Hello PinkGirl
 

I have only been able to visit the site to peak long enough to find out who needs the prayers. Hubby is doing good, just in need of some extra care at the moment, thus my distant appearance and he is waiting to read the posts about Tiptoe!! Geesh, getting ready for my visit with Tiptoe has really got me tired!! I am printing out this thread today so I can sit and look at all the posts, this thread has filled my days with the laughter I need....and the pictures are the best!!

I have set up a spot for Tiptoe and Chester the Chipmunk is elated. My husband has a Petscan on Saturday so I am sure when we see Chester he is going to be even happier knowing we are working on his visit. We have plenty of food and all I need to do now is pick out a pair of earrings. I have been away like I said so I do not know if she has pieced ears or not, after all I need to go shopping and need to know what I am looking for.

My mother makes fleece blankets or hot/cold packs with pink cancer ribbon material. Mom has offered to make a blanket with pink ribbons on it for our loved Tiptoe. The blanket will be so beautiful and I know when she arrives she will want to be warm. Love you PinkGirl and cannot wait to see Tiptoe.>>Believe51

Could not resist
 

Tip's possessions
 

A new fleece blanket would be great. I'm sure Tip would really appreciate that. She doesn't have many possessions. As to her size, all her vital statistics are in her passport. I think she weighs a few ounces and standing up she is about 5 inches tall (not counting her tail) which is another 5 inches.

She will need a yellow t-shirt and a Livestrong bracelet for her visit to Livestrong/Lance Armstrong Foundation HQ here in Austin - I will start shopping now...

THe kids in the preschool downstairs would love to meet Tip. We will visit the bird feeder in case she's hungry.

I don't know about all this. If I start getting too friendly with chinese hamsters, my Barry Manilow cutout might get jealous! He loves to accompany me to my infusions...
[IMG]file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/chris.000/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot.jpg[/IMG]

Tiptoe must come to Toronto!!
 

Hey PinkGirl,

Since Tiptoe is Canadian by osmosis, I guess, I really think she should make a stop in Toronto on her way back to you at some point so I can take her to that most Canadian of games - a Toronto Maple Leaf Hockey Game. I will get her a Maple Leafs cap.

all the best
caya

Hey Chrisy... Here's To You... And That Great Smile Of Yours...
 

CHRISY, Every time I look at your photo I want to join you in a cabernet... Love your Barry M. cutout. I bring Paul to my infusions, for real, along with 18 bagels and cream cheese. The nurses love us! That's 9 yrs of bagels (w/ 3 yrs EVERY wk). Last tx we also brought a Costco apple pie. Do you have any idea how huge a Costco any thing is????!!!! Paul looked over near the end of that infusion and the cake was nearly gone. Most of the bagels were still there. My sweet nurses have a definite sweet tooth. They'd do anything, admittedly, for dark chocolate. (We save that for Christmas...) http://cdn-cf.aol.com/se/clip_art/gstres/thghts/smile

Andi

I adore this thread. Everybody better take pictures of Tip when she visits them. Tip is a hoot!!

Since listening to Tiptoe's music I have decided I want her to come to Georgia for a visit. She'll find plenty of country music here and I know that my grandson Eli will just shower her with love and affection. Add my name to her itinerary.

I just finally got caught up on all Tiptoe's doin's! What a card she is, and if she comes to Oregon to visit Catherine, I would love to meet her, and you too Your Highness aka Catherine of Oregon :)

Tiptoe can tip over two birds with one stone
 

Tiptoe can visit me and Lolly at the same time. Fly her into Portland, I will pick her up and drive south to Salem. Lolly can come up from Corvallis and we can meet in Salem, the State Capitol. I am sure we can get an audience with the Governor. Our state song here is Louie,Louie, So Tip will have to be able to do a little rock and roll shuffel along with the country slide. Lolly and I will work out all the details.

On the road again...here's to Tip and all her friends.
Catherine
Lolly....should we start shopping for journals and earrings now?

Wh-a-a-a-t???
 

Catherine -
Your state song canNOT be "Louie, Louie." It is OUR state song!! Even though the Kingsmen were from Portland WE have a Senate resolution that changed Washington's state song!

So, maybe "Louie, Louie" is the UNofficial state song in Oregon, we can have Tiptoe decide on which side of the Columbia River she wants to dance to it. How about that?? We may have to meet in the middle of the bridge for an official ceremony. I can bring Paul Revere and the Raiders if you can round up The Kingsmen.

Anyone found a really teeny iPod for her yet?

TipToe is invited to visit Tokyo at any time. She could visit the huge fish market which is just across the street from the National Cancer Center where I go every Tuesday for my Herceptin treatments. The sushi chefs at the conveyor belt sushi shop might even let her run a little on the conveyor belt.

Over and over again
 

My Japanese boss told me years ago that Asians are more likely to lack a certain enzyme that helps most people process alcohol. TipToe could genetically have a low tolerance.

Thank you very much
 

for the warm response to Tiptoe. If we can keep up with the postage, she has the opportunity to visit Scotland, Ireland, Australia, Japan, go to a Leafs hockey game, Disneyland, the Kentucky Derby, the BCS in Texas and meet the grand pooh-pahs of Genentech, have her portrait painted, meet Chester the chipmunk and go with Ed to a "pet" scan, go ice fishing, drink chocolate martinis and margaritas, go to AA, have a hamstervention on A&E, hang out in a back yard full of chipmunks in Wisconsin and have an audience with the governor of Oregon (does anyone know the pope?)

Now that we know about her predisposition to alcoholism, we'll have to keep a close eye on her. Maybe R.B knows of some fish oil supplement that will help with that missing enzyme. I can't wait till she gets to Andi's so someone else will have actually met her in person. She's quite the rat, I mean rodent.

What are her favorite foods? We will need to know what restaurants to take her to in San Antonio. I hope she likes mexican food, and I am sure she likes margaritas... Should I buy her a sombrero?

Tip's favourite foods
 

Attachment 399She had a hangover most of the time she was here. She drank some water
and nippled on cheese and peanuts. You'd probably do best with finger foods or maybe just order appetizers for her (with cheese). She definitely could use a sombrero - it was cool here when she left, but I warned her about wearing something to keep the sun off of her head. She has sunscreen. As for gifts, I forgot to mention that she likes to paint her nails.

Attachment 117

One manicure/pedicure coming up... My pleasure.
 

Okay, did I miss something? Y'all are talking about music. I couldn't access Chrisy's link? Is that where I got lost behind?

I have *diamond* studs waiting for Pinkie's pierced ears. (Got them as a free gift from the Shiseido counter in Bloomingdale's.) I have a pink bc bracelet for her and a pink ribbon pin w/a HOPE charm to hang from it. I have sunglasses (w/UV protection) also (another free gift from Shiseido). Guess I buy a lot of moisturizer...

PINKIE, MY SWEET -- A WHOLE PICTURE OF YOU! This is blowing my mind. It is so nice to see all of you! THANK YOU FOR SHARING your dimples, bangs and all... And for starting the TipToe craze on the board. We're all in love and so anxious to physically share our energy, almost like in person, w/ea other. Anxiously awaiting the arrival of our mascot Chinese hamster (w/ or w/o her ovaries in tact). I could so empathize if it is the latter, being one *tata* down, though I have SUPPLEMENTED, OF COURSE w/my tram flam (I mean flap). http://cdn-cf.aol.com/se/smi/0201e05fca/08 Not complaining. I'm balanced -- and feel ONE WITH THE UNIVERSE, in harmony... In sync.

WITH LOVE TO ALL MY SISTERS AND BROS,
Andi http://cdn-cf.aol.com/se/clip_art/gstres/celebrte/heart

Andi
I posted a link to her music....it was on page2...here it is.
Just wondering
What kind of swim suit will tip be wearing in Florida...I'm thinking she may need a thong with the tail issue she has.
I wish she could have come with me and my nurse friend to Key West last time we went....on second thought, maybe best she didn't....don't want to expose her to the wild side of breast cancer patients.

www.webhamster.com

Oh That Song...
 

Oh Sheila, That music is too funny. Makes me want to jump in the air and click my heels (even though I can't imagine I am physically capable of doing so). That song is sooo *spirited*! I will have to return to it throughout my day when feeling a lull in my energy center. THANKS for that.

I think TipToe will go topless (w/sunscreen of course). A free Spirit, after all... And I have a private pool, so...

Still can't get over the treat of FULL FRONTAL Pinkie! What a happy face. So glad for the pic, Pink One. And for all the other pics you attached. How clever you are. How'd you do that anyway??

Was in chemo rm today wishing I had Tip w/me. All the staff were wearing PINK! (BC Awareness mnth, ya know...) Guess we're all *aware* every month, I'm just sayin...

BTW, I'm aware in a GOOD way. There just always seems to be a moment where I free associate to the conversation and mention my situation. I am obviously (I'm told) full of joy and serenity, so when I speak of my experience, others feel inspired, and I don't mean just bc others. Met a divorced single mom yesterday, stressed out and overwhelmed. She sat mute getting manicured; couldn't even respond when asked what color polish she wanted. She just smiled. So we chatted over our nail-drying machines. You know, I can't keep my mouth shut. I write long posts... You can imagine what having an actual one on one conversation is like. Oh dear...

Others are immediately drawn in to the bc tale of horror told w/o any sign of the struggle evident. You look fabulous/great, they say. I think -- what, for an almost dead person? They look at me w/admiration and a sudden epiphany that their cares and woes could be so much worse. Their perspective expands and they start to brush the sky (which has seemingly fallen on their shoulders) off. They often part happy and saying things like, God bless you, You're beautiful inside and out, I love you... And my day is made! I bounce off feeling ONE WITH THE UNIVERSE, and *on purpose*! Just thought I'd share. Being aware of having or having had (as I see it) bc isn't always a burden, you know what I mean??

And TipToe will surely brighten my days, till I pass her on with loving energy from me and Pinkie to Marie (our chief BELIEVER). And then she will carry on w/the good vibes of three or four or so and on and on... What an awesome joyful venture we have undertaken. Can't wait to see the journal.

BIG HUGS,
Andi http://cdn-cf.aol.com/se/smi/0201e05fca/06

the hamster music
 

Andi, the music is in Sheila's post

www.webhamster.com

Thanks Pink Girl
 

See my post above, please...

Andi http://cdn-cf.aol.com/se/smi/0201e05fca/08

another picture of me
 

Attachment 400This is Tip's favourite picture taken at my house

From L to R

Bob, Tiptoe, PinkGirl

Attachment 118

Hello...
 

OKAY, AM I THE ONLY ONE WHO SEES BOB'S FEET, TIPTOE AND PINKIE'S FEET?? Am I doing something wrong...? Andi

ABB,
Surely you know that TIPTOE likes to be the center of attention! So there are only toes in the picture!

The three of us.....
 

We lined up in the living room for a picture and that's how it turned out.
She's not very tall!!!

Her ovaries must be the size of a chocolate chip...
 

I SPENT 15 MIN, on 3 separate occasions, trying to figure out how to EDIT the pic. Funny. The world from Tiptoe's standpoint. So cute.

I am often on the floor w/Chase and Scamp, as they too are rather small. We will have fun when she gets here. I'll tell y'all all about it. Promise.
Andi http://cdn-cf.aol.com/se/smi/0201e05fca/06

When I read your post Pinkie, wishing every one in Canada a happy thanksgiving, I thought I'd fallen down the rabbit hole at first. Living in Fla and not having kids in school, I forget what season it is. Did we have Halloween yet, I thought??? What a minute, what month is it? I was a bit disoriented, till I focused on the word Canada. HAPPY THANKSGIVING. Turkey, stuffing and all the good stuff! Thank goodness. I don't have to cook yet...

Andi,
Let us know as soon as Tip arrives. The trip could have been a long one for her. Knowing her reputation she may be tipsy. If so, give her plenty of coffee so she can enjoy the pool. Hope you don't have any peeping Tom's when she is sunbathing in the nude!
Donna

Assume She'll Come By U.s. Mail Vs Ups...
 

Promise to let y'all know the minute Tipsy (I mean Tiptoe) arrives!

Pinkie -- is she *boxed* or in a padded envelope. Poor dear. I will smother her with kisses and hugs, little weary traveler. Will arrange to have sunshine to greet her (in between major thunder storms lately). Mid 80s and beautiful mostly... Have tinted shades for her to wear (free from Shiseido).

Andi http://cdn-cf.aol.com/se/smi/0201e05fca/06

sorry Andi
 

I didn't mean to confuse you with the world according to Tiptoe photo or the early Thanksgiving. I think it's early here because of the climate. I once lived in a northern town that had it's fall fair in August!

Tiptoe is boxed. I tried a padded envelope but I couldn't fit everything in.
I wanted to make her a little straw nest to burrow into and along with her journal, pen, passport, a few personal items, I put in a little lunch for the trip(really). You might smell the package before you see it. I sent her via Canada Post Air Mail - nothing but the best for our hamster!!!

I have heard of parcels sitting at the border for awhile, so I don't know how long it will take her to get to you. I think it has been a week now. She could get stopped at customs if her lunch starts to rot and the package stinks. I was hoping she would eat it first. Oh well, she can rest up for all the activities everyone has planned. :)

Will Advise All Upon Tiptoe's Arrival!
 

Here's hoping Tipsy's lunch doesn't rot. I have this image of the custom's guy stiffing the box and pondering...

You do make me laugh, Pink One...Andi http://cdn-cf.aol.com/se/smi/0201e05fca/08

if you look at the video I highly recommended with an interview with an18yearsurvivor
 

of lymphoma treated with essentially the first monoclonal antibody, she made earrings and other jewelry depicting the mice (used at that time, now I think they also use Chinese hamster ovaries) used to make her medication (Rituximab). They are quite lively and attention-diverting and might give someone the idea to immortalize Tiptoe and her merry hamster elves.

Have a great weekend.

Can't see link to video
 

Lani
Am I missing something? I can't find any link or attachment to your last post about a mouse video.

Midnight humor
 

Well, I should be in bed since it is almost midnight. But, I had to check in first and get the updated chapter on Tiptoe. Tiptoe does photograph well. Thank you Pinkie for the great photos. And thank you for packing Tiptoe so carefully. I am just hoping that after sunbathing topless she will be even willing to leave Florida. She probably will want to spend the winter there. I am thinking that if Tiptoe could call me collect from Andi's, that I could hop on a plane and join them at the pool. In the meantime, I will keep my unreconstructed chest covered and stay under my rain umbrella. Go Tiptoe!!! Life is an adventure and you are living it. And so are WE!!!!

Catherine

Ahhh, the life of Tipsy the hamster. What a ham! Around the world in 80 days (unless held up at the border...) I wonder if she has her passport with her, or do you think she left it on the bar? Andi - be sure and slather her with sunscreen! You don't need a drunken, sunburned rodent ruining your reputation in the neighborhood! I bet she is a funny, happy, cocktail drinking hamster, though! And I am guessing that she will want to go to the beach, too! Warn her about getting sand in her bikini - especially uncomfortable in a thong...

Still here--I did not think a link was necessary as it had not been
 

that long since I posted the link to the video I recommended, but as it happens we have been a very busy website with lots of new threads posted since I started that thread and it was a page or so back so here it is:

http://her2support.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=30290

Tiptoe?
 

You guys might have to really work on Tip to get her to come out of her shell. She was very quiet when she was with me. Other than the drinking episode, she pretty much behaved herself. And, she is a very quiet "drunk" as you could see from the picture of her passed out. I couldn't get her into the water here, but it was cold. She walked on the beach and stood on some driftwood once, climbed up a tree once and looked like she was going to take a dive, but she never touched water. Hopefully, a warm, private pool will be more to her liking.

Any sign of her yet Andi? I feel like she's still my responsibility until she gets to you - then I can relax. I know she will be in good hands. Have you decided which supplements you're going to give her? I know you will feed her well - her regular diet is high in the omega 3's so don't bother supplementing that. But I think she could use some work with the mind/body connection. Maybe she'll come back to me as one with the hamster universe!!! :)
I miss her already. I keep looking in my big basket of wool and expect to see her little nose nestled into some angora.

Looking Out For Tiptoe...
 

Still no Tiptoe. I am anxiously awaiting... I feel like you've thrown the ball to me, Pinkie, and I'm waiting to catch it, or her I should say. Always looking for a good drinking partner. Stocked up on wine in anticipation. I won't give her a balloon glass like the one I drink from. She could probably fit right into one of my 24-ouncers. Did you give her a saucer for such occasions? Is she a guzzler?

If she has no ovaries, I'm assuming she won't be hot flashing, so no need for those supplements. Do you think she'll want an immune booster of mushroom blend w/Cat's paw bark?

I didn't know Tipsy was shy. I can relate. I like her personality already. I was shy as a child/young adolescent. Make that into my 20s... Then I decided to work on that characteristic, and have burst forth w/lots of opinions and much to say. And share.
I now approach strangers and start conversations. I chat w/the salespeople taking my phone order. They tell me really neat stuff, revealing their life experience.

Just read an interview w/Elizabeth Edwards. She struck up a conversation w/a young man/recent college grad who had a seat near hers (for the University of South Carolina games). They got to know each other and he has taken her son Jack under his wing. He spent the summer with a friend and Jack making paths in the Edwards' woods, as Elizabeth had wanted to do. She is quoted as saying, "You get these moments of incredible generosity. But the truth is you have to be the person who talks to the guy sitting next to you. You have a part in this. It doesn't just happen to you." She speaks of needing to reach out and then you get this great gift! (I'll have a good talk with Tiptoe when she gets here. Spiritually expand her sphere of awareness...)

I am going to look around the house for a basket for her to nestle in. Hadn't thought that out. Maybe I can use one of Chase and Scamp's sheepskin rugs. They are good about sharing.
Andi http://cdn-cf.aol.com/se/smi/0201e05fca/06