Illinois ladies facing bc
Comments
-
Morning ladies -
Jackie - sooo sorry you had such an ordeal. But, I am glad they finally figured it out so you don't have to suffer anymore. We did miss you yesterday!
First haircut, Wendy! Wow - it looked great at lunch - I can't believe you hadn't cut it at all. I'm getting more and more each day.
Not much else new today. Trying to finish up my Easter basket stuff so that I don't have to worry about it after my surgery.
Calypso - did you call yet?
Celebrating my one year today! Looking forward to many more!
0 -
Hi gals!
I have surfaced from my "torn-up" bathroom long enough to grab another cup of coffee and read your posts. Wow! What a project! After I get the remains of all the wallpaper cleaned up and hauled out to the trash, I'm ready to start ripping out the ceramic tile floor. I think it will be a good way to exert some energy and work out frustrations. Bang! Bang! Bang!
Oh Jackie, I am so sorry to hear about the thrush and so glad that you went to have it checked out and got something for it. Hang in there.........you've just gotten over another speed bump in this journey and now you're on your way to the finish line! I am so glad that somebody...can't remember who on here...mentioned it. Don't over-do until you feel better, hon. You have been through alot lately. Wish I was there to keep you company!
Kater...thanks for doing the research on the chicken wire. Hexagonal, eh? I think I will use it as an agricultural question instead of math because most kids who live on farms should have experienced chicken wire and ag questions are harder to write than math ones. Thanks a bunch!
Laura, glad that the job is going well. You will adapt to the schedule quickly. Really, when I was working I got more done around the house than now. Since I'm always around here, I tend to put off things and have no schedule. I bet you'll find that it works like that for you, too. You just can't afford to procrastinate.....and hey, if it doesn't work out like that, why not consider a house cleaner. That's what I did and it is so wonderful to come home and have everything clean. She comes every other week and it's the best thing I ever did for myself!
Suzanne...yes, there really is such a thing as 8th grade-itis! But I still loved the junior high kids. I taught school for 33 years, many of them as a junior high science teacher. I am retired now and work with the junior high kids on Wednesday nights at our church youth group. I loved that age level! You can get so disgusted with them and then they turn around and do something really amazing! Once again...kick, kick, kick. Why not make those phone calls and see what your options are??? HUGS!!!!
Blackjack, thanks for taking care of the reservations for the March lunch. I wasn't completely ignoring you, but was waiting to see what Easter plans developed. I'm sorry that I won't be able to join you gals this time because I really wanted to meet Karin but we are heading to Lexington, Kentucky for that weekend to my son's house. I will be with you in spirit and hope that I can come to the next one. Kater, is there any place closer to me that might be a good meeting place for one of the lunches? Also, when the weather gets better, I will be glad to host a luncheon in my area or at my house if some of you would be up to a road trip.
Connie....the first year is over and now you're working on #2. YOU GO GIRL!
Well, back to work!
Catch you later.
Rita
0 -
Hi Girls,
I am back in Israel again until August (unless I have another "boob explosion" like I had last fall. It looked exactly like the pictures of inflammatory breast cancer found on Yahoo images). In August I come back for MRIs to recheck the spots on my liver and pancreas and another mammogram. I will not panic about it yet.
You gals write so much! I missed reading posts for about 3 days and there is so much to catch up on. The trivia test, etc. which I enjoyed but missed a couple. Only about half of the posts really sink in (I am still here on jet lag, which might be the problem).
Leesa- I am so sorry about the recurrence. However, I am so glad that you found a different doctor, and one with whom you feel comfortable. It is so much easier when you love your docs. I loved my surgeon at Good Shepherd, and the Docs at the radiation department there, but did not like my oncologist and when I had the "exploding boob", I switched to Northwestern and am happy there. I am thinking of you, and am praying and know that with your new team, you will beat it. I have heard good things about your new hospital.
Susan (Zap) I read about your mother's passing. I just wanted to relate to you what happened after my mom died. I was with her to the last moment too. About two weeks later I was driving into the parking lot at work, and crying. I said aloud, "Mom, I don't know where you are, but you have to find a way to tell me you're okay." Not a minute later I got out of the car, and put my coffee mug (it had been my mothers) on the icy roof, and reached inside to get my briefcase. I heard the coffee mug slide down, and I heard a loud thud. I thought, "Great, now I broke my mom's coffee mug, one of the few things I had left from her." When I got my head out of the car, the coffee mug was perfectly balanced on the radio antenna. The mug had changed positions, but it was still okay. I really believe it was my mom sending a message, "I have changed places, but I am still okay." I still take comfort from that incident.
Sure wish I could come to the lunches with you. I will read the posts, but probably not post a lot unless something comes up.
0 -
Rita - Hang in there...you forget the pain!
Sharon - Are you in a safe area? And...just curious...did you say you're missionaries? Sooooooooo...interesting!
0 -
Half way to bloomington?
Okay, I'm female. but so are you guys. hmmm
mapquest from bloomington to schaumburg for instance:
2.5 hours. 147 miles
What would be halfway? About 70 miles, still a haul for poor Rita...
1: Start out going SOUTHWEST on LITTLE 0.2 miTurn RIGHT onto E 910 NORTH RD. 0.4 mi3: E 910 NORTH RD becomes N 1540 EAST RD/ ALVIS RD. 0.1 mi4: Turn LEFT onto E 925 NORTH RD. 0.9 mi5: Turn RIGHT onto US-51 N/ N 1450 EAST RD. 1.2 mi6: Take the I-74 W ramp toward PEORIA/ ROCKFORD.7: Merge onto US-51 N. 8.7 mi somewhere in this 105 miles??8: US-51 N becomes I-55 N. 105 mi9: Take EXIT 269 toward I-355 N/ WEST SUBURBS.10: Merge onto I-355 N toward WEST SUBURBS (Portions toll). 20 mi11: I-355 N becomes I-290 W. 4.7 mi12: Take the HIGGINS RD/ IL-72 exit, EXIT 1B, toward IL-58/ GOLF RD/ WOODFIELD RD. 0.4 mi14: Turn LEFT onto N ROSELLE RD. 0.7 mi15: Turn RIGHT onto W THACKER ST. 0.1 mi16: Turn LEFT onto PLEASANT DR. 0.1 mi17: End at Schaumburg, ILEstimated Time: 2.0 hours 30 minutes Estimated Distance: 147 milesi could judge utica to chicago, but not so good on this side of state.0 -
OFF TOPIC
Web site idea:
Enter 20 addresses and figure out central location!
Maybe we need to USE NET MEETING!!
MAYBE THERE IS SUCH A WEBSITE
0 -
MY mom would lend her van, it holds 7 people.
If we ever did this we could car pool, too.
0 -
Kater....you crack me up!
Hey, Kater or Karin .... I have downloaded a few of my pictures from my Kodak Easy Share program to photobucket. When I insert them in here (which I have now learned to do by using the little green tree next to the smiley face LOL) they turn out HUGE. What dimensions should I put in to make it fit in this space or what am I doing wrong? I'm determined to learn how to do this.
Rita
0 -
Sharon-The coffee mug story is very touching and thanks for sharing it. I love the message that she has changed places but is still ok-very comforting.
Jackie-sorry to hear about the rough times you're having but hopefully now that they know what it is, the medication will make you feel much better.
Connie-I wish you the best with your surgery. I'm still undecided about the lift.
Wendy-I think my hair can use some highlights too. Let me know how it goes.
Anxious to meet those that I have not met yet at the lunch. See you then!
Michele
0 -
Sorry it took so long for me to write back. Thanks for all the well wishes and crossed fingers! It's also nice to know that there are die hard cub fans out there! I treated myself and my husband to cubs tickets (awesome seats, but very expensive) for May 30 on my b-day so I'll have something to look forward to.
My pathology report was extensive multifocal dcis, high nuclear grade, solid and comedo type w/central necrosis. The cancer is gone! I don't need radiation or chemotherapy. I'm glad I made the decision for the mastectomy because it was multifocal. I didn't get reconstruction, might do it later. Now I have to look into prostheses and bras. Don't know if I'll take tamoxifen or not yet.
Thanks again to well wishers and good luck to everyone!
0 -
Jackie: Get new toothbrushes.
Susan0 -
Hi Laura! It is about 3 a.m. here and I cannot sleep-jet lag. We are in the town of Ramallah, ten miles north of Jerusalem. We sometimes have trouble, but usually are wise enough to stay home. We were shot at once, but they missed. My husband took the garbage out to the container on the curb oneday, and there were four tanks parked out there. (We are on a hill where they can see the whole town). He decided he did not want to be walking toward a tank with an unidentified black bag, and returned to the house! Most of the time it is safe. We have had a few hairy moments, been teargassed (but I was tear gassed in the 60's at the University of Minnesota). Yes, we are missionaries here for 30 years, working in two churches and operating a boys home. I have lots of "sons". However, I am a Chicago lover ever since my husband attended Wheaton College. All four of my sons, their wives, and children live in the Northwest Suburbs. it is Mecca to me! I love flying into Chicago at night and seeing all the streets laid (Layed?) out in straight lines like a Cartesian coordinate system. I know of no other town in the world that looks like that at night. All for now.
I really enojoy all of the girls on this thread. They all add so much, and you learn so much from them. They give everyone so much support when there are bc issues and questions.
0 -
Hi back girls...just had to post re: Sharon and her message from her Mom...I loved it! Thank you so much for sharing and PLEASE take care where you are.
Also...Rita...DH and I went out for dinner and for some crazy reason we tried to name all 50 capitals (and yep, my DH is a principal and early in his career taught history in grammar school)...we failed miserably. Trenton? Carson City? FRANKFORT??????? We are too stupid for words....
Beth...nice to see you back...keep coming back, OK?
Off to finish folding laundry....highlights to be done 3/12 so I will let you know Mich101 how they turn out. If I do not show up for lunch...well, you will have your answer!!!!
0 -
Gosh Sharon...just read your post....please take extra care. I like to think that God will take care of you, but jeepers! Maybe just leave that garbage where it is!
Might you have pictures to share????
0 -
That article posted lately, a comment:
Estrogen levels and bc recurrenceVery interesting, Juanie. Thoughts from debbie from other groupL>1. Very small study. You cannot hang your hat on one small study.2. They do not say if these women that they tested (upon enrollment)were already on Tamoxifen when tested. That information is crucial.They also do not say if these women were pre or post menopausal, orboth. That too is important to understanding the info.3. There is research accumulating about an enzyme needed to metabolizeTamoxifen that is low in some people and thus they get less (or no)benefit from Tamoxifen. That could explain these differences, IF thetesting was done when the women were already taking Tamoxifen.4. If the difference is real, and it's related to the above, then maybethis information is not relevant to women on AI's. I don't seeanything in what you posted that mentions AI's.Can you get your hands on the full text? We might be able to find moreanswers there.0 -
Long day at work...had to stop to check on Maggie as I knew she would be concerned. I wasn't sure I'd make it today. My blood pressure was low enough that I just dragged around and felt half spaced........then the diarrhea started---sigh... but at least my throat is so much better. My mouth is still quite dry...but I'm doing fine.
Laura....if we lived closer I'd come over and play with Buddy Love and maybe even bring Baby Boss with me. At least one of the three of us ( ME for sure ) would have a great time.
Wendy....I knew someone else recently--from Naperville, and her growing out hair looked ok.....but fabulous with a bit of a custom trim. She sent pictures and the difference was amazing...even though the general length looked exactly the same. Something I think about the somewhat thinned out shaggy bangs.
Sharon and Susan.....I saw my mom in my kitchen at a particularly trying time one day several months after she had passed away. I turned around....and there she was---with the little grin of hers she always used when she displayed the loving patience she had every time she had to comfort or try and teach me the same lesson one more time. I had been trying to split a cake into 4 layers and ice it. She had showed me how to do this again for whatever umphteenth time a couple of weeks before she passed on. Made me feel that whenever I needed her she'd be there.....willing to soothe me one more time for something I didn't quite learn.
Susan----I will replace my toothbrushes tomorrow.
Rita.....and all of you.....wish I did live a little closer to everyone. It would be nicer in every way.
Blackjack....Denny, my Dh was so impressed with the box you sent. Well, so was I, but the true amazement was that it went astray for awhile so that it was here to welcome me home from my somewhat wretched ER/hospital sojourn. Proof to me that often what we need most travels in odd ways...with little mis-hap's for then at a later point....perfect timing.
Well, I'm going to go flop myself into jammies and my recliner...put on some good boring t.v. and pet Baby Boss....because he will not let me sit alone. I need to rest up----have several things I got to do tomorrow.....hope my blood pressure stays up and my knees don't wobble. Got to get some supplies for Maggie and check her house out for her.
Talk to all of you tomorrow.
Jackie
TdBear, Connie, Kater, Missing Kats, Zap, Smerf, Julie, Leesa, Calypso, and everyone I might have missed.....your special people.
p.s. Julie....what do you think we did to get so much se activity in this part of So. Illinois
0 -
Good Morning! Stopping by to say hello to everyone. I had a little respite from the boards, but Im back. Im so far behind I dont even know whats happening with all of you. I will start again from here.
I sure would like to stop by and visit at Maggianos. How long did you stay there the last time. Cant make it by 11:30, but could sure slip in a little later and have a glass of wine with ya all.
Nicki
0 -
Morning all! I am sitting out on the deck, having my coffee, listening to the birdies singing.Oops...just a minute...must have dozed off there...very cozy here under the afghan while wearing my down robe and my earmuffs and mucklucks (sp?). 12 degrees! But no snow (so far).
Nicki, Nicki, Nicki!!!!! I have so missed you!!!!! We were at Maggiano's until about 3:30 but I don't know about this time as it is Good Friday and some might have to head for home a bit sooner. Do you have to work on that day? Of course having you back means I can't used the stolen graphics I have as you would no doubt recognize them. Oh well....the price I must pay to have you around...sigh......
Rita...re: photobucket and HUGE pics...look in the upper R corner where you inserted the url for your pics...just about that where it says images from my pc, videa, web url etc...see it? RIGHT BELOW that should be a teensy little line giving dimensions and the word "options" in blue...click that. Here is where you pick the size of the pic as you want to upload it...you can't change the size AFTER you upload. I use the 640x480 size. Try this one...oh, and it will STAY this size for anything you try to upload so you may have to change it back. Now wait...as I am typing...I may have used a different size for Jackie's pictures of her house...hold on...going to go back and look...nope, doesn't say in my album. Try it and if size is still too big, pick next smaller size. Let me know if that works, or e-mail me the pic and I can upload, then tell you what size I did. Had to come back and edit this Rita (duh)...after you change the size you have to UPLOAD THE PIC AGAIN to the new size. I don't know if I made that clear or not....sigh....poor chemobrain, estrogen-starved brain.
Jackie....you do sound better. What a time you have had! I loved Susan's Post...."get new toothbrushes"...short and sweet and IMPORTANT!
Kater...can we just take you with to all our appointments? Just bring along your files....
Calypso...so WHEN EXACTLY ARE YOUR APPOINTMENTS?????? (kick, kick, kick)
About Moms...see, I told you....Moms are NEVER gone. So I guess that means no mini-skirts for me today cuz she'll know! Yeah...like I could wear one today.....
2nd cuppa is calling and DH just called from upstairs and said the Ohio Valley is getting hit with a foot of snow....what is up????? I NEED SPRING!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Catch you all later.......
Leesa...what's cooking with your next steps?
0 -
Just sitting here, laughing...Rita you have nothing else to do....please get in your car and when you have driven about 73.5 miles....
STOP!!!!!!
And find a restaurant and we will meet you there.
(Hope you didn't just get rear-ended!!!!!)
0 -
Wendy: Your so funny about the pictures. I finially filled my photobucket up - and had to move a whole bunch of saved pictures to other albums. Yep Im working that day, but I pass by Maggianos everyday on my way home from work. I can leave early but 11:30 would be reallly early.
Can you believe, Chicagos famous South side Irish parade is tomorrow? Easter is very early this year. Cant ever remember it being this close to St. Pattys Day.
It feels good to be back.
Nicki
0 -
Can't believe....I saw the smallest snowflakes I think I've ever seen. Walking up the deck in the sun....all these miniature sparkles...finally looked over in the sun at a dark tree-trunk...and it was snow. I'm impressed.
Our weather picture seems to indicate ( after the whole week-end, of course ) a fairly steady upward temperature climb
and yes I am whispering this to all of you. I am so thrilled to see the sun today. I need those healing rays---even if the temps are way down. I have lots to do today, but I can amble and lope and not be highly strenuous about any of it. I can stop and rest.....and now that I'm partially mended stop somewhere for a bite of lunch if I so desire.
I had a dream last night that I finally got to come to one of the lunches....sorta strange because we were sitting out in a park-like area on blankets...started to think we met up in Laura's woods. It was great.
Rita...I guess you will just keep going on that bathroom til' it's done now huh !!!! I need to let that inspire me to try and accomplish a little basic housecare here that totally went out the window this past week or so. My kitchen is un-recognizable and I'm afraid to go in there.
Is tonight then the big night....we Spring forward. I will really appreciate that extra hour of light at night. Many I know would just as soon have DST all year long. I know I would like it. All my energies bloom in the early morn hours...light or dark.....but I appreciate the calm and quiet and light and those beautiful long sunsets at night.
I'll be checking back later on so see ya'll then.
Jackie
0 -
Top of the Morning to you all:
A little Irish today..think green, shamrocks and rainbows for good luck. The luck of the Irish is that we are all here in the friendship circle. What a place to be .. so many good friends to chat, laugh, cry and be supportive with.. Now I call that being very lucky!!
Wendy..how did your new hair do come out? I bet those highlights are awesome looking on you. I will be in Algonquin next week can you meet up there for coffee?
Kater..thanks for the estrogen article. I brought it to my md and had my blood drawn to check my levels..So now I have to wait for the results and then we will decide about the ovary issue. He is very cautious about surgery. He doesn't want to take out a good organ for no reason...afraid of complications..and insurance problems.
Jackie..glad to see that you are feeling better. Yes, everyone should have new toothbrushes every three months. Glad to see that the mystery box finally arrived and that you liked it.
Rita.. I am so sad you can't come next week...but I hope you have a safe trip. Do you think Blooming ton area is midway for a lunch meeting? I know that there are some nice places near ISU? Any thoughts on this. I love Kater traveling van suggestion for lunch.
If you took an Illinois map and pinned it with every ones location then we could see that we cover the whole map.. right..lol
Laura.. are you sleeping today since it is Saturday and no work lol
Nancyla.. glad to see that you are doing great with your rad txs. Can't wait to meet you next week.
Clypso and Leesa.. calling you.. did you call you mds..how are you doing????? let us know.
Smerf..are you back in town yet. did yo have your MRI at RNS? Just got the order...waiting to do it.. nervous.
Susan.. how are you doing?
Nicki.. do come if you can to the lunch next week. We have a lot of laughs and Kater will take your picture too. Kater please bring that camera of yours to update Wendy's new do.. lol
To everyone else I hope you all have a great weekend.. going to a kick of the boating season party tonight..boating season is almost here yeah.. that means sun, warm weather, bikinis..right lol, beach
Think spring......were is the snow be gone fairies... please come back to take this snow away.
Hugs to all,
Blackjack
PS..did I miss anyone in the lunch bunch who is coming. Please let me know if I need to add more to the list. Thanks your party planner.
0 -
blackjack - No - I'm not sleeping...but am still in my jammies! Just putzin around here...have some errands to run, so I should get my lazy but in the shower and get movin! You're not the party planner...you're the reservationist! lol
Jackie - I wish you did live closer...I'm sure my Buddy would love you!
GIRLZ - Hope you all have a great day. Although it's really cold out there!
This afternoon dh and I are going to the place that's building our new engine for the Goat. We may even be able to take it for a spin. It's supposedly a REAL BEAST! Yikes...I'm scared!
Leesa - How r u doing?
0 -
O.K. Let's see if I can follow your directions, Wendy! Let me know if you can actually see this picture.
0 -
And here's another of the Chicago walk....Susan, Rita and JanClare
0 -
Oh this is fun!!!!
How about a pic of the stray feral cat that lives under my porch...for all you animal lovers. She's a cutie!
0 -
And that last one for today....our very first meeting at JanClare's house...a candid shot of Pat (smerf) Michele, and JanClare
0 -
Loved then all....Rita...you have an adorable feral cat.
Jackie
0 -
For lymphema knowledge, just posted to my bc listserv:
""""""Lymphedema is a real concern, and something that for some reason, I feared almost more than the cancer.I had lumpectomy, chemo, and radiation to the left breast and axilla in 2001-2002, then had a recurrence in the left axilla in 2005. I had a complete axillary dissection (they essentially just scooped me out) because of the extensive cancer in the axilla. Then chemo and radiation again. Initially I refused to be re-radiated in the same area because of the huge potential for nerve and lymphatic damage. My radiation onc convinced me that it was a trade-off between my arm and my life. I reluctantly underwent the radiation.I did not have any trouble with lymphedema for about 18 months. When it flared up, things were too hectic in my life (my sister is battling metastatic colon cancer) for me to take the time for therapy. Recently I did go through 4 weeks of MLD, which I say I flunked. Total reduction in my arm was only .5 cm.Lymphedema is a pain. I hate it, the unsightly enlarged arm, the difficulty finding clothes that fit, the soreness, the tenderness, the limitations of use, the precautions I have to take to try to keep it from getting worse, etc. But really, for me, taking the treatment was the right thing. It might or might not be for you. I wish I wasn't dealing with lymphedema, but I am glad I'm still here, and so are my 7 and 9 year old daughters.""""quote from bc. group.0 -
Thanks Jackie! That means that the pictures were visible this time! YEAH! Hey, are you feeling better today?
Rita
0
