Illinois ladies facing bc
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Happy Mother's Day to all.
Jackie
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Good afternoon ladies!
We just got back from the Susan G. Komen walk in Peoria. It was very emotional to see the large mass of pink shirts. I will post some pictures later this weekend or early Monday. I can't imagine the amount of money that this walk (run, drive, etc.) brought in!
Happy Mother's Day to all of you!
Rita
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Hi All!
I'm fumbling for words to write... I think blogging makes everything a lot more real for me.
I've known Rita for several years now. We actually live across the street from each other. She suggested that I check out your comments. I feel like I already know some of you from hearing about you. I know Rita asked some questions on my behalf over the last couple of weeks. Thank you for the information!
My name is Wendy, but I see that we have more than one. So, you can use my nickname, WAM. I am 37, married, with no children. My mother is a 16 year survivor!
I am scheduled to have a mastectomy (modified radical - I think) on May 21st. At this point, we are leaning towards the expander/implant route for reconstruction. My next appointment with the plastic surgeon is on Friday.
If anyone has any suggestions or comments on the reconstruction or being HER2+, I would like to hear your perspective.
Thanks!
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Good Evening Ladies...
What a wonderful day it was sunny but cool, perfect weather for all of you who walked. You all are an inspiration to others as you walked for a good cause. Thank you for doing that..as it helps all of us. Rita please post your pics to share with us.
Wam..welcome and sorry you have to join us. You will find that there are some of us who had mastectomy... as I have not..that can answer your questions. You will find us a very chatty group full of fun, support, and laughter. So please post often and we are here for all Illinois Ladies.
Leesa..how are you doing..feeling better
Laura..are you packed yet...a few more days and then fun in the sun yeah!!
Wendy..hope you and dh are having a great r&r in Wisc. Are you still driving around with the top down and fist up.. I hope so..
Jackie..rads are soon for you..chemo done..the finish line is almost here for you.
Connie.. hope you are having a great Mother's Day in Disney's you deserve it.
Susan..hope you are feeling better with your cold...count down for you until summer you
Smerf, Kater, Mich, Rita, and everyone else by name I missed wishing you all a great Mother's Day. You all are very special ladies who deserve the best holiday ever.
This Mother's Day is extra special to me as last time this year I was in surgery for bc...and I am here to celebrate my one year post bc.
Life is good and bc is behind me and I am as normal as can be..As Wendy said the new normal what ever that is. So stop and smell the roses...enjoy each day as if it was your last...have fun...dance and sing...walk on the beach...watch a sunset...drive your race car...walk your dog...play with your kids... play golf...take a vacation...go to Las Vegas and hug the one's you love.
So on that note I wish everyone a wonderful day tomorrow.
Big hugs to all.......
Blackjack
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Waves and hugs to everyone. I'm sorry to have been MIA again. Had a little bit of a hard couple of days earlier this week. I had another episode on Saturday/Sunday with my Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome. I just couldn't seem to stop. Then my heart started racing and stuttering around, so I ended up in the emergency room. They had to give me anti nausea meds, then waited for my heart to stabilize. I was wiped out for several days.
Count me in as another BC sister who really struggled with feeling lost sometimes. And, I'm like Michelle- if I'm stuggling, I tend to withdraw rather then post. I also don't know what I want to do now. I thought I had found something with the Y-me Teen program- but I've been unable to bring myself to actually sign up!!
And like Susan, I have my own mantra that seems to help- "Enjoy this day".
Wam and Julie- so sorry that you have to fight this battle, but glad you found us. This is a wonderful group!
Well, I have some exciting news for me- My husband and I have decided to expand our kitchen (tripling the size- it's currently a very small kitchen) and add on an attached garage with a 2nd story that will be an exercise room/ guest suite. My current exercise room (the smallest bedroom) is going to become a master bath. I'm so excited about this project that I've been losing sleep spending time on-line- finding so many ideas and products. I just can't seem to stop clicking on link after link after link. And we haven't even met with an architect yet!
So, I guess in a way I am ready to move on- I can't imagine thinking about this even 6 months ago!
Happy Mother's Day everyone!
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HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL ILLINIOS LADIES. MAY YOU ALL ENJOY THIS DAY WITH LOVE ONE'S....REMEMBER TO EAT, DRINK AND BE SILLY IF YOU WANT...IT'S YOUR SPECIAL DAY.
HAVE A GREAT ONE....
BLACKJACK
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Happy Mother's Day to All!!!!! And gee...could the weather be any worse? Yuck.
Nice to get away for a few days, and away from bc ... or so we thought! Went up to Lake Geneva...and they were having a walk for bc!!!! It actually made me laugh. Thanks for all the nice words, and also nice to know that you all have either dealt with this, or are going thru it. I go so many nice e-mails from you guys too...but I got a wonderful, long letter from our founder that left me speechless. Rita....I plan on printing this out to reread....you are one special lady...I wonder if you might consider sharing some of your insight with the rest of us?
Wam...hmmm...wasn't that the name of a musical group??? Wendy...I did hear about you and I am so sorry that you had to be here, but you are so lucky to live so close to Rita...she, and of course all of us....will help you in any way that we can. Rita...run across the road and give her a big hug from me, ok?
JanClare....I am so sorry to hear about your recent trip to the ER. I thought that you had moved past that syndrome. Is this something that keeps coming back? I have to admit I've never heard of it. And sorry that you too are stuck...I guess just another little SE of bc that we didn't get warned about.
Or maybe that's because we don't tell our docs what we REALLY are feeling. I know all my docs think I am the poster child for bc, and chemo, and radiation. HAH!!!! But then...I never told them. Perhaps this is a lesson for all of us to speak up. Rita did tell me that she heard that many more rx's are written for antidepressants AFTER treatment is over. Maybe we should all get together and talk about writing down some stuff, and publishing it..you know, like a little "how to...." after tx is finished, what works for us, as some things work for me, like being quiet and thinking and wondering or like Rita and Blackjack, who seem to have thrived in being superbusy and taking on new challenges. We could all become famous (AND RICH!).
I see I have a lot of posts to catch up on....and I will do so later, but I will have to print them all out! EVeryone...try and enjoy this rainy, blustery day.
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I had not planned ( guess I never really do ) to post this morning, but then found WAM and want to welcome you. Like everyone I too am sorry that you need to be here, but it is a wonderful place. My sanity, is I'm sure much more intact than it would be, and I've learned to laugh and enjoy so many of my days----what I thought might be impossible to do when I first got my diagnosis. Merriment definitely seemed the right of other people then. So a big loving welcome to you.
It is a far less than sterling day here. We have lots of winds ( so many leaves on the ground ) and rain though not heavy. Most of the day sounds like it will not be fun. Denny will be working---guess there could be last minute shopping---fellows trying to stay out of the doghouse???? but it seems to me like the stores should be empty.
My latest caper: Found an embedded tick on me yesterday. Like a good girl rather than do what I otherwise might have---use vaseline to smother it, I went to the internet to get the proper removal technique. Get a stubby tweeser, close to the head and pull till it lets loose.....of course, it never did and I ended up with removing only the body.
We have a walk-in clinic here....I certainly was not going to drive the 140 miles round trip to V.A. for this, so went there. The Dr. removed what was left and excised a bit of tissue.....it was already quite pink, and gave me a prescription for a tetracycline type antibiotic. I will use this till I go to Marion on Wednesday and then let Dr. Lingamurthy decide if it's ok with him. This would prevent picking up Lyme disease....something I would be very concerned about with my immune system at this point. I really think I got the thing on Friday....was very hurried that day and didn't do my careful check after feeding the ferals. I'll learn.....the one day I found 9 ticks on me......so even though the much cooler weather nixed that, apparently some hearty one was braving the elements Friday.
I'm still working with some minor throat mucus which I hope will soon dissipate....sure tiring, but my mantra is no more chemo, no more chemo. My feet are bothersome, and will I guess take time to return to normal. I'm plodding along ( little pun there ) just happy that I do now have a future without chemo in it.
Do hope you all have a fantastic Mom's Day. Wish the weather was better, but gee---those poor people in Oklahoma, Arkansas etc. with the major tornadoes yesterday. So, we can make the best of this...my prayers go out to them.
Love and best wishes to all of you.
Jackie
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Ok, I'm sorry, forgot you Jan Clare. I am sorry that you had a rough few days. I too have never heard of that syndrome. Sounds like ---- is there a precursor of some kind ---- or if you know that then I'd have to assume it's still no help. Anyway, I'm sure sorry.
It sounds like all the fantastic remodeling will use up any time you have for the foreseeable future and so doing anything for cancer or Y-me will be something for a bit later....and that may be part of the point. Maybe for many there needs to be a fair amount of time after treatment is over till something resonates as something you'd feel like you can or must do. I also wonder----even feeling like you should do something.....maybe another part would like to take a break from dealing with this disease, especially after all the intimacy you have had to have with it. Anyway, just a couple ideas there. I will talk to ya'll later.
Jackie
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Welcome Wam - sorry you have to join us. I had a unilateral mast. w/ immediate latissimus flap recon and tissue exp. I never had the expander, expanded, b/c my size is small and kind of matched my other side, so I choose to not expand any larger (did not want to deal w/ any add'l discomfort).
A year+ later I had the implant put in (4-5 weeks ago), and alls well. I was going to have a lift done on the good side at the time of implant exchange, but I changed my mind at the last minute (again, did not want any add'l discomfort).
I am happy with my decision. I just wanted some symmetry.
I probably should exercize, stretch more often b/c there is a little tightness along the back scar.
I would listen to the recomm. of your p/s since we are all diff., get info from those who have done recon, research, and get a 2nd opinion if you are still not sure.
I too am HER2+, and just finished my year of herceptin - yeah! Herc. does not have the side effects like chemo. When you are first told how long tx is, it is sooo hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel, however, it is doable, and check into this thread often and someone will be here for you.(Also check out the her2 and recon threads.)
Give your mom a big hug-a 16 yr survivor-that is wonderful!
I hope I helped you in some way, ask any questions, and one of us will be able to answer. Or run across the street and ask Rita
-we all love her!!!Happy, rainy Sunday to all!
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Happy Mother's Day0 -
Good morning, All!
Was awakened by the phone at 5AM, and stayed up. Have been enjoying coffee and Sunday paper all by myself. Kind of nice and quiet, snuggling in with all this rain and cold. Only sound, the raindrops on the roof. DH was up, showered, and out of here within 20 minutes of the call, so I hope whoever it is does well through surgery today.
Welcome, Wam. Ladies here are wonderful, and I see Michele has already given some insight. I'm sure more will follow soon. Hang in there, it does get easier over time.
JanClare.....So sorry you have been ill. This is a tough problem, and I'm having the visual you gave us about your pregnancies! Glad you're doing better. Your house plan sounds great, and ambitious. As one who has added on, including the kitchen, three times, I'm ready to offer support of a different kind with your new endeavor!
Susan, I hope you are improving, and staying warm and dry this AM.
Leesa..So happy you enjoyed your trip, and hope you are feeling well.
I have to get to work, and be ready for my renovations starting this week. Happy Mother's Day to all, and many thanks to those who walked for the cause this weekend.
Hugs to everyone, and pamper yourselves on your special day!
Pat
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HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!
G-Mornin! Well...I am sooooooooooooo bummed...we didn't go to the walk today because lightning was predicted at the lakefront...we were prepared to deal with the rain...picked up some rain panchos...but thought I'd never forgive myself if my niece got struck by it! I got up at 5...and stayed up...
Nancy - Did you guys go?
JanC - Darn...I too thought that maybe that was behind you. Hope you're feeling better.
blackjack - How's your mom doing?
Rita - I can't wait to see your photos!
Wendrew - Glad you got away...your dh is a real sweetie!
WAM - Welcome...it's awesome that you have Rita so close by...she's great!
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We finally got the Goat back! Took it to the dragstrip last night...it was so crowded, Roy only got 1 run in, and I didn't get to do any!
But we have the whole summer...the new engine is AMAZING...very fast...I have to buy a stronger helmet...Hope you all have a wonderful day...make the most of this horrible weather...instead of a b-b-q...we'll have a fire in the fireplace...it's chilly, rainy...yuck!
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Yes, Happy Mother's Day to you all. I did not do the walk as it is raining and cold and I am recovering from a head cold. I feel kinda wimpy! Yet, I can always go back to our mantra, "enjoy the day", and I probably did by staying warm. Just a bit of guilt thinking of Nancy and Laura out there. I am wearing my shirt, Nancy.
WAM, you will be safe here. Just keep thinking about that mother of yours! That should make you feel so fine that she is alive and traveling this journey with you. All that being said, we know how scary this must be for you and hope we can make you smile at times when you wonder where smiles disappeared to.
Hey ladies, speaking of mothers, I have had some strange things happen lately. My daughter, 25 and very spiritual, has been putting together a chest of special stuff from my mom for my granddaughter who is finally getting baptized next week. I am sure, my mother, who was an incredible Catholic, is not resting until that baby gets baptized. My mom died a few months ago. Well, finding this stuff is hard as in the chaos of the death it all landed in our basement in boxes. Mary wanted specific things (a tiny angel pin, a medal, some handkerchief, a photo, etc). to put in this "girls' survival" box. Just as she is about to give up, she finds them in random places! So random, a pin caught her eye in the washing machine, and it was what she was looking for. My husband is Mr. practical man, and even he cannot explain it.
One other cute story. I am not overly an animal lover; I just love my cat. I actually do not care for dogs. Yet did you hear on the news about the dog that adopted these kittens and was nursing them? The dog lost her puppies (I do not know how) and the kittens lost their mother and so the dog nursed the babies. They featured this story because it is Mothers Day and I thought that Kater and Jackie would get great joy from it.
Have a nice day!
Susan
PS: Do you hate this spell check or what?
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Hello, and Happy Mother's Day to all of you.
I know I have been MIA but believe me you have all been in my thoughts daily. Been going through alot mentally, finacially and all the ly's in between. I did get my minute of fame in the paper. People who didn't know what I had been going through has called to check in on me.
Went back to my family doctor who doesn't know a thing about my medical history. I saw him for the first time when I found the lump because my old dr had just left the practice. He knows nothing about me but has already made judgements on me. I went to see if he could schedule my tests to check the spot in my lung. If it has gone away. He never scheduled it. He told me that I needed physical thereapy on my legs. He never scheduled it. Why are doctors so quick to give you anxiety medicines and tell you all of your symptoms are related to that. I know that I am not crazy. Take three of these a day and one of these if those don't work. Damn it I wanted to punch him in the throat. My husbands dr even gave him anxiety pills because my husband told him he was worried about me.
Wendy I understand what you are going through. Just hang in there. Day by day I do know this thing is going to get better. When I don't know but it will.
My sister in-law that was diagnosed with pancreatic and liver cancer is doing well. She is a little scared but taking it daily. Also I just found out that my next door neighbor has been dx with lung cancer that had spread to the lymphnodes and then to her liver. I had been noticing the hospice nurses going next door. They are giving her day by day. This thing has got me really buggin. Who choses who lives or dies from this? Her husband is a big burly man that i rarely even spoke to (some neighbor issues) but now I see him so differently. Never held a conversation with the man over the past year or so that they have lived there. He sits on his porch now like his world is about to end. What do I do? What do I say? They didn't know about me until now either. It's a white couple in their late 40's early 50's. He and my husband talked and shared there fears and my husband encouraged him to not give up. Where there is life theres hope. They are having family over for mothers day. I want to make something and send over. This has really opened my eyes to things. Don't sweat the small stuff. Life is to short. They argued over off street parking, there live tree fell into my yard smashed my fence and they felt they didn't care and wasn't responsible, she told my son and his friends not to spray water in her yard from a water fight they were having in my yard. My husband always cut half of there grass when he cut ours but they never would do the same. They would stay right on the property line. All of that seems so stupid now. Is God punishing them now? Love your neighbor is what he says in his word. I don't know this whole thing has be buggin out. Scared thinking is this going to happen to me?
I am doing the Relay for Life here on June 13. I have a team we are called "Cancer Kickers" our campsite theme is "Boot Camp-Giving Cancer the Boot". We are dressing up in camoflauge. Anyone know where you can order dog taggs? I want to get some for the ones who agreed to be on my team with our name on them. It's going to be a fun night.
Well I know I have vented and everything else now I am off to enjoy the rest of my mothers's day. I was served breakfast in bed. Now my dh is cooking out on the grill. He told me I was his queen for the day. Don't lift a finger. And guess what? I am going to do just that.
You ladies have a blessed day,
Love you all
Sabrina
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H Sabrina:
go to:
http://www.rubber-bracelets.com/dogtags.htm
If you google breast cancer dog tags, you can get pink ones. They are kinda expensive. Nice idea!
You sound frustrated Sparker. You are are right. You don't need more anxiety pills, you need a doctor who will take good care of you. What is happening to you? Did you have the chemo and radiation already? Hate to admit it, but I lost count on some of us.
It is nice your husband can be helpful to your neighbor even though in the past he maybe has not been so great to your family. I think men get very lonely when their wives are sick. They feel so helpless. Have a very happy day and enjoy being a queen for the day!
Susan
Susan
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H Sabrina:
go to:
http://www.rubber-bracelets.com/dogtags.htm
If you google breast cancer dog tags, you can get pink ones. They are kinda expensive. Nice idea!
You sound frustrated Sparker. You are are right. You don't need more anxiety pills, you need a doctor who will take good care of you. What is happening to you? Did you have the chemo and radiation already? Hate to admit it, but I lost count on some of us.
It is nice your husband can be helpful to your neighbor even though in the past he maybe has not been so great to your family. I think men get very lonely when their wives are sick. They feel so helpless. Have a very happy day and enjoy being a queen for the day!
Susan
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Susan, I loved your stories. Being ( or at least thinking I am ) spiritual myself, our departed can move/re-arrange things that need to be found. Now everyone that has lost a diamond tennis bracelet or something like that, don't expect Aunt Gert to see that you get it.
We here usually don't know why some prayers are answered and others not but we will know all that later.
I did very much appreciate your story as well about the mother dog nursing the kitties that lost their Mom. People who are not animal lovers will probably find that a bit unusual........but if you are an animal lover you will know that when animal mothers lose their young, they grieve just like people do. We think we are the only specis that are deeply affected by loss of our loved ones. Not so. I see that it was mutually beneficial---very beautiful.
Sparker--you are indeed going through a lot. First off, I would do whatever it takes to find a Dr. who will take care of your issues in a way that addresses them--with much more than a pill. You need to have the proper testing so that you can remove any doubt or fears about these things. You can't move on properly I don't think unless you really know where you are with these things.
I certainly hope your sil keeps doing well.
That's very sad about your next door neighbors. One thing though...God is not punishing them. God isn't bothered by the human emotions we experience here. God is perfection and bestows only blessings and mercy. It is man who is in-humane--and so often to each other and for what. While I haven't studied extensively in this....I do think there is a karmic debt during those times when we are not behaving well, and who knows but what that is the source now of your neighbors ills and problems.
Just do your very best, forgive yourself when you don't, and just try to remember that about the only thing that really heals is the energy of love. Use that as often as you can, but wisely too--some times there needs to be some distance with it.
I hope you and all the rest of the ladies have a lovely day.
See ya'll again soon.
Jackie
p.s. Hi Mich and Nicki. Good to see you here today.
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Brrrrrrrrr. I am soaking wet and freezing....I went down to the lakefront to do the walk with my dh, my mom and two friends. If it would have been a nice day it would have been an awesome event.... We bailed out at the half way mark as the temp was dropping and the winds were kicking up. They were predicted to be 40 mph. Anyway, glad I did it and hopefully next year the weather will be nicer.
I had a very interesting revelation this week...BC is not who I am; it is something that happened to me. BC has given me the gift of appreciation. I have been looking at life so differently... I am living my life to the fullest as life is way to short and I do not want to take anything for granted or miss out on anything. I traded in my Lexus and bought a red Cooper Mini S with white stripes. I am also planning a trip to Italy with some friends...
You girls have been great....thank you all for your support!!
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Nancy - You are one brave, tough girl! Congrats that you at least were able to do half of it! I hope you will consider joining our team in Sept...same drill...different day! I'll post details soon.
Sabrina - Wow...lots of cancer around you. Hang in there...I hope your Dr. steps up to the plate...don't let him intimidate you...fight makes right! Maybe you should "go above" him and call the clinic admin.? On a fun note...I found some pink camouflage dog tags for $3.95 A DOZEN! I e-mailed you the info.
Susan - That's so nice that you and dd are putting together such a nice treasure for your gd. It's strange how things pop up at special times in our lives...I didn't see that dog story, but oh how sweet!
Smerf - Best luck with your remodel...fasten your seat belt...remember...you forget the pain!
Jackie - How's the chia pet on your head doing? lol Is your hair growing a lot!? How's the Boss?
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HEY GIRLS...we were featured on PAGE 3 of the Daily Herald yesterday (Lake County region). A few neighbors called us! It's so exciting! When you come out here in August, you'll see exactly what we've accomplished and what we still have to accomplish.
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Ah Laura, my chia pet is way too thin....I think I'll have to skip the volumnmiizer shampoo and get some Miracle-Gro. Actually, though it seems thin....I'm seeing longer pieces than I expected to see so soon. It's exciting to say the least.
Boss is well, the little beggar. I've learned my lesson--maybe. Never get a dog with eyes that naturally plead...for anything. Also big fluffy tails that move easily.
Sure enjoyed the article...someone in the remarks section was sure sour grapes though....if only they knew.
Nancy---love your insights. You had cancer, it didn't have you. Maybe that is what that saying "Life is for the living" is all about....that you can have something as consuming and pervasive mentally as cancer and can steal any power it had over you by living to the fullest and rising above the limits you may have been given for awhile during txs etc. Good for you.
Jackie
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Thank you all for such a warm welcome! I can't believe I put off getting on the site for over a week.
Michele, I appreciate your comments. I think I have some more research to do before my appointment on Friday with the p/s.
I hope you all had a wonderful Mother's Day! I only wish the weather had been better.
WAM
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OMG Girls... I was watching the WGN News just now and guess who I saw on TV...give up.. our very own Leesa. She was interviewed while at the bc walk this am with her cute pink wig on and off.
She was there with her son. She looked so cute. She did a great interview about bc and why she was there for the walk.
We now have a TV star among us..right there with Laura in the newspaper..You go girls..Keep up the good work..
Just had to let you all know...now back to work...will chat later.
Blackjack
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Morning all
There is sun outside this a.m. Seems so long since we saw it. That amid all the rubble from the trees, but who cares....I just need my sun.
Work today--off schedule, as my lady has the knitters at her house tomorrow. Works out great--Denny has tomorrow off as well as Wednesday. That's my big day so to speak....I'll get started on all the rest of what I need to do to put tx pretty much on the shelf.
It's fantastic...we are in such great company with our "celebrities".
Well, I need to run to get ready for work but a cheerie, happy day to all, and hope all have sun this a.m. too.
Jackie
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Be kind. Remember everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." -- John Watson
The task ahead of us is never as great as the power behind us." -- Anonymous
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The opening ceremony at the Susan G. Komen Rally for a Cure in Peoria....Mary Jane and I are in there somewhere near the front.
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We walked for all of you......as well as our families, other friends, and ourselves. While walking we spotted a real tear-jerker. A young man, his wife and small daughter were walking in front of us. His back-tag read: I walk for my mother, my mother-in-law, my wife, and so that my daughter will never have to wear pink! A-men!
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The survivors' walk and of course, I'm crying!!! Lots and lots of pink shirts!
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Hope all the Mom's had a nice Mother's Day inspite of the not so great weather.
Wanted to share a picture of my granddaughter with her school project. Some of you ladies know about her 'specialness' so this project was a challenge for her and us.
The assignment was to make a 3D project of something that has to do with her chosen state (Kentucky), do an oral presentation and bring in a food that is significate to her state. She loves horses so she that's how she came to pick Kentucky. Her 3D project shows the Kentucky Derby and a horse farm. She even made a shirt to wear to go along with her project.
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