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Illinois ladies facing bc

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  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Member Posts: 39,794
    edited July 2008

    Good morning allSmile and how lovely it is.  Weather report this a.m. said it was pouring in Chicago.  We had rain late yesterday afternoon and will happen again tonight. Not happy bout' that but not a lot to do.

    I'm looking forward to a satisfying day filled with lots of things.  A small ride over to the next town to see my cousin for a bit, plus the usual trip to the bank ( sure will be glad to get another paycheck ) and to the store for some supplies.  Family ( his side ) dinner tomorrow----late as usual.  Not sure what I'll make but Tisha gobbles just about anything  I've ever taken over there and usually asks for the recipe.  She and Mark live in California and can only come for a week this yr. Tisha is a teacher and will be between summer school and needing to get prepared for the coming year.

    I have people to see and calls to make.....but hey, only 9 more days of rads and I'll be home to attend to life on a daily basis again and quit living like the devil is after me for two days at a time. 

    Hmmm, Laura a little reverse roll on the car issue it seems.  When I'm over-wrought about something dh is quick to give me the soothing speech in a calm controlled voice but sooner or later I'm doing the same to him.  Maybe that is why we need mates---to keep from doing great bodily harm to someone else. 

    Well, on that note I will get my day started and move on to all those important things---like breathing in-between all those other odds and ends begging and vying for attention.  Hope you all have a great one and

    live, live, live.

    Jackie

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

    Thanks to everyone.  Man, I was in the dumps yesterday.  I had to take the Xanax to get into the mri and I wonder if that makes you depresed.  That mri iwas for the cervical neck.  I have had the herniated disk for many years....just not this loss of feeling in my arm. The time off from school for surgery is what I was worried about.  I like to close on big projects and my career spans over twenty years and my hope was to see my last year through, and maybe I will.  Also, I always connect issues to BC and it has crossed my mind that the two are realted.  I am much closer to your philosophy today in that I DO NOT HAVE SURGERY TODAY so live life.  I do wish to thank you for your thoughts.  Today is good.

    My DH and I are taking day trips this summer.  We heard about the wineries down in Southern Illinois and the RIBs in Murpheysboro....so we are headiing  south this week.  He can condense his cases to 3-4 days and that allows us time to get about...even though not far or for long.

    Love to all.....

    Susan 

  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Member Posts: 39,794
    edited July 2008

    Today's Inspirational Quote:

    "Smooth roads never make good drivers. Smooth seas never make
    good sailors. Clear skies never make good pilots. A problem
    free life never makes a strong and good person. Have a tough
    but winning day ahead! Be strong enough to accept the
    challenges of life. Do not ask life, 'Why me?' instead say,
    'Try me'."

    -- Author Unknown
  • wendyk13
    wendyk13 Member Posts: 1,458
    edited July 2008

    Morning!  Sure was nice not be awakened by storms.  HOWEVER......

    Vampire neighbors had a party last night...and all of them had violins and sat on the patio til after 10:30, playing very strange music that I have never heard...right under our bedroom window.  THEN...the POOL PEOPLE decided to have an impromptu swim party....at midnight...which lasted until 3:04am when someone called the cops and shut them down.  Finally got to sleep...then at dawn, some crazy idiot bird decided to sit on my gutter and sing to me.  I gave up.  Had about 3 hours I think.....

    Laua...hopefully you will get your car back by Tuesday.  And I certainly hope it will be free!

    Susan...glad you are feeling better about everything!  When do you get the results of your MRI?

    Rita...I just noticed today...when you started this thread back in Jan 2007...you did so at 4:10AM!  Guess all of us had those nights when sleep just wouldn't come.

    Everyone have a great day...need to get started on my pasta salad for the BD party later.

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

    Hello everyone.  I only have a few minutes to post because we're waiting for my DS and DIL foro breakfast.  We had a great day yesterday.....The Cubbies won after trying to give the game away and we found a magnificent Italian restaurant in Des Plaines.  They are flying out in a couple of hours and we are heading for ao quick stop at the Empress before driving the rest of the way home.  It's so great to be able to spend time with family.

    Wendy, yes, I started this thread in the middle of the night.  I was wide awake, afraid of the chemo that I was going to be starting, and very much alone. It was one of my better choices in life!  LOL You gals will never realize how important you were to me (and still are) as I faced the treatments and went through the journey.

    Susan, how far south are you going?  We love the wines from the Shawnee Winery in Vienna.  Their Tiffany's Gold is a fantastic sweet white wine, and we even found some red wines that we liked there, too.  There is another winery that labels their wine as "Berryville" and it is great, too.  I can not remember right off hand where it is located but it's in southeastern Illinois, too.  You can probably google it and find the name of the town.

    Gotta run.  The crew is here!

    Have a great Sunday.

    Rita

  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Member Posts: 39,794
    edited July 2008
    There is a theory which states that if ever anybody discovers exactly what the Universe is for and why it is here, it will instantly disappear and be replaced by something even more bizarre and inexplicable. There is another theory which states that this has already happened. [info][add][mail]Douglas Adams (1952 - 2001)
  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Member Posts: 39,794
    edited July 2008

    Great Sunday morning....no rain and lots of sun.  My quote is not what I usually put out but I read it a couple of times and decided I really liked it. 

    Rita, I feel like the cream is working.  Last night I could lay on my left side without discomfort....the first time in a couple weeks.  Made me a happy camper.  At my age, laying on one side all night long just starts your day out a little wrong.  I also slept all night--didn't even get up to use the bathroom, so my turning did not even wake me.  Fantastic.

    A busy day in store, but actually I'll feel more like it and have to force less of it along. 

    Hope all the girls.....Julie ( hope you check in soon ) new Julie, Jule, Becky and all the rest get on here soon to say hi.  Leesa, you too.

    Wendy....the Transylvania violins---what a hoot, but sounds like they gave it up at an almost decent time.  Your neighborhood sounds a bit on the wild side.  And your not owning up to having called the law on the pool party.  Denny would do it in a heartbeat....he sleeps so poor most of the time his tolerance level is about minus five I think. 

    Well, me too---I procrastinated yesterday and so will have to do my cooking this a.m. in the middle of my usual race to get things ready to go to Marion in the morning. 

    Hope you all have a splendid Sunday.  I'll be checking back when I can.

    Jackie

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

    Great Sunday Morning here:

    Shawnee is our destination.  We actually do not care for sweet wines.  I don't care.  I just want to see vineyards. Someday I hope to do that Califonia winery tour.  The air fares are so high, I am having trouble rationalizing that.  I think, however,  they may never come down.

    We are going to the Botanic Gardens for an outdoor cooking demo.  We cycle there (we only live two miles away) and then to an art show.  My arm is better.  I have this theory about my neck and why it suddenly gave way after so many years of working well.  I have my writing class and I am at the computer  4-6 hours per day  working on the manuscript I am submitting.  I am wondering if my posture caused by the  laptop has aggravated an already distressed disk. I take weekends  off.  We'll see.

    Susan 

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

    Rita - LOTS of fun for you! Go Cubbies...  

    Susan - You are one girl on the go, go, go! I'm envious...btw...dh and I took a trip up to Northern CA...we stayed at the Sinoma Mission Inn...it was great! Lots of relaxation...fun...etc. Are you still taking your writing classes? You are keeping busy...that's awesome!

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

      Morning everyone!  It is so beautiful out this morning, isn't it Susan!  So cool and sunny...and so quiet out here.  I hope you take a minute this morning to take a deep breath and say to yourself...."Wow!  What a great day ahead for me!  I'm going out at 9am and buy me that convertible!"....well, ok, maybe not today, but tomorrow???

    Laura...lots of work for that graduation but how nice!  This is truly something she will have for the rest of her life...and will always be deeply treasured by her.  What a great Aunt you are!

    Jackie...I LOVED that quote from Douglas Adams!  It is somehow comforting to hear that someone else is as confused as I am as to what is happening all around and yet has found a way to interject some levity.

    to the Chemo girls....how is everything going for you?  Keep hydrated as much as possible.  Luigi's italian ice ... always a good thing to keep in the freezer.  don't forget to take your anti-nausea meds whether you think you need them or not.  Much, much easier to prevent nausea than to fix it.

    Just thinking about all you guys and all your trips and day-trips...and I feel like the summer has just passed me by...again!  Last summer it was rads, then the back.  This summer...the back again!  Spending way too much time at home!  Why I couldn't have a back problem in January and February I sure don't know!  OH....just a little note...for that injection I got in June....in a doctors' office?????  Well....it seems they billed, in total, $3,708. and change!  What the ?????  Charge was something like this....$372. clinic charge, $1400 for radiology (they do the inj under fluroscopy), $800 or so for anesthesia, couple of hundred for "drugs" and about $1100. for "operating room" - the back office!  Jeepers.  Of course...that is what went to the insurance..but for cripes sake...it was a SHOT!!!  Reminds me of the $3700. charge for the neulasta when I had to go to the infusion room at Delnor on a Saturday.  Which is why I switched my chemo days to Wed. so I could go back to the onc's and get it for $1200!  Sorry...don't get me started on these frickin' medical charges!  Just REALLY glad that DH's ins plan changed this past January and my lifetime limit went back to $1,000,000.  We all know what surgery, chemo and rads cost us!  OK...I'm done now.  Well....one more thing...each session of PT is $266., no matter how long I am there - and they have kept me as long as 2 hours, just to make sure I am feeling as good as I can.  Now there's a reasonable charge for you!

    Rita...what was the magic cream you sent Jackie?  Just wondering....

    Well...time for my 2nd cup and then off to start my day.  PT at 9:30 and I get to learn how to fire my multiforises...aren't you all so jealous!!!!

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

    It is lovely today, Wendy!  I will not know the mri results until I go to the neurosurgeon one week from this Thursday.  I am hoping there is something before surgery (like a shot).  I have never had a shot as you have. Some times the arm is so numb that I just look at it wondering what it is Yell as it doesn't feel like it belongs to me!  Strange!  At other times, it feels normal.

    Chemo ladies, I do hope you are feeling well.  Wendy is right, summer is a bad time to be sick.  I am getting along with my arm, but I had chemo in the winter and I am glad about that.

     Okay, my lack of geography is rearing its head again.  We researched Shawnee and it is like 378 miles away!  I  have this silly idea that if we stay in Illinois, we are not wandering that far! Going to a winery and buying a bottle of wine for $13.00 doesn't work if we spend $140  or more in gas to get it.   Plan B is that we are going to Southwestern Michigan.  I have been googling wineries and there are quite a few people who "blog" their  wine tours online so you can get the heads up on what is good and what is not and where to stay, etc.   Shawnie is definitely a favorite in Illinois.  There are some good places in Michigan too, so new destination for us!

    Oh the pasta we made at the Botanic Garden was fantastic!  They have a number of Italian chiefs and you get the lowdown on the best pasta.  We have an Italian grocery here and they specially import the best stuff. I also tasted olive oil ($20) and cannot say that I could tell a difference from Star. Maybe if I tasted them together.

    Have a great day!

    Susan 

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

    Hi everyone!  The weekend is over.  I've already been to the golf course this morning and now I'm tackling some question writing for the rest of the day.  I hope all of you are enjoying this lovely day!

    Susan, yes, I think that mileage is about right for you to the Shawnee area.  It took Mary Jane and I nearly 4 hours one way to get down to Marion to see Jackie and Vienna is a bit farther down the road.  Illinois is one long state!  It's very scenic country, though.

    I hope that all of you who are doing chemo right now are faring pretty well.  You need to check in and let us know.

    JulieR...hope you're healing up quickly.  Remember, it's quite all right to let others pamper you for awhile longer.

    Leesa...how are you doing?

    I just wanted to check in before I got busy with researching.  I'll be back later and get caught up on all the posts.  Everyone have a good day!

    Rita

  • BustersMom
    BustersMom Member Posts: 260
    edited July 2008

    Hi everyone,

    It's me - I'm home - finally!    (I am gonna give some details here & hope they don't make anyone sick )

    First, thanks for the very nice cards that were sent - my BF brought them to me in the hospital & they really lifted my spirits.

    JanClare - I got your voice mail on Thursday; I tried to text you but it may not have worked.  I was too pooped to make calls. 

    I was released from the hospital on Friday evening... yep, 4 fun filled nights.  I must say, they took great care of me at St. Alexius.   I even asked to be moved (due to a noisy room-mate) and was moved within 3 hours.   All of the PCT's & Nurses were wonderful.  And the food - when I finally felt like eating - was magnificent!!!    My family was very happy with everything too.

    Surgery went well, but I was VERY sick for several hours afterward.  They could not get the vomiting under control with the usual meds, but finally came at me with a third med & got things calmed down.  Apparently they were worried they'd have to NG tube me!! Phew. 

    My BP kept running really low, and I was just extremely weak, so that kept me in the hospital. 

    This surgery really took a toll on me.

    My right drain looks like it will come out in the next day or two (yahoo!) but the left one (the BC/Node side) is still really active & nasty. It's like purple paint, about 100cc's yesterday.   I have massive bruising on the entire left side...  they said I had a hematoma but PS said things will settle, and they have. 

    I'm really wiped out from it all.   Today I managed to get outside & walk around in the yard for about 10 minutes.    Still too pooped to have any company - BF is still home from work & may take an extra day or two if boss will be cool with it.

    BS took out 2 sentinels & 2 other nodes - all NEGATIVE!!! YAHOOOOOOO!!!!!  They are now going to oncotype me & we'll see what's next.   I had 2 cancerous tumors in the left breast (outer upper quad) as well as DCIS.   Right breast was clear.  I'm glad I had the bilateral, regardless.

    Anyway - I'm gonna say hi to my July Surgery ladies & then that's about it for me.  I didn't read the other posts so I'm sorry I'm completely out of the loop on what's happening with everyone.

    I hope things are going okay for everyone - love & big big hugs to you all!!!  I know you were all there with me last Monday - I could just feel all of the support from my Fairy Boob Sisters!! :):)

    JulieR

  • tdbear
    tdbear Member Posts: 286
    edited July 2008

    Welcome back Julie R!! Hospital and good food???? Not here!!! Think you might be "allergic" to the anesthetic they gave you? My sis is. Take it slow.  Nothing wrong with having BF pamper you!!

    Will check back later....have to get busy!

  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Member Posts: 39,794
    edited July 2008

    Hi Julie,

    So glad you are back even if it's not as yet 100%.  tdbear is right about the anesthetic.   I never threw up after surgery, but use to take days for my head to clear and I was forever falling asleep way too easy.  Just take it slow and easy.

    Wow!!!! Eight days left.  Denny brought me today which was great.  We had a fun time last night at the little family get-together.  I took Grape Salad and the Peach dump cake.   Just barely got two small pieces to bring back home.  Don't know why but my SIL usually makes the cakes---no offense to anyone--not even her, but if it's not made from scratch I don't always like it and SIL only makes boxed cakes with canned icing.  All I can do to get a small piece down.  I'm not a huge snob and will used boxed cakes, but I do things to them---like the dump cake--no canned icing as it is just a turn-off to me.  Ok--maybe I am a snob.  So be it.

    Had to make a run to Wal-Marts here.  They sell the Jones soda.  If you want soda w/o the high fructose sweetener in it, you have to get Jones.  It says right on the cans and bottles that it's sweetened with pure cane sugar.  High fructose just goes straight to your middle and hangs there.  I got my supply as well as my neighbors.  I had quit drinking soda until chemo and when I ran out of everything else that actually tasted good to me....I started on soda.  It always bothered me knowing that it had fructose for sweetener, but at the time it sure seemed better than nothing. 

    Well, I'm going to check my mail box so all of that doesn't back up on me.  Talk to ya'll soon.

    Jackie

    p.s.  Wendy, it was the Biafine (sp????) and it's helping.  The heat is still there abit, but I can roll aound and lay on my left side again.  That is a wonderful thing----I was going to be short-tempered soon if I would have had to stay on my right side much longer. 

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

    Yay!!!!!!!!   Julie's HOme and she's NEGATIVE!!!!!!!!!  Yay!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • LittleC
    LittleC Member Posts: 69
    edited July 2008

    Yes, I fell off the planet for a little while.  I had 5th Tx  on 7/2 which not only messed up our 4th of July, but really knocked me on my A$$.  Everything on the cbc counts dropped, which isn't surprising, but my BP dropped. A lot... was so so dizzy, sick and just totally laid out. I couldn't sit up for a minute without starting to black out.   I'm so afraid the last Tx in a week is going to completely do me in.

    I missed so much on here, it'll take me forever to catch up.  You guys are TOO ACTIVE!  ha ha

    Before I do.... 

    Wendy, no.  You still reign.  A mouse clawing it's way up your nightgown beats my jig in the street next to the car any day!

    LauraGTO - where do you race? Union G?  (I'm envious of you.  Hell, no I'm not, I'm downright jealous!!!!)

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

    Yeah!  Julie is home and ready to get serious about "getting better fast."  SO GLAD to hear from you.  You have been in my thoughts all week.  As everyone is suggesting, let those around you just pamper you.  The negative nodes are WONDERFUL news!  Isn't it amazing what we've learned to be thankful for?

    Little C...so glad to see you back, too.  Wow!  It sounds like you've had quite a time with  #5.  Let's hope you've got all these side effects out of the program and you'll breeze through the last treatment. 

    Well, I'm sitting on my back deck with my laptop, writing questions as fast as I can.  It is SO beautiful out here with the flowing creek, the wildflowers, and the many trees.  I even spotted two little fawns on the opposite bank about an hour ago.  I love this weather!  Well back to work for me!

    Rita

    Jackie, I'm so glad the Biafine is helping and that you could use it.  It was just sitting in my medicine drawer, doing nothing so I'm glad it's getting good use.  I hope there's enough there to get you through your last days.....which are speeding right by.  Just think!  You're almost done and then you can get back to your home routine again.

  • LittleC
    LittleC Member Posts: 69
    edited July 2008

    RitaJean, Your view sounds FANTASTIC!  (now I'm jealous of you too!)

  • maryjane8
    maryjane8 Member Posts: 68
    edited July 2008

    Hi girls,

    JulieR, so glad you made it home and had good reports. Sorry, however, that you got so sick. You'll be feeling stronger every day now.

    Carol, sounds like tx #5 was a doozy. Hope you are feeling better and that the next one isn't so bad.

    Susan, good luck at the doctor next Thursday. Hope your MRI results are good. I imagine you are right about the long hours writing at the computer aren't helping.

    Hope everyone has a good time at Olive Garden Wednesday. Sure wish I lived closer....

    Had a good day with our grandson today (Daughter #2's older son). He spent the night with us last night. Went for pizza and to see Wall-E. Today he and I went to see my Mom in Quincy and shopped for school clothes and school supplies. Long day, but a good one. We are so thankful all our kids live within half an hour of us, except for Daughter #5 who is in school. (She's the one who is in New Zealand right now.)

    Nanc512, I sent you a pm.

    Jackie, only 8 more! You are almost done!

    Well, I'd better get going on laundry and all the fun stuff I didn't get done today. Have a great evening!

    MaryJane

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

    Morning my friends!

    Carol....so sorry that chemo kicked some butt this time.  Not much of a help...but you are one step closer to being done!  Maybe.....if by 8/4 you are feeling great, why not have another 4th!  A nice bbq, good friends and family....just an idea.  Who said the 4th of July has to be celebrated on the 4th of July?  We refer to ouselves around here as "Weird...the new normal"...you might as well climb aboard our little bandwagon! Hey....this could be something new for your family...a new holiday!

    Jackie....the end is in sight!  When do you leave for Ca?  And that would be California  LOL!!!!  And so nice of Rita to send you the last of her biafine.  I used that too and had ZERO problems with rads.  I gave the last little bit to my sister who had ironed her hand, and she healed very quickly, with no scar so this stuff may not KEEP you from burning but it sure works to heal.

    Susan....I got VERY tired of waiting for the stupid neuro's office to call me re: my stupid MRI (of course, even tho I had had the exact same problem one year ago you know what was in the back ofmy mind....) so I simply waited a few days and called my onc's office and talked to the nurse and she read me the report ( I had had copies sent to them, you know, just in case...).  another way to get the report is to call medical records at the hospital/clinic and tell them you want a copy...and read it for yourself.  I knew I would drive myself crazy...and thank goodness I did that cuz my neuro's office didn't get around to called me for almost 10 days.  Because "DOCTOR" (my neuro) only reads films on Mondays.  And don't get me started on that!

    MaryJane...that movie Wall-E looks so cute.  I will definitely watch that, but not until it comes out on cable.

    Rita...how do you get any work done with that view?  It's like me in Hawaii, trying to read a book on the beach.  Just too much "pretty" to look at, and you get to look at it every day.  You are very lucky!

    JulieR....how are you feeling?  Better now that you are home?  I know you said something about the oncotyping...is that what will make the decision for you re: further tx?

    Laura...how's the car?

    Well...time to do something like shower up and get ready for PT.  I am feeling better each day but I don't know if it's that the herniation is reducing, or it's the steroid inj.  If it's just the inj, that will wear off and I will be back at square one.  But that's OK...cuz then I will fix it another way Because life is much too precious to waste time, sitting at home...

    Have a wonderful day everyone!  Hugs!  Do something FUN today, something crazy, something to make you smile 10 years from now when you remember...."Gosh...do you remember 7/15/2008 when I did..........................." and fill in that blank!  Mama Wendy says.....

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

    Hi all:

     I have never even met this neurosurgeon yet, so I do not feel I can call him.  The doc I had, left my insurance program so this is a new guy for me.  I can wait.  I see him one week from Thursday. I am 99%  (knock on wood) sure it is not cancer as I have had a problematic neck ever since I was a young woman. My one daughter, I am sad to say, is starting with it and the other has mild scoliosis. My dad had it as well as so we feel it is genetic...something to do with the way our spines are alligned (or not alligned for that matter).  I am just hoping I do not have to have surgery due to weakness in my arm and hand. The surgery has a long recuperation from what I undertsand.

     I spent the day at the beach with my one yeat old grandchild.  She consumed quite a bit of sand.  Lake Michigan is beginning to get warmer now and she loved the water. 

    Laura, it is Tuesday and I am wondering if you are racing.  

    Jackie, it seems like you are finishing up on your radiation soon and then real recuperation starts.

    My love to all the ladies on chemo.  I wish I could make it easier for you, but I just think that I cannot.

    Kater, I am thinking about you as you grieve the death of your uncle.  I hope you are feeling well.

    Susan 

    I actually have my films from three years ago as in those day you carried them with you

  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Member Posts: 39,794
    edited July 2008

    Good afternoon everyoneSmile

    Susan I bet you just helped everyone doing txs, recovering from surgery or about to start any of the same----because just knowing someone cares gave such a boost to me.  Of course, the good suggestions and hearing the reactions others have had also goes a long way, but just to know someone  ( who DEFINITELY  had cancer too ) is in your corner rooting for you and doing their level best to share part of the burden does so much for the moral even when your at the least good part.  You are all such good medicine.....so glad you are all here for the new ladies.

    I just had an interesting if a bit scary incident.  Brian the motel owner asked me if I would keep an eye on the front here while he ran to the bank.  All I have to do is have people take a seat and wait the very short time Brian is out.  Not a problem for me.  Was using the computer here anyway.  Well, someone ( a guy ) walked through the back and came up here asking about a room and if he needed to see me.  Told him to wait for Brian.  I was so freaked out----there is no way to open those doors unless you have a room key.  Brian asked him how he had gotten in, and turns out some of his family is coming tonight--they took a reserved a room already and he decided he wanted one and apparently came in with one of them.  Sure wished he would have told Brian that.  I had visions of a mad rapist or something able to jimmy carded doors and lots of other things.  All is well now.

    I go early to rads tomorrow.  They are going to measure for the boosts.  So far, other than the 4th. knock on wood I have not missed any scheduled appts. and should pretty much finish on time.  My daughter is wanting me to come a lot earlier and this will be possible it seems now. I've only 7 days left.

    Will check back in later....

    Jackie

  • JanClare
    JanClare Member Posts: 267
    edited July 2008

    Very quickly, this is going to be a drive-by post!  I'm so sorry I don't have the time to read what's been happening with everyone, hopefully all is well!  Big hugs to our sisters in treatment! 

     Looking forward to dinner tomorrow, 6 pm, at the Olive Garden on Golf Road in Schaumburg.  So far, Me, BlackJack, Laura, Smerf, Wendy (maybe), and... a special guest... one of our newest sisters, JulieChicago!!  She had her first chemo treatment for her recurrence last Friday, and she's feeling well enough to have me pick her up on the way!  YAY!!

     Also, I talked to Julie R, today.  She's still having a rough time of it recovering from surgery, but things are slowly getting better.  Lot of discomfort from the expanders, and she still has her drains.  But she sounded upbeat and she hopes to come to Laura's in August.  

     And, please be on the lookout and welcome several new BC sisters that I know from another board (unrelated to bc).  Adrienne, who does live here in Chicago area, and just came home from her surgery, and Daphne, who actually lives in Va, but I told her she was tough enough to be an Illinois Gal!  

    There's my little report for today.  I hope to get the time to read later!   

  • AdrienneStamos
    AdrienneStamos Member Posts: 3
    edited July 2008

    Hello everyone!  I'm the aforementioned Adrienne.  JanClare gave me great directions to get here.  Laughing

    I just wanted to post a quick hello for now.  I have one eye on the laptop and one eye on my 2 1/2 year old son.  I hope to make a proper introduction later this evening.

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

    Evening all....I'm still a maybe...I got the grass cut and am now watering everything.  Have PT tomorrow and then still need to pack and do a bunch of stuff.

     Welcome Adrienne!  Hopefully I will get a chance to meet you tomorrow...if not, then at Laura's in August!

    Susan...sorry...I forgot about your doc leaving...duh!  I swear I have no brain cells left sometimes.

    Jackie...YIKES!!!!!  You stay in your room from now on!!!!!  Seven left, seven left, seven left......

    I will check in with Blackjack late tomorrow afternoon re: dinner.

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

    Welcome Adrienne.  These Illinois ladies are awesome!  Please tell us a little about yourself.

    To those of you who are lucky enough to attend the dinner at the Olive Garden tomorrow night.........have lots of fun!!!!  Be sure to take pictures to share.  I wish I could join you!

    Jackie...you are almost done.  It won't be long now and you will be a rad grad! 

    Rita

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

      Morning Dear Friends.....got up at 5 to put out the sprinkler.  It's really not my day but don't tell the water police! Truthfully....I don't think they enforce it at all unless we are having a water problem...which we so aren't this year. I need to get everthing nice and wet before we leave.  My neighbor would do it while we are gone, or my nephew who lives 5 minutes away but we all planned badly this year and are all going to be gone at the same time!  Oh well....I'm sure most if not all of the plantings will survive!  Hey...anybody up for a little part-time work, watering?  LOL

    Laura...did you race last night?

    Susan....I was reading over what Jackie said last and then I went back and read a bunch of your posts.  While I have always thought that you were a super lady....something about you seems changed.  You've turned some corner and you are not looking back, not looking over your shoulder anymore.  Was it because of that group you joined, the name of which of course totally escapes me?  Is it because of your writing class...can you put everything you are feeling down on paper?  You just seem different to me, so happy...a whole lot lighter in spirit.  And if it is some pill you are taking....can I have some?  Still think you should buy a convertible...OR DID YOU???

    Karin....how's the weather up by you?  How are your fish doing?  How's dear GD doing...she's goth?  Did I hear that?  I thought that was pretty much out these days...of course, not for the 2 boys down the street...gosh they must be hot in all that black!  Any plans to visit Elgin soon?

    HensonChi....hopefully you have been on the boards and have seen about the dinner tonight at Olive Garden, by Woodfield.

    ChemoGirls....how's it going?  We think of you often, knowing pretty much exactly what you are going thru, counting down those infusions.  But you will get there, and it will be over...and you will get your life back.  New and different to be sure...but a GOOD one.  Don't ever forget our 2nd motto behind "Illinois girls are tough".....it's  "Weird....it's the new normal"!

    Well...stuff to do.  Had my hair "done" yesterday and I asked for her to darken up the ends a bit cuz I knew what Fl sun would do....wow, do I look different with all this dark hair!  Oh well....a few days in the sun will take care of it!

    Have a wonderful day...be careful in the sun as it's going to be hot...and drink lots of water to keep hydrated.  Don't forget the sunscreen...God forbid we should get wrinkles....

  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Member Posts: 39,794
    edited July 2008

    Morning allSmileBeautiful out and I think ( hope-hope ) there will not be rain while I'm here as I forgot my little cap so can't have a no-hair day.

    Talked to a cousin last night that lives near here in Herrin.  Her husband just got home from a quad by-pass.  They found the problem before a heart attack happened so though it will be a long recovery he's better due to no prior heart damage.

    Her brother, who was being treated for cancer starting about the time I did ( there were three of us--all first cousins at the same time.....Len with esophageal---Jeanie with lung and myself with BC ) but Len went thru chemo and rads at the same time and then an operation when the tumor was small enough, now has some cancer showing in the lymph nodes.  Jean seems fine at the time but her sister says she spends most of her time lying in bed as she says when she walks she feels like she is walking on rocks.  I think lots of us have had some of that from chemo but surely her Dr. could give her something.  Hate to think she went through all she did only to end up spending most of her time in bed.  I don't think I could do that----there is just too much I want to do.  My feet still feel 'funny' but not 'funny' enough. 

    I welcome all the new ladies.  It's a fun place.  A lot of us ( I'm nearly done ) are done with the intense part of txs but still stay here to help, console, and care about those just starting out.  Many of the girls have talked about wanting to do something after tx is over----but they have been doing something all along.  Sharing and caring about others while they themselves were being cared for and helped---and now they just keep doing it. 

    Jan you sound like you are busier than a one-armed paper hanger as they use to say in my youth.  Well , you will never get old--you don't have time for it. 

    I think most of the time I only feel about 50--once in awhile even less so I do think it helps to keep occupied as I'll soon be 63---but a very young one.  HMMMM once upon a time I thought anyone 50 or over was pretty used up.  Now I know your just getting started good. 

    Julie Chicago--good for you getting to the dinner.  I think lots of defining moments have come once these get-togethers started from the sound of it, not to mention meeting face to face all those who care about you and vice-versa.

    Julie R....hang in there sweets.  You've come a long way now so it should be getting easier and easier. 

    Jule, Brenda, Leesa, Nicki----hope you are all doing well.

    I'm on to my web-mail for now so I can get my room cleaned up before I go to rads.  See ya'll later.

    Jackie

  • AdrienneStamos
    AdrienneStamos Member Posts: 3
    edited July 2008

    Hi everyone!  A little about myself:  I will be 34 years old on August 25th.  I've been married for about eight years.  I have one son who is 2 1/2.  I work full time as a software support specialist for Accenture.

    My breast cancer odyssey began on 6/23/08.  Before then, I'd had a fibroadenoma removed from my right breast - no big deal.  I also had an enlarged milk duct in my left breast.  It showed up in previous mammograms as being completely normal.  Even last September, it was normal.  However, around April, it started to get bigger.  I thought nothing of it.  Since I'd had a fibroadenoma removed from the right breast, I thought it was just another one.  My mother was diagnosed with very early stage breast cancer at age 36, so I should have known that something could be seriously wrong, but I was pretty much in denial.  In mid-June, my husband asked me to go to my primary care doctor to get it looked at.  I was still unconcerned until after the mammogram and ultrasound, when the radiologist came in to talk to me.  He announced that I needed a CT scan/MRI/biopsy.  To summarize, about 2 1/2 weeks later, I had my left breast removed and reconstructed with a latissimus dorsi flap and implant.  Today is 6 days post-surgery.  I am seeing my oncologist on Friday.  I know I will have hormonal therapy, but I do not know about any chemotherapy just yet.

    I'm very happy that JanClare told me about this group.  I won't be able to meet some of you tonight, but I will do my best to make it to the next event!

    ~~~~~~~~~~~

    Edited to add:
    1.  I live in West Chicago, just south of the intersection of 59 and 64.
    2.  There's a long family history of breast cancer in my mother's family.  We think my great-grandmother died of it, but in those days they didn't say "cancer" out loud.  My grandmother died of breast cancer at age 78.  My mother's paternal aunt died of breast cancer in her late 60s.  My mother had other health issues in addition to breast cancer, but she is still alive and well at age 59.

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