OchoRios - After the Dance

[Marilyn]

Re: OchoRios - After the Dance

Thanks PLJ

Everybody has that within them. Hopefully most of us won't ever have to pull it up, but if ever challeged you would do the same.

One way it was a blessing cause it really made life sweeter.

[MsKat]

Re: OchoRios - After the Dance

Ms. Marilyn:

MsKat here (the left-brained cute one) -- what is lymphodema? You know my brain is like a sponge and wants to understand fully the big picture.

Curious ....

[sammy]

Re: OchoRios - After the Dance

(((((((((((((marilyn))))))))))))))

God is not finished with you...you still have many more to touch (hard to believe but true) and many more blessings to share....He made you with the strength of a Lion and a openess to receive His blessings.....

Your work is not done and that is why He continues to bless you every June. He knows how much we not only love you but NEED you!

Thank you Father for looking after my sister.

[Marilyn]

Re: OchoRios - After the Dance

Kat
When they go in and take out your lymph nodes to check and see if the cancer has spread or not, in 10% (yeah I was one of the "lucky" ones) of the people that have the nodes removed, the body's immune system is disrupted. In most patients, the nodes that are left take over and they suffer no ill effects. In the other 10% you develop this disease which maifest itself in swelling of the effected arm, which in my case is the left.

One day I was doing yard work bending over a lot and pulling weeds. I felt bad and went in the house. My left breast and left arm swelled to three times their normal size. That was about a year after my cancer treatment. I was then diagnosed with lymphodema.

The treatment was a series of massages to train the lymph nodes on the right side of my body to take over. That is why when we go to Jackie's on the Reef I never get massages because normal massage will confuse my system.

I also had to be wrapped in bandages like a mummy every day for about six weeks. Gradually the swelling went down. There is no known cure for this disease.

Technically I am supposed to wear a pressure sleeve under my clothes everyday. I am not supposed to drink, get in hot tub,in the sun, or have manicures and pedicures, and plane flight is bad for it too. As we know I do all of the above, so I have been lucky.

I haven't had a probblem with it in years, and hope that it will stay that way. I'm one of the lucky ones.

(((((((((Sammy))))))))) how very sweet. I guess just getting the message out there is what God had for me to do.

[MsKat]

Re: OchoRios - After the Dance

Thank you for this bit of info Ms. Marilyn. I remember you told me you couldn't get the massage due to your treatment, but I didn't realize the depth of the side effects -- wow, another reason why you inspire.

I always tell my daughter learn something new everyday, that way you know you did not waste the gift God gave you.

I guess I can pack it in and go home now .... [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

[swedishrasta]

Re: OchoRios - After the Dance

((((All jam.com peeps)))

Thank you for your inspirational words...and I too believe that us that have survived the big c....we have more work to do...it was not our time.... Keep fighting...stay strong!!!

Jah will protect and guide....

S

[DiamondDave]

Re: OchoRios - After the Dance

MissM...

June2June, Baby!!

wasn't there a really cool trip report somewhere in this thread ?? [img]/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

swedish...fight the good fight!!

[Marilyn]

Re: OchoRios - After the Dance

Yeah DD

As the board turns, sometimes these threads take a twist and turn here and there.

Thanks for the support.
I can always count on you.

[Vi]

Re: OchoRios - After the Dance

I just finished reading this for the third time. Marilyn dahlin sis, this comment from me is long overdue but it was so hard to face the conclusion of one of the best times of my life. Marilyn I missed our daily girl talk and travels together the moment I landed back in the states. I guess it’s a grieving or sorts.

Anyone who knows Marilyn, knows she adores and embraces Jamaica, however she really comes alive once she hits Ochi. I saw this incredible transformation for myself and I am so grateful to have been a part of her July 1004 Ochi Experience. She unselfishly shared her passion with me and as a result, I have made a small part of Ochi my own. I would have never met the people I met, eaten at the places I dined or walked through the overgrown vegetation that covers her One Love Trail or hiked the peaks of her Skycastles had I not been with Miss Marilyn herself.

Marilyn, your writing is fabulous and your pictures capture the true beauty of each and every subject. Each time I read this report, I felt something new, more wonderful emotions that draw me even closer to Ocho Rios and Jamaica. I remember the cruise ships slowly coming into port and the people eagerly exiting them like a stream of ants. I remember the business actions on Fisherman’s Beach and the peaceful moments on FB.

The time that you spent with Marshall playing pool was the perfect distraction, even though he didn’t let you win. I am glad he was there for you. I realize because of lack of time, you were not able to show me a lot of your favorite spots. I look forward to seeing more of them and possibly some new ones you discovered this trip such as that pool hall…(smile). I say this over and over, Napi and Lil’ Sis, you are in for a treat hanging with this Lady in November.

Really wish I could have stayed to enjoy Orbra, Lisa, Brownie 2 and posse too. Sounds like you had a ball. In fact, I know you did. I need to remember to ask Orbra how she liked Carib Condos. What is the beach there like?

Well girlfriend…GFT/Negril and Bashment/Ocho Rios is officially over. But the memories will be with me forever. I’ve printed this report and Angie’s -- the perfect opening and closing of our experience in Jamaica. (The printer is still working overtime on the core report…lol…) Hennyway… I’ve learned so much about Jamaica that I realize what I have experienced is only a drop in the bucket. I yearn to see and learn more and can’t think of more perfect travel buddies than you and Angie. You both with humble hearts and souls, shared your joy of your Beloved with all of us.

Marilyn, one of my biggest fears was finding out about the damage Ivan had done to FB…you hit me with the painful truth, but then also told me, not to worry…they have already started rebuilding. I was so happy to hear this because I truly love that place. I have already shopped for as many people as I can whom you suggested will need much assistance since the hurricane. I know these folks will appreciate all that we bring.

Oh about you finding the man of your dreams and falling in love…lawd gyal…it wasn’t like you didn’t have choices!!! And MANY of them!!! Seriously, I understand what you meant and how you feel…just remember…as Sammy said and I truly believe, so much more happiness is yet to come your way because you are deserving of it all. It will happen soon sis and I can’t wait to be there when I see you smile and hear you say in that so sweet southern drawl along with that little girl giggle, “Vi, baby…yep...he’s the one.”
[img]/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

sistah..me luv you bad, bad. nuvembah soon come.

[Marilyn]

Re: OchoRios - After the Dance

Thank you VIVI

I really enjoyed your comments ...almost like a mini-report.

Man of my dreams....now theres a thought. Hope springs eternal in the human breast.

[Englan Girl]

Re: OchoRios - After the Dance

I probably would not turn down a free Stripe even if it came from Dracula.

Woman, you and me both. as long as it's in JA [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

[Marilyn]

Re: OchoRios - After the Dance

And you are my girl fi tru

[evesisland]

Re: OchoRios - After the Dance

What a story! Thank you (((Marilyn))) for sharing.

[Marilyn]

Re: OchoRios - After the Dance

eve
Thank you for reading it.

[Kumtecky]

Re: OchoRios - After the Dance

Originally posted by Marilyn:
[qb] My husband

There is this man on Fisherman’s Beach who they say was once a high ranking officer in the US army. He now is homeless, ill kept, and wanders the streets carrying a small square satchel everywhere he goes, what is in it, I don’t know.

He thinks that I am his wife. He calls me Michelle. He says that we have been married for a long time. This started about two trips ago, and he has not dropped it since. No matter how long I stay away, he recognizes me when I return and picks up right where “we” left off.

[/qb]

I know the man you are talking about...when I was there in August he and I were to be starting a church. Quaby one of the men that live on the beach told me his story, he used to receive money from the army, but since this war it has stopped.