 
 
 
Update on Ken's appointments at the Cancer Center...Sunday, June 26, 2011
An update on our trip to the Cancer Treatment Center of America in Philadelphia. My DH�s mammogram results were negative...WOOHOO!!! His blood work was good...we brought a copy home to share with his doctor. His appointment and exam with his surgeon went great!!! Everything is healing nicely. He got a bit upset with his oncologist when she told him she was going to talk to his surgeon about removing his other breast. When Ken asked why they would do that, she replied that he would not have to take tamoxifen for the next five years nor would he have to have yearly mammograms for the rest of his life. She will talk to his surgeon and get back to Ken. The look on Ken's face told it all. When she left the room, Ken was pretty livid to say the least. He was not very understanding as to why, if this was something they wanted to do, didn't they do it when they did his first mastectomy. He probably isn't going to have his other breast removed for no better reason than that...only if he develops cancer in it also. He said we are out of here, cancelled his other appointments (nutrition, homeopathy and case management) and we went back to the hotel. He was so upset he couldn't sit still so we came home early. It was nice waking up in my own bed and being able to get on with my normal routine. I did miss the hotel pool but can continue using my DD's pool every day...only 10 minutes away. 
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PJGOOD123
7/3/2011 9:48PM
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Take care of yourself. My prayers for you and yours.
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PJGOOD123
6/28/2011 2:00PM
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I am always amazed at the stories in a person's life. Your strength and positive attitude are so evident in everything you do. The source of that is your trust in God. Thank you for being such an encourager to many of us sparks and I will continue to keep you and your family in my prayers.
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PEGJOHN1997
6/28/2011 10:24AM
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Wow, I would be upset, too. I hope they have a good reason. Prayers for both of you.
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MAURIZIA
6/28/2011 8:35AM
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Helen, are they suggesting this only to avoid taking Tamoxifen? Or has Ken had the BRCA-1/2 test and carries the gene? Hmmmm....I'd be upset, too. The doctor should have begun the conversation previous to this not to mention to discuss it with Ken first as an option rather than a given. Prayers coming your way. Report Inappropriate Comment |
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GRANDMANANCY
6/28/2011 7:11AM
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Hello Helen, I am so orry that you are goin through all of this. I had no idea since I havebeen of spark so long..please forgive me ..I will begin praying today for you and yours. Jim lost his job in January and was diagnosed with skin cancer just below his eye in February, He developed an ulcer on his right ankle, and cellulitis in his left leg. His new lymphedema pump is working pretty well. I understand what you are going through. Jim has threatened to sue drs....or to walk out of appointments several times. I am so glad that there is no more cancer... Love and prayers to you! Nancy Report Inappropriate Comment |
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ALASKAN
6/27/2011 8:57PM
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Hello Helen, It's great that it was negative, but sorry to hear that Ken upset about more surgery. We will pray for him and that the Lord will watch over you both. You all have gone through so much. Let Ken know my family are praying for him. I know how Ken feels, b/c I have had cancer myself. It was cervical cancer and thyroid cancer. My prayers go out to you both. Life is not fair sometimes when you have health problems and have to put some things on hold. Report Inappropriate Comment |
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_LINDA
6/27/2011 6:03PM
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So glad his tests for cancer were negative. I can see hitting the roof over the surgery announcement. That is just plain outrageous to think about operating when you don't even need it, like wow!! It is a shame he did blow the other appointments though :( I hope things go well for you two, and that your test results are all okay!  
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COLEENCOLE
6/27/2011 2:26PM
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How disappointing and discouraging it was to hear that news.
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JANETELIZABETH1
6/27/2011 2:13PM
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I'd be upset too Helen...also by the mere fact that I was being told that she was discussing it further...but not with Ken first!! I find that very strange! I know the Lord will protect him!
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SCORPION1352
6/27/2011 1:03PM
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Oh Helen I am so glad to hear about the cancer thing but understand Kens being upset about more surgery. Let him know we are praying for him. The Lord will help you both through this and in the end it will be OK. With all that he has been through there is no reason that makes any sense to me that they should just throw this up the air to be caught by the two of you. My prayers and thoughts are with you always Love and Hugss Marty Report Inappropriate Comment |
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YATMAMA
6/27/2011 12:57PM
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I think I would be upset, too. Perhaps there are valid reasons why they didn't explain this from the start and do both procedures at once. Maybe doing some research will help Ken be able to process it all easier. So sorry he bailed on the other appointments. *hugs*
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YATMAMA
6/27/2011 12:57PM
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I think I would be upset, too. Perhaps there are valid reasons why they didn't explain this from the start and do both procedures at once. Maybe doing some research will help Ken be able to process it all easier. So sorry he bailed on the other appointments. *hugs*
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SING4MYFOOD
6/27/2011 12:16PM
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Mary has some good points, Helen - I'll continue to pray for you both. Maybe you can either print off the responses, or get him to come on your page & read them - he's been through so much, I don't know if anyone in his shoes could have taken this without getting upset. But God's still in charge! Thanks for being such a positive influence on this site, my sister! Love, Kerolyn Report Inappropriate Comment |
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PARAEAST
6/27/2011 10:46AM
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So glad the part about the cancer was good, sorry about the other news removing the other breast. I will pray. Sounds like you also need the song, "Blessings" by Laura Story. Guess so many of us are having trials of this life are our mercies in disguise. Praying for you and wisdom!
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I.M.MAGIC
6/27/2011 10:41AM
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Lady Mary knows what she's talking about with this... as usual! LOL I do understand their seeing a need to get it done, I just don't know why they couldn't have done it in the first place! I DO think that they should have at least mentioned it to him in the very beginning, and offered the option to deal with it in one surgery, instead of waiting until he thought it was pretty much over and then springing this on him. After all that he's been through, to just announce that he'll need another surgery--Talk about a shock! I'd have been upset too--though I don't think I'd have skipped those other appointments... At least the rest of the news was good!... I am happy about that! Hopefully today will be a better one for you both!... Kathy
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1CRAZYDOG
6/27/2011 8:40AM
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Glad that the news about the cancer was good. Sorry that the discussion (if you could CALL it that) was so upsetting to Ken. I think WOWEETOO has it right. Report Inappropriate Comment |
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STARTINGINLIMBO
6/27/2011 7:30AM
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I don't blame him for being upset. For one thing, my mother only had one breast removed and they want her on tamoxifin (well, they switch kinds every five years) to help keep her from getting cancer back. Even where her breast was removed they still check to see if cancer has returned. It was wrong of that doctor to just say they were going to talk to his other doctor about getting that done. No discussion with Ken himself for one thing. Very rude.
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CINDYYB
6/27/2011 7:24AM
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Bless his heart! He's been through so much. You know that the best thing to do is just bring this situation to Jesus and he'll direct Ken's decisions and your wonderful support in all the right ways. Bless you, too!
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GHOSTFLAMES
6/27/2011 5:54AM
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HELEN HOPE ALL WORKS OUT MY FRIEND. DIDN'T HE ASK WHY THEY DIDN'T TAKE IT OFF AT THE TIME? MAYBE THERE IS A GOOD REASON? PRAYERS AND HUGS,CHAR
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JUDITH316
6/27/2011 2:26AM
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PTL, I'm rejoicing for the good results for Ken, isn't our God awesome, for sure I will keep you both in prayer, for wisdom as you follow up with appointments and make any further decisions. Keep us posted so we can know how to best support you and pray for you both...Blessings and Hugs.. 
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RIVADERCHI
6/27/2011 1:50AM
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Welcome back and thank you for visiting my SP! Good luck with your husband, whatever he decides... I'm sure it will all work out in time. In the meantime, try to reduce your stress and relax if possible--breathe, pray and enjoy each other's company. God Bless you!  
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WOWEETOO
6/27/2011 1:30AM
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and actually i don't think they do it a second time to make more money really but for men in particular they are so traumatized by the orignal and we must remember he was having trouble with his legs also at that time..it's not a money thing because you know yourself that has been the best place for ken since all this started loves mary Report Inappropriate Comment |
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WOWEETOO
6/27/2011 1:27AM
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ok my friend when he calms down a bit let me tell you the thinking about this ..i am an example of this so i know for sure this is the thinking and being a mammographer for years i do know this stuff..the deal with breast cancer..it is rare in men to begin with and they inherit that gene from their mothers..when cancer happens in one breast you can almost bet money it will show up in the other breast in the exact smae place taking of the breast tissue on both sides is standard treatment and he will avoid another round of chemo and the whole nine yards..i know this to be true because it reappeared in me in exactly the same place in the other breast.. try to get him settled down..they are looking at his good health for the long term..if chemo was bad the first time more is even worse believe me i know this for a fact..i've seen it in my work and experienced it myself and with family members..if the breast is removed NOW he will avoid this because the stats are there it appears again in the other side so my friend talk to ken and let him know that is the gold standard for treatment of breast cancer in men loves you best the lady mary 
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1COUNTRY_GAL
6/27/2011 1:14AM
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I can understand why he would be angry,after what he has been through.When he calms down and has a chance to sort it out with his family doctor he may feel differently.They seemed to just kinda bring that up abruptly,they would make more money doing it this way,they may have waited to see how the first goes to do the second.Surgery is hard on everybody.Hallelujah for the positive news!
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DEE107
6/27/2011 12:16AM
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HELEN Great News hugs and God bless and praying
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LALASLAND
6/26/2011 11:58PM
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Helen, I don't really blame him for being upset; he does have a good point! Why didn't they do it in the first place? Ah, well! I hope all is well and you have a great week safe and sound at home!
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SUSIEPH1
6/26/2011 11:31PM
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Yes, well that is how they make money!! so sorry Ken was so upset, but when he settles down and thinks about it....... he will realise that the best thing to do is to get it all over with whilst he is still young and fit .. Not give the cancer a chance to get into his other breast... Glad he is all clear !! much love and Hugs Susie 
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LINDAGRAVEL
6/26/2011 11:28PM
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Praying all goes well
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TERRI289
6/26/2011 11:18PM
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Fingers crossed,....
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MILLISMA
6/26/2011 10:22PM
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I have missed a lot on spark lately and didn't realize what Ken had gone through. So glad to hear everything is okay. I am on my last year of Tamoixfen and instead of taking one dose on time a day it worked better to take two smaller doses, one in the morning and one at night. Just something to think about if he has to go on it. Hugs and prayers for both of you. GOd bless. Report Inappropriate Comment |
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DJ4HEALTH
6/26/2011 10:12PM
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Glad that he is better and that you are both home.
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CHRYS13
6/26/2011 9:42PM
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Indeed....Praise the Lord!!
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GOOZLEBEAR
6/26/2011 9:31PM
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I don't blame Ken for being upset, they should have done everything the first time. Glad things went well and hope they continue for both of you. I know you were glad to get back to your own bed!!!! Have a good week!
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NEWALX
6/26/2011 8:48PM
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hope all goes well and that he doesnt have to go through the removal god bless Report Inappropriate Comment |
I haven't heard anything about my test results from last week. So I am taking the attitude that "no news is good news!" I will deal with the results when I know what they are.
These are McKenzie dance photos from the recital book...
Last weekend was a time of joy as we celebrated with McKenzie on her superb performances at her dance recital with In Motion Dance Studio on Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon. These pictures were taken at the recital and shows her love of dancing...
McKenzie was so excited to get to watch the other girls dance during the second half of the show and to show off her hair...she just loved her "do" for the recital!!!
The children all did a fabulous job with their dances and the shows were enjoyed by everyone. It's a shame they don't have more shows during the year. Wish all my spark friends could have enjoyed the shows also.
Enjoy a great week of healthy foods, some time for yourself, plenty of restful sleep, and some form of fun exercises as you continue to fight until you get it right!! Thank you so much for reading my blogs and for supporting and encouraging me always!!!
May God continue to bless you as he continues to bless me!!!
Love and hugs to all,
Helen
POSITIVES:
GOD
FAITH
HOPE
LOVE
Searching for and finding the CURE
The ReBuilder and the lymphedema pump working for DH
McKenzie...who had a super dance recital last weekend!!!
My family and friends both at home and on Spark People
My church family
Healthy foods...especially vegetables and fruits
Water...so refreshing and delicious...and plentiful in our area
Reading and understanding labels...read them always as they do change
A doctor who will listen and follow through on treating whatever problems I may have
Too many positives and blessings to list them all here...PTL!!!
Member Comments About This Blog Post:|
COLEENCOLE
6/26/2011 9:56AM
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I don't think I was ever able to do that to my body. The pics are great.
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MMRB7111
6/24/2011 6:01AM
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I love dance recitals, wish I could have been there. She looked like she was having a great time. And I can see why she looked her hair, it was adorable. Report Inappropriate Comment |
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MORTICIAADDAMS
6/23/2011 10:41PM
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Oh my gosh!! I loved the dance photos. She is so talented!!
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BIGDAD1211
6/23/2011 3:37PM
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She is so talented! You must be so proud of her!!
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KNITTABLES
6/22/2011 2:22PM
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What a sweetie. great pictures.
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MARTHASPARKS
6/22/2011 11:00AM
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She is gorgeous and obviously talented. Keep us posted on the test results.
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OPAL50
6/21/2011 6:59AM
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You can see how much McKenzie enjoys performing! Beautiful!  Check on your tests, so you know for sure....
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SJG1953
6/21/2011 1:41AM
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McKenzie is so beautiful and I don't know how but is growing more so all the time. She is such a talented dancer. I am holding you and Ken up in prayer. Much love in Christ Jesus, Shirley
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WOWEETOO
6/21/2011 12:26AM
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finally back home my friend and the dance recital pics are wonderful i hope you called the physician today about those blood tests..you know better than to not do that..you know better..i had lots of ups and owns while in the hospital and for a while i thought i wasn't going to get back home..the pacemaker is pumping but other things happened and i spent days in the intensive care unit in a constant state of seizures..who knows why that is happening for sure and they never did figure it out really and only control it now scary for sure because i have christmas presents that ae only half finished lol fel better anyhow not having the blood pressure too low and dropping out still messing with the blood sugars but that stuff is coming along..kidney disease??? went in with it at stage two and it bounced up and down the whole time i was in there..it's back in stage two again and hopefully will stabilze there for sure..you need to know those stats my friend so when you read this i want an answer or to be told when you will get them..you should request a copy of all your bloodwork and have that at home and learn to ead those so you can be aware of the things you need to be watching you can do it and knows i loves you and am glad to be back in service here lol the lady mary
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I.M.MAGIC
6/20/2011 6:27PM
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VERRY pretty!-- and you can tell from the photos that she's the life of the party too! LOL to the proud Grandma! LOLKathy
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69NURSE
6/20/2011 5:00PM
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Thanks for the great blog!! McKenzie is beautiful and certainly talented. You have so many positives listed - how wonderful for all of you. May God continue to answer your prayers and grant you HIS peace in all things. We have a new great-granddaughter - Mackenzie Grace, who is 8 days old and cute as a button. Maybe someday she will be able to dance like your Mckenzie. 
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MOM2ACAT
6/20/2011 4:49PM
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What a great dancer McKenzie is! I wish I could bend that like that.
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YATMAMA
6/20/2011 4:13PM
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Those are gorgeous. I agree. I love her do, too!!!
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WIFEALF
6/20/2011 1:36PM
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What a sweet heart!!!!!Hope you find out soon enough about your resuts not fun not knowing!keep us posted you will be in my prayers!
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JESS0107
6/20/2011 10:14AM
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She is too beautiful!!! I just my body would allow me to do the things she is able to!! Maybe you will hear something soon!!! Report Inappropriate Comment |
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WANDAH3
6/20/2011 9:51AM
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Thanks for sharing the pictures. It brought back memories of our Shyra dancing. Hugs, Wanda Report Inappropriate Comment |
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STARTINGINLIMBO
6/20/2011 7:16AM
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She's so beautiful and talented. Wow can she stretch and control those muscles, from the looks of these wonderful photos! You must be so very proud of her. Thank you for sharing.
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GHOSTFLAMES
6/20/2011 5:43AM
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ONE SMART LITTLE GIRL THERE YOU ARE SO PROUD OF HER MAN SHE IS GROWNING UP SO FAST. TAKE CARE AND THANKS FOR SHARING HUGS,CHAR
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_LINDA
6/20/2011 2:00AM
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I sure can see why you are a doting, proud grandmother, McKenzie is just amazingly talented and beautiful!!!The girls look so cute in those sparkly hairstyles! Here is hoping for good news for your tests.. Linda Report Inappropriate Comment |
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DEE107
6/20/2011 12:12AM
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looks like a lot of fun and she is good at it tooo
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LALASLAND
6/20/2011 12:11AM
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An inspiration for SURE!!! And that HAIRDO!!! Adorable! Yes, I can hardly get over the way she is so limber and can move her body in such ways I've never imagined being able to! She's quite a gal, Helen! I'm praying you get great results, and that it's taking this long because it's not anything critical! Report Inappropriate Comment |
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GOSPELCLOWN
6/20/2011 12:04AM
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I would have liked to learn dance when I was younger! That gal is an inspiration!
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1COUNTRY_GAL
6/19/2011 11:39PM
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McKenzie is a very beautiful talented young girl.Thank you for sharing these photos with us.You must be the proudest Grandma ever! Praying for positive test results.Your strength is so inspiring. Diana
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GOOZLEBEAR
6/19/2011 11:14PM
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Helen, I know you are so proud of McKenzie, she is just beautiful. Those pictures remind me of my daughter who took dance for 7 years and loved it. Thanks for sharing your memories with us.
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BLAZINGPHOENIX
6/19/2011 10:42PM
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Such beautiful photos - a winning smile too! :D
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TOTHEFUTURE1
6/19/2011 10:27PM
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Great photos Thanks for sharing Report Inappropriate Comment |
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DANCINGGRAM
6/19/2011 10:19PM
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 My mother always said,"No News is Good News". I say it all the time too. Looks like you all had a great time. McKenzie looked beautiful. I was never that limber! LOL! Have a good week ahead. Report Inappropriate Comment |
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IUHRYTR
6/19/2011 10:18PM
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Wow, the flexibility of youth. If I tried to contort myself as she did in the second photo, I'd have to be carted off to a chiropractors.  . Still praying for good test results. Keep on being positive. -- Lou
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OUCH!
Rest and feel better soon.
