Dis Breast Cancer Survivors Part III - GAGWTA!

[Sha]

hi ladies

hope you are all doing well and are starting to see signs of spring in your neck of the woods. Sorry I have been out of touch. As I said before depression has hit and its hit or miss. Sort of keep to myself. But want to get out of this! I know its been around for months, even before my accident. Im tired of being tired all the time.

Mom is doing well. She had another battery replacement 2 weeks ago. That one lasted a year. She is doing well since her mastectomy otherwise... well, except for the fall in December that lacerated a tendon in her middle finger. That is being worked on. Surgery is waiting... therapy is helping.

NHAnn- so sorry to hear about your dad. you have been in prayers. All of you have been. Just havent posted the thoughts I have had. I would read up on things and all... just didn't feel I had much to offer to conversations I guess.

LMP- Thanks about Jen's brick. It was odd timing that I got that message. The day or so before I thought about it and that it out to be in place.. then I get this message asking where it should be and there it was.

Take care everyone. I will try to post later.

 

[Sha]

I had more reconstruction surgery on 2/11 that went really well. The new implants are much, much better. Not sure if I told you all about it? Anyway, my husband had to have surgery because he had a kidney stone that would not come out for months. SO they went in and got it and placed a stint there. He is in a bunch of pain! He has three kidneys, which is kind of funny. He gets the stint out in another week!

GAGWTA!!!

just curious... are all 3 functioning? and did they try lithotripsy (sp) to break up the stone?

glad your surgery went well and the new girls are improved

Honogirl- sorry about the lack of support. I couldve done more here I guess that I thought

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Good morning ladies

Maureen - glad to hear your recent surgery went well. Hope your dh is on the road to recovery too.

Sha - Nice to see you posting!! Dont be a stranger sista!! Glad to hear your mom is ok and take care of yourself. Relax,renew,refresh and pamper yourself!! Hmm, is it time for a massage?? How is Miss Lee?

Elizabeth - I read your story on the whine thread about being sick and the cat and the bleach!! OMG!! Feel better. O.K. I really was laughing while feeling so sorry for you at the same time.

I am going grocery shopping tonight with dh, I hope my stomach doesnt start acting up. Tomm. night is a meeting we both have different ones and then wed. the sonogram. I think I will do the blood test on sat. Now dh says he might go back to denmark and england in may. I told him o.k. Just be here for the nuclear scan and the horrible shots as I get so sick from those. So I dont even know if the dis trip is possible. Also if he has to have surgery it could be around then etc. Oh we will just have to wait and see.

Tomm. ds20 is suppose to go the contact lens guy. I told him to go pay. He said no, I am not going. He wanted dh to go and he said no, he couldnt. He didnt want me to go, hmm, wonder why?

Please pray for Alyssa. Sha and Linda would understand this. They did an angiogram as part of the routine tests to check for the transplant stuff and she had tachycardia while she was having the test, so of course she was asleep and they had to shock her and made her stay overnight in the cardiac icu. She now has burn marks on her and has to put the burn cream on it. All this for this precious 18 year old young lady. She inspirtes me for sure.

GTAGWTA. Have a great day.

 

[Sha]

Thanks LMP

work is a bit slow today.... so here I am again.

Yes, Alyssa is inspiring at that young age. Lots of prayers for her. The burns are sad but hopefully nothing more than an uncomfortable inconvienence (meaning, I hope she doesn't get other complications from it).

Mom talked to Lee a couple weeks ago, but I don't remember what she said. I will have to ask her. I have to call her about an appt. date/time to get it on my calendar at work.

Actually have been getting massages 2x a week since my accident. I have 2 weeks left of that. Then 1x a week I guess. That is a whole other can of worms. She has helped a lot. The pain is less in most areas and the rib that was out is almost back in, if not in. The muscles are just spasming because its been out for so long. Chiropractor tonight. yeah. Accident wise, I am doing much better.

I really do need to treat myself. I did some retail therapy last week and going back to get some shoes. I want to get my hair done and at least a pedicure. Did get my pearls though a couple weeks ago and have another item on layaway with 2 more waiting. Figured I would support the economy a bit.

 

[Sha]

Are any of you looking to do the Race for the Cure in Orlando at UCF?? I know it is going to be there again this year, but no date is set as of yet. Last year it was the 25th October and when at WDW it was the 5th October the year before.

 

[lookingforward]

just curious... are all 3 functioning? and did they try lithotripsy (sp) to break up the stone?

glad your surgery went well and the new girls are improved

Honogirl- sorry about the lack of support. I couldve done more here I guess that I thought

Yes, all three are functioning! LOL! And the stone was too big and in a weird spot for them to try the lithotripsy, from what I heard.

 

[honugirl]

GAGWTA ladies! Thanks for all the support!

A little praise report...

The preliminary results of the MRI of the pit gland shows NO VISIBLE TUMOR! So this means the adrenal surgeon is ready to move forward with the bilateral adrenalectomy. He just has to wait for the report from the neurosurgeon, but we have a tentative surgery date in the beginning of May set. I'll be doing a week at Disneyland, then flying to SLC, going to visit a friend near there for a couple of days, and then having the surgery. I love the staff at Huntsman and UUMC. They're amazing. This really feels like a good fit and where I'm supposed to be.

Hugs to all!

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Good morning ladies

Lisa - So glad to hear your great news!! Looks like you have a plan, and a trip to Disneyworld too, that is great.

KJ - Hope the rads are going ok

Laura - hope you are healing and feeling well

Well ladies, today might be the day. Ds said 2 girls at school who have the same last name initial as us just got their letters on sat. One is smarter than ds, she got accepted and then she tells ds, oh I really dont think I want to go there, OMG! Then the other girl who is lower in rank than ds got rejected, so it seems ds is a "grey" person. We sure have been praying!!

Ds 20 said I could go with him to the dr. today as dh cant. He said he wanted both of us to go. I think he really wants the cornea transplant and wants us to go to bat for him, but I think they wont do it until it gets to a certain stage,degree etc.

Tonight is my meeting, tomm. the sonogram. Oh and my stomach hurts, I am trying like anything to avoid going to the surgeon. I just dont want to end up in the operating room again. And I dont want a cat scan either. I suppose Sha or Linda could enlighten us, because I heard with too many cat scans you increase your cancer risk, I had 4 alone last year!! Um, though, not like I dont have cancer already, I just don't want anymore!! And the last cat scan didnt even show how bad or what was wrong etc. He only found that out in the or when he did the surgery etc.

GTAGWTA. Have a great day everyone.

 

[snappy]

I'm back!!!!!!

Pixie dust all round!

Hope your Ds has good news about acceptance today, LMP.

Honugirl, glad things have turned around. It is wonderful to have a plan and be moving toward it. I am happy for you beyond words.

FL Lisa, sending you a hug.

Ann, I was worrying about you with the horrbile weather at the time of the funeral. I hope things are getting back under control, and that times helps heal. I will continue with prayers.

Maureen, glad the surgery was a success. What a long journey for you, in the midst of finishing your degree. We hope to see more of you here.

Sha, I am sorry about the depression. Tiredness really is a big part of that.
I am sorry that darn accident is still affecting you so deeply. Thanks for the update on your mom. I do think I will be down for the Orlando RFTC, for a quick trip. My New Orleans friend wants to join me this year (her idea) and stay at the Waldorf since I hyped that joint up so much. I am anxiously awaiting the announcement of the date so I can make plans.

Elizabeth, Has your son heard about his school yet? Thanks for the update on your mom as well. She sounds like a survivor.

I am sure I am leaving someone out.

Our trip was great, I got into my driveway about 10:15 pm afeter bringing mom home. I just fell into bed.

I will have to post tonight when I have time as I have to go in to do payroll or I will be an outcaste.

The weather was particularly sunny and very low humidity (the good) but too cool for us southerners (the bad and the ugly).

The lazy river was heated nicely and the sun further warmed things enough so we could swim on Sunday at noon time. We also liked the smaller pool and the hot tub on Monday.
My mom had trouble with the cold but did well, surprising herself I think. he was starting to act like she was too old to travel any more, after the breast cancer surgery and the skin cancer in 2008. I think she may have turned the corner. It was a very good thing we took the trip, we talked a lot about life. We also had a lot of laughs especially with my brother tom when he arrived on Thursday (many of them at my expense, LOL).

I think it was a healing experience in many ways, physical and emotional (something my mother needed).

The Wyndham bonnet creek was great, I liked the location and amenities of the building we stayed in. it had a more fun atmosphere and the other guests were much more friendly this time over last May. The resort is really coming into its own I believe.

We ate in the wine room at the Cali Grill Saturday night and it was divine, so much quietere than the rest of the restaurant and very good service. The resot of the dining reservations we skipped as we just went with the flow and stayed together. We ended up in the parks for a short period of time each day.

Got a great car with National that had only 400 miles on it, some sort of Ford
SUV that was nice.

The flights were good, that Orlando airport nuts, both checking in the luggage to gets tagas had hundreds of people in line as did the security checkin.

My mom did not like that hubbub. Everyone was complaiing. We ended up with first row seats on the flight home though and sat next to a very interesting guy who is in charge of demolitions of old oil tanks, commercial building, schools and hospitals after natural disasters, etc. Chere, we passed a good time talking to him, he was actually from Florida but had interesting stories to tell, and we had LEGROOM!!!!

 

[lookingforward]

I'm back!!!!!!

Pixie dust all round!

Hope your Ds has good news about acceptance today, LMP.

Honugirl, glad things have turned around. It is wonderful to have a plan and be moving toward it. I am happy for you beyond words.

FL Lisa, sending you a hug.

Ann, I was worrying about you with the horrbile weather at the time of the funeral. I hope things are getting back under control, and that times helps heal. I will continue with prayers.

Maureen, glad the surgery was a success. What a long journey for you, in the midst of finishing your degree. We hope to see more of you here.

Sha, I am sorry about the depression. Tiredness really is a big part of that.
I am sorry that darn accident is still affecting you so deeply. Thanks for the update on your mom. I do think I will be down for the Orlando RFTC, for a quick trip. My New Orleans friend wants to join me this year (her idea) and stay at the Waldorf since I hyped that joint up so much. I am anxiously awaiting the announcement of the date so I can make plans.

Elizabeth, Has your son heard about his school yet? Thanks for the update on your mom as well. She sounds like a survivor.

I am sure I am leaving someone out.

Our trip was great, I got into my driveway about 10:15 pm afeter bringing mom home. I just fell into bed.

I will have to post tonight when I have time as I have to go in to do payroll or I will be an outcaste.

The weather was particularly sunny and very low humidity (the good) but too cool for us southerners (the bad and the ugly).

The lazy river was heated nicely and the sun further warmed things enough so we could swim on Sunday at noon time. We also liked the smaller pool and the hot tub on Monday.
My mom had trouble with the cold but did well, surprising herself I think. he was starting to act like she was too old to travel any more, after the breast cancer surgery and the skin cancer in 2008. I think she may have turned the corner. It was a very good thing we took the trip, we talked a lot about life. We also had a lot of laughs especially with my brother tom when he arrived on Thursday (many of them at my expense, LOL).

I think it was a healing experience in many ways, physical and emotional (something my mother needed).

The Wyndham bonnet creek was great, I liked the location and amenities of the building we stayed in. it had a more fun atmosphere and the other guests were much more friendly this time over last May. The resort is really coming into its own I believe.

We ate in the wine room at the Cali Grill Saturday night and it was divine, so much quietere than the rest of the restaurant and very good service. The resot of the dining reservations we skipped as we just went with the flow and stayed together. We ended up in the parks for a short period of time each day.

Got a great car with National that had only 400 miles on it, some sort of Ford
SUV that was nice.

The flights were good, that Orlando airport nuts, both checking in the luggage to gets tagas had hundreds of people in line as did the security checkin.

My mom did not like that hubbub. Everyone was complaiing. We ended up with first row seats on the flight home though and sat next to a very interesting guy who is in charge of demolitions of old oil tanks, commercial building, schools and hospitals after natural disasters, etc. Chere, we passed a good time talking to him, he was actually from Florida but had interesting stories to tell, and we had LEGROOM!!!!

Laurie!
Please tell me about BOnnet Creek as I am reluctantly planning a summer trip to WDW. My cousin and her daughter are visiting from Germany this summer and since her daughter is 12 they really REALLY want to go to WDW! I can book the Shades of Green but would need two rooms, so I am thinking about a time share. Any info would be appreciated!!!

Miss ya!

 

[lookingforward]

GAGWTA ladies! Thanks for all the support!

A little praise report...

The preliminary results of the MRI of the pit gland shows NO VISIBLE TUMOR! So this means the adrenal surgeon is ready to move forward with the bilateral adrenalectomy. He just has to wait for the report from the neurosurgeon, but we have a tentative surgery date in the beginning of May set. I'll be doing a week at Disneyland, then flying to SLC, going to visit a friend near there for a couple of days, and then having the surgery. I love the staff at Huntsman and UUMC. They're amazing. This really feels like a good fit and where I'm supposed to be.

Hugs to all!

Woo HOO!! I am so happy to hear this!

 

[snappy]

Maureen, I liked Wyndham Bonnet Creek better this year than last. It rained every day last year in May, this year, nary a drop.

I liked the building 4 and 5 area better. There were copious numbers of little carts to help you with your luggage checking in and out, and you can park fairly close to your unit. I only had to park once in the parking garage but I parked on the third floor in the corned by the entrance to the lobby and it was extremely close. From building 5 you go down int he elevator and walk to the lazy river, it is maye 30 feet, very convenient. It is a smallish lazy river but that might have helped as the water was nice and warm. There is a bar there, and they had some activities going on, lots of tables and chairs to sit down and drink. Some food, but I did not go there. A quick 5 minute walk to the main building if you walk along the walkway around the lake. Free wifi in the lobby of building 5 (probably all buildings), and ethernet connection if the room if the wifi doesn't work. Our unit had 3 Phillips thin tv's. a stereo/DVD player I think. All units have full kitchen, dishes, table for 6 and 3 bar stools, couch that makes in to bed, washer and drier that work well.

Had good luck with maintenance and bell services (mostly related to our ownerslocker delivery and pickup). The mast er has a smallish jacuzzi and a big shower.

Beds were ok, although it is no Waldorf.

I swear I think that place has ruined me for other hotels.

I liked the atmosphere and the other friendly guests as I said. Very small resort store, very limited. They have a small catina for basic snack stuff and a pizza place on the other side of the lake.

We have not tried the shuttles. I would imagine they fill up fast. We find it easy to just drive. It is the next resort down from the Caribbean Beach Disney resort going towwards Downtown Disney.

I'l try and post some pictures, did not take many though.

I have booked through an owner both times, very dependable and nice guy, Ken Price. Let me know if you want his web site. Best price is within 60 days of travel but you can book earlier and then try and switch if there is availability.

I heard that it is busy during the summer, but the will have over 1,100 units when the new building opens and there is another going up with another two pools I think.

Any other questions?

 

[lookingforward]

Waldorf? What Waldorf???? I loved the Waldorf in nyc?? Do tell!

 

[Sha]

Just curious... any of you be at WDW in May (13-16th)?

 

[snappy]

We are going a few dasy later, I think around May 18th or 19th.

Maureen, right down from the Bonnet creek Wyndham that we just stayed up, a Waldorf and a Hilton attached by a big honking convention center opened October 1st. The Hilton side has a lazy river, and the Waldorf has a nice zero entry pool and another nice more conventional rectangular pool, surrounded by fully equipped cabannas.

We stayed in early November on an unbeatable travelzoo special. You can ask for an upgrade if you are a Hilton honors member.

There have been more specials although that was the best one I have seen as occupancy has not been very high YET!

I posted some pictures back in November and there is another thread on the offsite hotel board (I'll try and find the link).

My pictures are start on post 870 on page 58.

here is the Waldorf Astoria thread. Warning: it is long!

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2262762&goto=newpost

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Good morning ladies

Laurie - glad you had great weather on your trip

Sha - if we go at all, we were thinking the same time as Laurie is around the 19th. I have to see about my scan etc.

Well yest. I went with ds to the eye dr. He said the episode ds had was a migraine. He prescribed eye drops for his itching eyes and they both decided to try some new soft contact lenses. Ds will pay for those himself. They should be here in a week. He also got a new glasses script since his are older but it still wont dramatically improve his vision. He later told me (ds) that he wants a second opinion. Fine with me. I will look into the university dr.

Today is the sonogram. I looked at the script for that. It says check for recurrence, I dont like looking at that word.

Also ds called the state univ. yest. They told him they are still evaluating his application and he will hear in a few WEEKS. O.K. I am figuring he is one of their "grey" applicants. Hopefully he will be one of the better "grey" ones. I am still praying.

In the meantime on the answering machine is a message from the community college saying come in and pick out your classes. O.K. they didnt even say if he was accepted into the physical therapy assistant program. I hope he calls. I have to text him and touch base. As he gets home after 4, he needs to do it from school at lunch etc.

I saw a picture of the girls dress he is taking to her prom on the "mercy date" as another poster described it to me. Its a pretty blue from Davids Bridal.

GTAGWTA, Have a great day everyone.

 

[snappy]

Good morning ladies


Today is the sonogram. I looked at the script for that. It says check for recurrence, I dont like looking at that word.

Also ds called the state univ. yest. They told him they are still evaluating his application and he will hear in a few WEEKS. O.K. I am figuring he is one of their "grey" applicants. Hopefully he will be one of the better "grey" ones. I am still praying.

In the meantime on the answering machine is a message from the community college saying come in and pick out your classes. O.K. they didnt even say if he was accepted into the physical therapy assistant program. I hope he calls. I have to text him and touch base. As he gets home after 4, he needs to do it from school at lunch etc.


GTAGWTA, Have a great day everyone.

Good luck with the sonogram. Sorry the clinical description oflooking for recurrence bothered you. Being followed for cancer is troubling. Even if your chances are good you just can't help but worry. Time seemed to help me. It is all still so fresh for you.

I still after 6 years get a sick feeling in my stomach when I feel a stabbing pain in my breast or under my arm on the affected side.

Keeping my fingers crossed for your DS on acceptance as well. You were smart to call and inquire. At least you know not to agonize about the mail every day.

 

[Sha]

Hope the sonogram went well.

Either way for your DS he would need to take the core classes. I had to have all the core classes done before I could apply for any of the programs I did (LPN and RN). Classes like English 101 and 102, maths, foreign language, etc. A & P. A lot of professional friends, did the basics at a comm. college and then went to university etc and some just did it through the comm. college like I did. Hopefully, he will hear for the university. Its a great experience.

You can now get a AP for both WDW and DL called a Premier Pass. $700.

I have the Grand 1 again so that was why I was asking if any of you were around since I have a couple empty spots

 

[snappy]

What is the Grand 1?

Are you talking the Grand Villa? Which DVC?

Gosh, I might go just to see you and that place. My husband might never speak to me again, however.

DD19 needs some stuff for the new sorority sisters and some clothes, so I making a run to New Orleans today. She was going to come up last night after her accounting test but it was raining as well as late. I was so relieved when she thought better of it. I jumped at the chance to go down today and meet her. I did see her just over two weeks ago but it is never enough. I have not seen DS21 since early January

DD19 is really clueless about how hard it is to drive even an hour and a half when you are tired from school, work, etc.

Work is a little to routine for me lately, not very challenging. So I welcome the break. Hey wait a minute, I just got back from a vacation, I already had a pretty good break.

I believe we finally ahve a high school decision after registering for classes at count 'em two high schools int he past 6 days.

Drum roll. . . I believe we are going with the public magnet school! Last night DH and I discussed the difficulty of funding her 2 week summer camp (pricey to say the least) and $10,000 for high school.

She saw the light. She disclosed a few days ago that she really wished she had only been accepted by one of the schools as it would make the choice easier and she would have satisfied if it had gone either day. That is when I realized we had to step in and lay out specifically how the private school tuition would affect other choices.

I feel a bit bad but the more conversations I have with others, the more I am convinced the magnet woud be better. DD19 spent 2 years at both, DD14 got her input last night again over the phone. The issue seems settled.

I hope so, this is dragging out.

LMP, how did the test go?

 

[wdw4us2]

It sounds as though things are looking up for everyone here - medically. It's nice to see that!

Sorry I've been away for a while. I wanted to wait until I had something to report. I saw the plastic surgeon yesterday and he drained about a third of the saline from my right side. I stopped by to see the radiologist on my way out and he scheduled me for another try at the sim today at 2 pm. Keep me in your thoughts and prayers, please.

Laurie - I believe the Grand 1 is the yacht at the Grand Floridian that is available for fireworks and dinner cruises. That's one thing I've never done at WDW and hope to do sometime in the future.