Dis Breast Cancer Survivors Part II -GAGWTA!

[MerryPoppins]

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Mine went well. Spent time with DH's family and then some time with my mom. Got a lot of shopping done, but hope to do more online the next couple of days while there are still so many sales.

I'm still coughing, but doing much better. Unfortunately, I shared with DH and he's now sick. Maybe we'll all be well for Christmas this way?

DS goes back to school today. But we had a nice visit.

Thank you for the lovely recipes. I'm sure I'll have to try the artichoke balls and the gooey cake. They made me hungry just reading them. I'll have to share a couple when I have time. Right now DD is needing the computer, so my time here is limited.

I'm thinking of you and thankful for you all. GAGWTA!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

jsg, I'm glad your mother visited and spent time with your son!

Glad everyone had a nice TDay.

Good luck with your biopsy, granny.

Glad things are going well, Alicea.

I wanted to tell you all about someone at work I met on Thanksgiving. She could use some prayers. Pretty much alone aside from her dog and some friends who are far away. Aggressive breast cancer, just finished up chemo, surgery (bilat masts) and radiation with severe burns. In the hospital for a very serious heart problem. I couldn't take care of her myself but I was able to spend some time with her (I knew there was a reason I was supposed to be there that night ). It sounded like she didn't have much support at all as far as meeting others with BC. I paired her up with a wonderful nurse who took great care of her. I'll check in on her tomorrow when I'm there. Thanks for any good thoughts you can offer her. I can't imagine going through all of that alone. (She never even met the people who are now watching her dog. ) We are all so fortunate to have the loving families we have.

Laura, funny, I asked my SIL for her recipe for something similar - it was so good and would make a great dish to bring somewhere for the holidays. It was almost like a pumpkin cheesecake but richer and a little different (and I ate way too much of it, LOL.)

Gingersnap Pumpkin Dessert

1 pkg. (18-1/4 ounces) yellow cake mix, Divided
1 cup crushed gingersnap cookies
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 egg, lightly beaten

FILLING:
1 pkg. (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
3 eggs, lightly beaten
1 can (29 ounces), solid packed pumpkin
1/4 cup milk
2 tsp. each ground cinnamon and vanilla extract

TOPPING:
1/2 cup crushed gingersnap cookies
1/4 cup of sugar
1/2 cup cold butter
1 cup chopped pecans (if desired)

1. Set aside 1 cup cake mix for topping. In a small bowl, combine gingersnap crumbs and remaining cake mix; stir in butter and egg. Press onto the bottom of a greased
13-in.x9-in.x2-in. baking dish; set aside.
2. For filling, in a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs. Add the pumpkin, milk, cinnamon and vanilla; mix well. Pour over crust.
3. For topping, in a small bowl, combine the gingersnap crumbs, sugar and reserved cake mix; cut in butter until crumbly. Stir in pecans. Sprinkle over filling.
4. Bake at 325 degrees for 70-75 minutes or until filling is set. Cool on a wire rack for one and a half hours. Store in the refrigerator.

DS made a travel baseball team so we are back once again in baseball mode. Seems strange in the winter. There are practices all winter (indoor, but still cold) and an intense schedule in the spring. He's loving it, though. When the call came in that he made the team, I let him answer the phone and you should have seen the ear to ear grin when the coach welcomed him to the team. Sap that I am, I had tears in my eyes I was so happy for him.

We hit the stores on Black Friday afternoon. We never made it out at 4am because we were awake until 3am. I ended up buying a little Netbook (which is adorable) and we picked up a few other things. I was kind of bummed because I'd gotten (what I thought were) nice electric guitars at a good price for the kids (who've been playing acoustic for about a year) but their teacher checked them out and said they couldn't hold a tune. Bummer. So now I'm researching electric guitars and it looks like you have to spend quite a bit to get a decent one (or in this case, two). I suppose I'm going to have to spring for the ones at the local guitar store in case we have problems, which I'm reading seem to be pretty common with the cheaper, entry level guitars. I was hoping to get a good deal on Amazon, which is where I've been doing a lot of my shopping over the past few years. (My son likes this one: http://www.amazon.com/Jay-Turser-Painted-guitar-accesso/dp/B001GEB706)

GAGWTA

 

[laurabelle]

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

Elizabeth- I'm thrilled to pieces to read about your mom spending quality time with your son! I ate at Buca di Beppo in Las Vegas when I had a meet there with my young survivors group in May. It was so fun and yummy. Yeah, total opposite of Thanksgiving food!

Linda- Congrats to your son! My kids are not that into sports, so we've never done the travel thing, but we have lots of friends who do. It's a big commitment, but worth it.
My hubby is a guitar player, and he'd tell you if the kids are really interested in playing, you will need to invest $$$$ in a guitar. Luckily, we have a whole room full of instruments. You should see the kids with their friends, lol. My oldest plays bass with the high school worship band at church, but she really loves playing regular guitar.
That recipe sounds so yummy!

Melissa- Glad you enjoyed your Thanksgiving. It must be hard sending ds back to school. When does Christmas break start?

grammynelliebelle- Sorry to hear your hubby needs surgery too. My hubby had a hernia repair a couple of years ago. I have had two biopsies. For my CA dx I had an excisional biopsy, basically a lumpectomy, then later I had a suspicious area in my scar and had a core needle biopsy. I don't have any info on the type of biopsy you are having, but have you checked here?
http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/testing/biopsy.jsp

Ann- Good deal, I hope you get in on it! We just had to replace our dryer 2yrs ago, then the washer a few months ago. I priced out the HE washers and there were no deals out then.

Aliceacc- Right back at you!

Laurie- It would be awesome to get together again!

 

[laurabelle]

I wanted to tell you all about someone at work I met on Thanksgiving. She could use some prayers. Pretty much alone aside from her dog and some friends who are far away. Aggressive breast cancer, just finished up chemo, surgery (bilat masts) and radiation with severe burns. In the hospital for a very serious heart problem. I couldn't take care of her myself but I was able to spend some time with her (I knew there was a reason I was supposed to be there that night ). It sounded like she didn't have much support at all as far as meeting others with BC. I paired her up with a wonderful nurse who took great care of her. I'll check in on her tomorrow when I'm there. Thanks for any good thoughts you can offer her. I can't imagine going through all of that alone. (She never even met the people who are now watching her dog. ) We are all so fortunate to have the loving families we have.

Linda- She reminds me of a lady I met on my first day of chemo. I bought a dozen pink roses to give out, and I gave her one. She was sitting alone getting chemo. I didn't stop to talk, I didn't want to intrude. But hubby said he thought it meant a lot to her.
Thinking of your lady today and praying that this time opens hearts to her, doors to new relationships, comfort, blessings and favor.

 

[grammynelliebelle]

Hello all! I have been waiting to post because I have been waiting for the bx day. Just got it. I think the Thanksgiving holiday slowed down things a bit. It will be on next Thurs, Dec 11. DH had his hernia repair yesterday and is doing pretty well. He said he will be ship shape by next week. Has anyone had the needle localization bx? Its the one where they put the guide wire in the breast in radiology prior to the surgical bx. The wire part sounds difficult, but I know it is needed to get in the correct area. Hope all are doing well. Grammy

 

[lookingforward]

jsg, I'm glad your mother visited and spent time with your son!

Glad everyone had a nice TDay.

Good luck with your biopsy, granny.

Glad things are going well, Alicea.

I wanted to tell you all about someone at work I met on Thanksgiving. She could use some prayers. Pretty much alone aside from her dog and some friends who are far away. Aggressive breast cancer, just finished up chemo, surgery (bilat masts) and radiation with severe burns. In the hospital for a very serious heart problem. I couldn't take care of her myself but I was able to spend some time with her (I knew there was a reason I was supposed to be there that night ). It sounded like she didn't have much support at all as far as meeting others with BC. I paired her up with a wonderful nurse who took great care of her. I'll check in on her tomorrow when I'm there. Thanks for any good thoughts you can offer her. I can't imagine going through all of that alone. (She never even met the people who are now watching her dog. ) We are all so fortunate to have the loving families we have.

Laura, funny, I asked my SIL for her recipe for something similar - it was so good and would make a great dish to bring somewhere for the holidays. It was almost like a pumpkin cheesecake but richer and a little different (and I ate way too much of it, LOL.)



DS made a travel baseball team so we are back once again in baseball mode. Seems strange in the winter. There are practices all winter (indoor, but still cold) and an intense schedule in the spring. He's loving it, though. When the call came in that he made the team, I let him answer the phone and you should have seen the ear to ear grin when the coach welcomed him to the team. Sap that I am, I had tears in my eyes I was so happy for him.

We hit the stores on Black Friday afternoon. We never made it out at 4am because we were awake until 3am. I ended up buying a little Netbook (which is adorable) and we picked up a few other things. I was kind of bummed because I'd gotten (what I thought were) nice electric guitars at a good price for the kids (who've been playing acoustic for about a year) but their teacher checked them out and said they couldn't hold a tune. Bummer. So now I'm researching electric guitars and it looks like you have to spend quite a bit to get a decent one (or in this case, two). I suppose I'm going to have to spring for the ones at the local guitar store in case we have problems, which I'm reading seem to be pretty common with the cheaper, entry level guitars. I was hoping to get a good deal on Amazon, which is where I've been doing a lot of my shopping over the past few years. (My son likes this one: http://www.amazon.com/Jay-Turser-Painted-guitar-accesso/dp/B001GEB706)

GAGWTA

You are an angel. Truly. I know this because I have had such kind nurses that have truly cared and it makes such a difference when times are tough in the hospital. I am sure she appreciates your kindness. You rock!

 

[snappy]

You are so right, Maureen. How are you BTW? Are you still having to go in for the antibiotic injections?

Grammy, glad your DH is on the mend. Sorry you have to wait so long for your biopsy.

My mom had the wire localization. It wasn't too bad but her area was in a difficult location for them to position it so it took forever. My sister and I were not allowed to go in with her so we were worried when she was gone for so long. Two anesthesia people came in, one of whom assumed either my sister and I were the patient. We disabused her of that misconception very quickly.

The other anesthesia dude just cooled his heels until mom got back with her wire in place finally,

Mom is going in next week to have the port used for the expander fills removed. It bothered her when she went swimming a couple times before her leg surgery.

We thought it best to have it removed now.

She still is on the fence whether just to keep the expander (the doc said it is actually a saline implant that he just fills up slowly) or go for the implant. Either would work, but she leans towards avoiding another surgery. Anyway there is no rush to make the decision. She has plenty of time, even if she is 78 years young.

Any thoughts on the wisdom of keeping the saline implant?

The breast is starting to shape up but since she is refusing having her good side altered, no matter what kind of implant she has won't help them look alike.

I am talking to her about getting fitted for a good bra and let the bra do the heavy lifting of what she calls her hanging basket.

I thank my lucky stars everyday that my reconstruction was such a success. I have to say my girls look better than they had for about 20 years (before kids). Wha a difference a reduction and lift can make, in how I look, but even more importantly, I am so much more comfortable not being top heavy (before mastectomy) and imbalanced after mastectomy.

 

[NHAnn]

GAGWTA....

grammie, I had the wire locator procedure before my surgical excision biopsy. My surgeon actually wanted two wires, to mark the ends a cluster of microcalcifications (no "lump" per se). The area was on the bottom underside of the breast. I won't lie....it was difficult for me . Not painful, but uncomfortable, and I was unprepared for the length of time it took the two radiology techs to get me positioned in the mamm machine, take the films so that the area was obvious for the radiologist, so that he could then come place the wires. My DH was waiting for me, (and like snappy and her sister waiting for her mom)...my DH was wondering if they'd somehow taken me off to the OR a different way without getting him, because it took so much longer than they anticipated. It took some contortions and multiple sets of films because of the location of the area - and then I had to hold still in the postion in the mamm machine for him to then place the two wires. This procedure actually took longer than the surgical excision. It usually doesn't, I'm told I was just "special" with the 2 wires and the location of the area. They couldn't use ultrasound to guide them with calcifications, just mammography. The techs told when it was done that my reward was to get the GOOD drugs for the actual biopsy LOL The nurse in OR scolded the rad techs when they brought me up there , she said with the time it took for that they should've given me another Xanax down in radiology to tide me over til the "good stuff" The surgeon was like "Hey, where ya been,I've been waiting for you" haha. Funnier now than then. They did a good job though, there was only one small "dirty" margin (cancer cells on the edge of the tissue sample) on a good size excision. When I got the results (DCIS) I was told my options were mastectomy or reexcision. I told the surgeon I'd have a mast before I'd have a wire locator again....at first she thought I was kidding, I probabaly was only half kidding at that point -- but I didn't need another wire locator, because she uses the previous excision as a guide the the section that needed to be cleaned out better . I don't want to scare you, and hope that this is not "TMI" --and I know people who have had wire locators that went quickly and smoothly with little discomfort. I do want to be honest though. Please ask if any of the terminology confuses you or you have any questions. I know you will do fine with it ....we will be keeping you close in our hearts on the 11th!!

Hope you all are well, I'm fighting a little head cold and starting my annual pre-Christmas panic. Too much to do and not enough time. Gotta breathe. Loving the new Puffs tissues that smell like Vicks Vaporub. Helps with the breathing. ahhhhhhhhhh

 

[laurabelle]

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

grammynelliebelle- Glad your hubby's surgery went well! I'm sure he'll be 100% for you on the 11th. It's so good that the other sistas were able to give you inside info on their experiences with this type of biopsy.

Maureen- How are you?

Ann- I don't think you gave TMI... I for one always appreciate an honest answer. I hope your little cold doesn't get any worse. Dd just came downstairs with a sore throat, but I think she has post nasal drip. yuck.

Laurie- FWIW If your mom isn't going for complete symmetry, I would skip the additional surgery and just have the port removed from the expander and be done with the reconstruction. You're right, a good bra goes a long way in making up the difference. I'm pretty happy with my recon. too. I can go braless, nuff said.

Rumor has it that Disney is going to come out with even more deals...maybe free dining! We're currently booked at the Dolphin for June, but I'm always keeping my eyes peeled.

Linda and other Disney Cruisers- I'm thinking about trying a cruise in the future, probably Disney, but possibly another line since we have a port here locally and would save on air fare. I have never been on a cruise and the only thing that makes me nervous is the sea sickness part. I do have a hard time with that. Any tips? I really love the itinerary on the 7 night Western Caribbean cruise, but wonder if I should book a shorter cruise for the first time...Of course this is all dependent on talking hubby into it, he doesn't think he wants to cruise.

 

[grammynelliebelle]

Thank you all for your information. I agree that there is not TMI ! I expected that the wire placing part might be the most difficult and and trying to start with the relaxation and meditations. I also decided yesterday to cut back on my coffee for a few days and then try to cut it out before the bx because Im not scheduled until 2:15 for the bx and will be feeling crummy just from caffine withdrwal. Also, I can prepare DH for the fact that the wire part might take a long time. If it doesn't all the beter! I also think I'm going to call over to the Womens Center at the hospital where they do the proceedure and ask if they use any kind of RX if needed. I've never had anything like Valium or Xanax, but I would take it if needed. I am supposed to be NPO from midnight so I dont know if they use anything. I have been reading back through your thread and am at page 92! Thank you all for your sharings. I am also starting to figure out who is who and what your circumstances have been. Forgive me for being so self-centered at this point. Notice all the "I"'s and "Me's" in my posts! but believe me, you are all collectively in my prayers also. Heading to the mall today to look for my "sports" bra. Ha Ha! Believe me I'm far from sporty! Also am still struggling with whether to tell my daughters prior to the bx. If I do tell them, it will be shortly before and Im glad they are not stressing about me. They have been concerned enough about DH. If I dont tell them and the results are positive for cancer it may be more difficult for them. Ive had quite a bit of time to be prepared if it is. I am praying about the best thing to do. I do think it was the best thing not to tell them when I first found out. Again please forgive my case of the "I's". GAGWTA! (did I get it right?) Grammy (Carol)

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Grammy, I would ask yourself if you would want to know if the situation was reversed. I believe you will have your answer then. I would be quite upset if I was not in the loop. I think people usually deal better than you think they will. Set some ground rules (before you tell them) if you think they're going to overreact, worry, or whatever. As in, "I want to tell you something but I want you to first promise me that you will/will not XYZ". That way if they're doing whatever it is you didn't want, you can hold them to their promise. It sounds like maybe you'll be able to let go of some of the stress associated with NOT telling them if you tell them.

They may, in fact, be able to give you something light to help you relax, not sure, depends where you're having it done. However, your own doctor may be able to prescribe you something to take that morning (similar to what they'd do if you needed it for an airplane or something) if you need it. But if you've never had it before there's no way to know how it would (or woudn't) affect you so it's kind of I think you'll be ok without it. The staff most likely will take good care of you. Just bring up Disney and you'll likely find someone who's a fan and you can talk about that all through the procedure - a natural relaxant. Meditation is always great and you can use it anywhere.What about bringing an Ipod or headphones with relaxing music? Good luck with everything.

Maureen, thank you. I'm so glad you had caring nurses. I was actually thinking about you one night when we had a code early in the evening and unfortunately, the patient passed away. His family came in to be with him and they didn't leave until 3am. I knew others were waiting for the bed but this is what that family needed so we didn't pressure them to wrap it up. They were grateful for the time. (Someone else was booked for the bed as soon as we cleaned the room. Kinda creeepy, I know, but this is the reality of a hospital.) I couldn't get into see my friend earlier this week, but I will later today. I will tell her she's in our prayers.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Linda and other Disney Cruisers- I'm thinking about trying a cruise in the future, probably Disney, but possibly another line since we have a port here locally and would save on air fare. I have never been on a cruise and the only thing that makes me nervous is the sea sickness part. I do have a hard time with that. Any tips? I really love the itinerary on the 7 night Western Caribbean cruise, but wonder if I should book a shorter cruise for the first time...Of course this is all dependent on talking hubby into it, he doesn't think he wants to cruise

Laura, hmmm cruising. We were the opposite. DH is an ocean "bug", loves boats, the water, etc. I love going to the beach, "looking at", walking along, and photographing the ocean, etc, but I'm not a huge fan of sea water or boats and such. So DH always wanted to cruise and I was like, no way. Till I watched the Travel Channel special on the Disney Cruise Line. We'd become big Disney fans at that point and it looked like something I'd want to try. DH was psyched, and we've all been hooked ever since. I was really worried about sea-sickness but for me, it was a non-issue (and I get vertigo and such occasionally).

The cruise we took last year (with 30 people) was a 4 night cruise just because most people in the group had never cruised before and weren't sure they were going to like it. Needless to say, everyone loved it and everyone thought it was too short. Five families rebooked while onboard (you get a 10% discount plus room credit) and all went for the seven night. (One group, in fact, is cruising again next week with their own extended family.) Nobody got seasick except one adult but most in the group agreed it was more the than anything else in that particular case IYKWIM.

I've actually been on the phone with DCL a few times lately and was also helping a friend look into DCL, too (another huge Disney fan). She ended up booking a cruise out of NJ on another line because they had a family of 5 and Disney is quite expensive for that. But 4 is doable, there's ways you can keep costs down. Personally I KNOW you would love DCL and you should try it at least once. When you book is huge. If you compare prices for the exact itenerary, you'll see a difference. Check Feb vacation week and April vacation week. Those are really expensive (but Feb is < April). Airfares stink those weeks. Now check the last week in August, or mid Aug if your kids go back then (7 night not avail in summer as Magic is in Europe till Sept; try an "off month" if you want 7 night, but I know school might be an issue). Prices usually drop then. Of course, it's hurricane season so that's part of the reason. Personally, I think late Aug is a great time and the hurricane thing (or heat) doesn't bother us; others don't like it.

Rates come out in late Sept/Oct for the following year, ie 2010 just came out this fall. Booking early helps keep costs low. We don't mind an inside room because we're there basically to sleep and shower, and that's it. Sure it's nice having a verandah (we treated ourselves to one on my post treatment cruise), but I'd rather be out on deck myself - I like interacting with other people, taking pics, enjoying the atmosphere, etc. But again, that's personal. You can get a porthole, too, that's kind of middle of the road. But the cheapest for fam of 4 is Cat 11 - IMO the "sideways" Cat 11 rooms are best, roomiest (see tag re single bath). If you can snag a secret porthole room, ie Cat 10, Deck 5, those are a good value because you get the two baths and a "free" porthole (Disney doesn't charge for it because there's metal outside the window and you can't see out of it at night because a light's on above it) but unfortunately there are only 6 on the ship and they're filled right when bookings start (though I did manage to snag four of them for our big group's cruise ).

When you compare DCL to other lines, you'll see that for the same price of an inside or porthole room on DCL, you can get a verandah room on another line for the same cost or less. Then if you can take off airfare, it's even more tempting. But the difference is the Disney difference. Everyone has to decide what's right for them. My DH won't hear of sailing any other line (because I have brought it up). He just tells me to "work my magic" and get us a room - any room - on DCL, at any time, and he's quite happy. He's pretty easy about most things but when it comes to cruising, it's DCL all the way. It is a challenge because costs have gone up A LOT. Our first cruise cost $1600 for all of us, but now the same cruise is around $3000, so it can be a tough choice. One thing I have heard in favor of other lines is that some of them are better than DCL for older kids, like yours. Just no Mickey. Check out RC. There are cruise specials on Travel Channel a lot, and don't forget to order the DCL DVD.

To us, there is no more relaxing, enjoyable vacation than a cruise. There's lots to do for everyone, in fact, so much that you can't get it all in on one cruise, you kinda have to go back, not unlike Disney. But remember to build in relaxation time, you can get carried away with excursions and such, which also really jack up the price. We've done our share of excursions but honestly, are usually disappointed (and broke ) so generally now we prefer to stay on the ship in port to enjoy all there is to offer with few crowds, DH will sometimes walk around for a while, but that's about it. We've discussed it a lot and I think if we really want to explore an island, we'll book a trip to that island. If we go on a cruise, we'll mostly enjoy the ship. But that's what's nice about a cruise, too, people can kind of do their own thing, including the kids.

HTH. (Ask away if you want more.)

Check out Cruise Critic and this website (you will see DCL is not on it much! ) http://www.cruisejunkie.com/events.html

 

[Pea-n-Me]

OK, so I haven't looked at Events at Sea for a while.

Mental note to self: NO RIVER TUBING IN BELIZE.

Also, I'm surprised to see event about Disney Wonder's gangway falling into the water.

Does anyone remember the story about my DS, 9 at the time, sleepwalking outside of our stareroom at 2am on our last cruise? We still talk about that a lot. We had to barricade our door with luggage for the rest of the cruise.

Yah, Laura, cruising's great!!!

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

GAGWTA, Ladies!

I hope you are all doing well!

Mom had her "mega dose" of Taxotere this morning, but of course I have not heard from her so I don't know how it went. Hopefully it went fine and she is now set to start radiation!

Ah, cruising. DH is quite certain he NEVER wants to go on a cruise. Funny how the Travel Channel has opposite effects on different people! He watched something on how they built the ship in 2 halves and then welded them together. He says the ship will split in half one of these days, os we better not go on a cruise.

He had his vacation bid yesterday. Bless him, he decided to take his weeks back-to-back again so we are now going to WDW Aug. 1-15. Well, we will if I can get the stupid plane tickets sorted out. I should NOT have booked them so far ahead. The change fee for the tickets I bought for DS and me is $150 EACH. DH is booked with miles so there isn't a fee to switch dates, BUT the flights I wanted that were on the website yesterday afternoon were miraculously GONE when I called to change his ticket last night. So now he is booked for the right dates, but on less-than-terrific flights. I haven't done anything with the other 2 tickets yet because I am hoping MAYBE I can still switch DH to better flights and then buy the other 2 tickets to match. Ugh.

 

[annrae]

I agree with Linda - going on a Disney cruise is just the best. We have been on 3 now and have plans to take both of our children, 3 granddaughters December 2009 into January 2010. We will spend New Years Eve at WDW. It will only be the 4 day cruise to Nassau and we probably will not leave the ship in Nassau as there is so much to see and do on the ship and the crowds are great when mostly everyone is off to the islands. We would like to keep costs down also. It should be fun as this time we will have a new baby girl with us and she will be about 9 months old, so we will have a 9mo. old, a 14 year old and a 22 year old.

Laura, last cruise was in Sept. and we were between two hurricanes and the ship was really rocking and none of us were ill so you might be fine.

Hope everyone is doing well - Hugs to all of you. Barbara

 

[laurabelle]

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

Carol- Don't worry about all the "me"s and posting about yourself. Honestly, when everyone here posts about what is going on with them I never give that a second thought.

I was pretty chill throughout everything, and didn't need drugs, but I do know that you can start taking something the night before the procedure. They can give you either a pill with a sip of water (if they will allow it) or an I.V. of something that day.

Back when I was going through my testing for bc, my kids were only 2 and 4 yrs old, so I didn't tell them anything beyond I was going to the dr. having tests done, that's it. My mom had a breast biopsy, about a year before my breast cancer dx. She did tell us what was going on (we are all adult children). I was very concerned of course, but none of us freaked out or anything. She had it done in the same hospital. My sister is a nurse there, and my SIL's dad is the head of pathology there. He was able to call her ASAP with the results, which thankfully were B9! So from my perspective, yes, of course I wanted to know either way, if there was bad news, I would have some preparation, but thankfully I was able to celebrate the good news with her! Not only that, but it sort of set the stage for when I went through it myself.

I guess when to tell is more the question. Since Thanksgiving is over, your hubby's surgery is over, and you are on the schedule, I think now would be a good time. I know it's not easy, giving them something to worry about.

Elizabeth- I hope your mom's Tax. went well. It's exciting to be moving on through to the next step in her treatment. To step back for a second and see all that she has accomplished so far...
I saw that same cruising show and wondered the same thing as your hubby!
I'm glad your hubby was able to get two weeks in a row! Sorry you are having trouble sorting out the flights. I saw a cheap flight on Airtran for June and seriously thought about it...but didn't book it. If it was on SW, I would have jumped! Love their no change fee/flight credit policies!

Linda and Barbara- Thank you for the cruising info. I can tell how much you enjoyed DCL, it just shines through both your posts and makes me excited to try it! I guess the bigger concern for me is the cancellation policy, though I would definitely buy trip insurance, but I've never done that before so I need to find out how that works. I did read to buy it on your own as Disney charges $$$.

Linda, I do wonder if we should do another cruise line since my kids are pre/teen. They do still love Disney, but I don't know what it's like for older kids on the ship. Were there any teens in the big group you went with? I read about RC and my kids would be split up age wise there, which I don't want. On the Disney cruise they would be together. Lots to think about...

I am so tempted to book something...I saw an incredible price after lurking on the DCL board for June, but it is when school would still be in session unless we didn't use any snow days. Of course in high school they give finals the last week of school. I have no idea if there is a make up for it. We either have to go in June (after the 18th) or right before school starts (Aug. 31) because of the summer classes dd is taking. There is a good price on a cruise in late Aug...Of course we would have to get passports, and yes, I have to keep the price down so it's good to know you don't feel left out if you don't do a bunch of excursions. I can't drink on the meds I take, so I'm a cheap date!

Hubby wants to stick with our plans for this year, especially since the kids are excited about touring around the parks on their own some of the time. But I get a bug in my ear about something and want to do it NOW!!!

 

[lookingforward]

Hi everyone! I am finally off IV antibiotics and just taking some strong pills for one more week.Its been tough. I am all out of sick leave at work and when I get home I am exhausted. I feel very weak.

Cruising is an awesome way to spend a vacation. The prices have dropped dramatically too. Here in south Florida you can literally jump on a three or four n ight cruise for about $200. Amazing. We cruised disney once on the Wonder but unfortunately it had to be cut from four nights to three due to a hurricane (2005). On top of that we missed the private island. Still, we really enjoyed it. I would love to go back. There are a lot of good deals there too!

Grammynelliebellie, (I LOVE that name! ) I am usually racked with anxiety before medical procedures. They usually give me a xanex and it works well to take the edge off without making me completely loopy. It helps!

 

[snappy]

Great crusing info here! Thanks ladies!!!.


I only have done a Carnival cruise once with about 6-8 family and friends. The cruise line was not the best, but we had a blast. It was nice since it was a ship out of New Orleans and it was easy for us to all get together down there. It was also about 8 mos after my diagnosis and surgery and my first trip after all of that fun and games.
We had a lot to celebrate!!


I do have a goal of doing a Disney cruise. I can't see how we could do one cabin though, even if it is just Danielle. We always do two rooms at Disney, first because of DH's snoring, now because he has so much trouble going to sleep before using the CPAP machine.

Grammy, ask for warmed blankets while waiting for the procedure. I salivated for one while going with mom for all of her stuff, as I liked them so well when I did mine in 2004. As Laura says, you get cold, you can get the shakes (some of which is anxiety) but the warmness helps with calmness. I also had the benefit of music. I don't use an ipod (although I have bought 4 and we have had 3 shuffles) but they played calming music and that always transports me.

I would love to make more travel plans too, but all this economy stuff is creeping me out. I really wonder if our jobs are secure now. Another thing for me to worry about?

Barbara, your 2009 family trip sounds wonderful, especially the part about bringing all 3 grandaughters. You will have so much fun

 

[grammynelliebelle]

Hope everyone had a good weekend. Thanks for everybodys encouragement with my stressing about "telling" about the bx. I did decide to talk to my girls and everyone was fine. It really has taken a big amount of stress off. I think what Pea said about shoe on the other foot and also now that I have a date and DH is doing fine. I have pretty much decafed myself and have been wearing the "sports" bras to get used to them so I feel pretty prepared for this week. 3 DGK's came over today and we decorated gingerbread houses and made gingersnaps. The house smells really good. DD and kids are sleeping over tonight. Life is good. Grammy

 

[laurabelle]

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

Carol- I'm glad you are feeling on track and telling the family has lessened your burden. Yes, life is good!

Barbara- I just noticed that you mentioned a GrandDAUGHTER! I was right for once!

Maureen- I hope you are able to get all the rest you need to heal.

Hubby got a tragic call last night. His band mate's ex-wife (who lived with him and attends all their shows, complicated relationship) committed suicide in their home yesterday afternoon. They have 3 grown children (the youngest is getting ready to enter the military). The other band mate who called said that he had spoken with her on the phone for a few minutes...20 minutes after he hung up with her, her dd found her. She shot herself. Please keep this family in your prayers...