Dis Breast Cancer Survivors Part III - GAGWTA!

[honugirl]

Hey everyone! Well, I'm getting close to being ready for my appointment down in LA. I just ordered my scooter so it'll be at the hotel and ready to hit the parks the minute I get there.

I'm still trying to figure out how to get from DL to Beverly Hills for my appointment. The person who was going to take me is buggering off to another state for surgery so I've been dropped like a cheap date. My only option right now might be to drive, but honestly... I FREAK out driving in Seattle, so I'm not sure I can handle driving in LA... It may take a ton of ativan for me to do that. It's not like here, that's for sure! My town is country bumpkinville compared to those places.

 

[oXar]

Thank you all for the prayers and the kind words. I just got back from seeing her and am happy to report that there have been some slight changes in her. Nothing significant, but her face and hands seem a bit more relaxed than they where last week, her muscles had been atrophied. She also shed a tear as I was telling her about our plans to take our 2 DD's (5 & 2) to WDW for their first visit on Christmas, the tears are nothing new, what's significant about that is that instead of falling from the outside of her eye, these fell directly from her tear duct. Also, there was a new symbol on her door, I asked a nurse what it meant and he told me that it's to let the other nurses know that the coma patient inside 'can' fall off the bed. He couldn't tell me specifics, but he said that generally they put that symbol on the door if they feel that the patient has the abilty, whether by conscious thought or otherwise, to roll his or herself off the bed. My brother in law was there with a print out of different treatments and medications he'd found on the internet and her doctor was very receptive and said, 'ok, we'll start with the first one'. We're just waiting for the paper work to clear and we'll see what happens. We've been up and down this roller coaster many times before, so I'm not getting my hopes up yet.

Again, keep fighting, all of you are an inspiration, your families are lucky to have you.

 

[Sha]

Thank you all for the prayers and the kind words. I just got back from seeing her and am happy to report that there have been some slight changes in her. Nothing significant, but her face and hands seem a bit more relaxed than they where last week, her muscles had been atrophied. She also shed a tear as I was telling her about our plans to take our 2 DD's (5 & 2) to WDW for their first visit on Christmas, the tears are nothing new, what's significant about that is that instead of falling from the outside of her eye, these fell directly from her tear duct. Also, there was a new symbol on her door, I asked a nurse what it meant and he told me that it's to let the other nurses know that the coma patient inside 'can' fall off the bed. He couldn't tell me specifics, but he said that generally they put that symbol on the door if they feel that the patient has the abilty, whether by conscious thought or otherwise, to roll his or herself off the bed. My brother in law was there with a print out of different treatments and medications he'd found on the internet and her doctor was very receptive and said, 'ok, we'll start with the first one'. We're just waiting for the paper work to clear and we'll see what happens. We've been up and down this roller coaster many times before, so I'm not getting my hopes up yet.

Again, keep fighting, all of you are an inspiration, your families are lucky to have you.

That is very interesting about the tear and the relaxation of the face and hands. I pray that there are continued little happenings... small steps can sometimes, slowly lead to larger ones.

Continues prayers for your sister and family. When is your trip to WDW? Actually "on" Christmas?? If you are going to the MK that day, go early and expect it to be packed. They eventually close it to other guests because it is to capacity.

 

[snappy]

Oscar, your last post sure touched me. A high schooler that is in the church youth group was recently in a coma, but seems to be coming round.

What you are contributing to your sister's family is in itself inspiring. Those children will do well with you in the picture.

Honugirl, I think of Baton Rouge as you do of your town. Rather than bumpkinville the term I use is more in the way of banana republic. We are really in a sort of time warp here. Maybe it is the weather?

Our trip is a go. DH even came home with money from his boss to pay for everything. I was pretty shocked. I need to get my planning file in order. With all the changes from September I just threw eveything is the same file and it is huge!

I'll try and post while I am gone but I am not sure. DH is bringing a laptop but who knows? Not leaving til Monday so I will check back in.

Busy day today, church fair. I picked up at least 20 books fromt he used book fair last night and need to comb through them again today. i just love those $.50 paperbacks!

 

[oXar]

Sha...Yes, we'll actually be at MK on Christmas day, we expect it to be very crowded, because of that, we've actually planned two days at MK, the 25th and 27th. The 25th is more about the atmosphere of being in the most magical place on earth on the most magical day of the year, we even reserved breakfast at the castle that morning. Ever since the first one was born, we've been going from one tragedy to the next and never got an opportunity to take them (we live only 3 hours away). Every year, my family throws a huge Christmas Eve party, my mom used to coordinate these, when she passed away, my sister took over. Xmas promised to be depressing, so I decided that we should do something extra special this year in order to distract us.

Snappy....you know, I don't see that what I do with them is really that impressive, it's family, you do what you can. My sister and her two oldest lived with us while I was in college, so I spent a lot of time with her kids when they were little. To be honest, I wish that I could do more, when her kidneys weren't working, I was lined up to donate one of mine, now that they're fully functioning, there really isn't anything I can do except try to entertain her kids. I'm trying to get tickets to take the two oldest to go see U2. If our trip to WDW wasn't over Christmas, I'd bring them along with us as well. Nothing is an inconvinience when family is involved, actually, during all this, the only inconvinience has been work which has kept me away from being there more often.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Good afternoon ladies

O.K. Picture me singing Tomorrow from Annie, hmm, in a Brenda Vaccaro voice or a little Lorraine Bracco, , yup he's coming home tomm!!

Oscar - Even little things are encouraging. Hold onto them. That is so sweet about taking your family to DW on christmas. Also good the doctors are open to what is presented to them to try things etc.

Lisa - I dont know how far the distance is. Even my dh hates driving the freeways in LA etc. Do they have car services there like they do here in NY. I dont know what the cost would be etc. Can the hotel help you with any info about transportation services etc? I hope your visit goes well and that you have a great time in DL. I know what you mean abut driving. I hate driving the expressway here. I avoid it at all costs. I only had ativan once in the hosp. After I woke up from the coma in the icu I never wanted to sleep. I kept telling them I was afraid I would die again. I think they wanted to shut me up for a few hours etc. My dh was insisting upon it too.I only took 1/2 of a geriatric dose they told me. They said, I was happy then.

Fl Lisa - Hope your ds is being good to you and holding down the fort too!!

Well ds19 took me to the bank and to get some meds today. He also had to do banking stuff and one of the meds were for him too. He says let me drop you off at the door, I said no, just go to the parking lot, he rudely says, oh you are such a drama queen. I cried of course. This kid is something else. He now decides to do the leaves since dh is coming home tomm., has already paid him etc. and it wasnt done. He took me practically unusable van without my permission. He says he has to drive it like a stick shift?? He says the lawnmorwer is almost falling apart and he needs to get something to fix it. DS 18 is gong to a sweet 16 and ds19 is working so ds21 will be here. I asked him to take me out to dinner as I am feeling claustraphobic. I doubt that will happen and he will probably hit McD.s instead. Sigh, sigh. I wont press the issue. I am planning on going to church tomm. That will be an event in itself I am sure. My L eye keeps tearing for no reason and my back is killing me, next parts on Humpty Dumpty to fix. Also ds18 got one of the bloggers of the week award from his english teacher for his college essay that was about his cpr/lefeguarding experience with the guy.

GTAGWTA. Thinking of you all.

 

[honugirl]

Honugirl, I think of Baton Rouge as you do of your town. Rather than bumpkinville the term I use is more in the way of banana republic. We are really in a sort of time warp here. Maybe it is the weather?

I don't know what it is, but I swear I'm in a time warp or something! We still only have one freeway and everyone takes the back roads to get anywhere... I get confused when I drive to Seattle and they have 2 freeways and a bunch of highways. Can you see me trying to figure out LA? I'd end up in Las Vegas (which may not be a bad things... but I digress...) I don't think it's the weather. It's bloody cold and nasty! We had snow up here already on Thursday. I think it's location, location, location...

Our trip is a go. DH even came home with money from his boss to pay for everything. I was pretty shocked. I need to get my planning file in order. With all the changes from September I just threw eveything is the same file and it is huge!

I'll try and post while I am gone but I am not sure. DH is bringing a laptop but who knows? Not leaving til Monday so I will check back in.

Busy day today, church fair. I picked up at least 20 books fromt he used book fair last night and need to comb through them again today. i just love those $.50 paperbacks!

Yay for the trip! Have a good time! I'm trying to adjust to Disneyland. I'm so used to planning for WDW.

Thanks for reminding me, I need to go over to the bazaar at church later. they always have good smelly candles! Woohoo!

 

[honugirl]

Good afternoon ladies

O.K. Picture me singing Tomorrow from Annie, hmm, in a Brenda Vaccaro voice or a little Lorraine Bracco, , yup he's coming home tomm!!

Woohoo!!1

Oscar - Even little things are encouraging. Hold onto them. That is so sweet about taking your family to DW on christmas. Also good the doctors are open to what is presented to them to try things etc.

Lisa - I dont know how far the distance is. Even my dh hates driving the freeways in LA etc. Do they have car services there like they do here in NY. I dont know what the cost would be etc. Can the hotel help you with any info about transportation services etc? I hope your visit goes well and that you have a great time in DL. I know what you mean abut driving. I hate driving the expressway here. I avoid it at all costs. I only had ativan once in the hosp. After I woke up from the coma in the icu I never wanted to sleep. I kept telling them I was afraid I would die again. I think they wanted to shut me up for a few hours etc. My dh was insisting upon it too.I only took 1/2 of a geriatric dose they told me. They said, I was happy then.

It's pretty far. I was thinking about doing the car service thing. It may cost me as much as the appointment to do it, but it may be the smartest thing to do. I just don't see myself getting in the car and driving there, although, it's probably the best answer since I don't know when my appointment will be over.

I love my ativan! I will be taking it with me. He he he. Happiness comes easy with that pill!

Fl Lisa - Hope your ds is being good to you and holding down the fort too!!

Well ds19 took me to the bank and to get some meds today. He also had to do banking stuff and one of the meds were for him too. He says let me drop you off at the door, I said no, just go to the parking lot, he rudely says, oh you are such a drama queen. I cried of course. This kid is something else. He now decides to do the leaves since dh is coming home tomm., has already paid him etc. and it wasnt done. He took me practically unusable van without my permission. He says he has to drive it like a stick shift?? He says the lawnmorwer is almost falling apart and he needs to get something to fix it. DS 18 is gong to a sweet 16 and ds19 is working so ds21 will be here. I asked him to take me out to dinner as I am feeling claustraphobic. I doubt that will happen and he will probably hit McD.s instead. Sigh, sigh. I wont press the issue. I am planning on going to church tomm. That will be an event in itself I am sure. My L eye keeps tearing for no reason and my back is killing me, next parts on Humpty Dumpty to fix. Also ds18 got one of the bloggers of the week award from his english teacher for his college essay that was about his cpr/lefeguarding experience with the guy.

GTAGWTA. Thinking of you all.

Your DS is driving me up a wall, honestly. Grrrrrr. Sorry you have to deal with that right now.

Yay for your other son getting the blogger of the week award.

 

[lookingforward]

Hi everyone!
Snappy, no I did not get the flu THANK GOD! I was worried, mostly for my kids.

I am busy making a big italian dinner for my Dad today. Homemade sauce, etc. The house smells so good!

GAGWTA!

 

[snappy]

Love the smell of homemade red gravy. Can I come over, Maureen?

I know you dad will enjoy it.

Our DS21 came home from his college in New Orleans last night. I am going to serve steaks, since he does not eat too well in the dorm. He was sick several days ago and his better so I am worrying he will spread his germ here. DD14 cannot get sick when staying with mom while we are gone.

The fair was fun yesterday, I stayed all day with DD14. I reconnected with parents I really like. We saw LSU lose on big screen TV. What joy!

A lot to do today. The Halloween stuff needs to come down, DS21 needs a replacement phone, yard work.

And uh maybe we should pack? SSHHeessh. We are so laissez faire around here. DH finally got the suitcases down out of the attic late last night. What is the rush. Granted he did work about 10 hours yesterday and still needs to go in today.

The trip feels like an afterthought. I guess I will shake that up a little with some of the meals I made ADR's for and I am pretty sure I am going to spring for a top of the line massage. I doubt we will ever want to spend the going rate for the Waldorf Astoria again in the future so I must have a massage there.

I am glad we waited until after the fair but I am a bit worn out, not to mention hoarse after cheering for the long talent show and the football game.

I might be able to give you a run for your money, MaryAnn.

Oscar, you are more generous than you realize. I understand the bond with your sister's children since they lived with you when younger. That can become a life long close bond.

I hope you and your family have a wonderful time at Christmas. We went during Thanksgiving once and it was amazing. I understand some of the decorations are going up right now so we may even see a few this early.

It will feel different with it being just DH and me going, but I really need to get him away from town. When he finally got home last night he came in and asked me where my car was! What?!? He walked right by it in the garage! Hello!! Maybe he needs to hurry and get his new glasses prescription filled?

I think one can work hours on end for weeks, month, over a year, etc. But he is 57 and sure not getting any younger.

Hey I need an old fogey smillie Ok that will have to do.

They will probably find a room for us tomorow on the geriatic wing of AKV, oh wait a minute, that is at OKV.

Hey at least young folks say sir and ma'am a lot more these days.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Good sunny beautiful here afternoon everyone

Laura - I hope you are healing

Maureen - umm, I smell the sauce from here!! Yummy, Yummy!!

Laurie - so where are ya eating sista? O.K. can you tell I am obsessed about the food. My favorite snack at dhs is the carmel apple from beverly sweets and I sure hope that is a snack credit on the dining plan, but I think it might not be now. I will pay oop for that thing for sure. Have a great trip!!

Well I went to church today. It was good to be back there. A nice mom got us chinese food for lunch. Ds 19 had to go with her to get it. Ds18 had a terible time at the sweet 16 he said and now he is at work. Oh yes, and tomm. I will be the happiest sista around here. I wonder why?

GTAGWTA. Have a great day everyone

 

[snappy]

California Grill (DH has not been, while I have been there multiple times). We may try and sit at the sushi bar a second time if he likes it. Also, Jiko for dinner while we are at Animal Kingdom lodge. Early morning breakfast at CP that we might skip.

Boma is the one I am struggling with. I am afraid DH will not like it at all. When my DD14 and I dropped by the AKL in January, we walked all over the resort, and stepped in the door at Boma. I am curious about the food. We were actually warned against it by DH's work IT guy. So I think DH will be hesitant.

Tell you the truth, having lived in New Orleans for so very long and eaten at some really fantastic restaurants, I have to say I am not very impressed with the majority of the food at WDW. You do have to eat though. I am not a burger or pizza fan. And I can only handle so many caesar salads.

I bet we stop in at the Plaza at MK. I do like their strawberry salad.

We are not on the dining plan, instead we do the tables in wonderland card. it works for us.

There is a steak house at the Waldorf Astoria that I really think we should try regardless of the cost. It sounds perhaps like a once in a lifetime meal.

OK, now your turn. Where are you planning to eat during your trip? Hey, I might get some ideas from you. This is a slowish time I think some ressies ar e still available.

I generally don't make reservations as we play it by ear as to what we do each day.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

O.K. I have just discovered something...

I am, sadly, not a fan of little dogs, o.k. at least not the dog that ds19 has just brought here, yup Emilys puppy. Its a 10month old King Cavalier Spaniel or something liik that. Its name is Bailey and its super expensive. They got 2 of them from a breeder. OK. The dog stinks, sorry. Its jumping around here like its on crack or something. Please give me some tips to like this dog asap.Its gonna be here another 3 hours.

Oh yeah, and today is the anniv,. of my sisters death, so I need this like a hole in the head. This is not a distraction to me, this is torture

Laurie - As far as the adrs so far I have Cape May Buffet, I heard they have crab legs and dh loves these. CP for lunch. Can you see a trend here, dh says in heaven, there must be a buffet . Tusker House for lunch, we both love the food here and its a good alternative instead of dragging our butts to Boma., Chefs de France for dinner, Coral Reef lunch, Tutto Italia for the CP package and Hollywood and Vine for the Fantasmic Pkg. I only took that becuase of our schedule and the limited fantasmic shows and now they added more, but I guess I will keep that too as its a buffet and dh would be upset. Also Ltt but I am probably cancellling that and dh will call about Shulas, he wants that bad. Now to add in the 7 counter service. The best place for that of course is Wolfgang Puck Express at the Marketplace. Everything is good there and of course the creme brule. I think I will turn into the marshmallow girl by the time I get home. The only new places for us this time would be Tutto and Shulas. We did Yachtsman before so this would be a good comparison, not pricewise, but foodwise.

 

[wdw4us2]

Snappy - The quality of the food in the restaurants in WDW has gone down significantly since the Disney Dining Plan was introduced several years ago. There are very few places to have a unique, memorable meal anymore. It's a shame.

The Plaza in MK is still one of our faves although they have gone downhill, too. They no longer offer the potatoes as a side which I always preferred to French Fries. The sandwiches are not as hearty either and they're using different bread.

Somewhere you might consider for lunch is The Sand Trap at the Osprey Ridge/Eagle Pines golf course. The food is good, the service is excellent and it's generally not crowded.
You can also use the Tables in Wonderland card there.

You might also consider The Captain's Grille in the Yacht Club resort. Good food and service and you can generally walk in as long as it's not during the busy times.

LMP - Sorry about the anniversary of your DSs death. It gets easier over time.


Well, I finally did it. I had my hairdresser/friend come over today and shave off the rest of my hair. It was starting to drive me crazy! I called DD at UCF and told her I look like Anakin Skywalker without the helmet in Return of the Jedi lol. Feels weird, but I am getting used to it.

Today is actually the first day I've felt really good since the chemo on 10/30. Looking forward to the week ahead!

 

[Sha]

I was hesitant about Boma myself, but enjoyed it. Hope that he will give it a try, just to try it. I love Cali grill. Would like to go back sometime.

 

[snappy]

I was hesitant about Boma myself, but enjoyed it. Hope that he will give it a try, just to try it. I love Cali grill. Would like to go back sometime.

Laura from this thread introduced me to at Cali grill. We ate there along with her older daughter when we met up for the 2007 RFTC in Orlando. The two of them also had tickets for night of joy at MK. My mom and I returned the same trip for my birthday dinner.

Memorable trip memorable meal.

Thanks for the tips Fl Lisa. I am taking notes. What kind of food do they have at the Sand trap? I am surprised that take the TIW card?

 

[snappy]

Snappy - The quality of the food in the restaurants in WDW has gone down significantly since the Disney Dining Plan was introduced several years ago. There are very few places to have a unique, memorable meal anymore. It's a shame.

The Plaza in MK is still one of our faves although they have gone downhill, too. They no longer offer the potatoes as a side which I always preferred to French Fries. The sandwiches are not as hearty either and they're using different bread.

Somewhere you might consider for lunch is The Sand Trap at the Osprey Ridge/Eagle Pines golf course. The food is good, the service is excellent and it's generally not crowded.
You can also use the Tables in Wonderland card there.

You might also consider The Captain's Grille in the Yacht Club resort. Good food and service and you can generally walk in as long as it's not during the busy times.

LMP - Sorry about the anniversary of your DSs death. It gets easier over time.


Well, I finally did it. I had my hairdresser/friend come over today and shave off the rest of my hair. It was starting to drive me crazy! I called DD at UCF and told her I look like Anakin Skywalker without the helmet in Return of the Jedi lol. Feels weird, but I am getting used to it.

Today is actually the first day I've felt really good since the chemo on 10/30. Looking forward to the week ahead!

Glad you are feeling better. I think you did the right thing shaving your head.

I just mapquested the golf place. It is close to the Waldorf Astoria. Thanks for the tip. I have read elsewhere on the Dis about the Captains' Grill. I have that on my short list too.

How is mom, sha?

 

[Sha]

I love the Plaza... I havent had any throuble with any of the meals. I have noticed that it can be hard to get in.

LMP I am sorry about the day you are having today. Wish I could ease your pain.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Good afternoon everyone

Thinking of all of you who have to deal with Hurricaine Ida

Laurie is gone and I am not in her suitcase!!

Lisa - Have you finalized your travel plans yet?

FL Lisa - Hope you have a great week and are feeling better

Candy - Hope you are feeling better from your treatment too

Laura - 2 down and 1 to go, hang in there sista!!

O.K. indulge me in my semi fantasy, reality and vent. Picture the Yankees joining me on the baseball field. I am being interviewed. Hey, LMP we heard your DH came home last night. Yup, he fell asleep in his chair, brought me the greatest present - a wonderful cold, and 2 weeks of laundry to wash and then he told me he is going to Penn. on thurs. So what are you going to do LMP..joins the Yankees in a big shout out..WE'RE GOING TO DISDNEY WORLD!! Oh yeah sistas. What an anticlimatic return. Oh well, such is life.

Hmm, I am thankful for the small things in life like the crack puppy is not returning today which I thought it was, ds19 hasnt insulted me yet today etc. This is good,. Oh yeah, my dh says he is gong to Bethlehem/Nazareth Penn. on thurs. and its not going to be the 3 wise men, but 2 wise guys and he will end up driving etc. O.K. at least he has a job so I shouldnt say too much.

GTAGWTA. Thinking of you all. Have a great day.

 

[honugirl]

Good afternoon everyone

Thinking of all of you who have to deal with Hurricaine Ida

Laurie is gone and I am not in her suitcase!!

Lisa - Have you finalized your travel plans yet?

FL Lisa - Hope you have a great week and are feeling better

Candy - Hope you are feeling better from your treatment too

Laura - 2 down and 1 to go, hang in there sista!!

O.K. indulge me in my semi fantasy, reality and vent. Picture the Yankees joining me on the baseball field. I am being interviewed. Hey, LMP we heard your DH came home last night. Yup, he fell asleep in his chair, brought me the greatest present - a wonderful cold, and 2 weeks of laundry to wash and then he told me he is going to Penn. on thurs. So what are you going to do LMP..joins the Yankees in a big shout out..WE'RE GOING TO DISDNEY WORLD!! Oh yeah sistas. What an anticlimatic return. Oh well, such is life.

Hmm, I am thankful for the small things in life like the crack puppy is not returning today which I thought it was, ds19 hasnt insulted me yet today etc. This is good,. Oh yeah, my dh says he is gong to Bethlehem/Nazareth Penn. on thurs. and its not going to be the 3 wise men, but 2 wise guys and he will end up driving etc. O.K. at least he has a job so I shouldnt say too much.

GTAGWTA. Thinking of you all. Have a great day.

Hey LMP, yes, most of my travel plans are finalized. I'm going to do a car service to get me from Anaheim to BH for my appointment, the rest of the time will be spent cocooned in my little Disney land.

I'm busy trying to coordinate getting a new MRI scheduled before I go. It would be nice if the endo would give you more than oh, like a week's notice that he wants a new one done considering I have to drive an hour and a half to get to the machine for them to do it on. So I'm hoping the surgeon can order it and that they'll have an appointment time on Friday or Saturday (the only days I can get it done before I leave)

Sorry that your homecoming was so uneventful. I think you deserve a trip to WDW.