Geriatric MM Warriors June 13, 2010

[Diane W.]

Hi everyone!
Kathy - we haven't had any snow yet. I checked the forecast for the next 10 days and nothing is coming. I can't wait for the first snowfall.

Has anyone done any snowshoeing? I would love to try it, but don't want to shell out the money to buy them and discover I don't like it. I know that it's a good workout. My walks are now intervals of 1 minute fast (like I'm late for the train) and the other is 1 minute at my regular pace. Last year I bought 2 jackets from Coldwater Creek during a 75% off sale. They look like down vests with a sweater underneath and they have a hood. I put the hood up and it's really cozy. The only problem is my face. I read that runner's coat their noses and cheeks with a thin layer of vaseline. I'm going to try that. I have a Buff that I wear with plain fleeces. It looks like I'm wearing a turtleneck underneath. During my walk I've pulled it up over my face, but it gets wet with the condensation.

My tree is up and decorated today. It looks pretty. I don't have a theme, but every ornament has a memory attached to it. Some are from when I was a kid. Of course all the ornaments Owen made when he was little are on there and all the Hallmark "Son" ornaments from each year. Last year they didn't make one and had a special hook that said "son" on it. I bought it and a cute snowlady holding a snowbaby. This year they had the 'son' ornament again. I guess I'm not the only one who was upset last year.

I'm dropping my car off tomorrow for a tune-up and a regular checkup. It's been acting funny. I hope it's nothing too expensive.

Enjoy the rest of the evening! I can't wait to watch The Mentalist tonight - he's so cute.

 

[Wisteria1956]

Diane: J-P uses a snowboarder's face mask or a bandana to keep his face warm and free of snow. He lives in a pretty cold climate and bicyles all year, too. Might scare your neighbors, but your eyelashes won't freeze.

I love all the 'old' ornaments too. If I buy new ones I buy angels or Old World Santas, but I also have one to remember each of our animals, J-P's school days, etc. We actually found a clay ornament of a spotted dog with a green frisbee in its mouth for Bonnie. Such a goofy look on its face, too.

I'm getting nervous about the oncologist appt. on Monday. Trying so hard not to think ahead. I woke up screaming at 11:30 last night. I think I was dreaming of an intruder since I watched that heart wrenching interview Oprah did with Dr. Petit. Tom was working late so he didn't hear me and it probably wouldn't have happened if he were here. I need to get into some of my hobbies again to keep busy when I'm alone at night. I find I don't like to stray far from the fireplace in the winter but I have picture projects I could be doing. Things are looking up today. SIL's are coming so I have grocery shopping and cleaning to do. I'm working a little, but I usually take off most of December anyway and this year it's particularly precious.

 

[Diane W.]

Lisa - Good idea about the snowboarder's facemask. I know Owen has an old one (he upgraded). I have to ask him to get it from his dad's house.
I missed the Oprah interview - thank God. I think I would've woken up screaming too. I don't know how that man goes on.
I will continue to keep Tom in my prayers. Don't be scared, this is his path to healing.
One of my ornaments is a black lab with angel wings. I bought it because it looked like our dog and it was so pretty. It's ironic because by the following Christmas she had passed away. It was so sad when I unwrapped it to put on the tree.
My car only needed plugs, wires and air filter - $136! I was so relieved. I was scared it was going to be near $1,000.

 

[Wisteria1956]

Diane: WhooHooo about the low car bill! I won a fight with my insurance co. who tried to substitute aftermarket parts on my car. Oh, no, you don't!

Finally made a nice frittata for breakfast today. Each slice is less than 1 carb. Loaded with veggies. Soooo good. I had been lazy lately and not making it, but it makes a good breakfast on the go for Tom during the week. SIL's will like it too.

 

[Seabreezes]

I am back home once again. We had a wonderful time in Orlando playing bridge and seeing old friends. We could have been in any town since everything revolved around the game. We came home with Gold points - the object of the trip. We now need just a few more. We will go to Seattle next fall for the big tournament and will hope to get the rest there.

The weather in Orlando was COLD - 30 degrees some mornings. We are just not used to it with our "pineapple juice" in our veins!!

We got the tree up before we left so came home to a decorated house. it still takes me a couple of days to unpack and get turned around though. We are having company in on Tuesday evening so will have to have everything **** and span by then!!

Tomorrow is the Honolulu Marathon so we are stranded in our house unless we want to walk. Bob will have to walk to his bridge game and I will have the house to myself for the day. I can play my Christmas music at full volume and so some cooking. I love days like that.

Lisa, I'm sure Tom will be fine. you have the best oncologists on your side. I do know how stressful all of this is, though. Just remember, the fact that you have taken such good care of him is a bonus for him. And....what a scare you had with the auto accident. Thank goodness you are OK.

Kathy, I'm sorry to read about your children's father and what he is going through.

Kate - congratulations on the engagement. Wedding are always such fun, I think. We have attended a couple of them on Maui at sunset time - always so romantic.

Diane - your walks sound great - even in the cold and thank goodness for the low car repair.

Robin - I'm not sure I am up to date on all your health issues, but hope they are being resolved.

I'm sure I missed some things, but do know that I think about all of you even if I am not on the computer.

Hugs to ALL

 

[kater]

I am back home once again. We had a wonderful time in Orlando playing bridge and seeing old friends. We could have been in any town since everything revolved around the game. We came home with Gold points - the object of the trip. We now need just a few more. We will go to Seattle next fall for the big tournament and will hope to get the rest there.

Jocelyn - my mom's significant other was in Orlando too - playing at the tournament. My mom was supposed to go but couldn't at the last minute.

 

[Wisteria1956]

Welcome Home, Jocelyn! Funny that disney thought your word for very clean was racial, LOL!

I also love the days when I can cook and play music. Enjoy that time. The laundry can wait.

Kate: I ended and started my day with my gratitudes and I did sleep better last night, but I also took a pill. Getting nervous before tomorrow's appointment. I also focused on how I could be the best version of myself each day because I feel I've left myself 'on pause' in a way. I haven't really been living to the fullest each day so I'm going to make a renewed effort to do that, starting today. It doesn't mean I'm going to write the great American novel, but I am going to try to infuse energy, enthusiasm, love and gratitude. No TV, wrapping presents and walking with Bonnie. That's the agenda so far. Oh, and talking to my best friend. I've been derailed quite easily lately so thanks for helping me.

Have a really wonderful day! Christmas is coming so soon!

 

[Seabreezes]

Jocelyn - my mom's significant other was in Orlando too - playing at the tournament. My mom was supposed to go but couldn't at the last minute.

Hope your mother is OK. Maybe we can meet them one of these days.

It is a beautiful, sunny day here. The forecast was for rain, but not visible here. The fireworks for the start of the Marathon went off at 5 AM and an hour later the cheering for the leaders started a block away. I closed all the windows and we were able to get a bit more sleep. There are 22,000+ running along - 16,000 of them from Japan. It is quite a happening here. They all have their cheering squads along the raceway. It gets a bit noisy if you are near it.

The music is going, as well as the laundry!!

I'm going to make a rum cake for Christmas Day. It freezes well so I will have that project done. I'll also make my spinach casserole as that freezes, too.

We are going out for Chinese with our friends tonight. Way tooooo much eating out, but I do hate to say I can't go out! Hopefully I can just eat broccoli beef and something with chicken without the rice or noodles. Several of the people we will be with are of Oriental descent and love their rice!! One of them is about a size 0 so it doesn't affect her!

Have a lovely Sunday day.

Love and Hugs to ALL

 

[kater]

Welcome Home, Jocelyn! Funny that disney thought your word for very clean was racial, LOL!

I also love the days when I can cook and play music. Enjoy that time. The laundry can wait.

Kate: I ended and started my day with my gratitudes and I did sleep better last night, but I also took a pill. Getting nervous before tomorrow's appointment. I also focused on how I could be the best version of myself each day because I feel I've left myself 'on pause' in a way. I haven't really been living to the fullest each day so I'm going to make a renewed effort to do that, starting today. It doesn't mean I'm going to write the great American novel, but I am going to try to infuse energy, enthusiasm, love and gratitude. No TV, wrapping presents and walking with Bonnie. That's the agenda so far. Oh, and talking to my best friend. I've been derailed quite easily lately so thanks for helping me.

Have a really wonderful day! Christmas is coming so soon!

Lisa - you know we will be with you and Tom tomorrow. Thank you for reminding me (again) that I have so many things to be grateful for. I am off to meet a former client of mine at a "Winterfest." She lost her mother this year and this will be the first Christmas without her. She has two darling daughters (one whose name is Kate - the other daughter's name is Grace - a favorite name of mine). There will be snow for the kids, caroling, hot chocolate, etc. Should be fun. xoxoxo

 

[Diane W.]

Hi everyone.
Lisa - How did the doctor visit go?
Robin - I hope everything is all right. We haven't heard from you.

Jocelyn - You have such a nice life! I love that you and your husband share such a great hobby and get to travel and enjoy it together. Did you both always play bridge?

Kate - I hope you enjoyed the Winterfest. How cool that they have snow!

Kathy - We had a light dusting last night. It looked so pretty in the street lights. It's all gone now.

Bev & Pam - Where did you go? I hope you're busy with holiday plans.

My sisters and I were supposed to to down to NYC yesterday, but it was drizzling all day. We decided to go on the Monday after Christmas instead. I should be a little quieter then too.

The Biggest Loser finale is on tonight. I want that young guy with the 2 small boys to win.

 

[Wisteria1956]

This is the journal entry I made on Tom's Caring Bridge this am. I cried my eyes out last night while Tom was at the pharmacy. The appointment was scary and I'm sure what set me off was that the doctor said we are going to be as aggressive as possible in order to try to 'slow this thing down'. I'm better today because I have to try really hard to listen to Kate and not react to things that haven't happened yet. It's very difficult. He also said any side effects like edema will be permanent. We thought Tom had missed the worst of that side effect.


Well, there's a bit of a set back. Tom has a large lump near the top of his leg which is related to the surgery and it has become inflammed. We were rushed to have it aspirated yesterday and lab tests are being done. In the meantime, he's on antibiotics. Lab results will hopefully tell us if another medicine would be more effective. This will delay treatments until it's under control. Radiation and chemo both aggravate infections. Tom goes back to the doctor on Friday and back to the radiologist next Wednesday, the 22nd. In the meantime, we'll be contacted by a chemo doctor. It's likely there will be two big chemo treatments instead of a few smaller ones. Also likely it will have to be done in the hospital. Radiology and chemo docs are going to coordinate both treatments to begin at the same time for 6 - 8 weeks. At least the radiation doesn't hurt and is for a brief time each day. Please pray that Tom is able to retain his amazing strength, both physical and mental and that there are no side effects. We'll let you know when treatments commence.

 

[Seabreezes]

Dear Lisa - All I can say is that you know we are all praying as hard as we can for a positive outcome. I just feel so sorry for both of you having to go through all of this. Just know that medicine has come a long way with very positive results. I wish I was closer to spend some time with you. It will have to be virtual visits.....

Diane - I started playing bridge 5 years ago. I had never played before, but Bob had. He re-started playing at the bridge club here and was meeting all these nice people. We got on a long cruise that had beginning bridge so I decided I would try to learn enough to be able to play a social game and have people in. Well....I have played very little social bridge. He took me to a duplicate game as soon as we returned from the trip and the rest is history. The people who taught me to play bridge have become our best friends. They live in the Chicago area but we get together. They traveled with us to Europe last summer and we just saw them in Orlando. They teach bridge on the ship every year so have had repeated lessons from them for 5 years. We will be together again in January. I had not played a lot of cards at all - Canasta with my parents years ago, but not much else. It does not come naturally to me, but I do work at it and we do fairly well.

Tonight we are having 6 other people in for dinner and bridge, but it is not for social bridge. We play team games with the group so are using this as lesson time. 2 of the ladies are going to Thailand to play in a women's pairs tournament in January and want more practice together. It really is fun and we have met wonderful people we never would have met otherwise.

Off to have my blood taken for my semi annual physical next week. The weight is not where I would like it, but I guess that is how it goes!!!! I was busy re-reading some low carb sites last night for inspiration. Such a fight!

I spent about 2 hours at the doctors yesterday as I managed to take a hugh hunk of skin off my leg. My laptop computer fell on it and scraped it. I have never seen so much blood come out at one time. Bob was already asleep and I had to waken him as I didn't dare walk anywhere. He got me all cleaned up and bandaged, but the bleeding wouldn't stop so he wrapped it very tightly. Off to the doctor's I went in the AM. All is well now, but I can't swim until it heals. It is on the lower leg and it is harder to get things to heal there. Fortunately I am not diabetic. That is the first thing they asked after asking if I was abused!!

Have a lovely day - we will be in the 80"s again here, but snow is sooooo pretty!

Hugs and Love to ALL

 

[Simpleone]

Helloooo everyone!!

Oh Diane, you know me, I'm never far away from you guys. I jump on and off line several times a day. But you're right, between getting things ready for Christmas, the extra work that Millie and Chris have brought into the house, baby sitting for Afton and Gavin, and working daily on my tiles, next week will be the true test of my skills ...my head stays a'buzz and most times I don't clear it enough to post. ...but am ever watchful.

Dear Lisa, you and Tom remain a constant in my thoughts and prayers. I don't know that any of us have adequate words to express how much we care and wish we could make things better for you and Tom. It really is a shame that none of us are close enough to be there to offer our physical assistance, but know that we're all pulling for and thinking of you daily.
I recieved your Christmas card yesterday, love it! That's one great photo.

Jocelyn, so sorry about your leg, oh ouch!!... but I still want to trade lives with you! lol When I woke up this morning, it was 6 degrees with a wind chill of 6 below. We've been lucky with the bright sunshine most days, it kind of fools you into thinking it's far warmer out there than it actually is, but I'll take it and be fooled!

Kate, I hope you had a wonderful time at the Winterfest, it sounds totally charming!

Robin, I know you're busy and hopfully taking good care of yourself? Please let us know that you're doing well?

Here on the homefront we have good news and bad news...the good news first... Millie went to Indianapolis to have an amniocentesis done last week and the results came back with no further abnormalities found with the baby. Whew!! They did confirm the cleft lip, but were still unable to include or omit the pailet. They also met with the plastic surgeon that will be doing the corrective surgery and he was able to help make them more optimistic. We're so very grateful.
Bad news...Celeste miscarried her baby, she is doing well and saddly seems almost relieved. While she was at the hospital they inserted one of those Nuvue <sp?> rings and she insists that she will continue to look for a doctor that will tie her tubes. ::sigh:: I keep telling her, you're 22, not going to happen!

Okay, off to drop some tiles off to be fired. I'm really enjoying doing them, this batch will give me enough to photograph and share with you.

You all have a wonderful rest of your day.

 

[Wisteria1956]

Jocelyn: It was really neat to hear the back story on how you go involved with bridge. I love how it really does follow when you find something you like to do, you find friends you have a lot in common with. Your story really struck me and inspired me to think about things I’d like to be involved in that maybe have been on the back burner, or even things I haven’t thought of yet! Thanks for telling us your story.

Pam: I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of Celeste’s baby. Even though she wasn’t thrilled with the idea I’m sure she has a hole in her heart now. Scary for her to be making a decision with such permanent consequences and major surgery to boot. She is very young, indeed.

I had to laugh, the radiologist asked us if we wanted any more children. He also asked if I was Tom’s daughter when he first met us. How awful!!! I need to share more of my night cream with my poor husband, lol!

That’s great news about Millie’s precious baby. I’m sure the surgery will go very well. We never have any guarantees, no matter how old our children are. People can receive scars from any number of events from birth on.

Can’t wait to see your tiles! I haven’t taken my camera out lately, but I’m still hoping to get some shots to share also.

We go to the chemo doctor on Friday after we follow up on the infection in Tom’s leg. It will be a packed afternoon. I hope it doesn’t set me off like Monday did. I had a big crying jag with my Mom on the phone. Next day I had a nice chat with our oncologist at UCSF and he helped me so much. He had the names of a lot of support groups we can look into as well. He made me feel better about Tom’s situation and our goals. He said it was probably his fault the radiologist sounded so grim. He had wanted to impress upon him the need for aggressive treatments or the cancer will return. Instead, the guy said to us ‘we’re being aggressive to slow this thing down’ so I thought he meant there was no hope for a cure.

Hope everyone has a good day today. It’s sunny and I just returned from walking Miss B. Wrapping stocking stuffers soon.

 

[gettinhealthy]

This is the journal entry I made on Tom's Caring Bridge this am. I cried my eyes out last night while Tom was at the pharmacy. The appointment was scary and I'm sure what set me off was that the doctor said we are going to be as aggressive as possible in order to try to 'slow this thing down'. I'm better today because I have to try really hard to listen to Kate and not react to things that haven't happened yet. It's very difficult. He also said any side effects like edema will be permanent. We thought Tom had missed the worst of that side effect.


Well, there's a bit of a set back. Tom has a large lump near the top of his leg which is related to the surgery and it has become inflammed. We were rushed to have it aspirated yesterday and lab tests are being done. In the meantime, he's on antibiotics. Lab results will hopefully tell us if another medicine would be more effective. This will delay treatments until it's under control. Radiation and chemo both aggravate infections. Tom goes back to the doctor on Friday and back to the radiologist next Wednesday, the 22nd. In the meantime, we'll be contacted by a chemo doctor. It's likely there will be two big chemo treatments instead of a few smaller ones. Also likely it will have to be done in the hospital. Radiology and chemo docs are going to coordinate both treatments to begin at the same time for 6 - 8 weeks. At least the radiation doesn't hurt and is for a brief time each day. Please pray that Tom is able to retain his amazing strength, both physical and mental and that there are no side effects. We'll let you know when treatments commence.

Lisa,
I am so sorry you and Tom are having to go through this, and so close to the holidays. I am still praying like crazy for you and Tom even though I haven't had much time to get here lately. Hoping that changes soon
Sending you some love and hugs and many, many prayers.

 

[Seabreezes]

Good Morning ALL

I am waiting for my cell phone to charge before I take off to run errands and go to the gym.

I will take my list of e-mails for you and send you a picture I put together of our friends and travels for this year. We were in Greece and Germany (the boat and castle) and Australia (the koala). The large picture of people are our friends from here that we play bridge with and went on a cruise with in November. The girl with the dog and my hubby is our "cousin" - by marriage, but our only relative here and a wonderful person.

Have a safe and warm day.

Robin -- where are you? We are worried about you.

Hugs to ALL

 

[Wisteria1956]

Jocelyn: I loved your pictures! They seem to represent a lot of very happy times.

Thanks, Kathy! We're hanging in there. Chemo doc tomorrow.

 

[gettinhealthy]

Lisa, hope all went well for you today! I'll check in later to see if you posted anything. I'll also try looking at the caring bridge site.
Guess all that lasering you had done is really working!!!

Robin, hope you're doing ok. Now a broken finger!!

Jocelyn, so good to see you!! I am glad you enjoyed your time playing bridge. Sounds like it would so much fun!! It is so nice when we are able to do things that also interest our better halves LOL. I have never played bridge, but do enjoy playing card games. May need to check into that one. Hmmmm.

Pam, so sorry to hear about the miscarriage. I will keep her and all of you in my prayers.
So glad to hear the amnio went better than you had all expected!!

Been so busy with work, the girls, and trying to shop for Christmas!! So much going on in my life, I feel like I'm going to explode!!
I am going to clean my office in the morning when Mike goes to work, then I am going to do some shopping around here that I can. Not much store wise though.
We went to Boscov's last weekend, but I had no idea what I was getting anyone. I did get Mike some socks LOL, and all 4 girls are getting Pashmina scarves on sale for 4.99 and some slipper socks.
There were some cute fuzzy boot type slippers that I thought they would all love, but none there in their sizes. So I came home and ordered them from their website. I also got myself a Pashmina scarf and it was only 3.99 online!! I got Mike a pair of fleece pants and myself a shirt.
So, we will be going shopping when he gets off tomorrow and probably Sunday as well.

Rich finally got home from the hospital today. Tris has been staying there the last 2 weeks. My friend said she thought Rich had asked her to stay. I'm wondering where his partner is. But I guess that's not for me to worry about at this point. My friend said that Levi (it is his Aunt) had a seizure the other night. When he "came to" he was across the bedroom on the floor. About a good 5-7' away from the bed. It is almost like a paralyzed epileptic seizure. He has had these for many years off and on, and they had him on a prescription for them. It worked really well and then the insurance company decided he should use the generic because it's cheaper. Even the doctor told them he needed the brand name pill, but they won't listen. So he now takes 2 of the generic pills, and has seizures once a month or so.

Had some good news from Halliburton. Mike was talking with one of the guys that work there and he told him about these 2 websites for employees. It is for discounted vacation packages. The guy he was talking to is going to Porta Viarta, Mexico (sp?) and 3 of them for 6 nights is 650.00. That doesn't include air fare, but there is another site for discounted air fares.
So, Jocelyn, I might make it to Hawaii yet!! I told Mike his dream of going to the Florida keys is a possibility now!! Everything about his job just seems to fall into place.
He has also been informed he has 2 vacation days to use up before the end of the year!! He has only been working there for a month!!

Ok, going to check online for some gifts. Thinking I may get Mike a briefcase. With all the stuff he has to take with him, he needs one!! Wanted to get a Buxton, but not finding anything.

 

[gettinhealthy]

Just found out about this a bit ago. It happened this morning. Just wanted to share it with you all. This is where we take the dogs for our walks. It is the Sheetz (convenience store) across town from us. It's about a 15 minute walk at the most without dogs
If you all have any prayers let over, I think they may need a few.
Thanks guys.

http://www.wpxi.com/news/26172606/detail.html

 

[Diane W.]

Kathy - I will be praying for the elderly woman and the young girl. I am so sorry that her husband had to witness that. He must be at least 86 yrs. old too. I hope that they're both okay.
I'm so happy that Mike's job is full of perks! How nice that he's earned 2 vacation days already!

Lisa - Prayers are going out for you and Tom too.

Robin has a broken finger? How did that happen? Hugs to you Robin - feel better!

Tomorrow is another shopping day with my sister. I'm really all done, but I enjoy it anyway. I'm going down by her house this time. I definitely want to go to Trader Joe's while I'm there. They have frozen eggplant cutlets that are so good and low-cal too.

Talk to you tomorrow! Have a good night.