Dis Breast Cancer Survivors Part III - GAGWTA!

[Realgrumpy]

We never lost power. We are good.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

We never lost power. We are good.

Wow, you were blessed for sure!! We are going out to eat. Call me paranoid, but we have 2 pkgs. of frozen meat in the freezer so I want to save it just in case for right now.

And after cooking alot and not seeing dh for a long time, I am ready for a little break, now to find someplace that is open.

My one ds lifeguards at an apt. complex in central brookhaven and they have no electricity and are none too happy. I feel for them.

 

[Realgrumpy]

Enjoy your night out.

 

[smiley_face2]

hey there ladies! glad you all in the storm area are doing all right! I saw the surgeon today, he was shocked I'd not had an MRI, or PET or even a CAT scan or a bone scan....I will be talking to the oncologist at the cancer agency about that tomorrow. He said I know it looks like it but they really are not a fly by night operation!! If I'd stayed right here in my little hometown with my local dr.s that would have all been done, instead I go to the big city major center with all the specialists and this happens Anyway it's going to be a pretty large area removed, he said I can have reconstruction done later. we will see how things go for now. It is the same cancer that has come back, so some of the cells left behind that did not get killed off by the chemo. I get my surgery on wed. morning and they are keeping me at least overnight. He asked me how I am coping with all this, and I broke down crying and told him about our son...he was so aghast that was us, he was one of the dr.s who worked on him at the hospital that day. He said don't know if it helps any, but Ken did not suffer, he died instantly from the log hitting his head. I had always wondered and had night and day mares about him suffocating from the log crushing him or that he died alone at the hospital before I got there, but now I know that did not happen, so it answered questions I was too afraid to ask, so that was a relief. I was always too afraid to ask hubby for too many details too, it traumatises him even more every time we talk about it. It also ends up that the couple, who were good friends with my son and daughter in law, that my son had been visiting the night before he died, well she is the booking nurse at the OR at the hospital, she said when she saw my name on her sheet, she made sure I was getting in immediately. 2 Godwinks in one day!

 

[Sha]

Linda I had to use my car too when we had lost power but I have an adapter that lets me plug in my laptop or anything that has a plug for the wall to be charged that way.

Glad to see that some of you have been able to post to let us know you are okay. Hope that the flooding doesn't cause you any problems. I was glad to see people take the warnings seriously. Amazing since this is the Katrina anniversary.

Candy... 4 more days (at this time he should be landing then)!!! Actually will be in more planning mode tomorrow. Found the New Orleans Blend Chickory to take (or will use the Vermont coffee I have). Groceries are gotten prior to arrival at WDW. My sister lol'd about the coffee cups too (because hers is in the Disney box too). Got it covered though!

my mom is doing well. My sister told me tonight she will come and visit on Saturday while I am gone. I am so looking forward to being with him. I have missed him even though we talk almost daily. Its okay if we dont... which is nice.

 

[Sha]

Smiley hugs!!!!! I will be thinking of you Wednesday. Love the Godwinks.

 

[snappy]

I am loving the Godwink too, smilie. Your last post really got to me.

I will be praying for you on Wednesday.

Glad you got power back and your DH is home, MaryAnn. I had to laugh about the meat fest. Sounds like something DH would do befroe this diet. during Katrina, we had a food fest, cooking gobs of veal from my mother in laws freezer on our gas burner oustside of course that we use to boil crawfish. She brought all the veal she had in her freezer. About a hour after we finished cooking, our power here went back on, lol. What a mess we had made, but it was easier cleaning up with lights and a dishwasher!

The other plus (?) was we go to watch on tv the water filling up New Orleans on TV the next morning. At first it looked like the city had been spared until the levees gave way the next day.

Glad you never lost power, realgrumpy.

Linda, if you have been opening the fridge, the food has to be thrown out sooner. We have tried to put stuff that we have to get to in ice chests and leave the fridges and freezers closed, but we never seem to manage to do it.

Even with that, I think you may be past that point now.

My iphone seems to keep the charge better, do you have a 4?

Sha, so R likes coffee and chicory? That is what my DH was raised on, Union brand in a green package, I think.

I can't tolerate the chicory anymore but DH likes it at work. I buy local coffee brands though, just pure coffee.

Linda, hope you wake up to lights today. You were on the traditional worst side of the storm, the right side, worst circulation. Glad you had no damages. You will have to check on making a claim if you lose your food.

Please everyone be careful with the traffic lights out. It is very dangerous-best to stay close to home if you can.

Does school start after Labor day? Do you think they can crank it up next week?

Terrible time to be traveling.

I hope to hear from Ann soon, it sounded bad in her area.

Patsmom, sorry about your driveway but good for you for already getting someone in there to redo it.

I love the American spirit and the way we claw our way back up to deal with whatever we have to deal with , whether it be recovering from a hurricane aftermath or the one two punch of cancer diagnosis and treatment.

I know you guys are strong and resourceful. Let me know if there is something I can do or send you that would help.

Love to you all.

 

[wdw4us2]

Happy to hear that those of you dealing with Irene are safe.

MaryAnn - I understand why your DH wanted to cook all that meat. It doesn't keep long in the fridge or the freezer without power. During Frances & Jeanne back in 2004, we ate very well while the power was out. All of the neighbors were busy grilling everything before it went bad.

smiley - So glad that you were able to talk to your DS's doctor and get some answers to your questions. I know how devastating it is for you to have a second diagnosis, but hang in there! You're tough and you will get through this, too.

Laurie - Your DD's boyfriend sounds like a wonderful young man. It's nice that you were able to spend some time with them.

Pea-n-Me - You should be able to file a claim with your homeowner's insurance for the food you lose because of the power loss. Most insurance companies pay $500 for the loss in your fridge and freezer.

Went to the oncologist yesterday morning after having a not great weekend. They wrote me orders for the blood transfusion, which I will be having tomorrow morning at 9. DH donated blood for me on Friday and I am hoping that the cross is a match so that I don't have to receive blood from the supply. I will check in here afterward and let everyone know how it went.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Good afternoon ladies

smiley - thinking of you tomm. Those godwinks are precious. I am sure those answers brought you some comfort. My thoughts and prayers are with you sista. Keep fighting tough!

Lisa - hoping your dh will be a good match for you. Wishing you all the best with the transfusion tomm.

Laurie - have you lost a lot of weight on your new diet?

Sha - I can feel the excitement in all of your posts. Its refreshing. Reminds me of my young days with dh.

Linda - I am hoipng you get power back soon.

Ann and PatsMom - finally saw the utter devestation in vermont. So sad. My dh actually talked about going up to see the fall leaves before.

Anyone heard from Merry? Just wondering how her ds wedding turned out.

Well I heard from my aunt, the one I went to visit. Her town has their own electric system and they wont get electricity until friday. So you cant go to the bank, stores, no gas etc. She is going to her cousins to eat lunch and dinner and then her dh and her go back to their own house to sleep.

Another of my dads relatives called me last night. Something about a family reunion. I dont think we will go but I will call the lady back. My dad was not even close to them, maybe saw them about once or twice a year. I want to ask another of my cousins but he lives in that same town with no electric.

Our local grocery store is open only to sell groceries, so no meat etc, dairy etc. and it closed early yest, the burger king is closed, probably mC d's too.

Found out something interesting. The priority to turn back on the electric grids is hospitals and nursing homes. I think we lucked out because we are close to 2 nursing homes in the next town so I am thinking that is why we got it back earlier. 15 houses at the front of our neighborhood have no power. They must be on a different grid.

I am feeling so tired. I did type for dh last night. But I think my med might have to be adjusted again. Now I am worried if the drs. little experiment might be causing the cancer cells to come back too. I always worry. I cant get the blood test until at least sept. 17th.

GTAGWTA.

 

[snappy]

I have lost 5 pounds, Maryann, thanks for asking. So far so good.
Do you think your Synthroid level needs to be increased? What did you mean by the doctor's little experiment? I guess I missed something.

Hope the blood transfusion picks you up, Lisa.

LD is sure getting close, Sha.

Problems in New Orleans right now with excessive somke from marsh fires to the east blowing over the entire metro area. I talked to DD21 a number of times today, mostly texts, about her classes this semester, her two A's from her international courses this past summer, and books she needs to order for class. She said they were told not to exercise outside, very poor air quality. Apparently even many miles from the underground fires, people are waking up thinking their house is on fire.

I hope it rains. Especially bad for those with respiratory issues.

GAGWTA!

 

[Sha]

I asked him after you asked the question Laurie... I wasn't sure but he said that the chickory is fine. This is a red bag. A friend sent me a care package earlier this year and that was in it.

hope it rains soon Laurie... that isnt a good smell. I remember when the glades would fire up.

for those who it applies: you might need an app killer app to turn apps off when you arent using the apps. I have one, and it kills everything except fb and text messages. So like my ESPN app.. it kills it after I close the app. and it doesn't drain on the battery.

Mom claimed the fridge loss too when the storms came through. And there was no meat or fridge stuff either then at the stores. I think too that McDs and BK was closed back then.

Lisa I hope that it matches too and that you feel better.

Maryann it isnt too much longer that you can get that test. Hope that it is just needing a med adjustment and not the cells. Sending good karma.

Yes.... the excitement is building! Looking forward to seeing him. Just checked the stroller and it works. Car seat will go into place on Friday. I have groceries to get too. Will pack tomorrow and Thursday. I have paperwork to do. A lot of it! It never ends sometimes.

 

[snappy]

I learn something new stuff every day. I never heard of an app killer. Thanks for posting
that, Sha.

I am glad your sister is stepping up and going to keep an eye on Mom while you are down in WDW. I assume you are staying DVC? Which resort?

Love the pirate cup idea. Sha, you think of everything.

I need to get info on joining your team for the RFTC Oct 16. I need to register. I will pm you my email?

I love hearing about your preparation for the weekend, Sha. With everything going on in your life, I understand needing to be organized, how else can you possible get it all done.

I also like to think that a big part of being happy is to enjoy the little moments, like packing the car and planning exactly what to bring on a trip.

You would faint if you saw the extensive lists I drew up back in May 2002 when I prepared for our first trip to Disney with all 3 kids (we had taken the older two in 1994, before DD15 was on the radar).

True, we were going for 3 weeks and staying in a pool house. But I joined the dis about a month before hand, read some planning threads and took the planning thing to heart.

I guess I had too much time on my hands.

Now I think I could wing it plannning two days out. Wait, I did that this Mardi Gras when we drove and hit Universal too. I even got one night in the Waldorf luxury suite for a song.

Both ways are good but I still like planning further out better.

 

[Candy30]

Glad to hear everyone is ok.

Smiley- I am so glad you got those answers. I can see how that would bother you. I can't imagine. I know that is a relief and a blessing. Keep your chin up.

Snappy Congratulations on loosing the weight! Keep slimming girl. Glad you are able to keep in contact with DD. You are so sweet to offer help. This group is awesome.

Lisa- Hope you are feeling better soon and get up enough energy soon.

LMP- That's interesting the energy grid you were talking about. It makes a lot of sense. Glad you are able to keep in contact with your Aunt. My son's driving is getting better. We still do not take him on the street yet.

Sha-You are soooo well prepared! I am excited for you. Pretty soon you will be counting down the hours! I agree with Snappy. Enjoy every minute.

DD started school yesterday and was totally down about it. She has about 8 friends there and NOT ONE was in her class. They are divided into 9th grade A B and C. Most of her friends are in A and she is in B. She was so sad about it. I told her things will get better, way of making new friends, etc. I felt bad for her. She was in math class and couldn't understand the problem. So she felt bad about that too. I was glad that her Tudor came and lifted her spirits.

Anyone heard from Jacks in a while?

Everyone stay safe.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

I have lost 5 pounds, Maryann, thanks for asking. So far so good.
Do you think your Synthroid level needs to be increased? What did you mean by the doctor's little experiment? I guess I missed something.

Laurie - yes the endo is lowering my synthroid because all my tests have been good and she says its ruining my bones too much and the heart stuff is also questionable right now. So I asked her, how does she know the cancer cells arent coming back as mine is so agressive and she only has 1 other patient with this type of cancer. She says, thats just it, we dont know so we will have to see. So hence the blood test in 6 weeks which is mid september.

Candy - my bad, I forgot to give you a shout out yesterday sista. How are you doing? Yes, only YOU!! But sorry that your dd is not in class with her friends. That happened to ds23 once in hs. He was with none of his friends and he was upset too. He did make new ones but still missed being with the other ones most of the time. I even questioned the school policy. They said since it was a private school, the teachers decide etc. Good to keep your ds off the road until you are confident with his skill level.

Linda - I hope you get your power back. Imagine it would be hard for the kids at night etc.

Sha - seems like you have even the tiny details planned and good your sis is helping out with your mom.

Lisa - hoping the transfusion goes well. I really felt better after mine.

Smiley/Janet - prayers for you today

Cheryl - how is your planning going?

Grumpy - thinking of you.

Well I took a nap yest. This is or might be a side effect of lowering the med. Could be lowering it too much?

Ds19 loves the univ. He is dropping one class and taking another. He had to read 15 books for the dropped one and he couldnt do that. He loves the activities and met several friends he knew from other places. He wants to do these activities etc. Sounds like a good fit for him so far.

People here still do not have power. Its distressing. I think the worst area around here is by our church and its where ds lifeguards. Seems like they are ignoring that part of the place for now.

They upped the southwest price again for the dec. trip. I need to watch it again and book when its lower.

GTAGWTA.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

He asked me how I am coping with all this, and I broke down crying and told him about our son...he was so aghast that was us, he was one of the dr.s who worked on him at the hospital that day. He said don't know if it helps any, but Ken did not suffer, he died instantly from the log hitting his head. I had always wondered and had night and day mares about him suffocating from the log crushing him or that he died alone at the hospital before I got there, but now I know that did not happen, so it answered questions I was too afraid to ask, so that was a relief. I was always too afraid to ask hubby for too many details too, it traumatises him even more every time we talk about it.

I wanted to respond to this the other day but it was too difficult to type out on a phone. For years I've studied near death experiences - people who've died and come back to tell about it. One of the most fascinating things, to me, that many have reported, is that they were "out of their bodies" immediately upon the incident and usually reported feeling little to no pain. Most could see what was happening but didn't even realize they were looking at themselves. They became disinterested with what they were seeing and moved on to other, better things. This has been reported not only consistently, but for centuries and universally in all cultures, learned from drawings and writings of people who lived in ancient societies. I read one book (which was a Godwink to me, also, since I was sort of "led" to this book when I was in a store right after my BIL died suddenly and it was just what I needed to read at that time, and to share with the rest of the family, especially his wife) which was a compilation of the study of all researchers of NDEs which presented a global view on it.

Anyway, I'd like to recommend two books to you. I have given them both to my my own family members and they found them helpful. I hope you read them because I believe they'll give you lots to think about and will help you heal. It pains me to think it's hard for you to talk about this with others. So glad you can do it here.

Embraced by the Light by Betty Edie

One Last Time by John Edward

 

[Sha]

Smiley.. how ya doing??? Waiting to hear and prayers being said.


Laurie the box I have is similar to your purple box. I just have duplicate pampered chef items and what not that they don't provide in the DVC rooms. And then when we are in a studio, there isn't much there so comes in handy there too. I have coffee, pancake mix and syrup in there too. Need a larger box so I can put a flat griddle in there for pancakes.

My sister is going to come in from Jacksonville. Its not the one here that needs all the help. Going to see if she and mom can go and look for a car because I dont have time.

Lisa hope you are pepping up

Laurie, pm is fine. I thought you had my email address. I need to get going on the team stuff. Just no time!!!

We are staying at AKL with a savanna view 1 bedroom (can we say lock on the door?) R liked the floor plan when I sent it too him. Am using fewer points since I got away from most of the drama queens. Will be able to use more for trips with R with/without K.

 

[Candy30]

HI!

LMP- LOL Don't worry about the shout outs! I know you still love me. I hope no one gets offended if I forget them. Sorry if I have in the past and sorry if I do in the future. My kids will tell you I have a Dori memory. It has to be stressful w/o power for so long. It was tough when we were w/o power for a week during a bad snow storm. All of the utility van were getting stuck and couldn't do much. One burned up on my street and another was stuck in my back yard for 1 week. I hope they restore power to everyone soon. I didn't know sythroid affects your bones. How so? I already have a vitamin D deficiency.

Sha- Here's to romantic trips w R w/o K and fun and bonding trips w R w K! Have fun!!!!

PNM- Very nice post...nuff said! How are you doing?

Snappy- I meant to post this on my last one. I have lists upon lists because I forget. It keeps me focused and on top of things. I am planning a trip to NC next year for 12 in our family and have started list and checklist already. I actually use one that Jacks gave me a few years ago all the time when it comes to packing. So get your List creation ON girl!

Lisa, Smiley, PatsMom- Hope you are feeling better and getting stronger physically, emotionally and spiritually.

What's everyone's plans this weekend? I am going to Baltimore to visit my Family. I love his family and they are all my family but this is a sister of my husbands that we don't always see eye to eye. But I am grinning and bearing it I wanted to travel to DC and visit some museums but she has already changed the plans. Grinning bearing. I wanted to stay in a hotel because my DD likes to swim and Husband told me today that we are staying at there house. Gri... Just bearing it. So DNana told me to go with not expectations and preconcieved ideas and see how it goes.

I hope everyone has a better than my 'Grin and Bear it' weekend!

 

[Sha]

Candy... I have no plans this weekend... except to enjoy myself!!!! LOL I am not sure "romantic" is how I would put it, but I guess it is in a way.

We will just go ahead and call it at T minus 28 hours and counting!

Another blog/post by R's cousin.

http://www.warringtonguardian.co.uk/yoursay/blogs/melanie_oneill/9228958.Catching_cancer_early_can_make_all_the_differennce/?ref=fbrec

 

[wdw4us2]

Off to another round of chemo at 11:15. I'll post you later and let you know how it went. Fourth day in a row of rain here. I know we need it, but it's getting depressing. Sunshine State - ha!

 

[snappy]

Good luck with your infusion Lisa. I hope it goes well. We are in for 3 or more days of rain too with trop storm Lee.

I hope you love that 1 BR at AK, Sha. Are you in Jambo or

I have only stayed in a studio at Jambo pool view.

I really like Sanaa at kidAni. If you go, ask for window table. I like to go for a late lunch around 2. Prices cheaper. Good wait staff there and they don't rush you.

Have a relaxing weekend.