Muriel

Haven't seen the Ugly Truth. If I don't like it, I'll just have extra "cheer." Count me in for that. Muriel

Judy, I think that's a great decision! I'm so glad that was your decision. I'll be there for the stupid tv and DVDs parties. I hope the zofran is really effective - and don't forget about stale gingerale (add a little sugar to "not-stale" ginger ale). Let us know the date for the first party. Muriel

Hi Judy, Sorry for both your physical and emotional distress. I understand worrying about recurrence, etc. (basically, worrying about the future). In May I will be an 8 year survivor (remember I was staged at Ib) and I worry about when it will return almost every day. I've had several scares over the years, but it certainly seems possible for a return at any time - so I worry. Connie's passing, at year 15 or 16, made things worse for me. Obviously, I have no advice for you here. Also, I don't know what's it is like to be on chemo almost constantly sinced diagnosed, so take what I have to say with a grain of salt. If I were in your situation, I probably would have started chemo immediately - the day of the Onc. appointment if possible. But, that's just me. You need to decide what your priorities are (quality, length of life, or a balance between the two) and then take a course of action that you believe will best achieve that. No one else can make that decision for you. Best of luck, Muriel

Glad you're back, KW Judy. Anxious to hear about your cruise, the food, activities, etc. I can't imagine not gaining tons of pounds. Hope you didn't. Annette, hope your mother gets out of the hospital soon and the other problems disappear. Eric, I didn't know you were on facebook - or are you a "newbie" enticed by Snowflake? Glad to see you there and hope you don't turn down my friendship request. Lovely afternoon in the Orlando area. Hope you all have a good weekend. Muriel

Ned, I am so sorry about this scary turn of events. I'll be praying and sending positive thoughts about the WBR. Muriel

It would be fun to get together. I love popcorn oozing with butter and salt. Good - really good - homemade fudge is a must with that popcorn. I'll bring it. Annette, I like lots of movies - esp. mysteries. Anything will be fine. Muriel

Golden Retriever and her name would be cuddles Muriel What's the movie tonight?

That's really wonderful news. I'm glad you posted it. Muriel

We love your neuroses, Andrea! Don't change one bit! Muriel

Sending prayers and positive thoughts. Please let us know as soon as you get PET results. thanks Muriel

Ginny, I'm sorry to hear this. Sending prayers. Muriel

I'm so sorry to read this. The photos are beautiful. Thanks, Ned. Muriel

Good afternoon! Morning is just too much for me. Sunny and pleasant here in central Florida. Eric, the concrete/cement issue is more complicated. Indeed, concrete is made from cement and "up north" it's called concrete. In some areas, tho. cement is pronounced sea-MENT. Becky, I like your idea for exercise equipment. Can I assume that there are no potatoes in the two bags the first week and then we start out addidng 2 potatoes each week. How long before the potatoes rot? Being part Irish, I'm a bit sensitive re: rotten potatoes. Love the new picture, Judy. Have a great cruise. Muriel

Congrats Becky! Now, if you could just find the keg bus Muriel

Congratulations! Good to see you again. Muriel

My order is in the mail! Muriel

Hi everyone, I'm here and I'm fine. I kinda gave up on loggin in as I get kicked off almost immediately, thus losing whatever I was posting. I don't know why this happens, but it has happened before, I told Katie and everything was ok for while . Then, it wasn't ok. Had a cancer scare from mid-May till the end of July. Briefly, I lost my voice. Saw my PCP, she gave me antibiotics. Didn't get better. Saw ENT. A scope showed a weakened vocal cord, so he ordered a CT of my head, neck, and chest. Head and neck ok; radiologist - same frantic group as always at MDACC - saw "something." Had a PET; later learned the SUV was 2.1 (not alarming in my mind). Onc. ordered a bronchoscopy. They found NOTHING of concern. So, at the end of July, I still couldn't speak very well. Then, I tripped in the Target parking lot. Broke a bone in my hand and one in my wrist and hurt my knee (the one w/out a knee replacement). The wrist and hand are doing ok. Knee Xray only found arthritis. MRI a week or so ago, showed a tear in the medial meniscus (somewhere inside my knee I think). Have an appt. with Orthop. on the 22nd. Maybe arthroscopic surgery, maybe TKR. Problems: The last knee replacement ('99) was a worse experience than either of my thoracic surgeries! I don't think I want to repeat that and now I have one less lobe in each lung. So, that's where I've been. If someone can figure out how I once I log on, I don't get logged out,you'll hear from me again. Bruce, you made my day! It isn't often that you feel that you made an impact on someone's life and maybe I did. Then again, maybe you had chemo for no reason. It isn't raining here in Orlando yet, but the lights are flickering. That's never a good sign. Muriel

Best wishes for an uncomplicated surgery and fast recovery. I'll be thinking about you tomorrow. Muriel

I lost some of my hearing as a result of chemo, in addition to the ringing. My PCP sent me to an ENT who said that if I was having trouble sleeping due to the ringing in my ears, to try taking melatonin. It's done wonders for me. Doesn't do anything for the ringing in your ears 'cuz that's caused by nerve damage, but it enables me to get to sleep at night. My suggestion: see a doctor. Muriel

I am so happy for both of you! Hope she has a wonderful year teaching. Muriel

That's great news, NED. I had started to worry since we didn't hear anything. What kind of car are you thinking about? Sorry so many of you had bad days. Mine was okay. We spent a long weekend in Chicago with one of our sons. Had a great time. Sorry to be back home, as Con starts teaching a course again on Monday night. My aunt used to live in Green Valley, AZ and she always thought their pecans were the best. Hope today was better for some of you than yesterday. Muriel

I have a response (many, maybe) to Eric's list of questions. But, I don't have time to deal with it now. Katie, I don't blame you for leaving the family at home. It's hard to keep kids occupied during long trips. And, who know how often we'd have to stop for potty trips for the dogs. Thanks for leaving them in TX. Snow, please tell us you're still on the bus! Muriel

Wonderful news! Muriel

Looks like a great place for kids! Thanks for posting these, too. How could we miss you Eric? You're looking good. Muriel

Thanks for posting these. Your sister's grandchildren are lovely. Muriel