Dis Breast Cancer Survivors Part IV - GAGWTA

[snappy]

Have a wonderful time, Cheryl!

Thanks for sharing it with us.

 

[Straitlover]

Waving back!!!!! That looks like a yummy sandwich. Hope you ahve a wonderful time.

I went to DL one time for the day back in I think 1999 or 2000. I was visiting my friend who lived in San Diego. Her sister was visiting, too, so we three drove up for the day (like a Tues to Wed). It seemed so tiny compared to MK! I do want to go back. My friend did not like shows, so I didn't get to see any of them. The line for Splash was 120 minutes, and the FP return at 2 PM was 10 PM that night, and we were leaving around 6, so no ride for me (this was before I had my second visit to WDW in 2004; first was 1982, so no Splash there).

 

[Dancind]

Cheryl, you look good! Love the matching scarf. Have a great time, bet the weather is perfect.

Looks like DD is definitely moving to Portland in December. No job, but a boyfriend and an apartment. She has a little money socked away, so hoping the job search goes well. I see more visits to Portland in my future.

 

[CherylDan]

Trip was great! I absolutely love DLR! There is so much packed into a smaller space that in some ways it makes WDW seem kinda silly for being so spread out. Let's just say it is very pedestrian friendly! This was our third trip there, and I like it more and more each time. We had a very nice CM at Toy Story who asked us if we wanted to ride a second time in a row - oh yes please!

I used a scooter the entire time - I just don't have the stamina to walk very long. The scooter worked out pretty well for the most part, with the exception of trying to maneuver it in crowded shops. We stayed outside the park, about a mile from the gates. DH Didn't mind the walk at all, and I scooted, so it worked out great for us!

I will post some pictures soon, still need to go thru them. Funny, we really didn't take very many - mostly just when we were eating!

I am making progress on our trip plans for WDW. We will actually be there between Christmas and New Years. I know, we are crazy! Actually we have gone that week before, and it isn't THAT bad - provided you get there at opening each day and leave after lunch for a nice long break. I love the Christmas decorations, and don't really care if we get a lot done or not. I will say that the NYE fireworks are a priority - they are amazing!

Dancind,Portland is a very nice area. My brother and family live there, they love it. Here's hoping she is able to find work quickly.

LMP, Your plans sound great! We are staying at POR. We really like that resort, it is very peaceful, and quite a bit less than yacht club/beach club.....but of course it isn't next to Epcot. I've made quite a few ADRs, even though a lot of places were already completely booked - combine an extremely busy week with a trip planned only 90 or so days out, and no surprise there! So far we have Raglan Road, Kona Cafe, 50s Prime Time, LeChefs, the Plaza, WCC, Boatwrights, Trattoria Forno (new place on the Boardwalk), and LTT. I think that's all. Would have liked to see Beauty and the Beast, but no luck yet. Maybe for lunch.

Smiley, hope your appt went well!

GAGWTA!!

 

[Snowflakey]

Hi Everyone

Just wanted to drop in and say hi. I haven't been on in about a year and a half and what a year and a half it has been.

January of 2013 I was diagnosed with breast cancer at 45. Had surgery (lumpectomy) and was on a cancer drug. I had found out 3 days before being diagnosed with cancer that I was losing my job of 26 years due to the company restructure. I LOVED this job. Best job ever and now I'm dealing with cancer.

So most of 2013 was stress from losing my job, having to find a job after 26 years - I started the job I lost at age 19! I found a job - not making anywhere near where I was so then I took on a second job working nights and weekends to help make ends meet. DH was working crazy hours and even our two DD's worked while going to school. It was awful.

Fast forward to December 23rd - 2 days before Christmas (2013) and I had my first mammogram since my diagnosis. I went right in there, feeling great, confident that surgery and the cancer drug is doing its thing not to mention I started walking that summer and lost weight and finally back down to my high school weight . Had my mammogram at our hospital in the breast cancer department and once it was done I was waiting to get the ok to go ahead and change. The lady came in and said "we are all set BUT the doctor wants to talk to you"my heart dropped. They told me to go to "that room" - where I was the first time they told me they see something. I was sitting there waiting texting my daughter and my sister knowing cancer was back. And it was.

I started this year just like I did in 2013 with 2 surgeries in January followed by 7 1/2 weeks of radiation and LOTS of medical bills. My next mammogram is the day after Christmas and I stay positive it will be ok and I can start counting the time I am a survivor however I am scared to death

So that's my story. I remain happy but that wave of "what if" makes its way across my mind often.

Please know all of you are in my thoughts and prayers.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Hi Everyone

Just wanted to drop in and say hi. I haven't been on in about a year and a half and what a year and a half it has been.

January of 2013 I was diagnosed with breast cancer at 45. Had surgery (lumpectomy) and was on a cancer drug. I had found out 3 days before being diagnosed with cancer that I was losing my job of 26 years due to the company restructure. I LOVED this job. Best job ever and now I'm dealing with cancer.

So most of 2013 was stress from losing my job, having to find a job after 26 years - I started the job I lost at age 19! I found a job - not making anywhere near where I was so then I took on a second job working nights and weekends to help make ends meet. DH was working crazy hours and even our two DD's worked while going to school. It was awful.

Fast forward to December 23rd - 2 days before Christmas (2013) and I had my first mammogram since my diagnosis. I went right in there, feeling great, confident that surgery and the cancer drug is doing its thing not to mention I started walking that summer and lost weight and finally back down to my high school weight . Had my mammogram at our hospital in the breast cancer department and once it was done I was waiting to get the ok to go ahead and change. The lady came in and said "we are all set BUT the doctor wants to talk to you"my heart dropped. They told me to go to "that room" - where I was the first time they told me they see something. I was sitting there waiting texting my daughter and my sister knowing cancer was back. And it was.

I started this year just like I did in 2013 with 2 surgeries in January followed by 7 1/2 weeks of radiation and LOTS of medical bills. My next mammogram is the day after Christmas and I stay positive it will be ok and I can start counting the time I am a survivor however I am scared to death

So that's my story. I remain happy but that wave of "what if" makes its way across my mind often.

Please know all of you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Sorry to read that, but glad you checked in. Was the second cancer in the same breast? Was it considered a recurrence or a new cancer? Uggh.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Snowflakey - so sorry you had to go through everything all over again. Wishing you all the best with the next testing.

Cheryl - your trip sounded wonderful. And your next trip sounds great too! You are sure brave to go during that time. But it sounds like you have some great adrs. Def. look the scooter ahead of time. I am sure they will be at a premium then for sure. I always enjoy your pictures.

Laurie - hope your mom is improving each day

smiley - thought of you when dh and ds told me they took a trip up to Victoria when they were on the west coast last week. They enjoyed it they said.

Linda - ds has done what you said, take whatever job you can get! He is now a sub school nurse and is calling about being a sub at a handicapped pre school for kids that have vents, trachs etc.

We went out to celebrate ds3 b day last night. He went out with a friend the night before. He couldnt do anything this week end as he is volunteering at church and everyone has plans etc.

Today ds3 has his first day as a sub school nurse. He is excited. I see that one of our days on our trip the Swan is sold out for booking normally, so now I see how to divide the dates with us paying for it and dh ff miles. What a headache. Because its also different room categories so that means unless they upgrade us, we will have to change rooms and dh hates doing that. He likes to settle in and stay there. He has another trip next week to Baltimore I think, so I need to work on this asap.

Still havent done the bone scan. Need a flu shot too. I am sure a procrastinator lately.

GAGWTA. Have a great day everyone.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Good for your DS, lmp. He wound up staying home and not moving to FL? I noticed there is a Groupon for the S/D Mandarin Spa $99 instead of $190 if you're interested, since you're going. I wish I was going. If anyone is inclined, I'll ask if you can keep me in your prayers for a procedure I'm having next week. I will update afterward. Thank you.

 

[smiley_face2]

Trip was great! I absolutely love DLR! There is so much packed into a smaller space that in some ways it makes WDW seem kinda silly for being so spread out. Let's just say it is very pedestrian friendly! This was our third trip there, and I like it more and more each time. We had a very nice CM at Toy Story who asked us if we wanted to ride a second time in a row - oh yes please!

I used a scooter the entire time - I just don't have the stamina to walk very long. The scooter worked out pretty well for the most part, with the exception of trying to maneuver it in crowded shops. We stayed outside the park, about a mile from the gates. DH Didn't mind the walk at all, and I scooted, so it worked out great for us!

I will post some pictures soon, still need to go thru them. Funny, we really didn't take very many - mostly just when we were eating!

I am making progress on our trip plans for WDW. We will actually be there between Christmas and New Years. I know, we are crazy! Actually we have gone that week before, and it isn't THAT bad - provided you get there at opening each day and leave after lunch for a nice long break. I love the Christmas decorations, and don't really care if we get a lot done or not. I will say that the NYE fireworks are a priority - they are amazing!

Dancind,Portland is a very nice area. My brother and family live there, they love it. Here's hoping she is able to find work quickly.

LMP, Your plans sound great! We are staying at POR. We really like that resort, it is very peaceful, and quite a bit less than yacht club/beach club.....but of course it isn't next to Epcot. I've made quite a few ADRs, even though a lot of places were already completely booked - combine an extremely busy week with a trip planned only 90 or so days out, and no surprise there! So far we have Raglan Road, Kona Cafe, 50s Prime Time, LeChefs, the Plaza, WCC, Boatwrights, Trattoria Forno (new place on the Boardwalk), and LTT. I think that's all. Would have liked to see Beauty and the Beast, but no luck yet. Maybe for lunch.

Smiley, hope your appt went well!

GAGWTA!!

so happy you guys had a great time!!! the picture was awesome! I recognize the French Market, one of my favourite places to eat! did they have a jazz show going on at the time? So jealous you get to go to WDW so soon too!!! I know how you are feeling.... we made 5 trips to Disneyland in less than 3 years! together with our other trips that was 8 holidays in 3 years. I know I was trying to run away.... worried that "this trip" might be my last. I still feel like that, you can't help it. all the reno to the house too....it was like I had to keep busy or travelling to keep my mind busy so I didn't stop to fall off the cliff.
I did get good results. the one tumor marker is back up but only from 21 to 26 again.... so he is sure it is just natural fluctuation for me. and mri there are the 2 little spots about 3mm that are unchanged from one year ago so we are guessing they are just surgery changes. it is frustrating though, you just want the blood work to be perfect and the mri completely clear.... but I said to hubby that bit of uncertainty will keep my from eating too much sugar or doing anything else bad for my health!
we are quite sure we will head out again in january, try to be away for a good 3 weeks along the california coast, I am quite sure we won't make it down to DL because that adds on another week and a LOT more money!! It is the 60th birthday for Disneyland next year, and we have airmiles to fly, so I would really like to save the Disney trip to go with 2 or even 3 of the grand daughters for a week again. That was an awesome time!
been seeing the councilor every week and working through some of the grief, but I know it's never going to be gone. But I know now I want to be here more than on the other side with Ken so that's big progress!
Can't wait to see pictures!!!

 

[smiley_face2]

Good for your DS, lmp. He wound up staying home and not moving to FL? I noticed there is a Groupon for the S/D Mandarin Spa $99 instead of $190 if you're interested, since you're going. I wish I was going. If anyone is inclined, I'll ask if you can keep me in your prayers for a procedure I'm having next week. I will update afterward. Thank you.

Will keep you in my prayers!

 

[smiley_face2]

Snowflakey - so sorry you had to go through everything all over again. Wishing you all the best with the next testing.

Cheryl - your trip sounded wonderful. And your next trip sounds great too! You are sure brave to go during that time. But it sounds like you have some great adrs. Def. look the scooter ahead of time. I am sure they will be at a premium then for sure. I always enjoy your pictures.

Laurie - hope your mom is improving each day

smiley - thought of you when dh and ds told me they took a trip up to Victoria when they were on the west coast last week. They enjoyed it they said.

Linda - ds has done what you said, take whatever job you can get! He is now a sub school nurse and is calling about being a sub at a handicapped pre school for kids that have vents, trachs etc.

We went out to celebrate ds3 b day last night. He went out with a friend the night before. He couldnt do anything this week end as he is volunteering at church and everyone has plans etc.

Today ds3 has his first day as a sub school nurse. He is excited. I see that one of our days on our trip the Swan is sold out for booking normally, so now I see how to divide the dates with us paying for it and dh ff miles. What a headache. Because its also different room categories so that means unless they upgrade us, we will have to change rooms and dh hates doing that. He likes to settle in and stay there. He has another trip next week to Baltimore I think, so I need to work on this asap.

Still havent done the bone scan. Need a flu shot too. I am sure a procrastinator lately.

GAGWTA. Have a great day everyone.

hurray about your son! youth unemployment is high here, almost 14% and yesterday, our finance minister said, that kids should volunteer in places related to the field they are in....to build up their skills and make contacts, while they are still living at home and can. there was a bit of a backlash to that, a lot of kids have to work to actually make money and pay off student loans and survive!! but I do agree, if the opportunity is there, it is doing something toward long term goals!
Victoria is a really beautiful city! parts of it are so old....feels very much like England. I hope the weather was ok.... we have had some really bad weather here this week!! raining and flooding everywhere!

 

[smiley_face2]

Hi Everyone

Just wanted to drop in and say hi. I haven't been on in about a year and a half and what a year and a half it has been.

January of 2013 I was diagnosed with breast cancer at 45. Had surgery (lumpectomy) and was on a cancer drug. I had found out 3 days before being diagnosed with cancer that I was losing my job of 26 years due to the company restructure. I LOVED this job. Best job ever and now I'm dealing with cancer.

So most of 2013 was stress from losing my job, having to find a job after 26 years - I started the job I lost at age 19! I found a job - not making anywhere near where I was so then I took on a second job working nights and weekends to help make ends meet. DH was working crazy hours and even our two DD's worked while going to school. It was awful.

Fast forward to December 23rd - 2 days before Christmas (2013) and I had my first mammogram since my diagnosis. I went right in there, feeling great, confident that surgery and the cancer drug is doing its thing not to mention I started walking that summer and lost weight and finally back down to my high school weight . Had my mammogram at our hospital in the breast cancer department and once it was done I was waiting to get the ok to go ahead and change. The lady came in and said "we are all set BUT the doctor wants to talk to you"my heart dropped. They told me to go to "that room" - where I was the first time they told me they see something. I was sitting there waiting texting my daughter and my sister knowing cancer was back. And it was.

I started this year just like I did in 2013 with 2 surgeries in January followed by 7 1/2 weeks of radiation and LOTS of medical bills. My next mammogram is the day after Christmas and I stay positive it will be ok and I can start counting the time I am a survivor however I am scared to death

So that's my story. I remain happy but that wave of "what if" makes its way across my mind often.

Please know all of you are in my thoughts and prayers.

I am so sorry you are going through so much pain. I do know what it feels like to have a reoccurance, mine came back even bigger than the original by the time I was finished my chemotherapy. had another surgery then several weeks of radiation, and thankfully it has stayed away now. my first lumpectomy was just 3 weeks before our son was killed in a work place accident in front of my husband, who is now disabled as well. there were plenty of times I thought I was going to die, the chemo was so hard, had to stop a couple of times...plenty of times I wished I would die, plenty I was scared I was going to. Our middle child who was very close to her brother started drinking and didn't stop until she nearly died and ended up in hospital for 6 weeks. Our son left behind 4 little girls, the youngest had turned 1 just 1 week before he died. It was the last time we were all together as a family. We tried to be there for them, and to support our daughter in law, but I was sooooo sick. There are just not words to describe how bad it was. 3 and a half years later, things are calmer. daughter has not touched alcohol since then and now has 2 beautiful sons. we are learning to live on husbands disability pension. I read once...when you are going through hell, you keep going! and really what else can you do.... just put one foot in front of the other. some days it is near to impossible to get out of bed, but some days I get out looking forward to something. I really hope and pray you get some good news pretty soon

 

[Pea-n-Me]

You are an amazing woman, Smiley. Thank you.

 

[Snowflakey]

I am so sorry you are going through so much pain. I do know what it feels like to have a reoccurance, mine came back even bigger than the original by the time I was finished my chemotherapy. had another surgery then several weeks of radiation, and thankfully it has stayed away now. my first lumpectomy was just 3 weeks before our son was killed in a work place accident in front of my husband, who is now disabled as well. there were plenty of times I thought I was going to die, the chemo was so hard, had to stop a couple of times...plenty of times I wished I would die, plenty I was scared I was going to. Our middle child who was very close to her brother started drinking and didn't stop until she nearly died and ended up in hospital for 6 weeks. Our son left behind 4 little girls, the youngest had turned 1 just 1 week before he died. It was the last time we were all together as a family. We tried to be there for them, and to support our daughter in law, but I was sooooo sick. There are just not words to describe how bad it was. 3 and a half years later, things are calmer. daughter has not touched alcohol since then and now has 2 beautiful sons. we are learning to live on husbands disability pension. I read once...when you are going through hell, you keep going! and really what else can you do.... just put one foot in front of the other. some days it is near to impossible to get out of bed, but some days I get out looking forward to something. I really hope and pray you get some good news pretty soon

Oh.......my..............goodness I am so very sorry for all that you have had to deal with. Way too much if you ask me. You may not know or feel it at times but you are strong. To endure all you had to and be here telling me you are sorry for what I went through shows what a wonderful person you truly are. Gentle hugs to you that you remain healthy and your family enjoys the holidays. xo

 

[leebee]

leebee, I know I'm late in answering your post. I had a bilateral mx on 7/30. My sis came up here. I got out of the hosp 7/31, we stayed at my house that night because it was so late, then we went to her house on Fri. She brought me back Sunday afternoon to my house. I was alone, but I folks form work bringing me stuff, taking out the trash, that kind of thing. I did Ok, but I am 49, not 82. I did get an infection and end up in the hospital 8/15-21 on IV antibiotics (plus on the at home until 9/19), but that could happen to anyone. How is she doing? Today should be day 6 after for her.

Thanks for asking about my MIL. She had her surgery and they were able to start the reconstruction at the same time. However, she isn't doing well. My SIL says she just isn't recovering the way the doctors had hoped, and that my MIL had expected. I don't know if I mentioned it but they found cancer in her sentinel node so that is dictating her follow-up treatment. They took her in for more surgery to "remove a spot near the nipple tissue so they can start chemo/radiation sooner." This is info from my SIL and am not sure I understand what it means. I guess my MIL is in low spirits; she is afraid there is something they missed. We can't all go out for Thanksgiving but I am supposed to go in early December for a week. I don't know what to think, but it scares me that my MIL is in poor spirits; this is so unlike her.

Thanks to all for listening. Sometimes, that's what we seem to need most.

 

[smiley_face2]

Thanks for asking about my MIL. She had her surgery and they were able to start the reconstruction at the same time. However, she isn't doing well. My SIL says she just isn't recovering the way the doctors had hoped, and that my MIL had expected. I don't know if I mentioned it but they found cancer in her sentinel node so that is dictating her follow-up treatment. They took her in for more surgery to "remove a spot near the nipple tissue so they can start chemo/radiation sooner." This is info from my SIL and am not sure I understand what it means. I guess my MIL is in low spirits; she is afraid there is something they missed. We can't all go out for Thanksgiving but I am supposed to go in early December for a week. I don't know what to think, but it scares me that my MIL is in poor spirits; this is so unlike her.

Thanks to all for listening. Sometimes, that's what we seem to need most.

You are such a special person, to be so worried about your mil! It can get really overwhelming when there is so much going on, and even someone like me, whom my own dear mil calls Pollyanna.... gets really down. I really hope it goes good for her and that is awesome you are going out to spend time with her!

 

[CherylDan]

Snowflakes, you have been thru quite the ordeal.....I understand all too well about the "what ifs". It is really hard sometimes to chase them away! I do my best with just trying to take one day at a time, doesn't seem so overwhelming that way. Sending you best wishes for good test results!

LMP, I hope you get your bone scan and flu shot soon! Congrats to your DS on his new job.

Linda, keeping you in my thoughts....hoping everything goes well with the procedure next week.

Smiley, Linda is so right - you are amazing! And you have really offered up some great insight here, thank you so much for that. I agree about the running away in regards to the travel - and the thought that this may be the last trip. I think, for me anyway, that it helps so much to have something to plan, and look forward to in the not too distance future. I try not to think too far ahead, a few months is about all I am comfortable with. Any longer than that seems to go against my one day at a time way of dealing with things!

Leebee, sorry to hear your MIL is not recovering as well as was hoped, and that she is in low spirits. It's a lot to deal with, both for her and the family.

 

[CherylDan]

My internet connection is driving me crazy! I keep trying to post more pictures, but it's a no go.....will try again tomorrow!

 

[CherylDan]

Is anyone else having trouble with photobucket? I can't for the life of me figure out why I can't seem to make it work anymore! I absolutely can not copy the IMG code.

I know I can't blame it on my internet connection, because we are at DD's babysitting Zoe.

She was tired and cranky when we got here and didn't want anything to do with me.....she just looked at me and cried! I hope she likes me better when she wakes up from her nap.

 

[smiley_face2]

Is anyone else having trouble with photobucket? I can't for the life of me figure out why I can't seem to make it work anymore! I absolutely can not copy the IMG code.

I know I can't blame it on my internet connection, because we are at DD's babysitting Zoe.

She was tired and cranky when we got here and didn't want anything to do with me.....she just looked at me and cried! I hope she likes me better when she wakes up from her nap.

poor little thing, she is maybe not feeling well! Hope she was better when she woke up! all of our grand kids are sick right now! they don't even all live in the same town! rotten time of year!
if you click on the individual picture you want to use, it should open in a seperate window, and on the right side will be all the different codes, when you click on the direct link one, it should turn yellow and say "copied".... I can not make it work from the page that has all the small thumbnail pics on it. hope you get it working!!!!
I totally agree.... a few months ahead is the best I can do too! hubby said something about wondering if time shares are a good deal....I just looked at him and laughed...poor guy! I said only if you are young and healthy and working!!!
Today I am realllllly enjoying the respite from the torrential rains we have been having! where I sit in my living room, I look out one window and there is a beautiful red leaved japanese maple glowing in the sun....out the other window there is a selection of trees and shrubs with red and orange and gold leaves amongst the green, and the bird feeder hubby built years ago.... there were 4 glorious blue jays and a pair (male and female) of pileated woodpeckers all on it and around it! such a glory of natural colour!! all glowing away in the sun.... Yes indeed one day at a time!!
in the meanwhile....when it gets dark....I am fine tuning our trip for January!!