Illinois ladies facing bc
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Sounds like you and your wrist are coming along pretty good Redheaded 1 --- good for you. Happy Dance.......maybe a less rain dance too.
Jackie
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God has not destined us to be rich, diseaseless, and deathless, but has given us trials, in the form of poverty, disease, the death of our friends and of ourselves—for the very purpose of teaching us to center our lives not in wealth, health, and this temporary existence, but in serving him. And he has given us foes not in order that we should desire their ruin, but that we should learn to overcome them by love. He has given us a law of such a nature that it is always well with us if we fulfill it. -Leo Tolstoy
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Yea Redhead! It won't be long and you will be back on the lanes! I LOVE BOWLING! In fact, I'm a better bowler than a golfer. Since we hae been going to Florida in the winter, I only bowl in a non-sanctioned league on Tuesday mornings and I do some subbing. Hope that your wrist continues to improve.
As for the rain, I am sick of it! Once it quits we will probably have a drought in August!
I had my youngest grandson this past week. The rain messed with our plans but we did OK in spite of it! I am not used to the 24-7 of a 6 year old and must admit that I am pretty tired today! It will be a good day to recoup a bit and run some errands. I must admit that we really had fun,though!
Hope everyone is doing well!
Rita
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Sorry I've been MIA. Computer had been in the shop since Com Ed changed our meter. Power spike blew power source (also fried my TV and the fuse to the oven/microwave/dishwasher). Now if I could only get the sound on my computer working. Not sure if the blew my speakers too
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I am officially a wimp. I drove in t he rain out to the high school where our relay event was to take place. They had announced it was moved inside the school early today. There was no close parking, and the rain was so torrential that I just drove out of the parking lot and back home. Walking a survivor lap in the gym dripping wet from the parking lot was not going to happen......bummer.
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lago,
That's a bummer about the computer and other electrics. Com Ed is changing to "smart" meters all over the city of Chicago. Have you heard if this is common? Our building has been notified it will happen in a month or so.
Redhead1, That doesn't sound fun to me either.
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Redhead..I would have done the same thing. I didn't sign up for the Relay this year because I've had my grandson this past week but I need to get the info and get signed up for the Race in September.
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The true Light is a gentle love which, rising in you, causes you to look on the world with understanding and compassion and respect. When you respect the souls of your brother and sister, you respect their lives in every way. This gentle spirit, this respect one for another, must come. For this is the generation of the one true Light, and this true light is that of love.
White Eagle0 -
Doxie it had happened to others. BTW my stove is no longer working although the over still is. Com Ed is going to hear from me big time. Computer is all good now.
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I am in harmony with God's beautiful world. A summer bouquet may include an
assortment of flowers in a rainbow of colors. The variety makes the whole bouquet
even more beautiful. I realize I am one flower in the wondrous bouquet of humanity.
Without judging or comparing myself to others, I enjoy the unique beauty in all of us.
I am a divine expression of God and so is everyone else. As I value our commonalities
and our differences, I experience harmony. I relax into knowing that I am loved and
that I have a unique contribution to make. As I learn to love myself, I am at peace--
with myself and others. Living in peace, I am in harmony with God's beautiful world.unattributed
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Hi -
I am new to posting, but I have been obsessively reading the articles on this site since my diagnosis last month. I think it's a great idea to have this thread!
I live in Chicago on the north side. Diagnosed 5/22/15 after my regular annual mammogram (I'm 46) showed a lump (it wasn't palpable to me or even to the BS). I didn't freak out too much at first because I assumed it "must be early, " because I've always been good about annual mammograms and it was clear last year. Famous last words....
Originally opted for lumpectomy + rads and SNB....but pre-op MRI showed another spot that hadn't shown up in prior mammograms or ultrasound. Also showed enlarged lymph nodes. MRI-assisted biopsy showed that BOTH new tumor and tested lymph nodes were positive. So mastectomy and full-blown ALND instead.
The "bright spot": much to my surprise, plastic surgeon was willing to try immediate reconstruction with implant, even though I will eventually need rads. It may get messed up by rads, but if it does he'll go back in to tweak it or take it out and prep for tissue-based recon instead.
Surgery was 6.16 - still sitting on my butt recovering. I was still taking Norco until yesterday. 99% of the pain is under arm (I assume from the ALND).
Chemo starts 7.13 and will run to the end of the year (this surprised me). 4 rounds of AC, DD every other week...then 12 weekly of taxol. Good times. Rads will follow in early 2016, followed by....not sure yet. Right now we are thinking that, given my age, they should just go ahead & put me into "permanent" menopause to avoid tamoxifen and do aromase inhibitors instead.
I have two young children (9 year old twins) who are already not doing very well with this, and I don't even "look" sick yet. Their father and I separated last year (amicably, but still), so they've had enough stress in their lives already and it breaks my heart that they have to go through this, too.
I have written a novel - sorry! But it feels good to be able to just write out my "journey" without having to explain every step, the way I do with family & friends. 😊
Oh, and I am being treated up at Evanston/Northshore. Been happy there so far.
Thanks for letting me babble! 😀
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Chi-Kat -- Welcome, welcome and you are free to babble any time, even all the time. This is a difficult disease with so many ins and outs --- and it is one that ( you've noticed ) can be hard to share with others. Especially if they do not have the disease or do not have a really strong connection with someone who does. Many do not know what to do or say and often say really odd things.
It sounds like you have been quite active in a lot of the learning and choice processes. You have already come a fair distance. We are all so different in response and reaction to this disease and to the side effects of prescribed txs. Still, we all do what we must to get back to having as much health as is possible given the variations that present with this diagnosis. You will find the girls here are very knowledgeable and VERY caring. I'm one of the old-timers so I don't come up with too much as I think in the intervening yrs. since my dx. in 2007 -- other newer and better ways have come --- a few in overall tx. and some in the areas of txs. for side effects.
Still the caring and very strong hope is there and if you pop in daily you will find a quote from me to hopefully help you start out your day on a high note --- and stay right there if possible. Others here have come along later and I think will be much more help to you, but there is not one person here who won't be cheering you on and wanting things ( whatever your program ) to be as smooth and easy as they can be. Some of it may be difficult -- but the over-riding thought for me was always --- I've had a long life so far that had so much health and happiness -- surely I can deal with chemo and radiation for a few brief months to do all I can to help the Dr.'s give me back the life I was living before dx. That helped me stayed focused on the end result.
I'm wishing the very best for you and sending you positive thoughts and lots of vibrant energies. We can help you through this and we will.
Blessings
Jackie
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Hi Chi-Kat. I live on the northside too. One of my MDs is at Northshore. I've also done some volunteer stuff there through Imerman's Angels. You're at a good place.
If you want to chat send me a personal message with your phone number. I'm home tomorrow so we can chat.
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Lago, I bet your homeowner policy will cover the damage from the pwer surges. Mine did. I lost everything on the north side of my house when a tree limb tangled up in a line during a storm a few years ago.
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Hi Chi-Kat and welcome. I'm a few years out from where you are right now, and I try to stop in and read every week or so, but I seldom post now. My twins were 9 years old when I was diagnosed almost 5 years ago now, so I very much related to your post! (I also have two older children, who were 12 and 13 at the time). The twins just graduated from middle school last month and are getting ready to go to high school. I frequently attended counseling sessions at Wellness House in Hinsdale, trying to get my kids through the experience as calmly as possible, they were full of good advice.
Please feel free to PM me, I live in the suburbs but am frequently in the city (spent most of today trying to deliver my 16 year old to meet her friends for the Pride Parade..... ). I also had a similar chemo regimen, and had to have rads after chemo even though I still had tissue expanders in.....
Chemo terrified me ... it was worse in my head than it was in reality, once it got underway, i realized i could get through it. This is a great place to come for advice, don't know how I would have survived that year without this forum.
LisaMomOfFour
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Welcome, Chi-Kat. I am a south side Chicagoan. Going through BC treatment is not easy. We'll try to help whenever we can.
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Redhead thanks for the info. I will start with Com Ed first. That's what my building engineer told me to do. So far I don't think we have enough to cover our deductible with insurance. The TV was old so we will get nothing for it. Repair for computer was parts only (have Geek Squad coverage for 2 years for labor) and that was $40. But now that the oven and stove don't work we'll see. It will be a repair. I doubt it has to be replaces.
Yes the oven went too. Probably bad the other day. Turns on but doesn't get hot enough
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The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known
defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found
their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a
sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion,
gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.Eleanor Roosevelt
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I am Thankful :
FOR THE WIFE
WHO SAYS IT’S HOT SOUP TONIGHT,
BECAUSE SHE IS HOME WITH ME,
AND NOT OUT WITH SOMEONE ELSE.
FOR THE HUSBAND
WHO IS ON THE SOFA
BEING A COUCH POTATO,
BECAUSE HE IS HOME WITH ME
AND NOT OUT AT THE BARS.
FOR THE TEENAGER
WHO IS COMPLAINING ABOUT DOING DISHES
BECAUSE IT MEANS SHE IS AT HOME,
NOT ON THE STREETS.
FOR THE TAXES I PAY
BECAUSE IT MEANS
I AM EMPLOYED.
FOR THE MESS TO CLEAN AFTER A PARTY
BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE
BEEN SURROUNDED BY FRIENDS.
FOR THE CLOTHES THAT FIT A LITTLE TOO SNUG
BECAUSE IT MEANS
I HAVE ENOUGH TO EAT.
FOR MY SHADOW THAT WATCHES ME WORK
BECAUSE IT MEANS
I AM OUT IN THE SUNSHINE
FOR A LAWN THAT NEEDS MOWING,
WINDOWS THAT NEED CLEANING,
AND GUTTERS THAT NEED FIXING
BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE A HOME.
FOR ALL THE COMPLAINING
I HEAR ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT
BECAUSE IT MEANS
WE HAVE FREEDOM OF SPEECH..
FOR THE PARKING SPOT
I FIND AT THE FAR END OF THE PARKING LOT
BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM CAPABLE OF WALKING
AND I HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH TRANSPORTATION.
FOR MY HUGE HEATING BILL
BECAUSE IT MEANS
I AM WARM.
FOR THE LADY BEHIND ME IN CHURCH
WHO SINGS OFF KEY BECAUSE IT MEANS
I CAN HEAR.
FOR THE PILE OF LAUNDRY AND IRONING
BECAUSE IT MEANS
I HAVE CLOTHES TO WEAR.
FOR WEARINESS AND ACHING MUSCLES
AT THE END OF THE DAY
BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE BEEN
CAPABLE OF WORKING HARD.
FOR THE ALARM THAT GOES OFF
IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS
BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM ALIVE.0 -
I want first of all to be at peace with myself. I want a singleness of eye,
a purity of intention, a central core to my life that will enable me to carry
out these obligations and activities as well as I can. I want, in fact--to
borrow from the language of the saints--to live "in grace" as much of the
time as possible. I am not using this term in a strictly theological sense.
By grace I mean an inner harmony, essentially spiritual, which can be
translated into outward harmony. I am seeking perhaps what Socrates
asked for. . . "May the outward and inward person be at one."Anne Morrow Lindbergh
Gift from the Sea0 -
Listen to your life. See it for the fathomless mystery that it is. In the boredom and pain of it no less than in the excitement and gladness; touch, taste, smell your way to the holy and hidden heart of it because in the last analysis all moments are key moments; and life itself is grace.
Frederick Buechner
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Chi-Kat:
I too stop into this blog just ever so often. I am going into nine years free of cancer (forever knocking on wood). I am older than you and I know that your challenges are greater than mine as I faced cancer as my youngest was one year out of college when I was diagnosed. Having young children makes it so much harder.
I do, however, live in Northbrook (near you I bet) and I had all my work (surgery, chemo and rads) in Evanston. My doctor is now Doctor Yao. I am/was ???? Stage 3. I never thought I would go a day without worry about cancer but I am now going MONTHS+ without a worry about it. I say to this so you can understand that you PROBABLY will be fine like so many of us and you will raise those twins into adulthood and see their babies!
There are many cancer support groups in the northern suburbs. If I can lead you into any, pm me.
Susan
PS: Hi Lisa! Wow, your babies sure grew up!
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Hi Zap, It's always nice to see a post from you!
Chi-Kat...welcome! Come and babble all that you want. That's what we are here for! We all understand because we have been there. You have a lot on your plate right now and it always seems so mind-boggling! Just go one day at a time. We will be here to help you get through those treatments. This is a great place to come and vent.
Are your twins identical? Boys or girls????
Hugs to you!
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Mindfulness is being aware of yourself, others, and your surroundings in the moment. When consciously and kindly focusing awareness on life as it unfolds minute by precious minute, you are better able to savor each experience. Also, being closely attentive gives you the opportunity to change unwise or painful feelings and responses quickly. In fact, being truly present in a mindful way is an excellent stress reducer and, because of that, can be seen as consciousness conditioning, a strengthening workout for body, mind, heart, and spirit.
Sue Patton Thoele
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Life moves on, whether we act as cowards or heroes. Life has no other
discipline to impose, if we would but realize it, than to accept life unquestioningly.
Everything we shut our eyes to, everything we run away from, everything we deny,
denigrate or despise, serves to defeat us in the end. What seems nasty, painful,
evil, can become a source of beauty, joy, and strength, if faced with an open mind.
Every moment is a golden one for those who have the vision to recognize it as such.Henry Miller
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Sending wishes that you all have a great 4th. of July. It is sunny ( not super bright yet ) here and I think no rain for the day. I will work tonight but that is fine with me. We are not so much the last couple of yrs. for the parties as for just being grateful for life and eager to see what every day is going to bring for us. Nice to settle down a bit and feel so much joy in the simple things.
We will catch a glimpse or two ( a little big repellant and some folding chairs ) of some of the fireworks here -- after I return home from work so we do have the experience. It is as impressive to us whether we are alone in our enjoyment or in the middle of a crowd. Be safe and have a wonderful time.
Blessings,
Jackie
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Jesus said:
"When you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind.
And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you."
- Luke 14:13-140 -
Jackie, thanks for your quotes... especially your last one.
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Remember, we all
stumble, every one of us.
That's why it's a comfort to go hand in hand.
- Emily Kimbrough0 -
"Hope is like the sun, which, as we journey toward it, casts the shadow of our burden behind us."
-- Samuel Smiles
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