Illinois ladies facing bc
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Hi Ladies,
It sounds and looks like the Starved Rock excursion was a big success! Rita, thanks for posting the pictures. That's twice this week you went to a wine tasting. Hmmmmm.
Wendy, glad to know the term TENS for the "crawly thing". Is that an acronym? What does it stand for? No, I didn't need injections. Mine was more in the muscle than in the nerve.
Carol, thanks for the Newhart picture! Ha! Your mouse story (and Wendy's that followed) was hilarious. We live in the country so I can definitely relate.
Leesa, I'm sorry you are having such a hard time. Sending you prayers.....
Time to crash. Our party went fine, but I'm pooped!
Mary Jane
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Morning! I was looking for a pic and I saw this....this is DH Tom with my grandnephew when he was a few weeks old (he's now 3.5 yrs). I see this pic and always go....awwwwwww!
MaryJane...keep us posted about your CT..remember to chant "big fat nothing, big fat nothing".
Rita...the pictures were wonderful, and I agree...you all look wonderful!
Jan...your boobs are so cute! I don't know what I was thinking but I thought it was one whole piece.
Mich101...was reading what you wrote about Starved Rock and I read it as "butt" not butte! Sure made more sense your way! And Connie is on vacation out West with her family...I am sure she is having a wonderful time!
Of course...now I forgot who asked what TENS stands for...I THINK it stands for Transepidermal nerve (or neural?) stimulator. It's called either TENS or the Stim for short. And something must be working and I cannot tell you all how happy I am. I diidn't have any expectations that this would work, but now I have hope..... so...
Laura...you be a GOOD GIRL and go to PT! And always remember...it is better to do one rep CORRECTLY of any exercise than 20 reps INCORRECTLY. So pay attention at PT and make sure you are doing the exercises/stretches absolutely correctly before you stop your sessions. Mama Wendy says.....
Jackie....you should have a wonderful weekend! And glad too that Denny can spend some extra time with you! He's been behaving himself, hasn't he? No wild parties? I won't be seeing any video on myspace, will I????
Julie...it's coming soon, isn't it? Anything we can do? Probably not...but we are here!
Becky, Cute Wendy.....you both look absolutely wonderful! I'm so glad that you were able to put some faces to these names.
Well...I have a new toy. We bought the iPod Touch yesterday! Hard to get it going with no manual (you have to download it) but I think I have the hang of it...it's like an iPod, but with a touch screen and you can go to the internet and do email as long as you have wi-fi, and no monthly fees! Only thing it doesn't do is make phone calls! Trouble is I have so few CD's I will have to borrow a bunch from somebody....anyone else like classic rock? And more important...can I mooch???? You know me girls! I am thrifty! (read = CHEAP)
Off to do something....have a wonderful day everyone!
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Oops...forgot! Again!
RE: mosquito bites...I too got one on Saturday, the "bad" arm, right above my wrist! It didn't do much but what??? Is this a plot? Are the bugs planning something????
Laura...all kidding aside...watch it closely! And maybe if it doesn't look MUCH better this morning, call one of your docs and tell them what happened. You could also PM Binney from the LE thread...she knows so much about this subject! I would have done the same as you tho so I think you are on the right track..and maybe cover it up at night? I am a scratcher...
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Morning...one last time on my own computer. I can even type faster than on the other. It's always something. No rain today at least but we had rain overnight ( in the wee hrs ) every night I was home and just a brief shower yesterday afternoon. We were actually chilly and closed the door after we came home from getting a taco salad.
Wendy, I think there is a conspriracy going on in the mosquito world---though out here in the woods we sometimes get it from spiders. I'm not too worried since I'm only missing 3 nodes, but bump is still there, hard and pink.
We all should have thought "Indian" re: Starved Rock in this part of the world and state. I have always meant to read about ( I have a tiny bit ) the Trail of Tears since I have a small amt. about 1/4 I think, of Cherokee roaming around in me somewhere, Guess I just hate some of the inhumanities so generally avoid anything like that ( including anything to do with war ) that will depict some or all of the cruelty connected. It is a fact of life and I should be able to do better yet I'm woefully under-educated in this.
Wendy....not sure if Denny has been behaving or not. I'm going to have to ask my spies for a report. Of course I keep him in line fairly well I think....I always threaten that if he wishes to see the sun come up tomorrow?????best toe the mark. It's probably the one thing I can relax about where he is concerned. He is so naive'....or maybe has he just managed to convinve me of that?
Well, best scoot here. I'll be checking in later I think. See ya'll then.
Jackie
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"To guarantee success, act as
if it were impossible to fail."
- Dorothea Brande0 -
Just popping in again to say good morning, and Happy Monday!!
I got the call that I will be able to have the PS of my choice - YAY!!
Surgery had to be rescheduled for 12:30pm instead of 9:30am, but that's fine with me - as long as I have the surgeons of my choice.
I found out that my BF, BF's mom, my sister, my mom, my dad, and his wife will all be at the hospital for surgery. WOW - what an audience!! lol. I sure hope they don't expect me to provide any entertainment - at least not after surgery. Might get some beforehand though.
That's all for now - Have a great day ladies. HUGS!!! JulieR
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JulieR,
So glad you got the surgeon you wanted! Thank will help a lot. And your support group is amazing. That is wonderful to have so many there for you. (You know all of us will be there also, in spirit.) Don't even think about entertaining them! (Although my family thought I was pretty hilarious as the anesthesia was wearing off.......I have no memory of it, thankfully.) So the date is the 8th?
Mary Jane
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I'm back!! We had a great time on vacation! We got back late Sat. night and I spent yesterday doing laundry, etc. Today, I have been catching up on emails.
I hope everyone is doing well - I can't catch up on all the posts so I just reviewed the last few. So glad you guys had a good time at Starved Rock. The pictures are great. There was an article in the Trib yesterday about a kid that fell 60 ft. down on Friday. He was fine, but it made me think of you guys.
Laura - I was freaking out about mosquito bites too this week as I got a bunch of them in NM - I also put on tons of repellent but I don't think that stuff really works. I got a couple on my "bad" arm and they also swelled up like yours for a day. I was watching my arm nervously, but I think it's fine. I heard sunburn, bug bites, scratches - any of that can cause LE.
Sorry I haven't been on here much. Our summer is so busy. I am at work this week until Wednesday and then heading up to the lake. It's non-stop, but having a great time!
I hope everyone is doing well!
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What can I say...I enjoyed meeting everyone that came out to Starved Rock. Nobody scared me off. It was great to meet everyone, share stories and laugh!
Ginny - Sorry you couldn't make it on Saturday. I was looking forward to meeting you. I hope your shingles will clear up soon.
Rita - Thanks for the ride and encouraging me to go. I really enjoyed myself!
Laura - Thank you for the necklace and charm! It was very thoughtful.
Kater - I promise...we won't lose you next time. We were hoping that you got lucky at the bar
Becky - I'm so glad you came out. How are you feeling?
Susan - Thanks for the kind words. I hope I look as great as you think I will with no hair!
JanClare - Thanks for the pen! Loved the picture with your boobs.
Wendy - I enjoyed meeting everyone. It was a good time. Nice to be surrounded by other women that know exactly how it feels. Hope your feeling better!
Jackie - It was my first outing. I enjoyed myself and it was great to put some faces with names. I'm looking forward to future outings. I don't think I will make it to Laura's house. I have chemo the day before.
JulieR - When is your surgery? I'm glad you have you picks of PS. Believe me, you won't care if you have an audience. I barely remember much from the hospital. Although it is great be to surrounded by loved ones!
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I still can't believe I am feeling this great after my first treatment. Rita has informed me that I am now on my chemo vacation. My next AC treatment is on the 7th. I hoping that it will go as well as the first one. I only had some fatigue and bowel issues. Next time I will be prepared for the latter.
Yesterday I had the opportunity to get out with my husband and some friends on the golf course. I now have a new job, flag tending. It's not as fun as golfing but it is nice to be outside and on the course. Hopefully I will have a cool day this week and tend flag for Rita while she plays.
Enough with the long posting. I better go.
WendyTY
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Sorry I forgot one thing. I changed everything from WAM to WendyTL (the younger). Sorry for any confusion.
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Just checking in and letting you know I am doing fine.
Kater, Susan, Rita, JanClare, Laura and WendyTY is was so nice to meet all of you at Starved Rock.
I was glad I attended for a while to at least meet and visit over lunch. Despite not feeling very well I had a good time. The weekend was kind of crummy for me, but I am feeling better today. Sounds like all of you had a good time after lunch as well. The pics look good.
Just wanted to say hi. I hope sometime in the future to be able to attend another get together with you great ladies.
Take care everyone, have a good rest of the day.
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Hi Connie, glad to see your back and that you had such a good time and already looking forward to the next one. Interesting that so many are getting dreaded bug bites in the wrong places. Since I only lost 3 nodes I don't think I'll ever have to worry too much.......probably more danger in forgetting and lifting too much for too long a time. But, I'll keep reminding myself to cut out the lumberjack role I sometimes let myself be nudged into.
Becky, you are still amazing to make it to an outing....just a fantastic thing. Not to be scary but the chemo is cumulative---and Wendy the Y.....good info for you too, but I know Rita would remind you if needed.....at first hint if not before ( I didn't do this because I'm goofy ) start taking the anti-nausea meds, Prevacid, or whatever you have been set up with as if anything gets started it is much harder to manage and get on top of then. And always keep reminding yourself that this is for you to be FREE of this cancer problem and recurrence free as well. Not always pleasant, but we all do what it takes to get well.
Denny brought me up today and as it was a day off for him we messed around a lot. Stopped in at Sears so Denny could say hi to his old boss who took over managing the Marion Sears here. I got a red shirt with fake white shirt underneath and a small American Flag stitched into one side for 4th. of July at Ann and Jim's. Will be fun, but I can wear it anytime---it will just be patriotic after the 4th.
We also went to a grocery store so I could get some fruit to snack on while I am here. We had lunch at Steak & Shake. I love their spaghetti--even though they call it chili mac part of the time. I actually do order what they call chili mac because I really like pasta. I must have some Italian/Lithuanian/Polish or some sort of conglomeration. I also love Mexican ( Americanized ) food so I think my family tree has been very un-pure and varied. That is ok---I've never minded who I was ------ main requirement ---- is my chest moving in and out.........ok, then, I'm in and ready to play.
Blackjack, hope you are getting back together from your fun plane ride and looking forward to whatever is next.
Wendy the Y..... yes, do watch our for the bowels. My first time out nothing really happened so I wasn't even thinking about it for #2. Well, just about when I thought I might have to swallow a stick of dynamite somewhat grudgingly mother nature and some good laxatives started to do the job. I went to the drug store and got stool softeners---generic brand will do and I got into the habit of taking two in the morning and two at night through all of my chemo. No one else may need that much but I felt a lot more comfortable---especially when I had just had my chemo---did not want tummy cramps on top of everything else.
Well, best get going here. Talk at ya'll later.
Jackie
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Hi MaryJane, surgery is on the 7th. I spoke with Michelle/blackjack today - my BF will call her after surgery to let her know that all went well.
WendyTY - I'm so glad to hear that you are feeling well after chemo. HURRAH!!!
I've got to hand the PC over to my BF, I've been hogging it too much, haha.
Take care & hugs - JulieR
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Well girlz...my bug bite is completely gone! WOO HOO...the 2.5 cortisone helped and maybe my immune system isn't that bad AAFTERALL. I hope that means I am free of the impending possibility of LE...POSITIVE thoughts will ward off this beast. I just know so! If any of you want some 2.5 strength cortisone....let me know... I will send you some...we have a ton of it...funny story why we do, but we do!
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Becky - Hang in there girl...you're a real trooper...you might feel worse before you feel better...but don't loose sight of the fact that you really WILL feel better soon. And then you can put all this behind you. We're cheering you on.
WendyTY - You TOO are a real trooper...your wounds have not even healed yet...and you're up and about and laughing. I know you have your moments...you may still not have completely grasped the diagnosis...but your attitude and your age will get you through this. I am so sorry you have to deal with this at your age...it breaks my heart.
Mama Wendrew - Okay boss...I will attend my next PT - on Wednesday...Yuck! Hey...nice photo of dh and bambino. How sweet!
kater - WELL....how was the party! Did you have fun? You have to kiss and tell!
JulieR - Great! Thank goodness...I'm so happy for you. So..your surgery is scheduled for July 7th? That's next Monday...rest assured...we will all be in that OR with you...you won't see us...but we're there for you! You have a ton of support...that's what will get you through this! BE TOUGH...Illinois Girls are TOUGH!
blackjack - Thanks for keeping us posted and current...you are quite the ORGANIZER!
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I am wishing ALL OF YOU a good evening and a great Tuesday....make the most of it...luv ya ALL!
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Morning! wow....July already...summer is going much too fast for me.JulieR...so happy that you got the PS you wanted. I am sure that if anything can make this whole ordeal easier on your mind, that sure did. What a support group you will have at the hospital...plus all of us, waiting anxiiously for Blackjack's call. So...next Monday is the day?
Laura...Good girl! You go to PT and behave yourself! What I also do is watch some of the other pts. and see what is wrong with them and maybe I pick up an exercise/stretch or two in case I manage to destroy something else. So glad too that your bite has diisappeared! What's the funny story behind the 2.5%?
Blackjack...thanks for being the team's organizer..it really helps us all!
Kater....How's your Uncle? How did your "date" with Dr. Bayer go?
Becky/WendyTY....still early times for you, but if you look really close...see that thing down there? At the end of this long, dark and scary tunnel? It's a light, and you will get there! Your "new" life is waiting for you....it will be a bit different to be sure....but it will be wonderful and full of joy and laughter and love. And don't forget...you get to drive around with one of our bumper stickers..."Weird...it's the new normal" - well....as soon as we get around to having them made!
MaryJane...any CT results?
Have to run...hope you are all doing ok. Got somewhat bad news yesterday...SIL in Fl was admitted to the hospital with atrial fibrillation and a leaking mitral valve. They are going to cardiovert her this morning, and then keep her for a few days to see if this works and also run a bunch of tests to see what her next step is. DH is so upset...first his Dad, then his Mom, then me...now as I am getting normal (don't you dare say anything!!!)...his sister goes down. REALLY glad that we will be down there this summer. This getting old is not much fun!
PS: Just heard on channel 9 news as I was typing...scientists have found that watermelon acts similarly to viagra. Well, isn't that interesting!!!!!!!
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I hate watermelon.
Jackie
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Hi ladies:
I lost my glasses (well, misplaced) so this may have lots of typos as I cannot even read the spellcheck. My eyes are a mess. I could blame chemo, but I amnot sure you can blame it for everything.
Come on Jackie, we can all learn to love watermelon. It should get busy around the nation as watermelon is kinda a staple for fourth of July. I have a funny story. Do you all remember the viagra commercials that showed the couple dancing? Someone brought up viagra and my nephew said that if you take viagra you can dance.
Wendy the Elder, your words are so right that I ant to repeat them so we all read them again. This was the perfect thing to write.
"Becky/WendyTY....still early times for you, but if you look really close...see that thing down there? At the end of this long, dark and scary tunnel? It's a light, and you will get there! Your "new" life is waiting for you....it will be a bit different to be sure....but it will be wonderful and full of joy and laughter and love.."
I too was worried that I scared Wedny the Younger and Becky with our tales. No way. These are strong woman-type.s WE might call them Wendy with Moxie and Becky the Bold.
Have a fun day,
Susan the Sighless
Have a great day
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Happy Tuesday! Anyone find a way to make this print bigger while typing yet??
Hope everyone is getting ready for a SAFE, BUGFREE, FUNFILLED 4th!
Jackie enjoy the extra day at home.
Laura I think we all REALLY need to hear why you have a ton of cortisone cream!!This site is so busy!!! Kinda hard to keep up with you all
. Everyone in treatment hope the SE's are kind to you.Anyone hear from Leesa?
time for work!
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HI Girls,
You all have been very busy and sorry I have not been posting. Since I got home from my trip I have been busy with construction workers, painters and my dh. Oh I hate men !!! If you are not there to tell them what to do... they flounder like a fish out of water. This rehab is finally getting to me..and I still a have a month left to go. Sorry to be ranting..for all of you in rehab lol.. no I mean remodeling I hope all is going well for you.
Just wanted to let you all know that I talked with Leesa and she is doing good. She misses everyone and sends hug to all. She is busy with her dd getting senior year stuff done. Chemo has not been kind to her but she is doing ok for now. She has no computer as it just died..so I will let you all know how she is doing.
Julie R is having OR on Monday..sending you big healing hugs your way. As soon as I hear from BF I will let you all know how she is doing.
To all the Starve Rock girls.. you all look marvelous in your pics..I hope you all had a great time..Sorry I missed going. Jet lag was bad this time around. I love traveling but this time was to soon after OR I think. But I never rest always on the go ..that's me !! Jan I wish I had boobs like those. Do bring them to the next lunch bunch so we can all feel them lol
Rita..you are so tan and look fabulous..golfing is good. I had my first golf lesson...what a disaster..lost my club right out of my hand lol Thank god no one was looking. But did wear a cute outfit so I think that made up for the really bad lesson I had. lol
Laura..what's up with all that cortisone cream..Are you selling it on eBay. lol
Wendy..how is PT going..moving better. Sorry to hear about sil.. will say a pray for her speedy recovery.
Jackie.. You hate watermelon...try some salt on it you may like it. I hope you have a great 4th at home..just think you are all most done. yeah for you. Here's a big hug sending your way.
Zap..don't worry about your glasses..they will turn up they always do. I am off to the eye md today..need a new prescription for these bad eyes of mine.
Wendy ty..Becky..sending you big hugs to help you through tx. Hopefully one day you can meet all of us at the lunch bunch. Hang in there.. the end is almost there.
Smerf..how are you doing..surviving the dust bunnies..you should be almost done soon.. right
To everyone else I missed I hope you all have a great day..Enjoy the sunshine..as they say tops down.. fists up.
I am off to the eye md and then shopping..will ck back later..
Remember be healthy ..be happy
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Dear ladies,
Just talked to the nurse at my oncologist's and she said the CT was normal, so I am very thankful. Thank you for your concern.
Mary Jane
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Yea We like NORMAL!!! ( like we know what normal is!!) LOL0
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Yea We like NORMAL!!! ( like we know what normal is!!) LOL0
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Ok, sorry. I'm un-American. Just never developed a taste for watermelon. I could try the salt, but a funny thing happened when I went on the South Beach Diet........I discovered I like the taste of my food un-cluttered with salt. I also gave up table sugar at the same time. I did replace that with Splenda but to this day ( since there is a lot of salt in lots of foods ) I don't feel the need of using the salt shaker. Maybe I should try pepper. I use lots of that on food. Probably to cut the salty taste.
Wendy--hope your sil gets this under control with her Dr.'s soon. Didn't someone else in your family have that happen last year. If not, then maybe I'm dreaming, but it sounds so familiar.
MaryJane--hooray. Excellent news. I couldn't believe it would be anything else. Just couldn't get a bad vibe about it. I'm thrilled for you and yours.
Good to hear from you too Blackjack. Somehow I missed the part about your remodeling. I can agree on the fellows needing direction though. That is why I'm not going to tell any of them about the watermelon.
Hope you all have a fantastic day. Time for me to go have supper.
Jackie
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Michele...My dust bunnies are made of cement! About two more weeks before we can use bathrooms, so we're getting there. I spent today removing old wallpaper from the closet area, and painting will start soon.
MaryJane...Great news about your CT scan. Hooray!
I loved the pics from Starved Rock, and was sorry to miss it. You all look terrific, and Becky you are a trooper, proving once again that Illinois ladies are tough! You too, WendyTL.
Wendy...What a sweet picture of Tom and your nephew. They are both cuties!
Watermelon? Who new? And the drug company spent millions on the research for Viagra.
Susan...When my DH can't find his glasses they are usually under his hat! He always wears one because he is bald, and needs it either to be warm, or to protect his head from sunburn. Until chemo I never understood. Cute comment about dancing from your nephew.
I've got to run, housework awaits.
Hugs to all, Pat
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Jackie - Your one sentence comment just cracked me up... "I hate watermelon".....
Not sure why I found this sooo funny, but I'm still wiping my eyes from laughter - thanks I needed that!
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Jackie / Michelle
I agree, the simple "I hate watermelon" cracked me up too!
(( for me I think it's because "Bob that sells Enzite" annoyes me, Viagra & all the emails about it annoy me, and now they want my husband to know he can just have watermellon? He's bad enough, I don't want him eating watermellon.))
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Mary Jane!!!!!
YOU GO GIRL! Glad to hear about the CT !!!!
So happy for you!
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Mary Jane - so glad to hear that your results are good!!!!!
Have a piece of choc. cake to celebrate
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Mich101...are you thinking Maggiano's choclate cake..yum !!
On that note are you all up for a lunch bunch date this month. Nothing is planned... It could be any time maybe an evening date...pizza party?? any thoughts or ideas are always welcome.
Maryjane...congrats on your good news!!! We love to hear good news.
Little C..welcome to the board. We are a fun group to chat with.
How many are having big parties this weekend...as for me I will be boating as I am sure Connie is too. We need nice warm weather..rain be gone.
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Another "YEAH!" for MaryJane & the good CT.
Thanks for the well-wishes everyone - can't believe surgery is about 6 days away.
My BF's sister-in-law was just diagnosed with lung cancer!! She is 50 years old, and does NOT smoke. Apparently the tumor is very large - 5cm or more. These poor guys (my BF & his brother) just lost their dear dad 2 years ago to lung cancer. Now their women have cancer. Mentally, I can't imagine how they are feeling.
My BF is being a rock, though - I'm thankful to have him. And he took an entire week off of work after my surgery to take care of me
That's all for now - take care everyone!! Hugs, JulieR
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