Illinois ladies facing bc

11331341361381391172

Comments

  • conniehar
    conniehar Member Posts: 585
    edited April 2008

  • conniehar
    conniehar Member Posts: 585
    edited April 2008

    OK - got the red X - can someone help me post a picture?  Thanks.

  • tdbear
    tdbear Member Posts: 286
    edited April 2008

    Did you try uploading it to photo bucket first?

  • JanClare
    JanClare Member Posts: 267
    edited April 2008

    yes, you have to upload onto the web before you can put it on the forum.  The avator does not work the same, with that you can have just a file on your computer. 

    If you want to email me the photo, I'll be more then happy to post if for you. 

    lzclare@gmail.com  

  • conniehar
    conniehar Member Posts: 585
    edited April 2008

    Thanks all!  Laura was so nice to call me at home to walk me through it. 

    Here is the new me!!   Wendy sent me some bangs with flesh colored duct tape!!  I realize I need to put the duct tape underneath when I wear them out (ha), but thought this would be funny!

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Member Posts: 4,011
    edited April 2008

    S A V E   T H E   D A T E!

    Team NO SURRENDER, once again, will join thousands this year for the 5k walk or run on:

    September 27th Smile

    I will let you know when on-line registration is available.

    Hope to see all of you...this event is one you will never forget! Family members, friends, everyone is welcome! Every registrant gets a Komen T-shirt to wear that day.

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Member Posts: 4,011
    edited April 2008

    Connie - You look great...your hair is wispy (envy that)...like JC's...the bangs are too funny! I felt the same way you do without bangs...totally naked! I've had them all my life! Your eyebrows came back really well! Isn't hair under rated! LOL

    -------------------------

    If any of you girls would like me to walk you through the steps of posting a photo...it doesn't take more than 5 minutes...just give me a call and I'd be happy to!  Innocent LOL

  • tdbear
    tdbear Member Posts: 286
    edited April 2008

    Just saw a cute T-shirt for those "bad temper" days

    I already kicked cancer's a@@ you want to be next

  • NancyLa
    NancyLa Member Posts: 81
    edited April 2008

    My appt with the LT was very informative.  She went through the causes and gave me some exercises to do.  Hopefully, all of this was just preventative measures.  She told me to wear the sleeve when I fly and if my arm feels tired after weight lifting.  The gyne appointment was another matter.  What was my yearly annual turned into the pap and her doing a cervical biopsy ............OUCH!!!!!!!!!!!  I HATE BIOPSIES!!!!!!!  Yell  She said because I had some prolonged bleeding she just wants to make sure all is ok.  I am not going to freak out over this......... I will just wait and see...

    Laura, it is nice that Komen gives all those who register a t-shirt, as you know with the Y-Me walk in order to get a free t-shirt each person has to raise $100.00. 

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Member Posts: 4,011
    edited April 2008
    Nancy - No problem! It is nice of Komen...but regardless, me, my dh and niece will have t-shirts that I make. It isn't about shirts...it's about awareness. I didn't want to do fund-raising for the Y-Me walk, because I am going to be "hitting up" family and friends for when I do the 60 mile walk. To be a participant, I have to raise $2800. I would feel funny asking for contributions for both, let alone the NO SURRENDER team fundraising. It's all good...and it's all going to benefit those facing what we have. Looking forward to Mother's Day!
  • kater
    kater Member Posts: 447
    edited April 2008

    Ginny Good luck.

    IL Lady, thanks for wisdom notes. 

    LYMPhedema interesting notes from listserv:

    NOT FROM ME NOT WRITTEN BY ME, QUOTES FROM OTHERS.

    """""" 

    Way before I ever had breast cancer, I had a patient in the ER whose arm was so huge, I thought that was why she came into be seen. I thought it was elephantitis, because I had taken care of patients before with it.   Turns out, the patient came in for a sore throat. She said that her breast cancer had been 25 years before, and she thought that it would be okay to have her blood pressure checked on the affected side. She was really skinny, but her arm looked like it belonged on a 400 pound person.   From a blood pressure!! Makes, sense, really, because lymph nodes do not gro back.   Anyway, as a nurse, I make sure that NO ONE gets a her blood pressure taken on the affected side, no matter HOW long out she (or he) is!!!!   """""

    "M. wrote: To date, they have found only two factors that increase the odds of getting lymphedema:

    (1) being injured

    (2) being overweight

    And as with everything else, we don't know everything. And even with the stuff we do know, we don't know why some people get it and some don't.  end quote from others.
     

  • kater
    kater Member Posts: 447
    edited April 2008

    oncologist apptmt

    I finished radiation november.

    today i had my 6? month checkup with onc, blood okay, i

    thought he was gonna request dexa scan or bone scan but forgot to ask.

    I didnt check my notes yet. I figure arimidex will wreak havoc with my bones. he said to ask for dexa scan from primary dr. I see her tomorrow.

    He said next checkup 6 months because of problems (i'm not sure which ones)....after june 2008 mammogram. Otherwise it would have been annual.

    then 6 months after that. I think next month i have radiation people apptmt.

    at one point he said i could just go to primary doctor (he'd send my records). When I have to start paying all health bills I think i will! My primary doctor FOUND my pea sized lump that mammo did not show (nor did i feel it 10 days before)

    I also went to get colonoscopy apptmt set up...and power port will come out same day hopefully after they use it first!...Have to call for apptmts....I am having it cause i'm 50 for baseline plus i had car rear ended with pain and movement changes for five weeks, dec 2006. I had to wait till i recovered from treatment to pursue that.

    the bump i have now in tail bone area, he said some men get that with certain types of chemo, but i could also have injured it during radiation, as it's a hard surface (i know one day it was painful the way they had me on that surface for long time).

    Or it could be from accident, I was not sure when it appeared, not having checked out my back for some months!

    Kater

  • leesa
    leesa Member Posts: 57
    edited April 2008

    Hi All,

    I started my pre chemo steroids today, boy am I energized. I've been spending alot of time in the yard. I really enjoy this weather.

    Wendy I can't wait to see you and your hair on Friday. 

    Karin these dex pills make me want to wear that shirt, it would explain my attitude.

    Michelle, I miss you I'll call you after chemo tomorrow. 

    Kater: I'm up later that you are

    Connie you're adorable.

    I went for my blood clot check up..no change so we're gonna test it again next week.  I also went for my blood work. ALL SYSTEMS ARE GO. Carbo, Taxotere, I'm ready for ya.

    Thanks for all the great word of wisdom, and thoughts,

    Love,

    Leesa 

  • wendyk13
    wendyk13 Member Posts: 1,458
    edited April 2008

      Morning All!  Already 56...so nice.  But I see it will be 48 for a high next Monday....yuck.

    Leesa.....good luck today!  Get ready to kick some cancer butt!!!  Here's a hug for you from all of us! 

    Connie...LOVED the pic!  And if you think I didn't try to figure out how to wear them...well...took me a long time to wash out the eyelash adhesive! (no...didn't work)

    NancyLa...I second your "ouch"...I had one cervical bx and one was more than enuf, thank you very much!  Hopefully it will be nothing.

    Karin...good T-shirt!  How's your weather?

    Blackjack...who's coming on Friday?

    Jackie...how's Baby Boss?  (I first typed...how's Baby Butt???!!!)

    Julie....I think today is the day you get your bx results?  Sending good vibes your way!

    DH had the "rubberband" procedure (I hate that word..procedure...I think we all are having too many "procedures") yesterday...he had two hemorrhoids done and will have one more done in 4-6 weeks.  He was VERY reluctant to have this done and no matter what I said he was convinced it would take hours and he would be in severe pain for days.  It took about 12 minutes from start to finish and he was back in the car driving to work in 26  minutes and worked all day...said he has no pain, it just feels weird.  So if any of you are experiencing this type of problem, the "procedure" is not that bad...more embarrassing than anything else per DH.  Your medical news of the day!!!!

    And I guess if you ever meet Tom, PLEASE don't ask him about his butt....I don't think he would be too pleased to know I was discussing his posterior on the internet.  But sometimes it helps to know that one medical procedure was not a big deal and was doable (another word I've learned to hate!).

    Kater...interesting what Dr Bayer told you.  He told me he would be ordering all bone testing as needed.  But that he wasn't going to start until at least 12-18 months on arimidex as long as I kept working out and doing weight-training and taking the cal/vit d.  I don't see him now until 1/13/2009 so I will let you know what he orders for me at that time.

    Off to start my day....all was quiet last night next door so we both got a good night's sleep.  Landscaper comes today and we will discuss a plan to "plant" fencing, rather than a fence.  A lot of my neighbors have done this and while it delineates your property it keeps everything open and really pretty.  All depends on what it's going to cost us!  Sure miss having 2 good arms and a perfect back!

    Top down, fists up!

  • blackjack
    blackjack Member Posts: 771
    edited April 2008

    Morning Ladies,

    Looks like we will have a wonderful sunny day today. Oh how I love that warm weather!! Looks like I missed alot of posting as I have been so busy here. My son was in a car accident yesterday in RI. He is ok but the car is gone. Getting that phone call scares you to death. So after multiply calls we got everything done police reports, rental car, and insurance. I just don't like my kids being so far away from home. My dd called yesterday too, said she was going to be a beer girl this summer and I just about flipped out on her. I told her she needs a real job..not this one. Kids will never learn. Oh and then the  hot water heater was leaking..so today they are bring a new one...

    To add to my stress level mom has pneumonia still and off to the hospital again for meds. Thank god I feel good and can handle all of this stuff. I am trying not to sweat the little things I can't control..

    I think I need a vacation asap...have to wait until May for Las Vegas trip.

    Leesa..good luck today as you get your chemo. bc be gone..here is a big hug to you.

    Wendy..hope your landscaping turns out nice. how are those noisy neighbors...any more noc time fights.

    Jackie..how are you..feeling better. didn't know that ticks are out

    this early. guess I have to ck the dog's fur for them.

    Connie..loved the bangs..you are so cute with or without them and that beautiful smile of yours. I am going to try to come to your party if I can change my schedule. I will let you know.

    Janclare..could you email me that address of the fashion boutique that you got your model clothes from..thanks. 

    Laura..how you doing..is the car ready yet ..and how's the foot doing... better

    Rita..are you golfing today..we start next week with our golf lessons.

    Nancyla..glad to see that you are doing better.. no more rads and hope the gyn tests come back ok

    Kater..sending you a big hug to feel better soon.

    Well, have to run now...to everyone I missed I hope you all have a great day.. Enjoy the sunshine..will ck back later...

    Remember.. be healthy..be happy

    Blackjack

  • conniehar
    conniehar Member Posts: 585
    edited April 2008

    Good luck today, Leesa.  It will be good for you to start ticking them off.

    Sorry about your son's car accident, blackjack.  I can imagine that phone call would about bring you to your knees.  Glad he is ok.

    Wendy, when you get your estimate for the fence, make sure you ask for a discount for a 2 am install!

    Sorry about your biopsy, Nancy.  Sounds painful and you weren't even expecting it!  Praying for good results for you.

    Laura - I hope to be able to join your walk this year!  Hope you are able to walk it!!

    Another beautiful day today!  Enjoy it everyone!

  • ritajean
    ritajean Member Posts: 4,042
    edited April 2008

    Good morning!

    Connie...what a riot!  Loved the bangs but loved your smile even more.  What would we do without Wendy????  LOL  I'm so glad that you're enjoying your time with the kids outside. 

    Leesa...thinking about you today and hoping for the best.  You get get 'em, gal!  Sending good vibes for an uneventful treatment with no side effects!

    Blackjack....so glad you son wasn't hurt.  You're right!  It's hard to have them so far away and it doesn't get any easier as they get older or as time goes by.  I think it's the mother in us.  We want to gather them near.  LOL

    Karin...how's the weather there?  It's bright and sunny here and I'm off to golf in a few minutes and then heading out to moderate the regional scholastic bowl tournament here in town later this afternoon and evening.

    I have the Sept. walk on my calendar, Laura.  Mary Jane and I are doing the Peoria walk on the Saturday before Mother's Day.  I didn't post official details of this on this site because it starts so early that morning and Peoria is still 40 minutes from my house.  It would have been such an inconvenience for any of you when there's another one happening in your area the same weekend.  Dave is going to walk with me again so we're hoping for good weather!

    Well, gotta run.  Can't be late for that tee time!  Catch you all later.  Enjoy this lovely weather.

    Rita

  • NancyLa
    NancyLa Member Posts: 81
    edited April 2008

    Connie, loved the bangs...I thought you were wearing a headband...not tape...

    Blackjack, sorry about your sons accident, but I am glad he is ok. 

    Leesa, good luck with the chemo....can I get some of those energizer pills???

    Laura, you are going to do a 60 mile walk...I give you alot of credit, as I am going to be struggling to do the 3 mile Y-Me walk. 

    Wendy, sorry about Tom's butt....

    As much as I am trying to not worry about my biopsy yesteday, I must admit I am a little nervous.  I was not expecting the procedure, and I am hoping she was just being overly cautious...

    Well, its off to a client for me.  Everyone have a geat day.

  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Member Posts: 39,776
    edited April 2008

    Good morning everyone,

    Lovely, lovely sun and it's going to be about 81 or so here today.  Denny got called into work which means I'll get a bit more done around here.  Like getting into my closet though scary.  There are things in there I haven't seen since I found out about my 'ahem' problem.  I just brought out a clothes rack and put all the things I wanted to wear on it......shut the closet door and never opened it again.  Mainly summer things in there, but it's time for me to start going through all of the stuff....I have TOO MUCH STUFF and lots is not even in good shape.  Time to make my life what it should be...and that's quit holding onto things.

    Now, Wendy I'm still thinking....how secure can you be about yourself that you can have a rip roaring verbal duel in the wee hours of the morning right next to your neighbor's windows.  Is this the epitome of I've got it going on or what?????  And who do I know that would be doing anything outside of their house at that time of the morning.....hmmmm, no one and we live in the woods!!!!!  I wish them well---especially with their behavior patterns if they keep up. 

    Blackjack.....I am as well sorry to hear about your son.  The good news is that he can get another car, and hopefully any aches and pains from this will shortly be gone......and he has loving parents ( Mom ) who care about him and will help him.  It is a lot of stress for you, but thank goodness you are through your treatments and have health and energy on your side........and who among us would choose to NOT do what we could, when we could for those we love and care for.  I'll be sending prayers that all goes well and that you are able to hold onto your sunny disposition and your energy. 

    I continue to feel pretty good.  Just watching for those old ticks ....had one on Monday....then yesterday, I walked down my wooden sidewalk to my car, got in and drove to the office.  Talked to the other secretary for a bit and felt something on me.  Pulled a tick off my neck.....left and went to the bank....found another tick on my neck and off it went.  My friend in the bank found another one crawling on my hat.  Amazing....they must have dropped out of the tree so big word of warning......if this many are showing up so early on it may mean that we are going to have a bad year. 

    Laura, I know you live out in the woods too.....be careful---who needs Lyme disease after all we have gone through. 

    NancyLa---I am praying as well for you that your biopsy was just a cautionary one and all will turn out fine. 

    Leesa...the steroids are wonderful, but you do come down a little hard from them.  Just don't be surprised....actually you will probably be glad as you will sleep better. 

    Connie..you do have a knock-out smile...everyone is right about that.

    Hmmm, I think I've typed something like Baby Butt a time or two myself.  My fingers---like some of the rest of me pay no attention when I tell them where to go.

    Well, pray for me everyone....I'm going to go get something to eat and then sneak up on my closet door and open it.  If you hear anything in an hour or so, it's me screaming.

    See ya'll later.

    Jackie

  • zap
    zap Member Posts: 1,850
    edited April 2008

    Hi all:

    Yes, it is time for me to retire.  I am teaching To Kill a Mockingbird for the 20th year!  I still love.  No one should read a book 20 times!

    Laura, count me in for the September walk.  Ladies, do not worry about me when it comes to ink shirts.  I have collected more pink shirts  over the years!

    Nancy C, let us know.   I know that things that happened just a few years back were just routine.  Now, routine translate to worrisome. Also, Julie, we are hanging with you. 

    Have a great day.

    SP 

  • Jule
    Jule Member Posts: 85
    edited April 2008

    So, I got my results today. They came back as "invasive mamary carcinoma wiht both lobular and ductal features, histologic grade 2." I don't know what that necessarily means, but I don't know how much the doctors can really tell without extra testing.

    Scheduling starts for next week's appointments. Thanks for the positive thoughts and prayers.

  • tdbear
    tdbear Member Posts: 286
    edited April 2008

    Julie, sorry to hear you are joining our group. But you have found one of the best "support groups" around!! Please PM LauraGTO with any personal info you'd like to share. Plus this friday the girls are getting together for lunch you can join them if you'd like, am sure they would love to meet you!! (besides a weath of info they are a blast to be with!)

  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Member Posts: 39,776
    edited April 2008

    Julie.....I am sorry to hear of your diagnosis....you should be getting a full report soon.  I think if you look in the index here on this site it will have a page that will take you through your report and you will know what everything means.

    The people here are wonderful and very supportive-----all have been through every high and low that this journey brings. 

    I hope you will spend lots of time with us if you choose.  I can't imagine not being here now----though in the beginning it was difficult.  It made what was happening to me a little more real, but at the same time very quickly I discovered how much better to share with those who knew exactly where I was and where I was going.  It has made all the difference to me. We laugh, we cry...and everything in-between. 

    We are here for you.

    Jackie 

  • tdbear
    tdbear Member Posts: 286
    edited April 2008

    Leesathinking of you as you get chemo #1 out of the way Blackjack glad to hear your son is OK!

    Connie, cute bangs!!! Silly Wendy duck tape and eye lash adhesive??????? Tape them to the inside of a hat!( it worked for me!)

    NancylaSending positive thought for a B9 biop.

    Jackie you have ticks out already!?? It must be the warm weather we're NOT getting!!

    As to r weather.....The weatherman uses a LOT of words like unusual,windy, wet and cold.... Saturday it was a wild mix of EVERYTHING!!

    PhotobucketPhotobucket

    PhotobucketPhotobucket

  • smerf
    smerf Member Posts: 476
    edited April 2008

    Julie...I am so sorry you've had to join us here, but this is a wonderful group of women. They have helped me immensely, and I know we will be here for you too. Please post often, and let us know how you're doing.

    Holding you in my thoughts and prayers.

    Hugs, Pat

  • smerf
    smerf Member Posts: 476
    edited April 2008

    Hi Everyone,

    Sorry I've been silent for so long. Thank you all for the nice Passover wishes. It went well, and the cooking came back to me. I've done so little since my dx! Someone else took over Passover duties the last two years, so I was nervous about forgetting something.

    All three of my kids have required extra phone time as they are going through some changes in their lives. Nothing bad, but big decisions to be made. I guess it is lucky they talk to us, but for me it's emotionally very exhausting. Worst is our son leaving Chicago to work in Ohio. I've gotten too spoiled having him nearby.

    I'm coming to lunch, and that will surely cheer me up!

    Leesa.....I hope chemo went well today, and I really hope that you are up to coming to lunch Friday.

    Nancy....I'm hoping your biopsy turns out for the best. I'm sure your doctor is being very thorough, and that's good, right? I know what you mean by unexpected....a few years ago my doc decided to do an endometrial biopsy. Ouch big time!

    Wendy....My DH would agree...please don't share my butt stories, but I probably would anyway. I'm hoping he doesn't start reading this site to see if I'm talking about him!

    Connie....You hair looks so cute! I bought my mom some bangs like that, only they were attached to a scarf. She wore it more than her wig. I agree about the knockout smile.

    Jackie....I would have gotten the pain pills too. I would be afraid the pain would happen in the middle of the night, and I'd have trouble getting it then. I'm glad Baby Boss is okay. I'm watching a beautiful red fox in my backyard today. Also working on clearing the clutter....this could be an all summer project!

    Have to go do something, but will try to come back later. I hope you all have been enjoying this glorious day!

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Member Posts: 4,011
    edited April 2008

    Wendrew - If I meet Tom the first thing I'm going to ask is, "how's your butt?" LOL (jk)  

    blackjack - We're hoping to have the Goat this weekend! But...knowing how things have progressed to this point...I highly doubt it! Cry Thanks for asking...my foot is better each day...but I'm still in boot camp! Undecided  

    Rita - I seriously considered doing your walk, but an associate of Roy's is getting married that day. He really doesn't want to go, but thinks it's the "politically correct" thing to do. But - we will all be together at the No Surrender one. Do you have a fund-raising page? If so, post it...  

    Connie - Great that you'll join our team! And nothing will keep me from walking it! LOL Even if I have to crawl...I'm in!  

    Nancy - The 3 mile is no big deal...you will do fine. The first one I did...I thought the same thing, but when we got to the finish line...everyone was like: Hey...let's keep going! LOL

    HEY NEIGHBORZ - Hope you're all doing well...

  • leesa
    leesa Member Posts: 57
    edited April 2008

    Hi Ladies,

    doe with the 1st chemo, I had an allergic reaction to the taxotere. they had to give me mass dosed of benedryl and thought they were going to have to tube me after the second time.  They may have to find another drug. Went in at 11:00 didn't get home till five.  I'm gonna chill now. TTYA

    Leesa 

  • conniehar
    conniehar Member Posts: 585
    edited April 2008

    Julie - so sorry to hear of your diagnosis.  This is a tough time - the not knowing and the waiting.  Please come and vent often.  This is a great bunch of girls.

    Leesa - OMG - how horrible and scary.  Glad you are ok.

  • Mich101
    Mich101 Member Posts: 489
    edited April 2008

    A quick note to Connie to answer her question. My implant side is a little smaller. I don't think it's obvious though. I guess I thought that had I had done the lift on the other side, which they kept calling a reduction, that side would have been made smaller just from the procedure. My ps said to massage it too, so we'll see if things change. I think I read on another thread that it will change shape in time. You may want to check out the recon thread. Maybe they will have more info.

    To everyone else, I'm sorry for those that are going through difficult times. We are thinking and praying for you.