Dis Breast Cancer Survivors Part IV - GAGWTA

[amberg93]

luvmarrypoppins (What's your first name? It'd feel better to address by a name if you don't mind) Oh my goodness it sounds like you had a really scary journey too. I actually got nicked on the lung at one point too and had chest tubes and a couple of blood transfusions. So I can't imagine how it must have been to have something so much more important.

I'm glad that you're only feeling slight side effects, though the bone pain is no fun I hope you start feeling better.

It's so great that your DS is getting recognized like that, sounds like lots of fun

And good luck at your eye appointment.

I'm finishing up last minute packing things because tomorrow I leave for New Jersey and on Saturday we leave for Orlando. So trying to keep myself busy so I don't go too insane while waiting for Disney to actually get here. I hope you guys all have a great next week.

GAGWTA

 

[jillyb]

Radiation is DONE!!!! Went back to work on Tuesday. I was exhausted by Thursday!

Here's a video of me ringing the bell:

http://s78.photobucket.com/user/jillyb1961/media/IMG_7107.mp4.html

Sorry about the resolution. My oldest DD took it using her cell phone.

Cheryl - I'm sorry to hear you've been having such a rough time. I hope you are doing better now.

LMP - Sorry to hear that your son has to have surgery on hip. Way too young to need that! Hope your knee is doing better.

Snappy - such sad news about Snappy

Amber - welcome! My goodness! You've been through a lot for one so young! My hair has grown back in too. Right now it's gotten just long enough for me to have places where it sticks out here and there. I had thick, shoulder length hair before chemo that had some natural wave. Now it's very soft and I think will be thick again. In the back, there are lots of waves and my hair curls at the back of my neck. I'm just excite I can comb my hair now! LOL

Taking my Mom out to lunch tomorrow and then going to Mother/Daughter Bunco. Youngest DD played for the first time a couple of weeks ago. Glad to have something else we can do together!

GAGWTA!

 

[snappy]

luvmarrypoppins (What's your first name? It'd feel better to address by a name if you don't mind) Oh my goodness it sounds like you had a really scary journey too. I actually got nicked on the lung at one point too and had chest tubes and a couple of blood transfusions. So I can't imagine how it must have been to have something so much more important.

I'm glad that you're only feeling slight side effects, though the bone pain is no fun I hope you start feeling better.

It's so great that your DS is getting recognized like that, sounds like lots of fun

And good luck at your eye appointment.

I'm finishing up last minute packing things because tomorrow I leave for New Jersey and on Saturday we leave for Orlando. So trying to keep myself busy so I don't go too insane while waiting for Disney to actually get here. I hope you guys all have a great next week.

GAGWTA

enjoy your trip, Amber!!!

 

[snappy]

Thanks, Jill!

congrats on finishing radiation, and for hair!!!

DH and I picked up Snappy's ashes Thursday night. The hand made box that was used for this is adorable. Since I called and spilled my guts to the owner of the pet cremation service, he tailor made my box with a pink ribbon button with a picture of a golden retriever on the lid and also put on tiny little pink hearts with paw prints.

I had to call him to say thanks.

I realized after I had the box on my bed side table, that I was unconsciously unsettled or incomplete beforehand.

Yesterday I planned to skip going to the 5K fundraiser the non-profit I work for held this morning. But when I woke up, I imagined Snappy wanting me to go, just like she used to lobby for going on our long walk route rather than the short one (she would jump up and down and point towards the long route every time).

I decided she was giving me a sign to get with the program, and I did!

Felt better afterwards.

Even better when DD23's Mothers day gift arrive. I always end up loving her gifts and this one was straight from an exclusive shop in Grand Central Station, Jo Malone, nicest fragrance and candle I ever received. Peony and blush suede.

It's almost too good for me.

I am going to post a couple of DD18's grad photos. We settled on having the party next Sunday. It looks like a plan.

 

[snappy]

Probably my two favorites taken in this ancient little open door/window church structure out at the Rural Life Museum here

 

[snappy]

And one the photographer, my dear cousin Darlene, told me should be on a poster or something.

 

[snappy]

And the one I kind of think captures DD18 to a t. . .

My dear New Orleans friend said the first little black dress photo is pretty and sexy, but this one is her favorite as she thinks it is pretty, sexy and sassy.

I don't know about that but I do think it captures her personality like no other.

 

[snappy]

We have many photos taken with her framed in that little archway door. Although I love these photos, the walking through the door connotation. . . is reminding me she is moving on, will be moving to an apartment in August with three of her close friends. Bittersweet.

DD18 reminds me the apartment is less than 2 miles away. She does not quite get how deep my feelings are. We have talked a lot about it, even that my belief is that my sadness over Snappy was heightened by my feelings about her growing up.

Some people say after a few months I will adjust and appreciate the freedom that this change in our family life brings. I am not so sure.

It's a good thing she is not moving to NYC or Boston!

 

[snappy]

Happy Mother's day everyone!.

Maryann, we are grilling steaks and my mother is coming over.

No big plans.

My brother suggested we give mom a new iPad since she uses hers so much. He, my sister and I chipped in and got her the 16 gig iPad air. I'll give it to her today, but my sister and her husband are returning today from the annual May beach trip to Sandestin. They plan to set it up next week and sync all her photos for her.

We think she will love it, as it will be a lot faster and lighter than the iPad 1 we got her for her 80th birthday in 2010.

She does not have much music on there so a 16 gig works for her.

I hope the sun is shining where each of you live today. We had big storms both Friday night and again last night, but today as I look out the window from my computer desk, the light is gorgeous and everything growing out there is very lush. The plants we added a few weeks ago are loving it.

Enjoy your families today and let them pamper you!

GAGWTA!

 

[smiley_face2]

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY TO ALL THE DEAR MOTHERS, MOTHERS TO BE, MOTHERS TO FURRY KIDS, ON THIS FORUM!
Snappy, glad you are feeling better and that is so sweet about the special urn and OMG! your daughter is stunning!! beautiful pictures!! and I totally get you about her moving out
Amber, welcome here, and have a wonderful trip!!
Cheryl....I hope you are doing ok? hope you can pop in here for just a very quick hello!
LMP....that is very cool about your son! I hope we will get a chance to see the pic!
Jillyb.... so exciting!! that is really cool they have that to mark the occasion!
We are about 1/2 way with the reno....only because I added a bunch on to the list!! I can't stop!! laundry room is looking amazing.... is being painted today, then the trim goes on, flooring and appliances back in! I hope to be able to do laundry again this week! it's been 2 weeks and I may have to run a couple of loads to my daughters to do....
today has been a hard day, with missing my son so very much.... getting my mothers day hug and kiss from him, and missing being able to give my mom a hug and kiss. Dear daughters took us out for breakfast, along with hubby's mom and step dad, the 2 grandsons, it was really nice
GAGWTA and again, happy moms day to all!!

 

[Feralpeg]

Ladies, I wanted to stop by to wish all of you a Happy Mother's Day!

I haven't posted lately. Not much going on here...thank goodness! I do read all your posts.

Jill, congrats on finishing radiation!!!!

Our new cat has settled in nicely. He tends to torture poor Luna. He thinks he rules the roost and she is too timid to let him know otherwise.

I spent the day at Epcot with Kendall. It was nice, but very hot!

Thinking of you all!

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Hi Ladies, Hope you all had a Happy Mothers Day

Well if you want to laugh I could tell you about my mothers day. I just cant make this stuff up I tell ya. The only thing I asked for was perfume and a nice brunch and dinner. I got:
1. Edible arrangement from ds2 and 3. Nice but reminded me that my best friend got me one right after my cancer surgery
2. Just finished making a huge bowl of fruit salad for the brunch. Ds yelled at dh from stopping me and forgetting they were getting that.
2. Ds1 sitting on his butt while I basically made half the brunch myself and then refuses to eat the food and makes himself a sand. and gets a nice pickle to eat next to me. Ugh!
3. DS1 giving me 2 boxes of candy, same as christmas
4. Ds1 stepping on ds 2 broken foot and saying it was an accident. Ds2 only had his socks on.
5. Instead of the nice grilled steaks I wanted, we had burgers from a place that ds1 picked up. He then decided he would sit on the couch and eat his until he was told not to.

I love my ds but so glad mothers day is over.

Laurie- the pictures of your dd are beautiful! I know the empty nest is bittersweet. Dh and I are dreaming of it one day for sure. That was great that you did the 5K!

Jillyb - yeah for ringing the bell! How wonderful!

smiley - the renovations sound amazing. Cant wait to see the pictures

Peg - glad you had a great time with Kendall in Epcot. Did you eat anywhere special. You know I am obsessed with food

Cheryl - thinking of you as always

The eye dr. said my eyes didnt get worse. They are just blurry from all the tearing from the tear duct that was damaged by the radiation. Dh eyes got worse.

I am still experiencing bone pain and stiffness. I am sure these are side effects from the infusion. sigh.

Ds. 3 is getting his pics done today. He found out that he was chosen because the guy was told to pick the most photogenic scholarship winners,

Now today he will find out if he is making a speech at the nursing pinning. He is the backup person because the professors are refusing to let the nursing club president do it. Everyone hates the presidents unprofessionalism. Ds was asked by the professors so even if he doesnt get to do it, its still an honor that they asked him etc. He will only get to if the person chosen says no.

I need to schedule the ultrasound/sono I am so behind. sigh.

GAGWTA. Thinking of you all

 

[CherylDan]

Hi ladies, thought I would drop in for a quick hello and update. I'm currently sitting at the clinic getting fluids, potassium, calcium and magnesium. They are doing a good job of keeping me out of the hospital, but I have been spending so much time here the past several weeks! Today will take four hours. My chemo has been delayed over the past month, I am scheduled to restart next week. It will be a new one, I just could not tolerate the other stuff. And, according to my ct scans and tumor markers, it wasn't working all that well anyway. I am hoping that I will at least be functional with this new one. Last week I had six liters of fluid drained from my abdomen - talk about looking like I had been deflated! Unfortunately it is starting to fill back up again already. I'm still dealing with digestive issues. And I've lost quite a bit of weight. Food is just not very appealing these days.

Laurie, your dd is beautiful! Those are really nice pictures.

Jilly, congrats on finishing rads! I hope you have a speedy recovery.

LMP, sorry your Mother's Day wasn't better.

Smiley, looking forward to seeing your rehab! It sounds great.

I had a nice Mother's Day, oldest DD brought us dinner she made, and youngest DD did yardwork and planted some flowers. It was a nice day, even if all I was able to do was sit and watch.

GAGWTA!!

 

[Feralpeg]

Cheryl, thinking of you. Hope the new chemo is much easier on you!

 

[smiley_face2]

Hi ladies, thought I would drop in for a quick hello and update. I'm currently sitting at the clinic getting fluids, potassium, calcium and magnesium. They are doing a good job of keeping me out of the hospital, but I have been spending so much time here the past several weeks! Today will take four hours. My chemo has been delayed over the past month, I am scheduled to restart next week. It will be a new one, I just could not tolerate the other stuff. And, according to my ct scans and tumor markers, it wasn't working all that well anyway. I am hoping that I will at least be functional with this new one. Last week I had six liters of fluid drained from my abdomen - talk about looking like I had been deflated! Unfortunately it is starting to fill back up again already. I'm still dealing with digestive issues. And I've lost quite a bit of weight. Food is just not very appealing these days.

Laurie, your dd is beautiful! Those are really nice pictures.

Jilly, congrats on finishing rads! I hope you have a speedy recovery.

LMP, sorry your Mother's Day wasn't better.

Smiley, looking forward to seeing your rehab! It sounds great.

I had a nice Mother's Day, oldest DD brought us dinner she made, and youngest DD did yardwork and planted some flowers. It was a nice day, even if all I was able to do was sit and watch.

GAGWTA!!

Glad to hear from you Cheryl! I really hope this new stuff works better and is easier on you!! It sounds like a very nice mothers day!!
LMP.... I think men just don't listen.... they seem sometimes very oblivious!! Next time, go buy the perfume.... order in the dinner... and give them the bills to pay!

 

[snappy]

Cheryl, I am hoping the new chemo regimen is both more tolerable and effective. Thanks for updating us. I am glad you enjoyed your mother's day dinner. So sweet of your younger daughter to plant flowers, and your older one to bring dinner. Enjoy your new flowers!

MaryAnn, I am sorry your sons were not more focused on you Sunday. I agree with Smiley, the male species can be oblivious. They are wired so differently than us.

My day was pretty good, although I found myself in the kitchen far too much, even with having grilled steaks. I make a lot of extra veggies, fruit salad too, even quinoa, since DD18 does not eat meat.

It was still good, mom really liked her new iPad air, although she said her iPad 1 was perfectly fine! She said, you know me, I always try and make things last. She really like the new small ultra light rolling suitcase I also got her for taking her gear to swim at the gym. With her latest spinal fracture, she is finding it difficult to lift anything the slightest bit heavy and her old rolling suitcase was circa 1980's and heavy and bulky.

Graduation was wonderful Tuesday night. I got my crying over early in the morning so I was calm and happy for the ceremony.

Her last AP exam is this morning, so she is really done with high school.

Having a party with the relatives this weekend and my dear sister is helping me.

DD23 could not come but found some Alex and Ani jewelry that is perfect for DD18, two bangles, one with a LSU emblem, another with a beautiful blue green stone that is the color of the gulf water (DD18 chose Coastal environmental studies for her major this fall), and an adorable gold necklace that is simple but elegant with a beautiful little perfect rose.

My dear brother Tom is surprising her at the party with a card gifting her with a all expense paid trip to NYC, including theatre and museum outings with him.

She is going to be thrilled. I decided to let her pick out a piece or two of original art for her apartment walls from a gallery here where a lot of local artists display. We haven't shopped yet. Too busy!

I'll try and post a picture that we hurried up and took before graduation.

 

[snappy]

 

[smiley_face2]

beautiful! you are sooooo busy!! I don't know how you keep up with it all! Laundry room should be done tomorrow, it is looking soooo nice I have to go back to our cabinet maker, he has a beautiful new store with lot's of stuff already made up.... I need a new shelf....the old one made from plywood with shop type metal brackets is NOT going back in there!! lol.... when we first moved to this very old house, the small kitchen was one of the first things we renovated. Sadly, it was during the 80's and I chose the cabinets that are almond laminate with the oak strip at the top lol..... we kept one of the old cabinets..... the kind made of real wood, shaker style with crown molding at the top, goes all the way to the ceiling.... and put it in the laundry room. Well I have been replacing all those 80's cabinets with real wood ones made by this fellow, I didn't even realise at first they are identical to the old one I had relegated to the dungeon laundry room!! Yesterday this young fellow spent 3 hours sanding down and painting this lovely old cabinet, and now it looks just like all the new ones! lol.... I am really pleased that a piece of the old house is still here!! funny how our tastes change as we age, and we begin to appreciate the past so much more. There is one more bathroom vanity to replace and then all 3 main bathrooms will be "updated" and the old 80's stuff gone!
Did I mention about the asbestos incident? probably....still fuming and stewing over that one.
It is Victoria Day long weekend here....usually it falls the same weekend as your memorial day but not this year. Marks the start of summer season here too though. holiday to celebrate the birth of Queen Victoria...very traditional with maypole dancing and a may queen, jumble sales and such. really reminds us of our British heritage here

 

[snappy]

Thanks Smiley!

I love hearing about the metamorphosis of your "old" house. How nice that you took the time and spent the $ to transform that older cabinet.

We have some 80's stuff that need to go too. We are still in waiting mode though, need to get DD18 through undergrad first.

In the mean time, I sure love "transforming" the yard and gardens. After the unusually cold winter and late spring, it is so nice to see progress.

Enjoy Victoria Day!

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Cheryl - I hope this chemo is much better for you. Thinking of you.

smiley - your renovation sounds like it is really coming along.

Laurie - hope the graduation party turned out great. I am sure your dd was thankful for all the work you put into it.

I am exhausted. I have been having so much bone pain from the reclast infusion. You can actually hear the bones cracking or popping plus my jaw. I called the dr. Another dr. called back. Of course, she says these symptoms are highly unlikely etc. yeah, yeah, blah blah. Well I told dh I am talking to the endo at my next visit and telling her there is no way I am doing this infusion again unless she gives me some narcotic pain pills for the pain etc. I also had to call about a script. I hate these electronic scripts. They only gave me a 3 month refill instead of 6 months, so I am making sure to go over each one next time at my visit etc.

Ds pinning ceremony was nice but long. The chairs were terrible and dh and I said it was worse than sitting on Southwest Airlines. After ds picked Chillis to go out to dinner, it was our family and some friends of his and there was 10 of us. It was a long night and a bad rainstorm and we didnt get home till around midnight. I also hurt my knee getting out of the van, so the brace will be on as needed. It really helps alot.

Then yest. was the actual graduation This time I got smart and sat in my grandmas wheelchair I took. Dh got one of the last parking places in the whole lot and we got there around 9 am. We got to hear our state senator who is friends with Hillary Clinton. He was interesting but the keynote speaker was a bore. Thank heavens ds got called up near the beginning with the nursing students so we got out of there by noon. He actually stayed until the end. He said by the time it was over only 50 students actually stayed etc.

Now I get to do this all again on Friday with ds2. We already said we are only going to his small dept. ceremony where he gets the actual degree. I am not going to the massive stadium ceremony. One of the ds might go to that one. I dont know as ds2 does not communicate well etc.

Dh leaves tomm. for Michigan. He misses my b day and our anniv. Really not happy about that. He will be home for the graduation on Friday and next week he leaves for Calif. My head spins.

GAGWTA.