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2013 Survivors!!!

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Comments

  • SwgeeWi
    SwgeeWi Member Posts: 199
    edited April 2013

    I LOVE JT! Thanks for the link Aruba!

  • Outdamnedspot
    Outdamnedspot Member Posts: 164
    edited April 2013

    Name:  Jackie

    Age: 57 (24/2)

    Married: for 29 years to my childhood sweetheart. We met in Grade 8 and for the most part, except for 2 years in my early 20s, stayed together, happily, for all these years.

    Kids: DD 40, DS 28, DD 25

    Pets:  Bud, a 10 year old, 105 pound Border Collie cross!  And grand-puppy Louis Vuitton, 4.5 pound Yorkie who is staying with us while youngest looks for a pet friendly place in Banff Alberta.  A huge cat, Vaska (named by a Finnish exchange student), who showed up at our door and stayed.

    Grew up in Brighton Ontario, lived in Toronto for 10 years, Whitehorse Yukon for 1.5 years.  Moved back to Brighton in 1983 and have lived here ever since.

    Occupation: In my other life, I was a nurse.  Now a restaurant owner with DH for the last 21 years.  

    School:  St. Michael's School of Nursing, Toronto.  Self taught chef...learned on the fly when the restaurant took off!

    Fun Fact:  I AM fun!!  You would never know it until you know me!  I plan the best trips, girl's nights...probably should have been a travel agent!

  • Tazzy
    Tazzy Member Posts: 1,442
    edited April 2013

    Hi everyone, camping was fun – weather cooperated in that it didn’t rain, but warm enough.  Was pretty windy on Saturday afternoon.

    Ireland  thanks for sharing – as Scottie said, inspirational even for us oldies.

    Shianne – sorry you are hurting – hope that back mends soon.   Your sad stories remind me of enjoying every minute of this life I can – how things can change in a second.  

    Ann – good to see you again !

    Momof3 – congrats on the vacation home – how exciting.

    Gotta get to work ladies.    Hugs to everyone I have missed.

    Aruba:  great idea – here’s mine.

    Name-Michele

    Age-53, birthday  24/11

    Married – never bothered….  We have been together for 23 years

    Children-No.   One sister and she has no kids either.    She is 46 and a kiddies ICU nurse in London.

    Pets- Always had German Shepards in the UK.   No pets here in Canada.

    Current residency-Okanagan, British Columbia

    Grew up in-London, England

    College-yes-Pitman Secretarial College

    Current/Past Occupation-In England, Paralegal/Secretary in large law firm.   We landed in Vancouver August 2000.   I found a job as an Executive Assistant to the President of CanWel.  Moved to Okanagan in 2004 and have been working for Interior Health as a Service Partner in Human Resources.   Love my job.

    Fun Facts-Born, raised and lived in London England until we emigrated in 2000.  Funny how we landed in Canada – I was going into book a vacation for us both to St. Martinique and a trip up the Amazon River.   As I walk in the travel agents, there on the top shelf on the front page is “Visit Canada” – so I booked a trip to Canada instead. Fell in love with it and decided to move here.   Luckily DH goes where ever I want.   Love to travel and intend to travel more.   DH & I, when we retire, dream of buying a motorhome and just spending our days travelling all over this continent.   Places not travelled yet but on wish list are:  South America (all of it) and Australia/New Zealand. 

  • melissa119
    melissa119 Member Posts: 127
    edited April 2013

    Hi ladies. Haven't posted in awhile. Been reading posts but been trying to keep bust with life and kids. Been having a hard time adjusting to my new normal and getting kind of bummed about my hair (although it is growing I still wear wig) and just my body in general. Need to mentally heal and not there yet. May 7th I am actually six months pfc and still not the same. But kids and life are keeping me busy.... Between my two kids I had 1 baseball game and 5 softball games to attend/watch this past weekend! I live on the fields! But it's great! I love watching them!



    Anyway. Hope everyone is doing good or as well as can be expected. Getting on with life and trying to enjoy!



    Here's my info....



    Name-Melissa



    Age-37, birthday 1/19



    Married-Yes..13 years on May 13



    Children-Yes..DD-10 going on 17! DS-7



    Pets- 60lb german shepard mix (adopted so not sure what exactly she is!) 11yr old dog who still acts like a puppy and my husband and I got her first before we had kids so she is our first child. And she loves my kids! Well two months ago would u believe she had a growth removed from her foot which turned out to be cancer ;-(. I am so bummed. We chose not to treat it since she will be 12 in June and our friend who is a vet and actually had to give me the bad news said at this age he doesn't think we should put her thru treatments. Ugh. Not what I want to deal with after my 2012 experience!... But we are such a dog family!



    Current residency-Woodland park New Jersey



    Grew up in-North Bergen, New Jersey



    College-yes-Montclair State University. BS in accounting



    Current/Past Occupation- waitress in pizzeria at jersey shore during teenage years. Accountant in public accounting for 9 years out of college til my second child was born then I decided to be a stay at home mom and keep the books for my husbands electrical business that he decided to start. Still at home today 7 years later. Love being home and being there for everything my kids have!



    Fun Facts - the one thing that everyone always seems to be amazed to hear is that my husband and I met 17 years ago on the Internet in an aol chat room and started dating. Got engaged two years later then married two after that!

  • juneaubugg
    juneaubugg Member Posts: 517
    edited April 2013

    Ok where to start:

    Name-Jennifer

    Age-45, birthday  2/20

    Married – October 31st, 2009 (first and only marriage for both)

    Children-Nope.   But I'm the "cool" Aunt.

    Pets- Always had cats.  Had one for 21 years, still miss her. Have 2 black cats (ONE IS CRAZY, the other one is a big SQUISHY thing) and my DH has a SWEET and WONDERFUL tabby - integration has not gone smoothly and is still a process.

    Current residency- Hackettstown, NJ (ended up here by way of London, England to Buffalo, NY to Boston, MA to Adelaide Australia, and then somehow back to NJ)

    Grew up in- Parsippany, NJ

    College-yes, Kean University - BA in Psychology; semester at Kingston University - Kingston England.

    Current/Past Occupation- I've reinvented myself many, many times. I worked at Fidelity Investments as a secretary out of school, I've been a Trainer & Product Support Engineer in IT working for an Israeli company that let me work in Tel Aviv for one month each year, I worked as Franchise Manager at a Real Estate Company, currently I find myself in a position as a Loss Prevention Analyst (Retail Theft) at Party City corporate offices.

    Fun Facts- I am blessed to have travelled and lived all over.  We moved to Cobham Surrey (just outside of London, England) when I was 3 and came back when I was 7.  My dad bought a flat in Nottinghill Gate right in West London - so I used to go often to visit my college friends when I was single so travel was cheaper. My dad also was sent to Singapore to work for 2 years (I was older and didn't go with) but I visited.   I have travelled to most continents, but Africa is still on my bucket list.  I've been to Alaska and seen Mt McKinley's peek whilst riding on the back of horse on a rolling hilltop (amazing!), I've seen Glaciers calve off. I've done a road trip from Seattle up through Montana, Lake Louise, up into  Banf National and up around thorough that part of Canada ending back in Vancouver (what a beautiful place). My Uncle lives in Nova Scotia so I've been to that side of the country too, and worked for a client in Montreal for a while and spent considerable time there (too bad it was October... Brrr).  (still want to get to Toronto).

    I have been to France, Spain (Seville/Madrid), Portugal, Greece, Israel, Amsterdam, Brussels, Singapore, Malaysia, Borneo, Fiji, Australia, Brasil (Rio), England (all over), Ireland (Dublin to Gallway and back), Scotland (Edinburgh), Guadalupe, Dominican Republic (twice), Cancun (twice), Turks and Cacaos, Puerto Rico, Bermuda, Cozumel. 

    Then within the US I've seen MOST of California (except San Diego area)... I LOVE SAN FRANCISCO; have been to most of the major cities, except in Texas. Only been to Houston (actually lived there when I was 1 to 2, but I don't remember anything so I don't count it).  Been to ALL of Florida and have driven up and down the entire East Cost.  Chicago, Kansas City.... 

    So... I've BEEN BLESSED to travel.. and I really miss it.


    Shit - that took FOREVER.. .better get back to work. 

    Who said they were finishing chemo this Wednesday!?  YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • mcook301
    mcook301 Member Posts: 314
    edited April 2013

    Good Idea…Plus needed a break from work:)

    Name-Michelle

    Age-43, birthday  9/28

    Divorced – Was married to an officer in the USMC for 9 years.  Currently, in a relationship for last two years. Before that, was dating a man from Denmark for seven years who lived in the states but decided to end our relationship when him wanted to move home and I decided not to go with.

    Children- None

    Pets- I have two dogs, Achilles – Lab/Mastiff mix, age 9 and Savannah – Beagle/shepard mix, age 13. I had a cocker spaniel named Maverick till he passed last year:(, I miss him! He was a great dog!

     Current residency-  Austin, MN

    Grew up in- Marshalltown, IA

    College-yes, University of Iowa, B.A Business Management 

    Current/Past Occupation-  Operations Manager in the wind turbine industry for past 10 years.  Before that I was working in medical sales for a hearing aid company.

     Fun Facts-  

    For many years, I was the only female field manager in my company and still 1 of 2 currently.

    I have lived in NC, OK. WA, OR, IA and MN.

    I have visited Denmark, Germany and Sweden and my goal is to get to Italy in 2013!

    I love to travel and see new places!

    I win the prize for over packing for my trips!

    I love to dance! (this does not mean I am a good dancer:)

    Weird but I love airports! I like to sit and meet people who are traveling from different parts of the world and hear their stories.

    I have one sister who is three years younger than me.

    I would love to write a book someday about my life. (lots of good stories there and some my mom would be shocked about:))

     Have a great day ladies!

  • ireland20
    ireland20 Member Posts: 175
    edited April 2013

    Ok and im off!!!!



    Name.....maureen

    Age 45....dob 3/8

    Married ... 21 years... (if i'd murdered him....I'd be out now!!!)

    3 kids....2 dd..one 15, one 5 1 ds...9



    College....no.....biggest single regret! Currently attending night class once a week.

    Ambition.....I want my own cafe (as u all know!)

    Job....office manager for now.......still trying to decide what I want to do when I grow up!!!

    I was an au pair in finland for 6 months when I was 18.

    i lived in london from 1987-1991...loved it but recession meant dh couldnt find work so we moved home!

    Live in a fab house in the country....but beginning to wonder if its worth it when I have to work so hard to pay mortgage!!!

    Funfacts...i can down a pint of guinness quicker than most men!!!



    Lovin reading everyones posts...keep it going!!!



  • schatzi14
    schatzi14 Member Posts: 906
    edited April 2013

    Name: Susan

    Age: 69

    Live in Oakville, Ontario, Canada

    Just one sibling...Brother passed away in 2009. No nephews or nieces.

    Married: for the third and last time ( I am his third wife)...we were colleagues in the early 70's, both divorced at the time and went on to marry others. Stayed friends over the years and when I returned from Austria to look after my Mother, who had Alzheimers...we started dating and the rest is history. Been married almost 19 years.

    Children: 2 girls...one living in Vienna, Austria (44) and one working at Trenton Air Base. Ontario (49). ...she is married and the other one is in a long term relationship. DH has no children.

    One beloved Granddaughter Nicole. She is 25, not married but has a SO.

    Had a white poodle that never left my side. He died at 9.

    Born in Quebec, lived in Ontario for the most part  (various cities) until I moved to Europe (ex is Austrian) and came back to Canada 8 years later. Was single for a few years.

    Have travelled quite a bit...in Canada from the west coast to the east coast, Switzerland, Austria, northern Italy, Hungary, and Germany. After flying back and forth to Europe so often, swore never again to board a plane. With one exception, I haven't. Car is the only way I travel these days.

    Have been to Chicago a few times, NY state but never the city, Michigan, Pennsylvania and New England several times.

    These days my hobbies are the garden and the fishpond, reading, TV and the addiction to my laptop.

    Since DH has retired, I force him to play Lexulous with me...game after game. It's so easy to beat him! Wink

  • Chrisrenee77
    Chrisrenee77 Member Posts: 693
    edited April 2013

    Name:  Christy

    Age: 35 (5/21)

    Married: yes! To my wonderful husband Jon 11 yrs been together 13 yrs

    Kids: Stephen 16 Taylor 11

    Pets:  Unless I can count my kiddos, then no. No time for pets honestly

    Grew up in Augusta, Ga and Sulphur Springs,TX. Born in Frankfurt Germany (army brat)

    Occupation: Hospital registrar for 17 yrs

    School:  High School only. Had my oldest a year after graduation so no time for it.

    Fun Fact: I love 50's music, it's my all time favorite. I hate professional sports but love any sports my kiddos are in.

    Aruba- I can't forget your birthday! It's the same day I was diagnosed with BC. Exact details are diagnosed 5/25 at 1145am. lol

    Getting ready to go to Stephens sports banquet tonight. The last one for the year. I will post a pic later on tonight. Hope everyone is having a great day. love ya'll

  • mcook301
    mcook301 Member Posts: 314
    edited April 2013

    Hello

    I forgot to ask, I met with my Oco Friday and she said I did not have to do any scans etc. just a follow up appointment every three months for a year? Is that what some of you are doing? 

  • lostinmo
    lostinmo Member Posts: 332
    edited April 2013

    mcook-that's basically all I am doing is seeing my MO every 3 months. He does run some blood work. I asked him what they checked and he said "oh liver, bones, blood counts, things like that". Like I said somewhere..as long as he keeps saying "looks good" that's all I need to know.

  • ireland20
    ireland20 Member Posts: 175
    edited April 2013

    Hi mcook....I had follow up's every 6 months with onc and every 6 months with bs...so was seen every 3 months. I only had a bone scan when I developed frozen shoulder 12 months after surgery!Apparantly the only follow up now is once every 12 months and a mammogram unless I have symptons etc. Not sure if thats the standard were u are.

  • melissa119
    melissa119 Member Posts: 127
    edited April 2013

    Mccook... Yes that's what my MO also said. Only 3 month followups with labs every time I go (they draw blood right before I see her and send the results to her before she meets with me). I asked about scans and she said only if there's concern for something that is seen in the labs or if I have unexplained symptoms of done kind. But at my stage it is not their policy to scan. I am not sure how I feel about that. On one hand I am great full cause the anxiety that goes with scans can kill me alone! But then I know I would feel better knowing for sure nothing's going on. I don't know. It's a crap shoot I guess. I also see my BS every 6months right now too.

  • Chrisrenee77
    Chrisrenee77 Member Posts: 693
    edited April 2013

    mcook- yes i'm on a 3-4 revisit with my onc. I too have to get bloodwork every visit.

    Melissa- how are you doing 7 weeks post exchange?

  • Tazzy
    Tazzy Member Posts: 1,442
    edited April 2013

    Ireland: love the fact you can down a pint of guiness quicker than most men.   My DH is from Coleraine.

    Loved reading up on everyone - fun and great distraction from work.

  • liefie
    liefie Member Posts: 761
    edited April 2013

    Here we go.

    Name: Annemarie

    Age: 58 B/day 25/7

    Married: 34 years this June to a real good guy. Still phones me every day over lunch to say hi. Met him in my final year at varsity.

    Siblings: Three. Brother and two sisters. All married with children.

    Kids: One DD, 30, two DS's, 28 and 26. DD marrried, youngest DS getting married in November. No grandkids yet. Kids are a bit slow . . . lol.

    Pets: An adorable Golden Retriever, 11 years old, my beloved Siamese sitting on my lap as I type, and a tabby who only comes inside when she's hungry. They all sleep in my bedroom every night. Real cozy in there sometimes!

    College: B.A. and Higher Education Diploma. Taught high school English for years.

    Fun facts: Grew up in South Africa, and our family emigrated to Canada in 1998. Worked fulltime until then. Not allowed to work in Canada the first 3 years, after that would have to write exams etc. to be able to teach - no way that was going to happen, not with DH who had to rewrite three major medical exams in order to practise here. So I guess I'm retired - lol. Works for DH when his secretary goes on leave.

    Love to read, addicted to laptop, love entertaining, cooking, baking and eating, love to visit my children, regularly play piano and organ, involved with church music. Still travel to South Africa every year to visit our family and my mom. Have also travelled in Europe, Scandinavia, Israel, US, Hawaii, Thailand, Belize, Bahamas, Virgin Islands, Turks & Caikos. Love the Caribbean. Currently living on the west coast of Canada on Vancouver Island on a beautiful lake where we hope to stay when DH retires.

    That's it, folks!

  • Scottiee1
    Scottiee1 Member Posts: 1,790
    edited April 2013

    Hi gals...oh my, I need to write a book regarding my bio!!!!....I'm old, remember....



    Name: Christine



    Age: 65 yrs. 29/6



    married: yes, been together with DH since l971....married in l982 ..2 sons 27yrs and 30yrs



    Pets: one very finicky feline named Dylan ....she's quite the princess!!!



    Occupations: 1) medical secretary....2) registered dietitian...3) ESL instructor



    Education: B Sc in Food and Nutrition



    Born in Germany to a German mother and a Scottish father. Moved to Scotland when I was around 9 months old and lived there until 1970 when I came to Canada.



    Have travelled all over Europe and many places in the States. The most exotic place

    I've been to is China .



    Fun facts: love all music from the sixties, shopping, speed walking, spinning, and trying out new restaurants and oh I forgot, reading.
    Forgot to mention I have one brother 10 yrs my junior who lives in CA
    p>

  • iatigger
    iatigger Member Posts: 269
    edited April 2013

    Great reading everyones stats, here is mine.

    Name- Aimee

    Age 47, birthday  8/31

    Married-Yes, will be 24 yrs May 6th to my wonderful husband.

    Children- Just one DD age 12 lots of attitude but can be sweet too. Took us 8 years of trying to get her so that is where we stopped.

    Pets- 4 cats- a 16yr old calico, a 5yr old orange tabby, and two 3 yr old orange tabbys that we rescued.

    Current residency- Atkins, Iowa

    Grew up in Dubuque, Iowa

    College - Graduated from a business college and also a travel agent school.

    Occupation- After college and not finding work took a foot in the door job as a file clerk at the local hospital.  And 25 yrs later I am working as an Application Analyst in the Information Technology department installing new computer systems across the state and expanding into Illinois now. Amazing how things evolve if you have patience.

    Fun Facts- My DH and I met at a pizza delivery business called Pizza 2 U.  After 6 or so months of working there we found out it was a beta test for Pizza Hut.  What made it so special was they made, cooked and delivered the pizzas out of vans that had ovens built in.  On weekends we put two people in the vans, one to cook and one to drive.  Sometimes the driver would get a little wild and would end up bouncing the pizza right out of the oven. Will definitely be my most memorable job. 

    Another fun fact, when I was in 6th grade my family took our boat from Dubuque down the Mississippi to New Orleans. Took two weeks and was quite the adventure. 

  • melissa119
    melissa119 Member Posts: 127
    edited April 2013

    Chrisrenee....

    Thanks for asking!! I am good. It's been 6 weeks actually tomorrow and as far as the exchange I have always felt great with no pain! I never even took and pain meds. My ps at my 4week followup said I was healing great and everything looked great. No restrictions or anything any more. Still not sure if i love my implants though. They look good in bras but not as big as i wiuld have liked. They did round out and fill out some since surgery though. My ps said if i lose weight they will def look even bigger :-). I see her again in about 6 weeks to discuss nipple reconstruction. No sure how I feel about it yet.

    But thanks for checking on me!

  • Believe777
    Believe777 Member Posts: 540
    edited April 2013

    What an interesting group of women!

    Shianne - hope your back is better and the hangover is history.

    LostinMo - "looks good" works for me too.

    Chrisrenne - my Mother in law was from Sulphur Springs - family name was Reisner.

  • loral
    loral Member Posts: 818
    edited April 2013

    MO every 3 months for blood work, BS every 6 months then once a year. OB/GYN yearly for exam and transvaginal ultrasound because Tamoxifen could cause issues that need to be watched. Mammogram yearly. That's enough......

  • Believe777
    Believe777 Member Posts: 540
    edited April 2013

    My info -

    Name - Laurie (my Mothers only child) my father has a son & daughter - we know each other but are not close.

    Age - 63 BD 4/22

    Married - yes 13 years to a real jerk (he left me for a super market checker) 26 years to my DH and best friend. He's a Real Estate Broker that I met doing loans for him.

    Children - I had one, married into 2 more - all boys/men in their mid 30's

    One adorable 8 year old grandson - Logan. Yes, of course I spoil him!

    Pets - one very spoiled 11 year old, 11 pound poodle named Liberty (she's French you know) my Mother and I share her since we are away pretty often.

    Education - all Catholic Schools - degree in Marketing.

    Past careers - Buyer for an East Coast Chain, they cured me of traveling! Many years and most recently a Residential Loan Officer for a National Bank. Currently retired and loving it. I recommend it highly!

    Not sure if this is a Fun Fact but I have a true type A Personality. Very competitive, always striving to be the best and to make a difference. Good thing I never tried drugs!

    Hobbies - newest is baking. I love the fact that there are recipes to follow! I'm not very artistic but I can be very creative (& I'm always addictive) I've made 1,000 crochet preemie hats, & 100's of hats for soldiers. I go from one Community Service project to another. I paint rocks for my garden. I'm always making something, even if its just a mess.

    I love jewelry. My husband says I have enough so now I'm learning to make my own.

    I'm a native Californian. I lived in Las Vegas, NV for a few years,( in the 80's) but came back to CA. I'm ready to try Nevada again. We just purchased a condo in Laughlin, NV. It actually closed today. My DH collects property like I collect jewelry.

    I also love audio books, mysteries and plays, mostly musicals and talk radio. If my TV died, I'd be just fine. I've seen most of the 50 States, been to many places in Mexico and the touristy Caribbean Islands. I've been to Quebec and Victoria. Most of my traveling was employer paid award trips. Nice way to see other parts of the world.



  • Chrisrenee77
    Chrisrenee77 Member Posts: 693
    edited April 2013

    Believe- WOW small town! Not many people know where Sulphur Springs is. Give me a first name and i will ask my Granny if she knows them. I'm down there every few weeks.

  • ramols
    ramols Member Posts: 310
    edited April 2013

    Been fun reading about all of you. Here's what i came up with:

    Name – Rachel

    Age – 38, 1/16

    Married – 7 ½ glorious years; together with my hubby now coming up on 11 years

    Children – two delicious little boys – one 5 and the other will be 3 in July; they are the light of my life and keep us busy and entertained (when they’re not making me want to scream J).

    Pets – we are busy keeping the kids alive so have limited other living creatures in the house to fish right now. But I grew up with a cat and then had my own cat for about 9 years before I had to put her down and I miss her terribly. She was a wonderful and fun-loving calico. We also had a bird for awhile but his life ended when the fumes from our new oven/stove didn’t agree with his sensitive respiratory system. Some day when the boys are older we’ll go for either a cat or a dog. My hubby sells pet supplies and works with all the independent pet stores, so folks are always shocked that we don’t have more pets. Someday I say.

    Currently living in Long Island – and much to my surprise, enjoying it. As a Jersey girl (spent much of my formative years in Fair Lawn, New Jeresy) – I thought Long Island was a wasteland. But… I love my little neighborhood in St. James and wouldn’t leave it! We bought a house just over 3 years ago because we liked the location and felt the old house had character and charm. Now we just see the millions of projects we’d like to do but don’t have the money for. But I still love it here.

    While I haven’t travelled as much as some others here, I have gotten around a bit. I was born in New Mexico. We lived in Germany while I was 2-3 (and I apparently saw much of Europe in my stroller). Then we lived in Rhode Island for several years. And then we landed in New Jersey. Trips I’ve taken (that I remember) include Australia, Israel, Italy, Ireland and my honeymoon in Greece.

    Spent my undergraduate years getting a BA in Anthropology at SUNY Binghamton and then after 5 years working at a non-profit substance abuse agency doing a variety of jobs – I went to Syracuse University to get my Masters in Public Administration. Since then, I’ve put in a year at the NYC budget office, two years at the NYC Division of Mental Hygiene and then landed at my current job – where I’ve been for almost seven years now. I work at a company that sells and manages an electronic health record software for behavioral health agencies. I work as a project manager and love my job, company and colleagues. Get to work from home 4 of the 5 days of the week and couldn’t be happier about it.

    Fun facts… hmm… I never played sports until I went to college and then I joined the rugby team there. Those were some good times! I’m sure I have others but I’m too tired to see straight anymore!

  • shianne29
    shianne29 Member Posts: 282
    edited April 2013

    I really enjoyed reading about us!!!! What travels, diversity and FUN!!! Ages aren't important, education doesn't matter but we are all fun...lol



  • 5LuvBugs
    5LuvBugs Member Posts: 87
    edited April 2013

    QUESTION: Have all you girls had your port removed after chemo (if you had one).  I was suppose to get mine out tomorrow but I got scared with a few girls telling me that they left theirs in for a longer time (and some had a recurrance- not all breast cancers though).  I finished chemo in January and Rads on April 4.  Other people had PT or CT scans - I did not, now I wonder if I have cancer in any other place, How will I know without a test...If I get the port out I would have to get it replaced?(negative thinking I know but  I got myself all worked up and now I have to see the doctor tomorrow instead of finally getting that thing removed!!!! Sounds like some of you girls also worry like me... Help clear my head!!

  • maryah930
    maryah930 Member Posts: 122
    edited April 2013

    Name- Mary (Maryalice)

    Age 56, birthday  9/30

    Married-Yes, it will be 37 years on 9/23. 

    Children- One daughter, son-in-law, and 2 grandchildren (Ezra, 4 yo and Ada, 6 mos).  Ezra was born with Tricuspid Atresia and will be going for his 3rd open heart surgery this summer.

    Pets- A 6 yo, 110 lb perpetual puppy, Mariah Rose

    Live in Shoreline, WA.  At 19, moved to RI where I lived for 7 years (Barrington, Providence, Central Falls). Grew up in Perth Amboy, NJ.

    College - I went back to school when I was 30.  Graduated from University of WA with a degree in Poli Sci and English with an emphasis on creative writing. 

    Occupation- Clinical Research Associate.  Worked not-for-profit in Cystic Fibrosis for 6 years.  I now work in all different indications and travel around the US and Canada.  When not travelling, I work from home.  I also worked as a paralegal for 2 years to prep for law school, loved the study of law, but not the work. 

    Interests - DH is teaching me to SUP which started last summer, but then my BC interferred with lessons.  I love camping, reading, going to spas, yoga, ballet, symphony, hiking, sea kayaking, going to the ocean no matter what time of year or weather, and going to our one room cabin in Dipper Harbour, New Brunswick.  Every spring I set a tent up in the back yard and camp out every weekend with Ezra until the fall.  The year I graduated college, I took a camping trip by myself and hiked partially around Mount St. Helens and then hiked Strawberry Mountain.

    Fun fact - I never ever wanted to get married or have kids.  I met my husband when we both worked together at a restaurant, became friends, married 3 months after we met on Thursday 9/23/1976.  On Wednesday, I called my boyfriend of 2 1/2 years and explained that I wouldn't be able to spend my birthday with him because I was getting married the next day.  Called my parents and told them I was getting married, my mom said "to Bob?" and I told her no, that I was marrying Craig, her response "Who?".  People often ask if it was love at first sight.  No, I don't believe in it.  I did know that I could be with Craig the rest of my life, but I didn't "fall in love" with him until later.  To use an old cliche, they said it wouldn't last.

  • melissa119
    melissa119 Member Posts: 127
    edited April 2013

    Ok. My husband and I were just told last night we have to make a decision in when to put our sweet 11 yr old German Shepard down :-(. She has cancer in her paw that we removed 2 months ago but now it seems to have spread up her paw. She is limping :-(. But all else seems fine and I am having such a hard time doing this. Let alone telling my kids. Ugh.

  • SusannahW
    SusannahW Member Posts: 375
    edited April 2013

    So sorry to hear the sad news about your dear pet. I wish I had good advice, I don't, but I do know how hard this is for you. I wish u comfort in the coming days.

  • shianne29
    shianne29 Member Posts: 282
    edited April 2013

    Awe, Melissa, I'm so sorry about the decision you have to make. It's never easy to make that one. I know you said due to his age treating the cancer was not an option but could you treat any pain? If he seems otherwise fine? You'll know when it's time, it won't be easy and we will be here for you xo