DDA Chapter 9

[lovesdumbo]

Happy Birthday Elin!

Happy Belated Birthday Katie!

Happy Belated Birthday Matty!

You might check out Goodwill or St. Vincent's. Mom gets a lot of her notions by buying clothes with cool ones. Sometimes it is cheaper than buying brand new buttons. Lots of times they have some really cool ones as well.

That is a great idea, thanks.

I walked the 6K in Engadine this week-end. My dad and a high school teacher were responsible for building it into a race that people want to run every year. It was almost cancelled a couple of times. There were 2 full buses of 6K runners this year. Plus, there were some that came to the starting line on their own. There is also a 12K and I'm hoping that I'll be able to run that next year. I walked at a very steady pace this year as I wanted a starting point for my training. I am quite excited as I did 15.67 minute miles. At this point, I don't think I could maintain that for 13.1 miles but 6K is supposedly 3.7 miles.

There is no Spectro the whole time I am in Disney?

me too

I just called Dining and I was able to get an ADR at Citrico's for my birthday! YAY! I was also able to switch our Kona dinner to the night we were going to Citrico's, so now my ADRs are finished! No, really, they are finished!

Bernadette, love all the new outfits. You and Tom should start a business!

Thanks. There are days at work when that sounds good but NEVER when I'm sewing do I think I should make a living at this. BUT...I think Tom surely could!!!

We put our mickey heads on the door for our countdown to Disney. Just over a month & we will be off. I have so much to do!!!!

I haven't done a countdown this year. I probably should but I think I would freak out with all that I want to do. I need to decide what we're doing for autographs. I think a book like Emma's would be nice.

Just because....

WONDERFUL photos!!!! Loved the baseball ones too.

I have heard from somebody that the link didn't work for the girls birthday so here we try again:

http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLa...0&UV=753012830503_529495725209&localeid=en_US

Great photos. The birthday shirts are great!

Any of the nurses here have any clues what blood in my urine may mean? I have had a couple of UTIs recently that I've gone to the walk-in for. At the last one, they requested that I get a re-check post antibiotic with my regular doctor's office. I did that last week, and they just called today. They want me in for an office visit, since I had "a large quantity" of blood in my urine (and it wasn't TOM when I went in)! I am freaking out! I don't do doctors very well. Not only that, I haven't been in for several years, and I have gained (literally) a hundred pounds since I last saw him. This is going to be so awful. I have to will myself not to cancel this appointment.

We'll all be thinking of you Tuesday!

So, I got a call at 9:30 this morning from my doctor's office. It was the nurse (who I just love). She said, "I have been thinking about you all night. I came in early to the office to look at the test results again, and found Dr. Smith doing the same thing. She agrees with the high risk doctor that the level is not high enough to cause you any concern. The fact that you are over 40 and pregnant is enough to push your numbers that high. You are not to lose any sleep over it!" So, the earliest I can get to the high risk doctor is the 25th of August (guess there's not much cause for concern or they'd get me in sooner, right?). They cancelled my ultrasound on the 22nd, and I'll just go to the one on the 25th with the high risk people.

I'm just going to put it out of my mind and go on about my business. With all the prayers I felt from all of you last night, I had a really peaceful night, with dreams about a healthy baby (no gender revelation, though), so I'm going to go with that!

Everything will be fine! Thinking thoughts!

Playing around with photoshop. I just did this like 20 minutes ago:

...and went to do it again with another picture and of course, I don't remember how to do it.

COOL!!!!

It leaked from the ceiling in to the study, ruining a Disney lithograph and trashing the ceiling. Thankfully, Randy figured out that the drain pan wasn't in the right place, so he fixed it so it wouldn't cause more damage, then they blew out the clogged line today and adjusted everything.

Sorry about your lithograph.

We could. Can you come up with a saying to add?

CUTE!!!

Well, I have my photopass CD ordered. They were due to start expiring today. They have made some changes and it seemed to be much faster editing the pictures that it was in March.

Faster would be nice.

I forgot to tell you guys--i went to the dr today and apparently everything on my left side is swollen or red..my ear is red, my glands are swollen, and my throat is irritated...So amoxicillan time! ugh, i better fee better by saturday

Hope the drugs have kicked in and you're feeling all better now. You're going to have such a great trip!

Morning all! A good friend of mine could use the prayer power of the DDA. This is a little long, but I can't seem to wrap my around a condensed version right now.

I've known Sarah since 7th grade and her DH Brent since 10th. Brent is a paramedic, Sarah is a teacher and they have 3 kids - 2,6,8. About a year ago Brent started having migraines. They weren't all that frequent and ranged from not too bad to really bad. In the last 6 months they have gotten horribly bad. Often times the are incapacitating and can last for days at a time. The only medication that was helping comes with a high risk of liver (I think it was) damage. Many doctors visits, ER trips, tests, MRIs, etc have given then no positive ID of the problem.

At the end of the school year, Sarah took a leave of absence from work. She was intending to quit and stay home with the kids, homeschooling this year, but it changed to the leave in case things get to the point that Brent can't work anymore. 3 weeks ago Brent was still working on days that he was functional. He would sleep between calls as needed, but he could make it to work most days. After another trip to the ER 3 weeks ago and 4 neurologist visits in 2 days the put in a permanent IV line and started doing IV drug treatments every 12 hours. When they tried switching to 24 hours between treatments he had 3 breakthrough migraines in 5 days. The drug treatments take and hour and a half each. They are working for the pain, but the side effects aren't great. He's taken a leave of absence from work now due to these treatments, but he can't very well do just this forever.

Brent is talking about trying a 3 week in-patient pain clinic in Michigan, but after that they don't know what other options lie ahead. Add to that the stress of wondering what to do if he can't go back to work after the end of this month. Sarah is stressed being the sole care-giver/taker of 3 kids, a husband in pain and the household on top of the money worries, etc. The 6 year old has started worrying that Daddy is going to die. Sarah miscarried very severely in November and came close to not making it through herself. He knows that the baby died when Mommy got sick and now worries about Daddy.

Thank you all for your prayers. I know that they are greatly appreciated.

Lots of prayers for Brent & his family.

I heard from somebody last night that got me to thinking that you all may not realize that the stuff going on in my life has nothing really to do with my house. We signed paper work last week to get the house out of foreclosure and if only the other stuff was so simple.

But, I know that the DDA prayers and pixie dust is working because I have a calm come over me in times of greater stress that can only be DDAers at work.

That is great news! Hope other things work out soon for you too.

My cousin (Lucy's godmother) from Michigan just called a bit ago to confirm that she will be visiting next weekend with her boyfriend. I am so very excited. She has been dating him for about 1 year and half to 2 years now and I haven't met him yet. Emma met him last year at my cousin's brother's wedding reception and she loves him. I was too pregnant to travel. I am pretty sure this is the "One". They get here Friday night and leave Monday morning. I am so excited!!

Sounds fun. Hope you're feeling better.

As soon as went back to get Princess from her crib the oncologist called. Luckily she just sort of hung out in her room with me while I talked to him.

They are starting Mom on Adriamycin/Cytoxan. That chemo will be one infusion every 2 weeks for 4 cycles. After that she will be on weekly infusions of Taxol for 12 weeks. After that she will start radiation. The oncologist was very nice.

The first thing is for Mom to get a MUGA score to make sure her heart can tolerate the Adriamycin. The girls on the breast cancer thread call it the "red devil". It causes cardiac damage.
If her MUGA score is good she will go to the surgeon to have a port put in. There is no way she can go without a port for 16 chemo infusions. If all goes as planned she will probably have her first infusion next week.

So there you have it!

Mom is still in the hospital. She got her PEG tube put in today so at least she can get some nourishment. She kept pulling her NG tube out even though she was restrained.
She seems to be doing a little better, but this procedure kind of backslid her a little bit. Hopefully once some of the meds wear off, she will be a little more lucid.

Great pics Tammi, your kids are looking so grown up.
I know that it seems that Leighanna is growing up faster too. She has been at her other Grandmas house the last three days, and when I picked her up she just looks different. I really missed her and we spent some time getting caught up on hugs and tickles.

Thanks for all the good thoughts for Mom. They seem to be helping tremendously!

Have a great night all!

Hello All

We are having a great vacation. We've been so busy that we have not had internet access at all until tonight. We sent the family off to the airport at 6 PM so we are hanging out here tonight catching up on bills and photopass etc. The weather has been wonderful with very little rain. My family behaved well and we survived with limited stress. I must say that it was much more tiring than when it's just the 5 of us. I didn't even take notes or write my nightly trip report. I have a feeling that a trip report may not happen as my recollection of events fades quickly and one day runs into another.

Vicki has the link to our photopass photos so hopefully she will find time to share if you care to see the photos. There are over 800 on there now, but as I've started to look through them I realized that some are duplicates. I emailed photopass to see if they can delete the doubles without losing any others. We'll see how that works out.

Prayers and/or pixie dust to those that need it. I don't have time to catch up or really read at all. Is there anything that I should know?

Congratulations to Amy and Kevin. Jen told me that Noah was a little firecracker

Sounds like you're having a great time. Your photopass photos are great!

This is neat (so are some of the other wall art designs too...)
http://www.littlefunkymonkey.co.nz/blik-race-ya/

Very cool!

Here is the link to Deb's photopass pictures.

ETA: I think it is working now. Let me know if you have problems getting to them.

Thanks!

Off to run some errands while the girls are not starving. Ooh - speaking of which (seriously, what happened to the short post), they are both growing so well! Elise is up to 7lb, 13oz and Avery is up to 6lb, 11oz.

That is great!

 

[lovesdumbo]

I am trying to think of what I could send to Mom as she gets ready for chemo. I found an incredibly soft throw blanket at Marshall's, so maybe I'll start with that? She can't handle anything with a strong fragrance, but maybe I can find some nice unscented lotion. She said the chemo center has a TV at each chair but she didn't know if she could watch DVDs. She also didn't know if they had movies on hand or if she would need to bring her own. I guess I could get her a subscription to Reader's Digest or something. She was talking about getting a turban. Wigs are hot, and I don't know if she would wear a scarf. I am sure there are classes where she could learn how to tie a scarf but she hasn't looked into any of that.

Anybody have an suggestions?

The other thing I thought of is something the DDA can help with. If anyone would like to send her a card or a note or a joke I could bundle them up for her. She would be squirrelly about me sharing her address, but if you want to send them to me I could forward them to her. Just an idea.

Those are great ideas. I would think you could find scarf tieing instructions on the internet.

 

[KristineN]

Elizabeth...

my best friend is going through ovarian cancer/treatment. She has lost all of her hair from chemo...and she really likes those pre-tied head scarves

http://www.headcovers.com/scarves/head-scarves/

scroll towards the bottom

 

[lovesdumbo]

My DH could use a bit of DDA power next Tuesday. He has to have a biopsy of his prostate. His PSA (blood test) was up .75 from a year ago which they say is the trigger for a biopsy and they had the test redone and it was up another .75 in just the couple of weeks. His Dad had prostate cancer and had his removed at age 63. DH had a biopsy a few years ago and they didn't find anything so hopefully it will be the same this time too.

 

[mommykds]

But you are making me hungry. We are having pizza and corn on the cob tonight.

I am not a red meat eater so pizza & corn sounds pretty good to me!

I made this for Dana & he just called & is still stuck in Jersey...he's on his way home but that should take another 2 hours or more. Soooo I have this steak here & I am not sure if my kids will even eat it..I guess I'll just make it & he can have it reheated when he gets home. I hate cooking.

 

[mommykds]

Elizabeth,

I am not sure what else you could send her as far as gifts but I surely can send you a card for her.

 

[mommykds]

Bernadette,
I hope the biopsy is negative for your DH. That is very good that he gets tested since his dad had it.

 

[tinknme]

Those are all wonderful ideas, Elizabeth. I'm sure the DDA will come through for you!

Ditto!

 

[lovesdumbo]

Bernadette,
I hope the biopsy is negative for your DH. That is very good that he gets tested since his dad had it.

He's been good about having his annual blood test. I had read that there was link between prostate cancer and breast cancer. His sister had breast cancer, his grandfather died of some kind of cancer in his 50's and his aunt died of ovarian or uterine cancer in her 50's so he definately needs to take care of this.

I can't help but worry that it might impact our trip. His urologist is excellent. The small hospital he practices at (about 1/4 mile from my MILs house) is the only one south of Boston that has a robot to do the surgery if it comes to that. I don't know how quickly they could act if it comes to that. I do know that it is a very slow moving cancer that they don't even treat in some older men but they would certainly treat in a 53 year old. I guess it is a bit premature to worry about that yet.

 

[Blueeyes101817]

My DH could use a bit of DDA power next Tuesday. He has to have a biopsy of his prostate. His PSA (blood test) was up .75 from a year ago which they say is the trigger for a biopsy and they had the test redone and it was up another .75 in just the couple of weeks. His Dad had prostate cancer and had his removed at age 63. DH had a biopsy a few years ago and they didn't find anything so hopefully it will be the same this time too.

Youve got it!

Elizabeth,

I am not sure what else you could send her as far as gifts but I surely can send you a card for her.

Me too!

 

[lovesdumbo]

Lizzy & I are doing a girlscout sleep over at a science center tomorrow night. I need to pack tonight. I think I'll work a half day tomorrow and I can take her to see the American Girl movie before the sleepover. The movie theater isn't too far from the science center and we need to be there at 7pm so the 4:00 show should be perfect for us.

I need to pack tonight. Shouldn't be too bad as we're only there for 14 hours.

I made Lizzy a nightgown this week and she wants to bring that. I'm afraid the other 9 year old girls might tease her about it. I guess they will probably all have "something" on their PJ's but I don't know if I should try to make her a white one tonight or tell her that she'd be better off in shorts and a T-shirt than a long gown or just let her wear the Pooh one. Or maybe we should bring both the Pooh and shorts & t and she can decide there.

 

[lovesdumbo]

Youve got it!

Thanks!

How are you feeling? All packed?

 

[tinknme]

Bernadette for your dh, I hope the tests come back negative!

 

[tinknme]

Bernadette I think the nightgown is cute!

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Elizabeth...

my best friend is going through ovarian cancer/treatment. She has lost all of her hair from chemo...and she really likes those pre-tied head scarves

http://www.headcovers.com/scarves/head-scarves/

scroll towards the bottom

Those are cool! And the ones that have to be tied all come with instructions. I know she can get free wigs/turbans/etc. but she has to actually GO to the place and choose them so maybe I will send her a couple to get her started.

My DH could use a bit of DDA power next Tuesday. He has to have a biopsy of his prostate. His PSA (blood test) was up .75 from a year ago which they say is the trigger for a biopsy and they had the test redone and it was up another .75 in just the couple of weeks. His Dad had prostate cancer and had his removed at age 63. DH had a biopsy a few years ago and they didn't find anything so hopefully it will be the same this time too.

Bernadette, I am so sorry! Tons of good thoughts for DH and you!

Elizabeth,

I am not sure what else you could send her as far as gifts but I surely can send you a card for her.

That would be great! Thanks!

He's been good about having his annual blood test. I had read that there was link between prostate cancer and breast cancer. His sister had breast cancer, his grandfather died of some kind of cancer in his 50's and his aunt died of ovarian or uterine cancer in her 50's so he definately needs to take care of this.

I can't help but worry that it might impact our trip. His urologist is excellent. The small hospital he practices at (about 1/4 mile from my MILs house) is the only one south of Boston that has a robot to do the surgery if it comes to that. I don't know how quickly they could act if it comes to that. I do know that it is a very slow moving cancer that they don't even treat in some older men but they would certainly treat in a 53 year old. I guess it is a bit premature to worry about that yet.

I would be having the exact same worries! I hope it all works out just fine!

Me too!

Thanks, Jen!

Bernadette - I would have Lizzy bring her nightgown and another set of pajamas and let her choose when she sees what the other girls are wearing.

 

[mommykds]

He's been good about having his annual blood test. I had read that there was link between prostate cancer and breast cancer. His sister had breast cancer, his grandfather died of some kind of cancer in his 50's and his aunt died of ovarian or uterine cancer in her 50's so he definately needs to take care of this.

I can't help but worry that it might impact our trip. His urologist is excellent. The small hospital he practices at (about 1/4 mile from my MILs house) is the only one south of Boston that has a robot to do the surgery if it comes to that. I don't know how quickly they could act if it comes to that. I do know that it is a very slow moving cancer that they don't even treat in some older men but they would certainly treat in a 53 year old. I guess it is a bit premature to worry about that yet.

Yes, please don't worry yourself crazy...the Dr. may see nothing. It's just good that he goes to the Dr. You have my prayers for Tuesday Bernadette.

 

[mommykds]

Bernadette - I would have Lizzy bring her nightgown and another set of pajamas and let her choose when she sees what the other girls are wearing.

Ditto!

 

[mommykds]

Well my steak is cooking....sophie is complaining that she wouldn't eat steak so she wanted chicken & stars soup. So I make her that & she is crying that she doesn't like it.

Daniel wants to TRY some but won't eat more than a bite so he's eating soup too (but he likes it) Katie has been a witch on wheels all day long She refuses to take swimming lessons if she has to go with her brother & sister since they are so much younger than her...Well hello??? She can't swim so where should she go..the advanced class???

& she is eating soup too. They keep coming in to me to tattle on each other about what the other is doing at the table. I swear I am going to pull my hair out!!!!!

Chanon & Janet,
Oh man am I going to enjoy our time in December!!!!!!

 

[lovesdumbo]

Bernadette for your dh, I hope the tests come back negative!

Thanks!

Bernadette, I am so sorry! Tons of good thoughts for DH and you!

I would be having the exact same worries! I hope it all works out just fine!

Thanks! I did already ask Dorinda if she would come with us instead of the following Tuesday if DH was still recovering from surgery but she thinks she'll be too busy with work-she's got TONS of vacation time (6+ weeks as she's been her 30+ years). If it comes to that I'll have her review it again as it is "only" 3 extra days off. We would even have room for her in the suite. She says maybe her DH could go early instead but I feel more comfortable with her. BUT...again....too early to worry about all that....my MIL would SURELY insist we cancel the trip-she wanted me to cancel my May trip because Emma was on penicillin-actually she wanted me to go and leave Emma at home.

Bernadette I think the nightgown is cute!

Thanks! I'm really happy with it but a bit worried that it might be "too" cute in some settings.

Bernadette - I would have Lizzy bring her nightgown and another set of pajamas and let her choose when she sees what the other girls are wearing.

Ditto!

Thanks guys! I'll see how far I can get tonight on a white one.....should be since I just made one.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Well my steak is cooking....sophie is complaining that she wouldn't eat steak so she wanted chicken & stars soup. So I make her that & she is crying that she doesn't like it.

Daniel wants to TRY some but won't eat more than a bite so he's eating soup too (but he likes it) Katie has been a witch on wheels all day long She refuses to take swimming lessons if she has to go with her brother & sister since they are so much younger than her...Well hello??? She can't swim so where should she go..the advanced class???

& she is eating soup too. They keep coming in to me to tattle on each other about what the other is doing at the table. I swear I am going to pull my hair out!!!!!

Chanon & Janet,
Oh man am I going to enjoy our time in December!!!!!!

If you were the nanny you would be going home soon.

Since you are the mom I guess you should just threaten to leave if they don't behave.