The Unofficial Chatterbox Thread! Everyone is Welcome!

[sameyeyam]

I've also been having bad hot flashes, reddness in my face (but I had previously been told I had rosacea, so didn't think much of that), also was having some pins & needles tingling periodically on my arms & legs. I have had a horrible time sleeping (I'm sure you've noticed I've been on the computer later at night then usual).

In addition I've been having some feelings of anxiety and a few almost panic attacks (I was in the store once and couldn't remember what city I was in)(woke up a few nights ago and started panicing and freaking out because I didn't know what month it was). I've also had some heart palpatations off and on since last year (my previous doctor just thought I was having some anxiety because of the cancer. Personally I think he was just an idiot, glad I have a new doctor).

 

[sameyeyam]

I've also been having constipation problems. This summer I started really watching what I was eating, started walking and exercising more and yet no matter what I seem to do I can't lose weight, I've just stayed the same. I've continued to exercise even though I've been just wiped out energy wise.

Anyway, all of those things plus a few more minor symptoms.(eyesight change, eyebrow changes, etc)...not to mention that I find out that radiation on your chest or neck area can damage the thyroid.

My doctor is relatively sure it's my thyroid and he did a thorough checkup today and ordered a ton of lab tests. I'm supposed to get the results from those on Tuesday. He's pretty sure that it's my thyroid. I was online and took a thyroid quiz and read about thyroid problems...OMG! I was totally amazed, I swear I was reading my medical chart.

 

[sameyeyam]

I'm so happy to know that I'm not going crazy and that it's very unlikely to be cancer. I talked to Megan about it the other night, B. I tried to tell you but my post got too long and disappeared and I just didn't feel like typing it again. Rochelle, remember the other night when I said I might get a scooter when I go to DL? I have a feeling now that I may not need that scooter!

I've been really scared to go to the doctor, I just knew it was cancer. I was going to book my plane tickets the other day, but held off because I was worried that I'd probably be in the middle of chemo. There are several treatments for thyroid problems, but it all depends on whether it is over or under producing. They range from minor surgery to medication, but it's pretty treatable.

I have to laugh because I'm probably one of the few people in the world to be happy that I have a thyroid problem! WooHoo!!

 

[sameyeyam]

Now you want to hear the hilarious part...I didn't tell my husband. I even had a plan if it was bone cancer. I researched various chemos and found out what ones they give for breast cancer that has mets to the bones. There are some that don't cause hair loss and I was going to ask for those. Then I was not going to tell my family because I don't want them to worry. YEAH, RIGHT! I really truly had myself convinced that I could go thru chemo and radiation secretly and they wouldn't notice!

I thought I could pretend that I had some sort of flu virus when i was nauseated. There's so much flu going around this year I figured they would fall for it. I'm such an idiot! But at least I'm an idiot with a plan, albeit a rather warped plan!

 

[funnygarcia]

OMG Alison!
I'm glad things turned out to be a relatively minor issue.


But to do it alone!! Girl, you know better than that! Tsk, tsk.. If dizzy was here .... no reason to suffer alone and think of the worse.

(I admit I think the worse in my own private moments of melancholy.. but that's another long post at another time... it's not like it will change anytime soon.. as I sit here listening to E's machine whir and occasional ding in complaint. )

I did notice a little pattern on some of your Facebook posts over the last few months. I knew something was bugging you, but a few days later a happy go lucky funny Alison post would appear. Figured everyone has "off" days.

Glad it was just "off" because your thyroid is wacky.

Hey, we could still get a scooter. You know we had fun that time walking on all the rides. We can be like the rotten teenagers and take turns being the sickly one. Hey, it's a good investment.

 

[sameyeyam]

OMG Alison!
I'm glad things turned out to be a relatively minor issue.


But to do it alone!! Girl, you know better than that! Tsk, tsk.. If dizzy was here .... no reason to suffer alone and think of the worse.

(I admit I think the worse in my own private moments of melancholy.. but that's another long post at another time... it's not like it will change anytime soon.. as I sit here listening to E's machine whir and occasional ding in complaint. )

I did notice a little pattern on some of your Facebook posts over the last few months. I knew something was bugging you, but a few days later a happy go lucky funny Alison post would appear. Figured everyone has "off" days.

Glad it was just "off" because your thyroid is wacky.

Hey, we could still get a scooter. You know we had fun that time walking on all the rides. We can be like the rotten teenagers and take turns being the sickly one. Hey, it's a good investment.

I think I just spent the last month or so trying to wrap my mind around the fact that my cancer had probably returned. I just wasn't ready for it. See, I made a deal with God a couple of years ago. I prayed to him to let me live long enough to see both of my children graduate from high school. If he could just give me that much, then if I was supposed to die from cancer, well after my kids were adults, then so be it.

Finally the other day I chatted with Megan. I just couldn't speak the words, but finally got the nerve to type it. When I tried to post about it to you the other day it disappeared, so I figured that was a sign that I shouldn't talk about it yet.

After I typed it, then I finally got the nerve to call the doctor's office today. They got me in right away.

 

[sameyeyam]

As far as the scooter...we'll just have to see how I feel in February. With my track record, I'll some some other medical problem by then and probably need one!

 

[funnygarcia]

After I typed it, then I finally got the nerve to call the doctor's office today. They got me in right away.

Good!
Taking the time and putting thought into a post is healing sometimes, usually not in a physical way.. but if it works why not

 

[funnygarcia]

I'm obsessing with finding coupons and deals for the trip.

 

[sameyeyam]

I'm obsessing with finding coupons and deals for the trip.

Good! I just cashed in points for one $100 Marriott card, UPS should probably deliver next week. The points post about a month behind. So next month I should be able to get another $100 one. Then I think one more after that. My boss got made at that bank and cut up that card. So no more gift cards for me....BUMMER. But I think I should be able to get us at least $300-$400 worth on the points that will be posting the next couple of months.

The good news is now he will be using his Alaska Airlines mileage card all of the time now...so no more gift cards, but LOTS of miles, so I can fly more. Between the two cards he spends about $25-$30,000 per month, so that's like a free airline ticket each month.

Also I just found out that I can check two bags for free on Alaska since I will be booking under my bosses MVP status. So I'll have plenty of room to carry food.

 

[funnygarcia]

Also I just found out that I can check two bags for free on Alaska since I will be booking under my bosses MVP status. So I'll have plenty of room to carry food.

Oatmeal and ramen right?



Bummer on the no more gift cards but awesome on the miles.
hmm, I think there is a program that lets you swap miles into gift cards, likely with some loss in the transition of course.

Hope you 're having a fun halloween!
Me, sitting at home being cozy with the computer.
While my guys are off doing various activities.

Had to turn up the heat as our downstairs neighbors (who crank up the heat every night) are gone for the weekend to a wedding in the family (arranged marriage 18 yo girl to a 36 yr old man.. I understand cultural traditions.. but why pick such a wide age spread???).

 

[sameyeyam]

Oatmeal and ramen right?



Bummer on the no more gift cards but awesome on the miles.
hmm, I think there is a program that lets you swap miles into gift cards, likely with some loss in the transition of course.

Hope you 're having a fun halloween!
Me, sitting at home being cozy with the computer.
While my guys are off doing various activities.

Had to turn up the heat as our downstairs neighbors (who crank up the heat every night) are gone for the weekend to a wedding in the family (arranged marriage 18 yo girl to a 36 yr old man.. I understand cultural traditions.. but why pick such a wide age spread???).

Because none of the 18yo guys want to get married!

 

[funnygarcia]

Because none of the 18yo guys want to get married!

 

[dizzyami]

Are you guys still looking at the 4th-7th??? How serious is it - 100%??? The reason I ask is because I told DH and he of course got all excited and said we could go - then he got all bummed when he realized he wasn't invited. Figuring it was a good excuse to sneak away anyways I checked DVC hoping to get a studio for me and the family - can't get a studio but could get a 1 bedroom - way more points then I wanted to spend - but wanted to know if you all were still going so I can make a decision???

 

[sameyeyam]

Are you guys still looking at the 4th-7th??? How serious is it - 100%??? The reason I ask is because I told DH and he of course got all excited and said we could go - then he got all bummed when he realized he wasn't invited. Figuring it was a good excuse to sneak away anyways I checked DVC hoping to get a studio for me and the family - can't get a studio but could get a 1 bedroom - way more points then I wanted to spend - but wanted to know if you all were still going so I can make a decision???

I'm totally serious. I will probably be booking my flight this week. I'm leaning towards coming down late on Wednesday evening or early Thursday morning and then going home on Sunday. I traded in some points on Friday for a $100 Marriott gift card, should be able to get at least a couple more. I'll probably be staying at either the Fairfield (behind McDonalds) or at the Marriott Convention Center. I know Bernice has been looking for good deals on those. So far I'm coming up with about $90 a night for Fairfield, but the convention Center Marriott has a BOGO special going on...rate is $149, but you get two rooms for that price. Everybody is welcome to stay with me. I figure whatever I can't cover on the gift cards, then we can all just split the price. But hopefully there won't be much left over that we have to pay out of pocket. You're also welcome to stay. I will warn everybody right now...I SNORE! However, I will also bring earplugs for everybody.

I think this is definitely a budget trip for everybody. But of course you all know what BUDGET TRIP means to me. Last time I planned my really cheapo spring break trip I ended up taking the kids for a Bahamas cruise and spending boatloads of money! I guess I love planning budget trips, but then I end up saying to heck with it...I'm already hearing the prime rib at the Blue Bayou calling my name. Funny, but the instant oatmeal and Top Ramen noodles haven't said a word to me yet!

 

[dizzyami]

I'm totally serious. I will probably be booking my flight this week. I'm leaning towards coming down late on Wednesday evening or early Thursday morning and then going home on Sunday. I traded in some points on Friday for a $100 Marriott gift card, should be able to get at least a couple more. I'll probably be staying at either the Fairfield (behind McDonalds) or at the Marriott Convention Center. I know Bernice has been looking for good deals on those. So far I'm coming up with about $90 a night for Fairfield, but the convention Center Marriott has a BOGO special going on...rate is $149, but you get two rooms for that price. Everybody is welcome to stay with me. I figure whatever I can't cover on the gift cards, then we can all just split the price. But hopefully there won't be much left over that we have to pay out of pocket. You're also welcome to stay. I will warn everybody right now...I SNORE! However, I will also bring earplugs for everybody.

I think this is definitely a budget trip for everybody. But of course you all know what BUDGET TRIP means to me. Last time I planned my really cheapo spring break trip I ended up taking the kids for a Bahamas cruise and spending boatloads of money! I guess I love planning budget trips, but then I end up saying to heck with it...I'm already hearing the prime rib at the Blue Bayou calling my name. Funny, but the instant oatmeal and Top Ramen noodles haven't said a word to me yet!

yeah - tell me about it. Our last trip was supposed to be somewhat cheap and the last for awhile - then we bought DVC. I will look into it - so if we do go it would be more a family trip for me - and maybe we can meet up.

 

[funnygarcia]

I swore the Fairfield was listed as $89, now it's $95 if you do a 4 night pre pay promo or $107 if only 3 nights. The Marriot is the same with $149 B1G rooms or same rates as the Fairfield.

Will have to wait and see, I think some other promos just ended and new ones haven't started. Reminds me, I need to clear out my coupon binder since it's a new month.. ugh!

I did the Kellogg cereal deal today at Target, Buy 3 get one free with price points of $2.66, $2.99 or $3.29 for the ones I had coupons (Special K blueberry, corn flakes with touch of honey, etc...) used 3 Target printables for $1/1 (beeped on the 4th one, darn!) and $1/1 printables for each box of cereal. If you can get all four at $2.66 each it will be 25 cents a box.

And yep, this will work at regular Target too. All of the stores are suppose to take the internet coupons, not just Super Target.

Halloween junk was 50% off, candy was only 30% off (sneaky this year!).
I found Nestle cookie dough in pumpkin shapes $1.75, used $1/1 printable from Nestle Very Best Baking website (sign up, log in).
I'm proud, I didn't bother getting any of the Halloween junk. I might be convinced at 75% (or even better 90% off )

Swung by Aldi's yesterday and picked up a spiral cut ham based on several reviews among the coupon ladies on A Full Cup. $1.49 a pound, sliced and full cooked... sandwiches without the high cost of deli meat. We will be eating lots of ham, it was 8 pounds.

Hacked up the meat off the bone and ready to freeze for soup later... beans?? pea soup??Will need to flip thru my old cookbooks. I pick up cookbooks from the 50's to the early 70's at my fave thrift store. The older books have more basic cooking, from scratch, and typically very cheap ingredients. Okay, some of it is really odd like Frank and Potato Bake (hot dogs and au gratin potatoes using Velveeta) , Fruit Platter (featuring various canned fruits), and a beautiful picture of Fish Sticks Polynesian.. yum yum!
And outdated things like using shortening in everything, how to use the 4 food groups with huge portion sizes of dairy (1 pint of ice cream is equivalent to the calcium in 1 cup of milk) and meat, no mention of whole grains or fiber.

 

[sameyeyam]

I swore the Fairfield was listed as $89, now it's $95 if you do a 4 night pre pay promo or $107 if only 3 nights. The Marriot is the same with $149 B1G rooms or same rates as the Fairfield.

Will have to wait and see, I think some other promos just ended and new ones haven't started. Reminds me, I need to clear out my coupon binder since it's a new month.. ugh!

I did the Kellogg cereal deal today at Target, Buy 3 get one free with price points of $2.66, $2.99 or $3.29 for the ones I had coupons (Special K blueberry, corn flakes with touch of honey, etc...) used 3 Target printables for $1/1 (beeped on the 4th one, darn!) and $1/1 printables for each box of cereal. If you can get all four at $2.66 each it will be 25 cents a box.

And yep, this will work at regular Target too. All of the stores are suppose to take the internet coupons, not just Super Target.

Halloween junk was 50% off, candy was only 30% off (sneaky this year!).
I found Nestle cookie dough in pumpkin shapes $1.75, used $1/1 printable from Nestle Very Best Baking website (sign up, log in).
I'm proud, I didn't bother getting any of the Halloween junk. I might be convinced at 75% (or even better 90% off )

Swung by Aldi's yesterday and picked up a spiral cut ham based on several reviews among the coupon ladies on A Full Cup. $1.49 a pound, sliced and full cooked... sandwiches without the high cost of deli meat. We will be eating lots of ham, it was 8 pounds.

Hacked up the meat off the bone and ready to freeze for soup later... beans?? pea soup??Will need to flip thru my old cookbooks. I pick up cookbooks from the 50's to the early 70's at my fave thrift store. The older books have more basic cooking, from scratch, and typically very cheap ingredients. Okay, some of it is really odd like Frank and Potato Bake (hot dogs and au gratin potatoes using Velveeta) , Fruit Platter (featuring various canned fruits), and a beautiful picture of Fish Sticks Polynesian.. yum yum!
And outdated things like using shortening in everything, how to use the 4 food groups with huge portion sizes of dairy (1 pint of ice cream is equivalent to the calcium in 1 cup of milk) and meat, no mention of whole grains or fiber.

I noticed both the Fairfield and Marriott have a bunch of promos that end 12/31, so I'm guessing we'll see more promos soon. Another thing that I notice (and this works on Travelocity and other hotel/travel sites). Clear out your cookies in your internet browsing history and voila! Cheaper rates! Seems it knows if you've been there before and it tries to fake you out and make you think oh geez, I'd better book, the rates are getting higher.

So do you suppose we can work on our budget DL menu? I can see it now, Frank & Potato Bake, Fish Sticks Polynesian and a pint of ice cream with our breakfast cereal! YUM!!

 

[staley7580]

OMG!! Alison!! HOLY CRAP! YAY for thyroid troubles!! I have been so stressing for you lately. But of COURSE had I remembered to call you before we got halfway home, I would already have the info. Its okay.. my kids were BRATS today. I didnt even want to be around the little buggers.

ANYWAYS.. We have our flights to WDW. We booked today. We are flying Southwest..GAG. I hate southwest.. But it was cheap, and free bags.. With all these kids, we need free bags! Nothing for coming home yet.. Looking for a deal.

Halloween was good. Alex was a ninja, Kaylee was Minnie Mouse, Vinny was a dog, and Jazz was a cat. My kids got a TON of candy.. Good candy too! It is delicious.

 

[dizzyami]

Ok - hopefully you guys can figure something out because THE DIZZY FAMILY IS GOING TO DISNEYLAND, AGAIN!!! I know, not quite the game plan - but i couldn't leave John or the kids, and we were going to roll DVC points over for the 1st year. Didn't have the points for the full time - but we are going to come up Thursday the 4th and leave sometime Saturday the 6th!!! It will actually still end up being a budget trip for us - we will have to buy 3 AP's, but already have time booked in May so that trip will be completely free less cost of gas!!!