lotsofkids

A big hello to all my special May 06'er friends! It has been a while since I have checked in and I do hope you are all doing well. I am in decent health....no major complications....and still a walking miracle! My wt loss .... well, that falls short of what I wanted and expected for this amount of time post surgery! As you may recall, my first fill was delayed until Jan 07.....then my secong fill a few months later, turned out to be too tight. It took me a couple of months to get the time to go and have the unfill and the doc did a floro to be sure everything was in place. It was and yet to my dismay he totally unfilled me for a few months just for observation. Fast forward to Jan 08 (a week ago) and I have just had my first fill since the unfill. He only gave me a whopping 0.50 to start with. I don't even feel any restriction, but he wants to go very slow with me as "I am special" Lol! In the meantime, I joined a motivational wt loss seminar given at a nearby hospital and it is getting me mentally back in the wt loss zone. We are targeting a 2lb loss per week and I have lost 4 lbs in 2 weeks....right on the mark. Small steps...but hopefully the start of my real long term success. I am so very ready...as I have waited way too long. I am sure you have all done super and lost tons of wt by now. I am so happy for all of you......it is certainly a long journey. I'd love to hear how near to your goals you have become.....and how absolutely stunning you are all now! My warmest wishes and Happy New Year.....smiles....Diane : )

also....we will never see eye to eye on all points here.....there are just too many of us and well.......we are all coming from different experiences and backgrounds etc. But, we can agree to the main points (I hope) which is the dignity and respect that should be equated to all races. If we cannot learn to accept each other's differences.....in the end we shall all suffer. Some siblings are known to bicker endlessly...but deep down are there for each other if things get rough. That's how we should view our neighbors.......to be there when it really counts....and if they know that....they will excuse and learn to live with your flaws as well! Maybe I'm a dreamer....or hmmm.....lofty goals maybe? But I feel manners and good deeds should set people apart....not any other labels. smiles....Diane

Lawanda...I too find it disturbing that many predjudices (sp?) stem from poor translations of scripture. It is a shame that as we (all men) were certainly created equally and were sent divine prophets to guide and teach us how to reach reward in the hereafter...we seemed to manage to majorly screw up those messages and propagate hate and separatism. Luckily, I find there are still many people who can see past that....and follow their hearts and wisdom. Those that want to follow shallow, ignorant thoughts......are missing out on a lot. Just feel sorry for them...you can't change the world....but you can keep your little corner neat and clean. smiles....Diane

congrats Ruthann! so glad to hear things are going well for you. Keep up the good work! My best wishes to you...Diane : )

Alicia! Fantastic....and a baby coming too! please come in more often and rub some of your positive energy over to us! I have been stuck in a rut for about 2 months now.....not moving up or down. I certainly have many more lbs to go still. I belive my last fill was too strong and that has played a negative effect on me. Seems things get stuck much more frequently.... and I have been known to self-correct in the privacy of my bathroom (to be polite). That leads to eating softer foods (including icecream) and well....poor results. I will make an appointment in the near future...just been too busy to fit one in. Now..Myra.....hope all is going well with you. How did you realize that your band had slipped? I think that is a fear many of us have in our subconcious. Ok....gotta go....please guys....give me some motivation and encouragement..........I need to get things moving OFF over here! big hugs....Diane

I am reluctant to enter this mudslinging.....but I have to say "Green" has a very good take on this.....and I felt expressed in a diplomatic, intelligent format. Diane : )

a wise person once said: Never engage in subjects of Politics, Religion or "Child Rearing" !!!! LOL hey... all in good spirit.....just remember to keep it light : ) Warmest wishes to all.....Diane

Ron, Certainly, no sane person agrees with the militant idiology....most Muslims will say they are harming their religion. As I also lived in an Islamic Country for a time.....I can tell you, most non-muslims are truly in the dark as to "what" are the muslim fundamentals. In the quran itself...which is sacred and considered God's word....it says: La iqraha fee deen....meaning there is no complusion in religion! Religion is a matter of the heart....it cannot be instilled by any sword. Muslims throughout its very begining have had non-muslims living within the community. They were protected and given all the rights like any other citizen. However, they were told not to engage in alcohol publicly (within the confines of their home was their sanctuary) They had to pay the taxes and would be subject to the laws like everyone else. Jewish scholars have all agreed that they lived "unpersecuted" under the Islamic caliphahs.....while their counterparts in Europe were suffering tremenous indignities. The religion does not preach aggression, only a defensive position if threatened. Now....certainly one can argue this point in today's current atmosphere. I am not an idiot....just trying to make sense of things like everyone else, but not wanting to buy into the daily propaganda being feed to us on "Fox" news! On that note....I listen and go online daily to BBC (British Broadcasting) and CNN International. I suggest others try doing that....it will expand your horizons. Militant or Radical groups from any genre are always dangerous and should not have a place in civil society. Religiously, there are radical Islamists, Christians, Jewish, Seiks and I'm sure others but they never represent their religion correctly....only a narrow, warped version that seems to give them the permission to forgo rationalism. (let alone all the nationalists, separatists and ethnic extremists) However, it is always wise to see what was the environment to seed such thoughts...and is there anything that could be done to relieve or calm down the pressure so that these people will not continue to find recruits into the madness! There is a lot of ugly injustice in the world.......that translates into some angry, misguided and very dangerous situations. Just my little 2 cents.....Diane

Thanks Green, I honestly feel if more Americans lived abroad (in any Country, Industrial or shoeless ones) for at least a 3 month stint......they would have a different perspective entirely. It should be a college requirement...lol Diane

I'm really reluctant to enter such a topic of discussion, however after reading the first dozen pages (I will read the rest over the coming days)......I was sucked in (maybe to be a big mistake on my part) but I do feel the whole premise is promoting racism. Ron, did you not start your opening point with the "5-6 million Muslims" in France and also sprinkled with tidbits of Sept 11??? What's with that? Are you not consciously and unconsciously showing Muslims as a negative? I am an American listed on the decedents of the Mayflower...as Colonial roots as they come, however I have also been fortunate to live overseas and travel abroad for two decades throughout many countries and continents. I agree there is much less tolerance for Jewish people in France....in fact I would say, Europe still has many layers of discrimination within it, but similarly the Muslims are disrespected too, have the lowest paying jobs...a lot of taxi drivers and hotel porters. There is a large majority of Algerian and Tunisian ie: North African Muslims living in France. Most are quite poor and struggling to survive to feed and support their families. In fact most non-pure "classic" French seem to hit the invisible glass ceiling. But I felt the biggest blatant racism in France is that against the Muslim population. It is also rampant in Germany. Part of it is in the numbers....they are taking all the menial jobs and there is some backlash on the unemployed "purists". Sort of like the stereotyping of the poor Mexican workers in our country. Man....I was always taught to respect a hard, honest worker....not to look down on him!!! This week....my 6th grade daughter came home with a paper from her technology class. The assignment was to commemorate the Sept 11 anniversary and to do research online. She also had a paper to fill out in which the very first question asked: A terrorist is a a) Muslim :waytogo: suicide bomber c) person who tries to scare people by killing and destroying My daughter said the student beside her answered "a". This assignment would not bother me "if" the teacher used this to open a discussion to debunk stereotyping....but alas....there was no single word mentioned and the residue of this assignment is now in the subconscious minds with a clear association of Muslims = terrorists. Could "a" have been replaced with Irish Catholic IRA, Spanish separatists ETA or perhaps even over zealous Orthodox Settlers in the West Bank.....I think not. But sure it is open season to hate the Muslims. America has to hate someone. In the 40's it was the German's & Japanese. In the 50's and 60's the Russians (I heard Russians don't smile) In the late 70's it became the Iranians...after the hostage crisis....hmmm I do believe we are still supposed to hate them. Then in the 80's our Beirut failure....we clearly needed to focus on the Mid-East. And well....now we have settled on hating the WHOLE darn Islamic world. Heck....it is only 1.61 billion people as of 2007 (about one fifth of the entire world!) Muslims are the majority in over 51 countries, speak 60 different languages and have very diverse ethnic backgrounds. But certainly...."you would be smart not to trust any of them". The point I am trying to make here is this....no one should be targeted for racism in any fashion. Does it exist? It sure does...but as individuals we have the choice NOT to fall into that ugly water. We as overweight people have seen discrimination based on size. It is wrong and unfair to be judged by stereotypes in any arena. I have taught my children not to judge anyone EXCEPT by their manners, integrity and character. I have NO TOLERANCE for any racism of religion, color, gender identification, economic background, ethnicity.....Nada....I will continue to judge all persons individually and with the respect and dignity that I would want to be treated with.....and that's all I have to say about that. I have stepped off my soapbox. Diane :faint:

<HR color=#a0c6e5 SIZE=1>Hi guys, I just wrote this scripted letter because I will be going silent again as there are certainly some issues happening in my life right now.Hope all is shimmery and bright on your side...my big hugs to you dear friends. Hmmm, where do I start? The fact that typing each and every word in the following sentences are being written 3 to 4 times each…is my personal challenge, I will try and limit my words. Where have I been and what have I been doing? In summary (only joking) I was in a plane crash….then a horrible car accident and now I am on a cruise ship heading into a hurricane….confused? So am I… and also overwhelmed. I had a bad virus about 7 weeks ago that caused me to have an emergency acute Pericarditis (inflammation and Fluid retention around the heart) that was the plane crash. I spent a week in the hospital while they drained fluid from my heart and both lungs and gave me steroids to stop the inflammation. I left the hospital and thought I was on the road to recovery….not quiet…here is the horrible car crash. I started deteriorating badly while on vacation in Chicago. I was in congestive heart failure due to the Pericardium membrane had become scarred and thickened and was now, not allowing my heart to expand. I rushed back to Akron on an emergency flight and was re-admitted into the hospital. Lots of attention and tests including having a Heart Catheterization which confirmed that I needed an emergency Pericardectomy operation. I now no longer have a pericardium membrane and instead I have a lovely ten inch scar down the middle of my chest from heart surgery. I spent over two weeks on the heart-ward. I came home today…..but I will be going back on Monday to start my cruise ship into the hurricane. During one of the operations, I had two mini strokes which is effecting my fine motor skills….i.e. the difficulty typing (this is taking me 2 hours….but I suppose it as a physical therapy and will help me towards my recovery) Because of the strokes, they ordered more tests including MRI’s and MRA (arteries) that led to finding a more ominous problem (can it really get worse?) They now ordered an angiogram catheter to probe my brain and found that BOTH my major cerebral arteries of the brain are over 75% blocked and I am having severe occlusive disease at the base of my skull called vaculitis(sp?) I will probably be checked into the Cleveland Clinic or the University Hospital System in Cleveland early this week, as we are mobilizing to find the most qualified Neuro/vascular surgeon in the area. My previous surgeries were at Summa (City hospital in Akron) Most likely, we will place shunts in those arteries….however, there is a possibility that I might respond favorably to immno suppressants and be able to forgo a dangerous surgery. These are the events that we are currently right in the middle of and will be determined as events unfold. I am in good spirits and actually feeling very grateful that we were able to realize something bigger was looming in the shadows. I am blessed and looking forward to facing this head on. There are still many unanswered questions….like what’s caused this process? Are they related in some way? Possibly and possibly it is some sort of auto-immune (my body is attacking itself) those answers will all be addressed as time passes new pieces of the puzzle come together. I will keep you informed, meanwhile, please keep my in your thoughts and prayers. Smiles and hugs, Diane Oh...and yes I am still losing wt....although it seems irrelivant.....It is probably a positive towards my overall recovery and I need every positive right now !!!! <SUB></SUB>

Drewslou....you ARE looking good....and -75...CONGRATS! Boy that is just terrific! And Hey Kim2be....I have an elliptical and a stationary bike that I use. Unfortunately, about 2 weeks ago I stayed on double my usual time....and the next morning, the disk in my back flared up (ouch) so now I have to wait till it totally settles or risk flip flopping with an achy back for months. I should have known better. It was the bike...I was watching HGTV decorating and house buying shows.....I sort of lost track of time and just kept peddling! (I will probably be out 1-2 more weeks....this is a setback...but I am used to bumps in the road..lol!) Oh....and as for putting the past behind & moving forward....I edited my signature 75%. It was waaaayyyy too serious. I think it's time now for a little FUN!!!! Lotsa Hugs...Diane : )

Kim2be....simply wonderful!!!!!! Amazing...you have lost 130 lbs already! That is just super work. And I can see you ARE doing the work involved for success. I feel ashamed that I am so casual over here! Hey....let's move past my health drama....that is really old and boring news. It's now time to get back into life and with you guys and start my catching up!!!! NO LOOKING BACK ANYMORE big hugs....Diane : ) Oh and Happy Birthday to Ya !!!!!

It certainly was a wild summer of '06 !!!! Luckily, summer of 07 is a bit on the boring side...LOL Turns out..it was not vasculitis at all....but a rare (1 in 2 million) disease called Moyamoya...and my both Coratids were actually blocked 100% and having "reverse" blood flow (if you can actually get worse than 100% that is it!) Surgery confirmed those numbers, making me one of the worst cases the doc had seen (but probably with the best post surgical results!) Anyhow....I am a walking miracle....and so very grateful. LOTSA Hugs to all, Diane : )

My last check in was Feb 02, 07 .....and I guess I didn't stay long. I really should have checked in, but I don't remember why or what kept me from typing. Anyhow......I just re-read this post....it is amazing all the wonderful folks that were here supporting me through that roller-coaster ride! You guys are just terrific. I am so sorry to have dropped off the planet..so to speak. I have had my house on the market....and I am always a phone call away from another "house showing". Of course, I have been recouping and trying to focus on my husband and (5) children....then keeping the house show-room ready (yikes) and with any down time leftover....I find myself snoring on the sofa!!!! I am happy to say that my health is in a good place and getting better. I am putting in a full days load and pretty much doing every normal thing...ie: driving etc.... (I do tire out a bit faster)...but I am looking and feeling pretty well overall. My wt loss is not where I would want it....but I was only able to start my first fill in January of this year! (better late than never) I have only lost 25lbs so far....and certainly need to do better in that department. That's what prompted me to pop back in here.....I need some re-energizing my spirit to get motivated in being serious about losing my extra wt! And of course, to see my dear friends and how well you are all doing. I certainly hope to hear great results from all of you guys!!!! I still have headaches....but they are much milder now. My dizzyness is also greatly diminished.....most of my symptoms are only mild versions of what they were before surgery. I am really very fortunate...and certainly blessed that I was given a new lease and a 2nd chance. I hope I will be worthy and thankful for all my blessings. My kids have their mom....and words cannot express my thoughts on that. Most people with what I had....are diagnosed after a catastrophic stroke...then they go about having the surgeries.....but they never return to pre-stroke condition. I came in just under the wire....without a major stroke or life threatening hemmoraging. So my post surgery results are the best anyone could hope for. I am walking, talking and functioning without any impairments! And with the increased blood flow....my mental clarity (brain fog) has improved greatly! Who'da thunk it? Big hugs to all.....Diane : )

I forgot to say hello to kim2b !!! Hope you are doing well mydear!!!! hugs...diane : )

Wow...it's was 2/02/07 when I last checked in here.....that's waaayyy to long! (but I sure had a lot of valid, crazy reasons) For those that remember me....I was banded on 5/23/06.....then 10 days later was hospitalized with a viral pericarditis (heart imflamation)....a month after that (July 5,06)...was back in the hospital having open chest surgery to remove the pericardium membrane from my heart...(I rapidly developed constrictive/restrictive pericarditis) That surgery resulted in two strokes...right and left arms...(it doesn't end there!)... They went to investigate the stroke damage and it was a jaw-dropping discovery of a rare life threatening condition called Moyamoya. My both coratid arteries of the brain had completely closed! The little collateral vessels were all swollen and trying hard to bring blood oxygen up to the brain but they were a mega hemmoraging risk waiting to burst. My diagnosis was so very rare (1 in 2 million) that not many docs had any knowledge on how to handle it. I found an expert in California and flew out in August 06 for double brain bypass surgeries! ...and it was life saving! Meanwhile....my lapband of May was put on the back burner......steriods were now on my meds list (reduce brain swelling) and well....steriod wt gain.Yuck My very first lap band fill was Jan 07 and I have now lost about 25 lbs. Not much....I wish it were a bit more....but I have been known to cheat with icecream (slapping myself). I went to the docs for 5 yrs with dizzyness and headaches....they told me I had apnea, fibromyalgia and migraines. Yeah right....and little lack of blood flow that went misdx'ed too! I had the lapband placed to solve my apnea problem, hoping it would improve my health issues...as that was the only valid dx that I actually had. Well......in a way.....you can say....(God) via the lapband literally saved my life! The lapband surgery was most likely the trigger that caused the pericarditis. I was absolutely Blessed in every sense! I am happy to say that I am doing quite well now......pretty much managing every normal event....and driving etc.... just I still tire out a bit quicker. My family is all well.....my house is still on the market (that is a stress that I would like to change soon) always showings....but no offers! So life is normal. I do miss coming in here.....I have been so busy just trying to keep things running in my home that any spare time....I usually try to take a rest! Now 3loves.... YOU are someone that I truly miss....I see your hubby has posted and that you have had some major events in your life! I hope all good! You and Myra were there for me....I so much appreciate that and will always hold that dear. (Myra I sent you a PM before seeing this thread) For all my other May 06 bandsters.....I sure hope you have had great success with over a year passing! You are all in my heart......I hope to jump in a wee bit more often! I came in today to re-energize and re-focus....now that I must get more serious!!! Wish me luck shrinking! hugs to all ... Diane : )

I have been going thru some of the past posts and I am sooooo sad to see that while I was away from the board.....things of trivial nature and personality clashes got in the way of support and solidarity here on the board. I see many members were actually suspended!!! Even 3loves was suspended. She was super supportive as a fellow May bandster.....I hope they will reinstate her if she is willing to come back. I will miss her and some of the others too. I have no desire to engage in mud slinging and I never will.......I have a renewed sense of priorities from all that has happened over the past few months and many posters here have serious issues happening in their lives right as we speak. Let's all use this board for what it is intended......to share much needed information, medical and personal.....related to our lapband decisions....and as an emotional support and friendship sharing our experiences and success with those who value our tribulations. For those not here anymore....if you can read this...you will be missed....this was a community......and you were all an important part of it. I'm so sorry things had to get out of hand and emotions took off in the wrong direction. Let's take a deep breath and hopefully this won't ever repeat itself. Many wonderful posters leave when they see negative posts. It is important to keep the integrity of the board, as we really do need each other. At least, I know... I need you guys!!! for my daily hugs and laughs....and well, just that good 'ol sense of belonging! : ) diane

shell....that's what my husband felt..(he's a pediatric cardiologist) and the other docs were thinking also.....especially because of the shortness of time / proximity to the lapband surgery. It seems right around 10 days pericarditis can develop after a surgery of any sort. And it probably was the result of my surgery....but we can never say for sure.....but in the big picture.....I really can't get upset over having the lapband surgery.....because, if this domino effect of mega health problems didn't start.....then I would have suddenly dropped dead from the moyamoya. So, in essence.....it saved my life....even if it probably was the catalyst for the Pericarditis. (in my opinion, the moyamoya had been developing in the background for at least 5 yrs...according to the sx's I were complaining about and experiencing) anyhow.....warm wishes to you.....and I will have you in my thoughts and prayers during your surgery. Are they comfortable with your autoimmune disorder and having the surgery? Well, I am sure they worked you up quite a bit!!!! Now....go and start taking your first skinny steps! diane : )

Hey Shell....I just posted a reply to you on my running "book" LOL happy to see they have fit you in early!!!! That's terrific....I'll have you in my thoughts and you should breeze through all this.....and if you are having a tough day.... just remember lotsofkids...first went thru lapband surgery and a week later an acute pericarditis and draining...a couple more weeks then an open chest surgery, pericardial stripping with 9 days of draining chest tubes, a couple of small strokes, then a month later, two brain bypass surgeries......then it all won't seem so bad after that!!!!!!! (Hope I didn't scare you...this is supposed to be taken as humor!) May you have an easy walk in the park......you'll do good....and don't worry about failing.....you will be a winner! I just have those good feelings.....and if you read my post.....you'll know....those good feelings all came through for me! : ) smiles....diane : )

Shell...... you know the frustration of not being dx'd (or misdx'd)....it can be frustrating and even depressing when you try to research your own health issues....because YOU know something is not right. Of course, you are exactly the expert now.....autoimmune can present as vasculitis, and pericarditis etc.....they can all be inter-related if you have an autoimmune disorder. The doctors were all looking into a connection with me thinking that it would highly unlikely to have two RARE dx's in the same month! (well, I was just lucky I guess) Lupus, Sjogren's syndrome..all those were in my workup (I did have a high cardiolipen so they were going down the list of all the autoimmune dx's and also having a history of mild pericardial effusion) if there was "any" chance of vasculitis which was not fully ruled out...this is what the docs said " most likely, we believe you have Moyamoya...and although we don't feel you have vasculitis...we cannot fully rule it out......we will know for sure when we go in and preform the brain bypass.....the artery being bypassed will disintigrated / disolved if you have vasculitis"......(just something to think about LOL) Now that would have really put me up a creek without a paddle! My hubby never slept a wink the night of the first surgery.....I went in very calm......I just knew it would all go smooth.....I just had an inner peace about the whole thing. well, you all got a book.....chapter by chapter.....but with a happy ending! smiles to all.....diane : )

I am overwhelmed at all this great support from all you guys!!!! Don't you have some wt loss to focus on or something? I am a total stranger and you have all come out in droves to follow my wild ride. I had barely met a few of you here....as all this crazyness started only a week after my lapband surgery and only got wilder and more colorful as they discovered more and more was going on!!!! Well, it was a summer to remember (or forget) according to how you want to look at it. I believe I was truly blessed....as I would have most likely had a very short future ahead. Thinking my health problems were a result of my apnea and wanting to solve my apnea symptoms thru having the lapband was the very least of it....all those doctors who let me drop thru the cracks for 5 yrs saying, apnea, migraines.....fibromyalgia...go stretch......well, now I want to stretch their necks!!!! As they took this...."you are young and active".....wait and see attitude with my complaints of fatigue and cronic dizzyness etc.... (sure...there wasn't any blood/oxygen flow to the "ol brain...duh!) Well, I was NOT meant to give up....and I am a testament to having a higher power not letting this come to a fateful end. I am now on the road to recovery and given the ultimate second chance!!!!! In a few months, I will get back on the wt loss...but for now...I'll focus on getting stronger.....and hey....maybe I'll be rollerblading in the spring! I think I figured out the photo thing...one is the right side surgery and one is the left side. My kids are calling me FrankenMom : )

looks like it worked!!!! I will write and thank you guys....after a few days....I am still pretty fatigued over here....and with a box of bills and miscellaneous "important" junk. But, I do want to say....having such wonderful people in my corner....really did make it that much nicer. Thank you all for your prayers and concern. You were an outpouring of support.....I want to hug you all.....so this is a giant ((((((((((GROUP HUG)))))))))) Smiles.....Diane : )

Ok guys....I arrived back in Cleveland yesterday.... : ) Still plumb tired out..but happily recovering. Figured I should give ya a peak at my brain surgery! Don't look if you are faint at heart. They did the same thing on both sides.... just a few days apart. My son calls it Frankenmom.....I told him I have the "coolest" scars of any mom! http://www.msnusers.com/15bh5d6dlq2oii39dbhjug4ra5/Documents/Pictures%2FIMG%5F0173.JPG i hope this works.....not sure I did it right. smiles.....diane :0 <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

Thanks guys you all helped to make this a little bit nicer and easier for me. I am slowly getting better and my headache level is tolerable now...so that is really a relief. They might release me to the hotel tomorrow in care of my sister who flew in last night to help me after Hubby had to go back home. PS: the designer PJ's were the result of local designers and they had a big fashion show complete with a runway fashion show in the Stanford Hospital....the winner was Karen Nueberger. My sister ended up buying a set of her household line of Jammies in the gift shop! She loved the background of the Jammies....and besides, they are really soft and cute!!! Who would have thought that you can enjoy hospital gowns....well, I guess California is ahead of it's time in a lot of things. Hmmm..designer Pj"s...a surprise visit from a past HGTV chatter here at Stanford...what more do you need with major brain surgery? The Kiddos are missing their mom...and I too am feeling the separation, but I am still weak. I will leave for home 9/09 so that should put me in a stronger position to travel. They removed my staples today from the 8/29 1st surgery...and they staples from 8/29 surgery will be removed this Wednesday at my follow-up. They did a repeat MRI today for the swelling...and if that is alright..they can release me as planned. The steroids are a major double dose...I am taking both prednesone and decatrone?? Between them it is equivent to about 125 mg a day......WAY Too much cortisone. I look like a pregnant woman that has two black eyes and has been down on her luck! But we all know I must be the luckiest woman walking this earth! I have a second chance here....and was blessed in every sense of the matter. Well.....I will hopefully touch base again soon.....you all really made it special....I thank you for being in my corner. Big hugs....Diane : ) Hey...warm wishes to all......diane : )