Holidays

[Guest guest]

Hi Everyone!

I just returned from one day of shopping and another day of wandering through a

bookstore and making " To Do " notes while having coffee that was way too

expensive. But that's just the way it is now for good coffee. I'm taking kind

of a poll. This has been a horrible holiday season for me. The worst in my

memory. People hinting that I should leave town when I make the slightest

comparison to California where I lived for 24 years. People on the road are

maniacs and the vanity plates here are mean instead of clever or funny.

Television which is barely watchable on the best of nights is unwatchable now

because the advertising is upsetting.

I'd just as soon skip Christmas if this is what it's going to be like. Anyone

else? Maybe it's just around here -- politics is blood sport, after all.

L

[Guest guest]

So where are you that you have ba humbug .Sounds like a aggressive

town.JUst cold here central tn. Hope to leave soon for the south inFla.Should

get the ok from doc.

[ ] Holidays

Hi Everyone!

I just returned from one day of shopping and another day of wandering through a

bookstore and making " To Do " notes while having coffee that was way too

expensive. But that's just the way it is now for good coffee. I'm taking kind of

a poll. This has been a horrible holiday season for me. The worst in my memory.

People hinting that I should leave town when I make the slightest comparison to

California where I lived for 24 years. People on the road are maniacs and the

vanity plates here are mean instead of clever or funny. Television which is

barely watchable on the best of nights is unwatchable now because the

advertising is upsetting.

I'd just as soon skip Christmas if this is what it's going to be like. Anyone

else? Maybe it's just around here -- politics is blood sport, after all.

L

[Guest guest]

Washington, DC, where else?! I've been here for 2 1/2 years and still haven't

found a comfortable niche. Not convinced there is one. However, I've

volunteered to volunteer with the Northern Virginia SPCA and also the

Hospitality unit of the diplomatic corps to welcome new diplomats and help them

adjust. Hope they do better than I have! Been looking for a permanent job all

this time, too which has been unsuccessful so I work part-time administrative

temp work to supplement my disabiity. Anxious to have a normal life again.

Doing well on Sprycel and so, at the moment, CML is the least of my daily

problems.

Enjoy the sun and surf in Fl! And thanks for writing.

L

[ ] Holidays

Hi Everyone!

I just returned from one day of shopping and another day of wandering through

a bookstore and making " To Do " notes while having coffee that was way too

expensive. But that's just the way it is now for good coffee. I'm taking kind of

a poll. This has been a horrible holiday season for me. The worst in my memory.

People hinting that I should leave town when I make the slightest comparison to

California where I lived for 24 years. People on the road are maniacs and the

vanity plates here are mean instead of clever or funny. Television which is

barely watchable on the best of nights is unwatchable now because the

advertising is upsetting.

I'd just as soon skip Christmas if this is what it's going to be like. Anyone

else? Maybe it's just around here -- politics is blood sport, after all.

L

[Guest guest]

Hi Shalyn,

I'm sure you and your family are blessings to the less fortunate and must have a

warm feeling shopping for people who have nothing. You sounds like wonderful

people. Wish you lived closer to me! btw, Zippy, my youngest cat is sitting on

top of my computer making sure I get this right. I do keep hoping there is

justice in the long run and that those who are mean to strangers realize it

could be them in my position.

Have a wonderful holiday season and beyond. Good health!

L

Re: [ ] Holidays

Hi ,

I know what you mean- My husband and I have struggled with the lack of

spirit and commercialism at Christmas over the years...this year

though we are sponsoring 2 families who live below poverty level and

would not have a Christmas otherwise. We do it through the YWCA and

buy them all the gifts, wrap them and buy food certificates. It really

makes Christmas for us- to help people who actually have NEEDS not

just WANTS. Our kids (ages 12, 9 & 5) have been included and have

helped us pick out good gifts for the children. Our kids have so much

stuff and really have begun to find joy in this. We have no family

where we live (all back home - over 2700 kms away) , so we are unsure

what to do this year but stress is not one of them. Since my husband

was diagnosed in Sept of this year, we have made the decision to quit

stressing over stuff- like gifts, and cooking like maniacs. I told

people cards may or may not come- and to spend time with those we care

for rather than make ourselves crazy trying to find perfect gifts.

Hopefully this month and the season imporves for you- my only

suggestion is to stay AWAY from the malls and find joy in small corners!

-Shalyn

> Hi Everyone!

>

> I just returned from one day of shopping and another day of

> wandering through a bookstore and making " To Do " notes while having

> coffee that was way too expensive. But that's just the way it is

> now for good coffee. I'm taking kind of a poll. This has been a

> horrible holiday season for me. The worst in my memory. People

> hinting that I should leave town when I make the slightest

> comparison to California where I lived for 24 years. People on the

> road are maniacs and the vanity plates here are mean instead of

> clever or funny. Television which is barely watchable on the best

> of nights is unwatchable now because the advertising is upsetting.

>

> I'd just as soon skip Christmas if this is what it's going to be

> like. Anyone else? Maybe it's just around here -- politics is

> blood sport, after all.

>

> L

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Kristie!

Your grandmother is a real trooper. So glad you have each other. I have an

elder friend in LA who is 79 and I really miss her. Even our cats were friends!

Somehow I think older people who have been through some of the worst times in

history -- the Big Depression, any number of wars including the cold one, plus

their own life dramas--are stronger and have a sense that somehow they'll make

it through this one too. I even tried to get her to move here but of course it

wasn't practical so we talk on the phone. I relish those times. I will say

that I work with nice women in a home healthcare company but the work is

tedious.

Here's to better futures for aqll of us!

L

[ ] Holidays

Hi Everyone!

I just returned from one day of shopping and another day of wandering through

a bookstore and making " To Do " notes while having coffee that was way too

expensive. But that's just the way it is now for good coffee. I'm taking kind of

a poll. This has been a horrible holiday season for me. The worst in my memory.

People hinting that I should leave town when I make the slightest comparison to

California where I lived for 24 years. People on the road are maniacs and the

vanity plates here are mean instead of clever or funny. Television which is

barely watchable on the best of nights is unwatchable now because the

advertising is upsetting.

I'd just as soon skip Christmas if this is what it's going to be like. Anyone

else? Maybe it's just around here -- politics is blood sport, after all.

L

[Guest guest]

At 07:34 AM 12/11/06 -0800, you wrote:

>Just wanted to know if you have had any side effects with the sprycel. I

>started on it last week and it is not the easiest drug to take. I have

>heard that the side effects will lessen with time. I hope that is true. I

>am only on the 50mg twice a day. I need to have some blood tests done next

>week to see how it is affecting my counts. Thanks.

>

>Therese Stone

Hi Therese,

what side effects are you having? I have been on Sprycel for a year

now......my first 5 months were kind of bad, but it is even better than IM

for me now. I had nasal congestion and lots of body aches....that what I

remember most. Did lots of soaking in the tub, etc.

C.

[Guest guest]

At 08:44 PM 12/11/06 +0000, you wrote:

>Have the best Christmas you can possibly allow yourselves to have.

>Being happy is a decision....which is another CML discovery for me.

I love your message Jane......and you remind us about all the little, but

really important things all around us to appreciate.....and new pursuits.

Brings to mind two sayings:

Look for the gift in the problem.

When one door closes, another one opens.

Thanks for reminding us........and enjoy your nice weather, seems odd at

Christmas.

C.

[Guest guest]

Thanks for wrriting and I appreciate that you have such an abundant life. CML

seems to be your " only " problem. Unfortunately I don't have any of the things

you have except two cats whom I adore. I don't think your message is cheesy at

all but it might be beneficial to you to know that you have so much -- family,

talents, a home and a husband as well as a beautiful place to live. Not all of

us have that. I don't think happiness is as easy as making a choice though I

begin each day determined to do that. In the bigger picture, CML is actually

the " least " of my problems.

L

[ ] Re: Holidays

Hi there

I don't post often but I visit every day and soak up knowledge so

thanks to all you knowledge providers out there.

Had to respond to this post tho. I am 48, was diagnosed in November

last year but we still managed to have a really good Christmas.

Today the sun is shining, it is really hot and the sky is big and

blue. The garden is looking beautiful and the kitchen is full of

home grown vegetables.

I have found a green thumb which I didn't know I had - a gift of

CML. If I was still madly running in the rat race and sitting for 3

hours a day in traffic I would never have discovered this.

I have found out that my children (22, 19 and 16) are really

interesting people and not just mouths to feed and bodies to clothe.

CML forced me to slow down enough to really get to know them.

I have found out how much my dog loves me and what he does all day.

Didn't know any of that before CML. I never stopped long enough to

think about it actually.

I have read some amazing books this year, learnt some new skills and

discovered exactly how much my husband loves me and how much he is

willing to walk this path with me - CML made me do this.

I can do my Christmas shopping in daylight!!! Wow - never done that

before except over really hectic weekends. So tomorrow when I go to

the shops, dealing with the exhaustion and the nausea and the threat

of a sudden urgent need to go to the toilet NOW, if I add it all up I

will think that CML comes with a gift. We just have to look for it

or rather sit still long enough for it to find us.

In case you are wondering about the Chirstmas weather I am

describing...I live in Cape Town, South Africa.

Sorry for the long post but I needed to say this to people who

wouldn't think it cheesy.

Have the best Christmas you can possibly allow yourselves to have.

Being happy is a decision....which is another CML discovery for me.

Love Jane

[Guest guest]

:

I can't describe exactly what this congestion is like, heavy bubbly stuff. I

have bad congestion anyway, I have had a nasal reconstuctive surgery so this is

not making it any better. Very bad headaches, and I had to stop the protonix I

have taken for years for my stomach, so I am trying to find a solution for

heartburn. I am getting tired again, like when I first was diagnosed with the

CML. My skin is feeling grainy, like basketball skin. I had the grainy skin

when I first started on Gleevec. I am looking forward to a blood test to see if

It is affecting my counts. The side affects will be worth it if I get a good

response. I am buying time to get ready to transplant. If you have any

suggestions I would love to hear them. Thanks

Therese Stone

Cogan <ncogan@...> wrote:

At 07:34 AM 12/11/06 -0800, you wrote:

>Just wanted to know if you have had any side effects with the sprycel. I

>started on it last week and it is not the easiest drug to take. I have

>heard that the side effects will lessen with time. I hope that is true. I

>am only on the 50mg twice a day. I need to have some blood tests done next

>week to see how it is affecting my counts. Thanks.

>

>Therese Stone

Hi Therese,

what side effects are you having? I have been on Sprycel for a year

now......my first 5 months were kind of bad, but it is even better than IM

for me now. I had nasal congestion and lots of body aches....that what I

remember most. Did lots of soaking in the tub, etc.

C.

---------------------------------

Access over 1 million songs - Music Unlimited.

[Guest guest]

Hey ,

Thank you - we are normal folks though and do get down from time to

time...of course! Strange thing- I am not an angry person but have

struggled with such anger over the last few months - funny how a

person can have such up and down days. At Christmas people really get

worked up- I am hoping you can meet a person who really shines. Zippy-

nice name for a cat! My son's name is Ziggy - so we think the same!

shalyn

[Guest guest]

Hi Jane

Somerset West, right? Oh how I long for some good warm weather and

some Capetonian sunshine - and the beach! Strawberry time there now,

right? There are still many things I miss from there.

I loved reading this post of yours - it is so upbeat and positive -

thanks so much for sharing. :-)

Here's wishing you all a simply wonder-filled Christmas and a new

year filled with peace and good results.

Love

Annie

's mom

livingwithcml.blogspot.com

>

> Hi there

>

> I don't post often but I visit every day and soak up knowledge so

> thanks to all you knowledge providers out there.

>

> Had to respond to this post tho. I am 48, was diagnosed in

November last year but we still managed to have a really good

Christmas.

>

> Today the sun is shining, it is really hot and the sky is big and

> blue. The garden is looking beautiful and the kitchen is full of

> home grown vegetables.

>

> I have found a green thumb which I didn't know I had - a gift of

> CML. If I was still madly running in the rat race and sitting for

3

> hours a day in traffic I would never have discovered this.

>

> I have found out that my children (22, 19 and 16) are really

> interesting people and not just mouths to feed and bodies to

clothe. CML forced me to slow down enough to really get to know

them.

>

> I have found out how much my dog loves me and what he does all

day. > Didn't know any of that before CML. I never stopped long

enough to think about it actually.

>

> I have read some amazing books this year, learnt some new skills

and

> discovered exactly how much my husband loves me and how much he is

> willing to walk this path with me - CML made me do this.

>

> I can do my Christmas shopping in daylight!!! Wow - never done

that > before except over really hectic weekends. So tomorrow when

I go to > the shops, dealing with the exhaustion and the nausea and

the threat > of a sudden urgent need to go to the toilet NOW, if I

add it all up I > will think that CML comes with a gift. We just

have to look for it > or rather sit still long enough for it to find

us.

>

> In case you are wondering about the Chirstmas weather I am >

describing...I live in Cape Town, South Africa.

>

> Sorry for the long post but I needed to say this to people who

> wouldn't think it cheesy.

>

> Have the best Christmas you can possibly allow yourselves to

have. Being happy is a decision....which is another CML discovery

for me.

>

> Love Jane

>

[Guest guest]

Hey Jane, I loved reading your post; THANX; not what the doctor ordered but

exactly what I needed. This will be the 1st holiday season that my son hasn't

been able to spend with us. After becoming an adult; neither school or the

military altered his getting home for my birthday, Mom's day, or the

Thanxgiving, Xmas, or New Year season. His marriage last June, however has

stopped this tradition. I've been feeling a little 'abandoned'; your post

brought me back on to this 'New Life' I have been living the past 3 years. No

more downer about not having all the kids home for the holidays. . .

I AM A SURVIVOR. . .I AIN'T FINISHED YET ! ! !

" K "

" I AIN'T FINISHED YET " !!!

[Guest guest]

k,

YOur lucky that the military or school hasn't kept your son from coming home.

My eldest is in the military, and except when he came home from deplyment after

my diagnosis, he has missed many an event. This year he is on a submarine

somewhere in the Pacific. Even his wife dones't know exactly where he is.

Aside from that, I am gratel=ful to be a 7 year survivor of CML, and 3 wonderful

grown sons and a daughter-in-law who is more like a daughter.

IAintFinishedYet <kttweety@...> wrote:

---------------------------------

Access over 1 million songs - Music Unlimited.

[Guest guest]

Hey :

Thanx, your post added to what ' I have to be Thanxful for'. I was feeling

down, but no more. I had pacified myself with the fact that his being in the

USAF and a mechanic on the C-5s; he wouldn't be deployed unless his plane had to

go (hehe). Now he's been promoted and cannot give answers to me about his job.

FYI: My daughter had mentioned sending the 25 days of Xmas to her brother had

he been deployed overseas. We would send him a box with 25 things of Xmas with

instructions for him to only open one each day. We would send a pine cone for

the smell of Xmas. His wife include mistletoe as an IOU for another gift when he

comes home (hehe). I would include some of his favorite foods, only open 1 per

day, etc. I realize that it's too late for you to do this for your son for Xmas;

but there's other occasions. Another sister survivor could use it or pass it on

to someone who has a loved one in the War.

, I am adding yours to my prayer list, take care. . . " K "

" K "

" I AIN'T FINISHED YET " !!!