Annette

Good afternoon - sorry about my disappearance - just not feeling very 'funny' these days. Had a meeting at Social Services for the nephew's in-patient care (scheduled release date in February!!!) - we were absolutely blindsided. The little .... brat .... got another patient to cheek his lithium and another to cheek his abilify and then him and another boy combined them and took them. Boy is this treatment working. He is not working on anything - won't even do simple writing to get to phase 2 so he can get out of there a couple of hours. (Of course, I stopped going with my mom to visit him when he told me I was being petty because I was making him and mom change dentists. Well the "other woman" works for this dentist - I think it's safer this way, my mom might bite her if she comes near her. LOL - well I think it would be funny. And yes, the reason I am carrying a shovel around in my car is just in case I run into her!) Sorry about that - just slipped out. So so so sorry to read about Randy's dad. I hope he knows he can call me anytime he needs to talk! Traveling Judy - what a trip up the keys it is - good thing the reward will be to see Wendy and Dominick. Judy (MI) - It is overwhelming to think that any doctor would just give up when a patient is so ready to fight. Talk about lack of professional ethics - you would think the doctor would try anything at this point. Where is Eric? I have missed a few days I confess - but sure could use a post by him. (I don't know about you - but I can always here the accent when I read his posts!) Anyway - back to this horrible pile of work. Annette

Afternoon - it is a nasty day out - thunderstorms and too much rain. Hope it stops before I leave, of course my umbrella is right where it should be, behind the driver's seat in the car. Yesterday was the 8th anniversary of my sister's passing (not cancer it was drug related). She was only 42 years old - and now her youngest son is in an in-patient rehab facility. My mom told me yesterday that he informed her that the bike in his room is "not his" - will it never end - how am I supposed to deal with that. I have been a busy bee at work (even taking it home) and now I understand I will get two more projects on top of the 3 that I am already behind on - guess the economy for some cities / counties is picking up. Anyway, just wanted to pop in and say hello, Annette

Evening all, I have been a facebook and work junky all day - with the race and now football on. (I will have to stay up late since tomorrow is the game I am really interested in - being a Texas baby and all) I have been researching every community in North Carolina - trying to find contact information - you would think I would be about sick of the computer by now - and I would be if I didn't have such a headache. (Please don't put these together - let me stay in my fog.) Randy - I worked in a nursing home when I was 18. It was awful - no matter how hard a few people work to really helping there are a few that just should not be there. I still have very fond memories from conversations - the things I learned were amazing - such history and knowledge it was hard when the school job ended. Judy - (KW) - sorry you are feeling ruff...I think you and Randy both need a hug! (And it wouldn't hurt me either). I don't know where the day has gone - and tomorrow is that bad word Monday. I still have several hours of work I wanted to get through tonight but I guess I better eat something today. Hope everyone has a great evening. Annette

Hi Tonya, I am sorry to hear about your father - but you have come to the right place. There are many survivors here that can help you find answers to your questions - trust me we have had them and more - I can't even remember all the questions I first had. Let us know what your dad's oncologist says and someone is bound to be able to help you ask the right questions. If you need anything just ask. Annette

Afternoon all, I tried to watch Charlies Angels too - I like Drew Barrymore and I thought she wouldn't put her name on anything horrible. I wasn't really impressed - I mainly just had it on before Grey's - which I fell asleep on. Woke up early and went to work since I have so much to do and I am for the most part still sitting here in a fog. But I guess I have spurts of productivity. I actually brought a container of yogurt in to work and had it for breakfast. Not bad for me and I may make an omelet for dinner - something fast and easy then I think I may just relax and write in a journal I have started. I agree Judy (MI) - where is Sarah and Karen - starting to worry about them. Hope they are just busy and relaxing (not like Eric and Bud relax though)! Here I stand next to my bed and life two little barbells for a couple of minutes and I think I am accomplishing something - but it's more than nothing I guess and I want to take advantage of all the weight of have lost over the last couple of weeks and keep it off (about 16 pounds - believe it or not). Anyway - just wanted to drop in and say hi - what is everyone doing this weekend? It is absolutely pouring out but I don't know what the weekend weather is like. Annette

Meg, I'll chime in too - I remember when I first stumbled across this site - how I felt like you and your family - totally lost and no one understood. There are so many great people that pass through here from time to time you will be in everyone's prayers including mine. Keep us posted on your mom and you - take care of yourself - sometimes that's hard to do. We'll be here ready to offer a virtual hug and shoulder when you need one. Annette

Afternoon everyone - Yes - it was absolutely great to talk to Judy (MI) - took my troubles away for a little while. My administrative assistant tried to interest me in bringing in dishes for lunch tomorrow and I almost bought it - but I've been eating so little I am a little worried about having the same problem as Judy at work. I actually meant to bring a piece of fruit in but was running late - can't get away from home in the morning until I check my FB games. Judy (KW) - When I take work home with me I now bring a luggage cart to put things on - so much easier and even the light laptops can get heavy walking any distance. I even used it the other night to carry in groceries. I just saved a box and put it on the bottom and stacked things up - one trip instead of several. My mom caught me just as I got home yesterday and I had to use it for her groceries too...hmm...maybe a good Christmas present idea - not that I'm of a mind to celebrate this year. My mind is gel of late so I can't even remember who posted today and I just read it. I know I forgot to say something about the expecting couple - that is just so fantastic - being rewarded for working with foster care. At least there is some good things happening! I have been doing research on the internet all day and my eyes are mush too. And to think I will race home after work - set up my laptop and play games all evening. (Well I am going to watch the show I DVR'd last night - Revenge - really looking forward to watching that!) Anyway - hope everyone is doing well today - I better get myself back to work for now, Annette

Good afternoon everyone - where's Eric and Judy(kw)? Judy(MI) - we can give each other hugs if that's okay. My daughter is sending me "inspirational" texts about positive attitudes and such. Thank goodness she is trying. I have much to do at work - and even though the clock is not turning very fast I'm not really accomplishing much. It's a pretty gloomy day outside - rainy and gray. I went to the grocery store yesterday after work - looking for something to try and stay on a low calorie input - I can't believe how many calories are in good stuff. And I couldn't find the label on the bananas so I think I can count those as zero...right? Of course - you would understand my philosophy on that if you knew that I always said that the second word on the ingredients of soda is "water" and that's good enough for me. This is what we get for falling of the "Exercise Vicariously Through Bud" band wagon - I better get back to work before my sense of humor really hits its stride. Take care, Annette

Congratulations - I agree with Ry - a toast to you for many more!!! Annette

Sarah - I'm glad you found this place - believe me it helps. As I read your story I understand how hard it can be with work and other pressures when your mom is facing this fight. Be happy to work with her through the house - just be doing that you are helping her, especially if it turns into fun - she can see that in your eyes. I had another thought about her being the one to drive. I am not sure where you are or what cancer treatment facility that she is going to but check out volunteers. I know the have them here in Richmond and an ex-boss volunteers in Chesapeake but they drive patients to and from therapy. It is a little hard to believe that people are willing to do that - but most just want to give back after having been a caregiver or survivor in many cases themselves. I hope therapy treats your mom (and you and your dad) well. There are many good stories among the people here - and I'm sure someone with more knowledge that I will be here to help you with any questions you may have. Take care, Annette

I just had to pipe in on the belly fat issue - although I have a way to go - I have unhealthly lost 13 pounds in the last 2 weeks - no it is not cancer related just pure depression - nothing tastes good but I am forcing myself to eat once a day. Decided that I would take advantage of it and so I started trying to exercise (don't kick me off for saying that bad word). Lifting to little weights - someone told me once that you needed to make sure if you lost weight to work on the arm flab. At work I pace - a lot - and then I try and do just some little exercises to work on my back at home in the evening - even though I'd rather curl up in bed. I'm trying to pull myself up by the bootstraps - there is the problem I'm not wearing boots!!! Hope everyone has a great Monday - I will try and be more myself and check in more often. Annette

Okay - I guess I'll pipe in for a short one. I can't wait until Castle comes back on. I agree with the line-up on Dancing With The Stars - but they surprised me last year with how well they did. And they announced the new Bachelor last night. I'm sure there are others I've left out - I haven't been watching much television lately. Hope everyone is doing well - I'm still not my happy self - but I'm surviving one day at a time. Take care, Annette

Hi everyone - gosh I miss this place. I am just going through some really tough personal issues right now and i am trying to take the high road and not talk badly about anyone in a public forum. I think about you daily and hope everyone is doing well. Annette

Thought I would check in really quick since I have been so busy at work (and taking work home). Oh - and my administrative assistant's mom is in West Virginia and she felt it too. Thanks to RandyW for calling and checking on me. There were a few freak out minutes here since it was pretty bad (or so it seemed). My phone was out and I was worried about my mom - finally got through and work her up - she thought it was the cat knocking at her bedroom door...(LOL) Then I got a text from my daughter - they felt it to. They had to give my four year old grandson a little person geology lesson since he thought he caused it by jumping on the couch. (LOL) I am anxious to get home and see if my cat and assorted breakables are still breakable or broken. Even though my mom lives right across from me I refuse to give her a key because I never wanted my nephew to have access to my stuff without me home. Now I wish she could go check on the cat. Judy - Drivers - When I lived in El Cajon, California I found a job in San Diego. The first morning I drove into the City I had to sit in my car for a good long while calming down. I swear it was the first time I had experienced bumper to bumper rush hour traffic at 75 + mph. Shiver the memories... Anyway - I better hit the road to beat those strange drivers. You know how everyone drives worse when snow is in the forecast - it will be interesting to see how they drive when "aftershocks" are in the forecast. (LOL). If anyone has magical powers could you blink and get everything I need done by Friday done - Is it Friday yet? Annette

Good afternoon all, Feeling a little better today - actually managed to take the garbage out. Now I'm trying to work up the energy to go to the store. At least I don't feel like I have a fever today. Did I mention I wasn't feeling well - can't even remember. Working like a demon and not sleeping good - plus I haven't been to the grocery store in several weeks so I'm not eating right. I am gonna try and work up the energy to run out. I need to go to WalMart and that's a long haul when your back is saying - sit yourself back down and I mean now. I didn't want to go too long without checking in. So many deadlines at work - no me time right now. Annette