Illinois ladies facing bc
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Aging is not 'lost youth' but a new stage of opportunity and strength.
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Betty Friedan (1921 - 2006) There is no old age. There is, as there always was, just you. Carol Matthau, O Magazine, October 2003 0 -
It's sunny out and seems like it will be a nice dry day. Don't know what I will get done, but I'll enjoy doing it with my friend the sun. That is almost always my total inspiration for having a good day. It will be laundry day, of course, as I get things ready to go back to Marion on Monday. I had a nice thing waiting for me when I got home on Thursday this week. I had been wanting a Dyson vacumn for a long time. Sears had a sale ( and the slim model I wanted is almost never on sale ) so Denny picked it up for me. Well there goes next months old age pension check, but that was the only thing I needed or wanted when I got my first old age pymt. this past November. Didn't dare do it....so many trips to Marion and Carbondale for tests etc. So now is not the best time either, but hey....who knows when Dyson Slim will be on sale again.
Glad that so many had such a good time over the holiday....and it's still going on for Blackjack. Ah....what we do for our kids. Or that could be grandkinds for lots of us, huh.
I gave my friend Linda from up near Naperville the address of this site. She was having a hard time lately. Done with all her txs but in the testing/finding strange things area now and freaking just a little. Told her how many ( she never joined any blog--just ploughed through pretty much on her own ) ladies here go through that only to find that it really is what the normal is NOW. Hope she will look at what I sent her and think about it.
Tdbear.....I will be waiting to know what you think of the Butterfinger cake the first time you make it. Most of my family all say " Oh, she's bringing that cake we all hate )! And this coming week-end we will be doing another family get-together so I'll be dreaning up something to take all through the week. My SIL's daugher Tisha and hubby Mark are coming for a week from California. Tisha is a teacher and between summer school and beginning of new school yr. she could only find a week....so a quickie, but at least will happen.
Hope you all have a great Sunday....even if you HAVE to turn the radio down -- drat, and enjoy the cool weather and beautiful sun.
Jackie
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"Experience - what you get when you don't get what you want."
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"Never give up, never, never give up."
- Winston Churchill0 -
Jackie - You deserve a Dyson...I'm so happy you treated yourself to that...I treat myself to plants and trees...you treat yourself to a Dyson...whatever works to keep us girls moving along! LOL
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I have had AN EXTREMELY prdoductive 3 days!!! Have not stopped since I got home from work on Thrusday night...Shelby spent the weekend with us...we went to our Midwest Racing Team picnic...got lots of Buckthorn cleared away...planted 3 trees, found a black Scorpian in my garden...the list goes ON AND AND! But I LOVE IT...It's weird...I wake up at 5:30 every morning (sometimes earlier) and I do not STOP until 9ish...I love feeling a sense of accomplishment...
Enough about me...Hope you ARE ALL HAVING A GOOD WEEKEND...some are recovering, some are heading to a new chapter, some are almost finished with threatment, some are just starting...but my hope for all is: Hang in there...we're here for you.
And...for those new to our thread, I wanted you to see my message of hope, it's loud and clear - wherever I go:
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Laura what a fantastic license plate. You really did it...and it's great. You'll give everyone who sees that a good feeling and never hurts to keep reminding the masses that we need a cure not only for all who have cancer now, but all those who MAY get it in the future. We can't let down our guard. You are such a winner in my book. So positive and up-beat --- so caring. Hats off to you even if I am minus most of my hair still.
What is a black scorpion??? Living in your garden. Sounds a little dangerous.
Well, I'm getting ready to go back to Marion tomorrow morning. Seems like it ( even with the extra day ) went so fast. Still....rads go fast too. I think I may be getting a little pink now so I'll have to take care of that on Tuesday when I see the rads Dr.
I re-read your post and read your words to all those just starting txs or recovering from them and thought back to not so long ago when I was in such envy for those getting done with their rads...while I was struggling along with my chemo. It was a little more un-pleasant than I let on but I'll say here and now---knowing all of you were there---and that you had all done it too and made it out the other side, just kept me pushing through no matter what came. So often my thoughts were that if you did it, I could too. And I did and I have and it was because for once in my life I was SMART enough to look for Illinois Ladies Facing BC---just knowing that it would be just what I needed.
Ok, my violin is put away and I'm going back to work' You are always on my mind and there is not one day that I don't thank the heavens you are all there and took me in. I'm one of the luckiest people I know.
Hope the rest of the week-end is great for all.
Love, Jackie
( and I echo Laura's sentiments for all of you )
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Laura - love the license plate!! Fabulous!!
OK, it's 14 hours til surgery, so I thought I'd better pop by...... phew. deeeeeep breaths.
My BF will call Blackjack tomorrow, although I'm not sure when. BS says I should be out of recovery by 5:30 - 6pm. However, my BF has instructions on sanitizing things in my room (like the TV remote, phone, etc) & unpacking all my stuff..... If there's one thing that's hard for a Control Freak, it's to be an Incapacitated Control Freak (or - a Loss of Control Control Freak)!!! Accccckkkkk! LOL!
Last night I did have a bit of a panic attack. Today I kept busy by shopping, and scrubbing my entire house down. Now that it's getting close to the end of the day, I'm getting a bit anxious. But that's why my MD gave me the Klonopin, isn't it ?
So, just wanted to thank you all for the well wishes - and please say a little prayer for all of the people who will have my life in their hands tomorrow
Big hugs to everyone!!! JulieR
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Here's your quote for today...
It is not reason which makes faith hard, but life.
-- Jean Ingelow0 -
Julie....prayers, good vibes and huge hugs to you tomorrow. We will all be with you ( the surgery suite will be very crowded ) keeping watch for you. We'll try not to get in the way. Doesn't do much good but try and relax, sleep as well as you can, and don't worry if possible. Your a fighter, you can do this.
Jackie
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Hi gals! I'm back from the "south." I had so much fun with my little grandsons. We also got alot accomplished at my Dad's house. All of us dug in. We wallpapered, painted, and cleaned (and I'm the one who pays somebody to clean my own house). I do understand your sense of satisfaction that you had this weekend, Laura! It's a good feeling isn't it? We took time out to enjoy the little guys and see the fireworks........and of course we had lots of good food!
JulieR...thoughts and prayers go with you today. I will anxiously be awaiting a progress report and will check in later.
Deena...Hugs to you, dear! I live in Bloomington and went to Peoria for my second surgery when the margins came back unclear. I had the other highly-rated breast surgeon, but Becky from Ottawa on this site had your surgeon. I am close enough to help if you need it and I'm a pretty good listener. Please keep in touch with us. I am sending good vibes and prayers for you and EllenG as you start the extra rads this week. Ellen, please tell us a little more about yourself, too.
Blackjack, I'm envious of all your boating experiences. I was raised on the banks of the Rock River and we loved to watch the fireworks from the boat as they were shot off over the water. So glad you could get away this weekend and enjoy the sun, water, and family.
Jackie, take care of that skin now. If the Aloe Vera gel isn't doing the job, ask for something stronger. As for the Dyson...just consider that your "after chemo" present! :-) Hope you have a good week.
It sounds like everyone had a good holiday. I will be back later to catch up on all the posts.
Rita
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Julie, Thinking of you today. Sounds like you have everything under control! That's what we like, right?
Biggest hugs, Pat
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Quote A Day
for July 7, 2008
Success! It's found in the soul of you,
And not in the realm of luck!
The world will furnish the work to do,
But you must provide the pluck.
Edgar A. Guest (1881 - ????)0 -
Morning all...JulieR.....Today is the BIG day! Can't imagine all the things running thru your head right now...but I was laughing as I read about your BF, running around the room with Clorox wipes!!! And Jackie was right....that room is going to be soooooo crowded with all of us! Will be checking in often tonight to hear from Blackjack!
Blackjack...so envious of you, taking that early morning cruise around the lake...I would love to do that! Love the quiet in the morning...well, I suppose not so quiet in a boat, but you know what I mean! Tell JulieR's BF to give her an extra-gentle little hug from all of us.
Rita...you had fun, but you worked too hard! Any time you want to come up here and do stuff, let me know!
Jackie...your vacuum story is too funny! I didn't get a dyson (too $$$$, and I don't have pets) but DH did buy me a new one to celebrate my halfway thru chemo! Just what I wanted too so I wouldn't have to carry a vacuum upstairs anymore. I remember getting a vacuum on my first wedding anniversay, and not talking to him for a week. Now? NO...I do not want jewelry! I want...new tires, or a new food processor, or new landscaping...etc. Funny how our wish list changes. Of course...what I really want...a cure. For all of us and for all the gals that some behind us.
Laura.....you work too hard too! I am going to have to give you all lessons in being a "lazy butt". Took me a year or so before I truly got the hang of it....but I am pretty good at it now! I should teach a class! Oh wait...that would be work, wouldn't it? Can't have that.....
Jackie...forgot....hope your friend Linda does indeed join our site! I'm not too far from Naperville..about 45-50 minutes.
HensonChi sent me a PM...wanted to know about a get-together at Maggiano's???? I have PT on M, W, Thu at 9:30...but I could make it those days by 12 or 12:15. I think JanClare said she could do a Tuesday, but then Laura can't make it??? I could do this Friday???
For those of you still in treatment, or starting a new treatment....hope everything goes well for you and the "no side-effect fairy" visits you and sprinkles you with "happy dust".
And yes..I know...that is the "snow be gone" fairy, but she has a second job!
Gotta run...will check back in later!
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I'm off to get ready to go to Marion. I may get a chance to see Donna Crow. She is the Avon patient navigator from my surgeon's office. She was such a huge help to me during my chemo txs. I hate to say it, but nurses at V.A. were probably doing what they do too long---so blase' but who is going to give up a federal govnm., job. When I wanted real immediate help and someone to explain in depth to me it was Donna I turned to. She had bc just like mine 7 yrs. ago and went thru the same txs. Gave birth 9 months ago to a beautiful bably girl.....right about the time of my operation. Quite a person. Fantastic nurse/co-coordinator.
All have a wonderful, wonderful Monday.
Jackie
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Good morning:
Okay, Julie R, the day is finally here.I will be thinking of you and waiting for Blackjack's word. You are on my mind.
I too had the most wonderful fourth with family and friends. On Sunday we cycled along Illinois State Beach. Kinda funny to cyclie by a nuclear power plant. We ended up at Winthrop Harbor and admired the lake and the boats harbored there. yesterday we went to Kane County for some antique hunting. Today I sit with my cat and wonder what my retirement will be llike. My husband is worried I will get restless, and I am a bit worried too. I really do like a routine in place. I am not one bit restless now, but I do wonder what I will be like. I have another year of work.
The flights are out of sight in terms of cost. My mother (died in March, if you recall) was buried in Phoenix with my dad. I wanted to fly down to put things to a final rest as the poor dear was flown down there after she passed. Who would even want to go to Phoenix in August? Well the flights are over $500 round trip. I have thought of going to Las Vegas and then driving. I haven't researched that yer.
It is a cozy day here,,,,overcast,
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Just sending a big shout out and hello to all. 28 pages have gone by since I was last here. Cant believe it. Im officially on vacation - took the week of to just relax which has given me some computer time. Hope everyone is doing well. The only way I will be able to catch up is to restart from here!
Nicki
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Hi Nicki. Good to see you here again. Denny and his sis Cheryl and Wayne, C's husband just left to go back to Centralia. I could have come with them but the appts. we each had were wrong times. We spent most of the day with them though.
Ate at Charley's..........what a nice place. I had never been in one--they managed to fill us up and the food was excellent. I will be eating my left over's tonight---and I bet we go there again. I also liked the Lone Star and plan to go there again.
Very hot here today after the rain--about 93 and humid. Hello, steam bath. My temp went strange on me during chemo so is probably easier for me to be out in this than some. Turned into a no-hair day though. Everything is sure quiet here today---are you all recovering from the beautiful week-en? I'll check with ya'll later.
Jackie
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Hi Girls..only have few minutes..just wanted to let you know that I have not heard from Bustersmom BF yet. I know that she was having 2 procedures done at the same time so I think that is why it may be taking longer or they may have started late. I will keep you all posted as soon as I hear something.
Off to a meeting..will ck back later...
Hope you all are having a great evening..enjoy the hot weather..
Blackjack
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I went to the Plastic surgeon today about reconstruction. I am so confused. Did anyone here have implants or a DIEP or TRAM? I really don't want to do implants. Any thoughts or ideas?
Ginny
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How is everyone? I broke the scaphoid bone in my wrist five weeks ago and have been having problems with my cast and swelling. I am getting my port out tomorrow and am really anxious about it now. I don't know why, I went through four hellish months of chemo. They are doing it in at the clinic in the procedure room. Surgeon even asked if I thought I would be anxious and I said no! He is just going to numb the skin and take it out. I didn't ask for details, I really don't want to know. My good friend is taking me, she goes with me to the major stuff and can handle anything.
Enough typing for now, will report back after it's out, as long as my wrist holds up.
Nancy
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Just popped on to see if there was any news about Julie R. Thanks for popping on Blackjack and for letting us know that you still have no info from her boyfriend. I will check back later.
Nancy...so good to hear from you again. Wow! You've really had a streak of bad luck! We need to shake that off right now! Thanks so much for letting us know how you have been doing! Hang in there! I will be thinking about you tomorrow as they get that port out of there. You will probably feel so much better once it's removed. I didn't have a port so I can't give you any input into the removal procedure but I haven't heard too many complain about it!
I'll check in later if I'm still awake!
Rita
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Hi Girls.
Just received the call from JulieR BF and she is out of OR. They did the bil mas and she has the tissue expander's in place. They also removed 3-4 lymph nodes / they are clean as far as they can tell. Won't know until they get the path report back. They removed a uterine polyp too.. BF says she will be in the hospital until Weds. I told him to let me know when she would like a phone call or company. She is resting now and is getting a lot of pain meds. I will keep you all posted..I have to go back to my meeting ugh..but wanted you all to know how JulieR was doing..
Will ck back later...gotta run
Blackjack
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Thanks Blackjack! Although I know they can't tell for sure about the lymph nodes until the path report comes back, this sounds rather hopeful! YEA!!!
I'm off to bed really early tonight. I am just exhausted.
Rita
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Thanks Blackjack. Good to hear JulieR's surgery went well. Keep us posted.
I'm headed to Quincy today with my Granddaughter. We're going to see my Mom. Will check in later on tonight for more info.
Mary Jane
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Morning!Yay!!!!! JulieR...sounds like everything went well and so far your reports look good! Whew! One BIG step taken!!!!
Nanc----jeepers! How did you do that???? You probably won't see this before you go to have your port out but my surgeon did it also in the procedure room at the hospital and he told me I wouldn't feel a thing and that it would take 10 minutes. Well...HE LIED!!!!! It took 11 minutes! And don't think I didn't kid him about that! I was pretty sore for a few days but that was because (or this is what he told me) that I had had it in for a year and my tissue had grown around it a bit and he had to yank. Sounds horrible, but truthfully....I did not feel anything. Extra-strengh tylenol took care of the soreness afterward. And I drove myself as he said I could. Kind of a non-event in this whole bc thing.
Blackjack...thanks for letting us know about Julie. Can't believe still that they do all that to a human being .... and then ship them home 36 hours later.
Ginny....I know nothing about those procedures but I'm sure someone will comment. Just curious...did you have rads? Always wondering if implants can be done after that...reasonably successfully? And also curious...why don't you want to do the implants? Because of the expanding? Just wondering....
NICKI !!!!!!! Hi again!!!! We've missed you!
Jackie...try the Texas Ranch salad dressing at Lone Star, but have them put it on the side! They tend to drown their salads. It's got a bit of a kick, but not bad....it's my favorite salad dressing by far. I did write to them and ask for the recipe but I got this response and this was all..."We're sorry but the information you have requested is proprietary. We suggest you visit more often." Hmmmm...did I expect that response? Yep. But to me..it could have been worded a bit different.
JanClare....I didn't go to BenchMark as I was coming home from a blood test at my docs and drove thru (OK...cut thru) this parking lot...and bingo! Grimm's medical supply which Kater had mentined months ago so I went in...wonderful fitter. I was able to go home with the sleeve but they had to order my gauntlet - guess I am pretty tiny for a grownup and too big for a child.
Anyone else need Grimms...they are in a mall, right on North Avenue in St. Charles...at about 16th street...so that would be on the S side of North Avenue (Rt 64), 16th St is of course...about 16 blocks W of the river....just a few lights E of Randall Road. $56. each piece...they don't file ins but I downloaded a form.
Susan....I too was shocked re: flight prices when I was looking to fly to Orlando. They wanted with taxes $400. each! Well...I was so NOT going to pay that. I kept checking numerous times during the day and one night I guess I drank too much liquid and woke up. As long as I was up to the bathroom at 2am, I went online...and got my tickets for $198! I didn't get the exact morning flight I wanted, but we leave at 2:30pm which wasn't too bad. So maybe....before bed tonight....drink a lot. LOL
Rita...you always seem so tired! Maybe you should go back to work....TO REST!!!! This retirement seems to be exhausting! You are having waaaaaaay too much fun! How's WendyTY doing these days? What chemo is she doing?
Off to have my 2nd cup....no PT today so will not have to hurry anywhere. Working on trying to figure out my iPod touch as it will do e-mail if I find a wireless network...so I can keep in touch when in Florida as I am much too cheap to pay the hotel that $10. per day fee! I think I need a child to explain it all to me.......
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Thanks blackjack...let's all keep our fingers and toes crossed...negative nodes would be a very good thing.
Wendy - Can I sign up for your lazy butt lessons? You're right...I nedd 'em! LOL
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Well more rain...what gives? I guess it's better than a drought though.
Gotta get ready for work...
I have a quarterly sales review meeting and a brainstorm (or slight drizzle - hope not) meeting today...re: product ideas for sweet sixteen, grandparetns and general birthday...I had a ton of ideas...if you have any...let me know!
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Have a great day!
Have a great day!
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Wendy...I don't want the silicone implants but am considering the saline implants. They are going to try to expand the radiated side. It could or could not work. If it doesn't then they would do a latimus thingie. They would take the back muscle and pull it over to form a breast. So, I am leaning more to having the implants with saline and seeing how the expansion goes. At least on one side it would work for sure. We are just going to take a chance that the radiated side will work too. I don't want large breasts so that might help...
So much to think about.
Ginny
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Hi,
Just joined Illinois thread--- hailing from Palatine, IL. Formerly Evanston
History-- Initially diagnosed in 00 at age 33. 3.5cm, Stage II, no nodes, Triple Neg. Lumpectomy w/ clear margins, Four A/C (miserable- kicked my butt and mind....) and radiation.Very bad reaction to steroids On Lupron during chemo to preserve OV function, which miraculously came back and was able to have two amazing children naturally post chemo.
Just rediagnosed 8 yrs later at 42-- new primary in same breast, opposite quad. 1 cm, Stage 1, no nodes. Again- found it myself. Second lumpectomy. Scheduled for mast w/ reconstruction in late Sept (nipple sparing, subcutaneous w/ implant to be attempted). Brca test is neg. About to start 3 rounds of CMF THIS FRIDAY and am more frantic, miserable and upset than I was going into the A/C. It's worse knowing what I'm in for. And so much harder with the kids- worrying about everything from their reaction to my illness/appearance to fearing I may not be here to raise them. Also will be trying to work thru chemo this time. (Was in btw jobs last time and living off severance).
Soo...lots on my plate. I've joined the CMF thread and was guided to the Illinois thread to hopefully share with some women in the general area. I have a great husband, but not a lot of other hands to hold right now. Just looking for a place to learn- and well, yeah, bitch a bit.
thanks....
-julie b
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Hi girls. Just popping in to say hi! Had a great 4th weekend in MI. Just enjoyed the sun and water and relaxed! Going back this Thursday.
I haven't been able to check all the posts, but glad to hear Julie R is doing well. Thanks for the update, Blackjack.
Julie B - welcome. So sorry you are having to go through this again. I was dx'd last year at 39 and I have two young kids (7 and 10). It's hard, but I got through it and you will too. These gals on here are awesome so stick around for their support.
Airfare - we had plans to go to Florida over Xmas break this year. I had been tracking airfares for awhile and everything was $600-$900. I don't think so. Southwest released their fares when we were in NM, but I still found them to be high for our travel dates - around $500. I finally found fares for $300 through Southwest, but we are traveling on Xmas Eve and returning on NY day. I can't believe anyone would pay these outrageous fares. I was about ready to just cancel the trip.
Mosquitoes - I know we talked about this last week, but I got a couple more bites up in MI this weekend. I think the buggers this year have something else in them because every bite swelled up a whole area for a day. I got 2 more on my bad arm and the section swelled but was better the next day. Usually, just the small bite area itches, but this year I keep getting this swelling reaction. Hmm.
Thinking of all of you!
Connie
Dx 3/7/2007, ILC, 6cm+, Stage IIIa, Grade 3, 1/12 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-0 -
Welcome Julie B!!(what's with all the Julie names all the sudden??LOL) If you'd like you can PM Lauragto with all your info ie: name, address, phone, e-mail address, and any other info you'd like to share. Then Laura e-mails it to "Our group" then we can bug you by e-mail & snail mail LOL. I'm a 2 time survivor as is Leesa. So we've "been there done that"!
Nicki Great to see you again! Hope you've been busy w/ fun stuff!
Nanc512 hope your wrist is better. And PORT BE GONE!!!! Yea!
Ginny sorry I'm no help w/ reconstruction, I'm a chicken
Laura sweet sixteen ideas.... G'daughter is goth..her best friend is more "fairy princess" What a mix I could come up with!!!!
Wendy vampires still behaving? haven't seen mine since the 4th and they still haven't mowed the lawn!!
Connie sounds like you had a wonderful time..enjoy the summer!
Maybe we should invite ourselves to a boat ride on Blackjacks boat LOL Hey she handled the kids she can handle us!!
I better get busy will check back later!
Again Welcome JulieB We are here for you!
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