Dis Breast Cancer Survivors Part III - GAGWTA!

[lookingforward]

Hi everyone, sorry to have been out of touch lately. I am praying for Alyssa! Its so hard to catch up when you have been off the boards for a while. I am thinking of all of you!

School started here last week so we have been busy getting everyone into the routine. Lots to do, shopping, doctor appointments, etc. My daughter started her last year of elementary school. But since I have been diagnosed with BC it kind of makes me feel safer the older she gets...like I am still here for her. Weird.

I joined facebook and that has been an interesting ride. Friends from elementary school are finding me...its kind of cool. I have been working so very hard and still dealing with a lot of pain in my neck and nueropothy in my feet. I get really down about it! Can't wait to get to disney in October.

GAGWTA!

 

[Candy30]

Hi Everyone! GAGWTA!

I am just getting caught up and checking in. No other news about my job.There was a big meeting with converence call that I couldn't attend today. But I guess I will found out tomorrow because DS 4 wisdom teeth came out today and it was scary him coming out of the anesthia. Took him over an hour and the last 15 minutes they were thinking of sending him to ER. He is wide awake now and remembers nothing! I took note of the drugs so I can remember for later.

LF- Keep your chin up and Disney is not far away!!!

Jacks- thanks for all your encouragement!

LMP- I think if you can handle the gym "expose", would be better than the smaller. I just think of the germs. I hope you are healing well.

HONU- Where are you girl?!?! "Hootie Hoot"! Calling you out!

Snappy- At the beginning of the day take a deep breath and start the new day. It's ok to be grumpy sometimes.

Laura- Hope you are healing well. Thinking about you.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Good afternoon ladies

Maureen - good to see you posting. Sorry you are dealing with the pain issues. An Oct. trip sounds nice.

Lisa - How are you sista? Long time, no post, hope you are o.k.

Laura - I hope you are healing each day and that you got to spend some time in the pool. (O.K. jealous I am)

Alice - praying for your upcoming surgery

Elizabeth - do you ever go to the state fair?

Candy - will I fit in your suitcase??

Things are going GREAT today ... how great you might ask??? The endo fellow from the hospital called and said my endo was on vac. but she wanted to give me my ultrasound report..(drumroll) and Praising God, jumping up and down taking place, well not literally on the jumping part), the test shows everything is cancer free and the lymph nodes look good. Showers of blessings pouring on me from above. Then I call the Physical Therapy place. I picked the house as it has a ramp and its by the one hospital in case something happens to me etc. Well she said, yes they take the ins. and they will see me thurs. They wanted tomm. I said no as dh will come with me. Hmm, guess they are starving for business. I guess there are not alot of injuries in the summer and I saw that too on the ortho floor in the hosp. Got my one ds tuition bill for school straightened out, now to work on the college kids stuff, sigh, sigh.

GTAGWTA, Thinking of you all. Blessings to all always.

 

[honugirl]

GAGWTA!

Sorry I kind of dropped off the grid there for a bit. I'm having a really rough time right now and when I am, I kind of just go into my own little world.

I met with a surgeon about a week and a half ago. He's agreed to do the surgery on the condition that one of the endocrinologists signs off on it and agrees to cover me while I'm in the hospital. This is becoming next to impossible to have happen, so I'm waiting to talk to my endo in LA. I think I'm going to go down there and have it done, which is really a big blow to me. I really wanted the next surgery to be done close to home. The surgeon I want is totally awesome! I just can't crack the endo nut. I'm too tired these days to do much traveling so that's going to take a lot out of me. The only good thing is that if I can find a guy in LA, I can go to Disneyland.

The medication I'm taking finally kicked in big time last week and I was really sick! I was riding back up to my house on the train hoping I was going to die, that's how bad I felt.

So as Dori says, I'm trying to "Just keep swimming" and maybe I'll get there.

I'm still trying to decide whether or not to go back to my support group here. I really love the women in it, they're awesome!!!!!!!! I really don't like the moderator though. She made some comments to me before I left that I felt were really inappropriate for a moderator to make. So I may just go to lunch with them from now on, which is a bummer 'cause not everyone goes to lunch.

So, hope everyone is doing well.

Hugs!!!!!!!

 

[Aliceacc]

Hang in there Honu, and don't sweat the location. Big picture: getting better is what matters, not where you go to do it.

LMP-- sounds like great news!

GAWTA to all. Things here are winding up as summer ends-- my husband starts school next Monday. I should be starting Tuesday but am having surgery that day instead. I just found out today that, contrary to what they told me last week at the doctor's office, I'll be staying overnight. So that makes the next morning a little tricky in terms of the kids... I'll have to figure that out.

But all is well, hope everyone is feeling great!

 

[honugirl]

Hang in there Honu, and don't sweat the location. Big picture: getting better is what matters, not where you go to do it.

True enough Alice. It gets really expensive when you have to pay to stay in a hotel for a week+ after surgery. They boot you out of the hospital after a day or 2, but expect you to stay in town for a week+ afterward in case you have issues. I've been in a really bad mood lately because there's more to the fight that I'm going through right now. I hear different things from different doctors and I sit and wonder who's right??

LMP-- sounds like great news!

Yay for physical therapy! Sounds like things are really starting to come together.

GAWTA to all. Things here are winding up as summer ends-- my husband starts school next Monday. I should be starting Tuesday but am having surgery that day instead. I just found out today that, contrary to what they told me last week at the doctor's office, I'll be staying overnight. So that makes the next morning a little tricky in terms of the kids... I'll have to figure that out.

But all is well, hope everyone is feeling great!

Hopefully dealing with the kiddos isn't too hard and you get things sorted out easily.

 

[MerryPoppins]

LMP, great news! I'm happy for you. And I was actually going to vote for the house. They might be less busy and probably less contact with germs. But probably all of them would have been okay.

Hono, I'm sorry you're feeling so bad. I agree, that getting well is the important thing. If you can get scheduled somewhere, go for it.

Classes started yesterday for my kids. DS has a terrible cold that his girlfriend shared with him. DD is healthy, but still adjusting to the new environment. Her SPD issues are giving her fits, but she's slowly adjusting. So far, her classes aren't too bad.

Meanwhile, I'm slowly adjusting to an empty nest. Seems really weird.

GAGWTA!

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Good afternoon ladies

Lisa - So sorry you are dealing with all of this stuff. I agree with everyone else, it doesnt matter where you have the surgery, its your health that matters most. I can testify to that, look I went to the closest place to home and almost wound up dead, I could have went to NYC etc. Think about YOU, not WHERE. Also thinking, does any of the hotels that would be close to the hosp. offer some kind of patient discount etc. I am sure they would etc. Maybe the social work dept. has a list etc. That might cut down on costs etc. I am sending you a big ol sista. I think the support group is still good. I wish they had one here for my cancer.

Sha - where are you sista? Hope you are all o.k.

Linda - I am sure you got kids and baseball on your schedule right now.

Laura - I just found out ds is not going to the Night of oy. There were not enough kids that signed up this year, I guess its the economy etc.

Melissa - wow, I got a while to go on the empty nest, but its sounds great. Ah, perchance to dream

I am vanless today, hence a prisoner in the house. I think it needs a tune up, etc. Hope its nothing major $$. Ds had a nosebleed again. He doesnt go back to the surgeon for almost 3 weeks. I dont think ds21 had a good time at the wedding with the witch girl. I talked to her briefly. She seemed nice, not bubbly the way I remember her. She was dressed o.k. and ds said it was really disorganized and the reception was just finger food so he was really hungry when he got home. Glad this is not going any where.

GTAGWTA, Blessings to you all. Have a great day.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

GAGWTA, Ladies!!

Maryann, we did go to the Fair one day last year because my boss gave us free passes. We took DS out of school for the day. He gets a day off from school, but NO WAY do I want to go to the Fair with all of the hoodlum high school kids. The Fair tends to be a lot of the same stuff year after year, so we don't go every year. Besides, for the amount of money we would rather go to WDW!
YAY for a good report and for finding a location for PT!

Honu - Hang in there! I hope you are able to work out the details of your surgery soon!

Alice - I hope your surgery goes well!!

Laura - Hope you are feeling better each day!

Melissa - Glad to hear Amy is adjusting OK!

Maureen - I really like FaceBook. I joined back in January.
I hope the neck pain and neuropathy are subsiding!

DS started school yesterday, and I am already preparing to do battle with the school. Hopefully they will just adjust his schedule to where it needs to be and we can move on. They have him repeating a PE class he took last year (that he made an "A" in), his math class is 5th period when the Dr. SPECIFICALLY said he needs a morning class so he will be able to focus and absorb the info, and they put him in ROTC which he never asked for and we did not authorize. Way too much drama for the first week of school.

 

[Aliceacc]

Not a happy camper!!!!!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Two phone calls today which did NOT make me happy!!!!

1) The hospital called. I was supposed to go in at 7:45 am tomorrow for pre-surgical testing. But it seems that the doctor's office did not forward them the insurance info so it has to be postponed till 7:15 am Friday. I know it's ACROSSS THE STREET!!!!! but it seems that only one person in the entire office is capable of dealing with it, and she works part time, only 3 days week, and she was already out of the office when they called. She's the same one who had the job of calling me in June to tell me that someone in their office had scheduled my surgery during the surgeon's vacation, causing it to be postponed from 8/18 until the first day of school.

Did I mention that Friday I also have to be at school, for New Teacher Orientation? Or that I also have to see my PCP for surgical clearance??? So much for Peter's last real day of vacation!!


While we're at it, the same woman informed me earlier this mornng that, while the insurance didn't OK an "admitted" stay, I can expect to stay for 23 hours-- so it's overnight, along with the childcare issues that brings up. (Not so much overnight, but early the next day while Peter returns to work.) Yet last week the doctor told me it would be outpatient. Maybe they do have to split hairs when they speak to the insurance company, but I wish they would speak plain English to the rest of us.

2) Twenty minutes later, we got an electronic message from the middle school. The orientation program originally scheduled for TOMORROW NIGHT, the one that has been on the calendar ALL SUMMER, has been postponed until next Wednesday night: the day I get released from the hospital.

I am one cranky person at the moment!!! Why do I sometimes feel like no one ELSE cares about being competant at their jobs????

 

[laurabelle]

Hi all. I'm back in the hospital. I have a small wound infection, got it packed, on i.v. antibiotics. CT scan showed fluid that needs a drain, getting that done tomorrow, it will be in at least a week. And I have a blood clot in my belly, but it's not bad, just need to go on blood thinners.
I'm the poster child for something...not sure what!

 

[Aliceacc]

I'm the poster child for something...not sure what!

I think I'll have that tattooed on my forehead!

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Oh, no, Laura! I am sorry to hear that! Sending you TONS of hugs and healing thoughts!!!

 

[lookingforward]

Laura, I am keeping you in my thoughts and wishing you a quick recovery!

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Laura - sending you lots of and prayers for healing.Heah, can we both be poster children, wait no, um poster sistas for wound infections??? Wow, I sure hope you dont have to have a wound vac machine. But at least it seems like they have things under control and are on top of everything. My heart goes out to you.

Alice - I am sorry you have to deal with this scheduling nightmare. I had to deal with that too with surgeon #2 scheduler, she put me in the wrong place, changed the date etc. Nothing like a little change to rattle your nerves when its the last thing you need right now. I am sending you a big ol too. Hang in there sista!!My ds had something on comedy central today about Long Island, I would be banned from the dis if I told you about it. But I know you would find it hysterical.

Oh I will be vanless again tomm. and thus a prisoner in the house, sigh, sigh. The shop didnt even touch my van today dh said.

 

[snappy]

Wow, I am really behind on everyone. I don't think I am receiving my email updates when you girls post.

That is just wrong!!

I hate what is happening to everyone medical wise with all the complications. Laura, of course the infection is no one's fault, hugs to you dear.

But many of the rest with changes, postponements, difficult docs (as in endos), what is up here.

It makes it that much harder to get well to go on with your life.

One thing for sure, you guys are strong in body and spirit and will prevail!!!

It bears repeating, you will overcome these obstacles. In fact that process will only make you stronger. Wait until you get past it and look back.

I am thinking encouragement is in order and has its place here. I hope you all don't see this as too much cheerleading. I just see from many of your posts how far each has come on your individual journey. It is truly amazing. Everyone's journey is unique and difficult in its own way. But the progress is staggering and gives me hope.

You guys help me keep my relatively minor trials and tribulations in perspective. Not to mention give inspiration of what can be accomplished through sheer will power and strength of character.

Whew!! Not sure where that came from, but I had to say it.

More later, work now. GAGWTA to all of my friends here.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I agree, Laurie. What a group of Warriors we have here!

Have been following along and have you all in my prayers.

Linda - I am sure you got kids and baseball on your schedule right now.

Actually, baseball ended after the World Series win two weeks ago. I've had a little breathing room since then and trying to just catch up with our friends and get some things done around the house. I took this week off - it's the last week before my kids start Middle School (and I have mixed emotions about it, as I'm sure those of you with kids can understand).

I've also been working on my pictures, which is sucking up a huge amount of time. I'll post a few here from our trip to Niagara Falls this summer.

GAGWTA

 

[snappy]

So middle school must mean a move to another school in your area, Linda?

Our DD13 is in 8th which is the final grade at her school. Catholic schools here generally have elementary and middle at the same campus. The older kids are mostly in the middle school building.

But I am dreading high school next year.

Condolences to you and your neighbors over the lost of Senator Kennedy. I have been reading some of the opinion page columns this morning by both liberal and conservative writers.

I was impressed by the accolades.

I am trying to figure out a balance at work, thinking of setting some boundaries where I at least have Fridays off. I am needing some time to myself. Even though it was crazy getting DS21 off for college (with his broken elbow) and getting ready for DD19's boy friend when DD19 and Jonny arrived an hour later, I enjoyed the day I took off last Friday. I cleaned areas that had been blocked by college "stuff" all summer, found lost items in the eleventh hour, delivered advice, cleaned his room after he left, fixed a quick lunch for DD19 and her Jonny when they arrived, consoled her when she misplaced her phone and was rejected by the AT&T place (don't ask), flew over to pick up the now found cell phone before the doctor's office she left it at closed at 5 pm on a Friday, and ended up buying her a new one.

AFter all of that I fixed a primo shrimp dinner and smiled happily.

And all that was better than work, I tell you.

I just wonder how in the world I am going to cram all the work in 4 days and still try and exercise, etc.

Not as spry as I used to be.

The one readily available bingo worker we have for our non-profit is very ill. Please pray for Clarice. We are scrambling to cover our bingo sessions. Luckily I have not been drawn in yet to do it, although I offered. It is good because I am not sure if I can make it until 11 pm after working all day.

Hope everyone has a good day today.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Good afternoon ladies

Laura - I hope your body is getting adjusted to the drain and you arent having too much pain

Candy - Have your finished your t shirts yet?

Laurie - Wow, you sound like a super woman!!

Lisa - How is it going? Hmm, I keep thinking of the realy old Helen Reddy song, I Am Woman and think of you!! You are strong !!

Alice - I cant believe your pre op is so close to the surgery date. The hosp. (SB)here makes you do it like 2 weeks ahead, minimum.

O.K. so I was watching access hollywood or something like that last night, or Entertainment tonight. They were talking about Michael Jackson and, of course, I miss the whole thing, but they actually have an anesthesiologist on from my hosp. commenting on stuff, gheesh!!

Glad dh has off from work today, we got alot accomplished, went to the grocery store and then ran home, I made ds lunch, and before that I had to throw his lifeguard stuff in the wash, then dh took me to the physical therapy place. The receptionist was nice, the guy was nice,. He said normally I should have 3 sessions a week, but with all my other problems he thinks I can only handle 2. So dh watched and he explained everything. Right now my L shoulder is completely frozen. He said frozen shoulders and Knee replacements are the 2 worst physical therapy rehabs. So I told him it was o.k. if he hurt me etc. He showed dh that my back L shoulder looks like a body builder because the wrong muscles have taken over it and are being used, so he has to fix that etc. I actually feel a little less stiff right now. Dh has to massage it alot each day to loosen up the muscles first etc. The pt guy said it would take a while, I said o.k. but we are looking at another surgery in the not too distant future etc. Then we had to run to a public school place to get ds books, then to the private school to get the christian books, (saw alot of teachers and they said how good it was to see me, they were praying for me etc.) ran home for lunch, then picked up my van, its still not done yet and needs to go to another shop etc. But at least its driveable. I think dh has an appt, for it tomm. Also multi tasking ourselves in the car and calling for hair cut appts,. for dh, checking on the credit card, the pt place said it wasnt working, but its fine, calling the phone co. to fix the phone etc. Hmm and here I am.

Gtagwta, blessings to you all,.

 

[Aliceacc]

LMP, get the boys to batten down the hatches for TS Danny!

I did it this morning, moving the pool chairs off the deck (so they don't land in the pool and rip the lining) and putting an assortment of stuff in the garage. Then I went down the block and did it for my friend, who is upstate on vacation. (She's going to think I've lost my mind if this blows out to sea. All her heavy chairs are upside down (less surface area available to the wind), her flag is in her (unlocked) front porch, all her hanging plants are down...)