Illinois ladies facing bc
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Hi gals!
Just got back from the Starved Rock excursion and so glad I could make the trip.
Susan, it was wonderful to see you again. You look SO good and your hair is fantastic. I hope you enjoy the rest of your stay and that you and hubby find lots of neat antiques.
Becky, I am so glad that I got to meet you and am so glad that you came out to see us so soon after your treatment. Hang in there. Things WILL get better. Post often and let us know how you are doing. We really do care!
Kater..thanks for making the arrangements. So sorry that we lost you. I went to backtrack to look for you and noticed that your vehicle was gone. Then we found your nice notes on the windshields. Gosh, I didn't get to give you the official "good-by!" You also missed the winery. They had wine bearing the breast cancer labels which we just had to taste. Then I just had to buy a bottle of that! Anyway, sorry we lost you. It was just great!
Laura and JanClare....always so bubbly and fun. I have some fantastic pictures to post this next week if I can get photobucket to cooperate. JanClare came armed with her cashy boobs and of course we had to capture them on film! LOL So much fun. Thanks so much for making the trip, gals. You are both so special.
Welcome Rob...I think I may have met you one night on chat when I came looking for Mazy. MIght that be possible? I'm from Bloomington. Please come back and tell us a little more about yourself. This is an awesome group and there's always room for more!
And speaking of Mazy...yes, I had been wondering about the water levels in your area. Mary Jane told me how high it was in places. So glad that all is still well in your immediate area. Also...so glad that you checked in. I think of you often.
Blackjack...glad you enjoyed the time with your son. Sorry the trip home was a bit "shaky."
Michele, I hope your boys were winners! I missed you, gal, but sure understand! Once those kids leave home, it's never quite the same, so cherish these last few years.
Wendy the Younger...thanks for making the trip with me. I hope you had a good time.
Jackie, so glad that another week is over for you and that the upcoming week will be a short one. That will break it up a bit. I told everyone today about our trip down there and how sweet you really are....of course they'd all figured that out already! I feel lucky to have had the opportunity to meet you and Denny and know that we'll get together again when you're through with your rads. Also, I'm going to get prints made of the pics when I go to the drugstore and I'll send them to you.
Hello to everyone else! I'll get the pics from today posted ASAP. Hopefully they will post lots easier than the last ones.
Have a great weekend!
Rita
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Yes, Rita, I do remember your name. I know Mazy from the chat.
Thanks for the welcome everyone.
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"Remember there's no such thing as a small
act of kindness. Every act creates
a ripple with no logical end."
- Scott Adams0 -
Well, my boys team (tournament paintball) did not win either of their games today
We were all so happy for the team for as far as they did go. I happened to look at my watch, it was 11:00, and I was thinking of all of you meeting at Starved Rock. Can't wait to see the pictures. I hope your weather was good. We did get rain here later in the day.
Mary Jane- I would cry too. Some times it's better to just let it out. Hoping for good results for you.
Kater and Ginny-hope you're both feeling better.
Rita, Susan, Becky, Jan, Laura, Kater - so sorry I missed you today-I'll try for the next one.
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Just me checking in. My, my sounds like a ton of fun was going on this afternoon. One of these days. Don't think I ever told this story.....I have a cousin ( one I didn't even know about ) who is a teacher. At any rate, after Denny and I moved back here he made a date to come over to my Moms house and talk family tree. Mom had me and Denny over as well. Ralph listened to what I was saying and asked me if I were a teacher by profession. I nearly fell over. Still that was before the stroke when I did not have problems with pronunciation and spoke clearly---always. That is one of the things I miss....along with my spelling ability, thinking ability and a few other things---and of course I so plan be missing my cancer ability soon as well.....there's one ability I won't miss at all.
All this because I found another quote I liked and feel that a couple extra on the week-end will help make up for nothing during the week. Don't know what I'm doing wrong with the motel computer, but don't want to take too many liberties with equipment that is not mine. I'm so glad you all had a wonderful time. As usual I spent the afternoon with my friend Gloria. She is the one that gave me Baby Boss. She is a special person in my life---also was such a help with her nutrition knowledge when I first started my chemo.
I really wasn't totally candid about the chemo, but I've spent my life trying most of the time to shield others so it was hard to let it out. I was starting to get the hang of it though....just about time for it to be over and of course the Taxotere was so much easier over all than the A/C.
So far, no complaints on the rads. I forgot to use the Aloe Vera Gel today....I'll use extra after my shower.
Well, off to fix dinner. Talk to ya'll later.
Jackie
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Jackie - You know how sometimes at an inappropriate time something strikes you as totally hysterical? I was reading all of your inspirational ditties (I really enjoyed them) And I totally swear I mean no disrespect, but when I read,
"Come to the edge, he said. They said:
We are afraid. Come to the edge, he said.
They came. He pushed them,I almost fell off the chair laughing my butt off about "he pushed them"
Then I maintained my composure and read "and they flew..." ....yes. It is very nice. Inspiring. I really liked it.
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Oh, and I really liked the Kleenex one too!
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Hi all:
I just arrived home from Starved Rock and had such a nice time with you ladies. The day was beautiful.
Kater, we got to Princeton and it was a great suggestion. I fiound a few treasures. You are such a helpful person and I am so happy I know you. I admire your devotion for animals.
Becky, I am just so happy you ventured out although I know you felt rocky. You are certainly one strong woman type to go to lunch on the third day of chemo. I was on the couch on days 2 and 3 and even a bit cripsy on the fourth. I like that town of yours. The historic murals are very cool.
Rita, how is it you are my age but I look ten years older than you? Maybe if I get a car like your car I will look young, like you. I think I will look into that....beats a miserable diet and hours of workouts.
Wendy the Younger....you are just plain beautiful! When I told you that you would look beautiful bald, I hope you understood that I was not being frivolous. When I was told I was to lose my hair, my daughter (not much younger than youself) took me to a workshop on makeup and scarves for women undergoing chemo. A young woman came in bald as can be and they showed eye makeup and coloring of the cheeks and lips. It is all in the eyes. Your eyes are so beautiful and you have those high cheek bones. I know you have your wig, yet consider some scarves as you have a magnificent face.
Laura, as always, so much fun to be with you. I admire your racing adventures and wish I could be brave like that. I want to see you do the 1/4 mile "drag" (I hope have the terminology right). Paul and I will do the walk in September so keep us posted. My daughter may do the run.
JanClare, you are always so good. I loved those soft boobs you showed to just about anyone who chose to check in on the patioat the Lodge. I love how straightforward you are
So thanks for meeting with me. To all the other ladies on this thread who were unable to come today, just know we are so lucky to have each other.
Susan
PS: Blackjack/Michelle...that sounds to me like one scary ride.
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Hi everyone,
Just tried to do a bit of catching up here although I think I read so much I can't remember who said what, lol
Mary Jane - I am very happy to hear that your test came out okay. And that the tech was kind & understanding.
I hope everyone had a great time at Starved Rock!!
Hugs, Julie
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Ok, I'm still learning. I got the DH down. What the heck is PT?
And why do some of you have someone else's hand up your shirt?
(no, really, seriously, what is the therapy for?)
Wendy- I seriously agree with the others, I think you shouldn't be taking the laundry up & down the stairs. When only all women design houses, all the laundry rooms will be upstairs by the bedrooms where all the dirty laundry is made not down 3 floors in the basement. ((after our house burned down 4 years ago, I designed our new house myself & had to fight my butt off with the contractor to put the laundry room upstairs. HE, asked "why not in the basement?" and I just looked at him like DUH obviously you've never done laundry.))
And... Vampire Neighbors? THIS I GOTTA HEAR!
MaryJane - I know waiting on answers of scans is so consuming & scary. Hang in there.
Ginny - OMG. Shingles. I've heard that can be nasty. You poor thing! Take extra care of yourself.
Rob - HI! - I'm new to this thread this past week, you'll love it. These girls are VERY entertaining and very supportive. Where are you from?
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Mazy - Glad you checked in...out of sight...is NOT out of mind...we keep you in our thoughts whether you're a regular here or not...Be well...that's ALL WE ASK!
Michele - OH CRIPE! But hey...they did good! You must be very proud...and that's what it's all about...we missed you, but we knew you were with the loves of your life!
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We had a great time at Starved Rock...but I really regret that we went there, had lunch there, and I still do not know the reason it's called Starved Rock! Help...dah...
Here's my take:
JanC picked me up at 8:30...we did not stop talking the entire ride...2 HOURS...hello...I looked over the blue prints of her new house re-do...very nice! lol We arrived a little early, so JanC and I headed for the stores! Sniffed out the clearance dept and had fun sifting through all the goodies. I bought a couple pairs of earrings...a necklace, and two shirts (all for under $50)...JanC...bought a great necklace and other cool stuff.
We headed over to the LODGE...met our sisters...we had a nice lunch....buffet...lots of salad...we spent some time outside overlooking the view and then headed in town to do some antique shopping and ended up hanging out at the wine store.
It was fun...it's always fun...to see you girls...you always bring out the best in me...and I am truly fortunate to have each of you in my life.
kater...good to see you, sorry we LOST you, thanks for organizing it all for us. Your hair is coming along great and you look healthy...
Susan's hair color is radiant, and she's as bubbly as ever and it was awesome to see that she was having fun spending the weekend with her soulmate...
Rita...that smile could stop a hurricane, you look FAB...purple is your color...
JanC...that hair cut/color is awesome, your analytical ways....enlighten me...
Becky, you are still smiling - despite it all, glad you joined us today, DO NOT feel as though you have to address each of us in your posts. You are dealing with lots right now, just check in and let us know you are okay...
WendyTY...It broke my heart to see how young you are...I know this is tough...you remain up beat and that's admirable...hang in there...you will be fine...your prognosis is good...keep smiling and where the heck did that accent come from! LOL
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I talked to Leesa tonight...she had chemo on Thursday...it was NOT PLEASANT...she vomited, etc. Her next 4 chemos are on hold...until they think she can tolerate them. She says hi to everyone...her COMPUTER is DOWN....that's why she hasn't checked in. She is also dealing with several house issues... flooding, etc. KEEP HER IN YOUR THOUGHTS...this is a tough time for her...she is going to sell her current house and find something smaller - perhaps a condo or town house...MAN...she has a lot to deal with...but she might buy a new computer tomorrow...
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blackjack - How's it going in CONTRACTOR LAND?
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Cripe... sorry for the LONG POST...I could go on and on....
Love ya all...gawd...I wish everyone the best.
I am totally wiped...hot bath and jammies....here I come! Love ya all...
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I had a total Eew eeeww eeeEEEEEWWWW & embarrassing moment last night.
We acquired a church mouse (really from a box from church) - so we purchased a live mouse trap (because if it has a face, we can't kill it.) The ones my BH (Bohemian Husband) made failed to catch any mice. (I'm Bohemian too, but my ¼ Italian keeps me more practical then he is.) They'd go in get a free meal & get right out. Anyway, we had this new trap sitting around for a couple weeks w/ no action. And I figure it's so much like the one my DH made this won't work either.... I'm doing something - move it and it's heavier then I remember it being! I look & holy cow! There is something looking back at me! I run outside with the thing & set it on the deck and scream for my daughter to help me get rid of this mouse! I've heard that if you just dump them outside, they find their way back in. So we hop in the car and drive to the other side of the subdivision where there is a nice huge area of woods & a channel. All the while I'm grossed out driving around with a mouse & worried that if she doesn't hold the thing right it will get out and we'll be abandoning the car..... They are really cute in cages, but not running around free. So we jump out of the car & she is having trouble holding open the door too dump the mouse out... Then I see she has like 10 mosquitoes all over her left leg. They about carried us off those dang things are horrible this year! So I grab the trap hopping around trying to keep the blood suckers off me - she's jumping around for the same reason then squeals because the mouse ran so fast after I dumped him.... We jump back in the car. That's when I noticed there was a house farther back I had not noticed when we stopped....
There was someone standing there watching us, pull up, get out, dance around & just leave! ...
Then I realized, OMG, I just did a drive by mousing! boy, he's gonna come looking for us if his house gets mice! Next time I need to go much farther away,Of course, after that I washed my hands raw. I shouldn't have touched it when my wbc is so low...
And whoever that was that mentioned not getting mosquito bites on the lymph node arm... THANK YOU that thought NEVER crossed my mind!
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Mary Jane & Smerf
This is for you.... (I felt like the brothers last night)
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I SOOOO WISH I could have been there @ Starve rock!! It sounds like you had a wonderful visit as always!
Carol A church mouse!??/ OMG where is the camera when you need 1!!!
I think r heat (100 today 65 @ nite) and the garlic have kept r vampire neighbors quiet!
Leesa; so sorry to hear you chemo is not going well, hope your Dr can figure out something. It's just not right that the chemo has to be that hard on you! I kinda feel guilty I had 8 DD chemo and worked 4 10 hour shifts all during it.
Ginny did you catch the shingles soon enough to take the "wonder" drug? Or are treatments different when you are post chemo?
I better get busy hope all have a wonderful weekend!
PS Carol Love the Newhart pic!! I'm guessing you are pretty PC savy.
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Morning! Man, you guys had fun!!!! Sorry I missed your call Laura...I kinda expected to hear "99 bottles of beer on the wall" in the background!
Susan...yes, you need a convertible. With one of these, you get in and put the top down and immediately shave off 20 years...I thought you knew that! And of course, you need some cool music as well!
Carol....you win! You are the new Queen of Comedy! A drive-by mousing??? Our old house had a problem with the little buggers and before I called in the Pro's for help we used those glue traps. DH used to pick them up with a little shovel and put them in shoe boxes and wait until dark...then skulk down the alley and place them in someone else's garbage can. And there was that one time that I was thirsty so went down the hall in the middle of the night (while wearing a long nightgown) and stepped in one of those glue things and it stuck to my foot and there was also a mouse stuck to the trap...well...talk about screaming! And then the mouse got loose and yep, you guessed it....ran up my nightgown. Scared poor husband out of his mind. And that's when I called in the pro's and they found the hole. Yuck, yuck, yuck.
Karin...glad your vampires are quiet....mine too! Of course this now means that they NEVER come out...lawn hasn't been mowed in 3 weeks. Quite the prairie....
JanClare...I missed the boobies' coming-out party? Shucks.
Blackjack...sounds like you had quite the ride! But you spent some wonderful happy time with your son. How did the open house go last weekend?
Jackie...loved your quotes. I too stoped dead at "He pushed them". Then I saw the rest of the quote!
WendytheYounger...glad you were able to come and meet some of us. Hope we didn't scare you!
Ginny...how are you feeling?
Pat...glad the tile job is done! Whew! One thing checked off your list!
Mich101....sorry that your boys did not advance, but they did such a wonderful job! Good for them!
Becky....so great that you could make it as well! And I agree with Laura...just say "Hey you" and we will understand! We attribute our failing brain cells to chemobrain...heck, I've been done for almost 17 months and I will continue to claim chemobrain - otherwise I will have to admit I am just old and stupid....LOL
Kater...sounds like you did a great job! Glad too that you were able to get to your surprise party on time.
Leesa...cannot believe that you are having such a rocky time with chemo. I was hoping and praying that it would leave you alone this time. You have so much going on right now...just a crazy time for you, girl. Hang in there,,,and hugs!!! I do actually feel guilty as I did the same protocol as you and I breezed right thru. Not fair that you are getting stuck with your side effects, and MINE!
Time for my second cuppa! Have a wonderful day...looking forward to some pics!
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Oops! Forgot (see Becky? Chemobrain....)
Carol....PT is physical therapy and the therapists are massaging different patients in different areas (ie: back, shoulders etc) and put oil/cream on their hands...so hence, the hands up the shirt. No reason to blush!!
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Loved all the posts this a.m. Sort of sounds like you all scattered somewhat after lunch though. Well, just good that so many could get together.
I too am sorry to hear that Leesa is having to struggle so with not only household problems, and computer problems but the awful reactions/se's from the chemo. Guess out of so many people needing to use chemotherapy, someone will turn up with every se you can have to it. I think Julie from Woodlawn ( the little town near me ) had lots of problems with hers......migraines for several days and enough vomiting to have to go to emergency room. They worked out a schedule to bring her in for more i.v. drugs for nausea and it helped, but she still had migraines, but not as much vomiting. Hope those Dr.'s can find something that will work effectively w/o putting Leesa through the wringer every time.
Laura you are always so expressive ( and it's wonderful to hear ) after these meetings. So thankful and appreciative for all the individual life preservers each of the women are and represent. I know everyone feels just that way. I just keep thinking---no one here ever thought they'd need a security blanket, but it is probably the one constant now of any and all of the treatments one might have. Those finish at some point but this group doesn't so we are never un-finished with raw edges and no one to truly care. It's a beautiful thing.
If I don't call you by name, just know you are all in my thoughts...always. Just don't want to make this too long. Am going to go search for a quote or two. Talk to ya'll later on.
Love, Jackie
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"Alone we can do so little;
together we can do so much."
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Your mouse stories are sooo funny!
Laura-In the book '1000 Places to See Before You Die" (USA & Canada) it says that 'the name Starved Rock comes from a grim legend: A group of Ottawa and their allies are said to have trapped a band of Illiniwek on the butte until they starved to death, in 1769"
You guys shopped too, sounds like alot of fun was had!
Just wondering-where's Connie?
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Thanks for all the good wishes with my shingles. It actually doesn't hurt. It's in a place where I am numb so I don't feel anything, My onc put me on Famvir. If you start it within 72 hours of your breakout then it speeds the healing up faster. I havn't really noticed a difference yet but they say it takes 3 or 4days til you start seeing a difference. I have to call the medical dept at work to see if I can work. The girls I work with were all freaked out that I had it. You would have thought I had the plague or something. We do have one girl who has not had the chicken pox but she won't be at work all this week. All's I know is that if you havn't had the chicken pox, I can give it to you. But, I cannot give anyone else the shingles. I have been really careful and washing my hands. I tried to convince Rita that it should be okay but she talked some sense in me. I was really looking forward to coming to Starved Rock.. I also was supposed to walk in the Relay for Life that we had on Friday and Saturday. I swear it's always something.. It just seems like it never ends.
I am glad you all had a great time at Starved Rock. It ended up that my dh and boys were not going to come since my husband has a project from work that has to be done real soon.
Wendy...Thats funny about the hands down the pants. Hope this is helping you for the pain.
I did do epidural shots. They are not fun but they did help. I had two before I ended up with surgery and then I had one after surgery that really helped. They also gave me a nerve block shot along with the epidural the last time. I think that is what did it for me.
Well, girls I gotta go so my dh can finish his work...
Ginny
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Ginny - Glad you gave us an update...sorry you couldn't join us...hopefully you will be able to sometime soon. Take care of those shingles...thank goodness you don't have pain. I have heard it can be miserable. Get well soon.
LittleC - OMG - TOO FRICKIN' FUNNY! LOL LOL LOL
blackjack - Wow...bumpy ride! I would have freaked! Glad you had a nice time with your son.
Michele - THANKS! You rock...huh-huh get it? I really appreciated the legend...who would have thunk! LOL I was wondering about Connie too!
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Okay, deep breath...I'm not going to freak, but...did I read somewhere here that bug bites on the "bad" arm can cause LE? I slathered on the repellant today, but a ruthless, no good, arrogant Mosq bit me right above my wrist - OF COURSE ON THE SIDE THAT I HAD 11 FRICKIN NODES REMOVED...it swelled up to almost a grape size lump and my hand ached! I immediately put 2.5% Cortisone cream on it and ice...It stayed like this for about 4 hours...and then slowly started to shrink. Now it's just slightly swollen. I have NEVER been sensitive to bug bites...in fact, I rarely get mosq bites. Is it possible that this could turn into LE...or would I already be showing signs of it? Unless I'm wrong, there isn't anything I can do to prevent it, right?
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And some more.........JanClare with those fantastic boobs!This caught a few people's attention!
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Another look at the group. The lady in the back was Joan. She was in charge of the reservations in the lodge and was a 30+ year breast cancer survivor. We just had to include her in our picture.
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Hi gals! I have even more pictures and will share some of the candid shots off and on this week.
Ginny, we missed you. I'm so sorry that the shingles messed up your weekend. Hopefully they will stay relatively calm for you. Hugs!
Becky, I hope that we didn't wear you out too much. I give you BIG brownie points for joining us so soon after chemo. It was so good to meet you!
For those of you who couldn't attend, we missed you, too.
Jackie, you're about to start your short week of rads! Just think, you're really getting through these treatments in record time! Take plenty of good books. Have you had a chance to try that Mexican restaurant that's close to your motel yet?
Mary Jane, I hope your party went well. Be sure to let us know the CT scan results when you get them this week. I've had you in my thoughts and prayers. Love ya....
I need to hunt up my recliner. I've been entertaining all day and I'm tired. I'll catch up and post more tomorrow.
Good night!
Rita
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What nice pictures from the outing!! Glad you all had an enjoyable time @ Starved Rock.
LauraGTO - I read your story about the mosquito bite & I would be freaking out too. I hate those little bast*rds to begin with. I really hope that you have nothing to worry about, but I read that & it just made me feel "oooogly".
Leesa - I know your PC is down but wanted to send hugs - even if you don't know it; I'm so sorry things are so rough for you right now!!
Surgery is 9 days from today & I get a little more anxious each day, but I'm hanging in there.
I met the 2nd PS on Thursday night & really like him... I am hoping they can manage to get him in on my surgery instead of the 1st PS. I'm gonna stomp my feet like a child until they do, haha.
I hope everyone had a nice weekend - take care, Julie R
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Oh my gosh, what great pictures. Rita, you look like you got a little strawberry in your hair now...sure looks great on you. JanC....you are a scream, but I'm sure I'd have done it too. Anyone paying that much for a boob job should be sharing, don't ya think???
Laura, how funny...just today I got a bite on my wrist from something....Mosquito or spider or something. It's on the left side, but I am only missing three nodes and it is just red and hard, but would do something if I let myself itch it I think. First time this year.....and you might know, huh !!! Bugs seemed to have been avoiding me...wonder if that is over or if it was a really dumb mosquito that didn't know it was sucking up chemo blood. Well, I'll have to be on the look-out now for sure.
Becky you are a real fighter to go on an outing such a short time after chemo. I'm glad you were able too though. Now that I got to meet Rita and Mary Jane I'd have to say....there is no substitute for spending time together. Funny.....I spent a long time feeling it was so wonderful to be in the company of so many others ( through email ) with the same diagnosis ( and it really was and is ) but I can see it really gets special when you can sit right next to each other, and see all the facial expressions and feel all the good vibrations first-hand. I'll be chomping at the bit for the next time.
Wendythe Y--- glad you made it too. Is this your first group outing? Hope you continue to be able to get in on some of the lunches....it really is good for what ails you....
Laura...stunning as always, but then every one there was a looker if you ask me. Susan your hair is so pretty and you look like having school over for the year is allowing you to relax and enjoy your outing...sure hope so. Your smile was great.
Really something that Joan is a 30 yr. survivor----I say we can all beat that record, don't you????? Glad you got her into the pic as it is a very reassuring thought to 'find' someone that long from their diagnosis.
Tomorrrow morning...Denny has the day off so will spend a fair amt of it with me. We'll have lunch and he'll have his usual nap in my room, but at least he won't have to rush to work. Nice for a change. It will be nice to get the 4th. off and ok with me since I had the 3 days tacked on already for the boosts......that set me up for having to come part of the 7th. week....so what is one more day. Still, I think someone did not calculate good. I could have gone to California mid August. Well, that's ok.....I'll get a couple paychecks from work by waiting.
Hope you all have a fantastic Sunday night.
Jackie
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Voltaire 
