Illinois ladies facing bc
Comments
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Meatless and looking at the IRIS in your eyes.
I met with the naturapath (two happy patients referred me to this one in St. Charles) before the last dinner meeting. I have had meat then and a little at a grad party last Sunday, but I have not craved meat.
Instead, I rather think of MEAT as contributing to breast cancer, and I do not miss it at all.
Salads and cucumbers were always a favorite of mine after spaghetti...so perhaps that helps me go meatless. And now there is rice pasta, and so forth.
I notice having more energy ... perhaps that's the vitamin packet she recommended...who knows? I do the daily "green food" drink and I had to laugh today when I had instead of a "milk mustache" like the magazine ads, but a green food mustache...pretty as a picture. ha!
Wednesday I'll be going to the vegetarian holistic vet for two of my eldest dogs and I will learn even more about nutrition (my dogs have not completely gone to all raw meat just yet!) More on that later possibly. smile. I had gone to her seminar in Plainfield last month.
That's
www.DrKarenBecker.com
and Naturapath is www.DrMitchellND.com
OH THAT'S WHAT I WAS GOING TO TELL YOU ABOUT!
My Mom oftens says someone looks sick in the eyes...
well I am learning about iridiology, there are books on it, etc.
Well I was able to send detailed photos of my family's eyes and got an analysis from Dr. Mitchell via the mail. Very interesting!
The lines and marks are all dilineated in a chart and she can detect certain things. For instance, my eyes show there are still some metals hanging around, which she said pointed to the chemo therapy I had.
It's worth reading about, anyway!
Kater
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Meatless and looking at the IRIS in your eyes.
I met with the naturapath (two happy patients referred me to this one in St. Charles) before the last dinner meeting. I have had meat then and a little at a grad party last Sunday, but I have not craved meat.
Instead, I rather think of MEAT as contributing to breast cancer, and I do not miss it at all.
Salads and cucumbers were always a favorite of mine after spaghetti...so perhaps that helps me go meatless. And now there is rice pasta, and so forth.
I notice having more energy ... perhaps that's the vitamin packet she recommended...who knows? I do the daily "green food" drink and I had to laugh today when I had instead of a "milk mustache" like the magazine ads, but a green food mustache...pretty as a picture. ha!
Wednesday I'll be going to the vegetarian holistic vet for two of my eldest dogs and I will learn even more about nutrition (my dogs have not completely gone to all raw meat just yet!) More on that later possibly. smile. I had gone to her seminar in Plainfield last month.
That's
www.DrKarenBecker.com
and Naturapath is www.DrMitchellND.com
OH THAT'S WHAT I WAS GOING TO TELL YOU ABOUT!
My Mom oftens says someone looks sick in the eyes...
well I am learning about iridiology, there are books on it, etc.
Well I was able to send detailed photos of my family's eyes and got an analysis from Dr. Mitchell via the mail. Very interesting!
The lines and marks are all delineated in a chart and she can detect certain things. For instance, my eyes show there are still some metals hanging around, which she said pointed to the chemo therapy I had.
It's worth reading about, anyway!
Kater
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Morning! Since Jackie can't be with us this week (and you know what I think about that whole thing with her having to be away from home) I thought I would post this picture of her....sure hope you are doing ok...and we miss you, but not as much as Denny and the feral cats!
Susan....how exciting for you! And I too always think that your posts are very eloquent. I think you will surprise yourself...if you need subject matter, there are always the trials and trevails of my household! Or there was the day at rads when I was attacked by the swans at Delnor....always something with me. And I would love to read your works too! And maybe in age you might be the oldest in your class...but your attitude is that of a 35 yr old! And your smile and that GREAT hair????? One foxy lady! You might just be the teacher's pet!
Kater....always informative, but would you please go to bed once in a while? Oops....that came out wrong, in view of our e-mails, didn't it?????? LOL....Interesting stuff tho...but I am sticking with my way...everything and anything I want, in moderation. But no tomatos!!!!!
Laura...maybe you need another little trip to Mexico???? Did you have a lot to clean up in your "forest"?
Jan....wow! 7-10 months! Yikes. But you are so right.....this was the time to do it, not last year. You are so ready for a change now...and since you are more settled emotionally and psychologically you can make better choices with regard to your project. Last year you might have left everything up to DH (who I didn't know had a heart attack!) and right now you could be living with gold fixtures and black walls...and a RED spa tub!
Connie...how was Vegas?
Blackjack....is the pain better this week? Sorry about no boating for you this past weekend, tho.
Pat.....haven't heard from you and that worries me that you have decided to take on another remodeling project! Or are you just sitting up in a tree in your backyard, hiding until everything is done?
Rita...glad you don't have any flooding. Those pictures from that lake in Wisc...did you see those? Imagine having a lake house and then going up there and seeing no house AND no lake.
Karin...you OK? Don't know why..just get the feeling that you have not been yourself lately.
I was able to get an appt with the Pain Clinic but I rather lost it when I was told I had to come in first for a consult, and then would be rescheduled for the inj and then I could start PT...days later. And the first appt for a consult wasn't until the 17th! Usually I would have said..OK, if that's what I have to do. Not this time....told them I already had a consult last Aug in hospital and I already had an inj and it was all in my chart and I have the same exact thing and my neurologist said to schedule the first inj and start PT and THAT'S the way it was going to go. I did say it all very professionally. I have an appt for the inj 6/18, and then I scheduled my first PT for 6/23. Just a shame that you are in all this pain, but you know how much better you can and do feel after doing your limited knowledge of PT and then have to wait another 2 weeks to start. AND....I can't take the Aleve or Motrin for a week before the inj so I am back on vics every day. Sigh.............You young girls, watch your posture and do your core exercises! Sure wish I had listened to my Mom...maybe some of this could have been prevented. Mommie Wendy says.....
Off to shower...and then I wanted to do some errands but it is once again all cloudy and dark. Jeepers. Have a great day!
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MY BOOBS ARE IN! Yes, my custom prosthesis $7000.00 artificial breasts are finally here. Took 6 months, and I'll probably not wear them much, but the insurance company was willing to pay for them (as long as I promised not to have reconstruction for at least 2 years) so I ordered them last year when I already had reached my out of pocket limit. Didn't cost me a dime! I go this afternoon to pick them up. Should be interesting to actually wear a bra again.
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Hey Jan Clare...can't wait to hear how these new boobs work out! Better yet, we need a picture!!! This is pretty exciting! :-)
Jule, good luck with your chemo tomorrow. I hope you get answers about that ridge of tissue near the node area. Just keep marking those chemo treatments off! :-) Glad you found a wig and have it all ready!
Julie R...any more news on the more recent tests or trips to the docs? I've been thinking about you! HUGS!
O.K. Wendy. What am I missing about the swan attack?????? Fess up and tell us this story. If you've already told it once and I missed it, I'm sorry. I just have to hear it!!!!
Thanks Kater for the nutrition info. I keep wavering back and forth about what I think I need to eat. Right now I'm back to trying to follow the weight watcher's core diet, which is a pretty well-balanced diet. Like Wendy, I guess I'm eating in moderation. As for the dairy products, about the only thing I really like there is ice cream and cheese. I know, I know.......
Hi Kats! I hope you and your granddaughter are off to a good summer! I think of you often.
Well, I'm heading for the deck. For the second time all spring, I'm going to just veg out in the lounge chair on the deck, listen to the ripple of the creek, and read until it's time to cook dinner. Then I'm grilling out! I love these sunny days!
I hope everyone is doing well.
Catch you later.
Rita
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Hi ladies,
My 4 year old granddaughter and I just got back from visiting my Mother. We put new flowers on my Dad's grave and ate at McDonald's. How's that for excitement? The outfit I bought Mom for my niece's wedding fits, so that was nice too. Dropped my granddaughter off at her house (she is the younger child of Daughter #1). Now tonight we get to eat carry-out Chinese at Daughter #3's house. She's the one who has twin 15 month old boys.
JanClare, I'm glad those expensive new boobs finally came in. 6 months is a long time to wait. Have you decided on an architect to do your remodeling? Pat, are your bathrooms done yet? Susan, your writing class sounds interesting. Hope it is enjoyable. Blackjack, I hope you are healed up from your surgery. And Wendy the Elder, are you feeling better? Wendy the Younger, hope all is well with you. So glad your mother could come and be with you. (My sister was my savior during that stage of my recovery. I will always be grateful to her for that.) Kater, thanks for the pictures of the snow. It actually cooled off overnight to 57 degrees here and it is very nice out right now. Leesa, what is new with you? Are you doing better? JulieR, what decisions have you made about treatment? Mich101, I keep telling everyone about that delicious chocolate cake from Maggioni's. So glad it didn't give you a migraine even though you had to keep testing and testing it!
Sharon, are you still in this country? I wish we could have talked more. Jackie, you are gone now, but I hope your rads are going well. Connie, are you back from your business trip? Teacher conferences were never in Las Vegas. No fair!Well, I'd better fold some laundry before we go, so I'll check in later. Everyone have a good evening!
MaryJane
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Wow! Thanks for all your encouragement as I enter this latest risk-taking adventure of my creative writing class. I sure better make something of myself in return for your generous encouragement.
I spent my second day of freedom in the park with my grandchild and daughter. She is one! She loves to swing and she can stand alone. She is so wonderful.
I discovered that a nice person on another thread is raising money for a Disney Theme Park Trip for a woman who is in Hospice. That woman's name is Angela (I think). I know you have encountered a "Luanne" on the boards and she is the one making this trip come true for Angela and her family. You can give even just a little, if you are so inclined. Just passing it on as I think it is such a lovely idea.
Thanks for that pic of Jackie, Wendy. What a doll she is. Why does she need to travel so far for the radiation? I may have missed something here.
Blackjack, I just know this recup period is making you nuts as you are very obviously a very active woman based on your escapades. I think that with this sort of thing....you SUDDENLY....wake up and feel great again. I hope that happens to you tomorrow, if it did not happen today!
Rita, what creek is that you are near. You sound like you live in a very rustic an peaceful place!
Laura, I just read this article on removing buckthorn organically. I guess the point is to have a safe way for kids help you with the job. Before you, I did not even know what buckthorn was! The article suggested this organic method of killing it:
Cut the buckthorn trees to stumps. Drill a 2-inch hole in them. Then pour salt, vinegar, or amonia in and put a glass or alunimum foil on.
This was in Chicago Wilderness and the people live in Riverwoods (near you, right?).
Take care!
Susan
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Hi my dear friends
Ok, I'm back from chemo hell. This cocktail just hasn't been easy for me. I hate to complain, I worry about all the newbies, just starting this nightmare, and here I am a vet, not able to tough it out, take one for the titties...ect.
Now I have to worry about my grammer, we have a WRITER in the group, thanks Susan, more pressure.
Jan will my boobs still be bigger than yours?
Laura, Wendy, BREAKFAST, what about Michelle and I? I can pick up the Michelle.
Jackie, my heart goes out to you. I hate that you have to be inconvienced this way, when you have all ready gone through so much, my prayers are with you, what a strong wonderful woman you are.
I love you all and will check in later, I guess I should make dinner.
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JanClare - the kitchen sounds wonderful. My mom-in-law got it down about 4 years ago and it seemed to take forever, but it looks so fantastic now. I think that you will love it when you are finished. On a much lesser scale, we are getting the carpet pulled off next week and getting our hardwood floors redone which is exciting. We've only talked about it for 8 years since we bought our house!
Blackjack, my sister-in-law got her gallbladder removed. She said she was in pain for a couple of weeks and then she felt so much better because she had so much pain. I had my appendix removed in March which was not much fun at all. I think it took 2 -3 weeks to feel much better, but I was lucky and moving around a lot better a week and a half later. Don't push too fast...it won't make anything heal any faster.
To all Illinois ladies especially northern IL/Chicago ladies:
A friend told me about a place in Chicago that gives free massages to women with cancer. If you google "Thousand Waves Spa for Women", and then choose Stress Management program for women with cancer you will find it. The program allows for 5 free massages and then there are other spa things to do or to share with a female friend that comes with. I don't know if anything has done this, but I thought I would share.
One more thing, did anyone get your wig covered by your insurance? I have the script for the prosthesis, but I was wondering how difficult/easy this was.
Crossing my fingers off for tomorrow....5 left. I'll touch base later. I had so much trouble with the computer last time, hopefully this time will be easier. If not, I will touch base when I am feeling better. Take care everyone,
Jule
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Hello Ladies,
I hope everyone is having a great evening. What a great sunny day it was..summer is finally here..yeah.
Jackie..sending you healing hugs and hope to hear from you soon. I do miss those wonderful quotes you write for us.
Jan Clare..new boobs...do we get to feel them at the lunch bunch. lol
Hope they are the right color now..we do need to see them lol
Leese..how are you feeling...any better this week...sending you a big hug.
Wendy..how is that back of yours. I think the beach is in order..are you in.
Laura...are you working to hard..this weekend is time for the big race.. you just need to let out a little steam.
Susan..how great it is to be out of school and then take a fun writing class..get those juices flowing..lol
Rita.. how was golf today...did you finish your bathroom too..we need to see pics with everyone remodeling. lol
Kater..very interesting reading on the meat diet. But girl you do need to sleep..
Maryjane..what a great day in the park with your gd. I miss those days now that my kids are all grown up.
As for me the healing is taking way to slow and I feel like grandma..
The pain and swelling looks like I am pregnant...not and I can't wear shorts... ugh.. Leesa do you have extra pants lol Who would have thought that a little gb would cause so much pain. Wendy, I think you and I can open up a Vicodin stand lol
I go tomorrow for my post op visit...so I hope he tells me that this is normal..Last summer sucked with rads and now this..what is a girl to do..I need the beach now...Sorry for being crabby..just hurt alot.
Well healing hugs to everyone else I missed.. Off to take more pain meds...jammie time..then off to bed
Have a great evening..
Remember be healthy..be happy..
Blackjack
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My SIL needs a good surgeon and oncologist - she is getting a biopsy in a couple of days, but the dr is worried because the lump appeared fast. I know they scare you to death (grrr, those mamm drs....they did it to me, too!) because they want you to get treatment fast.
She is in the Lemont area, doesn't have internet, so I am helping her look. But I'm in PA - so Any suggestions are appreciated!! Thanks ~~
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Evening Ladies
Won't write much because of this crazy machine. You are all bringing tears to my eyes, but it is so wonderful to know your all standing in my corner---even Blackjack, who needs all of us in her corner right now too----a couple others as well. I know we all appreciate this very much.
I'm sure I'll be starving before this is all over. So far, the food is not the best, and though it was my intention not to let myself lose weight I think it's going to happen. I'm no Paula Deen, but it's hard to work up much of an appetite at the V.A. cafeteria. Oh well, I may be able if management can assure me there will be a fridge in my room when I get back next Monday, be able to bring a few things from home to tide me over.
It's been interesting so far.
I want to hear Wendy's attack story as well ? What else has she NOT been telling????
All stay well, ok.
Love, Jackie
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Hi, Susan !!! I very like your Dr.Dragon. I think he is the best dr. in my life. Last appointment was great. He told me I still have mets only in my bones. He put me on tomaxifen+zometa. He told me I can have a long life with my type of mets and give me hug. After this I celebrate this with my daughter with chocolate. I start to feel much better, I start to walk and move. I hope I can last weight, what kind I put trough the chemo with steroids.
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Hi, Susan !!! I very like your Dr.Dragon. I think he is the best dr. in my life. Last appointment was great. He told me I still have mets only in my bones. He put me on tomaxifen+zometa. He told me I can have a long life with my type of mets and give me hug. After this I celebrate this with my daughter with chocolate. I start to feel much better, I start to walk and move. I hope I can last weight, what kind I put trough the chemo with steroids.
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Hi, Susan !!! I very like your Dr.Dragon. I think he is the best dr. in my life. Last appointment was great. He told me I still have mets only in my bones. He put me on tomaxifen+zometa. He told me I can have a long life with my type of mets and give me hug. After this I celebrate this with my daughter with chocolate. I start to feel much better, I start to walk and move. I hope I can last weight, what kind I put trough the chemo with steroids.
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Morning! Here's our beach Blackjack! You bring the cosmos, I'll bring the vicodin! I hear you about feeling old....I was passed in Kohls yesterday by a little old lady with a walker.Jule...I got reimbursed for the first wig, up to $250. I had at that time United Health Care. I didn't know they would pay $250. or I would have bought a more expensive first wig! Go ahead and fill out the form and mail it in...why not try? Laughing at your story re: your wood floors. I lived in my first house for 18 years and we always talked about doing that as it was ALL hardwood under the carpets! We never did it tho....Yay you! They will be spectacular, I'm sure.
Irina....so glad you are "in love" with your new doctor! And your news sounds so good! Celebrating with your daughter and chocolate...priceless!
Leesa...sorry you are once again having trouble with chemo. And I wasn't invited to breakfast! Only kidding, Laura and Blackjack! My breakfast these days consists of a vicodin, synthroid and arimidex. yum. It takes me til lunch to get moving anyway!
Jackie...glad you checked in! Sorry the food isn't very good! But you did say you wanted to shed a few....but Iknow, I know...not this way!!! Hugs, dear friend!
Jan's got new boobies! Happy Boob Day, Jan! Yes...we REALLY need to see those $7000. puppies!
Girls....I see that Moi needs a surgeon and onc for her sister in Lemont....I don't know of anyone out that way! Can anyone help her out? I love my surgeon and my onc but they are up here in the Geneva area. Moi...if you sister wants to drive I can give you details, but it would really be a haul for her.
What? There are a few of you who haven't heard my killer swan story? Or the attack of the dragon fly? And I know I never told you guys about a trip DH and I took to St. Thomas which for me included a shark, snake, 30+ iguanas, a wasp, a crab...and stepping on a dog, which was dead....now that was quite a week, let me tell you! See....now you will have to meet up with me sometime Jackie!
Oh...and Blackjack....you have my permission to be as crabby as you want. Truthfully....I didn't realize that you would have so much PAIN....figured you would be a bit uncomfortable for a week or so. If this is normal, they should have warned you. And why no shorts? Is it cuz you don't want a waistband? I picked up what Kohl's says are "tops" but they hit me at midthigh....they have a shelf bra in them as well, with an empire waist...come in lots of colors and I got them for $10.80! These might be wonderfully comfy for you...and then they would make great cover-ups or even nighties! If you want...I'd be glad to pick a couple up for you and deliver them. Not sure they are still on sale, but then....isn't everything at Kohls on sale? Let me know.
OK.....off to shower up as the vicodin had now gotten rid of the pain in my thigh. This sciatica is for the birds. I am going to take out the Z today tho...it has such great lumbar support. The joke is watching me trying to get out of it...quite the sight, let me tell you!
Tops down, fist up (one only as the other fist will be on the steering wheel!)
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Good morning ladies,
I have'nt posted in a bit but trying to keep up on some of the posts when I can. Well I go for my 2nd chemo this morning. Don't know why I am more nervous about this one than the first. Guess I am expecting more side effects with the 2nd on. May take something to calm the nerves a bit. Taking my own popsicles since the thought of the ice cubes makes my stomach nauseas, I know sounds weird. Still have my hair been 14 days so expecting to see it start going anytime from what I hear, know I will be crying when it happens.
For anyone going thru treatment this week I wish you an easy time.
Jule, I too found out my insurance paid so much towards a wig($150). I had to send in the receipt with the prescrip is all.
Better get ready for T-day. Hope everyone has a good day. Will check back later.
Becky
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Just wanted to wish a good chemo-day Becky! And yeah...you will cry when the hair goes. I figured I would be crying for days and days but that didn't happen. It was gone and that was that. Once I put on a wig (I got more than a few!) I looked and felt normal. Well, the "new normal" as we say around here!
Hugs, and hoping for a quiet tummy!
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Hi all - just a quick note while I am waiting for a report to generate.
Back from Vegas last night. Had a great time but didn't win big. This was another work trip, but this time I had more time to play.
I am mega tired today. Went to bed about 2 am both nights as I was having so much fun.
No news on my MRI but I haven't had the time to call and check. I guess no news is good news.
I hope everyone is well. I will try to check in tomorrow after I am caught up on work.
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Hi Everyone!
So much going on, I can't keep up! I've not been online for days because I've been majorly tired after my crew leaves each day. It's depressing, because I have not regained my pre-chemo energy. I'm planning for my kid's visit which starts tomorrow through Monday. Our son gets his doctorate in math on Friday, and the kids arranged a sitting for a family photo, also Friday. The photo is my b-day/Mother's day gift from them.
The bathrooms are coming along, about a week behind schedule. One is tiled, and I love it! So many things come up along the way, that i think this house needs its own CEO. I guess that's me. You find lots of stuff that needs updating when you tear up an old house! I did not expect to be this busy with it, but it will be worth it. And the main AC is out, so repair man for that coming Monday. Always something, but I am thinking of you all even when I'm not communicating here.
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Jackie...Thinking of you, and hoping you get along well with rads. I am sorry you have to be so far from home, though. Many other countries do it that way, because they have their cancer centers concentrated in one area, and everyone has to travel there for txs. It saves health care dollars to have fewer centers, and that's universal health care in action. In our large western states the mastectomy rate is higher, because of the long distances women would have to travel for rads. We'll miss your helpful and inspirational quotes, but hope you can check in on weekends.
Hugs, Pat
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Wendy..I loved your swan story....hope you can tell it again, and give us all a laugh! Dead dog? Talk about the ewwwww factor! Wow, 5,000 for your lumbar spine MRI? Mine was 2300, and that seemed like a lot!
Hope your back feels better soon. Epidural did not work for my DH, and i never tried it. He has the femoral nerve problem, while I have the more usual sciatic nerve pain.
I also was reimbursed 70% for each of my two wigs. Just sent in script and receipt. Cranial prosthesis sounded like more than I wanted, but that's what it's called for insurance.
Blackjack...glad you're seeing the doc today, and hoping you feel well soon. You've had enough already!
Leesa...sorry you are having a tough time with chemo, and sill you are getting through it. IL girls are tough, and you are proving it yet again. Hang in there, we are all thinking of you.
Connie...good news wished for you with your MRI. I agree, no news is good news!
To all of you in treatment, I'm hinking of you.
Julie...Do you have your surgery decision and date yet? Sounded like you were getting close to it. Let us know, please. We're thinking about you. Hugs, girl. We control freaks understand.
JanClare....what an exciting and fun project! make sure you think of everything you want in your plan before you get your contractor. Everything costs more if you are adding it on later, during the job.
Susan...I too, think you have real writing talent! I know you will be a wonderful addition to the class. Your avatar looks great, and you are stunning in pink!
Hugs to all, though I haven't addressed everyone. I'll catch up in time, I hope.
Pat
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Hi ladies:
Smerf, just rest up for that photo with family. That is a true gift (and you want to look rested).
Wendy, you are so cheerful and yet you are in pain. Is this related to the previous disk issue, or this a new disk issue. Does the doctor have a plan for you?
BlackJack, I too hope this finds you feeling better. Leesa and other ladies in treatment.....I am thinking of you.
Irena, so happy that your trip to "our" oncologist gave you hope. He is in fact a wonderful man. One visit we actually discussed a book we had both read (When Bad Things Happen to Good People by Rabbi Kushner). We talked about how Kushner writes that our perceptions of G.D are man-created and not necessarily a description of the real Being. Strange to be talking to your doctor about such stuff during a breast exam; although a lot better than talking about cancer. If you are seeing him during the summer, pm me and you can come for an iced tea (daughter too). I live close.
Becky and all ladies about to lose your hair. I was actually relieved to have it all come out as I had to get through parent teacher conferences and it was shedding like crazy. I did not want to spook the parents so I didn't wash it for THREE days in an effort to save it. It was like a bird's nest propped on my head and it was nasty. On that Friday I took the day off and my hair just fell out in clumps. I sat on the tub and stuffed it in a grocery bag. I was okay, but then my husband called me and I told him. I could hear the sadness in his voice and that's when I finally cried myself. Fast forward to the next day with the wig lady. She was like a drill sargeant and shaved my head and then put the wig on me and without as much as a smile told me I looked better than I did with the real stuff. And I actually did look better! So, it is sad, yet it gets better and easier in just a few days!
Susan
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Hi everyone! What a lovely day! It was guest day at our club today and a very dear friend from Macomb came over to play with me as my guest. We played with two of my other friends here in town and only missed first place by one stroke. Well, actually we tied for second, which didn't really mean anything because they only gave cash to the first place team! Such a deal! No...we are NOT that good. We just had alot of handicap!!!! LOL It was so nice just to be out there on the course with a group of friends, enjoying the sunshine and fair-weather conditions.
Pat..isn't it amazing how long it takes to remodel a bathroom???? I guarantee you that it sure is nice when it's finished, though. I still need to get out and shop for the accessories but we're using ours now. Whew! Thought it would never get done!!
Irina...so glad that you checked in and that you like Susan's doctor. Hey, it sounds like he has a much better plan for you. Hugs!!!
Connie's back! So glad you had fun but really expected you to come home loaded with $$$$$. Where did you stay?
Wendy...you just keep wiggling these story starters in front of us and not telling the whole tale!!! That's just not fair. Swans...swans...we want to hear about those swans!!! LOL Hope you cruised with the top down today. It was just about perfect here for convertibles!
Karin...please check in. We miss you!
Becky, I hope your chemo went well today! Mark that baby right off your calendar!!! Two down. I think that each of my chemos was a little different. You did pretty well with your last one so I don't think this one will be too bad for you. As for the hair...yep, it's a pretty emotional thing and there's not alot that any of us can say to make it much better except that we feel your anxiety and sorrow about losing it. Have you got a wig all picked out?
Mary Jane...are you beginning to realize that we probably were in the wrong profession? Our fringe benefits were definitely MIA. About 5 years before I retired they quit even giving us our ham or turkey at Christmas. Oh well...think of all the fun we would have missed if we hadn't signed on as teachers. Right, Susan????
Leesa, I'm so glad that you checked in and so sorry that the chemo has been such a bummer for you this time. Hang in there, hon. You are a real trooper. Just keep reminding yourself that ILLINOIS GALS ARE TOUGH! Thinking of you and hoping that each day will be a little better for you.
Hi to everyone else! I really think that I need to take notes when I read the posts so that I remember to address all the things that I wanted to address. Chemo brain????? That's my story and I'm sticking to it!
Catch you all later.
Rita
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Evening ladies
Another day at the zoo for me...........well the radiation went ok, but it's really boring here. Not a bad motel, and thank goodness I'm on the ground floor. Brian, the proprietor I'm sure knows that fatigue is almost a sure thing for cancer patients. He is going to try and give me the same room for all six weeks and three days of my treatments.
Only had rain once since here--first day and I'm glad for that. I take a taxi to the cancer center ( V. A. pays for this ) each day and the driver waits for me, then takes me to the V.A. to have lunch. Then Brian picks me up and brings me back to the motel. Who could ask for me I guess.
I've a few things to do. books to read, and puzzle books because I love crosswords. Keep my brain from going totally dead.
They also have HBO here which I do not have at home so I did get to see The Devil Wears Prada. Had been meaning to rent it and never got around to it. Didn't thrill me although I think I fell asleep and missed the part that helped you make sense of it.
Bren, Jule, Leesa and all you chemo ladies, hang in there. I was a cowering mess every time it was time for chemo, but I pretty much kept it to myself at first. Also, dear hubby was always there cheering me on so I went un-complaining, but it is difficult. The good part is that you will finish it. I talk to another gal from up that way who is not on this blog and we both said we would do it again if we had too......as bad as it seemed while doing it. Sometimes your body just doesn't like what you are doing to it, but it is the way to make sure that you give yourself the highest most effective opportunity to get through this without recurrences. It's easier to do if you keep that goal in sight. Just mark them off and soon you will be done.
Well, I need to get out of here before I throw this computer through the window. Glad to get home Friday and get back on mine.
See you all tomorrow.
Love, Jackie
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Jackie...I'm so glad that you have a computer that you can use to keep in touch and so glad that the rads are off to a good start. I imagine it would be VERY boring for you and do wish you could have done this closer to home. As the old saying goes, "There's no place like home!" Only two more days this week and you'll be back for the weekend. Hang in there! It is good that you'll get the same room each week.
Hope to hear a report from you again tomorrow night.
Rita
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Jackie, where is the motel and what is the name? Can we send snail mail to you just so you have somehting to look forward to each day?
If we have the motel name and the town, we can at least call you.
Susan
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Wow, it's been very active here the past day or so. I think I'm caught up on everything.
Some of you asked, here's my update: My BRCA test will be back no later than 6/24. Insurance paid for it, yipee. My surgeon will be out of town that week though (boooo!). So surgery won't be until July 2nd (maybe July 3rd, I'll know tomrorow).
BRCA test will determine if I'm having uni-lateral or bi-lateral mast. And I've decided to have a PS begin recon at that time.
Don't love the idea that surgery will be 7 whole weeks after my DX, but everyone assures me this is fine. Just can't help but worry that it might be that one xtra week that these meanies need to invade another area of my body.Tomorrow I have an abdominal CT to check on stomach pains - and onco wants a chest x-ray. Yeah, lots of 'exposure' tomorrow
. Mmm, and banana flavored barium too!So now I've got a few weeks to screw around, read, clean house, and just get ready for everything that's coming.
If anyone is bored & wants to meet for lunch or something- let me know
Moi - I'm sorry but I dont' live near Lemont, so I have no recs for you.. hopefully someone else can help.
Smerf - Wow, you are busy. We are remodeling one of our bathrooms as well - isn't it nice when you see it coming along? The new tile is the best part! Have a great time with the kids.
Rita Jean - glad you had a nice day golfing. It was definitely a nice day outside.
Susan & Wendy - I'm glad you both talked about the hair loss, and how it's hard at first, but that you bounced back quickly. That helps - I'm not even in surgery yet but already mourning my future hair loss. I will try to flip it to the positive & look forward to many fun wig looks!
Blackjack - geez, I hope you are feeling better. And you too, Wendy!
Everyone else, big hugs to you all. Take care - spoil yourselves, and have a good evening.
JulieR
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Julie R...so glad to get an update from you as I've been thinking about you. Good luck today with the CT on the stomach area and the chest x-ray. You'll probably find that the stomach pains are from the "little bit of stress" that you've been having lately. It's not that you haven't had anything to worry about, eh? However, it sounds like you have the start of a plan now. I waited almost 6 weeks after my diagnosis and first lumpectomy to have my second lumpectomy done. They had to go back in because they didn't get clean margins the first time so I waited for a breast surgeon in Peoria to do the second lumpectomy. They assured me that a few weeks was very insignificant and I had a grade 3 tumor which is quite a bit more aggressive. I wish I would have known this from the start because I was railroaded rapidly into the first surgery "before I had my head on straight." I think you're doing the right thing.....to check out all your options and get a full understanding of the picture before you head for surgery. I'll be thinking about you today as you head for more tests. Hang in there!
Good morning to everybody else. It looks like you'll need to enjoy the morning hours. They're predicting rain (a new four-letter word for people in this area) for the afternoon and evening hours. YIKES!!! Just what we need.
Blackjack...I hope you get a good report from the doc and that every day brings you a little closer to "the old you!"
Jackie, you're one day closer to a "home holiday" and good food! Mary Jane and I will treat you to some good food on the 23rd. As you're driving to and from rads, look around the area and see if you spot a place that you want to try for lunch. Do they run the rads close to schedule? What time do you usually finish?
Laura...how's the foot?
Michele...are your boys working this summer or involved in summer sports? I miss those days when my son was in high school and there were so many fun things going on in his life. Treasure this time!
Wendy the Younger....please post your updates for us!
Sabrina...I hope you're enjoying the summer with your family and work.
Wendy...take that convertible out early today before the rain moves in and give it a spin. I think my trip will be a trip into town later to do some errands, which isn't too exciting, is it?
Catch you all later.
Rita
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Morning all! Sunny but humid...but I like it! So much better than having to go out and scrape ice off the SUV's windshield!Jackie....your rads situations doesn't sound as bad as I feared. What can we do to make this a bit better for you? I still have those books, but you never said which ones???? I have been reading Harlan Coben murder mysteries....I LOVE him! These are books I so want to flip to the end and see who did it as he always throws in a superb twist, or 6! I own 3 of his...can I send them to you? Also...I will make up a little packet of my dipping spices for you...and I will also see if I can send you a small bottle of Star EVOO....I don't know if they have it down there...my Jewel is the only one up here that sells it.
Blackjack...how did your appt go?
Pat....glad you checked in...I was afraid you had run away from home! How's your sciatica? It hasn't been bothering you lately I hope.
Susan....I had to laugh when you said I am in pain and I am cheerful! DH would so not agree with you! Truthfully....if I don't move I have no pain. But then conversely..if I don't move I get stiff!
And I agree .... you look absolutely STUNNING in that shade of pink!
JulieR...sorry your surgery got put off. The waiting will do you in loooooong before anything else! But Rita was right...you have lots of time to research and figure the whole thing out and that alone is worth so much! I'm up for lunch...I have a hair appt. next Tuesday and Wed. is my big injection day. But I could do Monday...and I think I would be OK to drive by next Thursday.
Well...that was a surprise! Knock on the door me in my jammies and it's my landscaper! He forgot to call me yesterday and warn me. Yikes. No makeup, Don King hair...oh well! At least my yard will be pretty by tonight.
Rita...I did take the Z over to Naperville yesterday with the top down...and drove thru so many construction sites the whole inside of my car is white! Oh well....it was fun. But too long of a drive with my back...I was pretty sore last night. But hey...that's what the vicodin is for, right?
OK...I gotta run and I know I missed a lot of you but I need to clean up and see what's what outside.
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