Illinois ladies facing bc
Comments
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No longer forward nor behind
I look in hope or fear;
But, grateful, take the good I find,
The best of now and here.
-- John Greenleaf Whittier0 -
JACKIE'S back! Hey there...sounds as though all went well...you're feet probably haven't touched down yet.
WendyTY - Wow...you have had a lot of treatment! I'm sorry you have to deal with the residual effects...Taxol - the gift that keeps on giving. Based on your age and the fact that you're thin and healthy (other than the obvious), I would bet that the Neuropothy will diminish...just try to be patient. I read somewhere that walking can actually help it. And...have you tried hot baths? Hang in there...you're almost done... you will feel sooooooooooo good when you walk out of that FRICKIN' chemo room after your LAST treatment. When I left for the last time...I skipped down the hall to the nearest exit...skipped to my car and SCREAMED (out loud) with all my might: NO MO CHE-MO! And also at my last treatment, my dh surprised me...during the infusion he brought me lunch and we ate together! I still get teary eyed when I think of that day. It really is a new beginning...keep hanging girl!
Connie - MADONNA - you go girl! lol Fun!
Rita - FLORIDA - 2 weeks...you bum! lol I'm so happy for you!
CarolBP - It was great to meet you! I'm glad we were able to pull it all together so quickly. Hopefully next time, you can meet a much larger group of us. Hang in there... keep us posted...we will all be thinking about you on Monday...
Wendrew/blackjack - Thanks! It was fun showing off my new girls! It's so funny...they actually bounce when I walk! I love it! lol You both looked Marvelous!
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It's a weird feeling...I started chemo three years ago - this week. Man...I still shake my head at the thought of it all... we are all so fortunate - so far... HAVE A GREAT DAY!
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It's 11:15 and Alissa is in school. How wonderful to know that for sure !!!!!! First, hello to the new ladies/friends.
So much news in the short time I was gone. Of course, I read every post back to my last one and barely remember a word. I think I'll have to just go back through again and read it another time. I'll blame it on jet lag or something else that sounds just as reasonable instead of the truth --- that I don't remember things as easy as I once did.
I had such a fantastic and beautiful time in sunny, warm California. So much anticipation when I got on the plane in St. Louis. We were only in the air a little over three hours but it seemed like forever naturally. I could hardly wait to see Kate and Robert. At long last ( again seems like it takes hours as all the passengers in front of you get their carry-on's out of the overhead racks in the plane ) I finally made my way down to the luggage retrieval port. was looking frantically for the luggage carousel and this short young person was looking as though she was going to cross right in front of me............I remember thinking ( as slightly older people might ) GET out of my way little girl....I've got to get to that carousel.....they have my luggage and all my clean underwear, when I hear this tiny voice say Hi Grandma. Well, let me tell you.....I think she was holding me up for the next couple of minutes. Robert & Kate were able to have her do a couple days homework ahead so she could come to the airport and meet my plane. What a great surprise --- one of those priceless moments. I'll sure never forget it. She is every bit the delight I thought she would be and then some.
I really did hate to leave ---- even more so when I heard that our furnace was on at home and that freezing and near freezing temps were what I could expect. Can't believe that I have to go to work tomorrow ( but I do have a burning desire to keep eating ) and start right back into my normal everyday life and routines. I should complain....my daughter had to go back to work today so at least I have a day to get myself together. I'll be doing laundry and other fun things and in no time I'll be back to normal wondering how my fairy tale got over so quick.
It is ( if you don't count temps especially ) good to be home as there is always a train-load of things to do and I put off many things just because of the total inconvenience. Will be checking back in later.
Jackie
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Hi everyone,
Been a long time since I posted here. I am doing better, lot better since finishing chemo about 2 months ago. Radiation is going ok, easier to take than chemo for sure. Today is my 27th treatment so nearing the end. I should be finished next week. Have CT and PET scans scheduled for first week dec. Praying for them to be clear again like they were in July. Lately its been hard to get my mind off of worrying about recurrance already. Trying to shake it but its hard. Though I am happy its all coming to an end I have times of being depressed, I guess it is normal to feel like this. I try to tell myself the down feelings will get better and the worrying will get less. Finally seeing hair growth, so tired of being bald, lol. Hopefully it will fill in more soon and look like I have a short cut, but just glad to see it is coming back.
WendyTY-- I have annoying problems with the numb tingling in my hands and feet too and hopefully it will get better with time.
Hope everyone is doing good and txs are going good or at least managable for any that are in txs.
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Jackie...I had tears in my eyes as I read about your initial meeting with your granddaughter. How very wonderful for all of you! I am glad that you got the opportunity to go to see them and also glad that you are home safely! We missed you! You need to tell us about your flight! Was it just like you expected?
Rita
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Laura...my dh is in the world of alkalizing too. He juices and mainly eats raw vegetables, sometimes he steams them. If you need any ideas or want to talk to someone else who does this you can email him or me....Good Luck with it.
Jackie...Glad to hear you had a great time out in California.
WendyTY...Only a few more to go...I never had the numbing in my fingers or toes. Once you get better, we will all have to go out and celebrate.
I go to the oncologist and surgeon tomorrow. Surgeon for a check on the incision and the oncologist for a regular 3 month checkup. Should be fun.
Got to get back to work...
Ginny
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Just a quick hello to everyone. I'm keeping up on all of you by reading every day or so. Good luck to all in treatments and to those who are done, ENJOY! Wanted to tell some people who would understand what today means to me: Fourteen (14) years ago today was the day I became a survivor when my mastectomy took place. I am VERY THANKFUL! Good wishes to all!
Mary Jane
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Mary Jane - So glad to hear from you and you are an inspiration to us all.
Connie-Madonna? I bet her show is great.
CarolBP-So glad you were able to meet Laura, Wendy and Blackjack. I'm sorry I missed it. I will be thinking of you on Monday.
Jackie-welcome back!
Becky-You're almost done with rads - yay!!!!
Laura-You'll need to update your avatar so we can see your new haircut
I was surprised to find that I have slight lymphedema starting in my arm. Saw a PT and will go back a few more times for instructions etc.
Hello and hugs to all!
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Happy beautiful wonderful perfect today Mary Jane.
For all of us who are new to this disease --- HOPE happens one day at a time til' there are 5,110 days and Mary Jane may you add that number over and over again. Keep holding your lamp high because we love your light.
Love, Jackie
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Hi,
Just a quick post
Ding-dong, the drain is GONE. Woo-hoo! Have to stay on antibiotic-- but will take each small step....
And now off to my regularly scheduled bathtime madness with two stinky kiddos.
-julie b
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Mary Jane....congratulations on your 14 years. I love to hear stories like this...gives me hope.
Mich101...really sorry about the LE...I know you were concerned about that and now of course I am staring at MY arm as we had some of the same symptoms. We need to get together with you so we can learn the technique for massage (and also for jewelry-making!)
Juliechicago....NO MO DRAIN-O! I loved it when my one and only one came out as it meant I could stop the bird baths.
JulieA...wishing you an uneventful surgery on Friday.
LittleC...I sent you an email!!! Who knew!!!! And congrats on finishing rads...doing the happy dance for you!
Jackie...glad you are back!
Ginny...if you have to have doc appts, at least you are having a "2-fer" tomorrow. Enjoy the weather tho..looks like it's going to be very warm down by you guys.
I'm tired so off to bed I go...I hope you all have a restful night with nothing but happy dreams!
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To Mary Jane.......one of my dearest friends in the entire world.......I remember that day 14 years ago as we waited nervously at the school for news from the hospital! Then I remember the wedding that happened shortly afterwards and how you started a new life after cancer just like our JulieA on this site. You have always been an inspiration to me! You are a winner in so many different ways and I am so happy that you are my friend. What would I have done without you when I went through my journey? Congratulations on winning! Thanks for sharing your 14 year announcement with all of us. Whenever we get a little down or worried, we should all think about you and your victory! It should also remind us that there are so many other long-time survivors out there who don't post anymore. I think we tend to forget those who have fought this journey, are currently surviving just fine, and have moved away from the boards as they've rebuilt their lives. Thanks for the reminder!
Love, Rita
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JulieA...I'll be thinking about you tomorrow! Get back to us ASAP with news!
Michele....It seems like it's always something! I bet they'll be able to give you some suggestions to combat the lymphodema. Hang in there! You're one of "us" tough Illinois gals!
Becky...were your ears tingling yesterday? Wendy the Younger and I began our 3 mile walks yesterday and we were thinking about you and wondering how it was going for you, so it was nice to see a post from you when I got on this morning. You're almost done! It's been a long haul, hasn't it? Good luck on the upcoming scans and please let us know your results. I have fingers and toes crossed for NED. HUGS!!!
JulieB...freedom from the drains! HIP HIP HOORAY!
Ginny....good luck today with the doctor's appointments. Let me know what you find out!
Jackie...you need to tell us about your trip! Did you get a chance to explore any of the California scenery?
Well, everyone have a great day! I'm up and at it early today because I need to work on the trivia book and the weather is supposed to be nice today so I might hit the golf course or walk later in the afternoon. It won't be long and outside activities won't appear so enticing! LOL
Catch you all later.
Rita
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Hey All!
I got my shot (neupogin) in butt today! I'm sooo thankful to my friend that gives me it. I'm feeling kind of blah today. Don't know if it was the shot or the 3+ miles Rita and I walked yesterday. I was hoping to get out and golf with her today. Probably not going to happen. I'm still smiling anyway. Even more after reading all your posts!
JulieA - You have me so excited! I hope you don't need drains! That was one of the things I really hated with the initial surgery.
JanClare - Missed your posts. Glad you are back. Hopefully the city and contractors will get moving soon.
Wendy - Only?!?! I can't believe you wrote that. To be done with treatment and look back and say ONLY will be great! It's amazing how my memory allows me to forget the really bad stuff. I hope the numbness associated with Taxol is the same. It has gotten better since I last posted. Maybe I just needed to acknowledge my frustration. Post my mohawk again...I'll try to find the picture. I'll also have Chris take one of my new baby hair. Ann is from Minnesota. She is the sister-in-law of one of my friends, now a new friend of mine and is also undertaking this difficult journey.
Connie - Thanks for the information. It gives me hope. I notice it more in my hands when I do things like type. The shoe fit may also be an issue. I will have to track it and see when it bothers me. Congrats for being a year out from Taxol! I can't wait to say that.
Laura - Your post brought me to tears. It will be so nice to celebrate the end of the chemo. You all definitely help keep me focused on the positive! Rita and I are working on the walking thing. I haven't tried a bath. I just got released last Friday to take one. It's been well over 6 months. He won't let me get in the hot tub
Wow, three years ago this week. I'll say it again, I can't wait to say that!Becky - It's good to hear from you. I'm happy your finished with your chemo and almost done with radiation. Hang in there!
Ginny - Lunch or Dinner would be great. I'll be done a week from Friday. So maybe we can get together the week after. I'll talk to Rita and we'll try to get something scheduled. How did your appointments go?
MaryJane - Congratulations! Hope you do something fun to celebrate.
Jackie - Welcome back to the land of the cold. Hopefully the warm up has made your transition a little easier.
JulieB - Congrats on getting the drains out!
Got to run...Rita's on the phone.
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I went to the oncologist and everything is good...Don't have to go back for 3 months... I will be seeing the surgeon later but that's to make sure the incision is healing so no big deal with that.
I can't believe the weather here. At least it will be nice for Halloween...
Everyone enjoy the great weather today!!!!!!!
Ginny
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Having a gathering... http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/8/topic/723632?page=1#idx_7
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Beckie - So glad you checked in! I was wondering about you...honestly...I can tell you from experience...in time, you will become less depressed and less paranoid and you will begin to look back and think of all as a bad chapter. I know you have scans, etc., but really...it will get better. Just try to be patient. Your scans are after Thanksgiving...try to enjoy the holiday and try to forget about the scans. After all...it is a time to give thanks. And as much he** as we've been through...we always manage to find the good and we always manage to be thankful. Having even a little hair is so wonderful at this point for you, so happy it's started to grow. News FLASH...once it starts growing IT WILL NOT STOP! lol Isn't that true? Hang in there, Beckie...
Jackie - WOWWY WOW WOW! I was all choked up girl! I am so happy for you and for your entire family...the Circle really does grow!
Rita - You're so sweet to take care of WendyTY...you have been so good to her.
Ginny - Thanks! I appreciate the offer re: the raw/vegan thing! Glad to "hear" your appts went well.
Michele - I had a little lymph and A LOT of cording...went to a PT...she showed me how to have my dh massage my arm and chest area (how embarrassing)...but he did it every night for one solid month...and it was gone...so --- think about enlisting the aid of your dh...it saved me from having to go and have a stranger do it (not to mention the convenience).
Maryjane - CONGRATS! I am so happy for you...you are an inspiration for us all! and ESPECIALLY for me and Connie...we're ILC grads too! Woo-hoo! NED likes you!
JulieB - Ding dong...TOO FUNNY! Good for you...
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Well girls...tonight is HALLOWEEN BUNCO! Me and my gal pal Barb are dressing up as Sonny and Cher...I GOT YOU BABE! lol Guess who's Sonny? NOT ME! lol Should be interesting... and... my Breville juicer arrived today...dh called me and said "the juicers arrived, right?" - I said " no...nothing yet..." he said...I just tracked it with UPS... go check by the front door"...well sure enough there it was... I went to whole foods and got some interesting "things" to cram into it! lol Will let you all know how good or bad it tastes! lol
Have a wonderful evening...
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"The heart is the chief feature of a functioning mind."
Frank Lloyd Wright0 -
Hi all,
Sipped my coffee a bit too long and did not get to get on here before I went to work this a.m. I'm missing California and my kids and grandkids but I'll just have to hold on till the melancholy passes. It was a very glorious time for me....to have a first vacation in over 30 years and then the added bonus of re-uniting with Alissa after 17 years. If it had not been so perfect, I might have thought I dreamed it all. We did not do a lot and only some minimal small events --- like going to Santa Barbara Zoo for a Halloween trick or treat night for kids. They had a young and old dance contest where parents and grandparents got to dance with the youngsters. That was fun as it was grandparents or parents depending on the music of the day --- my music being 60's early 70's. We also visited a shopping mall that I lived very near to 11 years ago. All outdoor stores which are now enclosed with three stories and some pretty pricey stores like Coach purses, Macy's etc. Traffic which was ok then is horrific now and looks rather challenging. There are three lanes on-ramps now, totally un-heard of that long ago. Rita, you will like this....on my last evening there we went to Outback Steakhouse for dinner--no peanuts though. Just as well since we ate like pigs. I put on three pounds but it's gone already.....thank goodness.
Mich, hated to hear about your arm. I religiously wore my sleeve on the plane and had no problem at all. My wedding ring ( which has been a bit loose lately ) stayed very loose so there was nothing at all going on......and I did not think there would be. When Donna measured my arm and tested for fluid she said she had never tested anyone that didn't have some.....I didn't have any. Still, it's not worth taking the risk not to have a sleeve handy for unusual events ---- like flying and I think some who do repetitive motions with the affected arm/side should probably have the sleeve on. My friend Rose who passed away nearly a yr. and a half ago knitted and crocheted and had to get a sleeve due to arm swelling. Sure hope you get it under control quickly.
I'm going to have to find my Arimidex stash ( in those strange plastic encasements ) and start taking them. Easy to forget about them, but I'm going to have to do it now that I'm home.
WTY I am glad to see you apparently feeling a bit better and posting more. In fact, nice long posts....good for you.
Laura...more to come on Alissa but I'm intrigued about the juicing. Dh and I got a Jack Lalane juicer and never got around to doing anything with it. I must be a real ditso......all the recipes sounded yucky or hard to me. Well, who knows, I may have to have a change of heart about it.
Time to make dinner so I will be back later.
Jackie
p.s. Becky and the Julie's.....keep up the good work. It will all work out.
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Morning...and Happy Halloween! Lots of posts to catch up on...but I wanted to know if anyone saw Breast Cancer Diaries on Discovery Health last night. It was very good....but....Ann Murray put it all on video...the horror of the diagnosis, deciding to do bil.'s, finding out she had a + node and the tumor was much bigger than they thought and of course finding out re chemo and rads. It brought back every frickin feeling I had almost 2 years ago and I sat there and cried and just nodded my head. DH was so upset I was watching it he left the room but you know something? This morning...I feel so much better than I have in the past few months. Maybe I still had one last mini-meltdown in me! If you get a chance, it really was a great program.
WTY....you are almost there. Almost. Coming soon. Hang in there!
Jackie....sure is good to have you back and I know we all would love to see pics of your family. You can email them to me and I will post thru photobucket if you would like.
Becky...almost done too! Yay!!!
Rita...do you play that "snow" golf? Just wondered if you were one the crazy people with the orange golf balls!
JulieA...fingers crossed that today is a piece of cake (and chocolate).
Ginny....YAY!!!!!!! Now go out this weekend and have some fun and celebrate!
Laura...have fun tonight with Bunco (or is that Non-Bunco?) And you will be Sonny or Cher? And yes...we will need pics. No Heidi costume?????
Everbody I missed...hope you are well and happy and healthy as you can be. Have a wonderful Halloween and I will check back later, if I am awake!
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Girls...check out Irina's link...looks like there might be a BIG gathering of girls coming this way...maybe in the spring! Wouldn't this be great!!!!!!
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Good morning everyone and Happy Halloween! It looks like it will be a nice night for all the trick-or-treaters and the Halloween parties!
I checked out Irina's link and that does look interesting! We'll have to keep an eye on it so we know when the big meeting is going to take place. That would really be fun!
I don't have much time today so just wanted to tell you all to have a great one! I'm thinking of you JulieA ........sending hugs and good vibes across the miles to you!
I OFFICIALLY started my Christmas shopping yesterday. My grandsons sent their wish list and I spent about two hours in Toys 'r Us! It was so much fun. I made myself quit when I couldn't jam ANYTHING more in the cart! LOL
Gotta run and do some laundry. Catch you later! I hope to golf a little this afternoon.
Wendy, I am a fair-weather golfer. No winter golf for me unless it's in a fair-weather state. I'm not that good or that dedicated to the game. When it gets cold, I usually switch to bowling. I'm better at bowling anyway! :-)
Have a good day!
Rita
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Good morning and Happy Halloween!!!
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Just stopping by to say hello. I finished chemo on the 28th...although I still will go for herceptin. So I am home recouping this week from my last chemo. I start radiation at DelNor in Geneva on the 18th. I am wondering when they will do a scan or something to tell me if the chemo worked? Does anyone know about that?
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"Life is not a matter of holding good cards, but sometimes,
playing a poor hand well."
-- Jack London0 -
Happy Halloween! Hope everyone has a wonderful day. Here is my Halloween picture, per Wendy's request. It's hard to believe I can't actually remember when I had the mohawk. Don't think I will do this look again. But, I'm glad I have evidence of it. Definitely making lemonade with lemons.
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OK Carol/berrypatch...here is your challenge! If Wendy the Younger is brave enuf to post her pic again....are you brave enuf to go for it????????
Altho...WendytheYounger is soooo cute, she would look good in anything, including a Mohawk!
Thanks for posting this Wendy!
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I'm not sure the word is brave. It might be stupid. Go girls! It's a once in a life time opportunity. Even better if you are feeling good. Although I would suggest dressing up and using make-up. I wish I would have been feeling better at the time. I would have framed and hung the picture as a reminder of where I am now and what I have made it through. Then again...maybe I will do that.
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WendyTY, You look good. Your eyes are beautiful, but they don't look happy in the picture.
Wendyk13, I'll take you up on the challenge, maybe I'll do something more radicial. Ya never know! Thanks for the card, it came at the perfect time, I was feeling pretty low yesterday.
All, watched BC Diaries last night. It was very good, Ann was "keepin it real". Is that show a series or was this a special? I don't think that I could watch it every week. I'm living it now, and TV is my escape until I start sewing again.
Getting last minute items wrapped up this weekend. Mom arrives tomorrow. Pre-surgical blood work was done this morning. Soon it will be time to say goodbye to my girl. I need to get this surgery over with so that I can move on, get my chemo and rads and GET WELL. All of you ladies are incredibly brave and encouraging. I know that you will all be with me in spirit on Monday. Have a good Halloween. I'll check in as soon as I can next week.
Take Care everyone!
Hugs to you all, Carol
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You're right Carol........we'll all be with you on Monday in spirit and during the recoup days when it's over. We'll be looking for an update early next week. Hugs, good vibes, and prayers go out for you! Try to enjoy your weekend if possible!
I'm glad that you posted, WendyTY. That tells me that you got through the day pretty good. Just think.........only one more chemo. Next week at this time they will all be over! You're on the home stretch now!
I can't believe I actually golfed on Oct. 31st in Illinois! It was absolutely beautiful on the course today. I had on a sweatshirt and was actually hot. Sure hate to see this weather move out!
Everyone have a good weekend.
Rita
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