I found out Wednesday my results of the biopsy but just haven't been able to post till now. Everything came back clear! Alien grape now has a permanent home in my right boob. It was amazing the energy that came back to me after that result. :)
Anyway, right after I talked to the Doctor's office my cousin Kelly whisked in and wanted to take me to Lake Tahoe. I haven't been there in forever so off I went. It was so beautiful. I got some pictures on my cell phone that I will post once I get home. They don't do the place justice, but they give you a little taste. I did decide I need to learn poker a little better. I get bored on the machines, however I didn't know enough to feel comfortable at the table with the "big kids".
Yesterday we went to San Fransisco. That is another place I haven't been to in awhile. Although I did have to buy gloves, the weather wasn't too bad there. It was just wet (and it rained on us the last hour). But we had a great time. I love that city!
Truthfully today I really don't know what is going on! Cousin Kelsey is supposed to take me today and I thought we were going to go wine tasting. Not sure though. It is getting late. It might be a movie. You really never know around here :).
Everyone have a great day!
Friday, December 28, 2007
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Checking in!
I am safe in CA and just chilling today. It has been a jam packed couple of days so really, I need this. No results just yet. I just called. They are still pending. Um, this was actually promised on Monday, but I won't yell and scream. Nothing I can do about it! We did have the holidays in there and apparently my radiologist went out on vacation. They must really not be worried about Alien Grape..........
Monday was an adventure trying to get here! I make it to the airport, get through security, and finally get settled in at the gate. I do have one suggestion -- if you are traveling with a BABY and everything that goes with the BABY, please get to the airport and start through security more than 15 MINUTES before your plane is supposed to leave. They cut in front at security. Now, really, in the scheme of things, it is no big deal because I was on time, however, they need to learn better time management skills. I think it took about 30 minutes to make it through. Oh so fun. But hey, it is a necessary evil, I guess. I even got "puffed" because I was wearing a sweatsuit. Apparently they don't trust sweat shirts.......
So, we get settled on the plane, are all ready to go and we pull out of the gate..... and then we pull back into the gate. Um, we are going the wrong direction....!!!!! Turns out you need a starter valve in the right engine to get the plane going. Maintenance is called. One hour turns into 2 hours. They finally get a part, go to put it in and well, it is more involved than they thought. At this point, we are starting to hit 3 hours, still sitting on the plane, waiting to leave Dallas. Finally, they give us a new plane. So, we de-board the plane, go to the gate next door (actually, I go get food because I am STARVING at this point. And yes I ate before boarding, I didn't think I needed to take rations on the plane!). Finally, we get loaded onto our new plane and take off. About the time we actually should have been landing in Sacramento. Luckily I have text messaging so I can text people to keep me entertained :). We got to CA safely, so that is all that matters, I guess. But they really should have given us a new plane before the 3 hours were up. I missed going to my Grandmother's grave because of it. I know Grandma understands. Although, my Aunts' did say that we will go back so I can visit the grave.
Christmas was wonderful! Chloe and Josh (the 4 year old) racked in some good stuff. Chloe does "homework" at Grandma Gail's so she got some great little black/white boards to draw on. I will have to explain the homework story at a later time. This is getting long! But, just know, Chloe is a genius. :)
We are headed to S.F tomorrow! Yay!!! I love that city and haven't been in awhile. And then I think Napa on Saturday, but I am not sure actually. I know we are going hiking. I just go along for the ride.
Okay, that is enough for today! I will try to get on again later. I hope everybody had a great Christmas!!!!
Monday was an adventure trying to get here! I make it to the airport, get through security, and finally get settled in at the gate. I do have one suggestion -- if you are traveling with a BABY and everything that goes with the BABY, please get to the airport and start through security more than 15 MINUTES before your plane is supposed to leave. They cut in front at security. Now, really, in the scheme of things, it is no big deal because I was on time, however, they need to learn better time management skills. I think it took about 30 minutes to make it through. Oh so fun. But hey, it is a necessary evil, I guess. I even got "puffed" because I was wearing a sweatsuit. Apparently they don't trust sweat shirts.......
So, we get settled on the plane, are all ready to go and we pull out of the gate..... and then we pull back into the gate. Um, we are going the wrong direction....!!!!! Turns out you need a starter valve in the right engine to get the plane going. Maintenance is called. One hour turns into 2 hours. They finally get a part, go to put it in and well, it is more involved than they thought. At this point, we are starting to hit 3 hours, still sitting on the plane, waiting to leave Dallas. Finally, they give us a new plane. So, we de-board the plane, go to the gate next door (actually, I go get food because I am STARVING at this point. And yes I ate before boarding, I didn't think I needed to take rations on the plane!). Finally, we get loaded onto our new plane and take off. About the time we actually should have been landing in Sacramento. Luckily I have text messaging so I can text people to keep me entertained :). We got to CA safely, so that is all that matters, I guess. But they really should have given us a new plane before the 3 hours were up. I missed going to my Grandmother's grave because of it. I know Grandma understands. Although, my Aunts' did say that we will go back so I can visit the grave.
Christmas was wonderful! Chloe and Josh (the 4 year old) racked in some good stuff. Chloe does "homework" at Grandma Gail's so she got some great little black/white boards to draw on. I will have to explain the homework story at a later time. This is getting long! But, just know, Chloe is a genius. :)
We are headed to S.F tomorrow! Yay!!! I love that city and haven't been in awhile. And then I think Napa on Saturday, but I am not sure actually. I know we are going hiking. I just go along for the ride.
Okay, that is enough for today! I will try to get on again later. I hope everybody had a great Christmas!!!!
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Sore
I had my biopsy today and well, right now I am super sore. They said if I wanted to I could resume normal activities after the procedure, but I personally felt like I had been beat up! Not so much anymore, because I got some great sleep. I am still a tad sore but I think that is expected for 24 hours afterwards.
I got there, filled out the same paperwork I had done the first 2 times I had been there and waited. And waited. And waited. They were running behind again. My mom went with me today for moral support and I am glad she was there. I finally get called back and go to the very cold sonogram room! It was so, so cold back there in that waiting room! And I have to wear that cape and that just makes it colder. I think the tech said all her blankets had been used by the time I got back there. Luckily, I didn't have to wait long and the room they did the procedure was a little warmer.
They begin the biopsy by numbing me and then finding alien grape on the sonogram. Yep, darn thing is still there. I was hoping maybe it dissolved or something. Yeah, I know, not likely, but a girl can dream. :)> So, alien grape is found and in the needle goes. Since I am numb, all I really feel is pressure. It doesn't hurt, there is really no discomfort. I am watching all this on the screen and it is so weird to see the needle go into my breast! What I am seeing and what I am feeling is not matching up and it just seems very surreal. The radiologist gets done with the procedure, tells me what to expect in healing and when to expect the results (either Friday or Monday morning, btw). After a quick bite at Panera (yum!) and a trip to Bath and Body works, I started to wilt. I came home, took a pain pill and feel quickly asleep.
So now I just have to wait for the results. The radiologist did state that it didn't look too worrisome (I know, why do a biopsy in the first place!??!). 80% of all biopsies turn out to benign, so my chances are good. I like those odds. Okay, time to take some more medicine, brush my teeth and go back to bed. Good night :).
I got there, filled out the same paperwork I had done the first 2 times I had been there and waited. And waited. And waited. They were running behind again. My mom went with me today for moral support and I am glad she was there. I finally get called back and go to the very cold sonogram room! It was so, so cold back there in that waiting room! And I have to wear that cape and that just makes it colder. I think the tech said all her blankets had been used by the time I got back there. Luckily, I didn't have to wait long and the room they did the procedure was a little warmer.
They begin the biopsy by numbing me and then finding alien grape on the sonogram. Yep, darn thing is still there. I was hoping maybe it dissolved or something. Yeah, I know, not likely, but a girl can dream. :)> So, alien grape is found and in the needle goes. Since I am numb, all I really feel is pressure. It doesn't hurt, there is really no discomfort. I am watching all this on the screen and it is so weird to see the needle go into my breast! What I am seeing and what I am feeling is not matching up and it just seems very surreal. The radiologist gets done with the procedure, tells me what to expect in healing and when to expect the results (either Friday or Monday morning, btw). After a quick bite at Panera (yum!) and a trip to Bath and Body works, I started to wilt. I came home, took a pain pill and feel quickly asleep.
So now I just have to wait for the results. The radiologist did state that it didn't look too worrisome (I know, why do a biopsy in the first place!??!). 80% of all biopsies turn out to benign, so my chances are good. I like those odds. Okay, time to take some more medicine, brush my teeth and go back to bed. Good night :).
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Trying to Work
One thing I have learned about working for the government is that most everyone has lots of time off saved up and they try to take it at the end of the year. The week before Christmas is a slight ghost town. There are more people here than I thought would be but I know that as the week goes on, the numbers will dwindle. The one thing I needed to get out this week is done and so I will just catch up on various projects and research.
This past weekend, I went to another debutante ball with Taylor. This time for the Calyx Club. It was a lot of fun and I got to wear yet another dress that had been hanging out in my closet for many years. Perfect fit :). And it was my favorite color - red. I love dressing up and feeling like a princess! It was super cold and I was in strapless but I didn't spend that much time outside so I figured I was okay. I had a wrap but not much else!
There is an interesting guy at these parties. Apparently he has been going for several years because Taylor pointed him out the Ball we attended last month. His nickname is the Prowler -- no idea what his real name is. He never comes with a date (or if he does, they apparently quickly ditch him). He is on the move, constantly walking around the room, and he just looks like he is on the prowl. At the after party, he even pulls his hair back into a ponytail. It just completes the look, don't you think? As I sit here and type this, I really wonder what is up with him. I guess I will never know. But he does make people watching very interesting.
The rest of the weekend was super low key. Actually, I have been super tired lately and I still have stuff to do before I leave for CA. I am hoping that tomorrow, after my biopsy, I will get some more pep. At least that part will be over. It is draining to just wait, no matter how optimistic I try to be about the outcome. I am seeing Ryan tonight and he has full permission to kick my booty hard. If nothing else, I will be so tired I will actually get some good sleep. As drained as I feel, I still don't think I am sleeping well at night. Luckily the two things I need to get don't require a trip to the mall.
Well, it is time to figure out what project I should work on this afternoon. Have a great Tuesday!
This past weekend, I went to another debutante ball with Taylor. This time for the Calyx Club. It was a lot of fun and I got to wear yet another dress that had been hanging out in my closet for many years. Perfect fit :). And it was my favorite color - red. I love dressing up and feeling like a princess! It was super cold and I was in strapless but I didn't spend that much time outside so I figured I was okay. I had a wrap but not much else!
There is an interesting guy at these parties. Apparently he has been going for several years because Taylor pointed him out the Ball we attended last month. His nickname is the Prowler -- no idea what his real name is. He never comes with a date (or if he does, they apparently quickly ditch him). He is on the move, constantly walking around the room, and he just looks like he is on the prowl. At the after party, he even pulls his hair back into a ponytail. It just completes the look, don't you think? As I sit here and type this, I really wonder what is up with him. I guess I will never know. But he does make people watching very interesting.
The rest of the weekend was super low key. Actually, I have been super tired lately and I still have stuff to do before I leave for CA. I am hoping that tomorrow, after my biopsy, I will get some more pep. At least that part will be over. It is draining to just wait, no matter how optimistic I try to be about the outcome. I am seeing Ryan tonight and he has full permission to kick my booty hard. If nothing else, I will be so tired I will actually get some good sleep. As drained as I feel, I still don't think I am sleeping well at night. Luckily the two things I need to get don't require a trip to the mall.
Well, it is time to figure out what project I should work on this afternoon. Have a great Tuesday!
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
The Visit to the Doctor's Office
Okay, so to re-cap, last week I was informed -- by letter -- that I had a "questionable area" in my chest area. I got the doctor's appointment and today was that day. This experience was vastly different than the one right after Thanksgiving. First of all, it is a busy day and there are plenty of people already in waiting room at 9 am. About 9:30, they finally call me back to a room. I sit there a little longer and then go to the room for an extensive mammogram. I am sure she was pushing harder than the first time I had it done. It hurt! I did get to see the initial test result and there, as plain as day was a random spot on the film. Even as a non-expert, I could see why they called me back in. The spot wasn't even near the rest of the breast tissue, it was off on the side by my arm pit. It looked odd and out of place. So, I go through the second round of mammogram screenings. Then back to my little room to wait some more. I tried to study, but it wasn't very easy. I kept getting distracted so I texted Michelle and Jen.
Now came time for the sonogram. It was very interesting seeing this thing on the screen. It is a mass of fibers (yep, there is an official medical name they kept saying but I don't remember what) about the size of a small grape. It is pretty disconcerting that something so small can cause so much anxiety! The sonogram tech is super nice and very knowledgeable of what was on the screen, which was very helpful. She finished, went back to see the radiologist and out he comes.......
So, all this time, these 2 hours in this Imaging Center come down to this Radiologist. Nice guy, evoked confidence and all that fun stuff. Apparently this mass, the size of a grape, is most possibly benign, but they want to do a biopsy to be absolutely sure..... Um, excuse me???? I thought today was it, that I would be done with all this until the next mammogram. Well, I was wrong!!!! The good news is that the doctor really is sure its benign and I know they have to do this as a precaution, especially since I have cancer on both sides of my family. But the next appointment is not until next Wednesday.
So, more waiting and wondering. There is nothing I can do until the final test comes in so I am really trying to stay calm and not stress. But, yeah, sometimes that is dang hard. To make things light hearted, I have decided to call this mass "Alien Grape". Hey, I am okay with letting the Alien Grape hang out with me in my boob as long as its benign. I just wonder how long Alien Grape has been hanging out though. It just didn't appear.
Okay, time to finish getting some work done. I didn't really do much when I got to the office, but I think that is understandable. Now, I need to let them get their monies worth:). Also, go see "Enchanted". It is such a fun movie and Michelle and I had a great time!
Later!
Now came time for the sonogram. It was very interesting seeing this thing on the screen. It is a mass of fibers (yep, there is an official medical name they kept saying but I don't remember what) about the size of a small grape. It is pretty disconcerting that something so small can cause so much anxiety! The sonogram tech is super nice and very knowledgeable of what was on the screen, which was very helpful. She finished, went back to see the radiologist and out he comes.......
So, all this time, these 2 hours in this Imaging Center come down to this Radiologist. Nice guy, evoked confidence and all that fun stuff. Apparently this mass, the size of a grape, is most possibly benign, but they want to do a biopsy to be absolutely sure..... Um, excuse me???? I thought today was it, that I would be done with all this until the next mammogram. Well, I was wrong!!!! The good news is that the doctor really is sure its benign and I know they have to do this as a precaution, especially since I have cancer on both sides of my family. But the next appointment is not until next Wednesday.
So, more waiting and wondering. There is nothing I can do until the final test comes in so I am really trying to stay calm and not stress. But, yeah, sometimes that is dang hard. To make things light hearted, I have decided to call this mass "Alien Grape". Hey, I am okay with letting the Alien Grape hang out with me in my boob as long as its benign. I just wonder how long Alien Grape has been hanging out though. It just didn't appear.
Okay, time to finish getting some work done. I didn't really do much when I got to the office, but I think that is understandable. Now, I need to let them get their monies worth:). Also, go see "Enchanted". It is such a fun movie and Michelle and I had a great time!
Later!
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Time Wasting MeMe
In lieu of boring details about my life today, I have stolen this Meme from Jen's blogger friend Blonde (who rocks, by the way!)
1 ONE OF YOUR SCARS, HOW DID YOU GET IT? huge scar on my left foot. I slipped on the curb, slicing the top layer of skin the night before I was leaving for Paris (not sure how my foot got into the position to scrap it like that, but it did). You better believe I was going to Paris, bum foot or not.
2. WHAT DO YOU WANT MORE THAN ANYTHING RIGHT NOW? to be in CA.
3. DO YOU KNOW WHAT TIME YOU WERE BORN? I think 9:30 AM, but I am sure mom will correct that if wrong.
4. WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE TOY AS A CHILD? Easy Bake Oven and Barbie. Oh, and Webbles........
5. THE BEST TV SHOW EVER CREATED: THE OFFICE!!!! Sex and the City and Friends.
6. THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO? Some lady here at work. She was telling me how wonderful I was so I just let her.
7. DO YOU GET SCARED IN THE DARK? Nope, I tend to like the dark
8. THE LAST PERSON TO MAKE YOU CRY? pleading the 5th on this one.
9. HOW MANY WISDOM TEETH DO YOU HAVE? none
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE COLOGNE / PERFUME? Kenneth Cole's Reaction.
11. WHAT KIND OF HAIR/EYE COLOR DO YOU LIKE ON THE OPPOSITE SEX? Truthfully I am open. I tend to like dark haired guys lately though.
12. WOULD YOU RATHER BE SMART OR FUNNY? Smart. But that seems to intimidate a lot of men!
13. COFFEE OR ENERGY DRINKS? Coffee.
14. IF YOU COULD EAT ANYTHING RIGHT NOW, WHAT WOULD IT BE? Something super fattening and super greasy!!!
15. WHO IS THE LAST PERSON YOU MADE MAD? idiot receptionist
16. DO YOU SPEAK ANOTHER LANGUAGE? nope
17. DO YOU LIKE SOMEONE? yep, but I'm not talking right now.
16. DO YOU SPEAK ANOTHER LANGUAGE? nope
17. DO YOU LIKE SOMEONE? yep, but I'm not talking right now.
18. WOULD YOU FALL IN LOVE KNOWING THAT THE PERSON IS LEAVING? yeah, unfortunately I have before.
19. WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO TELL SOMEONE HOW MUCH THEY MEAN TO YOU? just tell them
20. WHAT ANNOYS YOU MOST? cell phones at the gym. idiot receptionist. others but those are the first things I think of off my list.
21. HAVE YOU BEEN OUT OF THE U.S.? Yep!!! China, Paris, London and Mexico.
22. YOUR WEAKNESSES? a certain person. But I am not elaborating. Nor will I answer questions IRL:)
23. IF YOU COULD GET PLASTIC SURGERY WHAT WOULD IT BE? boob job.
24. WHY DID YOU FILL OUT THIS SURVEY? Had time to kill at work
25. ARE YOU TOO SHY TO ASK SOMEONE OUT? i can be.
26. WHAT DO YOU GET COMPLIMENTED ABOUT MOST? my smile
27. WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF ALCOHOL BECAME ILLEGAL? i think I would deal.
28. HOW MANY KIDS DO YOU WANT? 2
29. WHERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? not that I am aware of.
30. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY? a week ago
31. ANY BAD HABITS? oh yeah.
32. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? of course. I am a rock star :)
33. DO YOU KNOW ANYONE FAMOUS? no. I need to go hang out with the famous people.
34. DO LOOKS MATTER? A certain chemistry matters with a person and looks are a part of that.
35. HOW DO YOU RELEASE YOUR ANGER? work out
36. DO YOU TRUST OTHERS EASILY? sometimes too easily
Sunday, December 09, 2007
Sunday
It's a lazy Sunday. I need to get out and get some cat food and I really don't want to do that either. Don't worry, they won't starve. I have some food, I just am about to run out :). And also, I did go work out this morning -- I am not being totally lazy. I think I am just sore and wanting to veg.
Friday night I met the gals at Macaroni Grill for dinner and it was so freaking yummy. Just a word of advice, never look at the calories on the website before you go. It's definitely not health food. Split the dishes and share the dessert and all will be well!! And the bread -- I think it is addictive........ I needed the lunges and squats today :).
I was super productive yesterday. Okay, so I didn't leave the house until the evening, but I cleaned like a machine. One of my friends is turning 30 this week and her husband got together a group at Mercado Juarez for dinner (another yummy place!). I tried to eat healthy - shrimp and vegetables - but I still think I had a little too much to eat. But, it was a celebration and so worth it!
Well, more vegging is in order. Have a happy Sunday!
Friday night I met the gals at Macaroni Grill for dinner and it was so freaking yummy. Just a word of advice, never look at the calories on the website before you go. It's definitely not health food. Split the dishes and share the dessert and all will be well!! And the bread -- I think it is addictive........ I needed the lunges and squats today :).
I was super productive yesterday. Okay, so I didn't leave the house until the evening, but I cleaned like a machine. One of my friends is turning 30 this week and her husband got together a group at Mercado Juarez for dinner (another yummy place!). I tried to eat healthy - shrimp and vegetables - but I still think I had a little too much to eat. But, it was a celebration and so worth it!
Well, more vegging is in order. Have a happy Sunday!
Friday, December 07, 2007
The Week in Review
We all know what happened Monday night! However my head is in a good place right now and I am just ready to get that dang test over with. If it had been something the doctor was concerned about, I would have been in that office on Wednesday -- if not sooner. I probably wouldn't have gotten a letter. I am still annoyed with uncertainty regarding my body. I know every morsel that goes into my mouth, and every movement my body makes. I want to hook up to that machine and see what the heck is going on right now!
I went to see a screening of a movie called "Juno" last night. I highly recommend this movie! It was so good -- I think I might have my new favorite movie. The acting is phenomenal and the writing is just perfect. I have to watch it again because I missed a lot of the dialogue due to people around me laughing. It was that funny. Since it was a screening, the director and producer where there and available for questions. It was very interesting to hear about the inner workings of this movie. Jason Reitman also directed "Thank you for smoking" which is another great movie by the way! And, he directed an episode of "The Office"! So, that alone makes him my new favorite director :).
Okay, I need to get to work! Have a happy Friday. :)
I went to see a screening of a movie called "Juno" last night. I highly recommend this movie! It was so good -- I think I might have my new favorite movie. The acting is phenomenal and the writing is just perfect. I have to watch it again because I missed a lot of the dialogue due to people around me laughing. It was that funny. Since it was a screening, the director and producer where there and available for questions. It was very interesting to hear about the inner workings of this movie. Jason Reitman also directed "Thank you for smoking" which is another great movie by the way! And, he directed an episode of "The Office"! So, that alone makes him my new favorite director :).
Okay, I need to get to work! Have a happy Friday. :)
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
"Questionable Area"
Well, crap.
Here I was thinking my boobs were perfect -- come to find out they are harboring a "questionable area". I got a letter -- yes, they inform you of this stuff in letters -- last night stating my mammogram had an issue. Okay, so I get this info after my doctor has gone home and I have no information what the heck "questionable area" means! I have no choice but to call Michelle and say we are going out. I refuse to sit around my apartment and think the worse, when I have no access to information. I call my mom too. Mom's always have a way reassuring kids -- even when the kids are 35 :).
So, I get a hold of someone at the Mammogram center today and she tells me they found a spot on my right breast. They are pretty sure it is a lymph node, but further testing is needed. Okay, I can deal with that. At least I have more information and feel less freaked out. They are even going to keep me around until the doctor has had a chance to review the tests -- I will have the results when I walk out of there.
My gut feeling says there is nothing wrong and that all will be okay. And my gut is usually correct, whether I choose to follow it or not. And, I have some awesome, supportive friends who will help get me through this test. We have a week to go though! Argh!!!
Here I was thinking my boobs were perfect -- come to find out they are harboring a "questionable area". I got a letter -- yes, they inform you of this stuff in letters -- last night stating my mammogram had an issue. Okay, so I get this info after my doctor has gone home and I have no information what the heck "questionable area" means! I have no choice but to call Michelle and say we are going out. I refuse to sit around my apartment and think the worse, when I have no access to information. I call my mom too. Mom's always have a way reassuring kids -- even when the kids are 35 :).
So, I get a hold of someone at the Mammogram center today and she tells me they found a spot on my right breast. They are pretty sure it is a lymph node, but further testing is needed. Okay, I can deal with that. At least I have more information and feel less freaked out. They are even going to keep me around until the doctor has had a chance to review the tests -- I will have the results when I walk out of there.
My gut feeling says there is nothing wrong and that all will be okay. And my gut is usually correct, whether I choose to follow it or not. And, I have some awesome, supportive friends who will help get me through this test. We have a week to go though! Argh!!!
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