Dis Breast Cancer Survivors Part II -GAGWTA!

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Laurie - Glad your mom is doing OK, all things considered. I hate worthless siblings. Unfortunately they are in plentiful supply.

Linda - Yikes for DH! I am glad he got the all clear!

Merry - Sorry about the game. At least you didn't park in one of the famous "disappearing" lots and come out to find your car missing. It was taking HOURS for people to get their towed cars back.

 

[MerryPoppins]

Merry, speaking of tile floors, how are your floors coming out?

We've pulled out all of the carpet and hauled it away, except a strip under the computer desk and aquarium and in DD's bedroom. Painting is finished except for some touchup work and DD's room. (Are you sensing a theme? We haven't even started on hers.) Right now we're living with lovely cement floors. We're going to line the guys up to come lay the floor in the dining room, hall, DD's bedroom, and the bath. Hoping they can work on it next month. DH still hasn't decided about the living room floor because we found a crack that runs the length of the room. We may do wood flooring in there instead. Gotta pin him down to make a decision. I'd like to have the living room and dining room finished by Thanksgiving. Our bedroom and bath is waiting until next year for it's makeover. I'm getting tired.

I think cookies and candy will make you very popular indeed. I'll be thinking of you and your mom.

At least you didn't park in one of the famous "disappearing" lots and come out to find your car missing. It was taking HOURS for people to get their towed cars back.

Oh my! I didn't hear about that. I'm certainly glad that didn't happen too. We got there really early and parked in one of the lots right by the Pan Am gate. It even had police in watchtowers. For future reference, how do you know where you shouldn't park? I don't ever want to have that happen.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Merry - As long as you are in an official lot you are fine. The problems happen when the traffic overflows out into the surrounding neighborhood. I'm not sure who is responsible, but it happens EVERY YEAR. People park in lots or yards or whatever. They pay to park there, and there are no signs. They come out from the game or the concert or whatever and the cars are gone and there are "No Parking - Tow Away Zone" signs everywhere. It's quite a scam.

 

[snappy]

We've pulled out all of the carpet and hauled it away, except a strip under the computer desk and aquarium and in DD's bedroom. Painting is finished except for some touchup work and DD's room. (Are you sensing a theme? We haven't even started on hers.) Right now we're living with lovely cement floors. We're going to line the guys up to come lay the floor in the dining room, hall, DD's bedroom, and the bath. Hoping they can work on it next month. DH still hasn't decided about the living room floor because we found a crack that runs the length of the room. We may do wood flooring in there instead. Gotta pin him down to make a decision. I'd like to have the living room and dining room finished by Thanksgiving. Our bedroom and bath is waiting until next year for it's makeover. I'm getting tired.

I think cookies and candy will make you very popular indeed. I'll be thinking of you and your mom.

I wish I could get some stuff done around my house before Thanksgiving. Work is always in the way. So we are keeping up with the yard and keeping all the cars running and that is it.

Thanks all for the good thoughts and prayers. I am rather nervous. I stayed extrememly busy this weekend, and tried to keep mom busy too.

 

[snappy]

Mom got through with flying colors. She worried herself silly because the area around her excisional biopsy was red, and when the plastic surgeon was marking it up for the expander early this morning she asked him what he thought. He sort of scared her, said something about there could be something there bacteria wise.

She about freaked out until we got to the hospital. The plastic called the surgeon, she came right in and reassured her that it was a reaction to the stitches.

All went well, the surgeon said the preliminary tests on the 2 nodes removed looked good as she expected.

The plastic said everything was stitched up and he placed the expander. One drain that he will probably pull on Friday am.

The plastic came to see us around 1:20 when he finished, and we could go up to her room at 2:40. It was an amazing turnaround. She has some pain but was in a great mood and very alert.

I am home to rest so I can do the night shift.

Thanks all,
Laurie

 

[NHAnn]

GAGWTA!!
I am so bummed out....I had a little accident last night involving about an inch of wine left in my wineglass from dinner...and my laptop
I think it's a goner. I'm on DH's now which is actually DD's old rebuilt Dell...
I need to get mine up to Best Buy and see if they can salvage it or at least hopefully, all the pics on my hard drive. Most are backed up on the Kodakgallery (or in the case of my last trip, still in my camera memory stick. )
It's just a huge PITA and unwelcome expense no matter how it turns out. Laurie, my sister sent me hers, some great shots of you and I at Epcot and the RFTC, and a nice one of you and your DH too. I will fwd that e-mail, but it will be a bit before I get mine quared away at this point I think.

Linda--scary...glad your DH's tests were clear.

Laurie--thinking of your mother and you of course

If I'm scarce for a bit, it's from lack of computer access!!

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

That's great news, Laurie!
Sending lots of good wishes for your mom's speedy recovery!

 

[MerryPoppins]

Great news Laurie. I'm continuing to pray.

Sorry about the laptop. I once lost a keyboard that way.

Busy day today. DH was home and we had loads of errands to run. Now I have a headache, so I'm hoping to head to bed early.

 

[lookingforward]

Laurie, I am glad to hear your mom is doing well!
LInda, I am also glad to know your husband got the tests he needed and that all is well with him! Of course, the only truly appropriate celebration would be to fly down to Orlando.
Merry, I forgot all those hints for the ACT and SAT. My DS is taking the PSAT's tomorrow.
Ann...sorry your computer stole your wine tonight! I hope it can be fixed.

Today I have my pre-op physical. I am so nervous about my upcoming surgery...I hope that I am doing the right thing. I dread the pain and the entire experience. It will so hard without my mom there to cheer me up.

Back to work today after a long weekend. I keep waking up with the hot flashes. What a complainer I am today!

 

[annrae]

Ann - so sorry about your computer - hopefully they can fix it for you. A friend ruined her keyboard with coffee - I'm sure your keyboard preferred the wine!!
Great news about Avery.

Laurie - Your Mom sounds like she is doing just great! Don't forget to take care of yourself also.

Laura - hope you are feeling better - what a nice trip you had!

Linda - I hope your DH is feeling fine now and that your cold is better.

Hugs to all of you for up-coming surgeries, chemo and please know you are all in my thoughts.

 

[CherylDan]

GAGWTA!!!

Well, we made it through DD24 wedding! I can hardly believe what a crazy busy time it has been. Everything was just beautiful, DD did a fabulous job with all the planning. I'm quite certain she had the wedding of her dreams - and I'm really happy that they were able to afford it. I know that she wasn't too keen on my idea of a backyard pig roast! I have a few pictures I'll attach now, but they are not very good - for all kinds of reasons! I wasn't too concerned with taking pictures, but now that I see them, I wish I'd been a little more careful! No matter, I'm sure those from the photographer will be great.

This was at the reception. They didn't want to do the traditional bridal party table, and opted for a sweetheart table instead. They really enjoyed being able to have a little time to themselves during dinner.

The cake was sooo good!!! Chocolate or lemon, didn't matter, they were both delicious.

Here they are, waiting for the limo driver after the reception. They went on a crazy drive through Chicago with their photographer for outdoor pictures at various places. I'm really excited to see those.

The wedding was at the Sheraton Chicago - and the place was just a mad house! When we arrived there on Friday, there were television station news vans all over the place. Turns out that there was a huge convention for supporters of Barack Obama, and he, Michelle, Joe Biden, and Oprah were all there for a fundraising dinner. Only $28,500 per person! LOL, that's just a little too steep for me! A few of the wedding guest did actually spot a few secret service people though.

The weather was beautiful, and we had a nice time enjoying the city and getting together with out of town relatives. The weekend just flew by, and DD and new son-in-law returned to Boston. They are going to Hawaii for their honeymoon, but not until right after Christmas when Jack is on winter break- he just returned to school this fall to complete his master's degree.

So, that's that as they say. Seems like after so much planning, and so much work, that it should last a little longer!

 

[lookingforward]

Your daughter is absolutely beautiful! They make a great couple! Glad that the wedding went well...thanks for sharing the photos.

 

[CherylDan]

GAGWTA!!
I am so bummed out....I had a little accident last night involving about an inch of wine left in my wineglass from dinner...and my laptop
I think it's a goner.

Oh no, I hope they can salvage it!

All went well, the surgeon said the preliminary tests on the 2 nodes removed looked good as she expected.

So glad to hear that your mom is doing well and that the nodes looked good!

I was with DH the whole time but he was in such good hands that I could concentrate on being his wife and not his nurse. Interesting experience. If it's possible, I'm even more proud than ever of the good work we do every day. I don't know how I'm going to thank everyone yet. Wanted to let you guys know. (Ite good news, all I could think was, "This calls for a celebration!"

Sounds like a scary experience! I'm glad you both were in such good hands, and that things checked out ok! Probably seemed a little strange, to be on the other side of things - seeing the nurses from a patient point of view. I hope you have a wonderul celebration!

Today I have my pre-op physical. I am so nervous about my upcoming surgery...I hope that I am doing the right thing. I dread the pain and the entire experience. It will so hard without my mom there to cheer me up.

Back to work today after a long weekend. I keep waking up with the hot flashes. What a complainer I am today!

Hope your physical went well. When is your surgery scheduled? Those darn hot flashes are the worst! Did you say that you were taking Effexor to combat them?

GAGWTA!!!! I hope you all are having a good week!

 

[MerryPoppins]

I think the pictures look beautiful. How cool that everything went well. Bet their pictures from around Chicago will be great.

 

[lookingforward]

My surgery is one week from today. I am freakin out. The pre-op went well as far as I know. They took blood, x-ray, ekg, etc. The usual drill. Its just all so sad. But deep down I know I am doing the best thing for my head.

GAGWTA!

 

[snappy]

Hang in there, Maureen. You will have to remind me what your surgery entails, I think I remember you are doing a prophalactic on your unaffected side?

You are brave to do this. You are looking to the future, actually looking forward is the perfect user name for you. I look at this as an investment in that future and your family.

As close as you and your mom were, I can only imagine how difficult it is to proceed without her. But you can do it.
We can't fill her shoes, but we will be your support if you let us. Please keep us in your circle. If you can, have someone else update us after your surgery.

We will ge with you in spirit.

 

[snappy]

I wanted to let you y'all know mom was home by 1 pm yesterday. She has some pain but the muscle spasms have not kicked in (she has a tissue expander). Does anyone know if that is good that she has no spasms or do they come later with this type of reconstruction?

The port for the saline fills does bother her but mostly when laying down, not when she is upright.

I am going to help her shower today as the doc said it was ok. He plans to pull the drains Friday. Man this moves fast.

For a 78 year old she is doing well. She is hyper suggestive to anything that is said or done so you have to be kind of careful what you say as she is the ultimate worrier. I guess the Vicadine is doing that.

My cookies and chocolates were a big hit. The surgeon brought some home for her kids and I gave her a nice princessed pin for her youngest, a girl.

Tom is arriving tonight but late, so I am going to stay with mom tonight. My sister took a turn last night and that sure helped. I was tired from not sleeping so well in the hospital Monday night. Also, our car insurance company sent a letter that they are non renewing DH's car because of DD18's car accident in 2006, and 2 subsequent fender benders. I can't believe it but I guess they plan to drop all four of our drivers. I just don't have the energy to deal with the hassle of trying to get other coverage, I told DH he was up. No telling how much MORE $$$ we will be putting out for liability on our 3 old cars and one new one.
I called DD18 and told her about this problem and upset her. I felt bad but how was I to know she has a big chemistry test today. ARRGGHH!!!

 

[snappy]

Cheryl, those pictures are great, thanks for posting them. Your daughter and her new hubbie are precious. I loved that sweetheart table.

Thanks for sharing the pictures. If you can, post some more. It is wonderful to have such happy things to look at.

I need to go through our trip pictures and see if I can post some. Maybe next week? I need to try to fit in some work today as I think I told those pesky auditors are supposed to come in next week (what was I thinking?). I don't even have all the costs in yet, I am waiting as usual on others.

 

[CherylDan]

Maureen... Just keep reminding yourself that you are doing what is best for you. I would imagine your mom would be right there, supporting you all the way. Hopefully you will be able to take some comfort in knowing that.

Snappy, that's awful about the insurance! Gotta love them....pay 'em for years, and when you use it, they drop you. Sounds like your mom is continuing to do well.

OK, since ya asked, here are some more photos!

Listening to a toast.

Here they are coming over to our table. A friend took this one, so yes, that is a side view of me next to DH, and my DB on the other side. I swear, all the pictures I've come across with me in them are either from the side, eyes closed, or just otherwise awful! Anyway, that's my new post chemo hair in all it's grey glory! Keep in mind I'm only 46, so I do get some odd looks from time to time!

Feeding the cake to each other...

At the end of the reception, DH figures it's time to finally take off his jacket!

DD19 takes a break from her MOH duties to check her messages.

View of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan from our hotel room. Very nice!

Boats out on the river.

We took a quick walk to Millennium Park to see "The Bean".

 

[laurabelle]

~~~***GAGWTA sistas***~~~

Cheryldan- What wonderful pictures. It looks like a beautiful day. And the cake looks pretty yummy too! Congrats to the newlyweds!

Linda- How scary! I'm so glad your dh's cath came back clean. I'm sure they took extra good care of him. I know that had to help you tremendously.

Laurie- I'm so glad your mom is doing well and the news looks good. I don't recall having muscle spasms right away, but it's been a long time ago. I get them randomly now. Sorry about your car ins. What a pain.

Maureen- You have been through so much. I know even if it's the right decision, it still not an easy one to go through.

Ann- Bummer about your computer. Hopefully it can be resurrected. Good reminder. I really need to order some pictures so I won't lose any more.

Melissa- Thanks for the link and info. She took the PSAT yesterday. Of course it will be a while before we know how she did. It will be interesting to compare to last year.

Barbara-

Hubby is still doing ok. He sees the cardiologist next week. Hopefully they'll be able to tell something from his monitor readings. I have to get a scope done next week, my UC isn't good. I have an appt. with an endocrinologist next month. My blood calcium is high. It's been high in the past, and I saw an endo. years ago and he said it was high/normal and pooh poohed it. I looked up parathyroid issues and I have a lot of the symptoms. Trying to distract myself by kitchen planning. I think we are going with Ikea cabinets. Linda I recall you mentioning them, is that what you ended up with?

Our RFTC is Sunday. I'm not walking, but I'm volunteering with my kids for Komen.