Dis Breast Cancer Survivors Part II -GAGWTA!

[NHAnn]

Happy birthday one and all!! Belated or otherwise!!

B-day season around here continues in force (in August we have birthdays of one brother, one BIL, one sister, 2 nieces, a nephew, and all three granddaughters.) As far as September-- DD turned 22 Monday, one grandson today, a dear old work friend Saturday, then later in month a brother, and Avery will be 7 on the 28th! My dear departed mom's birthday is the 20th and the one year anniversary of her death is the 25th, so that is kind of sneaking up on me

Thinking of Laura's DH....

Merry your news sounds intriguing, can't wait to hear!!

I have seen Mama Mia once with DH and once with DD. He liked it better than she did though she said it "got better" as it went but she liked the stage show in Boston a few years ago much more.

I'm trying to do my 2 mile walk every morning (it's getting to be DARK out there at 6 a.m, have to find the reflective vest again...) I'm gearing up for the RFTC on 10/3 at the happy place and then 10/19 is the local ACS Making Strides 5K. Here's a link to my page if anyone wants to peek
http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/MakingStridesAgainstBreastCancer/MSABCFY09NewEngland?px=1523828&pg=personal&fr_id=11708

wishing health and happiness, and GAGWTA........

 

[Amy]

Happy Birthday, Linda!

And Happy Belated Birthday Laurie!

 

[annrae]

Thanks, Barbara. And wow, tell me more about the cruise! I don't think I've ever experienced anything but super calm waters on our cruises. What was it like? Were you or other passengers sea sick? Too bad you missed the second CC day.

From the time we embarked we were kept informed as to the status of Hurricane Hanna. For a short time, some people said we might go to Bermuda or even Halifax Nova Scotia. On Tuesday, they changed the itinerary and said we would go to Nassau on Thursday but when the storm took a sudden turn, so did we and ended up in Nassau on Wednesday. On Wednesday night, the wind began to blow and the waves were very high (33 feet). The ship's Captain was very good at keeping everyone informed as to the path the Hurricane was taking so I felt very safe being on the Magic - it also has large stabelizers.

Nobody in our group was sea sick, thank goodness. Many people had the patch on and many took medication before they actually became ill. My walk resembled someone who had 5 marguaritas and I didn't even have one!! When I got in bed, it was similar to lying in a hammock and going from side to side! Disney Cruise Line does not take any chances whatsoever and no one was allowed on the upper decks.

All in all, it was a great Cruise and we met so many very nice people. It is 50 degrees here tonight and how I miss that heavy Florida humidity!!!

 

[MerryPoppins]

The press release is out, so I don't have to wait until Friday.

I don't know how much I've told you in the past about my DD. She is 17 and a senior in high school. She also has sensory issues. She is diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder. This is a neurological disorder. She has problems with getting distracted or "checking out" at school when she experiences sensory overload. She is a great student and always does her homework (I know because I double-check with her each evening at her request), but has a lot of trouble remembering to turn work in. That's the "processing" part of her disorder. Her brain forgets that she's not done with the work until it's turned in, so it doesn't remind her to give it to the teacher if he/she doesn't ask.

This is all a simplistic way of talking about some of her problems, but suffice it to say that while school work is easy for her, a day at school is very stressful. She works very hard to do what comes easy to others. A day with all the sights, sounds, and smells of high school is hard on her. I'm very proud that she has overcome her issues to be successful in school.

I say all of this so you'll realize that I'm not just bragging about my kid. I'm proud of her and her accomplishments. I think she deserves for someone to toot her horn a little. Now for my news...

Amy is one of 6 kids at her high school to be named a National Merit Semi-finalist out of a class of almost 500 students. She is one of about 16,000 seniors in the nation that received this honor. There are 4 more kids at our other high school...11 total in Norman.

Of these semi-finalists, about 15,000 will be named National Merit Finalists in February. If she lists OU as her 1st choice and she advances to Semi-finalist...she gets a full-ride scholarship including room/board, tuition and a laptop allowance. Boy would we be happy if she gets that kind of scholarship!

I'm not holding my breath. She had a rough year last year with a few C's. It was because she wasn't turning in all of her work and she passed the AP tests and end-of-instruction tests over the material she got those grades for. In fact, one was a math class and she scored so high on the test that her teacher looked her up to tell her how few questions she'd missed. Sigh. But she might not advance due to grades.

Thanks for letting me celebrate by telling you. I'm just so proud of how far she's come.

 

[DeeCeeSW]

GAGWTA Ladies!!!

It has been a while since I last posted, and for this I apologize. I have not yet been able to read all of the posts I have missed, so may I just say I hope that everyone has been well and give my best wishes to those who may not be doing so well. I am sure I have missed many a celebration, so I say a Belated Happy to you...

Been taking a break from all boards for a while. I finished chemo on 7/29 and started on Tamoxifen in August. I have been doing pretty well, with the exception of the nightly hot flashes. I am working an hour a day in my son's lunch room, and it is just my speed. I figure I can work full days in the township schools after I sufficiently recover from my exchange surgery, which takes place 2 weeks from tomorrow (boy, does time fly!).

Just an FYI that DH and I have managed to raise almost $3000 on our own as part of a larger team through his job that will walk/race in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure this coming Sunday in NYC. I hope I can make it through the whole race (still a little fatigued)!

My thoughts are always with you, even though I may not be around as much as I used to be. Be well!!! Will write again soon, promise!

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Merry - Yay for your DD! I'll be sending good thoughts her way that she will get that scholarship!!
You have also given me something to think about. DS12 has been diagnosed with inattentive ADD, and he is on medication to help him focus. BUT I have often heard that there is usually a "companion" disorder. He was tested for Asperger's because he has some weird quirks, but that's not what it is. I know with 100% certainty that he is tactile defensive, although it is better now than it used to be. I wonder if some of his issues might be more like your DD's instead of being solely ADD? He has trouble remembering to turn his completed work in, too. Last year I could look at his grades online, and I could frequently go in his binder and find the work that he had zeroes for! If I simply asked him he would have no recollection of those assignments. Even things like his reading log that was due every week would be forgotten in his folder if the teacher didn't remind him to turn it in. I am going to talk with our diagnostician and see what she thinks about investigating his sensory issues.

Dawn - It is good to see you posting! My mom just finished her A/C treatments 2 weeks ago, so I have been thinking of you and hoping that you are well!
Best of luck with your exchange!
Yay for raising so much money for RFTC!! Our race is 10/18. Even if you don't make it through the full race I am sure you will have a great time! I volunteered for many years with our local AIDS walk, and we had vans along the route for anyone who needed a ride to the Finish line.
I hope you will pop in again soon!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Wonderful news, Merry! Keeping my fingers crossed for her, too. She has overcome a lot. (And even if she hadn't, a brag would have been perfectly ok here, right ladies? ) PS a friend of mine has a dog coming to NH from OK next week!

jsg, I hope you find some answers, too.

Dawn Congratulations on finishing up!

Barbara, thanks for sharing your experiences. That must have been a little unsettling. But I know what you mean, I always feel in good hands on the Disney ships.

Thank you all for the birthday wishes. We're celebrating my mother's 83rd today.

Laurie, did your mother have the biopsy yet?

 

[MerryPoppins]

You have also given me something to think about. DS12 has been diagnosed with inattentive ADD, and he is on medication to help him focus. BUT I have often heard that there is usually a "companion" disorder.

Do look into it. The tactile defensiveness and not turning in work are both red flags. I'd be glad to PM some sites to look at and the names of a couple of books that might help you, if you are interested. There are also some checklists out there that help you confirm the suspicion that this might be the problem. DD was diagnosed by an educational psychologist when she was in first grade. She's done great in school except for a couple of setbacks...6th grade and 11th grade were both difficult for her. Her OT has been a major help finding what works to keep her on track. Thank goodness she seems to be doing better this year staying in a good place for learning.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Do look into it. The tactile defensiveness and not turning in work are both red flags. I'd be glad to PM some sites to look at and the names of a couple of books that might help you, if you are interested. There are also some checklists out there that help you confirm the suspicion that this might be the problem. DD was diagnosed by an educational psychologist when she was in first grade. She's done great in school except for a couple of setbacks...6th grade and 11th grade were both difficult for her. Her OT has been a major help finding what works to keep her on track. Thank goodness she seems to be doing better this year staying in a good place for learning.

That would be great! I would love to read over a checklist! I know now that the district will test him free of charge if I push it. We got HORRIBLE advice from the guidance counselor in elementary (she said the district would only test him if we were uninsured and low income, and since we are neither she told me to lie about it!), so we had him tested privately. Our pediatrician's office has a diagnostician on staff, so they were able to bill it to our insurance and it was covered. It just seems like the meds aren't all that effective (and we have tried several), so I am wondering if ADD isn't the whole problem. DS has never had any OT.

Linda - Happy Birthday to your mom!

 

[snappy]

Very exciting news about your DD, Merry. Please tell her congratulations for me.

Thanks for asking, Linda. Mom had the biopsy yesterday and did well. She was a trooper. . . all the nurses loved her, and seemed to take it all in stride. The surgeon called her tonight. . . she now wants to do a surgical biopsy or lumpectomy or something on outpatient basis. Mom was foggy to say the least about what the doctor said. It sounds like there were some questionable cells found that should be removed. I am not sure if it is DCIS or not. I sure wish I had been able to speak to the doctor. This is maddening.
I wonder if I should call the doc myself? I do know her. . . she did my second opionion and even did a needle biopsy on my unaffected side and I went in to see her with mom last Tuesday. I did not see her yesterday when the biopsy was done.

Anyway, the surgery is tentatively set for Wednesday.

Not the best news but still not definitive news. I feel kind of queasy about it. And I could kill my brother who is bugging mom for more money. God, what is wrong with him?

off to a happier topic. . .


Hope your mom enjoyed her birthday dinner, Linda. Did you say the restaurant was on the coast>

I spent most of the day again today at the state office of emergency prep, answering calls. Lots of folks who have no money for transportation home from evacuating, nor for their bills when they get back. FEMA is apparently being stingy with covering costs after the abuses after Katrina. I am supposed to meet someone tomorrow at my house from FEMA about all the trees we lost and our roof. I am not expecting much, she already told me that they are not reimbursing for generators, so that was $900 we have to eat. At least we have one for the next time, we may even lose power over the next couple of days with Ike.

Gotta go, thanks for listening. I'll let you know when I know more about mom.

GAGWTA!!!

Hi, Dawn!!!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Laurie, I think it would be perfectly fine, and even expected, for you to talk the doc. Your mother may have to just tell her it's ok. (I always speak to our doc about my mother - and my husband!) I hope that it's not cancer, but if it is, she is sure in good hands with you on board. Keep us informed.

 

[MerryPoppins]

That would be great! I would love to read over a checklist!

I'll try to send you a link tomorrow. I need to give up the computer to DD tonight.

That's all I've got time for. Glad the biopsy went okay. Hope you keep power. GAGWTA!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Oh, forgot to answer - my mother developed a stomach bug this week so we didn't go out for her bday. We'll probably go this weekend, and yes, it will either be in our little seaside local restaurant or in Boston if we'll be meeting the sibs since it's a middle point for all of us. My family can never decide on definite plans until last minute, it makes me nuts.

 

[snappy]

Linda, sorry your mom was under the weather. Hope you all have a good time when it is rescheduled.

Here, it is amazing how bad the weather is even with Ike well to the west of us. Traffic lights that were finally working again are now out again. And supposedly the worst weather is expecting 3-5 pm today.

Lights out all over the place, we arelucky so far. DD12's power is out so no school. More trees or at least big limbs that were dangling apparently have bit the dust throughout the city. She studied for hours yesterday to catch up for being out 8 school days. Oh well, now she has the weekend.

I slept terrible. I gave it up finally when the tree guy in my dream said the next piece of equipment he was buying was a mammogram machine.

I guess mom's situation and this neverending hurricane thing must be affecting my psyche.

GAGWTA!!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I'm sorry things aren't better there yet, Laurie. What an awful thing to have to have happen.

jsg and others in the area, stay safe too!

 

[snappy]

I had a brain storm this am. We may be able to get reimbursed for the generator because of DH's sleep apnea and the CPAP machine.

We'll see what the FEMA lady says today. She called to postpone coming to check out our stuff. . . she lost power in her hotel room. . .all she needs is a letter from the doctor about the CPAP machine. Not sure if she'll give us anything on the trees or not. Homeowners will not cover amything on it.

Good news. . . I had DH check the inside of the roof up in the attic after all the heavy rain overnight before he headed out to try to get to work. Everything looks dry. YIPPEE!!! We are more fortunate that most. Also our fence survived where many did not. DH built it after we got our puppy NAJ. He spent a number of weekends and an enormous amount of $$ at Lowes. That sucker is not going anywhere. Both gates are double boarded all around and they are as heavy as the dickens.

Simple pleasures. . . I bought the most beautiful pink ribbon coffee mug yesterday at Albertsons. The coffee tastes better in it.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Laurie, I think it would be perfectly fine, and even expected, for you to talk the doc. Your mother may have to just tell her it's ok. (I always speak to our doc about my mother - and my husband!) I hope that it's not cancer, but if it is, she is sure in good hands with you on board. Keep us informed.

You and your mom are in my thoughts, Laurie!

I'll try to send you a link tomorrow. I need to give up the computer to DD tonight.

That's all I've got time for. Glad the biopsy went okay. Hope you keep power. GAGWTA!

I did a quick Google last night and found lots of info. I don't know where DS falls in that spectrum, but I know without a doubt that he got it from me. I found all sorts of things on the adult checklist that apply to me, and I didn't even realize they were all related. It really is interesting! I definitely think I need do do some more research!

I got an e-mail from my sister. She has NEVER e-mailed me before. She said Mom is not doing well. That scares me, because if Mom is sick enough that my sister is asking for my help then things are really bad. I don't want Mom to know about the e-mail, but I do need to call and see what's going on. I figured I would call and act surprised if she answered. Of course our weather is supposed to absolutely tank, so it would be next to impossible for me to get a flight out if I need to go up for the weekend.

 

[MerryPoppins]

I did a quick Google last night and found lots of info. I don't know where DS falls in that spectrum, but I know without a doubt that he got it from me. I found all sorts of things on the adult checklist that apply to me, and I didn't even realize they were all related.

Boy does this sound familiar. Yes, it tends to run in the family. DS was the first in our family diagnosed, but he seems to handle his issues quite well..mostly through exercise. As I learned more about it, I suspected DD had issues too. Had her tested and bingo. Unfortunately, hers has been harder to deal with. Then I told their OT that I suspected I had issues and she laughed. She said she'd wondered how long it'd take for me to see it in myself. She'd already picked up on it. Now I know my mother and grandmother had some of the same issues. It is interesting. But it's weird because two people with SPD will have completely different problems...sometimes opposite extremes. Let me know if I can help you find info.

 

[MerryPoppins]

JSG, hope you can get through to your mom and that things are better today.

Laurie, glad your fence held up, and crossing fingers that you'll get money for the generator. When my mom lost power for so many days during the ice storm, I think her insurance covered the generator. Stay safe.

We're going to get some weather related to Ike, but most of the rain and wind should miss us if it stays on the projected track. Parts of Oklahoma have had a lot of rain, so they're worried about flooding. I think we'll be fine.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Boy does this sound familiar. Yes, it tends to run in the family. DS was the first in our family diagnosed, but he seems to handle his issues quite well..mostly through exercise. As I learned more about it, I suspected DD had issues too. Had her tested and bingo. Unfortunately, hers has been harder to deal with. Then I told their OT that I suspected I had issues and she laughed. She said she'd wondered how long it'd take for me to see it in myself. She'd already picked up on it. Now I know my mother and grandmother had some of the same issues. It is interesting. But it's weird because two people with SPD will have completely different problems...sometimes opposite extremes. Let me know if I can help you find info.

It's funny, because after I recognized DS's tactile issues I realized that I am tactile defensive, too. I HATE to be rained on or splashed with water, and I don't like air blowing on me. I also don't like to put my hands in anything sticky or slimy. DS never would finger paint, he wouldn't put his hands in shaving cream in preschool, and the first time he touched "pumpkin guts" I thought he was going to pass out.
I have a lot of the auditory components, too, I just never thought about it in that context.
I need to look into testing for DS.

I called Mom and left her a voice mail asking her if she wants me to pick up some scarves for her. I saw some nice ones at the mall yesterday. We'll see if she calls me back.