Dis Breast Cancer Survivors Part III - GAGWTA!

[snappy]

Glad your DH is back home. Going to China again in April? That is one traveling man!

Great GPA! Hope your son gets good news on acceptance this time out!

We do have lots of "events" around this area to participate in.
We are close enough to hit all the festivals in the New Orleans area if work doesn't interfere. We had to avoid the parade route here in Baton Rouge yesterday and the Metairie parade route today in the NOLA area. A little tricky but we have many years of experience in "going the back way" since we lived half a block from the Metairie parade route for 17 years before we moved "north", and anyways at least the NOLA parade today that we skirted was a minor one at best.

We ended up skipping Friendship day in Algiers pointe today with my friend Cindy and instead went to take my MIL and two SIL and our son to a nice seafood lunch down by Lake Pontchartrain. Had a great shrimp poboy.

Lovely day for a ride. Nice views of the lake today. I like when DH is driving and I can kick back, listen to my music.

I could not pin my friend down yesterday on which trip(s) she was committing to. I may go solo some which I don't particularly relish. We "negotiated" since I traded her about 7 unused bathings suits I had bought when a department store went out of business right after Katrina for her going back to Disney with me. She is not a big park person but we sure had fun at the restaurants and bars!

I am thinking food and wine festival would be right up her alley!!!!! She is also very into live music which you can also usually track down in Epcot.

MaryAnn, you make dining plans for May yet?

I am trying to visit when Barbara is there. Ann, how about some "hankie waving," er. . . make that second lining to some jazz if we can find it?

Sha, when are you going?

GAGWTA!

 

[Sha]

Snappy am going in just over a month with my mom, sister and niece. Though I may be down there this weekend. Got to check on that.


have to come back by to catch up. Heading to work early today.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Good morning ladies

word of the day here: Snow!! Oh no. Yest. we saw our brown grass, today it is white, sigh, sigh. I am over snow. There goes my b12 shot idea today.

Laurie - I am def. making the plans today since dh is home and he has to call and make the res. with the miles as its his acct. We could do it on line but see no where to add the celebration etc. I doubt we will get anything, but honestly when we booked through aa before that is when we got the club level upgrades for free.

Its def. going to be around May 20-25. Want to split between gf and bc. We have to see what they have left in their inventory etc.

Dh def. doesnt want to do the tea. He said its a "girl" thing. O.K.

Anyone else going to be there then? Lisa are you picking up your dd then?

Cheryl, Smilie, Lisa and Marci - thinking of you all

GTAGWTA.

 

[marcij]

I am loving this south Florida weather! I finally felt well enough to go in the pool today for the first time in a month. Managed to swim 50 laps and I was only two minutes off my time. It's supposed to be clear and in the mid - high 70s for the next five days, so I plan on swimming every day. Ah, the simple pleasures in life. . .

Good for you -- you go girl! That is terrific.

Lisa, keep up the good work. I bet you are like my friend Cindy who goes through many bathings suits-the clorine does a number on the suits.

Cheryl, hope your DH had a nice birthday, and that you are enjoying your daughter's visit. My DH and I cleaned our house up yesterday too. Cindy and one of her neighbors came up from New Orleans yesterday to hit some local antique shops. I made crawfish ettoufee again. But first we had to get things presentable around here.

Marci, you are right about everyone's treatmnet being different. I think it is more about how breast cancer presents differently than the doctor's having different treatment plans, but I am certainly no expert. I do think that treatment is evolving over time, and that targeted treatment will work better.

We are trying to plan out our "fun" time for the next few months. Mardi gras hits full stride in 2 weeks, March we have birthdays to celebrate, Jazz fest is last weekend in April/first weekend in May. We have to get our ducks in a row. Anticipation is half the fun.

Cindy confirmed yesterday she will go to WDW with me again this year, but wants to stay at the Wyndham Bonnet Creek again. I am not changing my plans for May but maybe we will hit the WBC for July or November. Maybe both!

Sounds like some fun plans!

Good afternoon ladies

Lisa - That is so wonderful that you are swimming. I wish I was there in the pool with you. Although I would probably just be bobbing around versus doing any laps, impossible since they severed my nerve during my cancer surgery. Enjoy your great weather!!

Cheryl - hoping your dh party went well and that you had a good time visiting with your dd too. Sending you lots of prayers and good thoughts this week sista.

Laurie - that is nice your friend is coming with you on your trips. Is she coming on all of them? It must be fun to have lots of activities/parties to look forward too. There is nothing like that around here. Not group wise anyway, unless you consider everyones summer trips to the beach and pumpkin picking in the fall. In Texas we had cowboy fever sometimes. It all centered around sports there sometimes.

Dh is home. I am happy. He said he is going back to China again around April 1st. sigh, sigh. Ds did not take me for the B12 shot. He was too busy applying to the state univ. again. Can you say rejection #3. He wrote down psych. major this time. Figured it was better than health sciences or undeclared which everyone seems to do. His now current gpa is 3.5, so we will see. Our van is fixed too. Snow tonight and tomm. night they say.

GTAGWTA. Thinking of you all.

Glad DH make it home safe. Good luck to DS. I do not look forward to college applications!

Good morning ladies

word of the day here: Snow!! Oh no. Yest. we saw our brown grass, today it is white, sigh, sigh. I am over snow. There goes my b12 shot idea today.

Laurie - I am def. making the plans today since dh is home and he has to call and make the res. with the miles as its his acct. We could do it on line but see no where to add the celebration etc. I doubt we will get anything, but honestly when we booked through aa before that is when we got the club level upgrades for free.

Its def. going to be around May 20-25. Want to split between gf and bc. We have to see what they have left in their inventory etc.

Dh def. doesnt want to do the tea. He said its a "girl" thing. O.K.

Anyone else going to be there then? Lisa are you picking up your dd then?

Cheryl, Smilie, Lisa and Marci - thinking of you all

GTAGWTA.

Have fun planning -- GF is my fav, with BC/YC close behind. We hope to be at the GF for a couple of nights before and after our cruise this summer.

4th and last a/c down as of last Thursday. WBC was up but Red was down again. She wants me to take Iron but it really bothers my stomach which is already having problems so we are trying Feosol first. One a day the week after treatment and two a day the second week. I go back in two weeks to start taxol. The doc did say they do break up the doses of taxol so that is why I go twelve weeks in a row -- it's supposed to make it easier in the long run. I guess we'll see.

Thanks for all the support everyone -- it does make a difference!!!

GAGWTA!!!!

 

[CherylDan]

Somebody stop the merry go round, I want off!!!!!!!
My head is spinning, and everything is getting topsy turvy. I'm pretty sure that I do not want to do the clinical trial I signed up for, starting tomorrow. I don't like that the trial uses Avastin. Avastin plus one of three other chemo drugs. I'm pretty sure I don't want any Avastin. The more I learn about it, the more I don't want it. I'll be meeting with my oncologist tomorrow morning before the chemo to discuss it. I saw the surgeon today to get set up to have a port again. My usual upbeat surgeon was anything but. He went over the CT scans, and said it is not good. OMG, I am so confused.

 

[wdw4us2]

CherylDan - to you. Take a deep breath and write down all of your concerns about the clinical trial so you can relate everything to your oncologist tomorrow. If you are that concerned about the Avastin, your oncologist may decide to try another course of chemo drugs. Try to stay positive or your blood pressure will be off the charts tomorrow when you see your oncologist. You don't need any other problems on top of what you're already dealing with. Please post tomorrow and let us know how everything went.

Well, after spending the past two days swimming I found I was not able to do so today even though the weather is still absolutely beautiful here. My DS and I removed the pool cover this morning and I briefly cleaned the pool and all of my energy was gone. I am now realizing that I can't exercise as I did when I wasn't receiving any treatments last summer. I've decided to try and do 50 laps every other day. Wish me luck!

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Cheryl - I am so sorry that you are dealing with all this. Lisa has a good thought, to write everything and anything down. Ask lots of questions for sure. I would ask the dr. to clarify his comments to you. I hope you get the answers you want tomm. At least that way you can make an informed decision as to what is best for your care

Lisa - that is great that at least you want to try and be as active as you can. I guess sometimes our bodies speak for us. Sometimes its - rest. Every other day still sounds great!

Laurie - you will be so proud of me sista. The vacation is booked. Drumroll... 3 nights at the Grand Floridian (cheapest view - garden) May 20-23 and then May 23-26 at the Beach Club, standard view, and..all for FREE!!. Gotta love those ff miles! Now to think of the dining. Give me your thoughts.

 

[CherylDan]

Thanks Lisa & LMP....I'm feeling much better about the treatments today. DH and I had a nice long talk with my oncologist, got a lot of stuff cleared up, and decided to stay on the trial. So, long story short, I started Avastin and Ixempra today, three weeks on and one week off. I can change at any time. So far I'm feeling fine, just like before it will be about 2 days before side efffects kick in. DH and I have decided to take a one day at a time attitude...no long term plans, just the here and now.

I'm sorry, I don't have time right now to respond to everybody's post....just know that I'm thinking of you all, and I'm so very glad to have this thread!!

GAGWTA!!!!

 

[wdw4us2]

Thanks for letting us know how it went, Cheryl. I like your new attitude. As I tell everyone, I don't look ahead more than a week at time. Stay strong!

 

[snappy]

Glad that your DH was able to go to your appointment with you today, Cheryl. He sounds like a keeper.

Thanks rbrt do for letting us know how it went. I have to say I was happy to read your post today. It sounds like your questions were addressed. You do need to be comfortable with the plan of action, and I am glad you got there today.

Your accommodations sound awesome, MaryAnn. Those FF do have some serious value for y'all. I am jealous.

Which day is your birthday again?

You guys don't rent cars do you?

I like to drive to the resorts at other resorts. But if you book it right you can take real advantage of your location.

I would do the Cali Grill while y'all are at the GF, and the Flying Fish while you are at BC.

Do you like sushi?

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Cheryl

Quick post from iPhone on vaca

I'm glad you're going for Avastatin, a frien of mine hax excellent results with it.

Gagwta from wdw

 

[Sha]

Cheryl

Quick post from iPhone on vaca

I'm glad you're going for Avastatin, a frien of mine hax excellent results with it.

Gagwta from wdw

are you going to still be there on Saturday??? Am going down to spend the day with a friend who was just engaged there (lives locally). Would be great to say hi.

Mom is doing well. Should be having a "check up" soon, as they said March. Work has me completely stressed and yet, there is some good in it somewhere... I think. My online time is not much. I try to catch up but then I find so much I have missed and not enough time to read it all.

Cheryl you have been in my thoughts and prayers. Am glad to know you had a good MD appt and able to get answers that is something that drives me nuts with patients appt. Ive annoyed many doctors I am sure by telling my patients to make sure you understand before he leaves the room, and if not, tell him... I need more info or whatever.

Lisa... think that you are awesome! Glad that you are going to do the swimming every other day. Hasnt the weather been gorgeous?

LMP!!! Tell your husband that there is a GENTLEMANS tea there and I have seen in 1 seating while there, 13 men WITH their wives and GF. I was amazed and I have a link for you to the unedited version of the article I wrote about tea there for the Celebrations Magazine. Oh and 1000s+ of Englishmen can't be wrong!!!

http://believesinfairies.blogspot.com/2009/05/afternoon-splendor.html

 

[snappy]

Sha, you have a good eye. I was just reading Linda's post and missed the GAGWTA from WDW.

Hey, you slipped in a trip on us! good for you! Where are you staying?

Thanks for comment on the Avastitin for Cheryl, even while you are on vacation. It really helps to hear of others' successes.

How do you like posting from the Iphone?

Glad the weather has been good for you Linda. It sounds like you picked the perfect time to go. I bet you are getting some fine pictures. Please post a few when you return, and have a smashing time.

Sha, sorry work has been challenging. I think I would like being your patient and having you as my advocate. My breast surgeon's nurse called extra time with the doc, face time, and she understood the need for it. I know surgeons have crazy schedules, especially if they are also in acadamia. However, if a patient can get the answers she needs and get in her comfort zone, I would think that this would contribute to handling the treatment and healing as well.

Oh, we have a resident tea expert here, MaryAnn. I can understand it if your DH can't handle the tea. I can't see mine doing it either. He (and probably I, lol) would be afraid he might break something. My DH is sweet but very clumsy. And he does not even drink tea in any form although I am fully stocked with teas here.

Sha, hope you and Linda can connect.

I am regretting cancelling my Mardi Gras trip, although I know I made the right decision to cancel. I got some work stuff accomplished this week, but of course have more to recreate, more, always, more. I got the February 28deadline stuff done though which certainly feels good.

When dumping my Apple computer in the conference room last Thursday, I think I hurt my shoulder. It mostly hurts when I touch one area, but it is right where the injection was last year. YIKES! DH is telling me to call the doctor but I am scared to call. Now I am expected to hook up a larger monitor to my pc, I don't want to have to lift the monstrocity off the floor. It can rot as far as I am concerned. I am told this is something "we" can do. Excuse me, is that the royal "we"? I will get DH to do it for me on the weekend.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Good afternoon ladies

Smiley - thinking of you. Post when you can. Prayers for you sista

Linda - cant wait to hear about your trip!

Sha - thanks for the tea info. I know its still on my want to do list.

Cheryl - I am glad you got the answers and info you needed. wishing you all the best with your treatment.

Laurie - no car for us. dh says, no driving on vacation as he is on vacation. Dh likes sushi.

Well dh and I are kind of upset with ds19. He is dropping calculus as he is overloaded with 18 credits. We said fine to that, but the bad thing is that he gave in his 2 week notice at the physical therapy office. We both told him not to do this etc. He says he was not trained properly, too far away etc. I told him to please leave on a good term if you want to go back etc. He now also says he might want to do ot instead of pt. I dont know if that is wise. But its his life etc.

I also got a call from the endo's secretary who is now doing the "reclast run around" for me. She said, your ins. co. has lots of rules etc. (Boy do I know that!). She is trying to ge them to deliver the med to them so they can infuse me there. She will call when its finally approved.

Oh and they are suppose to lay off about 500 people in the new dept. dh is going to. We are both upset about this to say the least. Maybe he can stay at the old dept. wiht the horrid boss. This is not good for sure.

GTAGWTA.

 

[snappy]

I thought of sushi because Cali grill does a good job on sushi. Hope things go smoothly with your DH's job. That seems to be a very large number of layoffs. What is the percentage in terms of number of people employed? I understand your concern about your Ds19's decision to quit. If he is overwhelmed maybe he postpone giving notice until he sees whether dropping calculus helps his workload level. GWAGTA!

 

[MerryPoppins]

GAGWTA! MIL lives 30 min away-not far. DH will be home Fri nite. Great news, Crash.

 

[MerryPoppins]

Smiley, let go of fear. Not productive. Remember chemo is killing c. We're here for you.

 

[MerryPoppins]

Cheryl, keep that + attitude. Prayers for all. Wonder if I can post from my phone?

 

[MerryPoppins]

I am typing this from my phone as a test to see if I can post a sexy post once again. LOL! This is a slower option but if it will let me talk again I won't complain. Just rambling because I really don't want to say much in case this doesn't work.Not sure I'll know what to do if I can"speak"without shorthand.

 

[MerryPoppins]

OMG it works! I'm baaaaack! I'll try to post more often now.