May 11th 2008 ~ Any Double Dippers Out There?

[Cruiser1969]

OK....... now 40 minutes until I can call the doctor......

Thinking of you and sending you some

 

[disneyfool_1202]

Got an appointment for 11 am so I'll update everyone later. It's frightening how big this thing is. Not to mention worrisome!!!

 

[CustardTart]

...I noticed an area of swelling - a LARGE area of swelling, right in my lower abdomen (where my uterus / bladder are). I poked around down there and felt what feels like a good size lemon. Now... last November I had a little minor surgery in the area and ended up with a HUGE hematoma. It totally resolved but this bump is in the same area and 6 wks ago I had my gall bladder out and the surgeon went in through the scar on my lower abdomen. But that was 6 wks ago. So I'm getting myself all worked up wondering if it's a tumor, a fibroid, somehow a "slow leak", an abscess - and all I can think of is "oh crap- I have to wear my tankini in less than 2 wks - this HAS to be fixed!" Pretty sad huh that while in the back of my mind I'm thinking "this could be a problem" the forefront concern is how it's going to affect my bathing suite appearance.

OMG Denise! I've only just read this!!!

Got an appointment for 11 am so I'll update everyone later. It's frightening how big this thing is. Not to mention worrisome!!!

Good luck at the Docs...

Sending you plenty of and crossing my fingers that it's nothing serious...

 

[Tarabra]

Oh boy Denise, I hope all goes well. Just what you need before vacation. Let us know how it goes.

Sorry for all the confusion on the little Brazilian girls. Yea, we were at St. Maarten and the one little girl had a little cover up on, but it didn't totally cover her butt. Her cheek was hanging out and I thought, hmmm, her mom should pull her suit out of her butt. Later when we got on the ship and they were swimming, both little girls were indeed wearing thongs. We were tempted to take a pic just because we figured no one would believe us, then we thought, OMG, we could be arrested for something like that. Like I said it was very disturbing. Of course, the mom was hot and was wearing a thong herself, so DH was loving that.

Gary...your kiddos can probably enjoy the decks to themselves at midnight. We'll probably be in bed long before then. Although when we're at home, we're always up until midnight, but on the cruises, we're usually in bed around 11 or so. Yea, most of our "owning the deck" time is between 6:30 and 8. When people are either at dinner, the shows, or getting ready for dinner. After seeing the shows many times (before kids) we usually just skipped them and enjoyed our alone time in the pools or on deck.

 

[momof4ngls]

Denise, I'm sitting on pins and needles, waiting to hear about your appointment! I'm praying!

Okay, everybody, last call for the Fish Extender Gift Exchange!! I'll send out the list this evening or tomorrow morning so people can shop over the weekend. It's not a large list, so you'd not have many gifts to buy/make, and think of the fun when you return to your stateroom and find a little surprise in your FE!!!

 

[disneyfool_1202]

OK - I'm home...for now.
Went to the internal medicine guy who said it felt like something in my abdominal wall - like a huge pocket of fluid. So he sent me for an urgent ultrasound that ruled out anything like a tumor, fibroid, etc... They did see an area of fluid collection right under my pelvic incision (where I had my tummy tuck and the incision through which the surgeon put the scope last month to take out my gall bladder). Since my gall bladder surgery was only 6 wks ago they are thinking that it's some sort of delayed reaction to that - probably an unhealed scar that was somehow "irritated" or triggered over the past few days and has started pooling fluid. So I'm now waiting for the surgeon to call me back because he has to see it and may decide to remove the fluid with a needle. They kept asking me if I've done anything strenuous in the past few days and the only thing I could think of was I lifted my son up 1-2 days ago which is something I don't often do (he's about 45 lbs). That could have pulled open the 'newer' scar tissue just enough that it triggered this whole mess. So my surgeon is currently in surgery and his office is waiting for him to call them back. Once he's out they'll tell me any next steps.

One way or another I WILL be on that boat next week and wearing my tankini!!! (this is the 1st time in my life I can wear anything remotely reminiscent of a normal bathing suit. It was all "fat lady tent suits" before (remember - I've lost almost 200lb in the past 2 yrs). Hell, I may treat you all and wear a thong!! (NOT- although after all of the plastic surgery I've had I can almost get away with it).

So here I sit waiting again............. At least I know I'm not dying and this should be an 'easy' fix. If he decides not to remove the fluid and wait it out, I may still have this belly bump on board. Not all that attractive to look like I swallowed a baseball and it settled into my pelvis.

 

[Tarabra]

Reminder: If you plan on making any cell phone calls from the ship, you will need to contact your provider so they can set you up for international calls. Verizon calls will be $2.50/min so I won't be making any calls if possible, but if necessary, I will be able to make a call.

Denise, glad it's not too bad. I still can't believe you've lost almost 200 lbs. I had a little incident after my c-section w/ lifting my DD 3. Nothing ripped open or fluid or anything, but boy did it pull. Dr. said that as long as it wasn't oozing or red and inflamed, I would be o.k. A little scary. Hope all is well for the trip.

Tara

 

[alecsmom]

Denise - I'm glad it's not sounding too serious! I sent a prayer your way this morning, nobody likes to worry about stuff like that - and certainly not right before a dream vacation. I'm sure you'll look just great in your tankini!

 

[Cruiser1969]

Denise: I'm so glad to hear it is something that can be taken care of . . . hopefully, it is sooner than later for you!!


On the topic of fish extenders, I have traded in my dollarstore clothespin fish extender for a sleeker, more Disney-styled fish extender that I made myself . . .

I purchased two very red fabric placemats (2/$1) and sewed them together. This is the first time I have used my new sewing machine, and anyone who knows me knows that my idea of sewing anything usually involves glue, paper clips, staples and/or tape!!! So . . . the sewing part is a big deal for me!!!

I then stopped off at Home Depot and picked out a few paint chips. I came home and decorated it with the Mickey heads and foam words the kids had from their craft days!

I am very proud of myself for doing this, so I'm really looking forward to getting some fish action on the cruise!!!!!

 

[garys12]

Ok - Here is one for you...

We are in the Castaway Club as former cruisers, but we don't have a card. Do they even have those???

I want to be sure that I am still eligible for the "faster" line, and the gifts, etc. Should I simply make sure I have a copy of my number?

Hey, my kids made door signs the other day... They came out pretty neat... Pirate theme... Guess your going to have to stop by Deck 2 to see them!!!!

Gettin' Ready! Go Phils!

GS

 

[Tarabra]

Maria, looks good. I was getting jealous thinking how I wish I could sew, and here you are a novice yourself.

Gary, we've never had CC cards until AFTER we got back from our 6th cruise. They know that you are repeat cruisers. Make sure you get your repeat cruiser gift too. last time we didn't get ours so I asked at the front desk. Here DD wasn't a repeat cruiser, (she was brand new) and that threw off their system. We've always just walked up into the line and our gifts were always waiting for us. Don't sweat it!!

 

[disneyfool_1202]

Hey, my kids made door signs the other day... They came out pretty neat... Pirate theme... Guess your going to have to stop by Deck 2 to see them!!!!

Gary we're right on deck 2 with ya!

 

[Cruiser1969]

Gary we're right on deck 2 with ya!

We're deck two, too!!

 

[disneyfool_1202]

WOO HOO - Party on Deck 2!!
(Sorry - it's been a LONG day).
I'm happy to report after HOURS of icing my poor belly my bump has gone down some. It is very sensitive to touch (even my clothes rubbing up against it hurt). Maybe, just maybe I'll be lucky tomorrow and I won't need to have it drained!! Fingers crossed everyone!

 

[branv]

Goodness Denise, what a 24-hours you've had! Between you and Maria, it's like everything's just popping up at the last minute, isn't it? But then doesn't that always seem to be the way it goes right before the few days a year you ABSOLUTELY can't get sick, or need your car to not break down, etc. etc? At least everyone can spend a week's vacation getting over the few weeks prior! Glad things are looking up.

I guess we were lucky -- we received our CC card about a month or so after our first cruise. But on the flip side, we're not going to be with all the cool kids on deck 2

So I officially have drunk the Disney kool-aid. Tonight we were at Chuy's, a tex-mex place in town, when I became absorbed with the hidden Mickeys on the wall next to me. Just what the heck am I going to find to fill my brain with after this vacation is over?

 

[Cruiser1969]

So I officially have drunk the Disney kool-aid. Tonight we were at Chuy's, a tex-mex place in town, when I became absorbed with the hidden Mickeys on the wall next to me. Just what the heck am I going to find to fill my brain with after this vacation is over?

You could always book your next trip while onboard!!!!!

 

[Cruiser1969]

WOO HOO - Party on Deck 2!!
(Sorry - it's been a LONG day).
I'm happy to report after HOURS of icing my poor belly my bump has gone down some. It is very sensitive to touch (even my clothes rubbing up against it hurt). Maybe, just maybe I'll be lucky tomorrow and I won't need to have it drained!! Fingers crossed everyone!

Oh, I hope it all works out for you and you're ready to cruise full speed ahead next week!!!

 

[Cruiser1969]

Maria, looks good. I was getting jealous thinking how I wish I could sew, and here you are a novice yourself.

Thank you so much, Tara!! As my first official sewing project, I am quite proud!!

. . . and those who wish to view my fishy "masterpiece" for yourselves can view it on DECK TWO!!!!!! woohoo!!!

 

[branv]

You could always book your next trip while onboard!!!!!

Oh girl you are EVIL, eeeevaaaahhhllllll.

 

[CustardTart]

So here I sit waiting again............. At least I know I'm not dying and this should be an 'easy' fix. If he decides not to remove the fluid and wait it out, I may still have this belly bump on board. Not all that attractive to look like I swallowed a baseball and it settled into my pelvis.

Phew! Glad to hear it's nothing serious...