Illinois ladies facing bc

illinoislady

Rita....don't have long this a.m. but hear everyone's big SIGH of relief for you.  So strange in a way....how many years of different sorts of tests do we have and barely twitch an eyelash, but get just one bout' of cancer and all bets are off until !!!! ????  forever I guess.  It's wonderful news and we all knew you could do it. 

Leesa, glad you stopped in.  Everyone who is busy or having problems or just dealing with summers' round of vacations and activities is thought about and missed.  So glad you are here. 

To all the rest of the busy bees..............hope all goes well for you.  I have to run to get ready for work.  Exhausted from my first day back.  Many GOOD changes at the office....our new boss has made sure it looks professional at long last with matching desks, new carpet, furnishings etc.  I'm re-learning now where all our things are and though it doesn't always seem so it is a little wearing. 

Hope you all have another fantastic Friday.

Jackie

[Deleted User]

Rita - Great news...hope you don't have to go through that EVER again!

Leesa - I e-mailed you...glad you checked in. Hang in there...

Sharon - Keep us posted...sorry you have to deal with all that. We're here if you need us.

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I've been keeping very busy...trying to enjoy the last month of summer as a free woman!

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Have a great Friday everyone!

zap

Hi all:

Rita, so happy.  "We do this to ourselves (worry)," because having breastcancer is like playing dodge ball.  You never know when  the next hit will come and where it will come from so we are on constant alert. 

 My childhood friend came into town  and we are having soooooo much fun.  We went to Navy Pier today and then rode bikes along the whole north bike path to the zoo! Lake Michigan was splendid today.  I have known this woman since the fourth grade; and that means I have known her for 50 years!  That  stuns me.....50 years!  I am certainly getting older!  We went to the race tracks yesterday and I managed to lose every race!  I put $2.00 on "Cure" thinking he (or she) was a sure winner for me. Nope! 

Sadly, I am back at school one week from Monday. I truly have loved this summer.  I keep thinking of what you said, Rita, and that is I will be sad to leave my classroom in June, yet will be thrilled to continue my summer of 2009.

 My love to all.  Leesa, you sound spunky.  You go, girl!

Susan 

ritajean

Just popping in to tell all the lunch bunch to have a good time at Laura's today.  I am so sorry that I can't join you but I will be there in spirit!  Have a ball!

Rita

illinoislady

All problems are invitations to look deeper and live higher.

     -- Alan Cohen

Good morning everyone.  As usual it's very pretty outside and thank goodness not too hot or muggy.Ok--we will get it out of the way---yes, John Edwards is a bit of a snake and just like many before him and after him, but WE are pointing fingers mainly I think due to Elizabeth and her recurrence of bc.  Otherwise, he'd be just another snake who was running for President a short while ago.  There, I said it and now I can move on.

Hope all is going ok with Wendy and her family.  I've been thinking about them all and hoping all turns out ok. 

Laura...nice to hear giggles in what you say. I do hope you have a wonderful, happy, fulfilling August.  How often do we forget that we make ourselves richer when we can enjoy life and what we are doing and that we are meant to be happy and bubbly--not walking around somber with the weight of the world on our shoulders.  At least, not for too long.

Susan, sure sounds like you had an almost perfect time with your friend--hmm, 50 years.  Makes you wonder how SHE got so old, doesn't it ????  The other day when I saw Donna Crow ( hope I'm not repeating myself ) she asked me how I REALLY was now that I was through my txs.  And I told her better than I had been in a long time because not only did I get my life back as far as what I had to do to get treatment, but that I also am getting the chance for do-overs.  Things in my life that I didn't necessarily do wrong but that I'm still not thrilled about.....I get another chance to either do it again or do better with the same things now.  Consistently.......something like getting to spend time with a life-long friend. 

Just one more year Susan.  Maybe the whole year will seem special and memorable as I think it's hard for most of us to leave behind  a "life" and lifestyle that we have participated in and given our heart and soul to for so long but like our children growing up and moving on....it's time to take our life in another direction from our life's work. 

Well, time for me to get the rest of my morning in gear.  Should be a good day for me.

I'll be back checking in later. 

Jackie

LittleC

The last 2 treatments ground me into the dirt pretty good.  But I'm done with the TACx6.  Next stop ovaries are gone & Rad.

Wendy TY- I wish I could tell you what the "Tx4" would be like, but I had mine all together as TAC.  I was told by the nurse that my swelling of muscles was from the "T" part.

RitaJean:  oh please share what ever information you find on tumor markers with me!  I read what you wrote and I'm so very happy for you (Congrats!) but it scared the hell outta me.  

My doctor told me 80 & acted like that was good. He gave me the the impression that it was "80% chance the cancer is gone". Was he just trying to be "positive" on my account? reverse psychology?  Then a nurse told me the test that was done isn't necessarily for "my particular problem".  I'm totally confused. The 3 tests listed on my paper are "Comprehensive Metabolic Panel w/EGFR" - "CEA" - & "CA 15-3" . anyone know what those are?  Anyone?

I see a lot of people get PET scans.  What is the difference between that and CT scan?  Is one better then the other?

I'm going to my milestone "chemo is over" fireworks display tonight, although, right now I'm seeing some heavy spotty storms here in the north.

zap

Hi Carol:

I know Rita and all the others can explain what they mean by tumor markers as I do not know myself. I have never known my tumor markers.  I am presuming because I am still in good health after 2 years, they must have been decent.  My doctor said that they show so little you can depend upon, and tend to terrify people, and many times for no reason. Of course I am glad Rita's are low and I think low is reliable.  Just going high is questionable as to whether there really is cancer going on.

 I am just thinking that you may not be connecting the "80" with something else the doctor meant and I do not want you to be afraid when what the doctor maybe was saying is that you have a 80% cure rate and that is good.  Perhaps he was not speaking of tumor markers. 

 I hope the 'chemo is over" fireworks was fun. 

Susan 

zap

Dear Little C:

I just deleted the last post because  I was sending you information I found on tumor markers  on Internet and I got so confused myself, I thought it was time to stop "playing oncologist".  Oh, it is confusing.  I never have known my tumor markings as my oncologist said it was riddled with error.  It is good Rita's is low as low is reliable.  Fluctuations, however, do not mean anything for certain.  I did read that if you have your period (I haven't had one in years), it can raise you tumor markings. That is how weird it is.  Whatever my marking were, they must have been decent as I am still here after two years.  Deleted posts are so worrisome that I thought I should explain.

Susan 

lisamed123

Hi Ladies,

I have posted on here a couple of times before.  I read more than I post.  Everyone on this thread seems so friendly.  I just do not have enough time to do everything I want.  I work full-time in downtown Chicago, and have two kids, 6 and almost 18.

I had a bi-lateral mastectomy in March, chemo started April 10 and finished July 17. I did not have that bad of a time with chemo--I missed about 1/2 a day due to not feeling well.  Am starting radiation August 18.  I do have expanders and will be having reconstruction at some point after rads.

My hair is coming back a little--I am at the "dryer lint" stage.  My eyebrows and eyelashes are still falling out.  I am currently in "chemopause" and my dr. said based upon my age (42) I may or may not come out of it.  I do have some mild night sweats and I wonder of they are hot flashes.  I am just wondering if anyone else has experience with this and if you do come out of it, about how long does it take to come back if it does.

My oncologist does not do any routine scans and I do not think he does tumor markings unless there are symptoms. Sometimes I really get freaked out by this, but I found the waiting for results of the initial scans to be very stressful.

 I was wondering if anyone has done radiation and what their experiences were.  I had my initial appointment and was scanned and marked.  I am doing 28 with a possible 5 boosts.

Thanks.

Lisa 

illinoislady

Hi ladies this evening....somehow I just lost a whole post.  Anyway, for the most part---Little C until someone answers your questions....I'm not real familiar with the tests you talked about or tumor markers...........you might look up at the top of the page where it says forum index.  That may give you something to get started with until you do get an answer from someone who is more up on your questions. 

Lisa, glad you stopped in once again.  Please don't be a stranger.  Most everyone here gets "nerved up" waiting for test results.  I'm positive everyone intends to be a 'big girl' about it, but it is difficult with a disease like cancer. I think for years it was looked on as something you probably couldn't recover from, and now when that has proved to be very wrong---even more so with bc, we can't seem to shake the fear.  Such great strides have been made and people are doing so much with weight, diet choices, and much more sophisticated tests, so if we can just learn to relax at test time it would be wonderful. 

And having radiation as most will tell you here is a walk in the park up against chemo.  I just finished 7 full weeks with the last 6 days for boosts..........and it was a walk in the park.  The worst part of it was having to go everyday.  Hopefully it will be just as easy for you as it seems it was for most everyone here.  All you need to do is remember to use the lotion religiously that you are given.  The skin will get damaged if you don't.  You may not see anything---or feel anything, but you will still need to use the cream. 

Hope you all have a wonderful evening.

Jackie

illinoislady

Success isn't how far you got, but the
distance you traveled from
where you started.
- Proverb

Good morning everyoneand it is a pretty one.  Cool too.  Someone said the month of Aug. would be cooler than normal.  I can't recall as of the past 2 or so years when our weather was very 'normal'.  Strange events at odd times ( like thunderstorms in Dec. ) have continued to happen.  In August we usually get good and scorched.  Well, we will see.

Hope you are all going to have a nice Sunday.  I am going to get my nose back to the grind-stone.  Just got recent word that I may get to see my first grand-daughter when I go to California in September.  Long story full of details, but I haven't see her or heard anything of her for 17 years.  It's major excitement on my part.  So, I've not had my mind on getting things done here.

I'm off and running for the day.......hopefully some of the others will check in today and have some words of wisdom for Little C and Lisa.  My operation and txs were pretty straight-forward and I didn't read very much ( I had something like chemo-brain already going on ---- probably from my stroke ) save for what was the general info on my case so I didn't gain a feel for how differently things can be done etc.  Hang in there.....someone will know.  See ya'll a little later today.

Jackie

BustersMom

Good Sunday morning to everyone!!!  

I hope everyone had a great time at Laura's - I hope to see some pics!!  Again, I am so sorry I missed it.  I hope to see you guys again very soon.

I wanted to pop in & give an announcement:  Me & BF are engaged!!!  Got my ring last night  

Just had to share that with you all.  Enjoy the very nice weather outside (I hope it's state-wide!)

Hugs, JulieR

illinoislady

A great marriage is not when the 'perfect couple' comes together. It is when an imperfect couple learns to enjoy their differences. Dave Meurer,

A hale, hearty and huge congratulations Julie R.  If this is why you couldn't make it to Laura's party I'm sure she REALLY forgives you.  What fantastic news.  I ( we ) all hope this is just what you wanted and it sure sounds like it.  Do recall that he has been with you through your bc journey so he must be quite a guy.  I think not everyone could hang in there with these circumstances ---   on the shallow side if they couldn't so he must be a winner and therefore a keeper. 

Love,  Jackie

zap

Julie R., Yahoo. I am so excited and hapy for you. This is just the happiest news! I just wish I coud do something more creative than this silly face.

Lisa, you are one tough lady (little person + 18 year old + chemo + full time downtown + 1/2 day off = one tough lady). Where do you live?. I think just about everyone here had radiation and experienced few problems. I was the odd one out on this. My skin burned, but truly I think I was the only one. You are one busy lady, but do top in as I know I would like o hear from you.

Jackie, how very cool about seeing your granddaughter. The writer in me is so fascinated with such an adventure.

My childhood friend left  for her home. Saying good-bye was dreadful. I felt like something was pulled from me deep inside. I have never had that feeling before. Maybe it was depression. I do not know, but I know both of us were feeling it....like a fear or a terrible loss....bad feeling.

Susan

Have fun today.  If any of you get to Chicago and to Navy Pier, go to the stained glass window museum.  I really liked it.

[Deleted User]

Julie - CONGRATS! Wow...that is so awesome..he must be one he** of a guy! I'm choked up for you! In Wendy's absence this is for you!...

Little C - Glad you checked in...I was wondering how you've been! I didn't have tumor markers...but...a PET scan is specifically used to detect cancer. A CT can also detect cancer, in addition to other things.

Lisa - Welcome! Another one TOO young to be dealing with this. Best wishes to you as you start the final phase of your treatment.

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WOW...we had a great time! Not a silent moment - as usual...it was great to see you girls yesterday. And THANKS SO MUCH for the side dishes, gifts, spirits, etc. Everyone looked so healthy - that is always such a positive/uplifting thing. Lisa - still mostly bald - looked adorable and was sporting a FAB scarf...WHAT A TROOPER she is! Julie - also still going through treatment looked great too! You two have been through so much, but you keep smiling! JanC has photos...hope she posts them soon!

I hope our next get-together is soon and that more of you will be able to attend. blackjack will be posting some dates, times and places, for the next one.

wendyk13

Congratulations, Julie!  I am so happy for you!  Hugs!!!

So sorry I had to miss yesterday....I had been looking forward to seeing you all for such a long time and too was looking forward to seeing Laura's beautiful home.  Hope Jan puts up the pictures soon.  My "little" family crisis is still on-going but I have decided to remove myself for now.....the 2 parties just need to sit down together and figure out some things.

Rita....glad you got such good news.  Did you ever find out about your lump on your scar?  Just scar tissue?

Lisamed123....I agree with Susan (zap)...you sure have a lot on your plate!  Rads was just a PITA for me...I hated the going every single day of it.  My skin turned a bit pink, and then tan and that was that for me.  I had 30 reg and 8 boosts...at least I think that's right!  I finished July 17th of last year and I guess I forgot.  Well, isn't that nice!  My tats are gone too...my body absorbed the  ink.

LittleC....Congrats on finishing up!  NO-MO-CHEMO!!!!!  Rads is boring, and time-consuming because you have to go every day....but it does go fast.  Just not fast enough!

Susan...sounds like you had a fabulous time with your girlfriend.  I don't think I have any friends left from when I was 5, but I still am in contact with some from grade school.  And yes, isn't it funny how old they get, while we stay so young!

Jackie.....OH!  A grandchild you have not seen or heard anything about for 17 years???  Wow...what a story there!  No wonder you cannot wait to get to CA! When are you going?

Leesa....glad you were able to make it to Laura's.  I was just erasing all old incoming call numbers on my phone and one name jumped out...if you were the Leesa who called...you must have called when I was without power for 36 hours!  I'll try and give you a buzz this week.  Any thing new on the job front?  How about the insurance front?  I'm sure if Illinois will pay for bc tx and you need PT, they should pay for that as well.  I go to West Physical Therapy in Geneva on Rt 38...but if you are going for lymphedema reasons, they don't do that. 

Sharon....glad you are coming home and would love it if we could sneak in a lunch while you are here...hopefully your check-up will reveal...a big, fat nothing!

Laura...what a sweetheart you were to host the party yesterday.  I think about you all the time...whenever I see your little charm on my keyring.

Rads Girls.....I used Biafine cream by the way.  A lot of the girls here used that.  I also used it on a burn I got when I ironed my hand (hey...it was wrinkled!)....it healed up in about 2 days with the cream so it must work.

Time to close the window....I am actually cold in a sleeveless top in this breeze!  Such a beautiful day, tho...isn't it!

blackjack

Hi girls,

I hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend and enjoying the last days of Aug before school starts. I have been soo busy up north and have not had access to a computer sooo I see that we have been very busy here. Looks like we have lots of good news floating around.

Susan..a new baby coming how wonderful is that. Congrats to you and your family. Just think when you finish school this year your new job will be babysitting...lol

JulieR..a wedding..we need details of the proposal...did you set a date...pick a dress. Just what you need to keep busy these days. Congrats to you and a big hug to that wonderful BF of yours.

Laura...lunch was wonderful..great freinds..good food..great laughs and tears...and your home in the forest is amazing..just loved all the flowers. Thank you and here is a big hug.

Jackie..back to work and doing great hey for you.

Juliechicago and Leesa..you both are amazing girls..beautiful with wonderful smiles and a great  spirit inside..Remember we are here for you... and that your txs will be over before you know it.

Lisamed..welcome and we are here for you if you needs us. Everyone experiences rads differently. I for one had the worst reactions from skin rashes to burns to lung issues. If you start to experieince skin burns let them know right away..they will give you creams to try. Hugs to you.

Wendy..we missed you at lunch bunch..hope all is well with your family crisis..how is the PT going..back any better.

Smerf..I hope everything gets done Monday for you...hoping for new BRs..

Sharon..how long are you in for..we can have a lunch bunch date around your appts. Let me know.

Rita...are you tired from your grand kids..I am sure you had a wonderful time with them. They grow up way to fast...congrats on your good checkup..hugs to you.

I am starting work this week and would like to know your thoughts, ideas and suggestions for the fall lunch bunch dates. Let me know what works for you. I was thinking about picking one day a month like the second Friday of the month. Or any day but the same day each month then you can mark the day if you can come. Also I was thinking one month lunch/ one month dinner for the working girls. Just ideas..Really would like your suggestions so please email me and let me know your thoughts. Thanks....in advance.

On that note... I gotta run and finish house things....ugh..I feel like the cleaning lady never ends..she just keeps on doing..lol

Have a great evening..

Remember be healthy..be happy

Blackjack 

Jule

Hi everyone. It had to be a gorgeous day to get together on Saturday. I can't wait to see pictures. Whoever posts, can you say who the people are from right to left or whatever? I would like to put names to faces, and  people's individual pictures don't always look like the group photos.

Little C....congratulations. I am on TAC 6 and I have 2 more to go....so I am very excited for you. I cannot wait until I get there myself. I would love to know more about the tumor markers myself if anyone can post anything. I am going to ask my onc when I go for chemo on Wed.

Lisamed, I work in downtown Chicago as well. I also have a 6 and a 4 year old...although she thinks she is 16 most days! PM if you ever want to touch base. What hospital or doctor are you going through? I am trying to decide if I need a second opinion for surgery after I am done with chemo, but I have not yet decided.

Julie R, congratulations on the engagement! I am so happy for you! That is exciting news.

We went to the Botanic Garden today for the kite show...it was lots of fun. I got burned pretty badly...dh forgot to bring the sunscreen. yeah, I don't know why I did not bring it myself...should have known better.  Anyway if you haven't gone, it is absolutely gorgeous there. We went at Christmas and it was nothing special. It is so pretty there during the summer.  

zap

 JULIE:

I too was at the kite festival at the Botanic Gardent today.  Double damn, we could have met.  Wasn't it awesome?   My Dh is now convinced he wants to fly kites in his spare time.  Speaking of Christmas outings, have you ever gone to ZooLights at Linclon Park?  OHhhhhhhhh so pretty!

Susan 

Jule

Susan,

You are KIDDING me! My dh, 2 kids, and my dh's bil and his gf were there with us. It was fantastic...we got there at 11 and then watched unil after the first intermission. My kids flew their paper kites during the break. Did you see the first boy, Zach I think? He was fantastic with flying his kite to the 1812 overture! We then walked around the place until about 3ish.  I think I want to fly a kite in my spare time as well...they made it look so easy.

I have gone to ZooLights but it has been years. Have you done the Brookfield Zoo lights at Christmas?

Have you gone to the Morton Aboretum yet? They have the gigantic bug exhibit...I think we are going to go there in 2 weeks. 

JanClare

I'll post the photos Monday morning, I promise. I have hardly been home this weekend.  First Laura's party, then we went to Ravina (saw the BoDeans) Saturday night.  Got up way early this morning and worked the finish line at the Lake County Triathlon, then worked at TJ's until 10 pm.  So no time to get the photos up.  I'm BUSHED!!!  (I'm making this into a Yawn Smiley, rather then a yell.  LOL!)

wendyk13

Morning all!  Too funny about Zap and Jule being at the same event!  Gosh...you could have been standing right next to each other and not have known!

JanClare....okay, since you have been busy we do forgive you about no picures yet!

Blackjack....I hope your husband is paying you a decorator's salary for all this work!  I'm free most Fridays so anything you want to arrange is fine with me.  PT is never on a Friday as my therapist, Kathleen, is off that day.  Yep..still going..last 4 visits tho I think.  Can't believe it is almost time for you to start back, but then I remembered that you have to set up your new office.

Smerf....had to think about what Blackjack said re: BR's.  Since I thought your baths were done...I was thinking you were getting new brothers.  This chemobrain, I tell you!

JulieR....cleaned your ring yet?  I think I polished mine every other hour or so when I first got it.  It's so exciting isn't it?  Yes..we do need details on the proposal.  Hey...that could be another thing we could share.  I could start...here's how my proposal went...

We are sitting in my fav college bar, Kelly's, down by DePaul and DH says and I quote, "So we are going to married pretty soon, right?".  And no, he hasn't gotten any more romantic.  But he's OK most of the time (notice I said "most") so I guess I will stick around for another 30 years!  Would love to hear some stories from you guys!

Lisamed and Jule...that would be so great if indeed you 2 could get together for lunch one day.  Another instance when you two could actually be working for the same company, and not know it!

OK...gotta run.  This having my own little bathroom is soooo nice, but it is a little!  Not that we have one of those lux master's but it is bigger, with room to walk around a bit.  No such luck in my little guest bath, but it's all mine, it's always clean and it ALWAYS smells good!

And Laura....I am bored already and it's only August 11th!  CAn I start heating up my glue gun yet?

Have a wonderful, happy day everyone!

illinoislady

"Follow your instincts. That's where true wisdom manifests itself."

Juliechicago

Hi

Just popping into say hello again and to thank Laura again for hosting the gathering Sunday.  I had not relaxed that way in a while.  I try not to talk about bc too much at home and definitely not at work...it was a relief to be able to talk openly about things, even cry a little..and not feel either over-pitied or ridiculous.

Lisamed and Jule-- I have a 6 yr old too-- and a 4 year old. (and had to laugh about your daughter, Jule-- my daughter is 4 as well and behaves at times like a 16 yr old as well. She told me this am that she "just could not be seen" in the outfit I picked out for her today.  And this coming from the Miss  who wanted to go out yesterday in her pajamas, a flowered sunhat and tutu. Not kidding)

Even stranger-- we almost went to B. Gardens on Sunday as well- but decided to postpone it to next weekend.  How strange would that have been.

Question for some of the Chicago ladies- or lurkers-- anyone have experience w/ PS Geoffrey Fenner at ENH.  I meet with him for a second consult Friday. I have spoken to one other woman who was quite happy with her experience, but just wondered if there were others out there.

Had blooddraw this am-- should find out tomorrow how low things are-- definitely starting to feel like I'm trudging through sludge again.

-julie b

JanClare

Had trouble uploading my photos so I'm very frustrated right now   (Also, how come breastcancer.org keeps logging me off??  It no longer remembers me)

I have to take the dog to the vet so only time for this photo now- more later! 

LEFT TO RIGHT:  JulieChicago, LauraGTO,  JanClare, Leeza,  BlackJack (Michele) , Smerf (Pat)

zap

Julie of Chicago:

My breast surgeon highly recommended Dr. Fenner.  I needed a nipple reconstruction as that is exactly where my surgery was and I have a huge scar.  My cancer was discovered as Pagets.  My left  breast now  looks like a football.  If I were younger (I am 60) I would have gone for reconstruction.  I do not love the way it looks, but I can live with it (a little phobic about hospitals), so I never contacted Dr. Fenner.  I have heard only fine things about him.

Susan 

illinoislady

The picture is fantastic--can't wait to see more.  Glad everyone is generally well athough maybe a bit slow from chemo.  As usual every one of you are gorgeous.  What a great group.  I'm accomplishing so little but have been on the go all day.  Maybe things wil slow a bit tomorrow.  Talk to ya'll again soon.

Jackie

sparker38

Hey ladies.  Sorry I have been so out of touch lately.  I know you all missed me.  I am glad to see you all are doing well.  Well I haven't read through all of the post since June.  My computer is shot but thanks to the public library I am able to get on for a few minutes.  Just wanted to check in and say hello to everyone.  And to let you know that I am still breathing.  I go in for a second opinion on Friday for the spots on my lungs finally.  The ones my dr thought would go away during my chemo.  According to my ct-scan they are still there but he fills that they are so small that he is not worried about it.  (easy for him to say huh) he has lost my respect for the past few appointments he has really been a jerk.  Every thing I say to him goes in one ear and out the other.  So I am doing what I have been told from the beginning.  Being my own advocate.  Taking my life in my own hands.  But any ways life is good.  Just continue to keep me in your prayers.

Sabrina

[Deleted User]

Thanks JanC for posting the photo!  

Sabrina - Everything is crossed for you...I think I told you at some point...5 tiny nodes showed up on my lungs a couple of years ago on a CT (I almost had a heart attack about it)...the 3 month follow up CT showed they hadn't changed (had not gotten larger or smaller) ...it's hard to think of them as "nothing to be concerned about", but hang in there...trust your Dr's...they see this stuff all the time. I wish the best for you....  

JulieB - Rely on us...we can't always expect family and immediate friends to understand. I firmly believe that it is very difficult for those who haven't personally dealt with mortality...to understand our inner turmoil. And we can't expect them to. Some will, but the majority simply cannot. We're here for you 24/7...hang in there!

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Hope you are all making the most of this evening! I am on my way outta here to take the Goat for a ride~ YES WE GOT HER BACK!

We will (weather permitting) be racing tomorrow night at GLD...if any of you want to cruise up there...that would be great! VROOM....

OH AND BTW...Lance, the guy that owns the auto shop and the guy who built our new engine had a rare form of bone cancer 2 years ago. He went through chemo and rads and has been fine since (he's 34, a great guy, 2 small kids)...he went to his Onc for a routine visit last week...his tumor markers were sky high...he flew to NC on Friday to meet with a specialist - PLEASE KEEP HIM AND HIS FAMILY in your prayers....I am really worried about him...he's a great guy...a recurrence in his situation is very serious...damn...

lisamed123

Hi Ladies,

Thank you so much for all of your responses and encouragement for my upcoming radiation.  I did buy a couple of aloe plants this weekend to use during radiation.  I cannot wait until the rads are over with, just to not have to deal with anything medical for a period of time.  I have had a couple of fills on my expanders.  I assume I will have a few weeks, or even longer, after rads before they do any more fills.  I am guessing I will have my exchange around the holidays. 

I am in the southwest suburbs of Chicago, the Palos area.  All of my doctors are at Northwestern Chicago.

Lisa