Illinois ladies facing bc
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Hugs back to you Blackjack.
May the sunshine brighten your day, and all the wonderful ladies on this site!
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Mich....I like your avatar. Blackjack....it is hard to keep sending the ones we love away.......let the sunshine warm you and take the blues away.
I'm up.....not my best morning...hopefully that pretty sun will help me improve as well. I didn't expect the messy mouth....hoped that would be over but we will see. Forgot to take my extra potassium as well as the shot...must have been really out of it last night....I'll get back on track today. Back is a bit stiff, but not any real pain so I'm fine there.
Hope you all have a fantastic day...I'll be thinking about you and hoping for it.
Jackie
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Hi Everybody!!!!! Sorry to be out of touch so long. I had my follow-up with my surgeon FINALLY! On thursday. I was afraid she would chew me out for taking so long, but she was okay with that. Said is was okay that I just "chilled" for a while. New is good! Size was 6mm, margins are "extra wide", ER+, PR-, HER-. ER was only 20% positive, thought, so what might that mean....?
So she gave me two cards, one for a medical oncologist, and one for a radiation oncologist. I asked her if there was any way I could get out of radiation, and she looked at me like I was nuts and said "why, when there is a 38% chance of recurrence without it?" (Later I thought why didn't I ask what the chance of recurrence is WITH radiation... but I'll ask onc that que.
So I'm feeling better. THank you guys for getting me going forward!
I'm painting my sister's house this weekend, trying to bring in some more cash so I can pay my medical bills......Yikes!
More later, hugs to all. Special hug to Blackjack. My spring flowers make me think of you and everytime I do I'm sending you good energy.
Suzanne
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Suzanne,
We've been waiting for your report and it sounds pretty good!
As for the rads, you can do it. They give you cream to apply so that you don't burn and the worst part is just having to go everyday. It only takes a few minutes for each rad treatment and you're back out the door and on your way. You get a little tired by the end of the rads but it's nothing that you can't correct with a nap now and then. You will do O.K.
The 20% refers to the fact that you are only slightly ER +. This means that your cancer was not highly fueled by estrogen. They will consider this after your rads when deciding whether to give you tamoxifen pills for 5 years. Some oncs like to go ahead and give you these meds if you are only slightly positive. My onc felt that way as I was slightly PR + and I am taking Arimidex which is for women you have "gone through menopause." Other oncs think that it's going to do as much good for you and don't prescribe the pills.
You have a very good prognosis though. Your tumor was small, the lymph nodes were not involved, and your surgeon got clean margins. That's all a plus for you. The rads will get rid of any microscopic cells that remain in the incision area. Then you'll be able to move on!
HUGS! Enjoy this warm day!
Rita
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Hello to everybody! THE SUN IS OUT! YEAH!!!
Jackie, I'm sorry that you're not having the best day today. Just lounge around and do what feels right to you. I did pick up some of the odor concentrate when I was at Sam's last night. I haven't had a chance to try it out yet but I bet it works just as good as that expensive stuff I ordered on the Internet. Thanks to you and Kater for that info.
Blackjack, I understand how hard it is to send a son (or daughter) back to school or to a distant home. I feel the same way everytime I leave my son's house in Kentucky or they leave after a visit her. I think it's called "being a Mom" and we're so lucky to have such good relationships with our sons. Still it is hard and I've shed my share of tears over the years at the partings, too. HUGS!!!
Susan, I hope you're still doing O.K. My heart goes out to you.
Wendy...love your friendship graphics! Keep them coming when you have a chance.
Well, I know I haven't addressed everyone once again but I'm thinking of you. We need to go to Lowe's and pick up the tub that finally arrived. The bathroom remodeling can now begin! When two weeks have passed and it's still not finished, please remind me how excited I was to have the tub arrive and get moving on the project! LOL
Have a good weekend!
Rita
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I'm back home after another long day, but much earlier. I'm going to do the curl up thing for sure.....and I won't forget my shot and pill this time.
Glad you all sound so up-beat....if I am not, believe me the next best thing for me is to hear all the others who are so keep it coming.
I think I'm in the doldrums thinking the mouth issues would not be an item...and I remain with the lumps of material stuck in my throat which I have to force out in order to find some comfort.....oh well.
I'm here....so they can't get me too far down....
Ya'll all take care.............I'll check in tomorrow.
Jackie
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Hope everyone is having a nice weekend
Jackie so sorry you are having a ruff time of it. I remember to well having to give my self a shot everyday my DH couldn't even look at the little vial and if he saw the syringe.....get a tow truck to pick him up!! OK he wasn't quite that bad but it was close!
Blackjack when did u have rads? mine was little over a year ago and now getting sore & swelling kinda like pulled muscle weird didn't think se would show up year later
better get bedtime stuff done
everyone have a great day!
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Morning Everyone! Boy...we were all busy yesterday! Sun is out right now, going up to 51 here in South Elgin but I saw on the weather channel something about snow showers which of course I had heard for tomorrow, but they said 3-5 INCHES???????? Sigh.....
Rita....Your tub is in...YAY!!!!! Be sure and send us pics when it is all done.
Calypso.....you got GREAT news! And with a 38% chance of it coming back without rads, I personally would be running to the rad onc! Rita's right....for most of us rads was a big "nothing". It's just the everyday thing of it that I hated. I had 38 zaps. There are some like Blackjack who have a tough time but there is no way to predict how our skin will hold up. Go the the radiation thread and start reading...you will be encouraged I think. I think what we were all trying to tell you is this....you need to do what is right for you, as well as what the experts tell you is right for you. If you are so dead set against rads AND (and this is a big AND) can live with your decision should your cancer come back (and I know - you are sitting there saying, but I have only a 38% of it coming back, I HAVE A 62% CHANCE OF IT NOT, EVEN WITHOUT RADS), then you will be OK without the rads. Now me...in the beginning I did everything and anything I could to get out of having chemo but being Her2+, rationally, I didn't have a choice. So I whacked it hard with everything and anything I could get my hands on as when all way said and done, I knew that I personally could not live with myself if it came back and I had not done everything I could the first time. Remember....your prognosis is excellent and there are all lot of girls just from this thread alone who wish we had yours. You have an excellent chance at a complete CURE with lumpectomy and rads. JMHO, tho, honey. You need to live with your decisions. Ask Blackjack re: her decision about Tamoxifen! We all wrestle with the "what-to-do's"!
Karin....I was fine after rads too except for a rash on my rib area under my breast and some soreness there. I finished 7/18/2007. I find that my ribs (or rather rib meat) is a bit tender now and the breast tissue is tender and from what I understand this is almost the norm and in most cases goes away with time. So there you are....you can copy this post....I have just proclaimed you normal.
Laura...you home??? Have fun???
Jackie....I am so sorry your mouth problems have come back. This is directly related to chemo, correct? I mean, you don't have some infection/allergy/sinus problem or something? Just a thought.....rest up today and let DH take care of you.
Nicki....where are you?????
Everybody else...hope you have a wonderful Sunday! I'll check back later and see what everyone has been up to.
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Good Morning Ladies,
What a great day to wake up to sun shine...looks like spring maybe still coming..lets hope for the best..Wendy,we need the snow-be-gone-fairy.
My son left yesterday to go back to school..he sat at the airport for 4 hours waiting for his flight which was cancelled 3x. He finally got back at 7pm. I miss him already.
Karin and Clyspo..I finished my rads in July 07, so I am 8 months out and I am still having problems. My cause is different from others as I had severe burns and chest swelling. Now I have lung problems..asthma from it. I was doing the accelerated program as I was doubled dosed in a short amount of time 21 tx and 4 boost. Most girls do fine w/o any problems.
Wendy.. thank you for the lympoedema number. I am going to call next week.
Jackie.. I hope you are doing better today.. I hope the sunshine makes you feel better.
Leesa.. were are you???? Did you have your rx and md appt. Please let us know how you are.
Rita..hope you have fun redoing your bathroom. I love decorating and what to redo my whole house. lol
Mich101.. how are you doing? and thanks for the hug. I really needed it.
To everyone else..I hope you have a great Sunday. Off for some breakfast now..will check back later..
Hugs to all,
Blackjack
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Hello all,
I saw it through. My husband and I were by my mom's side when she left us last night. The whole ordeal has been dramatic, but her passing was not. She just stopped breathing and she left us. Thanks for all you support. I am just going to rest now and do what I need to do to get her back to Arizona as her place is in a cemetary there and she will be next to my father. The funeral home does everything.
Suzanne, I kinda missed you in the beginning but yes, your prognosis looks great. You are lucky in an ironic way. I had burns with my radiation, like Black Jack, but I have no regrets and would do it all over again. Black Jack, that stinks about the asthma. Did you have that before the rads.
I received this huge packet on ME about from the Lance Armstrong Survivalship program I am in. I have more information about me than I want to have, but it is good. I smoked many years ago and I guess there is something I can do now with radiation to offset any lung cancer because of my treatments. I guess I have an increased risk due to treatments and a history of smoking of developing lung cancer. I need to read about it. Obviously I am not jumping into anything right now. I guess this is what is good about this program is that you learn the risks and you can proactively work to reduce them.
Well, I am thinking about you women who are not feeling up to par today. I am going to just rest all day myself. Thanks again!
Susan
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Susan.....my condolences on your Mom's passing. It seems that she went very calmly, very peacefully. And that is what I know you wished for her.
Hugs, my friend. Don't worry about her....Your Dad will show her the ropes, and I'm hoping my Mom stops by to say"hello" to her...my Mom was really sweet and nice (I take after my Dad LOL)and I think your Mom will like her.
But nice too, that you and DH were right there with her, saying "Bon Voyage" and wishing her well on the next leg of her adventure.
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Susan,
I'm so sorry to hear about your Mom and so glad that she went peacefully. I'm sure your Dad will welcome her with open arms, and if she hasn't already run into Wendy's mom and my mom, it probably won't be long until she does. My mom never knew a stranger so I imagine she's part of the greeting crew. Hugs to you and your family, dear sister.
Rita
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The sun is shining and it's 51 degrees here. Unfortunately, we have a similar forecast to yours, Wendy. It's supposed to snow this evening and tomorrow morning. Hurry up, spring!!!!!
We have all the bathroom fixtures and supplies piled in the garage now! Wednesday is the day that we're going to start ripping things out so I have to get all the necessary things moved to the downstairs bathroom, which we'll use until the project is completed. Then when it is done, I will send pictures. Don't hold your breath waiting, though as we'll work on this after work and on weekends. It may take awhile to complete.
Jackie, I'm so sorry that your mouth is bothering you. Do you have the actual mouth sores or do you just have that terrible thickened material that continuously lets you know it is there? Hang in there! Don't feel guilty about just resting. I was going to go to the library this afternoon and write questions.....and yes, Kater, I remember that I told you I would post some of the questions so you can see how well you'd do as a junior high contestant.........but I decided to heck with work! I'm just going to sit in my chair and finish my Sandra Brown novel. I volunteered to work at the Chili supper at the church tonight so I'm just going to relax until I need to get ready for that.
Hope everyone is enjoying this lovely day!
Rita
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Susan ---I pray for the angels to bring you as much peace as I know you gave your Mother by being there when she left. I often think of life on earth here as not so desirous in many ways.....and that dying and moving on is really more of a BIRTH in the life we were all meant to have.
We are only here trying to improve our souls........this was never our real home. All the girls are right........she was met with many to welcome her home and she is now in a perfect body once again....no pain, no distress, and nothing but the pure light and magnanimous warmth of our Creator's love with her at all times.
I will try to post more tomorrow....I'm a little rough but I didn't want to let you down Susan.
All the peace and love I can muster for you.
Jackie
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Susan-Your mom is resting peacefully now, my condolences to you and your family. Your mom knew you were by her side and that comforted her. You are a special daughter .... and special friend to all of us.
Michele
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Susan..my deepest sympathy to you and your family on the passing of your mom. Your mom is resting peacefully now and she did know that you were there at her side. That is why she went so peacefully.
Remembering all the good and happy times you had will bring you inner peace.
Hugs to you,
Blackjack
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Susan - I am so sorry...I truly hope the memories of your mom will get you through this and beyond...memories are an incredible thing...nothing can take them away. My sincere sympathies to you and your family.0
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Susan My sympathies as to your Mom's passing, I'm sure my Mom is right there greeting her w/ everyone else!
Figure I should clarify why I ask about RAD area stiffness now after over 1 year.. I fired my RAD Dr and have never had a follow up. I had a weird rash, my pcp called & asked my rad dr to follow up...he did...A MONTH LATER!!! So I said bye bye! My pcp has asked I be seen by a rads Dr but I'm guessing since they are all in 1 office no one will ever call back....
I spent day cleaning house & even cleaned oven, sun was shining I'm ready for spring!!!
hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!
See you soon!!!
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Karin,
I too had a bad rash all over by chest, arms and neck during tx. My rad md told me that is was not from rads but I disagree. My body could not handle the rays and I had to go on steroids to decrease the swelling from it. I developed a sensitivity to all rads now..so I have to be very careful as to which ones I will have. I too as you fired my rads md and have never been back and it is 8 months now. I also have chest swelling now..but it could be the after effect from rads.
Just one more thing to deal with uhh..
Laura..Welcome home..hope you had a great trip and got lots of sun..I see you didn't bring any sun home for us.
I hope everyone has a good Monday..try to stay dry and think spring. Rain will bring spring flowers right!
When is the March lunch date and where is it?
Have a good day everyone
Blackjack
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Good (good?) morning......snow, rain, ice, sleet. Welcome home, Laura.
Funny thing....I woke up this am with a rash on my lower ribs right where I had it when I first started rads. I see my rad onc on Wed. so I will ask him, Karin. Anything else you might want me to ask? I love my rad onc! Itchy, itchy!!!!
Susan.....thinking about you....hugs!
Leesa.....what's up?
Calypso....when do you go to the oncs?
Blackjack....I think we are still on for Good Friday (3/21), but we haven't set a place. Karin said she didn't mind driving a bit and since she grew up in Elgin, she would know her way around. I don't know...maybe just go back to Biagi's? That was sort of central for everyone, I think...well, except for Rita! That way it would be close for Karin and she could stay later. But Claimjumpers would be good too...but I'm just thinking that with it being a holiday, Jumpers would be crazy-busy. Anyone else have an idea?????? Mich101....would somewhere on Randall Road near Algonquin be too far for you? I'm thinking it's about a 45 min drive for you???
I'm running late so gotta go. Mammogram today on my bad boob at 1pm, just when the snow is supposed to start. Lucky me!
Later....
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Hi Girls - Good morning...well, in a few minutes I'll be jumping in the shower and then off to my first day in the office!
We had a FAB time in MX...can't wait to go again! Hopefully soon. I've been really busy unpacking, etc. There's just not enough hours in the day.
Wendy - I couldn't fit the sun in my suitcase...so I mailed it to you! LOL You should be receiving it any day now.
Have a great Monday...
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Good morning! It's dreary outside today and the rain is falling here in central Illinois. The spring flowers should have lots of moisture, Blackjack! I am really pushing for spring! I hope you don't get too much sleet and snow up north.
Wendy...Good luck this afternoon. I will be thinking about you and sending good vibes. Will you get instant feedback on your mammo or do you have to wait? I had my last one at Susan G. Komen clinic and then went directly to my surgeon's office in Peoria so I knew the results before I got home.
Laura....welcome home! We missed you but I'm so glad that you had a "get away!" So when do you start your new job? Will you be doing a lot more designing or will you be in more of a management position? Whatever the job description, I know you'll do well!
Connie..what fun things did you and your family do this weekend? Our church sponsors a boy scout troop and the boys showed up to help at the chili supper. They were so cute. They carried trays for the older people or people who had several kids and helped clean up. One little guy told me that he liked getting service points this way because he got to eat for free and the pie was always good. LOL They all took their jobs so seriously and it was fun having them there to help.
Kater, I'll post some questions for you later and we'll see how you do!
Jackie, I hope you're feeling better today. Maybe the sun will peak through for you in southern Illinois and brighten your day. I know that the sun makes a big difference to me.
Karin, I had that rash about a month after rads. The skin was all cleared up and very brown when it appeared. My rad oncologist told me to use corn starch on it during the day and to saturate it at night with Cetaphil lotion, which can be purchased over the counter at any drug store. It did the trick and I haven't had it since. Wow! You've been cleaning up a storm! Please send me some of your energy! I have closets to clean and need to see what spring and summer clothes still fit before I go shopping again. For some reason, I just keep putting it off! And then of course, there's the tax info that I need to dig out for my accountant....YIKES!
Pat, are you back home yet?
Suzanne...give us an update!
Susan....sending hugs and peaceful vibes to you and your family at this sad time. I will be thinking about you as you go through the next few days. Hang in there!
Well, I'm off to find some breakfast. I'll be back later!
Rita
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Good Morning...can't say that with total belief...it has rained most of the night and today will be more of the same...then the lower temps with all the sleet--then turning finally to snow...plenty from the sound. All this after a temp. of 74% yesterday. It just continues to be fun.
I'm not sure I'm better, but I'm doing my lady in the woods behind me today anyway.....after breakfast. My throat seems a little less tight and full though I still have the mucus. This certainly is tiresome. I'm going to call today....I do have a slight seasonal allergy......thought it would not or could not kick up during "winter" but heck...the chemo stuff could change things radically.....so maybe that is what is doing it. After several hours of fighting it....I usually end up gagging so hard that stomach juices come up---never any food as I can eat so little with it going on. Probably good that way but all very un-pleasant and sour. I am a baby and am going to have to find out how to get control quick. I've 3 more to get through. Still have back pain but I think it's manageable.
I am so sorry we all are having this yucky weather. I was obviously looking for great things after yesterday and refused to believe that we would plummet into this winter c**p once more. I hope and pray for all that this is the last winter storm. Enough is enough.
All of you are in my thoughts and I'm hoping for the best for all. If you have to be out...Wendy, know you are going for mammo....do be cautious. I'll try to save some steam so I can check in with you all later.
Jackie
p.s. Oh Laura....just re-read and noticed you will be going to work today...drive careful....dare I say welcome home, but I am glad your back. Wendy better get two or three fairies working on getting winter over for all of us.
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Laura, I just reread the posts more carefully and noticed that today is your first day on the new job. I hope it goes well. Please tell us about it.
Jackie....I have seasonal allergies that are kicking up now. I think that all the moisture is breeding molds that are bothering us. I started in taking my prescription nasal spray and Mucinex Dx to get rid of the mucus. The mucinex really helps. You might ask your doctor if you could take it for some relief. I feel so sorry for you. The depressing weather is bad enough and then to have all this on top of it. Try to eat a little something........maybe some soup or jello. I know I always felt better if I ate something. I thought it would make me more nauseous but really it helped calm the nausea. Hugs to you! Take advantage of the dreary day to curl up and rest.
Rita
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SNOW BE GONE!!! Figured Wendy's fairy needed some help LOL
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O.K. Kater and anyone else who wants to try....are you smarter than an 8th grader?
1. SOCIAL STUDIES (History)
What U.S President was born in Tampico, Illinois?
2. MATHEMATICS (General Mathematics) 30 SECOND QUESTION
Express 2,650 as a Roman Numeral.
3. SCIENCE (Life Science)
What vertebrate class contains members that have four limbs, smooth skin, eggs without shells, and aquatic larva that have external gills?
4. LANGUAGE ARTS (Vocabulary)
What word rhymes with "soap" and means to run at a steady pace?
5. VOCATIONAL EDUCATION (Home Economics)
What three-letter word refers to the raised surface of a fabric?
6. FINE ARTS (Music)
What are the small metal levers called that can be pressed to cover some of the tone holes on a clarinet?
7. MATHEMATICS (General Mathematics) 30 SECOND QUESTION
Change the fraction 1/200 to a percent.
8. SOCIAL STUDIES (Civics)
What fractional vote in both houses of Congress is needed to override a presidential veto?
9. SCIENCE (Physical Science)
What isotope of hydrogen has a nucleus that contains one proton and one neutron?
10. SOCIAL STUDIES (History)
During what decade did the Great American Depression occur?
11. LANGUAGE ARTS (Literature)
According to Greek mythology, on what island did the Minotaur live?
12. LANGUAGE ARTS (Spelling)
Amelia was the first woman to fly solo across the United States. How do you spell her last name?
13. SOCIAL STUDIES (Geography)
Which U.S. state is nicknamed the Beehive State?
14. GENERAL INFORMATION (Heath and Fitness)
What cooking term shares its name with a pus-filled swelling that forms when a fair follicle becomes infected by bacteria?
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What fun! Came back to a trivia test! Here are my answers off the top of my head:
(scroll past fast if you want to avoid my answers
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1. Reagan
2. MMDCL (not sure- always mix up the D and L on these)
3. Don't know but sounds like it includes frogs! Amphibian?
4. lope
5. nap? I thought it was nape, so this is probably wrong.
6. don't know.
7. .05
8. 2/3 (??)
9. yeah right....I never learned this in 8th grade!
10. 1930s
11. Crete
12. Earhart
13. Utah (those industrious Mormans, you know??)
14. Boil (almost missed this one!)
So, how did I do??
Ack- spent all my extra time on this. Have to run out for several hours. Back later to check in with you all. (edited for a spelling error)
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Karin...that better not be snow your fairy is blowing!!! Snow missed us here...YAY!!!!!
Rita...thanks for the good vibes....Miss Bad Boob is behaving herself so far....no changes...bil mamm in September. Whew! Another bullet dodged....I wonder if we are always going to feel this way now each time we go for a mammogram....
I didn't take the quiz....I've been out of school waaaaay too long! I do go to freerice.com tho....I'm actually pretty good!
Laura...how was your first day at work?
Jackie....are you feeling ANY better? This chemo business has really been tough for you. Maybe you will get lucky and it is allergy-related and you can take something for it. The weather cannot be helping much either. I wish I was closer...
I think I am going to start looking for fares for the summer....we couldn't go anywhere last summer due to first the rads and then my "little" back surgery. We will most probably go down to Fl and see DH's family...I know, we are crazy. Who goes to Fl in July? But the last time we were there a few years ago in July it was cooler there then here....go figure!
And this is what I am interested in finding out...re: sleeves and LE and flying. I know Laura and Blackjack did not wear anything. Who else has flown since their dx and did you wear a sleeve? I don't have LE (yet????) but I will ask both my rad onc and med onc their thoughts on this. Remember...I am the one who does not have a sep. incision for her nodes as the surgeon was able to take them out thru the breast incision. He did say that I was at some risk due to taking 7, I am still very low risk and it was more likely to pop up in the breast/trunk area than my arm. Just wondering what you all did....
Mail truck just came by so time to quit goofing off....
Susan...how are you doing today? Did you get your results? Anything we can do for you?
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Wendy The fairy is blowing away the snow (maybe she's blowing salt I heard there is a shortage LOL) I'll let you know about flying w/o a sleeve when I get there. It's a 4 hour flight. And I think I have slight LE issues now w/ underarm swelling near the incision . Am seeing my surgeon this Friday will ask her. Congrats on "passing " the mammo test!
Back to work
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Afternoon all,
I got my job done...not real well, but I said---if ever I get in a bind from my side effects...I'll try and pick the things that will be nearly impossible for you and do them....I think we are ok.
Talked to the V.A. this afternoon....they said I can try the Mucinex and see if it will help me rid myself of this rotten stuff. My medicine cabinet ( now the top shelf of my space saver ) is running over. I have to try something....the daily emptying of stomach juices needs to end....and at the same time...I don't eat and drink like I should as the junk inside needs so little encouragement to leave where it is.
Well---I had a couple of thoughts on those questions...but lope was the only one that stood out to me....I have as well spent way too much time out of school....and even my very last two schools were for specialties. I'm out of it--Big Time.
I'm tsk-tsking on this weather. Will run out to town to the drug store after this while it's still light out. Elsewise, I may get confused. Have some soup for supper so life goes on. Napped briefly after I got home from Barbs.....can't wait to find some jammie's' and just hunker down the rest of the day.
Tomorrow----since I went to Barbara's today is a free day for me and I can relax. I have my first (operation side ) mammogram scheduled for March 17th. I don't expect anything to show itself for sure....after all...what could grow with the tactical assault that is still being preformed on my body big time.
Well, best get out there and moving while it's still only rain. Talk to all my favorite people later.
Jackie
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