Anyone starting Chemo in Feb?
Comments
-
P.S. More on enjoying life ... I'm working on enjoying life more. This means smiling a lot and not sweating the annoying stuff. I'm taking the time to make sure that I look nice each day. It helps that I've been doing some *retail therapy*, as Twilah calls it! I'm reading books again. I'm trying to be more organized, a necessity, as chemo-brain has made me even more absent-minded than usual. I'm trying to eat healthy, but not denying myself the pleasures, such as a glass of wine or a piece of chocolate. Moderation, moderation, with an emphasis on the *good fats* rather than a dramatic limitation of all fat from my diet. I'm trying to walk on the treadmill about 5 times a week. Soon, I hope to add some gentle weights. But mostly, I try to approach each day with a smile and optimism.
0 -
Hello girls. Just settling in for the night...what a day. The highlight, as usual, was lunch with Hillary. I find the time with her very comforting and easy...I think we understand each other quite well.
Catherine, my travels are starting to wear me down. All of the trips have been for business although when I get to Vancouver, I do visit with family (my father, two sisters, brother and their families live there). I flew into Philly early this morning, from Dallas, where I'd been for a couple of days meeting with the same crew I met with in Germany last month. Our next meeting is scheduled for mid-November in the UK. Depending on the radiation therapy schedule, I may not be able to go.
Jan, you must be so proud of your son. He is dashing in his uniform!
So nice to see Vegas and Melanie around again. I've missed you. It does sound like we're all getting on with our lives (some of us at least... I'll be done with treatment by the end of the year I hope).
Sammie Kay... I do hope you're feeling a little better now. I wish I had inspiring words of advice to share but I have no experience with AIs either.
Missed Phyl at today's lunch...
Perhaps we can get together in January. Seems the onc doesn't want to see me until Jan 23rd. I feel as though I've been cast adrift in some respects. Must be the triple negative thing...once rads are done, I'm done. I quizzed her on follow up care...she doesn't normally recommend scans although she did say she 'negotiates' this point with individual patients. I understand the shortcomings of PET/CT but I think I'd feel more comfortable with a scan early in the new year. Mammos are not necessary since I had the bilat mastectomy. She gave me her standard peptalk...not to worry too much, know that I did everything I could to beat this, put the worry in it's proper place, concern myself with symptoms that persist for 7 days or more....yada yada. I'd been worrying about a sore throat and between Hillary and the onc, my worries have been allayed (Thank you Hillary). I suppose every odd ache or pain will be of concern for years to come. I'm so envious of Hillary's very organized mid-life crisis. I personally feel that I'm simply falling back into my old routine...too much work, travel, eating and drinking ... I have to regain some discipline in my life.On the Taxol/Taxotere front...Taxotere worked for me. Reduced the tumor from 3.5 cm to <2 mm. So, I don't worry much about these reports on the efficacy of T. Now, AC on the other hand...so toxic and it really didn't seem to do much for the tumor.
I suppose Alyson is off on her world tour so we won't hear from her for awhile. Leah, are you back yet? I loved the pics. I confess, I looked at every single one. You must tell us what was being cooked up!
Where's Marsha? Laid up in bed, healing? I doubt it...my hero is probably off for BNOs, margaritas and dancing on the tables!
Piper, Carynn, Terry...hope all is well with you.
Despite today being the last chemo day, I plan to continue my lunch dates with Hillary (is that okay Hillary?). I like that routine and minus the chemo, our dates can only get better.
Sarah turns 18 on Friday. We're going to hop in the car and head up to Montreal for the weekend. I hope to not be feeling the chemo SEs too intensely, especially since, I'll be doing the driving.
Hugs everybody.
0 -
Hi Girls -
I'm so sorry, just time for a quick drive by. I will go back later and read. I hadnt had much time to post since last week. Saturday we had out of town company for one day. Sunday was the Phoenix Race for the Cure. I was the "official" photographer for our team; and DH ran the video camera just for fun. I took a vacation day on Monday to work on the pictures and Tuesday created a video out of them for the team. (I'll post it here soon) I still have all of the video to edit, promised to do DH's vacation pictures, and of course work a full time job. Whew! I'm tired just talking about it.
A big WHOO HOO to Twink for completing "graduate school!"
Ok, back to the video....I think of you all everyday and hope you are doing well. I will read and check back in soon!
(((HUGS)))
Carynn
0 -
Another fly by.....I will be in Houston Thurs. night, Fri and Sat.
I finished the lace dress I made for my granddaughter for the big Halloween festivities at UNC. I will go to her younger brother's game tomorrow night(he is the drumline of the high school band. Then final fittings on her dress on Fri. On Sat will visit two other daughters and more grandchildren.
I like my new job. But it is a lot of walking. Not sure about that. Between my fibromyalgia and the SEs of AI my feet really hurt by the end of the day. I am going to call the onc. tomorrow and see if he will order me some Femara. Maybe the SEs won't be as severe.
Have a great weekend all. Don't work too hard. Sounds like our jobs are taking a toll on everyone. Hey, let's all retire! LOL
Love and hugs to all, Sammie Kay
0 -
I am ALL about retiring, Sammie Kay! Where is Ed McMahon when you need him?!!!
0 -
YEAAAAAAAAAAAAH TWINK....done with chemo!!!
0 -
Hello, all.
I dropped back into work with a vengeance. 15 hour days. I am exhausted, partially from jet lag, but mostly because I no longer *want* to do 15 hour days. It seems like an incredible waste of time to only have work, when I so want balance in my life.
Hil, Twilah - you aren't the only one questioning EVERYTHING about the way she was living! I read the book "Eat, Love, Pray" over vacation, and it embodies so much of what I have been trying to do for the past 20 years, but only started to 'get it' in the last 2 years. I highly recommend it to the both of you, but all may enjoy it.
Ok, Italy...my vacation exceeded my expectations by about 1000%. The weather was perfect, the sights fabulous and the cooking school was so much fun, as well as lots of learning about new cheeses and wines. I have to admit that Tuscans eat way more meat than we do- have meat at every meal. By the time Tuesday rolled around (6 days in Italy, 3rd day at the school), I was ready to explode from all the courses and then all the meat. The funniest thing is that on the last day, you just go to the big market and you pick out stuff, and then come back and cook. we BEGGED the chef for vegetables! He was appalled- of everything we could have asked for! - vegetables! We ended up grilling a bunch of veggies, and he made us a salad, and an antipasto, with many of the local "cold cuts". Almost everything you love of Italian coldcuts comes from Tuscany, since they are the major source of pork and beef for the country.
The food we cooked with was the highest quality I have ever seen. THe freshest- even the eggs were only a day old- and absolutely nothing had preservatives of any kind. That's why they really do shop every day/every other day. And the food, at least in Tuscany, doesn't travel far- it is all right there. Even when we went back to Florence, and ate in very ok places, the quality was good, but not like what we had at the cooking school. So I understand a little more about how to find/procure the best.
Wild boar is the local specialty. Now, before you make any noises, I have to tell you it is terrific! You make it as a braised stew or use it ground in tomato based meat sauce for pasta. Really good!
The villa we stayed out to cook in was magnificent- about 9 guest rooms, all individually decorated with painted murals, beautiful windows and splendid baths! Each room was about 600 sq. feet- like a small apartment in size, with many windows. here is their web site- http://www.villabiancahotel.it/en/default.asp. I had the Olive room, which I don't think is on their website, but you can see how wonderful it is.
We visited Florence with all the museums, and went to three "walled cities"- San Gigmiano, Siena, and Cortona (where Under the Tuscan Sun was filmed). Of course these trips made you drive through Chianti country! It was wonderful. I have pix, and will post later.
In the picture of me that was pulled from the cooking school, I was making an individual serving of zuppa inglese, which is a wonderful sponge cake layered with a rich vanilla pudding like cream. Dessert every day, as well as fresh pasta. Do these people know how to live or what?????
More later... have to get to work. Interestingly enough, i came to some conclusions similar to Hilary's while I was on the trip that I want to try to live by. Here is what I wrote to my best friend:
"So here's what I vow to hold on to:
-using lots of italian words
-fresh, simple foods (9 new kinds of cheese to find!) with no excesses
-Chianti (cheap)
-wearing my leather coat a lot
-hang my clothes out to dry (not in Lowell, but I could in Amherst)
-when I still like something 4 days later, just buy it. (This one is conflicting, cuz then I have to keep working. Only I like to buy me presents it seems)
-talk to the Universe all the time, it seems to like talking back to me
-smile at everybody and meet their eyes
-show people how much they interest me (they really respond)
-ask myself what give me pleasure? and then do it
-seek out beautiful scenery- it seems to calm me like nothing else.
I wish I could do the 3 hour lunch/siesta every day... i feel a lot more balanced and not so damn tired at night. Even if you don't sleep, you can rest. That seems pretty healthy. Don't think I can convice my employer of this new policy however...."
Thoughts?
To be continued...
0 -
Good evening all...how I have missed talking to all of you. Have been very busy as all of you are. Had Herceptin today along with all of the hoopla to get blood out of my port. UTI is cleared up, still on Cipro for another couple of days. Onc said I had an e. coli infection, which is a common uti infection. But I guess my immune system is still somewhat suppressed and it hit me good.
Twilah....did you get a diploma with your last carboplatin? Congratulations!
Leah, sounds like you had a wonderful vacation. I hope you continue to find the pleasures of life. I , too, need to slow down and enjoy my life and family.
DD had Senior Nite at Volleyball this evening. DH & I escorted her onto the court. She got flowers, balloons, etc. She & I made her poster with all of her pics on it. What wonderful memories, going thru all of her old pictures and remembering her sweet babyhood.
Well....going off to bed, the Benedryl has been fighting me all evening. Time to give in.
Catherine....how about those Rockies! DH & DS have been watching all of the games.
Well, I love you all, Good nite.
0 -
Friday morning and I'm not feeling so great. It's either a cold or chemo...can't tell which. In any case, I'm off to Montreal with my daughters around noon today. I didn't get a certificate with that last carbo Terry
. That's okay. I'll expect a medal after the rads. I set a start date of Nov 19th. That will allow me to do the trip to the UK and the onc doesn't think a few days delay in starting rads is a big deal. 20 or 25 or 30 rounds...still not sure. I have the simulation scheduled for Nov 8th. Hugs everybody. Have a wonderful weekend.Twilah
0 -
Twilah, congrats on finishing chemo, again! You are an amazing woman. I have been catching up on your posts and you are all about getting through it and living even while it is all going on. That is awesome!!
Leah, I love your thoughts on life. We should all go live in Italy to keep us grounded. They eat fresh food, they walk everywhere and they enjoy some of the most fabulous art. Plus they take the time to TALK to each other. It is a gorgeous country and I can't wait to go back again.
Sammie Kay, did you speak to your onc about trying Femara? At first I thought it was going to be bad as the original achiness hit me, but after about two months that tailed off and it is just a dull ache in the mornings which goes away as soon as I move about. The worst is the knees - no more twisting down to the ground and back up again for a while I guess!
Hope everyone else is doing well. Seems this forum is very quiet these days as everyone is getting back to "normal" whatever that is. I find myself constantly looking for ways to get out of the rat race and into Leah's 3 hour siesta days. I am working on it!
0 -
Hi All
Well done Twilah, another stage complete.
We are having a wonderful holiday in the UK. Spent a week in Scotland, walked, wondered around, looked at the views and had a great time. Skye and the Highlands were wonderful and the weather wasn't too bad.
We are now down in Suffolk with a good friend. Go the Ireland next weekend.
I too would love to continue this relaxing way of life, it is going to be a real shock come February when I have to go back to school.
SammieKay I am on the Femara trial and haven't had too many problems that I can identify. I have trouble with the joints anyway but it doesn't seem to have made them any worse.
Hope all are having a restful weekend.
Alyson
0 -
Hi all! Wow we've sure been quiet! Hope everyone is well.
SammieKay - Congrats on the new job! Are you getting used to the walking?
Vegas - Wish I could say Ed McMahon was at my house, but alas, he's not. DH has been retired for 10 years. I was hoping to retire as soon as next year, but I'm afraid now it's going to take some rather creative juggling for health insurance.
Waving at Jan
Leah - I like the resolutions! I'm sure it's been tough getting back to the grind! Hope you are feeling well.
Twink - Did it turn into a cold, or was it chemo? I hope you are feeling better and enjoyed your time in Montreal.
Alyson - Your holiday sounds like such an adventure! Hope you are having blue skies and a great time!
Not too much new here. I've finished the pictures and videos from last weeks race for the cure. It was a wonderful day. We are already planning next years!
Marsha - if you're lurking out there, so nice to hear that you got to meet MB & Vicki from the Circle. Did you take any pictures?
Think of you all often and sending you my best. Time to go settle in and enjoy the 500.
Carynn
0 -
ALYSON>I'm jealous, my Dad's side is Scottish and there is a castle in ruins there we are traced back to!
LEAH>sounds like you had a grand time, thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Waves back at CARYNN!
0 -
Hi all,
Leah glad to hear you had such a wonderful time on your trip and the photo's are great.
You all probably know this, but cranberry is great for UTI issues. Either in the juice or capsule form.
I have been without internet access for a few days, so was glad to get it back. We don't realize how much we depend on these computers and internet access.
Glad to see you are all feeling so positive. It is hard for me also to remain positive. I want to, but for the past couple of months it seems to be hard.
I have a lot to be greatful for, but just sometimes feel down when I look at my two boys and think of the future.
Thanks for the stories of people living long lives after recurrances. It is good to hear.
I am going to Boston this week for a a long weekend. So looking forward to that.
This tamoxifen is kicking my b..t. I have bad fatigue with it. Anyone else experiencing this. Also noticed eyelashes and eyebrows have thinned again......
Have a blessed day....
Jel.
0 -
Hi, every body... Carynn, Jan, Sammie Kay, Alyson, Vegas, Terry, Leah, Jel, Twink, Hillary, Marsha (where do you hide, girl?)...
Here are a few pictures to give you a taste of Denver, at least of the neighborhood where I walk my dogs... We've had a great Fall so far (except for the snow we had yesterday and 24F this morning... bbr) and I took a few pics while the trees still had leaves.
I also discovered a cute critter playing in cosmos
" mce_src="" alt="" border="" hspace="" vspace="" width="" height="" align="" />
" mce_src="" alt="" border="" hspace="" vspace="" width="" height="" align="" />
" mce_src="" alt="" border="" hspace="" vspace="" width="" height="" align="" />" mce_src="
" alt="" border="" hspace="" vspace="" width="" height="" align="" />
" mce_src="" alt="" border="" hspace="" vspace="" width="" height="" align="" />
" mce_src="" alt="" border="" hspace="" vspace="" width="" height="" align="" />
" mce_src="" alt="" border="" hspace="" vspace="" width="" height="" align="" />Wishing you all a good week... Leah, you certainly have a "convert" here... my philosophy for the last 20 years... and determined to stick to it (except for the siesta... I don't feel "right" if I sleep during the day)... of course the French way of life (especially in South France) is not terribly different from the Italian one...
Alyson, enjoy your trip, what's the route to get to Europe from N-Z? How do you move around, by train? or are you driving? Keep us posted... As I work at my computer, I have my headset on and I listen to live French (or Russian) news, so I keep up with the weather, among other things... as cold in Paris as in Denver, this morning...
The changes on these boards, the strange bickering going on (Circle the wagons) and Gina's board made me feel disoriented, and coming to "our" little group to post is the only place where I feel I belong... I do not have the time to post in multiple places, really... I just hope you don't jump off our cruise ship just when the sailing is getting smoother...
Love and hugs to all... Twink, so glad you're done with this chemo... Tink, how are you doing? Did you go through the Taxol? How is your baby girl doing?
Catherine
0 -
CATHERINE>beaaaaaautiful pics, still no color here but its rainy and cold and feeling like fall. Maybe our trees will finally turn since its going to be in the 40s at night.
JEL>I'm on Tamoxifin, have been since early June. I'm not fatigued by it.
0 -
I feel like it has been forever since I have posted. I have been keeping up with your posts. I really enjoy reading and always intend on writing my own tidbits. Like everyone here, life has hit with full force. I sometimes wonder if the stress is worth it all. I find myself wishing that my life was more as Catherine describes hers. Right now it feels as though I will never get all done that is waiting for me. For this moment, I am putting it aside and writing to you all.
Leah; Your new and positive outlook can only reap huge benefits for you. I am inspired by your vows. Amazing what a little reflection can bring about. Sometimes the simple pleasures are the best. I think Catherine has already learned that lesson. Are we good students? I am trying so hard to make a personal connection with more people that I meet. It makes me feel good about myself just to know that I am making an attempt. Most of us are receptive to eye contact and the simple "hello". I just returned yesterday from my 2nd trip to Disney in a few weeks (told you I was a Disney girl) and I would talk to total strangers on the buses. Some of those conversations yielded very helpful info. I met a pediatrician from Wisconsin Children's Hospital who was able to give me so much info on a situation near and dear to my heart right now. You have given me much to think about Leah.
Catherine; Those pics are simply gorgeous...except the ones of snow give me a chill. The changing weather will come too soon for me. Like you, I do not post anywhere but here. I have done a couple of posts in the recon section because I thought I could help. I did go to the Circle the Wagon thread last night to try to find out what is happening with Marsha. I was also taken aback by what is happening there. I don't understand the dynamics...I guess.
Terry; I am happy to hear the UTI is cleared up. I know what you mean about "memory lane". I pull those old pics of my 4 grown children out and it takes me back to what seems like such a short time ago, but at the same time...long ago.
Twink; I hope you had an enjoyable time with your daughters in Montreal. I bet you came back with lots of goodies! And...more memories stored in your "hard drive". How wonderful that you are going to keep up the lunch dates with Hillary.
Alyson; It sounds as though you are truly enjoying yourself. Keep that going!
Vegas; So glad to see you posting! Love the avatar. I hope we get to meet someday. I need to plan a gambling trip!
Jel; Hope you have a wonderful time in Boston. I bet the fall colors will be beautiful.
Carynn; It just sucks that you have to delay retiring. I think we all understand about the insurance issues.
Jan; You are doing so good at posting! Keep us motivated. It's good to know the Tamox is not getting you down.
Hillary; You sound so together. I am impressed. I am eating better and have lost about half of the weight I gained during chemo, but I just am not making the time to exercise, so I still have that tummy bulge that I never had before. It sure shows up in pics too!
Well, I have a stack of work to do piled on my desk. All of the banks are waiting on updated financials. We have 2 new storage facilities going up and I have to get the financing for those. What's that word that Twilah uses?....blek or blah? You would think this last year had taught us all something. It seems some of us have slipped back into our old ways. Do we have a choice? I guess we do, but we all have our responsibilities that in the end...come before our emotional well being. Time to get a massage and do some yoga!
A Big Thank You to my SP for the Birthday Card!!!!
Love you all...
0 -
Hey gals, sorry to have been MIA for so long.
Catherine, I haven't been posting anywhere really. Maybe a one liner, but mainly just reading. I don't think I have much to contribute. I had told Carynn a couple weeks or so ago that the Wagon girls seem to fight alot so I haven't really done much posting at Gina's either.
I'm trying to decide if I am just gonna do the flat thing and be done with it. It seems trivial in the grand scheme of things but an issue that I need to come to terms with. Also medical bills pouring in daily makes me not even want to look at the mail! Oh well, I'm just not gonna worry about it cause it does no good. I'll be one of those paying $20 a month for the rest of my life. hahaha
I'll try to do better and stay in touch. You don't have to go looking for me, this is the first place I'll come when I am ready to jump back in. Love you guys for worrying about me. Marsha
PS Where is Phyl???????
0 -
Marsha,
You reminded me: thank you to my secret pal for my special autographed copy of a book. I can't put it down!
Regards.
0 -
Just like old times! All the cool kids are here!
So good to see you all! Twink, Tink, Karen, Phyl, come out of hiding and join the fun!Ahhh..posting.....I post on the circle at Gina's, I do not post on the circle here. Not to be coy, it's just that three or four places are too many, here with my sisters and the Hampton's with my buddies; that's enough message board time!
Catherine - The pictures are beautiful! Many times just before it turns cold here (I know, that's realatively speaking, but cold to us!), the desert will bloom one more time. If we get that this year, I'll post some pix.
Melanie - Anything new at the Mouse's house? I'm crazy busy at work myself. I just hired a second Project Manager, and have approval for a 3rd. Can you belive that 6 months ago, during chemo no less, I was a one woman show, now "I'll" be a team of 4!
Jel - We've all missed you! I'm sorry you were a bit down. While I dont mind BC Awareness month at all, a lot of people do and find it depressing because it makes it hard to move on when there is a constant reminder everywhere you go. We got your back girlfriend, and I hope you'll come here more often. Christmas commericals will start any day;)
Marsha - I can imagine that's a big decision to make. Take your time, do your research and do what's right for YOU. Wish I cudda joined you and the CG's for a blue rink.
Leah - How's your new job going?
So, Secret Pal stuff. Do you want to wrap it up this month? Reshuffle? Leave it for a few more weeks? Let me know.
So good to see you all. Hope more come home to check in soon!
Carynn
0 -
Hi all,
Catherine what beautiful photo's. It's so nice to see where others live and their surroundings.
FYI... I just had the cyp2d6 test to see if I am metabolizing Tamoxifen. Will let you know the results when I get them. I guess this test looks for a specific gene, if you have it, you don't metabolize the medicine properly and do not get the benefits of the medicine.
Keep smiling ladies..... Great to see your msgs out there.
Cheers for now,
Jel
0 -
Hi all,
So good to hear from everyone. Especially Marsha. I was getting worried about you. Thought I might have to get my "Fairy Godmother" wand out for you.
I guess I sat and sewed too much this weekend, as I awakened at 3 am on Sat. (remember the pumpkin through the windshield episode) with a hitch in my hip. We went sailing on Sunday and I guess that just finished my SI joint off royally. I was hardly able to walk at times yesterday. Then better today and went to work. Then when I was in the dressing room changing clothes at work, it hit again with a vengeance. I barely made it to my car. Severe hip pain. I did the the doc and she ordered xray of hip before I start physical therapy. Haven't gotten the report, but the technician didn't see any obvious fractures. Hopefully I can start PT tomorrow and get the spasms out of my back. I was given some new medication today. I took the first dose about an hour ago and am really sleepy. Sorry this post is all about me.
Loved the pics Catherine and have so enjoyed all your posts. Please, please keep coming back here and posting. You are all so very special to me. Love to all, Sammie Kay
0 -
Hi girls,
Glad to hear you are so active. Twink how do you cope with so much travelling? I am having a quiet day today whilst DH is off down to Kent on business.
We came up through Dubai where we had a days rest and met up with a friend. then arrived in Glasgow. From NZ you can fly up through the East or through LA. As from next month it will be possible to go through Vancouver.
Had a wonderful day in Cambridge yesterday, the weather was stunning and to cap the day off we went to Choral Evensong at King's College chapel. The choir were magic and the sound in that place was heavenly.
Have some postcards to do. I evidently have some from my secret pal waiting for me at home. I think I might just know who it is or this person is helping my pal. Nevermind, the cat cards were lovely.
Must do some mundane things like do the dishes before my friend gets back.
Alyson
0 -
Long overdue greetings to you all, my Friends. Despite my failure to post, I have been pretty much keeping up with events in everyones' lives. I think I just kinda got lost when the site was revamped and I got a little careless and, of course, now I recall basically nothing of what I ever would have wanted to mention. However, several things have stayed on my mind.
Leah - what a wonderful opportunity you have had to experience the Italian life and cooking. I am indeed envious. It's on my list.
Twink & Hillary - sorry I missed lunch on the 17th. I had been considering a Lasik procedure for some time to correct my right eye for close-up work (I'm left-eye dominant) and get rid of glasses and contacts. After scheduling a consult last week and finding that I did qualify, I found they only do the actual procedure once a month so I also opted to have it done last week. Otherwise, November is too close to my reconstruction date so I wouldn't be able to get it done until sometime early next year. So, still adjusting to seeing distance with 1 eye and reading with the other. Right now, I need the monitor about 12" from my face. Twink - yes, perhaps your January checkup date will work for lunch. I would assume I'll probably be in a somewhat upright position by then.
Alyson - I am enjoying travelling with you.
Catherine - what beautiful photos. I have enjoyed fall colors more vivid than usual this year. For the past couple weeks, I have equal amounts of greens, yellows, oranges and crimson. I haven't seen it this beatiful in several years and it's quite surprising as we are severely short in rainfall.
Marsha - it's good to hear from you - really made me realize I need to post. I'm sure you'll make whatever decision is right for you regarding the 'flat thing'. I'm kinda getting excited about the rebuilding process now that it's getting close but yet I dread that healing period again - damn drains, etc., especially with the holidays coming Plus, the PS tells me to figure on another year, possibly longer, till the process is complete.
Big hugs to everyone else too. Gotta get dinner started. Tonight's chili and grilled cheese. Made fresh salsa last night so we'll snack on that also. Probably a menu that will make our dear Catherine cringe but sometimes I just can't think of anything. Argh!
Again - hugs to all and hope to ttyl.
Phyl
0 -
Sammie; I hope you don't have any fractures! I have had the SI joint problem for about 5 years. My weekly massages keep it at bay...with an added bonus
My MT is wonderful. She really works on the SI joint. When it is really inflamed, she has me to lay on a tennis ball (at home) and move around on it slightly. Sounds strange, but it does help. It also helps to really stretch out by laying flat on your stomach. I know that might not be possible right now. I can go as long as a month without the massages and be ok, but it takes a bit longer to get the pain in check.Carynn; Do they realize how valuable you are? I bet they do! Whatever everyone else wants, I am good with on the SP. I pm'd you about mine. I am pretty sure I have done a good job at keeping my idenity from my SP, but it sure is hard! I wouldn't mind a reshuffle since it has been 2 months.
Alyson; Did you do any shopping in Dubai? I have heard it is amazing there.
Phyl; Chili and grilled cheese sounds yummy! That's on the menu at my house for Halloween. I love Halloween. No Stress. Just Fun. I get a kick out of all the kids in their costumes. We live out of town, but I have lots of "regulars".
Marsha; So good to see you! I was worried about you also. Do you need any help with the search for a place for Feb? I will be happy to do some research for you. I don't want you to feel this is all on your shoulders. You have enough going on right now. Take care of yourself. Some of those big decisions can wait.
Twink; Can't wait to hear about your Montreal trip!
Catherine; I still keep going back to your pics! You have such a good eye for photography.
0 -
Thanks Mel for the info about SI joint problems. I am going to try to get my doc to write me a script for weekly massages after I finish with the physical therapy which is scheduled for the next 3 weeks. I am still hurting quite a bit, but I only have had one session with the physical therapist. I will go in for treatment before I go to work tomorrow.
I will write more this weekend and catch up with everyone.
By the way, my computer has the posts spread out wider than the usual size. I have to move back and forth to read the posts. A real pain. Has this happened to anyone else? I emailed BC.org and they answered that maybe someone posted something large that changed the configuration of the page. This happened once before and then it just went back to the normal size page.
I hope you are all well and enjoying life. Love to all, Sammie Kay.
0 -
Good afternoon!
We're having a rainy afternoon here in PA. I'm supposed to be doing some online work at home, but I can't get the streaming video to work and can't get a hold of the person to help me (wish I had one of you IT girls here with me!). So, I thought I'd take some time before ds gets home to catch up on everyone.
Twilah -- Hope you had a great weekend in Monteal and the carboplatin didn't get you too down -- are you drinking your fluids????
Leah -- I love your list of how to live your life. I think we're all coming to similar conclusions. I don't know how you can work 15 hour days! I can barely put in 8!!
Vegas -- I want to retire as well. But, with a son in 1st grade, it doesn't look like it will happen soon ...
SammieKay -- Glad you like your new job. I think that walking is probably a good new benefit -- saves you time at the gym. Buy a pedometer and chart your steps/day. I remember reading somewhere that we should aim for 10,000 steps a day to keep active.
Jel -- My eyelashes did the "thinning thing" in an odd way. The new shorter ones basically pushed the old longer ones out. At first I had lots of long ones with just a sprinkling of long ones. Then I went into the half-and-half mode. But the worst was when I had about six or eight long lashes on each side, sticking out of this jungle of shorter ones. LOL. I'm back to all the same length and short now. My eyebrows may have thinned out, but I've got such thick eyebrows that it would be hard to tell!
Alyson -- Your trip sounds wonderful! My dh and I both have spent many years living in England before we knew each other. It's such a pretty country to visit. We can't wait to take ds there and show him the castles. Jan -- You'll have to let us know about your family's castle. Maybe we can have a FCC reunion there!
Phyl -- How is your recuperation from your eye surgery? I'm so nearsighted that I'm not really a candidate for Lasik -- I'll still have to work glasses - LOL! Have you adjusted to your new vision? Twilah and I would love to have your company in January. When is your reconstruction date?
Marsha -- What a tough decision you have to make ... I've been reading the reconstruction and no reconstruction boards. It seems that most folks are happy with their decision once they make it, but the decision making process seems tortuous. We're here if you want to air your thoughts/fears.
Melanie -- I'm so jealous of your weight loss. I seem to be hovering slightly higher than I was after chemo. I will have to lose the weight, however, since I refuse to buy new clothes - LOL!
Catherine -- What gorgeous photos! But, where are the food descriptions?????
Carynn -- Maybe wrap up the SP stuff so that we can start again and you can have an SP! Can we get somneone's dh to organize????
I'm still fairly exhausted and don't feel like I'm operating with all cylinders firing. No tamoxifen or anti-hormonals to blame. I feel like I've aged 20 years, with creaky hips, knees, and wrists. And my brain is like a sieve -- nothing sticks. But, I try to keep a smile on my face!
Hugs out to Jan, Terry, Karen and anyone else I've missed.
-- Hillary0 -
Hi Hillary - my eye seems to be recovering nicely. It's going to take quite a bit of time adjusting to monovision but it doesn't really bother me unless I think about it. Driving is quite a challenge but I think that improve over time also. It surely is nice to be able to read without the glasses tho. My reconstruction date is December 5th.
Greetings to all - hope you all have a great weekend. Hillary & Twink - heading to The Crossings tomorrow Christmas shopping
Hugs!
Phyl
0 -
Hi friends,
I have spent the day sitting in the recliner with ice packs on my left hip. I have had two physical therapy sessions and on Monday will have trigger point injections followed by physical therapy. I can't wait for this pain to go away. I am sure it will. I have had SI joint problems before and this is the same.
I have my reconstructions scheduled for Dec. 13. Hey Phyl, we are close to the same date. Mine will be the exchange of expanders for implants. I chose the most simple procedure. I didn't want a long operation at my age. I also, after much fretting, have decided against the liposuction. I need to lose 25 pounds. If I do that I probably wouldn't need lipo. So I will use my 4 thousand dollars on my kitchen update and forget the lipo. Also, I heard an XM radio program about accepting oneself as we are. It was talking about post menopausal women and their changing body shapes. That would be me, LOL. But I am going in the direction of acceptance and feel at peace with that.
Hillary, good idea about the pedometer. I think I have one. Be interesting to see how many steps I take each day. I took a trip to London once about 10 years ago and loved it. I would love to go back and travel out of the city to see the countryside.
I too have been reading about reconstruction Marsha. Those websites have a lot of good information.
Hugs to all. Sammie Kay
0 -
Good Sunday morning all!
Just time for a quick drive by. It's been crazy here! I dont know if I mentioned, but I had to have some tests done last week as it looks like I may have Lupus. This isnt too much of a shock as a lot of people with RA have it and vice versa. Was hoping they'd let me know Friday, but of course, that wasnt the case. Should know by Monday. Took DH to the ER last nite. That was a first in 26 years of marriage. He's a pretty tough guy so if he says he's not feeling well, he really means it. Anyway, it turned out to be diverticulitis, but because he didnt say anything until it became pretty darn painful, he has a lot of inflamation and some infection. So, they admitted him, but he should be home today or tomorrow. Seems like a lot of our "care-givers" have had their turn at illness lately.
Well, have got to get a few things done, then back to the hospital to keep him company for a bit.
Oh! SP stuff....before I "reveal" do you all want to try to guess?
See you all soon!
Carynn
0
