Dis Breast Cancer Survivors Part II -GAGWTA!

[laurabelle]

Laurie- That's so stressful...when do you get the results?

Isn't the news about Natasha Richardson just so, so sad. Church on Sun. was about this very subject, how you can be blindsided and everything in your life can change in a flash.

We canceled our Disney trip for this summer. I told hubby after his heart troubles, he needs to see his parents, who live in CO. We haven't flown out for a couple of years because the prices have been astronomical. So hubby has flown to see his parents on his own in between. My MIL's mom is in a nursing home and between that and work I don't see them flying here any time soon.

It's a long convoluted story, but hubby had a free reward flight and I managed to book the three of us on a flight to denver, then we are going to tampa to the beach for a week before flying back home, so in this way we are managing to do both for less than the cost of Disney.

I hope my kids live nearby when they grow up...I know we've talked about this before, it sucks.

 

[CherylDan]

Laura, Denver and then the beach sounds really nice! I've never been to Denver, but I hear it's a fun place. How is your DH doing these days?

Laurie, that sounds like quite the ordeal! Hmmm, mine seem to only take maybe a 1/2 hour with retakes and all. Makes me wonder if mine are too quick. Although I do not get any results while I'm there, perhaps that's part of the time difference.

Puppy is coming home on Saturday! I've been reading book after book, watching the Dog Whisperer every chance I get, and I think I'm ready. Just gotta get the food settled on, but I will stay with what the breeder is using at first. LOL, sometimes I think I'm way over thinking this stuff. I'm reminded of that comercial for, I think it was Luvs diapers, where the parents-to-be are planning all the perfect things until reality sets in!

I just need to complain a minute......I am just so sick of having to sort thru all the political crap on this board just to find something, anything, interesting! I don't post much, but I do like to read, but I find myself avoiding the CB more and more. Ok, rant over.

I hope everybody has a good day! GAGWTA!!

 

[laurabelle]

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

Cheryl- It's funny you mention that Luv's commercial...I was using the same example with hubby talking about college stuff with our oldest dd. I am so excited for you!

CO is gorgeous! My ILs moved there a few years ago, so I've only been twice. They live just outside of Denver and my SIL has a log cabin in Winter Park, which is a ski resort area. The Rockies are incredible! It's a very outdoorsy place and the sun shines something like 300+ days a year!

I agree all the political threads on the CB seem to take over. I see people urging the mods to create a P. board, I with they would.

I seem to be having an allergic reaction to the Methotrexate. Back around Christmas I had a small rash on my thigh that I spoke to the Dr. about it but he didn't think it was from the meds. When I restarted the Methotrexate I noticed the same rash in the same area a day or two after I took the shots. I inject in my stomach. It didn't bother me at any time, not itchy, I just noticed it as before.
Last night I took my 3rd shot and this morning I have a red pinprick type rash on my arms and trunk and I'm itchy. I took Benedryl and waiting to hear back from the Dr. Otherwise I am feeling fine.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

GAGWTA, Ladies!

Hope all of you are well!

Mom is in town, but I don't know if I will get to see her. She is supposed to spend the day with DS today, but I have to work. DS is adamant that he wants to spend the day with her BY HIMSELF, not do something as a group with DH, Princess and me. I would like to take her to dinner but I am sure my sister will demand that Mom is back before dinner time.

I may take Princess to the zoo, even though it has been packed to overflowing every day this week (Spring Break). DH drives past it on his way home from work and he said the traffic has been crazy. If we go we better plan to get there early!

Have a great Friday!!

 

[snappy]

At the place where I do testing, a radiologist reads the diagnostic ones before the victim er I mean patient leaves.

When they overschedule diagnostics and are also doing biopsies requiring a radiologist, you are stuck.

Same thing happened last year, as DH reminded me. I am not sure if I am just unlucky in my choice of appointment dates or if it is always that crazy.

The techs I spoke to said it is always that crazy. I think the doc had no backup and she was overwhelmed.

Not the scenarioin which I want my films read.

They looked at the area every which way but loose so to speak, and the verdict is: reduction scar tissue.

Although I have the normal trepidation of doing these, this year I worried a little more. I was realy to kick myself because I have been using this serum for my face and I don't know what is in it. I read by chance an article which said some skin lotions now has estrogen in it.

I don't know if the one I have been using has it or not. I am discontinuing until I get that answer.

Laura, I am glad you called the doc about the reaction. It sucks that you may be having a reaction from the med that is working. Keep us posted.

I think you will enjoy your Colorado trip. My sister lieved there in the 80's and my job took me there 3 weeks out of 4 for quite a few months while she lived there.

It is such a clean city. It was always a let down flying back in to the stinky New Orleans airport, especially in the hot humid summer.


Cheryl, years ago I read some of the CB threads. I tried to post a few times but felt like a target at target practice.

Now I don't even bother to read. I concentrate on the DVC boards, the resorts board and this thread.

Oh I think that is going to be one spoiled little puppy.

Elizabeth, I sure hope you get to see your mom today. Tell her hi for us!! And let us know how she is doing, please.

Going to the gulf coast this weekend for a soccer tournament. Shaping up to be a beautiful weekend weather wise. I am hurting a bit because after going to the gym yesterday after a long hiatus.

Let's just say I am feeling my years.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Hello, All!

Have had a busy workweek. Trying to get some stuff done around the house, too. As of Monday we are here 20 years and have accumulated a lot of stuff (in a little space). DH wants to get a dumpster soon to start pitching. I'm thinking what we can "sell". Still waiting for builder to let us know he's about to start so we can get the financing part going. He's slow but does great work. I'd just like to have my screen porch before summer's over.

Cheryl, congrats on puppy! We use Purina brands (One, and Pro Plan if I can't make it to special store) with Pedigree canned. I know there are a lot of new brands out there but we've used this forever and have had good luck with it. Whatever you use, try to stick with it as they can get diarrhea if you switch. I don't know anything about the brand you've chosen but would suggest you consider something that's got a good track record and is going to be around for the long haul. People put down Purina at times but they've been around for a long time and do plenty of research and such, so I'm comfortable with them.

A few books I'd suggest (you might have seen me post these on other threads): The Art of Raising A Puppy and How To Be Your Dog's Best Friend by the Monks of New Skete; and Good Owners, Great Dogs by Brian Kilcommons. These are classics and can often be found in used books stores.

I'm of the belief that when it comes to dogs, you often get out of it what you put into it, so it doesn't go to waste. My dog will be 5yo next month and what a challenge she's been! But I've started to see the payoff lately. She's really grown into a lovely dog but I do think if she'd been with someone who didn't put the time in, things might not have gone well. I have to laugh when people say how well trained she is. As if it magically happened. I want to say, "You have no idea how hard I've worked", but I usually just say "yes, she is". But don't get me started. I was close to flamed on a thread recently. I think that, like kids, everyone just has different ideas about how to raise dogs.

Laurie, how scary! They take a long time reading mine, too. Lots of scar tissue and still have a seroma in there (still painful). I am seeing my surgeon and have an MRI on Monday - both routine. My axillary area has been sore, but my onc didn't feel anything and my mamms were fine in Nov so I try not to worry. I've heard lots of stories lately about new BC cases.

Laura, a good friend of mine goes to CO a lot, I think to the area you mentioned. It sounds really beautiful. Enjoy. Strange about the rash, hope you figure it out. As for the colon, I'm a little confused. You still have UC but not to the point of needing it out? Or no UC? How is your DH doing?

LMP, continuing care nurses' jobs is to help streamline care. For all of us, discharge planning starts on the day of admission. It is required of us from those that oversee and accredit hospitals. It's not so much about money as it is efficiency. Prolonged stays do cost a lot of money. And if that money goes to waste then it's not available for other, more important things. People sometimes stay an extra day because they don't have a ride home. That's an enormous waste of money and could have been avoided with better planning. Most times things are more complex than a ride home, but you'd probably be surprised at the things that unnecessarily prolong a stay and how much it costs. I think everyone wants people to stay the right amount of time - not more, not less. http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/continuing+care+nurse

ETA I looked back and saw you said case manager, not continuing care. But it's kind of similar anyway. They look at efficiency and quality of the care you're receiving, making sure you're getting what you should be getting and that everyone's on the same page. I can see how someone might think they aren't working in their (ie the patient's) best interest, but really, they are. Sure, they'll help save money in the long run if things go well, but they also benefit you by overseeing your care. A Win-Win. We have case managers that call here for DH's needs and I just tell them we're all set, so I can relate somewhat. But just in the interest of knowing exactly what they do: http://www.medi-smart.com/profile7.htm

jsg, I'm glad you'll see your mother and that your son will get to spend time with her.

GAGWTA!

 

[dzee]

Laura, Denver and then the beach sounds really nice! I've never been to Denver, but I hear it's a fun place. How is your DH doing these days?

Laurie, that sounds like quite the ordeal! Hmmm, mine seem to only take maybe a 1/2 hour with retakes and all. Makes me wonder if mine are too quick. Although I do not get any results while I'm there, perhaps that's part of the time difference.

Puppy is coming home on Saturday! I've been reading book after book, watching the Dog Whisperer every chance I get, and I think I'm ready. Just gotta get the food settled on, but I will stay with what the breeder is using at first. LOL, sometimes I think I'm way over thinking this stuff. I'm reminded of that comercial for, I think it was Luvs diapers, where the parents-to-be are planning all the perfect things until reality sets in!

I just need to complain a minute......I am just so sick of having to sort thru all the political crap on this board just to find something, anything, interesting! I don't post much, but I do like to read, but I find myself avoiding the CB more and more. Ok, rant over.

I hope everybody has a good day! GAGWTA!!

Hey CherylDan,
Just went through the food dilemma when we got our puppy this past July. She is such a fussy eater!!! The breeder sent her home on Iams but that didn't last long. She stopped eating it about 4 days after we got her home. I think it dawned on her she didn't have to fight for her food with her litter mates ,and realized she didn't like it and she just stooped eating it!! Everything I tried was to no avail!!!We went to Royle Canine (which was told was one of the best) she ate that for a few weeks and then turned her nose up at that too!! We then tried the frozen BILJack and that also was a no go!! We finally decided to try the stuff we swore we wouldn't ;WET FOOD!! Was told by some who had small dogs it wasn't good for their teeth!! She liked it at first and then started to turn up her nose at it??!!! We tried all kinds from organic to generic and still fussy!!! She is a picker so I just figure she will eat when she's hungry! It usually takes a whole day for her to eat a small can. But that doesn't stop her from sitting at your feet and staring at you when your eating your meals!!! The vet said she will eat when she is hungry and gave me vitamin supplement to give her everyday!! I just worry because she is only 3 lbs and I don't want to see her get health problems!! The vet costs more than my doctors!!
My advice is wait and see what the breeder sends with the pup. From my experience it's just trial and error !! The pup will let YOU know if it's liking the food or not!! Hope your pup isn't as fussy cuz it's sooo frustrating when they won't eat!!! Post when you get the pup and let us know!!!

Hope everyone is having a better day today than yesterday!!! Sending warm thoughts your way!!!

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Good morning ladies.

Well I went to the radiation oncologist yest. and lets just say I left there feeling very

Of course I had to ACTUALLY PULL information out of her. I asked her about the columnar cell variant, which is what I have. She said last time it was agressive and she will treat is agressively by uping the radiation dose. I told her I read stuff on the internet etc. I asked her what are the statistics again and she said, ready for this, there are none!! I asked her how many patients a year do you have with this and ready....she says 1, maybe 2 at most. So I am her 1 rare one this year. My heart sank, Why didnt she tell me this last time. She said its stage 4 since it has spread to the lymph nodes. The nurse told me you have about 200 lymph nodes in your neck and my surgeon took out 47, so that is about 25% of them already. I told her I read the survival rate is alot less etc. I told her I read it spreads to the lungs and bone, She said no, if it spreads she thinks it will come back in my neck again. She didnt say one positive thing to me. That was totally depressing. I am glad I have faith in God because that is what keeps me going. Also my DH is so encouraging and I know the people at my church are always praying for me.
If she knows anything I think she should tell me since this is MY LIFE we are talking about here.

DH said not to tell the ds anything. They have their own lives and dont need to stress out about this right now too. etc.

I wanted something to hold onto and she gave me nothing. I lost another 12 lbs. due to the wonderful bowel obstruction. She did say she will not do the radiation until after the wound is completely healed. So then she says she will be on vacation from april 6-17 and will come back on the 20th so thank you Passover and Spring Break in NY. Now she put me down lst for when she comes back. So I should get the 2 shots and have the radiation around April 21-23. Then I guess it will always be testing and wait, watch and see. I guess I didnt and still dont understand stuff since the surgeon and endo, who was the one who discussed the biopsy in length, said, oh dont worry, you will be o.k. Gheesh, what does that mean. I have to go to the endo on mond. Ds is driving me. I dont think I will have him go in with me. I want to ask her some of this stuff in detail etc.

I saw a girl there who was 38 I heard her tell the nurse,. She was very pretty and had so much beautiful hair etc. I wanted to go up to her and say you are just too pretty and young to have cancer!!! I saw alot of sick people there and my heart went out to them and I guess I am blessed to be where I am right now. I told her I am a fighter and will fight, DH is trying to be so positive for me right now. I feel like I am having a pity party, but I want to squash it quick for sure.

Eliazabeth - Hope you have a good time visiting with your mom

Cheryl - enjoy your new puppy

Laura - Hope the rash goes away and that you enjoy your summer trip

Laurie - You remind me of what we need to do this summer. I am such a paperwork pack rat etc.

Hope everyone has a great spring week end.

Blessings to you all.

 

[laurabelle]

Linda- Oh, I'm still a UC patient. The cure from a medical standpoint is removal of the entire colon. Right now I have no evidence of disease.

I have to see if benedryl takes care of the reaction and if it does I need to use it as a premed before my next injection.

Maryann- I'm sorry she left you feeling alone out there. I know you will find your strength. I wish I could write more but I'm on my laptop and the benedryl has me so sleepy...saying prayers for you sista.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I wouldn't start any conversation with a doctor by saying you read something on the internet. It causes because there's so much misinformation out there and things aren't always well understood. It's better to say, "My understanding is that..." and "could you explain this further and how it applies in my case" without mentioning the internet.

lmp, I completely understand your fear right now. I felt the same way when I was first diagnosed. It seemed that what I had, very few else had. But remember that thyroid cancer in general is very treatable. That's good and may be what you have to hold onto. Saying it would come back (which unfortunately is the reality that some cancers do) to the neck would be a good thing, as a local recurrence can usually be dealt with. It's the distant stuff that is the biggest problem and it sounds like they weren't overly concerned with that happening, probably because it's not what they've seen in their experience, and I'm sure they've seen loads of thyroid cancers. Again, hold onto that and try not to read anything else into it.

I've often mentioned here that when my treatment was over, I wanted to burn the Susan Love Breast Book because it was so downright scary to me. It seemed that everything was doom and gloom. But that wasn't the reality. My first oncologist wasn't always real positive about my case, but she wasn't overly negative either. It kind of drove me nuts because I needed to hear I was going to be ok. I never heard that from anyone. But what I heard was that what I had was curable (once, from my RO) and that we'd given it our best shot, now we hope for the best. That wore on me so badly, it almost made me nuts. Like, after all I've been through, that's the best you can offer me? But it was what I had to hold onto.

But now that I'm over 5 years out, I can see differently. And so can they because they're outside of the situation (which is good and bad). We have to pick good docs and then have faith in the trust we put in them. They've devoted their lives to this, they want to help us, even if they've lost some of the enthusiasm they may have had when they were new to it or some manners and projection of hope in the process. Hope I've said this right, I just don't want you to be as terrified as I was. And that's not to say you don't have the right to be. Just that there is lots of hope you are going to do well like those of us here.

 

[CherylDan]

OK, trying this again.....for the 3rd time! Everytime I try to submit, I lose my internet connection. Soooo.....here's goes again. Condensed version this time!

Laura....how's the rash doing today?

JSK....did you get to visit with your mom? How is she doing?

Laurie...enjoy the soccer tournament!

Linda & dzee....thanks for the insight! Linda, I'll have to be on the lookout for those books you mentioned. So far I've read "A Member of the Family" and "My Smart Puppy", along with several bichon specific books. dzee, thanks for the heads-up about the puppy not liking the food - lol, honestly that didn't even occur to me!

LMP....You know what? I think it's important to have a pity party every now and then - it's a good way to reduce stress. I'm sorry your appt. left you feeling so upset. Sounds like your DH is doing a great job of being there for you. How are you feeling about things today?

Well, we are off shortly to go pick up our puppy! I'll post some pictures of him later.

Have a good day, everybody! GAGWTA!!!

 

[snappy]

Back from the Mississippi coast tournament.

Too much sun for me.

How is Puppy?

Thinking of you LMPand hoping you get more answers from the endocrinolist Monday. It seems like an endo with the right background would be crucial in your case, perhaps one who has done extensive research?

I am glad your DH is so caring. I bet your DS's will step up too as they understand more about what you are going through. Kids tend to be self centered though, regardless.


What is up with the boards?

 

[CherylDan]

GAGWTA!!!

Thought I'd post a few pictures of Charlie.....we've been having a great time with him! He really likes his leash....as you can see, he managed to wrap it around my foot and thought he take it for a walk! LOL

Don't know what's up with these boards today....but it sure has been slow. I sure was happy to see the new rule about no political stuff.

How was everybody's weekend?

 

[laurabelle]

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

Maryann- How are you sista? I hope you had a good weekend. I think we all know the toughest part of having cancer is overcoming fear. It's a battle that is fought and won over and over. For the past week, something keeps going through my head, and as I talk to God about it, I have gained new insight on it...I will fear no evil.

Linda- You always have such terrific advice from both viewpoints...both as a patient and as a medical professional.

Laurie- I hardly post anywhere but here on the GAGWTA thread. It's amazing how many people are poised and ready to pounce and tear others to shreds. ugh...who needs it. I find it much more interesting to see how much common ground we share...

Cheryl- Charlie is adorable! "And they call it puppy luv!" I have not been on here at all since I last posted, so yay about the no political posts rule! Now back to Disney Magic!

The rash is gone. I took Benedryl 3x Fri., which is kind of a blur. I guess I'll be taking it as a premed from now on. He hasn't had any other patients with this allergic reaction...sounds familiar! I've been told that a few times over the years about various things that my docs have never seen present before. That allergic reaction sure wasn't the strangest one.

Hubby and I are getting our plans finalized for the kitchen remodel. Ikea is having their kitchen sale and we need enough appliances to qualify to get 20% off. I'm close to being ready, but not quite there yet. We don't know when we will actually start on it. I don't want him to feel pressured.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

GTAGTA Sistas

Well I had a good week end. I went to church yest. Everyone was very nice to me and talking to me etc. Our church is having a big 50th anniv. at a restraunt . I signed us up but told them I cant eat anything because I will be on the lovely diet!! Went traveling around with dh. He had to go to work etc. So it was good to get out of the house.

Today ds1 took me to the endo. I love this lady. I told her the rad. onc. needs to take lessons from you!! She told me she has another pt. with this, a guy, and yes his has come back in his lymph nodes, so more surgery, more diet and more radiation. So I guess in the next 3 years I will have this to look forward to again. She said its chronic and has to be managed as such. She did say my 1 number was good. It was something like 2.2, They really want it lower, but I havent had the radiation yet, so they dont know what it is. She said his was something like 80, so that is a big indicator that cancer is back, the lower the number the better. Wow, I can't believe this because this guy should also be the patient of the onc. and she didnt say anything. I guess she is a little more into the confidentiality stuff. But my wonderful endo is giving me info which I so badly want etc. I am a little scared about the surgery again, especially since I almost died during the other one. I told dh on the phone he better sit with me for the lst 24 hours etc.

Tomm. I am going to the surgeon. DH will take me to this one. So hopefully he will take the staples out and I can drive. DH said the wound opening is getting smaller so I hope its healing the way it should and not too soon as that would not be good they said.

Then the endo tells me I need some other test at the hosp. 2 weeks after the radiation. This is when dh will be in canada all week, so I asked ds2 to take me. I will wait if he is in college etc. I will have to work around his schedule or maybe ds1 can do it. I dont like driving to that hosp. Too many roads etc. etc. Plus I am already stressing about what is going to happen etc. so my concentration is somewhere out in left field for sure!!

I talked to the principal of the ds old school. He had surgery like this for cancer of his neck and mouth. He had the same nurse I got the other day!! She was so nice and he said another former teacher at the school whom I knew, a guy, had lymphoma and he had the same rad. onc. I had and he LOVED her!! Gheesh!!

Cheryl - your puppy Charlie is so cute!!!

Sorry I am obsessing about myself ladies. But I think of you all and what you go through each day too. Blessings to you all!! Hopefully tomm. I will have some good news. I also have to go for some blood test from the endo in the next day or two also.

 

[NHAnn]

GAGWTA!!

Cheryl....Charlie is just adorable! thanks for sharing the pics!! I am historically not really a "dog person" but if/when I ever got one, I would want a little cutie like that!!

Sorry I am obsessing about myself ladies. But I think of you all and what you go through each day too. Blessings to you all!!

lmp...please do not think of your posting as "obsessing about yourself". I know I am not alone here in appreciating the updates, and also in understanding that it can be very helpful/therapeutic to type it out. Thinking of you and sending prayers and good thoughts!

Linda- You always have such terrific advice from both viewpoints...both as a patient and as a medical professional.

My thoughts exactly Laura....thank you Linda!!

I came home early from work today ....had a little mishap invovling blood donation. We had a Red Cross bloodmobile and I usually give, so I did....but afterwards the "clot broke" (once back in office), my arm was bleeding all over the place so I had to go back out where they quickly stopped it and retaped it. I was OK til a couple of hours later when I suddenly felt woozy, clammy/sweaty and my vision started fading ...I thought "hmmmm...I now know what it means to "feel faint" " (I have never fainted in my life). I stayed in my chair and used the phone to call a coworker (no one ever walks by my office when you want them to, right?) To make a long story short DH came to get me. Laid down for a couple of hours with my feet up on pillows, and am now on the couch ...still feeling really weak/tired but trying to hydrate as I guess that and time are the only cure for what ails me! Never a dull moment, eh??

Hope you all had a good Monday!

 

[lookingforward]

Hi ...best wishes to everyone. I don't know how to cut and paste posts to reply to everyone. I am doing okay...working hard. Had my three month check up which went well except I am anemic so I am going to have six iron shots in my keester. OUCH! Last time I had them I was pregnant with my daughter. I chose the iron shots because then I did not have to risk lymphodema with an IV. Anyway, it would still be six infusions...so its better all the way around. HOpefully it will make me feel better. I am soooooooooo tired. My tumor markers were normal so thats good.

Okay..I gave in to temptation. I called disney today and booked the poly for 40% off this weekend. We arrive Sunday and leave Monday. It'll be a quick trip, but fun. I am thinking about extending one more night.

GAGWTA

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

GAGWTA, Ladies!

Laura - Yay for a new kitchen!!

Cheryl - Yay for a new pup! He is adorable! So cuddly looking!

Maureen - Yay for a trip to WDW!!!

Hope everyone is doing well.

I got to see Mom on Friday night. She is doing OK. Has about an inch of hair now, but she still wears her little "turban". Her arm and hand are VERY swollen, she hates the exercises so she doesn't do them. Hoping to figure out a time to take DS up to see her - he was so sad when she left.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I saw a great sign on a bus today. It said:

Dear Cancer,

I have a lot of walking left to do.

So get out of my way!

Love,

Me

I had an interesting Monday. I met with my breast surgeon for routine follow up and she "graduated me", ie I don't have to go anymore. I mentioned the things that have been bothering me and she said they're all normal changes after surgery and radiation. OK. Guess I'll be living with the discomfort forever.

Then I went to my next appt which was my yearly MRI. They took me to a different, "stronger" MRI machine. Holy CRAP! It was the most bizarre MRI I've ever had. First, I felt my back get really HOT. Then, at one point, when the machine kicked in, my right hip "kicked out" and I felt strange sensations all over. I also had pulsations in the area of my ovaries which really made me , like WTH? Also about halfway through I noticed the fingers on my left hand tingling and I realized I forgot to take my wedding rings off. But being kind of scared in there today, I "wrapped myself" in a protective white light and asked my guardian angels to keep me safe. That was all I could do. I was counting the minutes until it finally ended. In typical fashion, nobody there really thought much of it.

The nice thing was that I met a really nice Sista on the way out. I was kicking myself for not giving her my email address. She was in treatment and sounded like she didn't have a lot of people to talk to. But while we were talking she got called in (poor thing got to experience that lovely machine after me) so I never got a chance. She seemed like she had a great spirit, though. I mentioned the above quote and she seemed to like that, at least.

Cheryl, the dog is adorable! Thanks for posting pics. My Smart Puppy was also written by Brian Kilcommons and his wife, Sara Wilson, the same authors of Good Owners, Great Dogs. I've taken one of Sara's classes, she's awesome. Keep us up to date on how things are going!

Ann, sorry that happened and hope you're feeling better tonight.

Maureen

GAGWTA

 

[snappy]

Congratulations, graduate!!

And love the quote! Simple, but effective!

I suspect my surgeon may give me the boot too on April 15th or at least by the next visit next fall at the latest.

It is funny, they ask you how you feel, any pain, etc. Then they say, that is normal.

I guess it has to be drastic to diagnose any thing that way.


Cheryl that dog is a cutiepie. Is he sleeping well?

I love the Good owner good dog book. I gave my copy to a coworker. I think I'll check the used book stores for another like Linda suggested.

I had forgotten they lived in your area. I should ship Naj up there for a full treatment.

She is sweeter but still so high energy. I think DD18 picked a dog to match her personality, not ours. Well, it will only be 3 more years till she graduates and gets custody again..

Maureen, great idea for a getaway. I hope you get the perfect room. How is your dad? Hope the injections give you a big boost.

Ann, no more blood donations for you for awhile, girl! How are you feeling this am?

LMP, I am glad you had such a good visit with the endocrinologist. I hope you are healed enough to get the staples out today. Please let us know.

Please don't worry about obsessing here. We all do it, all the time on various subjects. It is a very effective type of therapy I think to be able to share the fears and hopes this way. We can share stuff here that we can't with our families, even the husbands.

Elizabeth, I am sorry to hear how swollen your mom's hand and arm are. Sounds like she was minimizing it all. It must be so uncomfortable. How can she work like that?