them and have decided to order a couple of pairs. You're such a sweetie for thinking about me and bringing them! Hopefully I'll get an order off by the first of the week. I'm so excited because the styles are actually cute! Thanks so much!
Well, I need to get moving. Hope that the sun peaks through your drizzle and that each of you have a good day!
Rita
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O Jackie! I am sad about your friend. That must have been so hard for your husband to tell you. He had to tell you, and you needed to know, but I totally understand how hearing it would stop a BC survivor in his/her tracks. I remember when Elizabeth Edwards announced her recurrence. Hang in there!
The picture is so nice. Indeed you all look so lovely.
Five more days of school!
Susan
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Hi everyone
Back from the wars. Well, not a war, but sure a long day. Did not have time for breakfast before we left....just a quick cup of Java, feed the animals and then high-tail it for Mt. Vernon where we left Denny's truck in the parking lot at Sears and got me some gas. On the road to Carbondale.....we are not living right I guess--we were about 5 mins late again.
All I saw was a guy who took the CT and put on the temporary markers. Have to go back this coming Friday for the permanent ones. He told me that I would not get done till last week of July---if nothing happened to the machine or anything.
Told him that I had not seen my daughter for 9 years so it was up to him to see nothing happened to that machine because she was sending the ticket and I was going to use it and that's the name of that tune.
My bravado went even farther---must have been my day to stick up for myself. When we got back to Mt. Vernon....went back to the eyecare place for the third try at getting my glasses right---it was a no-go. I walked around the mall for awhile and my sight was just getting worse.
So, I did a walk in at Sears Optical---got tested---picked out two pair of glasses, regular and sunglasses.
Went back to Eyecare, handed her the case with the ones that wouldn't work and told her kindly but firmly that I was leaving the glasses and expected a refund for them. She was trying to get me to come back a 4th. time. At today's gas prices...no thanks. Besides my viewpoint is that if you can't get them right in 3 tries, maybe you can't get them right. Told her....you tried, and I tried and it just didn't work and I'm not willing to invest anymore time in this.
So, that was my day and it started out at 6 a.m. and I did not get home till 7 p.m. this evening. I'm pooped but happy.
Got to tell you though....that holding your arms over your head for the CT/tattoos was not a pleasant thing. My left arm has been weak since my stroke and then holding it somewhat rigid above my head for 20 minutes was somewhat excruciating. He let me rest it once but it only alleviated the pain for a short while. The minute I put it back up, all the discomfort was right back. He tells me the next one will take a half hour....10 more minutes than today. Well....maybe they can just tape my arm to the post you hang onto. How about Novacaine---anything. Oh well, it's only a little discomfort, as she lay there moaning and groaning and trying not to writhe.
On a lighter note...I wore my "Does this tee shirt make me look bald" t-shirt and all of the gals there got a big laugh out of it.
Saw Dr. Kao in the hall and we chatted a moment. If this rads center is half as good as my surgeon, Dr. Ryan, things should go very well here....just wish it were a little quicker.
Jan Clare....the new glasses look something like yours I think...
They are larger than my old and I think the color helps me not looked so washed out.
Ok---nuff babbling. Your all so wonderful to cheer me up and give me some good advice....where would I be if I had not have found this site and all of you. Probably still in a hole somewhere with my head covered up waiting for another bomb. Now I have company to wait with me.
Anyway, going to play my game....anyone play besides me....it's addictive.
See ya,
Jackie
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Today's Inspirational Quote:
"The difference between an obstacle and an opportunity is our
attitude towards it. Every opportunity has a difficulty, and
every difficulty has an opportunity."
-- J. Sidlo Baxter0 -
AFTER RADIATION PLANS
Jackie, make sure you give a big cushion after radiation schedule as I was unable to complete travel plans because they added to the schedule and machines also break down, thus making your schedule delayed.
Later I was glad, as I really was "fatigued til May" like the oncologist prophesied after my last chemo Aug. 14, 2007.
september october november december january february march april may
you see how many months.
Kater
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Gene testing
I missed Jules saying about gene testing? There are videos, cds, and so forth explaining it usually at dr. office, saw some yesterday at mom's chemo room, wish i would have known i would have picked one up...
it explains everything, they require you to do 45 minute thing learning about it because they think it freaks people out, i looked at it just as a "help with my decision", If my Mom had the gene then i would be tested and then i would have had double mastectomy, it was clear as glass!
(and if it is positive you are asked to notify family members)
As it was, Mom did not have the gene that they know of....and I had lumpectomy...as two doctors recommended...one reason they gave is the survival rate is the same for both surgeries. Later I read mastectomies are harder for the body to recover from. Just the few things still in my head from that, I think it was 1500 for rush part of it, test came back in 8? days.(otherwise it could be 5 weeks?)..but Rush did not submit it so I am having trouble still getting it submitted to other insurance...either my Mom's secondary or my insurance..since it was done all for me mostly.
Myriad is the company
I found your post, bummer. I heard a lot of people did chemo first to shrink tumor. The girls will comment...
Again, 2nd opinion will be good, you'll feel good about that.
My schedule:
Jan 19th regular dr. found lump,
Feb. 5th your Dr. F gave me appointment and also did core biopsy, the next week I went to Rush for 2nd opinion...
They made us wait a week to give Mom the gene testing thing (nurse was too busy)...they said we could wait, but I wanted to rush it so paid 1500...
found out in about 8 days it was okay for Mom's test...
I did not have surgery until March 19th....
My tumor was said to be intermediate aggressive, that is probably a big factor in deciding how long you can wait for surgery. ??
I also had lumps under arm, I think that's why the doctor felt until she found the pea sized lump I had not felt the week before...
so they were pretty sure I had it in under arm area so I did not need sentinel node biopsy (even though two nurses told me I would be having one and I was scared for two weeks until the night before when the surgeon called me and straightened that out!).
I was glad I went to Rush but I do not think I would go back. I liked the surgeon.
Kater
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Welcome! I hope you can make it for June 28th since we plan on being in your neck of the woods.....hopefully you can help PLAN!!
WE SHOULD MAKE SURE THIS DATE IS OKAY FOR YOU!
I lived in Utica 17 years (82-98) and mostly worked in Ottawa and then IVCC... we probably know mutual people!!
Kater
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Vaginal Gas
I finally found the term on the ovarian cancer group. I did not even know how to ask the doctor about it or what it was called!
It feels like a bubble coming out and also like one is "letting out gas" but it comes out the other hole! yikes!
I don't recall when it started, after chemo? I should have journaled, I know!!!!
Journal journal journal, you'll be glad later!
Kater
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Many a time from a bad beginning great friendships have sprung up.
-- Terence.0 -
Morning! Gosh...what a beautiful day! Didn't we all just drool, waiting for a morning like this back in January!Dropped off my MRI films in Naperville yesterday and was told that "Doctor" only reviews films on Mondays. Well...OK then. My leg and foot pain is nauseating in the morning and by afternoon much better and by early evening....gone. Weird. I did google it and if indeed I have another fragment of disc sitting on my nerve the only real cure is another surgery to remove it. Oh goody.
Jackie...how are your arms this morning? Mine did ache for a day or two. Another little thing they don't tell you.
Kater.....always our go-to person for information!
Cutting this short (and aren't you glad!) this morning as I need to do my back stretches and then I want to get a few things done so I can just be outside doing ANYTHING...too nice to waste this day! Hope you all have a great day and do something fun and woooohoooo a little bit...remember what Jackie said...this is not a dress rehearsal,no do-overs...so make today count!
Tops down, fists up!
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Good morning gals!
First of all I need to correct a name on the pictures and don't know how to edit it (I had enough trouble getting them to post this time) so everyone check out the picture of Kater at the table. That is Sharon with Kater, not JoAnna. I knew better, Sharon, and am so sorry. When I was trying to get that particular picture to post, it kept appearing twice and by the time I added the comments I was pretty frustrated with it. Apologies for the improper recognition, please. I was really thrilled that you were in the state and could join us. So sorry!
No golf for me yesterday....rain, rain, and more rain. YUCK! Only my flowers enjoyed it! LOL I'm going to weed some more today while the ground is soft and hope to hit a few yard sales later in the morning and maybe play 9 holes later in the afternoon at a little club in LeRoy, Illinois.
Jackie..good for you! You need to stick up for yourself, gal! Glad that you're getting a move on with the rads and that you finally got glasses that you like and that work for you! We need a picture of you in them!!!!! Do you have an exact starting date for the rads?
Wendy..so sorry you have to wait for the results. You've got the right philosophy going here! It's going to be a lovely day and it will help to get out and enjoy the sunny weather! Try to bury your concern in the far corners of your mind and enjoy today and tomorrow. (easy for me to say, eh when I'm a mess already about Tuesday! I'm going to try to practice what I say this weekend, too and if it doesn't work, I'll meet you under your table with the Chex mix!)
Connie...good luck with your MRI this next week.
Wendy the Younger, I hope you're still doing well. That last drain will soon be disappearing and you'll be feeling LOTS better then! I'll check on you sometime this weekend....I've never lost my motherly instincts! LOL
Mary Jane...thanks for remembering the name of the blue flower. I did get some weeding done yesterday and cut down that shrub near the front porch as you suggested. We'll see what happens now.
Kater..thanks so much for the CD. That's really super and I just love it!
To everyone else...........I love you all. Have a good weekend and I'll be back later.
Rita
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Good sunny morning to all
Hope it's a fantastic day for all. My favorite feller' is outside....Mr. Sun.
Yep--I have achy arms this a.m. but since I seem to have been having lots of aches....feels momentarily like flu, for some time I will I think be able to ignore it pretty easy. Guess I do need Denny to take some pics when I get my wig, glasses etc. all hanging around together at one time. Few days to get the specs....they were quicker at the other place....but in my case obviously very in-accurate. I wanted to do something else with the rest of my life so bid a fond farewell to them.
Sorry to hear about the early a.m. pain Wendy. Not that it helps in the morning but is good to know that it does get better as the day progresses....still needs attention though I'm sure.
Kater---great advice...I'm pondering on it as I have worried about my stamina.....even if all went well and I didn't miss any time from machine mal-functions.
I know my Kate would say to come on anyway, fatigue or not and it's very, very tempting but I do need to consider this issue. I'd hate to think I used a very expensive ticket to lay around at her house because I could not motivate to do anything else. Lots to ponder here.
Well, I'll be checking back in later.....hope everyone is well and those who aren't tip-top rapidly moving toward being so.
Jackie
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHARON!!! The big 60!!! YAHOO!!!Hope you have a wonderful day!
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Happy B-Day Sharon!!!!!Hope you are having a wonderful day!
Hugs!
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Happy Birthday, Sharon! The big 60. I remember that one. Hope you are having a wonderful day!
Pat
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H. Birthday from Southern Illinois........and many, many more.
Jackie
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