Anyone starting Chemo in Feb?
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Um...it's me, you're fried tata sis. #22 today and most of you know what that's like. 6 more regular tx's to go then boosts. Hugs all... not that talkative tonight. I have had a tree up for a few days now but I haven't had the energy to decorate it. I haven't finished my shopping and my kids are helping as little as they possibly can. I'm over the top with this right now....
Love
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My brother-in-law has just found out he has lymphoma... he's waiting for more info and a treatment plan. He lost his wife to leukemia (she was 40ish when she died) 5 years ago. They have three children. A few positive thoughts sent in his direction (east coast of Canada) would be well placed tonight and over the next few weeks as his treatment plan becomes clear.
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TWINK> Prayers for your BIL! You poor thing, rads during the xmas holidays! You must be exhausted at this point of your rads. Maybe you need to go on strike and tell the kids you aren't doing one more thing without their help or they can forget about xmas? You've got to do something to take care of you as the rads will make you very tired and I found my rads made me even more tired the few weeks after I was done with rads. (((((((TWINK))))))))
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Oh, Twink, so sorry to hear about your brother in law... what bad luck... I hope he will have been diagnosed with the type they cure now.
You must feel drained by now: taking care of yourself and getting rest is priority #1... as you know...
Alyson, did it rock in your area? Just heard about the earthquake... Thank you for the lovely surprise...
Sweet dreams, everybody...
Catherine
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Hi Twink,
Just popping in to wish you as Happy of a Holiday as can be. Sure beats last year at this time as I found "The Lump" Dec 17. My treatment is at last complete and moving on to ongoing doctor visits for the duration. You are in my thoughts and prayers, I have been reading and not posting for some time now. Just a quick hello.
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Big hugs Twink, virtual ones, as real ones might hurt just now. Will keep your BIL in our prayers. What an awful disease this is.
No we didn't feel the quake as this part of the country doesn't shake too often. The area it was in is right on the major fault line which runs down the East Coast. Auckland is not on the fault it just sits on a volcano field.
I have my tree up and some of the outside lights. Will get some more up today as we are having guests tonight. I didn't feel like doing the tree but was determined that the Grinch that stole last Christmas wasn't going to upset this one so I imported some small children and we had a wonderful afternoon putting up the decorations. This Christmas has been much more contemplative this year it seems. I have played Christmas carols throughout the house. Somehow the traditional music is a great comfort. Last night we attended the Nine Lessons and Carols at the Cathedral- it was a lovely service and the music was wonderful. DD2 did a solo- unexpectedly as the little chorister got stage fright and Erin was told moments before that she was on. DD1 was with us and for once in a service she didn't hold back with her singing as she usually does when not performing. She is singing at our Church tomorrow morning. I do not know how my daughters got such beautiful voices.
Like most of you energy levels are not great and it appears that the RA is having a little resurgence recently, for a few days I have been hardly able to put my feet on the ground and my hands have been really bad. However once I get going its not so bad. And as I said I am going to enjoy Christmas even if it is quietly, maybe thats how it is meant to be.
It is a little cooler today thankgoodness so doing the final bits of shopping won't be so bad despite the fact that DH detests shopping and is worse that a naughty child. He says that he loves Christmas as every present is a surprise for him, even the ones he is supposed to have bought and DS is just as bad getting his sisters to get things for him.
Looking out the window I just caught a splash of red in a neighbours; I actually haven't noticed the pohutukawa tree before. This is a native tree which flowers at this time of the year it is such a blase of colour.
This is a bit of a ramble, sorry about that. Must get myself moving and try to get the shopping finished this morning.
Have a great weekend. DH said the other day that we must have a winter Christmas some time soon, for us it is so hard to imagine.
Hugs to all and I will keep you all in my prayers.
Alyson
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Good morning all,
I was woken up by a hot flash and it was a respectable enough time to get up, so I'm up early while all else are asleep. I must say that hot flashes usually aren't a problem for me, and this one has given me some quiet time in which to write a long post!
My hip and joint pain are still around, but psychologically diminished since my good bone scan. I am somewhat heartened by a post on this thread from someone who said her post-taxol hip pain did eventually go away.
This post-menapausal thing sucks! I've never had to worry about my weight before. But, I've managed to lose four pounds as of this morning - yay! As a triple negative, I'm trying to eat lower fat based on the WINS study. I can't quite manage the 20% calories from fat that they recommend, but I've managed to keep my average fat intake to less than 25% (though there are some days in which it is as high as 30%). To put this in comparison, the average American diet is 35 to 45% calories from fat). I try to make sure that most of my fat is "good fat" (fish, olive oil), but it is tough around the holidays!
My dh always does the Xmas decorations and it's become a tradition for him to do it with our son. Our house is all decked out, from lights in the front, as well as all around our living room. We also replace our tons of family photos with lots of cheesy decorations on the mantlepiece and radiator covers. It's so easy to do Xmas shopping for my six year old, so that helped to get me into the holiday spirit. We're having a harder time figuring out what to do for my two stepsons. They're both in school and they both just need $$. I think that dh is going to make a silly joke of it, with envelopes in boxes and the checks/cash allocated for things like one months rent, dinner out, a new bike, etc.
Alyson -- Hope you are having a nice, cool Christmas ... it is funny to think of Xmas in the summer. You should plan to visit your PA relatives one Xmas!
Twilah -- I'm also giving you virtual hugs. I hope that you're holding up with the rads. Do you go have an end date yet? The boosts go fast, but the burning sneaks up on you. Aloe, Aloe, Aloe. Also, sending good wishes towards your BIL and family.
Jan -- Glad to hear that you survived the great OK blackouts! And, I love your hair!! Unlike you and Leah, my hair is straight ... not at all what I expected. It has a lot of "body", so it sticks straight out on all sides. I have to use a lot of product to "sculpt" it into an acceptable form - LOL! I'll try to get dh to take a photo and switch my avatar!
Leah -- Only four days off! Girl, you need to work a bit less. Are all IT jobs like that?
SammieKay -- Gentle hugs for your 27th surgery date ... and enjoy the holiday with your children and grandchildren!
Marsha, Marsha, Marsha -- I am so glad that you quit the jerk's show and took a chance on the bigger role in the bigger theater! This is just what you need to get back into the old Marsha.
Carynn -- Happy belated birthday! I hope by now you are feeling better. Do you get any time off around the holidays, or do all IT girls work all the time?
Melanie -- By my calculations, you should have been to NY and back. Hope the outpatient surgery went well! Also, is dh OK?
Catherine -- Have a wonderful tip visiting family!
I hear stirrings in the room next door, so I'll finish up quickly. Hugs and Happy Holidays to Nana, Piper, Scott and Theresa, Nana, Phyl, Karen, Terry, Jel, and everyone else!
Hugs,
Hillary0 -
Good Saturday morning all. I have been trying to keep up with reading all the posts, just haven't had a minute to sit down and compose something. Also just no feeling much like talking.
Have decorations up, still have a little wrapping to do. Baked all last Sat...cookies, cookies, cookies. But I feel like I am just going thru the motions. Like Twink, everyone else does as little as they can to help. Must be a mom thing...or maybe a denial thing.
Anyway...I went for Herceptin yesterday. Onc said...no more. Due to the last 2 treatments causing fever, chills etc. So they flushed my port and sent me on my way. Guess What??? I ended up with fever, chills, body aches...again. So it is NOT the Herceptin. It has to be the Heparin they flush the port with. I am very upset about not finishing the whole year of Herceptin as planned. So maybe they can run an IV in my arm with no Heparin. I have to go in for a urine culture 1stthing Monday...had a UTI last week. Will ask then.
Am I being over the top with wanting to do just another month of the Herceptin? Would one more month make a difference?
Anyway...
Marsha - so glad you are back. And so glad you dumped the jerk director. You deserve better. You go girl!
Twink...you must get some rest and indulge yourself. Rads are hard enough without the stress of the holidays.
Carynn - Happy Birthday. DS#2 turned 16 on the 20th. Hope you you are feeling better.
Sammie Kaye....counting down the days until your surgery. What a relief when it is over!
Alyson...Can't imagine Christmas where there is no cold! There is snow covering the ground here in Central PA. Although they are calling for rain, drizzle on Christmas eve.
Jan...Hope the ice has melted and you are thawed out. Your hair looks alot like mine. I keep it gelled as it is very frizzy.
Catherine - hope you have a wonderful trip and visit.
Well....I am "washed out" from this fever....don't know how much I will do today, but need to get moving.
Don't know either if I will have time to post over these next few busy days....so Merry Christmas to all of you! You have been a god-send and a blessing in my life this past year. Thank you for listening when I ramble and thank you for sharing with me.
Love,
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Terry --
How strange that you still got the shakes, etc., without the Herceptin. It really could be the heparin. That said, I know that different countries have different protocols for how long herceptin is given, and I think that I read that the US gives it the longest.
You are lucky (!) to have snow in Central PA ... it makes it more festive. Here in eastern PA, we're supposed to get 60 degree weather tomorrow!!
Hugs,
Hillary0 -
Sorry I will miss you Catherine. Hope you do come back to the Houston area soon, so we can meet face to face.
My surgery will be here in Victoria at the hospital where I work. We will be going to Houston on Christmas Eve and coming home Christmas night. Wed. is get the house in order and then Thurs. I will be at the hospital at 6 am for my procedure. I will be home by Thurs. noon or so. It is an outpatient procedure. Hope you have a lovely trip and holiday with your family. Hug your pups for me. I bet they are good travelers.
Merry Christmas to all. We have had quite a journey together in 2007. I, like Hillary am ready to be finished with '07 and give '08 a try. Love to all, Sammie Kay
P.S. Marsha, my wand and dust are always available sweet girl.
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Twink, I was "back reading" and somehow missed your post about your BIL. So sorry to hear this. He and his family and you are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope he will be getting the latest and best care and a positive outcome. Let us know how he is doing. Love you, Sammie Kay.
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Merry Christmas to my friends and loved ones. I'll be happy when this year is over. Not much Christmas spirit here, despite the decorations and holiday music piping through the house. I wish you all happiness, health and peace. Here's to 2008!
P.S. Thank you all for your good wishes. I hope to hear from Sean soon with good news. Waiting for information at this time of year is so frustrating....
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Hi February Chemo Cruisers,
I still read and keep up with your posts, and feel a special fondness for all of you even though I rarely post on your thread. I just wanted to tell you all Merry Christmas and/or Happy Holidays, and I hope that 2008 will bring only good things to all of us.
I'm going to try to meet up with SammieKay today, so I had best get out of my jammies. Everyone have a wonderful holiday. Twilah, hang in there, girlfriend - you're almost to the end, right? Sending prayers for your BIL.
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Merry Christmas everyone!
I have been waiting for the season since September! I think I mentioned before that I've had the tree up since the day before Thanksgiving so that the house would be all Christmas-y for Gramma's party.DH has been such a good sport sitting thru the many Christmas movies that I MUST watch every year!
Still fighting the cold/crud. I was starting to feel better yesterday, but I'm afraid it's making a resurgence.:(
Twink - You, your family and BIL are in my thoughts and prayers. I'm so sorry to hear of his dx. It does seem to be one form of the beast they've had good luck controlling. I pray that you all get good news real soon.
Alyson - One thing I have to do every year is visit NORAD tracks Santa. www.noradsanta.org I see he's been to your neck of the woods already! Ho Ho Ho
I'm sorry to hear that your RA is acting up. What meds do you take? I take Enbrel on top of an anti inflammatory and methotrexate. It's doing a great job of keeping it under control right now.Hillary - Are you all ready for the big day tomorrow, or do you still have "some assembly required?"
Terry - Have you come to any resolution on the Herpicin? I get wanting to finish it, and I think you make a good argument. Have you had a chance to talk to the Onc yet?
SammieKay - If I read your post correctly, you are in Houston today? If I don't get to see you, big hugs and warm wishes for your upcoming surgery.
Mel - thanks for all your kind words! Nice to hear from you. Merry Christmas to you!
Well, DH and I have already done the family gift exchange. We're going to a party tonite at the pizza place/bar that organized the Race for the Cure walk that we joined this year. Tomorrow, we'll pay a quick visit to his Mom's. We got her a new tv and she wants me to program the remote and show her how to use it.
On the 26th or 27th, we're heading to the mountains for one night to see DH's nephew and some other relatives. Then, off to meet up with some friends who are taking a Christmas road trip. It sounds like a lot of fun, but wish me luck. This desert rat doesn't do snow.
So anyway, we'll be in town for a bit, but it's going to be busy. If I don't see you for a while, know that I'll be back for the New Year.Merry Christmas to you all. Thank you so much for always being there for me. I love you all!
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It's so nice to see you here, Sandy and Mel. My heartfelt warm Christmas wishes to you and all my sisters at BCO. I especially want to thank my FCCers...(teary eyed here)... you've been my strength, you women had my back this year. I love you all.
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Merry Christmas
It is currently nearly 7.30 at night so it has been a long day as we didn't get to bed until about 1.30 this morning. Everyone said the turkey was great - I don't like turkey - but was it hot this morning getting it cooked. Most of the day was fine but it is raining now though not at all cold.
Hope you all have a wonderful day
Alyson
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Merry Christmas!
We celebrate ours on Christmas Eve day, as my stepsons spend Xmas day with their mother. Actually, we have an unusual family, as we get invited over to their mother's for dinner later tonight!
My son is completely entranced building some huge Lego creation!!
I hope that everyone is enjoying this day, spending time with family and friends ...
Hugs to all,
Hillary
P.S. My hips and joints don't hurt today, which is a wonderful present!!0 -
Please let me add my wishes to everyone else's for a day filled with whatever makes you happiest. I am done with all entertaining, and today is really quiet, which is fine.
When I saw how few presents were under the (undecorated) tree, it struck me how I have always been the "spirit" in Christmas. I suspect most women are... and I wondered what would happen if I was gone. But since my daughter did not arrive home till yesterday, I put a sign up on the front door that said, "The Cratchit Family Christmas". When she asked what that was all about, I said we would be like them this year. Then she saw three measly gifts under the tree, and started laughing. But you know what? We all survived.
Here's to more spirit, more understanding of a ritual that makes us all happy, than what has passed for happy days in the past. I keep saying it will be the ultimate in irony if the BC helps us to be better human beings and less a product of our culture.
So DD and I made lasagna together, and laughed a lot. Which we haven't done since she was like 14. And I think the day will turn out ok...
Back later.
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Merry Christmas, we celebrated last night. It was great having the kids here (2 of 3 that is). All of us went through some major changes in our lives in this past year. I think we were just grateful to be able to spend this Christmas together with each other and put our troubles behind us for one night.
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Merry Christmas everybody!
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Merry Chrismas everyone. So great to hear from everyone.
So sorry I didn't get to meet with Mel. We did have a nice phone chat.
Ours was a busy Christmas Eve traveling from one town to another visiting and enjoying Christmas with all 6 of our children and their children, 15 grandchildren now. We had our two granddaughters, ages 21 and 17 traveling with us. They were left adrift by divorced parents, so they traveled with us. Boy did we have fun. Laughed alot with those two girls. The oldest one told me I was more like a "neat aunt" than her grandmother. Isn't that sweet?
We all had dinner today at my oldest daughter's house. It was a blessing to have everyone together.
I agree Leah, I think breast cancer allows us to appreciate the really important things.
I hope everyone received many blessings and had many hours of happiness this holiday season. You are close to my heart and always in the thougts in my head. Hugs and happiness to all. Sammie Kay
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A belated Merry Christmas to all.
SammieKay - I'm sure you're getting excited. I'll be thinking about you tomorrow.
Hugs to all!
Phyl
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Just dropping in to say I'm thinking about you SammieKay.
I'm off to Tx #25 today. I believe they'll schedule the last full field treatment for this Saturday. I'll be done two days earlier than I thought ... YAY!
I'm not in a great space right now... feeling sore, hopeless, sad... and absolutely ancient. I got to thinking about the BCO women who have passed away recently ... I think they were all triple negative. Talk about sending me into a funk. Sorry for sharing my misery here...my bad.
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Merry Day after Christmas! Hope you all had a wonderful day...and it sounds like we all did, even those who were melancholy. I was too busy to think about breast cancer.
Christmas Eve I got stuck at work until 4:00 with the night vault repairman....got home in time for 6:00 mass and then off to my mother's for her annual get together with my brother and sisters and nieces and nephews and BIL's and SIL. We had a great time....then home to play Santa (yes, even to young adults!)
I cooked dinner yesterday for DH's brother and family. Had 12 for dinner. They have a 1 yr old grandson, so got the old high chair out of the attic and cleaned it up....it was fun having him around. We played Mexican Train with the dominoes. It was wonderful having my kids around and DS's girlfriend.
Unfortunately, I had no water....we thought the well was low, but today a well guy came and there is an underground leak just outside of the house. Sooo....after hunting this morning (it is muzzleloader season) the men and boys began digging up my flower beds out front to find the leak.....in the meantime, I still have a dishwasher full of dirty dishes from yesterday and a sinkful from today (feeding the hunters ham and turkey sandwiches!) But at least it will be an inexpensive fix...no well drilling required.
Carynn...yes, I have resolved the Herceptin issue. I am going in on Friday for a treatment and they will do an IV in my arm. I am done with the port and getting it flushed...no more Coumadin. My plastic surgeon will remove it during the breast reduction....probably in Feb. I see him again on 1/24. I just don't want to look back and say that maybe finishing the full round of Herceptin would have made a difference.
Went to the eye doctor this morning...DD drove...they dilated my eyes, so can't really see too well yet. Everything is blurry.
Twink....you will be so relieved to be done with rads, I am sure. What a long haul this has been. I cried like a baby after my last one...not sure why....relief, exhaustion, tension, who knows.....we should be partying! Please rest...hope you are off work and can take care of yourself.
Alyson...I can't imagine cooking a turkey in the heat of summer. It was bad enough heating up the house full of company with a woodburner going in the winter....but I love turkey and its trimmings...mostly the trimmings! (stuffing, potatoes, gravy...)
Well...off to check on the ditch diggers....Merry Christmas and love you all.
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Twink, I have to admit, everytime I felt a little bit happy this weekend, I sort of backed off from the feeling. Scared to jinx things, I think? I am frightened when I think about reoccurrence. So you are not alone.
Call me if you need me.
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Hi all,
Thank you all so much for the good wishes and prayers for my surgery. I will be so glad to have my final surgery. I am excited to get the "new girls" and nipple recon.
Twyla, don't ever apologize for sharing your "load". It always seems lighter if shared and who better to share with than your sisters here.
I got your Christmas card today and smiled from ear to ear at the little penguin. I gave one of the grandchildren two soft stuffed penguins for Christmas. One is almost two feet tall. They are so cute. I certainlly sympathize with you and the triple neg hanging over your head. I don't know what to say. Just know that we are hear for you and try to put it out of your head and live, live, live. I know that is easy for this "old bag" to say, not being triple neg.and being post-menopausal to begin with. I know I don't know how you feel, but I do wish for you happiness and peace.
Wow Terry, talk about Christmas hangover. LOL. Glad the water issue was not real expensive.
Well, I am trying to get things straightened up around hear before my surgery. So better carry on.
Catherine, hope you are enjoying the Texas mild winter and especially the ocean down at Galveston.
Happy thoughts and peace to everyone, Marsha, Phyl, Hillary, Carynn, Jan, Catherine, Alyson, Twink, Terry, Pat, Leah, Mel, and all those I missed.
I will post tomorrow after surgery when I am "fully" awake. LOL
Love to all, Sammie Kay
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Hi, everybody... first of all: Sammie Kay, good luck for tomorrow... we'll be arriving in Houston...
I have been thinking of you all (I finally figured out -- with DH's help -- how to use the wireless at the KOA camping site in San Antonio where we are...). Our little adventure is fun: the van works great (keeps us warm -- first night in Salina KS: 17F... brr). Crossing Kansas and Oklahoma was a little long, but the roads were dry...
Feels good to see Texas again (last time was in 1997). Visited with DH's son and DIL today in San Antonio... they just moved to a cute old house with palm trees, bougainvilea (blooming!). I saw red cardinals as we were walking Toby and Zoe: the KOA site is terrific! Too bad I did not bring a swimsuit: pool at 85F, jacuzzi even warmer... never even put a toe in a jacuzzi... well, next time maybe...
We had a very different Xmas: no tree, no decorations since we were going away for 10 days... Xmas started in style at IHOP
... we had been in a IHOP in 10 years... they were about the only ones open on the 25th...The doggies are faring well... our van is comfy and now that the wireless works: pure bliss... We also have a small DVD player and checked out 7 movies from the library before leaving... saw "The proof" last night, interesting.
I send you all warm hugs, wishing you to leave this nasty year behind and to meet 2008 with hope and optimism... I personally wish that as we tour the US, we will eventually meet everyone of you. I also wish sincerely that we will keep in touch as much as possible... Take all good care of yourselves.
Twink, special hugs to you, sweetie, you need time to recover from this last round... things will get better.
I will not list every name, but you are all in my thoughts...
Love,
Catherine
ps: I'll post pictures later if there are some fun ones...
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Hello, my sweet sisters, I hope you all had a delightful Christmas! We made the long trekk to my moms in Kentucky. My hubby is so sweet, he knew how much my mom and I were looking forward to being together this year (last year was the first time in 45 years I didn't go to my parents for Christmas). I had rehearsal until 10 pm and Jim took a nap and then drove us all the way (12 hours) to moms Friday night. got there about `11 Saturday morning. He was blurry eyed but the look on my moms face was well worth it to him. Everyone was there and we had great family time! We got home yesterday and my rehearsal starts up again tonight.
Sammie Kay, I am thinking of you today as you go through your final surgery. I'll keep checking in today to see how you are doing. MUCH love to you girlfriend.
I just want all of you to know how much I appreciate your friendship, love, support and sisterhood. I don't know what I would have done without all of you through 2007. My biggest wish for 2008 is for health and happiness for all of you! I am blessed to have you all and love you all very much. BBL............ Marsha
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Hello Everyone!
Wow...Christmas has been a lot different for most of us! My 2 girlfriends and I still do not have our luggage from our NY trip...bummer. There were lots of Christmas presents in those. They are supposed to be here today...yay! Anyway, I cooked the big Christmas dinner for family and friends and that was nice.
Surgery was a breeze...
We saw "Wicked" on Tuesday night (fabulous!)...I know Marsha would be grand as either of the major roles. Surgery was Wed at about noon. Went to see the preview showing of "Little Mermaid". So cute. Saw the Radio City show on Thursday evening. Flew home Friday...after all the delays and having someone to pick us up in Memphis, we finally arrived home at 3am Sat, slept 6 hours, then left town for an overnight basketball game with 10 friends....WHEW!!! Makes me tired just writing about it all. But...I had so much fun in NYC with my GF's. There is a newly renovated hotel one block off Broadway on 46th that I highly reccommend...The Muse...funky, fabulous beds, large rooms for NYC and great service...great value for the $$$.
From what I can tell, the nipples look nice. No skin graft...just the skate technique. I am still slightly sore on my right side as he did some major revision work. The implant had shifted to the right and he had to remove some tissue. This whole process can leave a gal feeling empathy for the Bride of Frankenstein...lol.
Our Florida trip is nearing! Marsha...we must talk. I have secured a place at Ponce Inlet, but we have the right to refuse it if we don't like the pics once we receive them. Should be about a week before we get those. There are no pics yet as this place is brand new and being furnished. It is also direct oceanfront....just south of Daytona Beach. Can we get a definite head count pretty soon? I think I know those who are planning on being there, but it could have changed. We also need to know which days for sure you plan on being there. That number will be important on the night that I am planning! I think Marsha has her play until the 24th??? Maybe we could all go to her performance one night?
Work is crazy right now. So much happened while I was gone. Time to play catch up!
Talk to you all soon...
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CATHERINE>sounds like you just got away in time before the weather changed in Colorado, Kansas and Oklahoma! I'm reading lots of snow!!! I've been to San Antonio, had a cousin living there while we were living in Laredo. Did you go eat some authentic mexican food? Looking forward to your pics. Hope you get to eat some fresh ocean shrimp while in Galveston.
MARSHA>How wonderful you got to go back home for xmas!
MELANIE>wow NYC...I've never been there sounds like you had a grand time with your GF's
SAMMIEKAY>am hoping your surgery was a breeze and all went well.
My DH went to a new specialist today to look at his ankle that has kept on hurting and swelling since the bike accident in June 06. He has to have surgery (his 4th on that leg) to take out a bone chip that is floating around in that joint causing the problems. Great...right off the bat have to have a big deductable to pay for as surgery is set for Feburary. I am so sick of medical bills!
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