Illinois ladies facing bc
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Good morning gals! Hopefully I am caught up on my sleep and ready to go today. My lower back hurts a little though from all the lifting and unusual bending. Hopefully it will improve as the day goes on. Just a reminder I guess that I'm not as agile as I once was! I'm going to try out my golf swing in a little bit and see if I think I can play a few holes of golf this afternoon. If so, that should work out the kinks. Sitting is the worst for me, I think.
The weather last Sunday at the state fair was perfect....not too hot at all! I think we are going back this Sunday as we didn't get through all the exhibits with the little guys. That butter cow was fantastic this year. It's a state fair event that ALWAYS amazes me.
Jule...I wish I could help you with your decision but I really don't know much about the reconstruction procedures. I think that Wendy gave you good advice. I would also get a biopsy of the new area that is suspected DCIS before I made any decisions at all. Then you will know for sure what you are dealing with. I'd also opt for a core biopsy instead of incisional. My surgeon was very upset that I was given an incisional biopsy the first time without a core biopsy. Then when they found that the margins weren't clear, I had to go back into surgery for another lumpectomy in the same area. The decisions are one of the hardest things about this journey. I have faith that you will make the right decision for you after you gather all the info and mull it over. HUGS!
I hope that all our chemo and rad gals are doing well today. Take it one day at a time! You WILL get to the end of the treatments.
Rita
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Rita - I bet your grandkids didn't want to leave! It's great you were able to spend some time with them. Hope you swing out the kinks!
Jule - I would get a second opinion before making any decisions. It suck* that you have to deal with not only the dx, but the indecisiveness of your Dr. too. Chemo may "throw" you into menopause...you may want to wait and see. You have time to "think" about the ovaries...
Jackie - I hear you about all the nuts! My decks are covered with them! Did you ever see this one: The mighty Oak was just a little nut that stood its ground.
Wendrew - HAAAAAAAAAAA....very funny. You are now officially named Z-Girl...hey that would be a cute license plate. I also practiced burnouts last night! lol Way back behind some warehouses...a semi truck driver saw me...pulled up and was chuckling...I told him I was practicing for the drag strip...lol...I didn't get arrested...that's good, huh?... tops down, fists up, tires smoking! lol Here's a short video of a 350z doing a burnout...
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/350Z-burnout_133638.htm
HAVE A GREAT DAY! Hope hope you're all feeling as well as can be expected...
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Laura....I watched the video...well, heck! So that is a burn-out! I have those black tire marks all over the street in front of my house! Who knew!!!!
RE: my plumbing endeavors of this morning...said on the box easy install, 1,2,3. Didn't know it was in hours!!!! Took me over 2 hours to get the old stuff off (oh and gee thanks to my friend who gave me the basin wrench - like to hit him over the head with it - never worked for me) and then I placed the new handles in the holes....and copper pipes didn't align so I need new ones, and some soldering...and then, I noticed that obviously someone had purchased this faucet set and removed what they needed and then returned it to Lowes...so I need to go back there. And I couldn't find the receipt and had to dump garbage all over my kitchen floor...until it dawned on me that I took the Z and of course, there is was, sitting in the car.
Amy's Plumbing comes Monday afternoon...
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Hi all.....well, I'm officially off till nxt Thursday. Wonderful, but going back to work and getting regular paychecks is just as wonderful. As to the plumbing problems....Wendy, you have got to be every mans' dream --- ok, this didn't work out so well, but I'm sure lots of what you take care of does. Personally I've always wondered on HGTV how many takes before something came out right.....and just what kind of lauguage was being used. Your too funny anyway, but I aways feel a sense of 'dread' when they say 1,2,3, or so easy a kid could do it. Almost guranteed to be my un-doing.
Rita....glad you had such a good time with the wee ones. It is a lot of fun, but I need help to have the young ones around for very long now. Don't know where my patience went---maybe I'll get lucky and it will come back.
See ya all later.
Jackie
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Hi Julie,
I'm so sorry you are going through this tough situation. It sounds to me as though your doctor changed her original suggestion of lumpectomies because of the MRI findings. I believe that where your tumor is located is important to know when you are deciding about skin sparing mastectomy. Remember, you can do expanders to stretch existing skin. Second opinions can be valuable, but I'm thinking that you need to completely understand the first opinion before that happens. Maybe you were hit with so much at one time that it was a lot to absorb. We all sure know that feeling! If you fully understand your first surgeon's plan you may be able to ask better questions if you decide to go for a second opinion. Make a list, and call her back, or make another appointment to talk. Doctor's usually know that all this info can be overwhelming for us at first. I hope some of this is helpful to you. I'll be thinking about you. Also, please tell your docs if you are too anxious, or if you cannot sleep. They can help you with a prescription if needed. You have a little time to decide about ovaries, I think. Hang in there, we are all here for you, so come back and talk to us!
Hugs, Pat
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Good Saturday Morning Everyone! Such a great night for sleeping last night! I don't know about all of you but I would so not mind if our weather stayed pretty much like this year-round. I do love the Fall out here in the Fox Valley, tho.....the colors are spectacular along the Fox River.Smerf....glad you checked in. Your advice ALWAYS gets right to the heart of the matter, and is also always no-nonsense-allowed as well. That is certainly the nurse in you. I noticed that Jule was posting at 3:30am, but you remembered to suggest to her that maybe some meds might be just the ticket if sleep continues to evade her.
Jackie...how are things at the lake? Have you noticed that the trees are already starting to change? You are so right about "easy installation"....easy for who exactly???? Kinda like those child-proof tops.
Sharon...you are back in the States now....how are your tests/scans going? I spoke with Laura the other day and we were thinking...maybe lunch the week after next? Would you be free anytime that week? Would love to see you again....
I thought maybe you guys need another laugh, at my expense. Well... since I have started to do projects all over my house....the tub spout in the master bath, due to our ridiculously hard water out here ( you want HOW much for a water treatment system????) the diverter for the shower no longer would go down. Since neither of us take baths...we just didn't care. So I went on-line and checked to see how you change out one.....we have one of the easy kind...just unscrew the set-screw underneath and gently pull off the old spout. Nice and easy. So I went back to Lowe's last night to return the other 2 faucet sets (good thing I opened the other box...it was missing the faucet) and I picked up 2 new sets (OPEN them first before you take them home!!!!) and I bought a new tub spout. It was a universal one and GUARANTEED to fit. I followed the directions...very straight-forward...and....wait for it.....didn't fit. Tried again....didn't fit. Tried again...leaked. After an hour and a half....put back the old one. Another thing for the plumber to fix. I QUIT!!!! I also want to change out my lighting fixtures in the kitchen, dining and bathrooms. Will I attempt to do this myself? No sirrree!!!! I am so done with this c**p. DH doesn't care what I do, or how much something costs and he agrees that these are things we should do...so...anyone know a good electrician?
Today is my grandniece Kelsy's 7th birthday party...and it is being held at a clubhouse for a subdivision...with a pool!!! I do not appear in public around people I know in a bathing suit...so I will find a nice umbrella table to sit at. Ssssshhhhh...we bought her BOTH Dream Castle Singing Barbies...she wants these so bad. Personally...I find them rather creepy.
OK...I've have entertained you guys enuf this am (or would that be bored you stupid?) so I will now shut up (was that a sigh I heard, or a YAY!!! ??). Off to fix something, or take something apart.
Only kidding....
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"In the confrontation between the stream and
the rock, the stream always wins - not
by strength but by perseverance."
- H. Jackson BrownMorning everyone
and so far a lovely one. The fireworks last night were so pretty as always. Hubby and I went into the park, walked around, watched all the balloon glows and then went out and across the street --- got a hot dog and coke from the 66 gas station....parked in the front Don Geary ( where I work ) parking lot and watched the fireworks from there. I will say they had a couple of vendors in the park that looked very interesting. One place made home crafted type bed frames, tables etc. The bed frame--double size was about $500.00 --- more artsy-crafty than I would want.....looked like something the Flintstones would have.....actually quite pretty and rustic --- would fit in out here in the woods but the older I get, the less into some of those things I am. Still, many of the other things were quite pretty. Not on my affordability list. I am always thrilled with the t-shirt/sweatshirt vendors. Mainly because they keep their pricing about the same and I always find something I like. Didn't get anything this year though.
Here at the lake we have not had too many changes yet but I am noticing that the overall grown-up areas are starting to really thin and look rather puny...the lush look is fading quickly. Since I was pretty chilly all through last winter I am wondering how I will feel this sshhh...winter. On the one hand since I don't mind winter too much ( I know, I know, but it is a little different out in the woods ) I am hoping to enjoy it a bit more than this past one which was full of chemo chills.
Hate to say this ( though in truth it will help me ) I never did get around to getting my yard decorations out nor my table and chairs for the deck so this years clean-up which will start probably soon ( we have all sorts of nuts and shells that are falling out of the trees ) will be much easier.
Should know more on Wednesday about how plans for vacation are coming. I'm very excited. Hubby will be gone to South Dakota for this coming week so it's going to be a little on the difficult side but I'll make it. Truthfully, often when Denny is gone I get more done as when he has time off he always comes up with something that just fries my work plans.
I'm still thinking on find a chiropractor. Sat too long at the computer one day I guess but even though I tried the HomeMedic heating/vibrating/pulsating pad it hasn't quite got THE spot....so I'm going to have to find someone. I get so tense or used to when I had anything done by a chiropractor ( the two or three times I went ) that I have sort of been dreading it enough to put it off. Think when Denny gets back I'm going to have to bite the bullet and put myself into their hands.
Well, need to get my day started so I'm going for now, but I'll be checking back in later. All have a great day.
Jackie
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"If you view all the things that happen to you,
both good and bad, as opportunities,
then you operate out of a higher level of consciousness."
Les Brown0 -
Goat racing!! LOL Not sure if that's Laura in pink! LOLAfternoon all.
My first official day off!!! I'm trying to hide from the 105 record temps.....it's not working!! We don't get that hot very often so no AC
Love the do it yourself projects!!! Sounds like something I would do except I get so frustrated I usually end up making things worse! Thankfully good friend is a plumber, he always jokes that he will charge me double if he has to UNDO what I've done!! My DH is a cabinet builder for custom homes, if it's wood he can deal with it, anything else it's my job.( Except he does cook, clean, and take care of the yard with OUT being told!)
Are vampires afraid of the heat? Haven't seen r's in a few days.
Hope everyone is enjoying the weekend.
Hope treatment is not to bad for those still undergoing it.
I better get some work done
A great weekend to all!
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Thanks for the responses. I have been taking sleeping medicine.....I was able to sleep until 2:45 with the meds! Yeah for me!! More testing next week to find out about the suspicious mass.
Smerf, I know about the expanders, but I really don't want to do that. I wanted to do the TRAM as I could have used fat etc from my stomach. HOwever when I asked about what skin would be used if they weren't saving skin, the doc said it would be from my thighs....again enough to spare I guess, but I am going to be full of scar tissue just so that I can have breasts!!!?? At this point, I want to just be done...that's it. I want to move on and not have to go to the doc every week. I know that so many of you have gone through all of this, and I don't know how the heck you have because it breaks my spirit.
Sorry for whining....that's all I do on this post. Not good to do after chemo I guess.
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Jule You can whine piss and moan all you want. NEVER feel guilty for it! That's what we are here for!
We all know the feeling...sick and tired of being sick and tired! The choice of tram or expander is just that YOUR CHOICE! I know you get tired of making choices you never thought you would have to. I find it helps me to write down the choices, the pros the cons...do some research. I'm a chicken I went for a mast w/ no reconstruction. But then I was 40 + first go around. Your age may help you decide.
post often we have been there done that....we are here for you! (((HUGS)))
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Hi Karin,
Glad to see that you have day off..hope you ae getting some rest. Question for your dh on staining cabinet doors? What type of stain or color do you use to make cherry cabinets that have different color wood in them? I finally got my doors but they are not stained yet...its a long story why they are not done..any suggestions would help.
Blackjack
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Wendrew - OMG - too funny! Are you sure it isn't $42,000 per year and NOT $24,000 per year! LOL you are such a trooper!
Jackie - Have you tried taking hot baths each night? That really helps me when I am sore from working out or from working in the forest...just a thought...let us know your vacation plans...I am so happy you will be going!
karin - TOO FUNNY! I love it...who knows...maybe someday I REALLY WILL race a real goat! Thanks for sharing that...
Jule - Honest...when I was here on the boards when I was first dx'd...I wondered the same thing...HOW DID THESE GIRLS DO IT! Try to think of this as another chapter...and really...the next chapter will be better and so on and so on. It's hard to be patient...that is not one of my virtues. Whine to us all you want...and I haven't forgotten...I will call you about the walk - maybe tomorrow night? Hang in there...remember be tough, but don't be afraid to cry or vent or whine or bit** or laugh or scream!...
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DID ANY OF YOU GO TO THE AIR AND WATER SHOW?
My cousin Billy FLEW THE B2 BOMBER IN THE SHOW TODAY! They announced him 3 times!
He piloted the B2 Spirit Bomber! And since his home town is here in Illinois, his parents, my aunt and uncle, Diane and Bill, were invited to sit with Mayor Daley at the show. They actually spoke to Billy while he was flying and the whole thing was broadcasted! My cousin Billy is in the Air Force...he is a trainer/instructor for the B2! He is such a sweet guy...we only see him at X-mas time because he is at a base in another state...WE ARE SO PROUD OF HIM...he was on the Air Force Football Team and no kidding...his neck has a larger girth than my thigh! LoL He's a BIG guy with a soft heart...okay...I guess the NEED FOR SPEED, runs in my family! LOL
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I hope you are all enjoying the weekend and making the most of it...
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Hi all:
Julie, you have a lot going on. I wish you well.
My writing conference was wonderful. I really got pumped. I learned so much. It is nice to be taught rather than to teach. I love the whole experience....lots of networking.
ita, tomorrow I see the Spoon River perform ace at my library. My friends are teasing me because I am so excited , A group of English teachers from Highland Park High School are putting it on.
Monday I am back at school. I am mentoring a teacher so I have to go a day early. Karin, I cannot believe it is 105 degrees.
Susan
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Morning!Karin....105???????? I always think of Oregon as a cool, green space...I never knew that you got so hot! How cold do you get? Not like in your hometown tho, correct? Loved the picture of "Laura - goat racing"! Very funny!
Jule....I remember well those not sleeping days. I used to stay up until about 1am, which is about 3.5 hours past my bedtime, just so I could take the Ambien CR and sleep until 5:30 or 6. I finally gave up on them. I can't give you much advice about your decisions re: reconstruction but I so totally understand your wish to be DONE with all this c**p and get your life back...but the only thing I can say, take your time, do your research, talk to all the girls on the recon thread, talk to your doctors, get second or even third opinions...then make an informed decision as to what is right for YOU....and NEVER LOOK BACK. As for whining....you were not around when I talked about my "fort" last year so here goes! My Dad was pretty strict and harsh...so when I was little, my Mom (who was the absolutely sweetest lady on this planet until she passed away almost 9 years ago) used to throw a blanket over the kitchen table and we would crawl under there and play "fort". It was my "safe" place, where nothing bad could ever happen, nothing bad could ever find me. I was safe and loved and happy there. A great memory for me. When I got breast cancer, altho it was never a secret....I just didn't talk about it much, didn't want to be "cancer girl". DH wasn't too much help, sister was no help at all...and everybody else just didn't get it. One morning...I had just managed to make it thru the morning until DH could leave for school and I broke down sobbing about all of this so here I was, sitting at my kitchen table and I thought...well, you know what I did. I crawled under my kitchen table and waited and waited and waited...and my Mom didn't come. It was a horrible day for me...I never felt so all alone and confused and miserable......and then this is when I found this thread that Rita started...and I have never been alone again. Ever. I have friends here who "get it". And I can talk about bc all I want...all my fears and confusion...and there is no one on these boards who doesn't understand. Oh Jule...it is so not whining...it is honest and forthcoming and it is what you should do here...that is the purpose of this whole board...gettting answers, and getting peace of mind. So you come sit in our "fort" anytime, day or night...one of us will be along to give you that hug you so desperately need. We can't make decisions for you, but we will support yours 100% every time.
I hope that helps a little!
Hugs, Jule...from me and my Mom and our fort!
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Don't be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better.
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Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803 - 1882) Strong reasons make strong actions. William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616) Good morning all
Holy-moley....105 Karin. And no air conditioning. Beyond my imagination almost. Sure hope that was a one-day thing. Sure can't be real common or you'd have a swamp cooler sitting in your garage or something.
Jule, many of us have been in Wendy's fort and it's very nice there and soooo safe and this is the place to do, say, or be what it takes to get you over the hurdles that come with this disease. This is not a little poison ivy, or 3 day measles......it's something that changes your life and I think several have said it often here --- most people who have never had a life-defining illness like this really all seem to expect the "normal" you and they talk as though you just do this and this and life goes on. Well, the mental and physical hurdles that you must come to grips with are very draining and most everyone here knows....that others won't really get that you need to cry, be afraid, confused, upset, irate and YES,YES,YES a whiner. This is where all of that can happen w/o judgement and criticism because we don't start out with any need for you to be "normal" or who you are. Your needs have changed drastically --- and we are here to validate those, whatever they are just like someone did for us. So huge hugs from everyone here along with Wendy.
Ok, I'm going to wash my car for the first time this year. Been going to the $4.00 car wash and it's ok, but decided the exercise would be good and maybe I'll be able to mentally plan what my next household maneuver will be. Things are coming along....and the nice thing is I don't feel the urgency I always have before to get spiffied up and over it all. I actually am enjoying taking my time. It turns out not to be the big deal that I often complained about early into my txs when I saw day after day go by and not much of anything get done and some days nothing.. People would say it wasn't a big deal, but to me it was.......then, and now it really isn't a BIG deal.
Well, hope you all have a fantastic Sunday.
Jackie
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For Jule.....and all the "newbies"...a quote from Bon Jovi
"Take my hand, we're halfway there....we'll make it I swear...livin' on a prayer"
So...take our hands....we'll all make it!
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105 is record breaking norm is 80 - 85 .Winter here is nothing like Elgin, IF we get a light dusting of snow the whole town shuts down! And snow is gone by noon! Nothing like when I was there in March and they shut down O'Hara airport! Driving in snow like riding a bike ...you don't forget, ( don't like it but....)
Haven't seen Julie AKA Bustersmom, hope she's busy with wedding plans!
My DH falls into the helpless romantic......He gave me an engagement ring for Christmas, I finally asked " does this mean you want to get married?" His answer........ " I guess" LOL He must have meant it we've been together almost 30 yrs now.
He's not known for his "romatic" gifts either....A drop down attic stairway for my birthday. Well at least he remembered it!Think I will fix lunch and find my book & sit out under a shade tree and try NOT to fall asleep!! LOL
Every one have restfull Sunday!
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Wendy, you say is so well and with such sincerity. You have a wonderful heart.
Have any of you been following Leroy Seivers blog "NPR-My Cancer"? I have for a year and was even invited to be on public radio as one of his bloggers. I never did as I was too self-conscious, I know ladies from other threads have been reading his blog. He died early this morning. I do not bring this up to firghten or sadden anyone as dying is a part of living. He gave so much through his openess about his disease. He was the voice for so many men and woman battling this disease every day.. I am at least grateful I have had the cancer experience now and not years ago when we all ducked when the topic came up. If any of you are so inclined, read Leroy's blog. I guess I would like to say thank you to Rita for opening up the dialog for us all. Without being maudlin, Rita, I think you were the first voice for us all. Thank you.
My Spoon River poetry reading was wonderful. I am a geak. Oh and regarding whole engagement scene, I actually proposed to my DH 35 years ago. Thank God he accepted..
Susan
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Morning all...just a quick check-in as I have to remove everything from under 3 sinks...lots of junk!
Susan....I will check into Leroy's blog later today. You know....you are so right about life and death. Before cancer I just didn't think about death much...now I do, a lot. BUT.....it makes me thnk more about what I want to do, what I want to see, people I want to spend time with (and those I just don't care that much about anymore!). Rita...you opened up this thread for us...and gave us a place to talk about ...well...stuff. You made this whole cr***y bc journey so much easier for us. So...again...thank you.
Not sure if it made any sense...but I think what I was trying to say, and Susan as well....that some good did come from this beast! Our lives have changed...but maybe in some ways...for the better.
Have a wonderful day....remember Fitzpatti? She would want you to go out and HAVE FUN!!!!!
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Susan....just started reading Leroy Sievers blog....I will read it thru later. He was so right...hearing those words "You have cancer" changed our lives. But what we do with that changed life is up to us...and us alone. Thank you so much for directing me to the blog....maudlin? No. Has it started me thinking about where I want to be next week, next month, next year? Yep. Time is fleeting. Time to live!
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Happy Monday everyone......
I realized I haven't posted in quite a while, sorry to have been MIA. I think I have about 2-3 pages of posts to catch up on - too bad my butt falls asleep on this cheap desk chair before I am able to finish, lol.
I've been planning our wedding - we are having a small party next month (I need to get on his insurance, my cobra insurance expires 9/30). Just 20 people - mainly family. And we are having it at one of our (meaning the BC ladies) favorite places - MAGGIANOS. .
Of course I'd love a big wedding, a shower, etc ... but it's okay. It's going to be special, and a lot of fun. We can't afford it anyway - those durn bills are coming in now. doh!
Oh, as far as the "proposal" - well there really wasn't one, lol. He just sort of said "well, we need to go get you a ring" and I was like.. okie dokie!
I've been waiting 8 years, so I wasn't about to get picky
It sure feels weird to have a ring on that finger; I'm 42 & never married. Oh, and the thought of having a different last name is even weirder.
Today is 6 weeks post surgery. Pain is much more tolerable, mostly just discomfort at this point.
Just thought I'd update ya'll on what's happening. I sure would love to see some of you girls soon... perhaps I'll pester blackjack & see if she has any plans for a dinner night soon.
Take care everyone -hugs, I miss you!!! JulieR
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Don't mean to be morbid here...But...When I was diagnosed and thought I was going to die, one of the first things I felt was regret that I hadn't chosen a career that "helped" people. A career or even a "cause" that made a difference in the lives of others/those in need. Susan, it's ironic that you posted this...just last week I contacted CASA House (volunteer basis) about becoming a court appointed advocate for abused and neglected children. On Sat I rcvd a packet containing all the information. It's a huge commitment, but I am considering it. I would have to attend a 6 week training course. Once training is completed, you're assigned a "case". You have to visit the child, either at their home, school or foster home. Check to make sure they're being treated well and how they're adjusting, etc. You have to write reports for the judge and attend all hearings pertaining to the child. Basically be a "voice" for the child (similar to what my Mother does for animal abuse cases). Meet with family members, teachers, doctors, etc. that the child is involved with. Ensure they're receiving medical, dental, or any treatment necessary. Classes start in Sept...so I have to make a decision soon. Although...I'm worried that I'll want to adopt each "case"!
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JulieR - We were posting at the same time. Good to "hear" from you! You "sound" so much better...glad the pain is less. HOW EXCITING! I'm so happy for you two. Best wishes with the "plans"...have fun with it.
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Laura......you would be so GOOD as a CASA House volunteer! What an interesting volunteer position that would be! There are so many children out there that need somebody like you to help pave their way through life and stand up for them. It would be a huge commitment but I imagine it would be quite rewarding.
Julie R....So glad you're getting your plans made. This is so wonderful!!!!!! I'm so happy for you! Please keep giving us updates on how things are progressing!
Jule...the inability to sleep is just one of the many issues that bc patients experience. If you look at the time that I made my very first post on this thread, you'll see that I had the "can't sleep" issue, too. There's so many things running through our heads and so many emotions to deal with that our brains don't want to shut down for us. Things will get better. Keep telling yourself that when faced with insomnia or decisions that seem to haunt you and know that you can come here and vent anytime you want. We all understand. As for the upcoming tests, I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Karin...I loved the goat race! Thanks for adding some humor to the thread!
Jackie...I hope you're settled into the "back to work" routine!
Wendy...I've certainly not forgotten Fitzpatti. I think of her every time I put the top down on the convertible. She definitely taught us that every day is important and that we can get lots of satisfaction from giving and helping others. After lots of emotional flings, I do think that most of us who have made it through treatments are beginning to put our lives back together......and looking for new adventures and experiences. So for those of you who are tackling the treatments now and fighting your way through them, please remember that they are temporary and that you'll reach the end. They're certainly not pleasant. The emotional turmoil is horrid. The fatigue is draining and often leads to bouts of depression, but soon you'll find yourself on the home stretch and you'll cross that finish line. Hugs to all of you who are struggling right now. Know that we are here for you. Lean on us as we leaned on each other. It does help!
Well, I'm taking Wendy the Younger for a late birthday lunch today and I need to get some laundry done before we go. That means I need to move away from this computer!
Hello to all you sisters that I didn't personally mention. Connie and Michele must be really busy with summer activities and work. We haven't heard from them in awhile! I miss them. And where is Becky???
I'll check back later. Everyone have a good day!
Rita
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"Everyone has inside of him a piece of good news.
The good news is that you don't know how great you can be!
How much you can love!
What you can accomplish! And what your potential is."
Anne FrankHi everyone. Julie R how great to lose yourself in plans for a wedding. So wonderful that you are far enough away from your surgery now to look forward to this wonderful event. I feel smaller weddings are quite warm and wonderful. My second wedding was very small ( and neither of us proposed --- we just started making plans. I think we instantly knew that each of us was right for the other and that it would lead to a timely marriage ) and was much more memorable to me than the larger Church wedding I had previously. Having the two to compare.....I would pick the smaller, more intimate situation. I just found even more meaning to it.....and like it really was just for us and not a church full of guests.
Rita you are so good ( many teachers are I'm sure ) with how you describe how to deal with and get through the very trying times that come with this awful disease.
I'm not sure what I will ultimately do with my life but I am convinced that I got ( of course, I still wonder if I needed it this way ) a wake-up call to think about things I might want to change, or do over. I have lots of time to work with that.
Hope everyone has a splendid day. I'm a little bushed. Got Denny off and on his way to South Dakota. Hmmm, maybe I need a nap. I'll be back to check on you all later.
Jackie
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Wow Laura, that's so awesome. I can imagine just how rewarding that would be, just like Rita said. And your mom works with abused animal cases? I didn't know that until just now. Can I say "awesome" again ?? Is she a volunteer as well? That is something I'd love to be involved in, although I'm not quite sure how to do so.
Hope you got a nice nap Jackie. Yes, I think this small wedding will be nice... although my knees shake at the thought of standing up in front of even just 20 people to recite vows. Oy!
Rita- have a great lunch with WendyTY!! That sounds like a nice time.
Wow, I'm here 2x in one day, lol. Eh that's me - feast or famine.
Hugs to all - JulieR
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Laura, that is awesome. It is good whether you decide to do CASA or not. You are opening your horizons and trying on things for size. It is just good to look into different options and then make a move. I was so afraid of the writiing conference at Northwestern as I was convinced I was too old and not talented enough. There was an 80-year old woman in one class! She said she wanted to write before she died and she didn't care if she was ever published. She wanted to write and wanted to be with people who wanted to do that too. The 20 and 30 somethings got a wonderful kick out of her! I did too.
So, now I am back at school. My kids come on Friday and the classroom is already hot. Add 90 eighth graders coming and going and AC spells relief. My school is not able to have air, or so they tell me.
I am a mentor this year (Rita, did your school have a mentoring program?) and I think I will enjoy that.
Julie R, your engagement story is so lovely. This man truly loves you and that must feel wonderful.
Hope the lunch, Wendyty was good! Are you feeling good enough to do some Fall golf?
Good day and great converations here! Thanks!
Susan
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Happy Monday Ladies,
I had my first rads today. I am so proud I was able to take the bus from work and back to work after treatment. It only cost $2. I have been using cabs for drs. appointments up until now, but $20 was just too much to spend everyday.
I noticed some eyebrow hairs coming in with the magnifying mirror. I am so glad. Before BC I would have to get my brows groomed every 3 to 4 weeks, so I hope they come in fast and just as thick.
Both of my kids start school on Monday, little guy is 1st grade and my older son is a freshman in college at Lewis University in Romeoville. I went to Lewis on Friday for a parents' orientation and I will say I was feeling quite emotional when they were talking about watching your child graduate in 4 or 5 years. It just brought all of these feelings to the surface that I may not be here then.
Jule, I chose to have a bi-lateral mastectomy after having an MRI and they wanted to biopsy two questionable areas in my breast, a cyst that had been checked out a years before, and a lymph node. They also wanted me to come back for an MRI in the left side, since "it was the wrong time of the month to get a clear picture". Since everyone at the hosptal except the security guard had asked when my last period was, I was quite irritated when they mentioned that. After corresponding with other women who were younger at dignosis, I chose to have the bi-lateral and not deal with the biopsies or any future problems. Based upon my pathology report, the MRI was right on the money. I have had a couple of doctors tell me that based upon my pathology report that the bi-lateral was the best thing I could have done.
I have expanders and have had them filled three times so far. They stopped filling in early July and will continue after rads. I was quite large breasted before bc and I will admit I am enjoying being able to wear tank tops, etc. that I could not or was too self-conscious to wear before. Today I got in the mail a little cottong cami/nightgown to wear for sleeping. Hopefully it will help me deal with the hot flashes!
During chemo I did take the Ativan to sleep every night. I slept like a rock with it and I think it is one reason I did not have extreme fatigue with the chemo. I have not taken in it in a couple of weeks, but I think I may start again tonight and take it during rads with the same theory that if I sleep good at night, I may not be as tired during the day.
I am bummed we had to close the house up yesterday and turn the air conditioning on--it was so nice to sleep with the windows open for that week.
Have a good night,
Lisa
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HI Girls,
I hope everyone is having a great Monday. I know I have been MIA for a while...sorry I have soooo busy with school and remodeling that I haven't had time to ck in. School starts Weds and I am not ready as my office is all torn up. I am working out of boxes...only for a few weeks they tell me...but we will see. Happy first day to all the teachers and kids !!!
JulieR..sooo happy for you about your up coming wedding. I have attended a few weddings at Maggiano's and you will not be disappointed. They do a fabulous job..when is the date set for. Hope you will post pics for us to see the beautiful bride.
Jule..I hope you are feeling better soon.. txs are hard but it is only temporary and the end will be here soon..hang in there.
Jackie..how is work going for you..when are you leaving for vacation.
Rita..I agree with Wendy that if you had not started this tread we would not have all met. We get wonderful support from each other. Each of us has traveled this journey with different experiences and txs to share and that's what makes it so supportive. 'We learn from others experiences and educate ourselves. So here's a big hug to you !!!!!
Wendy..so how's the back doing..still going to pt. I love you plumbing stories...I do have a few to tell from my summer project..over flowing toilets. lol
Laura..I did get the whirlpool info..thanks. It is so awesome that you want to work with kids and you will be sooo good at it. Keep us posted.
Lisa..I feel your sadness about sending your first one off to college. It is an emtional time for moms. I still get sad when my kids go back to college..and then you turn around and they are home again. lol I guess they never really leave.. only for a little while.
I am putting together the lunch bunch ideas...Sept. lunch ...Oct. dinner...Nov /Dec open. Please send any suggestions for dates or places. I thought it would be nice to alternate every other month for dinner as the working girls would have a chance to come and visit.
Well gotta go put my jammies on.. have a great evening everyone
Remember be healthy..be happy.
Blackjack
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