Dis Breast Cancer Survivors Part III - GAGWTA!

[snappy]

Guess who ladies? Yes the weather here is so so, but when its in the 30s back in ny this is not bad.

The highlights: wed. last 5 people on plane, got last row, turbulance so bad we flew up out of our seats. I did feel like the guy in the Mary Poppins movie. Our room is the 2nd floor, dreaded parking lot view, corner, dh says the wind tunnnel machine is outside our room.Osborne Lights

thurs - Had a blow up with dh over the dining plan in norway

fri - supposedly a cast member took my yacht/beach club wheelchair at the ak. That caused many tears in me and no help from TJ of AK guest services. Finally got it back in the AK wheelchair place. A window view at chefs de france during illuminations made up for all that.

sat. - shopping at the marketplace and fantasmic.

The most I have walked was from international gateway to YC and this dining plan is driving me crazy.

Thanks so very much for posting, LMP. We have been praying you are having fun! I have to admit I was worrying more about the weather than the dining plan! What are the issues? We have never done the dining plan, we do better with just the TIW card. No worries.

How did you like the Osborne lights?

Sorry about the wheelchair issue. You did not need that stress. How was the food in chefs de france? Great place for illumintions.

Are you in the side of YC closest to Epcot or the other side? What is the wind tunnel machine? I have never heard of it.

I hope you get to swim today and do the CP.

Are the YC decorations nice?

Have fun for the rest of your trip. We need a full report when you return.

 

[snappy]

LMP that is one reason why I got my mom her own W/C. That and because we have been there at WDW when Epcot was "out" of W/C's because so many had been rented. We are suppose to go this weekend. It all hinges on someone going with us so mom can be pushed in her W/C as I cant do that right now per MD and self. Not worth the risk. My sister fell through as she cant get someone to watch her dog, had offered friends free DP and lodging at BLT castle view.... but now hinges on my niece. I think she will do it, but I never know what attitude I will get.

I have my Christmas cards addressed, but still need another box or 2... im already over 100. I need to trim it down but can't remember who did or didnt send last year and does it really matter?? I am not sure if I am doing the letter.... or just write a little in them. Some I will just sign because they know enough of what has happened this year because of talking.

I have a small speaker by my bed for my iPod... but not a clock one. I can set my iPod there and use the alarm feature on the iPod to wake me if I wanted. Has a remote control too. Portable and runs on charge too. I have a smaller speaker I take to massage therapy with my iPod and also to work.

thinking of you all! Stay safe

Did you say Castle view with dining? I can't believe you had no takers. You just did not ask the right friend.

Seriously, I hope this works out. BLT castle view for Christmas with those christmas fireworks and the icycles on the Castle. Oh My!

I read a thread on another site from a guy who has been at WDW with that view. It does appear to be the best view at WDW, although I still like my BWV boardwalk view.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Dh is sleeping in. He was doing his e mail till 3 am. Our room is the front parking lot corner, hidden by trees, but I have heard a non stop car alarm ad trucks backing up before 6 am. dh is a sound sleeper. Down below and to the right is a table with pointsettas, i should take a pic. The wind tunnel is some giant ac unit above our heads in the hall, we are right at the exit, stairs? i am not opening the door. the internet access is $10 for 24 hours, wowza!

 

[snappy]

Dh is sleeping in. He was doing his e mail till 3 am. Our room is the front parking lot corner, hidden by trees, but I have heard a non stop car alarm ad trucks backing up before 6 am. dh is a sound sleeper. Down below and to the right is a table with pointsettas, i should take a pic. The wind tunnel is some giant ac unit above our heads in the hall, we are right at the exit, stairs? i am not opening the door. the internet access is $10 for 24 hours, wowza!

At least the internet is free at DVc.

Take a picture, please, would love to see more of the YC. Only saw the common areas at Christmas, but I think it was 2002. I guess we saw some during our walk through when we were deciding to buy points at BW

Do you like YC, would you stay again, if you could get a better view?

How ar the crowds?

Most of all, how are you feeling?

 

[wdw4us2]

Snappy - Wow, lots of questions. I'll see if I can answer all of them.

Swimming to music - keeps me from getting bored and wanting to quit especially when I set my iPod on shuffle. I never know what's going to come up next! I bought the Bose Sound Dock at our local BJs. They had the best price. I bought the plug in type, not the portable. I haven't been in the pool much lately because we had a couple of cold (for Florida) snaps and the water hasn't warmed up enough yet. I keep bugging my DH for a pool heater, but I don't think we can swing it right now with all the medical bills and Christmas.

My DD 18 is in her freshman year at UCF in Orlando. Her major is currently Undecided Engineering. It is her lifelong dream to work for Walt Disney Imagineering, but she's not sure exactly where she would be the best fit. She's also in the engineering club and is hoping to get in on one of the partnerships that Disney does with UCF. It looks as though your DD and my DD feel the same way about Chemistry. My DD has chemistry next semester and is not looking forward to it at all.

As for my being a 33 year MK vet, the Tag Fairy is a little behind. I am actually now a 37 year MK vet. I have been going regularly since we moved here in 1972. I've never missed a year - not even the three years I was in the Army! The rest of my family is also WDW obsessed and we try to go about 4-5 times a year. We live about two hours southeast of the Mouse House. My favorite place is still the Magic Kingdom. I enjoy going on the old school attractions and restaurants because they bring back so many great memories of when I used to go with my family as a teen. We always call everything by its original name, too!

I think maybe we should write a book of Monosyllabic one liners from our spouses/sons. Everyone could add in their favorites!

 

[wdw4us2]

LMP - Sorry to hear you have a bad room location at YC. That happened to us on one of our trips there. We were right next to the elevator and the dinging kept us awake all night and early into the morning. We finally were able to get moved after the second night.

Maybe you could ask for a different room?

 

[Sha]

Did you say Castle view with dining? I can't believe you had no takers. You just did not ask the right friend.

Seriously, I hope this works out. BLT castle view for Christmas with those christmas fireworks and the icycles on the Castle. Oh My!

I read a thread on another site from a guy who has been at WDW with that view. It does appear to be the best view at WDW, although I still like my BWV boardwalk view.

I asked the right people, just different things are going on for them... ones husband is coming back home after being gone for months, and another may be taking a friend back to Atlanta for a dying family member. I would like to take my niece because she can get some good shots for learning photography.

I didnt know there was a wind tunnel at YC because its indoors I thought... that was the first of the Deluxe I stayed at. Loved it until I saw the lighter side at BC. The only resort I havent liked was Carribean Beach. Still a few more to go though =0) before I have stayed at them all.

 

[snappy]

Sorry about the questions. Enquiring minds want to know?

I have a long history with the mosue as well. My dad turned into a theme park lover when some friends wen to DL in the early 60's. He took us I think it was 1963, and we hit much of the west as well ( a 2 and a half week driving trip).

We also went to Six flags of Texas in the 60's since we lived outside of Dallas at the time.

Fastforward to 1978, he treated us to our first trip to WDW, right after DH and I were married.

Later, we hit various parks near where we lived in Ohio. Later, it was many trips to another Six flags type park near Charlotte, NC.

It is in my blood, I can't help it. We started taking our older two in 1994, then went for an adult trip in 1995, then skipped a few years when work and a late age baby made our lives fuller.

While my dad was alive, we returned ot the NC them park many times.

We returned to WDW in 2002 and discovered AP's. Cancer struck in 2004, and those trips meant even more.

I have been with mom several times, with just my youngest, and with
DH for adult only several times. My favorites are when we all go together. We rented houses with pools from Europeans for a while starting in 2002. The kids had so much fun in those pools.

I finally bit the DVC apple in 2005 by renting 3 times and bought a small contract in 2007.

What is your preferred location to stay? MK is my most beloved park too. I think it goes back to the early memories from childhood. Walking up main street the first time each trip just fills me up with something wonderful. There are no words. In some way Our WDW trips are tied up with being a survivor as well. I will never forget the first one at Mardi Gras about 7 mos after surgery. I felt like myself for the first time, even with that big ole dent in my chest. All that stuff just fell away and I was me again!!

As I age though EPCOT is looking better and better, especially walking over there via the international gateway. DH and I had a blast last year for Food and wine. That is one gig to which we will return.

I like the vibe at BW too, especially in the early morning and at night.

However, after our last trip I learned I could adopt the vibe at the Waldorf too. I am keeping a close eye on specials at that place. DH would cringe but I gotta make that place a habit, if only for a weekend.

He on the other hand is talking Universal. I think I will agree, as long as we can stay at the Waldorf, he can drive to Universal and I will catch the Waldorf shuttle to Disney.

 

[wdw4us2]

I have been an amusement park nut since childhood. Older brother and sister who forced me onto rides that were not appropriate for my age - if you get my drift.

Before moving to Florida at age 12, I'd only been to Coney Island, Euclid Park and local amusement parks where we lived at the time. I grew up watching Walt Disney and always wanted to go to Disneyland and was thrilled when I found out we were moving to Florida! My younger brother and I actually tried to talk our Dad into stopping during the move here - no luck.

I have stayed at every Disney Resort on property. We are also DVC members since 1997. My favorite DVC resort will always be Old Key West. I prefer the spacious rooms and the fact that our vehicle is right outside our room since we generally drive everywhere. My favorite deluxe is The Polynesian, moderate is Port Orleans, value is Pop Century and I also like the cabins at Fort Wilderness. When we run out of points for DVC, I usually have a Cast Member friend try to book us something at one of our favorite other resorts.

Our kids have been going to WDW since they were each 11 months old. Since we can go often, we learned to make short trips and leave the parks when they would get tired. I'm happy to say they never had a tantrum at WDW and subsequently we have many happy memories of our trips there. Our last real trip to WDW was in late June for DS's 15th birthday. Unfortunately we started our trip the day after I received my diagnosis so, it was different than past trips. I was thankful to have something to keep my mind off everything.

We took a brief trip in October so we could see DD and DH could get his birthday merchandise card. I didn't go to the parks as I had already started chemo and was worried about catching something. We did have some nice dinners with friends and I was able to do a little Christmas shopping.

I'm already looking forward to my first trip to WDW once I'm done with the radiation!

 

[snappy]

Our first 3 DVC stays on rentals in 2005 and in 2007 were at OKW, the first two in a studio and the last in a 2 bedroom which I loved.

The laundry room was great. I read that the rooms are getting rehabbed. I did find the couches needed recovering.

Getting to park just outside was great.

I understand since free valet parking for DVC went poof in October, the parking at BW lots has deteriorated. Too many people parking that are not staying there.

I think we will pay for valet. We stay in 2 bedroom units so we limit the days and stay either in a regular CRO room or offsite to extend the stay to 8-10 days. I think we can afford 5 days of valet plus tips. Driving round and round to locate a slot for the car in the limited self park area would cause me stress I don't need.

Other times we just pay for a room. We have done WL several times, Caribbean beach, and Pop.

Lots of offsite places, and then those rental homes up through 2005.

The offsite locations are trickier now with older kids as they have their own schedules. We also bring guests on some trips. Onsite just works better with older children and guests transportation wise.

I just love that our college two still are interested in traveling with us. We went through a couple of difficult years, now things just feel different. I think they have come to appreciate the old man and old lady more. It goes with growing up I guess.

One day. . . grandkids! They will be disney kids if I have anything to say about it. Too bad we live 600 miles west.

 

[Sha]

If one rumor I heard is true for rehabs I will be happy. Supposedly from DVC person in DL, when I did the tour there to see the Grand California rooms... the sofa sleepers are all going to become tempur pedic mattresses. But OKW is the oldest and needs some updates.

 

[honugirl]

Surgery decision has finally been made. I'm going to live life without my adrenal glands. Now comes the hard part, choosing my surgeon. My choices are San Francisco and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I'm leaning towards San Fran because it's closer, but honestly, the thought of being in a hospital there totally wigs me out. For one thing, I HATE earthquakes and second, I watched Bullitt one too many times as a kid... now I have this irrational fear of their hospitals (if you've ever seen that movie, for one, the hospital is dark and creepy, second, there's a killer trying to kill the patient Steve McQueen is guarding!). But, I HATE cold weather, so Wisconsin really isn't where I want to be either...

 

[wdw4us2]

honugirl - Glad you finally have a decision.

I have to laugh at your reference to "Bullitt". Before I had my surgery in August, I told my DH to make sure I wasn't going to OR 8. Any of you that have seen "Coma" with Michael Douglas will understand.

 

[honugirl]

Thanks WDW4us2.

Actually I was in OR 8 for one of my shoulder surgeries. Ha ha ha ha. I think I was in 22? or something close to that at MD Anderson. Not sure which one I'll be in this time.

I still haven't figured out where to go. I thought I had it figured out, then I talk to another person and I'm lost again. I just don't know...

 

[snappy]

I hope you have peace soon with this decision.

I can relate to that undecided feeling. It took me weeks to decide which doc and which hospital to have my mastectomy at.

The reconstruction was worse. I saw three docs and waffled for a year. Then after seeing the final doc, I suddenly felt calm with it. It sort of shocked me but in that moment I felt at peace.

I know you situation is vastly different as the reconstruction was not life saving, just sanity saving for me.

But I hope you have that same moment of acceptance I had and that the right decision is there for you.

I am suffering down here. With all the constant rain, this am all our toilets back up and I have a mess on my hands. Luckily I was home, DH had the presence of mind to immediately call for a plumber (not here yet), and I started sopping the water up before the water flooded the wood floors or carpet.

I have big garbage bags full of sloppy towels, and no bathroom to use, but the floors are intact as of now.

This too will pass.

It is payroll day today I tried to do all I could Friday but everyone did not get their timesheets in to me. Direct deposit will be late. Too bad too sad.

Consequences.

 

[Sha]

sad..... Roy Disney died.


http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34450478/ns/business-us_business/

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Guess who is home ladies??? Me of course, home to cold, cold, not getting above freezing today NY., oh I want some nice Florida sunshine

Well it was a good vacation overall and I will definetely think before we get the dining plan again, that caused alot of frustration etc. etc. Other highlights of the trip we were got to swim in stormalong bay, I had my disney dream come true, to meet the beast, I got a pic alone with him and dh told belle I had stage 4 cancer etc. the candelight processional was great, I was not too thrilled with Chita Rivera. I know she was a last minitue replacement but I felt she just read the words, nothing heartfelt, she did say to pray for the troops which I thought was nice, we didnt see any christmas decorations at the monorail resorts I was afraid to go on them after we heard about the breakdown on tv. Oh I love the french bakery, I am in napoleon heavenI liked the gospel choir Joyful! at Eopcot., Sha you should check them out. I will do a little dining report, maybe a trip one, I am not sure.

On a side note- I think I have a few, maybe 2 or 3 of those 20% discount coupons left for shopping, you can use them at dtd too by Jan. 3rd. so if anyone wants one, pm me with your addres, I was specifically thinking of Fl Lisa, Sha, Barbara or Maureen, since I know they are going or are around the world.

Saw our big blood donation story in the work newspaper , dh and I made the front Page and over to page 2, wow!! Today is the blood drive and dh is going. DS 21 lost his lst basketball game coaching,today is not expected to be better.

I will be doing laundry today. Mail etc.

Lisa - I am glad you have made a decision about the surgery, is this dr. willing to give yu the pump you were researching!

Laurie - Hope your plumbing troubles are under control

Fl Lisa - I hope your treatments go well

Sha - I hope you are feeling better and have a great trip with your mom

Laura - hope you are healing and getting stronger each day, praying for you

Candy - I miss you sista, and am oraying for you too.

GTAGWTA. Have a great day ladies.

 

[snappy]

Glad you enjoyed your trip. LMP. I bet you are in the spirit of Christmas now.
Glad you were able to enjoy Stormalong bay.

Neat that you saw the beast and got a icture. Isn't he found over in France? We saw him im passing but never made it into the line.

Yes that French bakery is devine. I too love the Napoleons. We always stop in there, DH is a pest about it. He won't share, so you really need to get your own!

I really adore them when the put fresh strawberries in the cream between the layers. I am gtting goosebumps just thinking of it!

Glad you enjoyed it.

Where did you have dining plan issues?

Try and pace yourself with the laundry and mail. It takes a bit to catch up.

Remember, Christmas is coming! Save some energy for next week!

The Rotor rooter guy is my new hero!. He was on time and quick. It helped that I could show him the line in 10 seconds as it is marked and I was by a miracle about to find the marker amongst the leaves.

He was very impressed.

My housecleaner came back after everything was working again and cleaned while I was at work.

All ended well but I am glad I was home and could save the wood floors. The guy said this type of thing often ruins wood floors.

glad I had not gotten rid of all my frayed towels. They saved the day.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Mostly my issues were with dh ordering the wrong stuff etc. In Norway he didnt say he wanted them used as counter service credits, so they just charged the bill to the room, I made him go back and fix that. That was the blow up there and much loud discussion at the table and me in tears as usual. ..actually my blow up seemed fairly good as compared to another thread I read where last week a guy got up to toast his wife IN FRONT of their 2 kids at cinderellas castle meal and proceeded to say she was cheating on him and he had proof on his phone, wow, that is so sad in front of the kids.

Then yest. using the 2 last counter service, I told dh to get 2 croissants at the beach club marketplace. I was looking up at the menu and thought he saw it was the egg, ham and cheese croissant, I figured since the plane landed at 3:30 m this would hold us over, he comes back with 2 reg, croissants, a blueberry muffin and yogurt, well the cm charged him for the 2 croissants and did the rest with drinks on the dining plan. I was so sic k and tired of dh just never getting it right I said I am glad we are leaving. The only time it was every right is when I was very, very specific at counter service and snack stuff, the sit down meals were o.k, just had to say when we wanted extra stuff, like soup or dh had espresso at tutto italia.

Oh and guess what surprise I got today, a nice floral arrangement, christmas themeed with candle from dh New boss/old boss actually to be. He wrote a little card that said thank you for bring dh and I back together. He actually callled dh when we were on line at camp minnie mickey to get photos. Dh told him we were in fl and send it next week. Wow, his boss now doesnt even care about me, or when dh has to take me to the dr. etc .

My stomach is killing me, I know something is really wrong and I am holding out till tues until I see the surgeon. I dont know what he could do, another cat scan?? You cant really see the mesh graft on an ultrasound I think. Also mon. I go to the endo to discuss the blood work. I am hoping for the best.

 

[laurabelle]

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

Maryann I'm so glad you got to go on your trip! I love Stormalong Bay...and Napoleons too! I'm praying for you too sista. You continue to inspire me...

I'm sorry just to pop in and out like this and I know you all must think I've dropped off the face of the earth but I'm still here! Things are not going well though. I had another infection over Thanksgiving. That's better now, but I continue to be an anomaly...the last surgery did not work. I'm still sick. To say I'm frustrated is the understatement of the year. I met with my GI doc yesterday and I need to have another surgery sometime early next year. ugh.

I think of all of you often and wish you good health and a blessed Christmastime!