48 hours is not a lot of time when it comes to making a movie. Even a short one.
Unfortunately we did not make it back up to Des Moines in time. We didn't get power back until Thursday night. We had a camera failure and it was the only camera we could hook up to the mic. Go figure. Then we had to reshoot a couple of scenes and reedit. Once the editing was all finished and we tried to save it to a Quicktime file there was a glitch in our editing software. Our composer needs a Quicktime file to be able to add the music.
On the up side we had a fun time and it was a great experience. Once we fix our issue with the software we'll get the music on it and put it out on the web for all to see. I'll post the link when we get it out there. You'll know me, I'm the hurried, frazzled Mom. No acting needed for that this weekend. And the boy is the spy in the suit.
Time to go crash now. I promised the boy that I wouldn't watch the final edited cut until he gets home from a birthday party. It's driving me crazy. I hope he gets home soon.

OH, before I forget. Had my check up last week with the OB/GYNand was declare CANCER FREE!!!! Great words to hear. But my doctor started talking about putting me on a low dose estrogen. WHY!? My symptoms aren't that bad except the itching and that I can control. I'm not taking them. It doesn't make sense and I don't want to go through all this again when I go off them. And he said that he didn't think we could blame the itching on the hormone thing *what does he know) and wanted to send me to the Dermatologist. I think I'll wait and see if it subsides like my family Doc told me it would first. I think he's right and he GYN is wrong on this one.

Later ladies! Love ya!
Lisa

Wow, I didn't think I could say one phrase like that and it relate to so much.

First of all I've missed you all terribly and wanted to catch up on things and when I logged on it said that my membership expires tomorrow. OMG has it really been a year already?! That's crazy!!

Second. I'm sure if you've watched the news or live in the Midwest you've probably heard of the wicked storm that came through here on Monday. Anyway we are still without power but hoping today. There are trees down all over my neighborhood and the worst we got was one limb off of the tree in the backyard got cracked and is hanging.
Also, when the storm hit I was in the middle of the 280 bridge between Illinois and Iowa on my way to work. Completely blinded me. I couldn't even see the hood on the car. Since I was in the middle of the bridge I couldn't just stop, so I continued on at a crawl. Every now and then it would let up for a second or two, just enough to see where I was. First I almost hit the right side of the bridge, then I almost hit the left side of the bridge. It was like the storm was trying to play pinball with my car. My car and I came through without a scratch. I was shaking pretty bad for a while but everything was good. The angels were definitely there for me.

I got roped into Producing/Stage Managing 'Jesus Christ Superstar' in January. HUGE undertaking and it kind of had me stressing out already. Then we weren't able to get the rights to it. Kinda bummed.

This weekend is the 48 Hour Film Project (www.48hourfilm.com) in Des Moines. I have a team registered. That means I have to make 2 round trips from the Quad Cities to Des Moines this weekend. Inbetween those we have to write, cast, rehearse, shoot, edit, and score a movie. I have a great team behind me tho so I think we'll do well. As long as we get it done and back in time I don't care if we win any awards. I just want to know that we can do it. If we do OK this year then maybe I'll go out to win it next year.

Next week we start filming 'A Cadaver Christmas'. (http://cadaverchristmas.com/) I've always wanted to be in a zombie movie. I don't have a lead, but I get to be a zombie!

In a few weeks we will be in rehearsals for the October show "Angel Street" in Geneseo. I can't wait. My first time in an in-the-round atmosphere.

Still waiting to hear more about the boys new job. They keep pushing back the BIG kickoff meeting. I may have a couple of voice-over jobs coming his way tho.

Work is the same ole same ole. BF is still a pain but still trying. I give him a lot of credit for that. He is talking about getting a generator in case we lose power again. We'll at least be able to run the fridge and air and maybe a few other things. That's all I need.
I have been able to catch up on some of my reading. Too bad it hasn't been cooler or my house would be spotless by now.

I've started working out at Curves but I think I'm gaining muscle faster than I' losing the fat so it looks like I'm gaining weight but I'm still losing inches. My goal is to lose 100 lbs in the next year. I LOVE being able to work out again!!!!!

Well, time to get back to work ladies.
LYLAS!!! with all my heart!
Lisa

Hi ladies!

I've missed you all SO MUCH!

So sorry I've been gone for so long. But we just closed the latest show and it is definitely time for a break. I've been going strong since 2 weeks post op on shows and I'm ready for a break. The next show is October so I have til August to get things done that I have been putting off here.

OK, now for the big news. Remember the incredible itchy fits that I've been having since Feb? Well, I finally went to see my family Doctor about it because it was getting worse and more often and totally driving me crazy. Well, it turns out that the itching is actually a histamine reaction to the changes in hormones. My reaction was only 'So you're telling my that I'm essentially allergic to myself?' I guess that's one way to put it.
He said it could last up to a year. UGH!!! If it last longer than that we'll need to check my hormone levels and see where things stand. I added a post out on the forums and within HOURS I must have had 10 responses of others that had the same thing and thought they were going crazy. It must not be a very common reaction but leave it to me to be the odd ball huh? At least I know the cause and all I have to do is take my new friend Zyrtec every night and I have been itch free for a while now.

New word on the boy. He is now a college grad. He has a job starting at the end of the summer hosting a show for the Travel channel. So he will be taking some time off of school and then possibly going back next year. The pay is pretty meager at first but he's doing it mostly for the exposure. They have already bought 10 episodes with an option for 4 seasons if it does well. I'll have to let you know the name when they settle on it. I am so jealous. He gets to go to Europe for 2 weeks all paid for by the Travel channel, passport and all. They should be airing sometime next year. Oh it's a paranormal investigation type show. They get to investigate Frankensteins castle. SO jealous!

Hope to write more soon now that I finally have time to get online now and again.

LYLAS!!!
Smiley

OMG, SOMEBODY HELP! All I do is itch, itch, itch, scratch, scratch, scratch and it’s driving be absolutely crazy.
First it started with my legs. Now I’m use to getting kinda dry skin in the winter and it is usually on my legs. Little by little it has gone to my arms, my back, my abdomen, and now even my head itches. How can my hair be oily but my scalp be dry and itchy? I’ve tried to think of anything that has changed in the house that maybe I was having a reaction to and nothing comes to mind. Even tho it is not flea season I checked the animals anyway and 0 fleas. I bought some soap for extremely dry skin, I have 2 different lotions that I use after my shower and before I go to bed. I like the one I use at night better but it kinda stinks. I don’t have a bathtub so I can’t do the oatmeal bath. I’ve made sure that I’m getting plenty of water. I’m not sure I can take another month or more of this before winter finally goes away.
I have been keeping my nails cut down to nothing because otherwise I wouldn’t have any skin left on my arms or legs.
If anyone has any other advice, please let me know.

LYLAS
Lisa

I'm so glad that I've had some time to go through some journals today. Home with the crud that's going around. Hope it doesn't last long. Of course with the nasty weather we've been having I really don't want to go out anyway.
Good new tho, I lost another 4 lbs last week so I'm on track to hit my first goal!!!
The boys movie (Sugar) was a big hit at the Sundance film festival so hopefully they will release it at the theaters. He has an audition at the college today for this semesters show. I hope he gets the part that he wants.
He got a full scholarship this term, thank goodness, because I was running out of money. Final term. He will be graduating this spring. I wish I could send him on for his BA but unless he gets a full ride at one of the schools he wants to go to I'm afraid this is the end.
He told me that one way or another he will pay me back for all of his school whether I want him to or not. He has seen how much I've had to sacrifice and the stress it has put on me to make sure he got to college. He really is the greatest! It's no wonder I love him so much!
We have 2 weeks of rehearsals before our murder mystery dinner and we are still missing one person. This is not looking good. After this I have another MM in April and will also be the Crew Chief for a show at the barn so I'm going to enjoy the 3 week break that I'll have when this is done.
I have also finally decided to take the classes that I need to become a certified hypnotherapist. I've been interested in it since my Psychology classes in college and something tells me that it's the right time to pick it up again.
Well, I guess I've rambled on long enough. I think I'm going to go take a nap. I hate being sick!!!!

Love you all!!!
Lisa

Didn’t want to say anything until I got the results back. The results say it is just a granulation, no cancer!!! :woot:
And I will never again believe a Dr when they say ‘This may cause a little cramping’. Oh no no no! This will cause a ‘hurts like h*!!’ I just about jumped off the table when he did the biopsy. Then he used this silver nitrate or something like that and told me it might sting a little. When I almost took a chunk out of the table because I gripped it so hard he very calmly said,’Hmm, it’s usually numb right there in the middle, guess not this time.’
So always remember when the doc says this will only hurt a little, he means this will only hurt me a little because you can’t reach me.

OK, actually it wasn’t all that bad and it did only hurt for a while, but it’s all worth it to know that all is good and I don’t have to go back for 6 months.

By the way, I got him back when the nurse said ‘At least you still have your sense of humor’….Me…’I guess that’s better than me decking him’.

Some people at work and I are doing the ‘Living Healthy America’. I got suckered in to being the captain of our team. Tip for the future: ‘Don’t ever ask a Marine to head up a Physical Fitness/Weight loss team.’ I have been sending them an email every day and dogging their every move. I did lose 7 lbs in the first week and a half, and the boy lost 5. Good start!
My goal during the 100 days is to lose 37 lbs. That would get me to my first weight loss goal. One step at a time.


LYLAS
Lisa

Menapause the Musical. Yes that is right. A friend of mine let me borrow her CD. It is absolutely halarious!!!

I found the website so I can get a copy myself. I would love to see this one. No way they would let us do this at our theatre.

http://www.menopausethemusical.com/

It's 4 women. The Iowa housewife, the Power Women, the Earth Mother, and the Soap Opera Star. All the songs are spoof of other songs that you would recognize. For example 'Sane and Normal Girls' and 'Thank You Doctor' (California Girls and Thank You Rhonda by the Beach Boys), and one of my favorites 'Puff, My God, I'm Draggin' (Puff the Magic Dragon).

I think the more you can relate to the funnier it is.

Wanted to share the laughs.

LYLAS.
Lisa

We're a hit! Who knew!
With all the problems we've had n this show I totally expected the reviewers to slam us. We were still trying to finish the set as the audience was coming in on opening night.

http://rcreader.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12482&Itemid=48



Miracles do happen.

Love you all!!!

Lisa

Well, I thought everything was fine but it looks like there is a little issue we have to look at. Doc said there was a place on the cuff that wasn't healing quite right. He called it 'proud flesh'. I've done some looking around and it doesn't seem like a big deal but since my surgery was for cancer he needs to do a biopsy to be sure that it isn’t anything else. Oh joy !
Other than that everything is fine. Tonight is opening night for our current show. Not anticipating good reviews for this one. We’ve had a lot of difficulties with the weather and trying to find people to work the crew and a director that didn't really want to direct and a set that as of last night still wasn't done. We didn’t have a lot of people audition so we had to settle one a few and that is never a good scenario.
I’m finally getting some sleep. Between worrying about year end at work and Gram in the hospital and the show I’ve had a lot of sleepless nights. Doc told me to try 2 Tylenol PM about an hour before I want to go to bed and it seems to be helping some. It has made it harder for me in the morning. I’m not a morning person anyway but it seems that if I take something to help, unless I can get 8 or more hours of sleep, it’s really hard to wake up.

Well, I’d better get back to work. Just wanted to update you on my checkup. As with everything else, this too we will adapt and overcome.

LYLAS
Lisa

My Gram passed away on the 3rd. She is now at peace with my Grandpa who has been waiting 25 years for her. She had a full and wonderful 91 years, and was the most caring person I have ever known. She has been an amazing source of love and support for me and a shining light for anyone who has ever known her. Hers was a life not to be mourned but to be celebrated as she lived her life to the fullest.
She will be greatly missed by all. I couldn't have asked for a better role model than her.
She always told me that my biggest fault was that I thought about everyone else before I thought of myself. My response to that....I learned from the best!

Thanks Gram for everything!!! I love you!!!

Love,
Lisa

Still trying to get caught up with everyone out here. Don't think I'll ever get there. I've had a rough Dec. Not only did I have the old demons from when my Dad passed away right before Christmas 6 years ago, but my Gram went into the hospital on the 19th and they didn't think she would make it to Christmas. We've been up there with her every day. Between work, rehearsals, and going to the hospital I'm not eating or sleeping well. I finally had to take a vacation day from work Friday and go to the doc to get something to help me sleep. Running on 2 to 3 hours a night was really taking its toll.
She's still hanging in there but she is not doing well. With all the snow and my having a sinus infection I haven't been able to go up and see her for a few days and I'm kinda feeling guilty about that.
They have moved her to the hospice unit at the hospital now. It's really tough to see her like that. She's always been so energetic and independent. I stayed with her one night and we talked several times. She's frustrated and confused. She knows my Aunt is not telling her everything.
When she finally did fall asleep I prayed to my Grandpa to talk to her and comfort her. She talks in her sleep a lot now and I couldn't understand a lot of what she was saying but I caught enough to know she was talking to Grandpa.
When I came out of the bathroom after changing so I could go to work, she was sitting on the edge of her bed. Kinda scared me because I was afraid she would try to get up. Mom was surprised when I told her because they didn't think she had that kind of strength anymore. I think it was the talk with Grandpa that made her feel better.

Sorry I'm such a downer today. Didn't mean to be.

Well, I'd better get moving. I want to try to get up to see her today and the weather is looking like it may settle down a bit.

I have my 3 month check up on the 10th. I'm doing well. I will need to tell him about the minor hot flashes, night sweats and insomnia but that is about all the issues I have been having and none of the 3 are bad, just annoying.

Love you all!!!
Lisa

Just wanted to drop by and see how everyone is doing. Sorry I haven't written in a while but things have been a little nuts. Went from one show into the other ( I don't get to play a dude, the director changed it.) Besides having 2 parts in the show, I am helping with props, costumes, makeup and I have become...'The Producer'. That means I have to get all of the crew to work on the show.
AHHHHH! How do I get myself into these things? I have to admit I love being busy but I just have to try not to stress out.
I am little by little trying to catch up on Journals but I think for every one I read 3 more pop-up.
Well, I have to get back to work.

Miss you all!
Stay warm and safe!
LYLAS,
Lisa

Hi all! :leaves: Just wanted to send you all a Happy Thanksgiving greeting. Thank you all for the TONS of support you have given me. It all would have been much MUCH harder without you!

Just heard from the BF that he will be home tonight but may have to leave tomorrow night and be out over the weekend. It's nice to have the extra money this time of year but it would be nice if they could let him be home for the whole holiday at least.

So, who's gonna brave Black Friday shopping?

The boy and I both got good reviews. Except I meander and have unflatering clothes. Oh well, I like to walk and I never claimed to be a fashion model. Here are a couple of links in case you want to check them out.

My show:
http://www.qctimes.com/articles/2007/11/15/entertainment/theater/doc473b72cf5c8bc705105859.txt

The boys show:
http://rcreader.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12365&Itemid=48

Apparently I accidentally auditioned for the next show because they offered me not one but two parts in it. One of the parts, I have to play a dude. How can I resist a challenge like that?!!!
If I can pull that off, I'm a better actor than I thought.

Love ya all,
Lisa

Sorry I haven't been on much lately. Life is a bit crazy right now. Tuesday night was the only night this week that I was able to be home for any amount of time beside sleeping. Invited Dress rehearsal was Monday. Yesterday and tonight are benefit nights and official opening night is tomorrow night. Busy, busy, busy! The boys show opens this weekend also. The only night I can see it is next Monday and he has made arrangements for me to meet the writer. VERY COOL!!!
I have a lot of catching up to do reading everyones journals once the show is over.
Just wanted to swing in real quick and let you know I haven't forgotten about y'all.

LYLAS!
Lisa

I was cleaning out some old documentation on my computer and found this. I originally saved it for my sister but I think it is rather appropiate for my sisters here too.


My Sister Is...
someone who helps me find my smile.
Who accepts me for what I am.
who lets me know that my efforts
really are worthwhile, and that
my accomplishments are worthy ones.
She lets me know that she will
catch me if I fall. She's so much
more wonderful than she will admit
to being. She watches out for me
and helps me through it all...

My Sister Is...
someone I'm very
proud to be related to.
Having her as such a special
part of my family has given me
memories that I wouldn't trade for
anything and hopes that I'll have for
as long as I live. Even if there are times
when the two of us are far away from each other,
our thoughts will make sure we stay together.

My Sister Is...
a person who is great to have around.
She's someone who laughs at my jokes
(maybe because she has the same warped
sense of humor!) and she understands
the times when I need a shoulder to cry
on. She is there for me in the exact
same way that I will always be there
for her. Our friendship will always
remain, and our love will never depart.

My Sister...
deserves to know that even though I
don't always get a chance to show it,
she is absolutely essential to the
happiness... that lives within my heart.

-- Ann Turrel

LYLAS,
Lisa

First week back to work was NUTS! I ended up taking a vacation day on Wed because I didn’t want to overdo it the first week back. I was doing fine until about 3 in the afternoon and I started getting headaches and that would cause nausea and I was miserable by the time I went home. Breaking up the week helped but hopefully this week will be better. If that wasn’t enough the HUGE project that I was working on before I left was tested and tweaked while I was gone and went in this weekend. It makes me a little nervous that my name is all over it but since I haven’t looked at it in 6 weeks, I’m not really sure what all the changes are that I did. If things go wrong the fingers will point at me.
The show is going well and we have started shooting the movie. I had a shoot Sunday afternoon and then some more next week. We FINALLY got the music for the show at the theatre yesterday. We open on the 9th. First we tried to get someone to play the piano for us and that was a bust. Then we ordered the CD and they sent us the wrong one. Then we got the CD with the right music on it but it didn't have the vocals so it really doesn’t help us learn the songs. I LOVE THE THEATRE!!!
My life is definitely NOT boring.

LYLAS :luvhearts:
Smiley

WOW is that going to be weird. I've been using my alarm clock to wake me up earlier and earlier to get use to it again. I'm really going to miss sleeping as long as I want especially since rehearsal nights I won't get home until after 10pm.
I feel good. Still have the nagging urination pain but it is getting better.
Rehearsals for my show are going great. I already know all of my lines. Some are a little shaky, but at least I can make it through the whole thing without looking at the script. It will get better over the next 4 weeks.
We start filming the movie today. I got my hair cut so I hope neither director has a fit. I can still put it in a ponytail so the movie director should be OK with it.
I actually did some clothes shopping the other day. I hate to shop for clothes but I've gotten hooked on 'What Not to Wear' and I was braver and tried on things that I normally wouldn't have. I really got some nice stuff.
No ones going to know who I am tomorrow. I'll look like a totally new woman.
I want to thank all of you wonderful ladies again for helping me through all of this. I would have been a basket case if I hadn't found this website and all of you.
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

I have also made contact with a few other sisters in my area and although we don't have the resources yet to start a support group we are planning on giving our names and numbers (also our DX and what procedures we had done) to some of the local OB/GYN clinics and groups so that they can give one of them to their patients if they want someone to talk to. Maybe we can eventually get a support group going. I am also including the Hystersisters website address so they can not only pass it along but also recommend they look at it themselves to see just what concerns most of us have had through this experience. It may make them better doctors.


LYLAS,

Lisa

I called the dealership before going over and told them I was bringing THEIR car back and wanted to talk to the manager as soon as I got there.
I got the manager and the service manager together and started the whole thing by saying.
"This is how we're going to do this because I am recovering from major surgery and am not suppose to get too stressed out but be sure that I am totally pi$$ed" Then I reamed them both a new one nice and calmly. They tried to tell me that the car was checked out when it was brought in but they had to eat there words when they found out that the switch and there was no way that driving 20 miles caused the problem. So I have a loaner for now and they had to order the part. On top of that they are doing a COMPLETE inspection on my car.
And that is how Lisa plays! :woot:
Now I need to run off to rehearsal.

Later ladies!
Lisa
XXOO

We went out yesterday to finally look for a new car for the boy before winter gets here. Much needed as his current car has front wheel drive and is all over the road when it snows.
Anyway, between the BF and the boy they find a nice NEW Suzuki. Pretty yes, and I won't have to worry about his car breaking down, BUT, he took it to his friends house in the evening and I got a call at 12:30 to come and get him because he has NO LIGHTS.
Went to pick him up and thought I'd take a look to see if he just wasn't doing the right thing. Nope. If you wiggle the arm just right the lights will come on but give it a little bump and they go out again.
I AM SO ******!!!! I can't believe the car dealership didn't inspect this car when they got it on their lot. So tomorrow, I get to put on my ***** boots an go over and kick some butt. Not exactly what I had planned for my Monday.
And if they don't insist on doing a total bumper to bumper check on the car they will be taking it back. It will break the boys heart because he loves this car but I really don't want to play mediator between the boys each month when the payments come due.
You see the BF has agreed to cover whatever part of the payment the boy can't until he graduates and then the boy will eventually pay him back. Now since the BF is living in MY house and not paying any utilities or any of the house payment. I better not hear any whining.

Well, busy day tomorrow. I better get some rest.

Thanks for letting me vent.
Love ya all
Lisa.

We had our first rehearsal last night. Looks like it's going to be a great cast. I wish you could all come. I've got a LOT of memorizing to do and we don't have anyone to do the music for us so no one knows how the songs go. NOT GOOD.
I'm waiting to hear about the rehearsal/shooting schedule for the movie. I'm hoping that they don't conflict too much. I committed to the movie first so that is my first priority and I've told him that but I don't want to tick off my director for the show either.
Had my 4 week appt yesterday. Doc said everything was healing well but if the bruising that is causing the painful urination doesn't go away in 2 to 4 weeks I'll need to call. Otherwise I can go back to work on the 8th and don't have to see him again until Jan.
I really feel good and every one has been asking me if I have my energy back. I really didn't have an issue with lack of energy once I was off the pain pills after week 1.
I still can't work out yet. Doc wants me to wait until after week 6, or better yet week 8 before I start doing anything too much and then to be VERY mindful of ANY pain in the abdomen. Light workouts at first and very slowly work up to the old workout level.
ALL GOOD NEWS ANYWAY!!!

Guess I should get back to learning my lines now.
Love y'all!
Lisa

:woot:

I just got off the phone with the Producer for the show. In November I will be appearing as Dawn in 'Uh-Oh Here Comes Christmas' at Playcrafters Barn Theatre.
It's a nice size part with some huge monologues. So I know what I will be doing the last 2 weeks of my recovery. Boredoms over!!!
The show that the boy is doing at the college I have found out is the US premier and the author may be flying in from England for the opening. :wow:
How cool is that!!!
It's going to be weird, he and I doing different shows this year.

I believe I have made a decision about the HRT. I have done some more research and I believe that I will be taking my journey through the desert. Hey, I liked the desert when I was stationed in 29 Palms.
The biggest down side that I found was the Osteo but with the right supplements and getting back to working out I should be able to handle that.

The insomnia issues aren't as bad now that I can get comfortable on my side. I've never been good at sleeping on my back.

Still having pain when I use the throne so we'll have to talk about that again on Thurs when I have my 4 week. I can't believe that it's been almost 4 weeks. Glad I didn't push to go back to work at 4 because I just couldn't sit for that long.

Well, getting late and I want to take a quick run through my script and highlight my lines before I hit the hay.

Love ya all,

Lisa

At my next appt this is one of the things that doc and I are going to discuss. Now I've read lots of pros and cons both ways. I have had some hot flashes and night sweats since doc took me off the Estradoil but all very mild. I'm only 43 and several of the studies I've read say that they recommend HRT until at least age 50.
I am so confused on this one I don't even know where to start.
I've visited the forums and even posted a few but I'm still really up in the air on this one.

Lisa

Just got back from the docs (and Starbucks YUM!!!) He decided not to drain the fluid behind the scar just yet. I have my 4 week appointment next Thursday and we'll see how everything is doing then. YEAH, NO NEEDLE!!!
Anyway, I talked to a lady at the pharmacy and she suggested some stuff called Scar Zone that is suppose to soften scars and make them less noticeable. Her DD used it after her C section and it did a great job. Now as soon as doc gives the thumbs up I can try it.
I pulled out my script for the movie and already have my lines down. I'm waiting to hear about rehearsals. The boy's audition went well. He know he was cast but he doesn't know which part. I had no doubt he would get cast the director loves him. He said something about needing to interview someone from Australia. I think for this show he needs to have an Aussie accent.
We are looking into an internship at Disney in Orlando next summer. Just waiting to hear about auditions. His dream job has always been doing voice overs for Disney. He has such a great voice.
I'm planning on reading through the audition script for my audition this week so I have it down. I'm a good actress but I'm not great with a cold read.
Well, I'm starting to get a little uncomfortable so I'm going to go relax for a bit.

LYLAS,
Lisa

Hi ladies,
I' still having some pain when I use the throne room but Doc is working on figuring out why. I'm currently on antibiotics but they don't seem to be helping a whole lot. They did find a small hematoma behind my incision that they will be draining tomorrow. Other than that I have plenty of energy and feel fine. My incision is healing well but is at that stage that it's healing underneath and feels hard and bruised. I'm finally getting use to sleeping on my back. That took a while.
I got a care package from work the other day. It had some game books, movies, microwave popcorn and gift certificates for Pizza Hut. Boy do they know me well.
I have auditions for a show next weekend and need to be ready to start filming a movie in 2 weeks. Luckily I only have 2 short scenes so I should be just fine and the director knows about the surgery so I'm sure he'll be nice to me. I seriously thought about going to the filming of the other movie but was a good girl and stayed home. It would have been 4 to 5 hours of sitting at the ball park. At least the boy will get his first movie all to himself. He has auditions tonight for the show at the college.
He had to take my car to school today because his is making noise. Looks like we're going to have to take it in and have them take apart the front end and grease it really good. Not like I'm using my car much these days anyway.
It's going to take me forever to catch up on all the journals that I've been missing. I've really missed talking to all of you but the healing comes first right now and I can only sit in one place comfortably for so long.

LYLAS,
Lisa

The last few nights I've been battling a little insomnia...OK a lot. I got about 4 hours of sleep last night and can't sleep tonight. I was having some insomnia issues before my surgery so I can't really blame it on that.
I think I'm getting a bladder infection so I've been drinking lots of cranberry juice until I can call the doc on Tues. I HATE cranberry juice. I did find some cranberry tablets so I'm going to try those also.

Movie update:
The boy's movie debut was a complete success. They used him twice. He's really excited. The working title of the movie is 'Sugar'. I'll keep my ears open for if they change the title. It's a baseball movie. Here is a link to some of the details.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0990413/

This is the movie I'm in...
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0852963/
couldn't remember if I had given you that one before.

I'm not pushing things ladies, I promise. Even though I feel pretty good I am enjoying being pampered a little. My Mom has been on vacation all week so I've been calling her every day to check in and let her know how I'm doing. She keeps me in line. She only takes time off work to relax once a year and I don't want her to spend it worrying about me.

Well, I'm going to go try to go to sleep again. Mom told me to eat a half a PB sandwich and drink a glass of milk, so I'll try that tonight. I have some Sominex but I'm not sure whether to take it or not. The only meds I'm still on are the Ibuprofen and iron so I don't think it would hurt anything but I'd like to check with the Doc to be sure.

Love ya ladies,
Lisa

It's actually a little weird that I feel as good as I do. I really expected to be more off than on right now. I've been feeling good all day and haven't needed to take a nap at all. I'm really waiting for the other shoe to drop. Still taking it easy because there is still a little dull pain and there is one area in the incision that hasn't completely healed.
Doc took me off the HRT and still no hot flashes, sweats, headaches, nothing.
I'm not complaining, but it's a little weird right? It's only a little over a week after a TAH BSO and I feel almost normal.
Hmmmmmmm.

Lisa

Great news ladies. The Adenocarcinoma - Stage 1a Grade 1 - Surface level only!!!


The staples are out :woot: I feel so much more comfortable now.

I can drive :steer: and start walking more and more each day.


I finally got through the constipation thing. It took a while and it was a bit painful but I survived.

I still get tired out easily so I will be taking a nap soon.

I'm waiting for the boy to get home. He was suppose to take me to my appointment this morning but he got a call for the movie set at 9am this morning. He's been there all day. He's really having fun. I know he must have heard my stories a million times and I'm ready to hear his just as often as he wants to tell it. LOVE HIM!!!

Time to go relax for a bit.

LYLAS,
Lisa

Hi ladies. I'm still doing pretty well. The pain in my left ab is better but still there. I've tried to do everything right to not get constipated but am having a little trouble. I've been taking stool softeners, making sure I'm fiber in my diet, walking when I feel like it.
I've had 1 BM since my surgery but it wasn't much. I haven't been eating a lot so my body has probably shifted into starvation mode thanks to the years of bulimia. I making myself some tea and then I'll go sit on my throne for a little while again.
If you have any home remedies please pass them on.

Love yall.
PL

Just wanted to drop you all a line to let you know that surgery went well and i'm doing good. I still have some pain in the left ab. Keeping my pillow close
Little lightheaded from the meds. thanks for all the good thoughts. Going back to relax now.

LYLAS,
Princess Leatherneck

I love the idea of finding some postcards maybe I'll cruise ebay really quick.

Luckily I get a private room. When I had my gall bladder surgery they put a lady in my room that moaned constantly and she had half her family in there talking the whole time. I felt sorry for her because she must have been in pain to be moaning like that. I tried to turn the TV up a little once and she just moaned louder and her family talked louder. I couldn't win. Luckily I didn't have to stay too long after they brought her in.

Mmmm Popsicles!!!!!

Well, it's an early day tomorrow. I have to be at the at 5:45, surgery at 7:15. All I have to do is take my 4 antibiotic pills before I go to bed.
OH! One cool thing I found out today, I have a hyper acidity problem in my tummy and I asked about taking some Prilosec OTC before and after the surgery and my doc said that was fine. Today when I talked to one of the nurses to go thru what was going to happen I told her that I wasn't going to take it tomorrow morning and she said the anesthesiologist would actually prefer that I did but to only use a sip of water instead of a whole glass. COOL! No acid fits for me!!!

I packed my portable DVD player and my Nintendo DS. The boy asked me why I did that if I was going to be sleeping most of the time. I told him I packed them so he had something to do while I was sleeping. (LOVE HIM!!!)

Well ladies, I will probably get up with just enough time to take a shower and get so the next time you hear from me I will be a and I will wear my proudly!

LYLAS and thanks for everything!!!!
Smiley

Just a wake up left. WOW time flies. I got a few last minute things last night. Ended up getting Fred a new litter box. I got one of those Roll n Clean ones that is somewhat self cleaning. All you do is roll it halfway over and then back and pull out a little tray with the clumps in it. I think the boy can handle that. I may take this afternoon off. I really don’t have anything to do after this mornings final brain dump. I didn’t find a Hawaiian shirt but I did bring one of the leis from our Christmas party and I’m going to hang it on my monitor right before I leave.
I did a little alterations to the poster on my white board. I copied these three smileys and blew them up and taped them to the poster. I’d love to be here when they actually notice it.
Still nerve free, so I’m doing OK. This time tomorrow I will be a
Any last minute advice?

LYLAS
Smiley

Everyone’s been asking how I’m doing today. One more day left to get through (not counting today of course) and I get my extended vacation. I’m still doing pretty well. No nerves or fears. I think I’m as prepared as I can be. I’ve done my homework. I know what to expect (good and bad). The house is ready except for the last minute stuff. And I’m even handling the last minute crisis. The boys car is acting up again. It’s making a grinding sound every time he turns. I need to double check with the insurance agent to see if he is covered in my car and I’ll be able to let him use it until his is fixed. I won’t be driving it for a while. :steer:
I have a little last minute shopping to do. And that is about it. I am surprisingly much calmer than I thought I would be at this point. Luckily the only ‘prep’ work that I have to do is take an antibiotic before I go to bed tomorrow night. I’ll eat light tomorrow just to make it easier on me. No big last meals.
I’m still bored to tears at work. Had my brain dump meeting this morning and I have another one tomorrow morning. Other than that, I got nothin’.
I think I’ll start cleaning up my desk this afternoon. My boss will probably freak out. That will be fun. I got a picture from one of our venders of a sail boat on the water and the beach. I think I’m going to tape it to my white board with a note that says “wish you were here” or better yet “wish I was here”
The sales tax department had to get one last jab in at me apparently. They made changes I told them not to make and now they are going to have to either put it back or deal with the problems until I get back. I love my job!

Well, it’s short and sweet today. Bored, bored, bored, bored….

This may sound weird to some of you but I have already told my Dad and Grandpa that the 3 of us should go just like old times while I'm under. It sounds much more fun than laying on a table. I figure they are going to be there watching over me anyway. Why not have some fun.

Love y’all,
Smiley

The boy and I were plotting last night. I came up with this semi brilliant idea. Since my boss still insists that this is just an extended vacation I decided that the message that the boy will send her when I emerge from my appointment with the king and his tailors is "Mom's hitting the beach. The weather is fine."
Now the boy, who has inherited his mothers brilliants called a minute ago and told me that I need to find a Hawaiian shirt and put it in my bag when I come to work on Wed and before I leave I need to pull it out of my bag, put it on and tell her, "I'm off to the Bahamas", as I pass by her desk. I'm so proud!!!

! The weekend is over and I still have things to do. I decided to color my hair last night. I took it a shade redder. I’ve just about crossed off all of the things on my list at work. I have a few more meetings to brain dump. Starting to get bored now. Sent out an email this morning to give everyone that didn’t already know the heads up that I was going to be gone. I have another ready to fire off Wed before I leave to a select few.
I gave the boy a refresher course on doing this weekend. Then we went for freezer food. We got a bunch of single meals and family meals. We also found these hot fudge cakes that I love but never get because they are so deadly, but in Mini version. Only 150 calories. Not too bad for when I have those extreme chocolate cravings.
The boy starts classes today. He has to work during the day then he has to get to the school before the book store closes and hope they haven’t run out of the books that he needs. I’ve been nagging at him to set them for the last 2 weeks since his ½ scholarship came thru. He always waits until the last minute. Probably because I’m always doing everything early. I guess it’s a vicious cycle. Growing up, being 6 of 7, every time we had to go anywhere we’d all get packed up to go and we were always late. Therefore I hate to be late. Now the boy is use to me always wanting to be early so he’d rather be fashionably late and make his GRAND ENTRANCE. He’s such a ham. Takes after his mother.
Anyway, I think I have most things in order now. I’ve decided that Wed, unless something comes up at the last minute, I’m taking the afternoon off to take care of any last minute stuff. I have to call the docs office to see if he has my paperwork done yet. I hate to keep nagging but I have to have that before Wed. And it’s not like he can do it on Wed and I can run in and get it and come back to work. It’s about 40 miles between here and there. So I have to keep being a nag.

I’m still doing well. I have a feeling that Wed will be tough with people stopping by at my desk to wish me well. Another good reason to leave early.

I still have not gotten to see Harry Potter! That will be my #1 thing to do Wed if I don’t do it before then.

I’ve started packing my bag for the castle. I only have a few last minute things to grab. Then I have to get a few more food items for home and I’ll be just about there.

Any last minute advice?

Love y’all,
Smiley

Another weekend with Mr Moody. I swear that he has more mood swings than I've ever had. He stormed out a little while ago because I would rather sit in the livingroom and watch TV and talk to the boys than go lay on my bed and watch my little TV and fight him off the whole time. Besides I'm going to be spending plenty of time in my room laying on my bed watching TV soon. I just can't win with him. I know this is hard on him too. He tells me he understands what I'm feeling but if he did he wouldn't keep pushing. It makes me feel good that he says that I'm irresistable and that is why he can't help himself, but I just can't take it anymore and I know he's thinking about what he wants and not about what's best for me so I can't give him too much credit.

Thanks SO much for all the wonderful suggestions. The boy said that they are getting the first season of the Dresden Files on DVD in a few weeks so that will be another marathon I can add to my list.

Noni: If you liked Serenity, have you seen the TV series, Firefly, that started it? Sounds like another awesome marathon. I can start with the series and end with the movie.

I've talked to a few more princesses in my life and I am getting so many mixed stories that it's really starting to confuse me. I know the recovery is different for everyone, but one told me she wasn't allowed to take a shower for 6 weeks and had to do sponge baths. I think I'd have to hurt someone if I couldn't take a shower for 6 weeks. Another told me that she was up and walking around the house within a week.
I know a lot depends on the doctor too. My Doc told me that I could be back working part-time from home in 2 weeks if my work would let me and back at work full time in the office in 4. Now granted I know I'll be getting cabin fever and eager to get back to work but I don't want to rush anything. Especially since it's 30 - 45 minutes between here and there. So I have to think about if I get really tired or don't feel well I've still got that long ride home, not to mention the long walk through the parking lot.
I'm thinking about asking Doc for a note to get a temp handicapped card for my car so I can park close to the building. Otherwise it's at least a good 100-200 yard walk from where I have to park. Not a big deal but when I'll probably still be trying to build back my stamina it might be too much first thing in the morning and after a long day.
On the up side, if I overdo it one day I can work from home for a day as long as I don't have any meetings. When we filled out my paperwork they allowed for 6 weeks which I think will be about right.
I'm almost there ladies. Just a few more days and I'll earn my crown.

I don't know how I could every repay each and every one of you that has been here for me these past weeks. You are all such wonderful, beautiful ladies. Hopefully some day I will get to meet each and every one of you and in person.

Here is to you! My friends and my sisters.

Love always,
Lisa

OK , first of all what are these Dresden books I keep hearing mention of? I have a couple of books lined up that I need to finish and then I was looking for something good to read after.
The movie list is getting nice and long. I think I have about 50 now. The game list is fairly short in comparison, but a good intense game can keep me occupied for hours.
This weekend is packed full of fun and excitement.
Saturday: BF’s family reunion (I’ll finally find out if the BF has talked to his Mom like he says), then is the great nieces 1st birthday (still need to get a present). Somewhere in between those I need to do some and scrubbing down of the bathroom. The boys are going to clean the living room and family rooms for me (LOVE THEM!!! )
Sunday: Besides getting the done I need to do the and get freezer food we also have the big company picnic. Always a good time!
And sometime within all of this I still want to see the HP movie before H-day. I might do that tonight since the BF won’t be home until late. I don’t really want to go by myself but I will if I have to.
Not much time to write today. 3 meetings this morning and 2 more this afternoon. YUCK!!! Plus they added something else to my project that I need to get done and tested before I leave.

If you can recommend any other good books or movies please feel free. I’d love the suggestions.

Love y’all,
Smiley

Thanks for all the compliments on my adorable son. I do good work!
Well, still trying to a brain dump of information and finish up projects. Kinda tough to do when they keep changing specs on me. Oh well, adapt and overcome!
I got the changes to my will and my living will done and asked 3 of my friends here at work to witness it for me. It needed to be updated anyway this was just the push I needed to do it.
Kind of a slow day today. Still dragging from the 2am wakeup call.
The boy and I are going to a show tonight at Richmond Hill in Geneseo. A good friend of ours is the Director. She recently lost her Mom and she is trying to direct 2 shows at once at 2 different theatres. Don’t know if I’d have the strength. It helps when you have a good cast and crew. Kind of like anything in life. If you have a good support system you can get through anything.
Well my list of things to do before H-day is getting shorter. This weekend is going to consist mainly of cleaning the house one last time, buying tons of groceries, giving the dog a bath, cooking and freezing food and getting my room ready for my nice restful recovery.
Oh, I asked some of my :friends: here at work for some recipes that freeze and reheat well and here are some of the responses I received:

Lean Cuisine recipe:
1) Go to store
2) Go to freezer section
3) Select several varieties of dinners
4) Pay for them and bring them home
5) Store in freezer
6) Remove from freezer when ready to eat
7) Follow directions on box
8) Eat.

We use this recipe alot.

Here's another. It's called the "Order a Pizza" recipe:

1) Select pizza delivery establishment from phone book
2) Dial associated phone number
3) Say, "I'd like to order a pizza". Describe what you would like
4) Provide them with your address
5) Wait for pizza to arrive
6) Pay the pizza delivery person by check and bring pizza into your eating area
7) Eat

This is another favorite recipe of ours.

Now that’s cooking even I can handle! I’m going to miss it here.

Well, gotta go ladies.

Love ya lots!

LL

I guess it wasn't all together bad since I was still awake anyway.
There is a downside to being a programmer. I'm on call 24-7, but at least I can work from home. So I had something bomb and had to get up and do my thing. Maybe now I'll be able to get some sleep.
Wish me luck.

LL

PS. Birky...Love the picture of you and Noni!!!

The boy showed me this website last night and we have had so much fun with it.
http://simpsonizeme.com/
You download a picture and it turns you into a Simpsons character.

BTW I have finally loaded some photos of me and the boy in case you're interested.

LYLAS
LL

PS. Moonmab: The boy said to tell you that Paul London is the sh*t. High compliment from him.

Woke up this morning with bad cramps and a killer headache. Took some meds and dragged myself to work. Luckily it’s been a pretty uneventful day so far. I guess I shouldn’t jinx myself like that.
It sounds like I need to find me a triangular pillow or make me one. I have two big bolster pillows that I got for home to use also.

I don’t know which I like better, the stage or film. I would probably have to go with the stage tho. Yes you do the same thing over and over again, but you get that immediate audience feedback. You can tell if you’re connecting with them. The next show that I am planning on auditioning for is our November show called “Uh Oh, It’s Christmas”. It’s got some small parts that I think I’ll be able to handle without overdoing it.

MoonMab: TOTALLY know who Paul London is. The boy is a HUGE wrestling fan and he and his buddies have a backyard wrestling group and they even made it on the front page of our local paper once. Not sure what show Paul is on now.

BF update: I happened to very nicely suggest to him something about him sleeping on the couch the first week or two after my surgery because he tends to flail about sometimes and did hit me a couple of times in the stomach after my gall bladder surgery. He pretty much responded as I thought he would telling me that he might as well find somewhere else to live for the next 6 weeks. You have NO IDEA how hard it was for me not to say “OK, bye!” I’m not sure we are going to survive this. If I don’t handle the surgical menopause well, we could definitely be in trouble. I bite my tongue a lot with him, especially lately but I’m just about to unleash the hounds.
Well, 7 days and wake up before I storm the castle That castle will never be the same after me.

A couple of my friends from work wanted to take me to lunch before the ‘big day’. They cracked up when I referred to it as a going away party for my Ute. So now we are also going to have a food day next Wed as a going away party but we’re going to let the guys think it is a Going Away Party for me, but us girls will know better
My sister sent me an email this morning asking if I wanted her to take off work the day of my surgery. I think it would be good for Mom to have her there. I told her she could bring me a Happy Hysterectomy cake. She shot back with “What kind is that, red velvet?” My sister is as sick and twisted as me…I LOVE HER!!!
As for the movies. I did 2 movies while in the Corps. One was a safety film(don’t drink and drive, always wear a helmet, etc), the other an MP training film where I got to be a hostage, a terrorist, and an abused/abusive spouse. That was fun except I got killed twice. But I also got to get right up in an MP’s face and scream at him. That was cool.
Last year I was an extra in a movie called ‘The Hideout’. I was a mental patient (type casting?) and I had to cry…A LOT. The scene I was in is maybe 60 sec long. It took us over 4 hours to film and at least 25 takes from different angles and I had to cry every single time. I did get a “Brava! Brava!” from the director, Pupi Avati. That was good for me!!! That one is supposed to be released in Italy this year( it is mostly in English) and hopefully in the states within a year or so. Hopefully I didn’t end up on the cutting room floor. The movie that I’m going to miss out on is currently called ‘Sugar’ and it’s a baseball movie. I needed to be there the first week of Sept. Don’t think I’m going to make it. Luckily I was just going to be a face in the crowd at the ballpark so it won’t hurt anything that I’m not there.
‘Imagine If’ is a thriller. I will be playing the lead females best friend. She’s a blue collar type that is very fun-loving and easy going with a bit of an attitude. It’s going to be fun. This will be the first movie where I haven’t had to cry. Here is the synopsis:
“David is a lonely man leading a mundane life. The one and only friend he has is part of his imagination. When he finally takes control of his life and pushes his imaginary friend to the side, David finds out that IF is more real than he ever could have imagined.”
I’ve done quite a bit of stage work and am thinking about auditioning for a musical next year. I haven’t done one of those since High School. The annual meeting for the theatre that I work at mostly is the 26th (gonna miss that too) and I have been nominated to be on the board of directors. Maybe I can get the pity votes.
Actually all of my problems came to a head while we were in production of a show that I was the stage manager for. I missed our benefit show that we did and opening weekend but I did show on opening night with flowers for my cast. They weren’t going to have an opening night without me, even if I had to drag myself there. I told you I was stubborn!
Another idea about something to take to the castle. Actually I’ve been taking it to my Dr’s appt’s already is my DVR (digital voice recorder). I know that I don’t always pay 100% attention sometimes and I miss things so this way I can make sure I have all of my care instructions on tape so I know what I’m doing. Also since I probably won’t feel like getting on the computer for a few days I can leave myself notes to put in my journal once I feel up to it.
I also have a list of anesthesiologists at the hospital so I can check to see which ones will be there on H day. Did you know you can request which one you want? Too cool.
Well, I need to get back to work.

I spent all morning cleaning up someone else's mess, got dragged into an additional meeting that I didn't expect and then ended up working an hour late cleaning up the same mess from the morning over again because the other team didn't fix their side. AHHHHH!
I feel so much better now. Thanks for letting me vent. Every time I turn around lately my boss is sending me email as she thinks of things she might have to know. It's really kind of funny. I don't think she ever realized how much they all rely on me for things. I bet my next review is better than usual.
I'm still working on my grocery list for this weekend. I found this really great cooler that the boy can use to pack stuff in and put it in my room before he leaves for classes. For the first few days anyway. On Tues & Thurs he has class from 8:30 am until 8:45 pm. He has a couple of long breaks where he said if I needed anything he could run home but I would never ask him to do that unless something was wrong. This way I'll have a nice cooler of water and a few munchies(sandwiches, salad, carrots, etc.) sitting in my room. After I start feeling better I'll probably have him just put water bottles in it and put it in the living room. I can't stay cooped up in my room for too long.
The closer my date gets the more excited that I am that it will be over with and I can start the recovery process but also the move nervous I am about it. I think I'm about as prepared as I can be, thanks in large part to you lovely ladies!!! I came through my gall bladder surgery really well about 4 years ago and I have a high tolerance for pain so I have that going for me, but I also have a very stubborn streak that I'll really have to try to curb. It's the Marine in me. 'No pain, no gain' kinda attitude that I'm indestructible :superman: and so on. I am SO the type that will do too much too soon and I'm really going to have to watch out for that. I've already told the boy that if I start getting that way to call me on it quick. He's enjoying the thought of getting to yell at me. He's so cute!
One of these days I'll have to put our headshots out here so y'all can see. We look so much alike it really is scary. Here is a link to the website for the movie that I'll be filming in Oct.
http://imagineifthemovie.com/
Hopefully he'll have headshots and bios out there soon. I'll be playing Shelly. I love the music. It's actually from a kids toy. A friend of mine is writing the musical score for the movie
Well, I gotta hit the hay. Another day of meetings and brain dumping tomorrow.

Love y'all
Smiley

I've got really fine thin hair so I've never had a problem sleeping on braids. Then again I don't usually sleep on my back. I was thinking about two braids anyway for that exact reason. I'm more worried about how my back id going to handle it. I have arthritis in my lower back and laying flat on my back like that for that long it's going to be really stiff. I have talked to the doctor about having the nurses put a pillow under my legs when I get in the recovery room.
I have agreed to allow the boys girlfriends Mom in the OR. She knows my Doc and says that he won't have any problem with it if she says she wants to be there for a friend.

LL

Well, the BF just left. Another weekend of wrestling matches. At one point I actually tried to be responsive but the cramps got so bad that I couldn't take it any more. I apologized and really felt bad and then he pulled me close to comfort me...or so I thought...no he just kept right on trying. That was about all I could take. Another wrestling match with the hand monster and another weekend of the BF walking around feeling sorry for himself. I don't know what else to do. I've tried over and over again to explain things to him and he still thinks about himself first.

Anyway, all three vehicles have reclining seats but I think the Saturn is probably the smoothest ride between the 3. Good Point! Thanks for the advice.

I have been working on my cleaning and laundry and making list after list of groceries I need, movies I want to see, meals to freeze....

Grams' birthday party was nice. I wasn't impressed by the brunch buffet at this new place.

I'm getting ready little by little. I asked my niece at the brunch today if she'd come over and french braid my hair the day before my surgery so I don't look like medusa when I wake up. Her little ones 1st B-day is next Saturday, the company picnic is Sunday. I have meetings every day between tomorrow and next Wed. I'm thinking about taking next wed afternoon off just to finish up anything last minute.

I got some great buys on ebay. I bought 4 pairs of HUGE scrub pants. 40 disposable ice packs to keep in my room for when no one else is home and to keep the cooler cold if it starts warming up. I also got an unbelievable buy on a sleep mask that either plays soothing sounds or you connect a CD player/ipod to it. Should be good for the hospital and when I'm trying to sleep during the day.
I borrowed a walker from a friend at work to wedge in between the bed and the night stand to help me get up and down when I'm on my own and I can bring it in the livingroom with me in case I need it there.
I had actually thought about finding somewhere that I could rent a recliner/lift chair for a couple of weeks and I could just sleep in it.
Just a thought. Can't hurt to see what it would cost I guess.

Well, time to switch

Love y'all
LL

I know this is a weird thing to think about this early but I've been thinking about which vehicle would be easier to get in and out of when I come home.
The boy has a Mercury Cougar. Kinda low to the ground. Might be easier to get into but I think it could be tough to get out of.
I have a Saturn. Probably sits a little higher that the boys car, but still getting the legs in and out of might be a little painful.
The BF has my old Explorer. Of course that sits quite a bit higher but I'm thinking that if he grabs my little step stool from the kitchen, it might not be too bad. Getting out would surely be much easier.
Maybe I'll try getting in and out of the Explorer with the step stool this weekend and see how it is.
This week it is finishing up cleaning my room and going through old clothes to make sure I have some extra room. And clean and sanitize my bathroom. You see, If I don't do it my Mom will come over here and do it and then I will never again be able to find anything, and if she doesn't smell Lysol and bleach when she comes over, she'll re-clean everything anyway.
Oh, have I ever mentioned that I am the poster girl for the Domestically Challenged?
My Mom is so great. She is taking Thursday & Friday off also to be with me. I've already talked to my Dad and Grandpa and I know they will be right there beside me through the whole thing. But they are always with me anyway so I had no doubt that they would be there for me thru this.

The boy will be there for me at 5:45 and then he will go home and sleep a little longer before he heads off to class and then he will be back after. He wanted to stay there for me but I don't want him to miss any school the first week since he'll probably have to miss a few classes taking me to Dr's appts after until I can drive. Besides, alls I'm going to be doing anyway is sleeping He insisted on getting up early and taking me down there tho. I am such a lucky Mom!!!
Well ladies, I gotta scoot.

Lady Leatherneck
12 days and a wake up!

Ok, so here is my dilemma. The boys girlfriend’s Mom is an OR tech. Well, she is a teacher now so she doesn’t work in the OR anymore but she has offered to be in the OR with me during my surgery. I know it would make my son feel better knowing that there was someone in the room that is there watching over me. I don’t have a problem with that but I also don’t want my doctor to be offended by thinking that I don’t trust him and need a spy in the OR.
On one hand I like the idea of having someone in there that I know will tell me everything and not just the sweetened condensed version that the Dr’s usually give you because they don’t think you can comprehend the details. I like details! Not sure how to handle this.

Yesterday I got all of my paperwork rolling for my leave of absence from work and short term disability. Now I find myself setting up meeting after meeting to download any information that people may possibly need before I get back. On the up side there is a upcoming project that I’ve been trying to hold off because I know the users have much more defining to do before I get started and this will force them to wait until I get back. It’s weird that they can’t even call me and ask questions while I’m out but I guess that is so I don’t sue them and say that they stressed me out during my recovery and blame them for any problems. Well, that and the fact that except for the first week they won’t be the ones paying me.
Updated my will a little bit and my living will and now need to get both notarized. I know I’m going to be fine but remember me…”Hope for the best, prepare for the worst”. I just want to make sure everything is in order. After all I beat the odds just getting this at my age. Lucky me!

Oh let’s catch up on a few things.

50th Birthday Party : – Saturday, October 19th, 2013, Milan IL.(Quad Cities) Be there!!! Not sure where ‘there’ is going to be exactly but you get the idea.
Someone mentioned once the visions of GI Jane… Use to be but I am now at least twice the woman I was back then. Having children is a wonderful thing. That’s OK, I’d take the boy over the old body anytime!!
Yes I do have a very remarkable boy. He is my world, my best friend, and my hero. If it weren’t for him I never would have gotten back on stage and started doing movies again either. He is a much better actor than I am tho.
Nope, the BF isn’t any better. He has taken the 23rd and 24th off so he can sit by my bedside. He can be sweet sometimes. Although he is talking about dropping me off at 5:45 and going to have breakfast then coming back. My surgery is scheduled at 7:15.
Type of surgery: TAH-BSO vertical incision.

My Gram’s 91st birthday is this weekend. She is the greatest woman ever!!! She is a breast cancer survivor. 15 years (I think). I told the boy that he should do a short film/documentary on her. Get her and my Mom and Aunts together and ask them about what it was like growing up, what the most amazing achievements are that they have witnessed, that kind of thing. She’ll only do it if she thinks it’s for a school project.
She an ornery one she is!

Night before last I had a little doggie induced insomnia. Thomas doesn’t like storms. Last night it was part him again and part I don’t know but I was still tossing and turning at 3am.

We’ve been making a ‘watch list’ of all the movies that I need to watch while I am recovering. I am going to see the new HP movie this weekend so I have one day set aside for a HP marathon. I’ve been waiting for it to come out at the IMAX but they keep pushing the date back. Current open date…Aug 23rd. That is SO rude! Anyway it is a good thing the boy works at a movie store and can rent them for free because I am compiling quite the list. (BTW, the comedies are scheduled for about week 3 or 4. )

I think that is long enough for now. Later Ladies!

Lady Leatherneck

Aug 23rd at 5:45 in the morning. Talk about a rude awakening. Doc said that when I get there they will talk to me about what kind of anesthesia I want. What do you mean what kind? Knock my butt out!!!! Besides I'm just strange enough that if they did a spinal or something I would be laying there going, "Let me see!"
Anyway for this one I think I'd rather be out cold.
The second opinion pretty much agreed with everything the first doctor said. I was so PO'd by the time I talked to him tho. I waited in his waiting room for an hour, then the exam room for 10-15 min, then in his office for another half an hour until he finally came in and told me exactly what I knew he would anyway. Oh that's not it...then he said we had to do an exam. WHAT?!!
Everything's inside, you're not going to see it! Apparently for him to give his opinion he has to do an exam. So we went thru the motions on an exam and I doubt he even looked at anything really. WHAT A STUPID RULE!
Anyway I feel much better with my doctor.
The boy got to meet my Doc and his staff today so if he needs to call them he knows who he's talking to.
Oh and the boy car only cost me about $65.

At least now I know when and I can start all the paperwork and red tape. I already talked to my 401K provider about my loan and they said as long as my work lets them know that I am on a leave of absence that we're good there.

Now I just have to finish up all of my projects at work by the 22nd. Once I go to the castle, they can't even talk to me about work until the doc releases me to go back. All they can do is call and ask how I am.
Oh another thing, Doc said that it's possible that I can go home after just 1 day at the castle. I thought it was 2 or 3 minimum. Maybe it's because I'm getting in so early in the morning that I could go home the next day. I don't know but I'm all for that!!! I would much rather be in my own bed.

Well, ladies it is getting close to supper time so I'd better hoof it. all for being here for me.
Love ya,
Lady Leatherneck

I decided that I would make myself a tummy pillow. I had this Brilliant idea.
I made a pillow that has a nice big pouch in the back for a heat/cold pack.

I'm so proud!

Woke with a bad headache this morning. Luckily it’s cloudy out today. I hate trying to work with a headache because it makes it really hard to concentrate and look at 2 computer screens. I love my job. I love being a programmer, and I love most of the people that I work with. A lot of my friends tell me that they could never handle my job, but to me it’s just one big game. If you’ve ever played logic games you’ll know what I mean. This is what you have, this is what you want, now how do you get there from here. Of course if I get the answer wrong I can bring down the whole corporation and lose my job. That’s where the stress comes in. Is it any wonder that we get a little here.
Spent lots of $$$ on the boys car this weekend. Still don’t know what it is. Worst case it needs a new computer, best case it has a loose ground wire. I ‘m rooting for the loose wire.

Took Thomas to the puppy park yesterday and ended up talking to a very sweet elderly princess. Don’t ask how we got on the subject. I’m going to miss going down there during my recovery. Thomas does well on the leash when we are leaving the park but he gets so excited when we get to the park that he usually jerks me around a bit until I take the leash off inside the fence.
Tomorrow is D day. I’m glad the boy is going with me. I’d like him to get his questions answered first hand. After all he will be the main person taking care of me afterwards. My Mom is getting a little jumpy. She thought I was having surgery on the 20th and has already arranged for that day off. I told her not to change it until tomorrow when I get the for sure date. On one hand I can’t wait. I just want this all to be done and over with. On the other hand setting the date makes it definite and more real.
The boy and I went to get new headshots taken a while back and we just got them back. They really look good. I’m surprised. I usually hate pictures of myself. These turned out really good.
One of my nieces is bringing her new baby over to Moms this week. I can’t wait to see him. My brother won’t let me call him the ‘G’ work yet. Although I believe he was the first to rub that into the older brothers when they became Grandparents. I told the boy that if I ‘m a Grandmother before I’m 45 he’s in trouble. Can’t believe how close I’m getting to that. WOW!
I actually can’t wait for my 50th birthday party. I’m going to have a huge bash and you are all invited! :
Well, I guess I’ve taken a long enough break to clear my head a little. Gotta get back to work..
Love y’all
I'll write as soon as I get home tomorrow.

I told the boy(DS) that he could go with me to the Dr appt's on Tue since he didn't have to work and he wants to go. He's the BEST!!! He wants to make sure that he understands as much as possible.
The BF on the otherhand is back to the usual. He stormed out of here without a word a little while ago after another failed attempt.



Oh well!

Lady Leatherneck

My appt for my 2nd opinion is Tuesday Aug 7th AM. I have made an appt with the original Dr that same afternoon. One way or another I will have a surgery date by the end of the day. I'm tired of waiting.
As much as the surgery and recovery scare me I know it has to be done and the longer I wait the longer the cancer inside has to grow and I'm not going to give it that time.

Thanks for being here for me ladies. I love you all!

The boy and I had a nice quiet night together last night. He has been cruising the ‘For Men’ page and we finally had the chance to talk. We talked about the diagnosis, surgery, recovery, everything. We have always had a really great relationship. Ever since he was young, if he ever had a question I’ve tried to answer it the best I could. I mentioned to him that I wanted to find some recipes of things I could freeze and then during the week, when the BF is on the road, all he has to do is follow the re-heating instructions. Last night he presented me with about 20 recipes that he had found on-line that he thought would be good. He’s a very picky eater. The mothers curse works.
We also have my semi-adopted son living with us right now. I call him that because the only way he could be more my son is if I adopted him. He and the boy have been friends for years. I can’t wait for his little one to come back. He’s with his mother right now. He’s so adorable!!!:dance2:
Between the 2 of them I’m sure I will be well taken care of during the week. And if I know my boyfriend, he’ll spoil me rotten on the weekend.

OH!!! I finished HP last night. NICE!!!!!

I talked to the BF at lunch time. He sounded a little bit better. He hasn’t looked at the website yet but he said he wants to. The boy has and said he learned a lot from it. At least the BF has started asking questions now about my headaches and such. It’s a start. He’s not trying to ignore it and hope it goes away anymore. I was really ready to tell him to go stay with his Mom this weekend because she would make him talk about what’s going on. It’s still an option but I need his help this weekend to work on the boys car. When it rains it pours!
Don’t have much time today, just wanted to let y’all know about the BF’s possible breakthrough.

I just had a nice long talk with one of the ladies that I work with who became a princess at the end of last year. She has a very similar job to what I have but she is a bit older than me. Her doctor was a lot stricter about her dos and don’ts than a lot that I’ve heard about. She took 8 weeks off but said she thought she could have been back in 6. She had a hard time getting her strength back. It was nice to be able to talk to someone about the paperwork hassle and how easy the company is to work with. That was a lot of my stress right now. With a child in college and being a single parent it’s tough enough. I don’t think I could make it long without an income. Now I just need to get through all the red tape.
The nurse at the doctors’ office called me today to see how I was doing. I just love his nurses and you can tell a lot about a doctors but his nursing staff. I have an appointment for my second opinion on the 7th in the morning and will be making my final decision and scheduling the surgery by the afternoon. We’re probably looking at the week of Aug 20th.
I don’t want to wait too long but I do have 2 movies coming up soon. One is just a local independent film and the director/writer has been very understanding. The other one is a major film and I only auditioned for an extra because this way if I miss out it’s not going to hurt them. Besides, my son is in it also and this is his first major film so it wouldn’t hurt my feelings at all to give him this one as his own. He’s an awesome actor. He makes me look like a complete amateur.
Since the diagnosis I’ve been thinking a lot about how I’ve used my not feeling well as an excuse to let life pass me by. I did have to quit running because of some knee problems but little by little I have given up a lot of my workouts. I use to love kickboxing and playing softball. But I even gave them up because of the incontinence and the heavies and gooshies. Never knowing when it would start or how bad it would be. I really did let it control my life. I hated, during shows, having to pack myself before going on stage, just in case. And if I was having a bad day, hoping I was going to be able to get to the bathroom and re-pack before I had to be back on stage.
There are so many things I’m looking forward to when this is all over. Think of the money I’ll save on pads, toilet paper, sheets, and clothes. No more embarrassing trips to WalMart to buy new pants during work and hoping the blood stains aren’t noticeable. Being able to get pants that aren’t dark blue or black. Oh, to wear khakis again!!! Think about no longer having days where I can’t get more that a little ways away from the bathroom. No more gooshie feeling when I stand up, OH I HATE THAT FEELING!!!
I’ve started taking the time to evaluate my life and how I let things get so out of hand. IT’S TIME TO GET MY LIFE BACK!!! I’ve already quit smoking and started eating better. I’ve dug out my paints and am getting everything ready to start doing that again. It was always a great stress reliever and it will be something I can easily do during my recovery. Once the doctor gives me the OK to start working out again, the boys are already working on a new workout routine, starting with some nice short walks and building nice and slowly from there. If I do get back into good enough shape I may even start kickboxing training again. Don’t think I’ll ever actually fight again. Too old for that, but it’s a great workout and I loved doing it.
I know, I know, one step at a time but it is SO nice to feel excited about something again!!!!

Love y'all!!!

Lady Leatherneck

My head feels like it is going to explode. I’ve started getting headaches quite often. I was thinking that maybe I was coming down with something because they felt a lot like sinus headaches but I wasn’t really having any other symptoms. Then I thought maybe it was a side effect from the iron pills so I did my usual research and found that it is actually symptoms on the iron deficiency anemia.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002422.htm
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000584.htm

I think that I’m only now starting to get them because I am no longer having to take the high dosages of Ibuprofen every 8 hours to keep the heavies and gooshies under control. I guess if I had to choose one or the other, I’ll deal with the headaches.

The BF left early yesterday afternoon to get back on the road with his mopey ‘since I’m not wanted around here anyway’ attitude that he’s had lately. I’m going to have to talk to his Mom and get her to try to help him understand. I’m sure not getting anywhere.

Had to drop Thomas the dog off at the vet this morning. He and the boy where running around in the back yard and they had a little collision and Thomas tore a nail. Now normally I can take care of things like that on my own but this was pretty far back and he’s very touchy about his feet anyway. Just what I need, more Dr bills.
Now I need to fill you in on Thomas the ball-less wonderdog. Thomas is about 8 years old now. He was fixed as a pup and in 2003 he lost an eye to a tumor and in 2005 he lost the other eye to glaucoma. Thus the name. He’s a great dog and most people don’t even realize that he’s blind unless we tell them or they get a close look at his face. He loves to go to the puppy park . So many things to sniff.
We also have Fred, the female boxing cat , and the BF’s bird that annoys me but has a crush on the dog.

OH WOW! Look at the time! Gotta get back to work.

I just can't get through to my boyfriend that his being amorous doesn't do anything but get him disappointed right now. I'm still having my continuous period and usually cramps headaches or both. All he can think about is how it's inconveniencing him. When he's here all he does is mope. I've asked him to do something like rub my back and the next thing I know I'm fighting off the hand monster. I understand that he is only home on weekends and wants my attention when he's home but sex is the last thing on my mind.
I know he doesn't understand what is going on right now and since he won't talk to me about it I've suggested he talk to his Mom who is a nurse. I've even emailed him the link to the For Men page.
I'm trying to be patient about this but it's really getting frustrating.

Lady Leatherneck

to the responses I have received. It's a good feeling that I have all of you wonderful ladies to talk to.
Yesterday I got all the paperwork that I need to fill out for my medical leave from work. OMG!!! I can't believe all the stuff I have to decide on. The hardest of them being, am I going to take 4 or 6 weeks off.
I know myself well enough that I'll be going stir crazy by the end of 4 weeks, but I also know that even though I'm a Desk Jockey when I go back to work I won't take it easy and I have a very stressful job .
I have a 30 - 45 minute drive to and from work. My fear is that if I get uncomfortable or tired I still have that long drive home before I can rest.
The folks I work with have been very understanding and supportive. I do have the advantage that I can work from home if I need to but they don't want me to do that while I recoup. Not sure what to do.

I went pillow shopping today. I got a couple of regular pillows and 2 big bolster pillows. I've been trying to get my boyfriend a little more involved with getting prepared but he's still very standoffish. I think he is now past the shock and his own issues because of his accusations and now he's gone on to feeling guilty and not knowing how to deal with it so he's avoiding the whole subject.

I did have one idea that I thought was pretty good when I started my list of things I need to get and do. Since my boyfriend is only home on weekends and my son will be going back to college and working (he'll be home in the evenings) during my recovery I've been looking for a used foldable walker. Not that I'll need help walking but mainly to help me get up and down when I'm by myself. My bedroom isn't very big so I decided that when I didn't need it I could fold it up next to the bed. I can use it to get out of bed, in the bathroom, when I go out to the family room. When I'm done with it I can give it to my church rummage sale. I have pretty good thoughts now and then.

Hi all! I've been puttering around this website ever since I found it a week ago while researching my diagnosis. I have to tell you, I think it is WONDERFUL!!! I have gotten more information and encouragement than I could have ever imagined.
So let's start at the beginning. My periods have been a little off since my time in the military. It wasn't unusual for me to miss one or two. I was actually told by 3 doctors that I couldn't have children so when I found out I was 3 months pregnant after returning to Japan from a month in Korea I was more than PLEASANTLY surprised . I have a wonderful 21 year old that I've always threatened to have 'Made in Japan' tattooed on his rear end.
About 12 years ago I started getting the heavies and the gooshies. I talked to the doctor and he decided that I was going thru premature menopause at 31. They were only once in a while and when you only have a period ever 2 or 3 months its tolerable. Over the years they started getting more frequent and heavier. My doc finally sent me to the gyno and they put me on the pill. OK now I got the heavies and the gooshies every month. I decided every 2 to 3 months was better so bye-bye pills. They never suggested another type just off I went.
Within the last few years I'd gone to every 4 to 6 months until this year. Every month, heavies and gooshies and clots. Starting in mid-May I started my constant period with H's, G's, & C's at least a few times a week and God forbid I should cough or sneeze. In the end of June I finally demanded that we do something so my Dr finally referred me to another gyno, Appt mid Aug? If I last that long!!!
Mid July I ended up in the ER with XX-heavies, gooshies, and huge clots for 2 hours with no signs of stopping. The ER doctor even freaked a little at how bad it was. Not something you want to see.
I was admitted and after 7 hours they finally got it stopped. The ultrasound showed that my uterus was still enlarged and the D&C was done in the Dr's office the next day with just a loopy pill. They did put me on a high dosage BC pill which my body didn't handle well. After the constant tingling in my legs started I called the doc and stopped taking them.
July 17th...the diagnosis. Now I'm a hope for the best, prepare for the worst kinda girl so I had done my research. All I heard was blah-blah-blah blah-blah CARCINOMA. I know what that word means. I took a breath and asked, 'So what do we do next?"
I've always been the tough one in the family. 5 older brothers and I was the one that joined the Marines. When my Dad passed away 6 years ago I was the one everyone leaned on. Who was I going to lean on? I allowed myself to cry a little on the way home as long as I was clear headed and non puffy eyed by the time I got home to tell the boy that I was going to need surgery. I discussed with him what a total and complete hysterectomy (TAH-BSO) entailed and what I would need from him during my recovery.
Then I had to call Mom. That was tough. I kept as calm as possible and knew as long as I didn't lose it I could keep her calmed down. Once she got passed the initial shock it was easier to get through all the questions that she could think of. I had to tell her exactly what the diagnosis was so she could of course call my sister-in-law, the nurse.
Well, I have my second opinion appointment scheduled for Aug 7th. and am probably looking at surgery by the end of Aug. I'll be more than ready for it thanks to all of you! I've even told my doctor about the website and shown him some of the information that I've found. He was very impressed and was going to check it out himself and pass it on to some of the other doctors.
I'm sure as I go I'm going to have alot of questions...but I know where to go to get the answers.