Illinois ladies facing bc
Comments
-
Michele - When I was at the "done with treatment"/"moving beyond"/"wanting to put it all behind me" stage, I went through a period of slight depression/indecision. Part of me wanted nothing to do with bc...no talking about it, not wanting my friends and family to keep asking how I was feeling every time I talked to them, not checking in here, not wanting to go to Dr visits (almost canceled my 3 month Onc visit and almost vowed never to go back to "that place") because I was tired of seeing him and just plain ol' wanted to be oppositional and in control. But then part of me wanted to embrace it all, stay here (at the time this group had not been formed, I was involved with my chemo girls group here), continue volunteering for Komen, accept my dx as part of my future, be happy that family and friends cared enough to continue to ask how I felt every time we talked. I struggled with all this for a couple of months. Eventually I came to terms with it all and decided what was right for me. Although when children are involved, I know things are different. I hope you try to think of this as one more stage toward emotional recovery. It will never be 100% recovery, but we all have different percentages of it...don't know exactly what you're feeling but hope you are soon over yet another hump, real soon.
JulieB - Hope all the rest you got helped to get you back on track and feeling normal again soon. Sorry you were so sick last week. Congrats on finishing! NO-MO-CHE-MO!
Leesa - Hope you're still feeling better.
Susan - Thanks for letting about dh and CASA...that was reassuring. Have you found a decor yet for above your fireplace (or somewhere in your home)? If not, I have a few sites I can forward to you.
Karin - Thanks for sharing that again...I still think you could make a product of it...I will try to think of something.
JulieR - I bet your dress is gorgeous...you'll look like Cinderella...If I remember correctly, you resemble Lesley Ann Warren who played the original Cinderella! And btw...you can pull f-thorn anytime you like! LOL
Wendrew - Congrats! You finished your PT...hope you never have to go back...get it "back"... I laughed reading your post about me, dh, Mom and the bees...OMG - that would have been priceless! The look on Mom's face... It's always something...life in the forest...I am determined more than ever to "take back" my property...will look into bee suits - LOL. I was very lucky...I think had I not ran so quickly away from them, I would have been stung many more times.
---------------------------------------
Well girlz...I feel fine today...each sting is still itching like crazy, even WITH the hydrocort...but my ankle is really sore, I don't think it's sprained...just sore from twisting it... I went to the taste of Lake Zurich last night with Mom and Shel. Shel is here for a few days...doesn't go b-t-s til the 2nd.
JANCLARE was working at the Trader Joe booth! She said she will try to attend Wednesday, but will probably have to fly out and be with her FIL...he's not doing well.
---------------------------------------
Wherever you are in treatment and beyond...hope you can find something beautiful about this day.
0 -
Good Morning everyone.....hope I can stay focused and coherent here. For one thing....I am so sorry Laura, but I laughed till I nearly fell in the floor over the bee episode and Wendy's description of getting caught with your pants not only down but OFF in the garage. I haven't been stung by anything since I was very young but I still detest hearing anything around me that buzzes. As well, maybe due to being stung----all those 'kinds' of insects look so menacing to me. I've learned not to automatically duck and cover ( mainly cause I'm older and not so agile anymore ) but I'm definitely on guard when I'm out.
Hmm, yes, there are a couple of things going on with me. Rather un-pleasant. My BIL and SIL ( the ones hubby and I spend lots of time with ) have basically said not to darker their door. My other SIL repeated a conversation she and I had ---- after SHE originated it. Long story short, I think since SIL waited 3 weeks to tell BIL & SIL she has some sort of agenda but knew all along that her brother flies off the handle rather immediately. I don't care so much for myself but I feel bad for Denny to be treated by his own family like that. In an email I told them I would be responsible for anything I said......but for nothing that someone else repeated after a time lapse of three weeks.
I have mixed emotions --- probably due to my feeling of having a thyroid collapse that nearly killed me, then a very serious stroke that took me well over two years to recover from and now cancer and God help me I have had the thought.....do I need treacherous in-laws in my life and why don't I care more about a possible repair. Always before I would work my heart out to fix things so everyone was happy again ----- I am not sure whether I am tired of taking on this sort of responsibility or if I really feel like I've never before tried to discover why.these things happen. Part of me just feels like.......it was always their problem and rather than FIX, FIX, FIX do the smart thing and let them deal with it however they see fit. If they refuse to make up what have I lost ?????
Got to take a sick kitty to the vet this afternoon. I think it may have ringworm --- I have some suspicious spots on my arms....luckily have medicine here for me, but got to see about a fix for Maggie kitty. She is so sweet too ---- as if that has anything to do with it.
Haven't been to see about my neck yet. Denny is due home this evening....I have been in something of a giant struggle since he's been gone trying to keep up. I knew it would be difficult but did not have the heart to ask him to stay home and not go to South Dakota. He had not been for two years and just hung in with me ---- going to every appt I had, all chemo's etc. He deserved to go visit his three adult kids and grandkids. I will arrange something tomorrow or the next day out of the fifty or so I didn't get to while he was gone. I have been really fortunate that for a tall person I have had very little back discomfort ( sure need to start some exercise after the chiropractor ) but the year of sitting in my recliner has been hard on the mucscles etc. I'll have to get motivated.
Just heard from Denny..... passing through Sioux City, Iowa. Should be here right before dark tonight. Yipee.........help is on the way.
All take care....your in my thoughts even if I didn't call you by now. Hang in there everyone. Also you know....if anyone shares my quotes than I have done some good that day....
Jackie
hope I didn't excite anyone by relating one of my current upsets.....I just was in a strange way sort of happy to find that I now 'question/take a viewpoint' how other people are behaving toward me and don't go on auto pilot anymore thinking I need to do something................interesting that it's a case of cancer changing some of my perspective in this way.....and I am thinking perhaps definitely for the better. Like maybe I don't need to fix the world ---- maybe I never did....just got convinced somewhere back in time that it should be me --- the happy fix it girl.
0 -
-
Hi again....was just finally updating my addy list and I see....that today is Adrienne's Birthday!!!
so......Happy BIRTHDAY ADRIENNE!!!! And many, many more!!!!
0 -
Hi Everyone,
Just the crazy lady checking in to let you all know I'm doing much better. Thank you again.
0 -
Your living is determined not so much by what life brings to you as by the attitude you bring to life; not so much by what happens to you as by the way your mind looks at what happens.
Kahlil Gibran
Good morning everyone
Got Dh back last night safe and sound and that was really nice. The fun starts today. I think I will get more done than I have since he left. He goes to work fairly early this a.m. but off at 6 so that is good. He had to get a new radio for his truck in S. Dakota....the old one just sputtered and quit period. Always something.
I'm nursing my case of ringworm. Maggie ( my friend--not the little cat ) feels pretty bad it happened but life goes on. Did I tell you that someone else told me that your immune system is a bit compromised for 5 years after cancer txs, Sure seems a long time to me, but guess it could be. ------- easy to be fooled when you essentially feel so good once you are through your tx program.
Hope you all have a stunning day. I'll be thinking of you.
Jackie
0 -
Jackie - You can choose your friends but you can't choose your family! Hope it all works out. He said...she said...it could drive you nuts! I just took my cat to the vet too...he's a midnight carouser...noticed little white worms by his tail...plucked one off...took it to the vet...sure enough he's got tape worms...so gross! It's so hard to get pills down his throat...had to bring him to the vet and have them do it!
----------------------------------------------
Mornin' All - it's a bit chilly out there this morning...I'm still itching like crazy...take Benadryl at night...hope this goes away soon! Man...what a nightmare!
Hope you all have a great day...
0 -
Poop, I was sure I posted yesterday & it was a big one... I can't rewrite it now cuz I'm too tired, lol.
I hope lunch at Maggiano's is still one for tomorrow (?) 12:30???
Julie R
0 -
JulieR - I sent you an e-mail about tomorrow. Hope you can join us!
0 -
Hi gals! Gosh I've only been away a few days and there are LOTS of posts to catch up on! I guess that is good, though.
I've been in a real funk, too. It must be the full reddish moon that we had last week. I lost another good friend to cancer...colon cancer...and went to the funeral yesterday. I'd cried for nearly two days after I found out that he had died and my eyes resemble those of a raccoon. After the funeral, I met Mary Jane in Galesburg and we shopped the little shops and went for dinner. I was pretty down but she always has a way of cheering me up and today was a new day. I just get so angry that they can't find a cure for this disease and so many good people have to fight it. Soon....maybe they'll find it soon. And speaking of a cure, I'll get us registered for that Sept. race this week, Laura. Dave has already got us a room for that Friday night at the Empress so we don't have so far to go in the morning.
Laura, so glad that you recovered well from the bee stings. I would have freaked out, too. In fact....I may have been literally streaking out of those woods as I shucked the clothes on the way. That would NOT have been a pretty site! LOL
Jackie..so glad that Denny is back safely. Like you, I tend to be one who always goes the extra mile to try to fix things. Sometimes, though, I really wonder if it's worth the effort. You are such a sweet person. You will find the right answer to the problem. Just go with your heart!
HUGS Michele 101! Sending good vibes your way!
Well, we are heading for the bowling alley so that Dave can pick out his new bowling ball that I got him for his biirthday so I need to get moving. I'll check back in later!
Rita
0 -
Hugs back to you Rita - I'm sorry about your friend.
(I got a call yesterday from one of my old chemo room friends to tell me that another lady with whom I spent many chemo's with, is not doing well. I will call her tomorrow.) Cancer SUCKS.
0 -
Hey girls!
I'm tolerating the Taxol pretty well. Today I slept a lot - obviously needed it. Other than that I'm hanging in there. I don't know if having my appetite back is a good or bad thing. I'm eating like a pig. One down...nine to go!
Wendy - Sorry to hear about your laptop. I know a lot of people with MACs that love them.
Rita - Sorry I missed your call today. Nap time! Come on over so I can give you a big hug.
Hope everyone going to Maggiano's has a good time!0 -
Wendy - I finally figured out the whole picture thing. Here is my mohawk. It's a horrible picture, but it makes me laugh. Chris cut my hair at about 11:30pm. I swear, I have clothes on! Enjoy at my expense!
0 -
Brenda - Hoping all goes well with your surgery tomorrow. Please check in when you can.
WendyTY - Nice Picture!
How long did you have it like that?0 -
hello, a very quick note, still have some things to do and need to shower and try to get to bed not too late. thank you so much, your comments to me have really helped me get to this point, here i am on surgery eve. I just had an mri and they did see a mass of "indiscriminate nature" on the proph side, so that will also be getting snb. (if i wasn't having a bilat they would want to biopsy).
I had the injections for the snb today. that was so not a big deal, so that was good. well here comes tomorrow, see what i'm up against! thank you gals, i need you! brenda
0 -
Morning all!!!!
WendyTY....OK, I admit it...I laughed! But you do look cute! And that pretty, smiling face of yours! BC might have taken body parts, but it sure didn't take your spirit! Glad so far that Mr. T is not treating you too badly!
Brenda...this will not reach you before surgery as I for some unknown reason, thought your surgery was next week. I am wishing you well for an easy time, and good pain meds! And lots of them....but hopefully you won't need too much. We are here...please check in when you can and let us know how you are doing...perhaps we might help with something when you get home.
Leesa....(always want to say "Lisa, Lisa Cult Jam" - remember that group???)...glad you are feeling better!
Jackie...Laura is so right...you don't get to pick your family. And no matter what you do, it seems that someone's nose gets out of joint and blames you. I play Switzerland in my own family. My mantra has become "I know nothing. I have no opinion." And even that makes some of them mad. I have totally given up fixing what is broken in my own family...as terrible as this may sound to some of you - I really don't care all that much anymore. I have my own worries and problems and I am now focusing my energy on that, rather than trying to fix their stupid, petty little problems. I am sure it is not stupid and petty to them, but after what we have been thru with this beast - who cares who said what to who! I sure don't!
LauraGTO ..glad you are doing much better with the stings.
Rita...I am so sorry re: the death of your friend. WHERE IS THE CURE????? I totally get the funk-thing, but glad you had someone to share with, and you are feeling better. Today is another day! (Didn't Scarlett O'hara say that????) HUGS!!!!!!! MORE HUGS!!!!!!!!
Time to get going....have been a good girl and this will be my third day at the gym! I do have one more PT, but it's in 2 weeks and then I will be released. I had a bad flare-up about 10 days ago and she wants to make sure everything is nice and quiet.
Everyone I haven't mentioned....hope you are doing well with treatments and life is good to you!
0 -
Harmony Son, Brenda,
Thinking and praying for you. Try to relax and remember that many of the girls on the boards have been through it sucessfully. They still live, laugh, and love.
IS THERE A LUNCH AT MAGG> TODAY? IF SO< I CAN GO> PLEASE CONFIRM LUNCH
By the way, the MRI showed that I have a huge mass near my ovary, 8 cm round baseball! It appears to be a benign dermoid cyst, but they are not going to confirm that until pathology. I had an ultrasound yesterday to see if there is anything else funky and I see the gyne/onc tomorrow. It may or may not be related to BC. However, they will take it out for sure. I suspect at least an oophorectomy (ovaries) or total hysterectomy. I have had several years of funky pap spears previously, am at increased risk because of tamox., and also am a DES daughter. My mother was taking a hormone substance to prevent miscarriage when she was pregnant with me. DES daughters appear to have a higher rate of certain forms of cancer (those related to estrogen). Oh well! My max. out of pocket expenses are paid, and anything they do is free for me! At least I dont worry about that. Copays only.
0 -
Hi girls! -
Boy, I missed a lot this past week. Leesa - so sorry you are having a rough time. It's ok to vent to us. I know the feeling of having to put up a brave front, but feeling weak inside. Glad you felt better the next day. Just keep reminding yourself that you are strong and will make it.
Laura - OMG, we had a similiar incident a couple of weeks ago. We were in MI and DH picked up a board that was on the ground. There was a huge nest of yellow jackets that swarmed him and my kids. I was not near them so I did not get stung. But, DH got about 4 stings, DD got 4 and DS got 1. I too felt like I was in a Stephen King movie. Those things just stuck on to everyone's clothes and as soon as you thought it was over, someone would find one under their shirt. We were close to our car, so we all hopped in the car, but a few followed on their clothes and so they were getting stung even while in the car. Everyone was screaming - it was horrible!!!
Brenda - welcome and good luck today with your mastectomy. It's a scary day, but you will make it through!
Rita - sorry about your friend. Cancer sucks!
Wendy - cute mohawk! My son who grew his hair for the last year decided to cut it Sunday night - the night before school started. It was really long and we had fun giving him a mullet. I'll see if I can post it later. We were cracking up!
Sharon - so sorry to hear about your cyst, but glad to hear it is probably benign. Keep us posted.
JulieR - glad you found your dress. How's your chin?
I'm sure I have missed someone because there have been so many posts. But, I'm thinking of all of you!
0 -
Oh - my good news is that I saw my onc for my 4 mo checkup and he said all looks good. He keeps telling me my risk is low, but I have a hard time believing him as my tumor was soo fricking huge. He only wants to see me every 6 months now.
0 -
Brenda.....I just saw your posts and realized your surgery is today! I live a few minutes from Glenbrook Hospital, and would be happy to bring anything you need while you are there. If you see this, I am thinking about you, and sorry I didn't see your post sooner.
Connie...I know what you mean....it is hard to believe them sometimes. I do a happy dance whenever they give me a little more time between visits, and I know they are experienced at what they do so I try to relax about it. Not always easy, though.
Bathrooms are done!!!!! Now helping my son do his kitchen.
Wendy....I slept my way through chemo. I think our bodies are telling us what we need, and it's a good thing.I gained 15 pounds as I also ate like a pig. The decadron munchies are evil! Love your mohawk, and hoping you're feeling better each day.
Mich101...hope things are getting better for you.
Gotta go, and will come back later. Hugs to all.
0 -
The longer I live the more beautiful life becomes.
![[info]](http://www.quotationspage.com/icon_info.gif)
![[add]](http://www.quotationspage.com/icon_plus.gif)
![[mail]](http://www.quotationspage.com/icon_email.gif)
Frank Lloyd WrightHi everyone,
Nice sunny day here and the humidity will stay down. Almost perfect. I'm itching like crazy with my infection but I'll manage. WTY is really cute isn't she??? Sure hope the Taxol stays nice and gentle for you.
Geez...Connie, you too with the bees/yellow jackets. I'll be looking over my shoulder again at the least noise. Course, I hear nasty little mosquitoes ( I think that is what it is ) around my head and ears all the time. Glad everyone came through ok.
Rita....I too am sorry about your friend. Despite feeling like we have actually arranged our coming into life as well as our leave-taking, I know that we all still need to mourn the loss of those we cherish ----- just know that love never dies and it's only the physical presence that is missing ----
Sharon---good thoughts that all stays well with you and Brenda....here's to a successful surgery.
I see you are at it again Pat. Are you turning pro?????Sure glad your work is done at your house.
Wendy, Mich, Jule, Julies, Laura and everyone....your in my thoughts more than you know. I'll be checking in a little later.
Jackie
0 -
Hey Connie! Your latest report sounds pretty good to me. Gosh...just think! You don't have to go back for 6 months........hey, that's half a year!!!! CONGRATS!
I hope that a whole group of you gals are having a great luncheon today. I've been thinking about you all being together with envy!! LOL Hope the lunch bunch has lots of fun! Let us know what we missed!
Oh Wendy, I'd never seen the mohawk picture! Too funny! Thanks for sharing. Were you as tired today as yesterday?
Jackie...enjoy this weather. If the Farmer's Almanac is right, we're going to have an early and long winter with lots of precipitation. How I hope it's wrong!!!!
Anyone have big plans for holiday weekend? We're going to escape for a few a days with our golf clubs and reconnect! I can't wait.
Well, I need to make some phone calls so I'll stop in later.
Rita
0 -
Laura, I have officially registered Dave and I to walk with the No Surrender Team.
Hey gals...if it's at all possible, let's get out there and walk in this together. That cure is SO important and every little bit that we can do does help. We tend to forget this when we begin feeling better and have found our "new normal" but the funds raised at this walk might just help one of us in the future. Check your calendars and see if you can join us. September 27th...and it's held not far from many of you! :-)
Rita
0 -
Yup, it is all in the eyes. WendytY, you have the best eyes. I called that at Starved Rock and I see it in this pic.
Brenda has been pm'ing me and I to her. She has a challenge before her (surgery, two very young kids, and a DH in the military. She sounds like one strong (yet understandably, scared ) woman. Stay there for her. She needs us.
Rita, I could just picture you sad about your friend who died. It is sad and such a loss that we, at our age, feel now. I cannot help but think that the environment, and what we eat and breathe, is calling more of us with cancer deaths.
Laura, you are too nice a person to have that happen to you. I hate bees.
Susan
0 -
Good evening ladies -
Fun seeing some of you at Maggiano's today!! Leesa, Vic is a very nice guy
And Laura, I didn't know you were such a gearhead (I mean that in the BEST way possible.. you are a bada** racecar woman.. I love it!) Rita, I am so sorry to hear of your friend's passing (hug) another (hug)
Connie, yay for the good report. Keep those coming. Oh my stupid chin is still numb - strange.
WendyTY - thanks for sharing the pic. Love it.. you are rockin' that mohawk for sure.
Brenda - I know you won;t see this but you are in my thoughts. I had posted a long message to you the other night & it got lost in space.
Hi to everyone else - Jackie, Susan, Michele101, and all the rest.
I really don't have much to report. Doc ordered a bone scan & I'm having my liver CT done on the same day - next week. I want to get those over with & not think about them as my wedding day approaches. Jeweler called & said my wedding bands are in.. yay!! Can't wait to try the whole set on now (that's not bad luck is it??)
My left Expandafoob is killing me for some reason.. not sure why. Maybe because I was poking at them so much at Maggiano's... lol.
Have a good night everyone.....
Hugs to all of you!! JulieR
0 -
-
Hi gals!
It sounds like a few of you had a good luncheon together! Although I love my little corner of the world, I wish I was closer so that I could join you more often!
Brenda...thinking of you and hoping that all is going routinely for you. HUGS! Hang in there and take it one day at a time. Hope to hear a report from you soon.
JulieR..that special day is getting closer. How exciting! I've never heard that it's bad luck to try on the wedding band before the big day. In fact, I think you'd better do it. Wouldn't it be terrible if he went to put the ring on your finger and it was too little???? Oh my gosh.....see how my thinking as deteriorated these past two years????
Wendy the Younger...I AM thinking about you even if I haven't been around lately. I went by your house yesterday afternoon about 2:30 in the golf cart and it looked pretty quiet around there so I figured you were sleeping and I wouldn't bother you.
Well I have a bowling league organizational luncheon at noon today so I'd better get moving. Isn't it hard to believe that Fall is nearly here and that the bowling season is once again about ready to start? I love bowling but I don't like the cold, blistery winter weather.
Catch you all later.......
Rita
0 -
Good morning,
Busy mornings and busy days as well. I'm sure it's good for me and keeps me out of trouble. Doing dh's laundry from S. Dakota. I'm feeling fairly well despite the big disapointment of getting such a rampant case of ringworm. One of the hazards of trying to save a few animals I guess. Sure makes you look like you don't take very good care of yourself. I'll call V.A. today and see if they have an Oncologist yet. I do have some time before I need to start the Arimidex....talked to Donna Crow and she said that I would be fine for now but if in the near future they don't get someone at the V.A. she would help me sort out what needs to be done......meaning getting myself--through V.A. channels assigned to one of the outside Oncologists they have used to handle things. Just transferring me when Dr. Lingamurthy left wasn't an option I presume.
Did I say.....I'll go on vacation in October.....mid October. Should be a good time. I have now talked to my gd on the phone and it was wonderful. She sounds so adult. We are all anxious for the reunion that is coming.
Well, I'd best get started with things. I'll be checking back in later.
Blackjack......thinking about you.
Jackie
p.s. Wendy, you probably said and I missed it.....where are you these past couple days. A big hello to all of you I didn't mention by name. Hope you are not working too hard Karin.
0 -
Rita - I am so sorry about your friend...we can all understand your frustration...we do need a cure. Hang in there...it's really sad. It's so unfair. To him, to you, to his family... So glad you joined our team again this year! I have to sign up my mom and my nieces... looking forward to seeing you again soon - and Dave too!
WendyTY - Wow...great cut! I wish I would have thought to do that...but it looks really good on you! You make a mohawk look great and I agree with Jackie and Susan...you are sooo cute! I'm curious...are you getting Neulasta with the Taxol?
Connie - OMG - Stephen King is accurate! How freaky are those darned bees. Actually...the yellow jackets are in the wasp family...I didn't know that! You guys are lucky you got away quickly...thank goodness, especially with the kids.
Susan - Thanks for telling me your dh works with CASA and says its a good org. I noticed in the CASA lit. that the American Bar Assoc. strongly supports them and have high regard of the efforts of their volunteers. That was quite impressive!
Brenda - Hope your surgery went well...we're cheering you on!
Jackie - OMG ringworm...I think you and I need to stay indoors for awhile! lol Get better soon!
--------------------------------
Yes, we did have a rather impromptu mini-meet at Maggiano's...it was nice to see you girls, but of course, I wish ALL OF US, lived closer so we could all get together more often. The mini-meets keep us going until the major-meets! lol Sharon - wishing you the best with your upcoming procedures...keep us posted...sounds like you might be stateside for a while. I'm not too far from you...if I can help during your recovery, just holler! Leesa is looking great and feeling ALOT better...she knows more than ever that we are all supporting her and cheering her on. Vic is a sweetheart...wow...such a nice guy! Julie is doing well too! OMG - you'd never know she "just" had dbl masts and reconstruc... she's a true fighter blessed with a very positive attitude. Her ring is gorgeous...she brought a photo of her dress...gorgeous too! Wendrew - well hey...all I can say is I LOVE Z-Baby! Hot, hot, hot... and my new nickname is hilarious (hence the picture below) LOL. And it was great to see the rest of you!
-------------------------------
Have a great day girls!
0 -
Hi Brenda, hope you are doing okay after surgery.
Nice to see Leesa and meet Vic yesterday. It was a nice luncheon.
Just a note: Saw the gyne/onc today. I have a dermoid ovarian cyst the size of an orange (they are really gross things that can have hair, skin, teeth, and bits of tissue growing by itself). However, since I have no symptoms whatever, she (The Dr.) wants to wait three months and reevaluate to see if it continues to grow. She reassured me that from the exam and US she is sure that it is still benign. YEAH THe only thing that can go wrong is the the cyst can twist on itself and cause pain that needs immediate surgery. But that still is not cancer, more like appendicitis.
See you guys at the next luncheon.
0
![[Deleted User]](https://us.v-cdn.net/6037276/uploads/defaultavatar/nF0ALO3I3QJM7.jpg)
