Life’s too short...to never sleep in a treehouse! 8/27 TR is up! Link in siggie

[MEK]

Any news on your FIL? I figure its 3:30pm there - you should know something soon!

 

[eandesmom]

Any news on your FIL? I figure its 3:30pm there - you should know something soon!

Oh, thanks for thinking of it!

I just now got info from Jeff, some weird email glitch as it says he sent it at 2:30. I hate it when that happens!

They saw the lung surgeon, and it was well worth the long wait to get into see him. He was very thorough and explained things so they could understand and he spent a lot of time with them.

The bottom line is, (as we suspected) he does not know what he has, it could be cancer and it could be an inflammation or some type of infection.

His recommendation is to put him into the hospital and repeat the endoscopy (under sedation this time) by going into the bronchial area and get into the area that the other doctor tried to get to a few weeks ago which is where the tumor is located. My FIL dad coughed so much during that test that they couldn't reach the area where the tumor was located. If they don't find the tumor inside the bronchial tube they will open him up on his right side and go in that way to get the biopsy. They'll have the results within 15 minutes. If it is cancer they they will go ahead and remove the tumor right then.

The very good news is this thing, whatever it is, has not spread, it is localized. Which is what we suspected from the PET scan results. The doctor said his breathing capacity is excellent. So if they had to remove 20 or 30% of the lung it would not affect his activity much. He certainly could play golf, hike etc. Colorado's high altitude may give him a little bit of lung capacity reduction, but overall not much. Although they live in CA now, he has quite a bit of family in CO and are there often.

However....The problem is, my FIL is not too keen on going through all these
tests again. He has to think about it!!! So they didn't schedule the biopsy today. It is very dangerous to wait on this procedure and we understand his thinking. My SMIL is really frustrated.

Jeff is trying to figure out how to encourage him to proceed with the procedure. I am hoping it was just an initial fear reaction and that with a little time (like tonight!) he will come to his senses and get it scheduled asap.

 

[Native NYer]

I love your binder!!!

 

[eandesmom]

I love your binder!!!

Hi Jennifer! Thanks so much and



I know we are on a lot of the same threads, it's nice to see you here

 

[jordanyosh]

thanks for the update.

 

[eandesmom]

thanks for the update.

now I just need "listen to reason vibes" for FIL so he will schedule the biopsy!

 

[Happydog]

Sometimes it is all about stubborn old men! Well, the "reasoning" should be his family... but they never seem to see that side of things. It seems that the physicians can be efficient and do what they have to do surgery wise, maybe he is just a little nervous about the lack of control in the situation... I think when things start to move too fast, some people are counter-active. So they have time to get comfortable with circumstances, etc. He probably just needed to get his head around the situation... I would be spinning...

Hope it all works out well...

 

[eandesmom]

Sometimes it is all about stubborn old men! Well, the "reasoning" should be his family... but they never seem to see that side of things. It seems that the physicians can be efficient and do what they have to do surgery wise, maybe he is just a little nervous about the lack of control in the situation... I think when things start to move too fast, some people are counter-active. So they have time to get comfortable with circumstances, etc. He probably just needed to get his head around the situation... I would be spinning...

Hope it all works out well...

Isn't that the truth! I told Jeff he should play the son card. Which he will if he has to but boy is he dreading it.

He is a very stubborn, set in his ways kind of guy. And his ways are often based on a weird logic that only he gets. So it is a little scary that he's pushing back. I would not be at all surprised if he has convinced himself that it is benign, because his mothers was even though there is zero evidence that what she had can be passed down. He is funny that way and I think both Jeff and Mary are worried about the same thing, that he will convince himself he doesn't need to do anything about it right away as it isn't going to go anywhere.

I am sure the surgery is making his head spin, apparently when his mom had it, it was fairly traumatic. No clue what kind of health she was in at the time and she ultimately was ok but...

He will listen to facts though so hopefully he's been given enough of that and not too much of the "we don't know"

 

[Angies1274]

Your binder pages are truly amazing!! Love them!! I wish I could do something like that....

I hope everything works out for your FIL and he decides to go ahead with the tests. It really must be so much to take in right now.

 

[eandesmom]

First of all, FIL Update.

Overall the news is encouraging although we still don’t know what we are dealing with. Whatever it is he has, it hasn’t spread. They need to get in there, biopsy it and most likely get it out. Which he is not keen on, at all. So we have some convincing to do. Give Jeff strength!

And a bag update.

Ok, a not for me bag update. I really should stay off ebay! I picked this up for Kendall’s birthday, which we are celebrating on this trip. I plan to give it to her on her actual bday so it can be her plane carry on (like mine will be!). And yep, $9.99!

I’m going to keep trolling, bet I can find one more for Sandie at that price, I only have 9 months to find it!

Next. A Binder page update.

Blank templates of the 4x6 pages in several iterations are on my website for anyone to use if you like (Click on the Belle image in my siggie). I am happy to create new pages with other characters if anyone has a request. I may create some additional backgrounds at some point that are less feminine…I found one I really really like!

They are just jpeg backgrounds, you will not be able to edit them but I find that if you stick them in Powerpoint you can make text boxes that should work if you play around a little bit. If you have any layering software you should be able to add text on top of it, it would just depend on what you have.

I have also uploaded the HandyDandyDiningDirectories. DISCLAIMER! These are based on the 09 DDPinfo and the snack thread on this board. I make no claim for accuracy. I will check them against the ’10 info as it comes out.

The versions I uploaded takes the BC/YC/Boardwalk info out to make them more universal but I’ve added in DTD. Take a peek!

I have gotten a lot of great suggestions for my one lonely open back page. So far we have
1. Trivia/Tips.
2. ADR list
3. Fast Pass List

What else? Anybody?

As I get my daily page rough drafts done I will continue to post them.

However….

I have decided that for the happiness and involvement of the collective I need to…

Let them…

Have input on…

ADR’s.

I’d REALLY prefer just to pick but I know we are going to have some revolts about not going back to places and I decided we’d all be better off if I just suck it up, recognize that now and let the group have input. So I’ve got a list of 18 potential ADR dinner locations that I will be having people peruse through the menu’s on. I only need 7 though! I have PDF’d them all and will send them over to Sandie after the holidays. She will likely be out in Jan to visit but I’d prefer for everyone to have looked at them before the visit and then we are just finalizing the list when she is here since ADR day will be mid Feb.

Here is the list of 18, with their All Ears review rating (on a scale of 1-10). The review ratings really helped us last time but they can be tricky when a place is new! However, I’m going to share the review #’s after they narrow it down based on menu’s as I think it will skew how they look at those menu’s. For example Le Cellier. That review # might make everyone just pick that without giving the rest a fair chance. On the flip side, it will kill Kouzzina without giving it a shot. I’ll just let everyone look through the list and put their initials on 7 of the menu’s I think and we will go from there. If they aren’t interested in playing, that’s fine too but I know Taylor and Evan will be, Jeff too.

Animal Kingdom area: Choose 1.

My vote. Sanna. My prediction? No idea. I really want Sanaa but know I’ll enjoy any of them.

Sanna 8.29
Tusker House 8.23
Yak and Yeti 7.75
​

Epcot/DHS/BC/YC and Boardwalk area. Choose 3-4 total.
One will be for our date night so just Sandie, Paul , Doug and the kids. We've been to BRG&B before, it's on the list for Doug, hopefully it doesn't get picked at the cost of something else but it is a valid date night option.

B&C feels a bit redundant as I plan to do lunch at Hurricane Hannah's and do Ice Cream OOP there but cost wise it is a great OOP option for our date night. Offset where we are going.

My vote. Girls at Les Chef’s/Boys at Teppan Edo, Kouzzina, Mama Melrose, B&C (on our date night). My prediction? Kouzinna won't make the cut but other than that, not a clue! This is a huge wild card.

Epcot:

Coral Reef 7.46
Le Cellier 9.02
Les Chefs 7.73
Rose and Crown 7.88
Teppan Edo 8.83
Tokyo Dining 8.79​

BC/YC/Boardwalk area:

Big River Grille & Brewing Co. 6.65
Beaches and Cream 8.05
Cape May 8.09
Captains Grille 7.55
Kouzzina 5.61​

DHS:
Yes, only giving them one choice in DHS. And that is pending a Fantasmic package. Backups will come from the Epcot/resort list above. We’ve already done PTC and Sci-Fi and I don’t want to use up 2TS at Brown Derby. Whether you can book a Fantasmic package at 180 days will be VERY interesting to see!

I actually think everyone will want to eat here though.

Mama Melrose Fantasmic 7.34​

MK and MK Resorts: Choose 2-3 (3 if the kids only date night place is on this list).

I really need 2 places for these nights and am personally set on The Wave and Ohana but may need another option in here. We’ve done Kona and the HDDR already and nothing else grabs me. I really have no desire to eat at CP but felt I should at least offer it so there was one MK option (however given that it is “dry” it might get vetoed on the spot by the other adults. I also have no desire to eat at WCC but I know the kids would like the menu a lot. I may set aside B&C and WCC as only up for consideration on the date night. If we really run into issues with Wave and Ohana we will likely need to pull from the big Epcot area list above. I'm more worried about the Wave than Ohana but I do think the idea of eating at the Contemporary will sway some of the group.

Crystal Palace 7.79
Ohana 8.67
Wave 8.18
WCC 8.4​

Right now my plan is that we will do the Tony’s Grand Gathering Breakfast. I’m going to give up on the idea of Tonga Toast for this trip I think, if we go out for another breakfast I think it will be either Cape May or Captain’s Grille which has a rather yummy sounding menu…and it’s at our resort! Either would be OOP and I’m leaning towards Captain’s Grille since Tony’s is a buffet, we can order off the menu at CG for a lot less.

Date night.

I was going to dictate Cali Grille but….am going to let Jeff choose between. Jiko wasn’t on the list originally but he loved Boma so much I figured I ought to at least show it to him! CG is still my vote. I probably should put AP on the list as well but…it is SO much like a place we go for special occasions here that I would really rather branch out. Yachtsman is only on because it is at our resort. If it wasn’t a 2TS meal I’d go there with the group but oh well. I don't think he'll pick it anyway but he might pick AP. I know, that's terrible of me but...I am letting him pick...mostly.

Cali Grille 8.37
Citrico’s 8.44
Flying Fish 7.89
Jiko 8.87
Narcoosee’s 8.77
Yachtman’s 8.18​

And...a new page!

Here is my draft of Monday 8/16. I think I may take some of what I did here and go back and redo 8/15 a little but we will see. It is a LOT to try to get on these 2 small pages and could get worse on days we plan to hop. Which is most days. I did outline a potential touring plan just to have it for reference, I decided it couldn’t hurt so input on that is most welcome. I know I said I wasn't going to do that but we really didn't maximize our park times well on some days and an outline to refer back to couldn't hurt.

This is the only day I don’t have an official trip back to SAB planned but AK always feels so far away, and it’s our one non-hop park that it seems like it would take a huge chunk out of the day. I'm hoping Kali, and a couple of shows will cool us off enough. Still, if we need to go back because people are melting, we go back.

Thoughts? This is based on August park and show hours, same day of the week as this past August which hopefully is a good benchmark. If nothing else it gives me a guide as to how much I need to squish on there! If AK still has the centralized fast passes when we go, that might change this quite a bit, I hope so! Of course it will look like it is written in code to my family.

It is killing me not to tell the E's and interesting, clearly they are as obsessed as I am as they bring up WDW every day! Multiple times with multiple questions. But it's sure fun to talk about. I figure we will either tell them at Thanksgiving or the Holidays, I don't want to wait until Jan as I'd like to look over menu's over Christmas Break.

Next....turning seventeen I think I'm turning seventeen I really think so...
 

 

[MEK]

His recommendation is to put him into the hospital and repeat the endoscopy (under sedation this time) by going into the bronchial area and get into the area that the other doctor tried to get to a few weeks ago which is where the tumor is located. My FIL dad coughed so much during that test that they couldn't reach the area where the tumor was located. If they don't find the tumor inside the bronchial tube they will open him up on his right side and go in that way to get the biopsy. They'll have the results within 15 minutes. If it is cancer they they will go ahead and remove the tumor right then.

The very good news is this thing, whatever it is, has not spread, it is localized. Which is what we suspected from the PET scan results. The doctor said his breathing capacity is excellent. So if they had to remove 20 or 30% of the lung it would not affect his activity much. .

I really hope your FIL goes ahead with this procedure. He is probably in denial because he is fearful of a cancer diagnosis. He is not having any tests repeated. The surgeon will frequently include the bronchoscopy (endoscopy) as part of the surgical procedure. Yes, he had a bronch once with conscious sedation, now he will have one with a rigid bronchoscope under general anesthesia. The surgeon actually needs this information so he can see the tumor before he resects it. Please explain to your FIL that this surgery could potentially provide a cure for his condition. Logically, I'm sure he realizes this and knows he can't just let things go. But, boy wouldn't it be great if it was already scheduled. Check again about whether they will do this robotically. This does sound like a possible robotic surgery.

OK - I haven't even read any of your posts today, so I better read now to see if FIL has already changed his mind.

p.s. Also good news about the PFT's (lung function tests)

 

[MEK]

Epcot: [/B]
Cali Grille 8.37
Citrico’s 8.44
Flying Fish 7.89
Jiko 8.87
Narcoosee’s 8.77
Yachtman’s 8.18 

Wow......Flying Fish got such low ratings! That was my fav meal! OK - for date night I am going to suggest CG or Jiko. CG because I think it is sooooooo beautiful up there and the tables for two along the wall - lovely. Jiko because everyone raves about the place. I have not eaten at Citrico's, Yachtman, or Jiko. I did really enjoy the Artist Point. That was my favorite all around dining experience during my past trip!

 

[eandesmom]

Your binder pages are truly amazing!! Love them!! I wish I could do something like that....

I hope everything works out for your FIL and he decides to go ahead with the tests. It really must be so much to take in right now.

Thank you and me too. It's impossible to imagine him not going ahead but right now I'd like to shake him.

I really hope your FIL goes ahead with this procedure. He is probably in denial because he is fearful of a cancer diagnosis. He is not having any tests repeated. The surgeon will frequently include the bronchoscopy (endoscopy) as part of the surgical procedure. Yes, he had a bronch once with conscious sedation, now he will have one with a rigid bronchoscope under general anesthesia. The surgeon actually needs this information so he can see the tumor before he resects it. Please explain to your FIL that this surgery could potentially provide a cure for his condition. Logically, I'm sure he realizes this and knows he can't just let things go. But, boy wouldn't it be great if it was already scheduled. Check again about whether they will do this robotically. This does sound like a possible robotic surgery.

OK - I haven't even read any of your posts today, so I better read now to see if FIL has already changed his mind.

p.s. Also good news about the PFT's (lung function tests)

No word yet on him changing his mind, I wonder how long Jeff will last before calling and pressuring him. Poor guy had a migraine last night and I'm sure it was from stress. Good question on the robotic, I know it has come up but I think everyone was too upset yesterday to think to ask about it. I do believe it is fear and that he does know, "not" doing it really isn't an option unless he has come crazy idea fixed in his head. The PFT results seemed like very good news. Overall I think it's about as good as we could have hoped for prior to an actual biopsy.

Wow......Flying Fish got such low ratings! That was my fav meal! OK - for date night I am going to suggest CG or Jiko. CG because I think it is sooooooo beautiful up there and the tables for two along the wall - lovely. Jiko because everyone raves about the place. I have not eaten at Citrico's, Yachtman, or Jiko. I did really enjoy the Artist Point. That was my favorite all around dining experience during my past trip!

I remember seeing the ratings before and then realizing it was a 2TS meal and being surprised. Every TR I've seen with it gets glowing reviews and I know Jeff could like it. I'm sure we will be happy with any of them, including AP it is just so much like the place we got married at I want to branch out. We go to that place once a year and I just want something different and special so selfishly am keeping it off the list.

Besides one of these years I'll make it to WL/WLV for Thanksgiving and it will be a must do then.

I want CG specifically for the view but I would not be at all surprised if Jeff picks Jiko, it is a very "him" kind of place. Boma was his favorite meal of the last trip.

 

[Lady Lallie]

Your pages are just amazing!! I can't get over them.

What about a page of Hidden Mickey clues?? I don't know if your kids would get into hunting for them or not.

You are very good for letting everyone have input in the ADRs, it's very hard to do!

 

[jordanyosh]

Sanaa

Kouzzina
Teppan Edo
Le Cellier
Coral Reef

Ohana
The Wave

Ca Grill
Jiko
Flying Fish (in that order for date night)

 

[eandesmom]

Your pages are just amazing!! I can't get over them.

What about a page of Hidden Mickey clues?? I don't know if your kids would get into hunting for them or not.

You are very good for letting everyone have input in the ADRs, it's very hard to do!

Bearing in mind that the E's "make" Mickey for breakfast at least once a week with frozen pancakes (2 mini's and one "big" one and Voila!), yeah they'd be into it. Kendall maybe. It's on the list! I am thinking I can make an ADR and resort info page that is behind the day one page until we get there and then swap it out, it would leave the back page free for something truly fun like that. We might do some "studying" before we go so they can bone up on stuff like that. Sounds like a good summer workbook to me to help the time pass until we go once school gets out!

Last time Evan was quite involved, as was Jeff and we definitely ended up with some different places as a result (Biergarten and Teppan Edo specifically) but it worked out really well. I really wanted Evan's input as both he and Eric were going to be stuck with the kids menu's at any non-buffet place so we tried to do a balance. This time, personally, I'd skip every buffet if I could! Since I'm listing Eric as 10 (2 weeks early but it seems cruel not too...esp with FD), I don't have to worry about the kids menu's.

I got the sense Tay wanted input this time. Eric will be fine as long as Teppan doesn't get cut and I'm not sure Kendall cares enough to read the menu's. She will care once she is there, big time, but before? Not so much. If it is for a girls night though, she will want input and I'm going to run the whole grand tea idea by her. She might be "meh" about that but I know Sandie would eat it up!

I swear though they know something is up as seriously, they talk about resorts and restaurants EVERY DAY! In the past 2 days I've been informed that it would not be ok to skip Teppan or HDDR and that Eric is dying to stay at the Contemporary and Evan a Treehouse or CBR. For some reason WL seems to have fallen out of favor.



Today they started grilling me about if there are any "new" rides!

?????

I might get taken out if the DON'T have input! They'd happily look through menu's tomorrow if they could.

Sanaa

Kouzzina
Teppan Edo
Le Cellier
Coral Reef

Ohana
The Wave

Ca Grill
Jiko
Flying Fish (in that order for date night)

Interesting..... I did put Coral Reef on there as I think the kids would get a kick out of it. We did try for LeCellier last time and didn't get it but if everyone wants it, I'm happy to try again!

Very good input. I am so excited that we can walk to Epcot to be able to eat there several nights if we want! Yum, it all sounds SO good right now!

 

[All7OfUs]

You're a great mom, Cynthia. My kids had almost Zero input last time, except HDDR and Akershus. Beyond that, I just chose. But then again, budget (as in WAYYYY low) had a huge effect on where we ate. We were at the Fort, so a lot of lunches were packed, and dinner was even sometimes the Giddy up and Go, which actually was a huge hit with my crew. Go figure...

I may hit you up for some pages in March when hours come out and our ADR's are made. but that's a ways off yet. Meantime, I"ll keep on compiling info. into the one I'm making; which is pathetic in comparison. Useful, but not too pretty.

Awww, matching bags- too cute!! I love it!

My DH is one of those stubborn ones!! Needs an eternity to think about and decide on anything. I think when it's his time to be "called home", he'll have a "discussion" with the Big Guy and ask all kinds of Why questions , and have to have it all figured out, then agree to the plan. You should watch him choose and buy underwear, I swear it's like someone writing a thesis or something.

 

[eandesmom]

I really hope your FIL goes ahead with this procedure. He is probably in denial because he is fearful of a cancer diagnosis. He is not having any tests repeated. The surgeon will frequently include the bronchoscopy (endoscopy) as part of the surgical procedure. Yes, he had a bronch once with conscious sedation, now he will have one with a rigid bronchoscope under general anesthesia. The surgeon actually needs this information so he can see the tumor before he resects it. Please explain to your FIL that this surgery could potentially provide a cure for his condition. Logically, I'm sure he realizes this and knows he can't just let things go. But, boy wouldn't it be great if it was already scheduled. Check again about whether they will do this robotically. This does sound like a possible robotic surgery.

OK - I haven't even read any of your posts today, so I better read now to see if FIL has already changed his mind.

p.s. Also good news about the PFT's (lung function tests)

No, he hasn't changed his mind. As I feared he is "convinced" it is what his mom had. Which was a bad infection but the mass still needed to come out. And they took half of one lung doing so. I don't know the details but clearly it is influencing his decisions.

Since the next phase of testing is going to be quite invasive and recovery longer he is "just weighing" all his options. Jeff and I can't see what other option he has, it needs to come out!

The other thing is he just doesn't feel well. He has been coughing a lot and his body is getting weaker. He thinks if he goes into surgery not feeling well he could be in for more trouble. The tumor is located in a difficult area to get to and that will make the procedure more difficult. He keeps going back to his mom's lung problem and he really believes his situation is the same has his mom's. That's fine, maybe he does have a bad infection, but they won't know until they do the surgery.

The good news is he really likes the lung surgeon, and has a lot of
confidence in him and also the tumor is localized. That we can be thankful for!

Jeff laid into him tonight in email, far sooner than I expected him to (he does NOT like conflict) so we will see. It just shows me how stressed Jeff is about it. It will be interesting to see how Ron reacts to it.

The reality is that it could be weeks before they can get him in, even if he schedules today and we are suggesting that he schedule it and focus on the time between then and now to get healthier.

All that said...

If you know of any good resource sites with information about robotic surgery that we could point him to, to show the recovery will not be like his mom's (his surgeon is saying "minimally invasive" and had mentioned robotic specifically) or just any good sites that might help convince him waiting isn't good, that would be wonderful. I don't know if there is such a thing but I do know he is more likely to listen to facts and third parties than any of us right now.

Thanks, you have been SO helpful! Jeff says thanks too

 

[eandesmom]

You're a great mom, Cynthia. My kids had almost Zero input last time, except HDDR and Akershus. Beyond that, I just chose. But then again, budget (as in WAYYYY low) had a huge effect on where we ate. We were at the Fort, so a lot of lunches were packed, and dinner was even sometimes the Giddy up and Go, which actually was a huge hit with my crew. Go figure...

I may hit you up for some pages in March when hours come out and our ADR's are made. but that's a ways off yet. Meantime, I"ll keep on compiling info. into the one I'm making; which is pathetic in comparison. Useful, but not too pretty.

Awww, matching bags- too cute!! I love it!

My DH is one of those stubborn ones!! Needs an eternity to think about and decide on anything. I think when it's his time to be "called home", he'll have a "discussion" with the Big Guy and ask all kinds of Why questions , and have to have it all figured out, then agree to the plan. You should watch him choose and buy underwear, I swear it's like someone writing a thesis or something.

Well, had we not done the dining plan I doubt they'd have had a ton of input. The certainly didn't on where we stayed! We were at the Fort too and bfast was in the cabin, first night dinner in the cabin and lunches packed for the plane!

You KNOW I'd be happy to make you pages

I think Jeff is pretty much the same way as your DH, and his dad.

Including the underwear.

I refuse to buy it for him!

 

[mickeysmyboy]

All of your dining options look great!! Not matter what I think you'll have some seriously great meals!!

I love the idea of putting trivia or hidden mickey clues in the blank pages! Could you space out the pages and make a page or 2 of trivia etc for the park you'll be in each day?

The bag is too cute!! I have to agree with you on Ebay, I have to stay away!!!

Continuing to send prayers and positive thoughts for your FIL!

I think it's great that Jeff let him have it!! We've been having a bit of drama with my mom's health lately and she's all about denial!! She acutally said to me in all seriousness, "I take good care of myself. It's just that I'm overweight and I smoke." Say what? crazy women! Those are the 2 worst things!! She just doesn't want to admit that she's having some potentially serious issues and has to make some big changes NOW! My sisters and I have been trying to talk to her reasonably about it but it's not working. My dad is way to passive to say anything, although it scares the crap out of him that something could happen to her. On of us is going to loss it with her and give her the riot act!

I hope your FIL makes a decision soon and everything gets taken care of!