Illinois ladies facing bc
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I changed my picture so you have a better chance of recognizing me when I attend the next get together that I can... instead of thinking I'm a crasher.
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Carol/Berrypatch
I'm behind here, is this your initial BC surgery you just had? OUCH! You will get through this! I'm sending prayers your way.
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Rita....I will be able to come to the lunch on Dec 8. I just asked for it off...cant wait to go.
WendyTY...yeah...no more chemo. I bet it is a big relief.
LittleC...thanks for posting the link about lymphdema. I think I may have it in my left arm...I'll check it out later. I have an appt with doctor on Monday..
Take care everyone.....
Ginny
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Hello again everyone!
I wanted to let you know that I am fine. It's surprising to me and family that I have very little pain and good range of motion in my arm. The bruising though! I look like I have been hit by a truck! Believe it or not....this mast was not as uncomfortable as the lumpectomy, for 2 reasons: I let the anesthesiologist know that I had trouble waking up and lots of nausea after the the lumpectomy. This time, I woke up and was alert in the recovery room. No nausea at all! The worst thing with my lumpectomy was the lymph node removal and that weird feeling under my arm. I don't have any of that because the nodes are already gone.
I really HATE the drain! It kept poking me. I know that most of you had 2 or more drains, and had them in longer, but OMG! They suck! Horrible!!!! Literally and figurativly!
Yesterday Mom and I went for my first post-surgical visit. I have lots of swelling in my chest and my drain was filling full regularly. I was so sure that Dr. Compagnoni would not take it out. But she did take it out! She also pressed and prodded my chest and got more fluid out. Yeah, I know, TMI, but it sure felt good! So now, I have an ace wrap around my chest, and the compression feels good! I also have on a post-op bra with a post-op boob and it looks nice with a shirt on! It really feels strange to have 1 breast, not for looks so much, but I just feel "off-kilter". When I have the breast on, I feel "right". I have been checking for LE, and so far so good! No signs at this time. I will be vigilant however!
My pathology report verified that I made the right choice for mastectomy rather than another lumpectomy. There were numerous small areas of malignancy scattered throughout my breast, not just in the nipple as had been thought earlier.
Everyday, I can do a little more. I still take a nap in the afternoon, but I'm healing well. I am even thinking about doing some sewing again. I took all of your prayers and good wishes with me to surgery, and I know that is why I am feeling so good. This big surgery worry is over, and now I will be gearing myself up for chemo possibly the beginning of December. I'll probably be losing the hair around my birthday.
Wendyk13, be watching for something crazy around then. I don't like to shrink from a challenge!Thanks again for all of your well-wishes, prayers and concern. You are all lovely ladies and I am looking forward to getting to know all of you better soon. I'll be in touch!
Love and Hugs, Carol
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Carol - Glad you checked in...you are doing really well! That's great news.
Little C - Your avatar is great! Good to finally "see" you.
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Hope you're all doing well. I am so bummed! I just got all bundled up and was ready to go walking...and it started pouring! Actually it's snaining...ya know...snow and rain mixed together...darn. Maybe it will be dry tomorrow. Gawd...I HATE THIS WEATHER!
It's Friday...hope you all have a great weekend.
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Hi all:
Wow lots of posts! Carol, you sound like you are doing so well and you have a wonderful attitude. Little C, you are adorable. Laura, yup the weather is terrible. I spent the day traipsing around on field trips. We went to the DuSable and then an architecture (outside ) tour of ten buildings. The DuSable is Black History in Hyde Park. Then we ate at this "soul food" restaurant and now I feel like I am going to explode from all the food! My suburban Wilmette students were remarkably at ease in this novel environment. They need more experiences like that.
I may be able to drive up (or maybe it is down) to spend a few hours with people during my Winter Break. If I know in advance, I can make a mini-trip of it and take a hotel. I like little adventures like that. I am so ready to retire and have more adventures! The holidays are a tough time for making plans, and I know that.
Glad all are doing well, or relatively well. I loved the pictures.
Susan
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Hi Everyone,
Happy Friday hey!!! the weekend is here. I see we have a lot a chatting going on. Well it is official the votes are in and the Lunch Bunch will be having their Holiday Get Together on Monday Dec 8 as OUR QUEEN RITA will be here with the girls from down south yeah!!! So girls..mark your calenders and email asap if you are coming as I need to getting planning for the holiday lunch.
Time and place will be determined by the numbers who are coming.. So please don't wait.
Carol..glad you checked and are doing well. Glad that your mom is here with you and if you are up to it do come to our holiday lunch and bring mom along for the ride. Sending healing hugs your way.
JuliA... ok no more candy for you. If you need a walking buddy..give me a call. I will try not to run my 6 miles with you lol
LittlC...glad to see that you are feeling better. If you would like to come to the lunch bunch please let me know.
Juliechicago...glad to see that you are back at work and doing better. Do keep us posted on ps visit. Hope all goes well. Do enjoy Sat night out with dh. Have fun..be crazy.. enjoy..and have a cosmo..my favorite lol
Rita...the date is set for the Lunch Bunch Holiday get together DEC.8. Mark your calender and pray for good weather as Dec. can be nasty with that snow. See you there.
Jackie..any chance you can come up for the lunch bunch in Dec. Maybe you can go with Rita.
We would love to meet and see you as you are our inspirational quote girl. Thanks for sharing your pics with us Alissa is sooo cute and sweet. No wonder..she has you for a gramdma.
Wendy.. how is the treadmill doing. I got up to 8 miles today. Maybe this is the only time I will get up there as I was sooooo tired I needed a nap. lol You go girl.
Laura..glad to see that CASA is going well and you are getting a lot of info from it. ZYou are soo awesome at this.. keep up the good work
Zap.. how are you doing. I love love to meet you during your winter break. Let me know. I am always up for some fun. lol
To everyone else hope you have a great Friday night. Gotta run...and
Remember to be healthy..be happy
Blackjack
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Finished my last radiation treatment yesterday. No more treatments!! Back to work after next week. Hope everyone is doing ok, havent read many posts lately. Take care, have a good weekend.
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Becky - That's great...it's a great feeling to be a RAD GRAD.
Wendy - I hope all goes well with your niece's mammo...keep us posted. I really hope it's nothing serious. I finally ate some of the Halloween chocolate you were so nice to give us. YUM...wow...it was good. Honestly I only eat chocolate - less than once every few months...so it was a treat, for sure!
blackjack - Can you verify...are we still getting together in November AND getting together on Dec 8th? As always...thanks for organizing everything. If you need help, let me know.
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Just a quick hello again - I'm learning that if I can get here & read at least daily, I'm much better off, haha.
carol - sounds like things are moving along well for you. Glad that you are doing okay - and yes, drains suck!!! Glad yours came out already!
Follow up with PS today, everything is looking good. I was reminded to take it easy, even though I feel okay... so I have to force myself. No exercising at all other than walking for two more weeks.
So chilly & damp out - ick. Blech!! that's all I can say about the weather.
Hugs, JulieA
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OK...it's not that cold but it is nippy! Becky...YAY!!!! Tx is over, rads are history! Hey....DH and I drove to Elwood last Sunday..that's near you, correct?
JulieA....glad your doc visit went well. And walking is the best exercise so no more excuses! Off the butt and out the door! (I should talk as I sit here in my jammies, sipping hot coffee)
Laura...glad CASA is going well for you. You know, you and I must be kindred spirits...I have always used the word "snaining"...perfectly described the weather yesterday. Glad you liked the chocolate...Fannie Mae is soooo good. Raspberry creams in dark chocolate?? Yum.
Rita, Ginny, MaryJane, WendyTY - I am so glad you guys are coming up! It is going to be a fantastic lunch!
OK Susan....have any sick days you can take????? How about a ditch-day on 12/8 so you can meet up with us? I've never met you!!!!!
Jackie....any chance that you could hitch a ride with Rita and come up on the 8th? Still think you should at least take a ride in that car....but now it's too cold for a "tops down" day!
LittleC....your avatar is gorgeous. I took some time yesterday and was reading parts of your blog...you've really had a time of it. Once again...don't know why the "cancer gods" smiled on me as I had such an easy time with tx compared to you guys. I feel so fortunate. But of course...you guys know me...I wonder if it's because it didn't work that I had such an easy time with chemo/rads!!! But I sure have se's from the arimidex so I guess that's a good thing, at least so says the news lately.
Berrypatch...you sound like everything is going beautifully for you! Just don't go crazy cuz you will pay for it later! Your appt. is on the 11th if I remember correctly...let us know, okay? Looking forward to seeing you on the 8th and meeting Mom!
Karin...any chance of you popping over to Elgin for our Holiday Lunch 12/8??? I didn't get a chance to meet you as that was the day of the Good Friday blizzard and DH took my 4WD.
Blackjack....you are so sweet to always fix up our dates. Do you need any help? I wonder if you are up N this weekend? But why not? Bet your view of the lake is even better with no leaves on the trees.
Time to get moving I guess...another cup of coffee sounds like a better idea tho. The shower and a walk can wait! Who the heck wants to take a walk in this weather anyway... like JulieA aways says...."blech"!
(And JulieA....you better come on the 8th...no excuses!)
Have a wonderful, warm, happy Saturday!
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Hi Girls,
Just checking in. I have been reading, not posting. I have been soo busy lately. I did start a yoga class this past Tuesday and have been making a real effort to go and work out. I usually like to go a little later in the evening and it really takes a lot of effot to leave the house, but I do feel so much better afterward. I have about 8 - 10 lbs of leftover chemo weight I would like to get rid of before the holidays. I am going to see Wicked this afternoon, taking the train so I really hope we get no precipitation today.
A quick welcome to the new girls.
I wish I could come on the 8th, but that is just such a hideously busy time of year for me both at work and at home.
I did see the plastic surgeon last week and it sounds like I will be getting my implants in April, six months after rads ended.
Gotta get moving a get some stuff done before I leave for the show, we are going early and lunching downtown.
Lisa
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Yea Becky....A RAD GRAD!!!! Now will you be taking Arimidex or Femara? So glad the treatments are over for you. It's quite a journey, isn't it?
Lisa, I'm so sorry that you won't be able to come on the 8th. I would really like to meet you. I visit the April Chemo gang site and lurk there every so often to stay in touch with my cousin, Sue who posts there and I saw the pic you posted of the Illinois gals. It's sorta amazing about Sue. She was quite a few years younger than me and we haven't seen each other since we were kids but she saw my picture on the Illinois site and contacted me to see if I might be her missing cousin. It's a small world out there.
Blackjack...thanks as always for putting together the luncheon! I do hope that the weather cooperates for us.
Laura...I second your opinion on this weather. I'm s sunshine gal!
Well, I need to get busy. We are heading to Macomb to attend a 50th Anniversary party this evening and I have lots to do before we leave.
Everyone enjoy your weekend.
Catch you later.......
Rita
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Good Sunny ( ahem chilly )
morning. I am at least glad for the sun. Yard is once again full of leaves after the wind and rain, but as we got nearly all the nuts up with the first round of leaf removal it shouldn't be as hard......now just time consuming. I'm thinking about coming on the 8th. Just trying to decide if I'm brave enough to drive to Rita's alone and ride with her after or not. I have lots of time to make a practice run and with todays' gas prices it certainly would not be a strain. Must be the small streak of perfectionist in me.....just making plans and taking off w/o checking time etc. upsets me. Anyway.....the temptation is HUGE. Ok Rita...let me re-word this. I am brave enough to ride with you -- I already have, but have to make a trial run so I can be brave enough for the first part -- just doing it and getting there to you. Now that sounds a little better doesn't it????
Good for you Becky ---- Isn't it a tremendous load to have off your shoulders? What a sense of freedom to not have your whole life and everything you do be all wound around a disease. Now you have a transition to going about your life everyday as though this shadow is not there and you can do this. A little practice, maybe a melt-down or so, but before you know it your're there.
On that same subject.....as I look out my office window and see all those golden leaves on the ground....I thank God. Last year at this time I was walking around like a zombie with my operation out of the way ( Oct 25th. ) knowing that drastic changes had already started to totally and completely disrupt my life. I tried to keep a stiff upper lip.....but in hindsight I was a zombie, scared and feeling dis-connected to everything and everyone I held dear. What a difference a wonderful cancer blog (big thanks Rita) and a year make. It may be cold today while I work, but I will be able to feel and enjoy it un-encumbered by dis-connectedness. I will be able to actually work for hours and hours today instead of the few minutes possible during my txs. Everything I do today will inspire me to revel in my life and liveliness. I have and can deeply appreciate life and all the bounty that fills it up, in ways I might never have reached before that ugly C word came to live with me. It's nice to stop and think now and then that there are new plateaus and dimensions to reach now.....and that my day is perfect because I am feeling positive or negative after a very large frightening challenge.......and I really will find the treasure hidden in the un-pleasant parts of my existence ---- because it makes the whole which makes me and life goes on and we grow from what we accept and live with and just become better in our new space and time. Life really does belong to the living and now I can savor it all moment by moment and interact and not be out of touch so much of the time.
Ok time to find a quote and get to work and enjoy, enjoy, enjoy.
Jackie
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"We are continually faced with great opportunities which are brilliantly disguised as unsolvable problems."Margaret Mead
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Morning! Nope....my gym is not open on Sundays but I am going for a long walk in a bit. But I heard that if you watch this little guy for 10 minutes it's just like taking a 5 mile run.Nothing much new around here. Yesterday was such a horrible day, weather-wise! Yuck.
Jackie....I did laugh when I read your post. At first it sounded like you were afraid to get in Rita's car! I know it is such a long haul for you, for all of you and please don't take a chance for our sakes. BUT.....I can't help being a bit excited just with the thought that you might come up for lunch.
I thought about too what you said about last year so I did some thinking as well. It was 2 years ago that I was sitting here, knowing I had a lump that was birads 4b, I hadn't yet seen the surgeon...was just waiting for that appointment. It seems now so surreal, like it happened to someone else. So long ago. I was only thinking that I might lose a breast. I had no idea that chemo was in my future. No idea at all. Funny...that was always a horror of mine...losing my hair. I didn't care about the breast...couldn't face being bald. And I got thru it. And my hair is back. And I keep getting it cut short as I love short hair! I eat better now, exercise more. Strange thing, this cancer. It changes so many things...in fact, it changes everything in your world. You let go of things you must let go of but you open yourself to so many new things that you find your "new" self. And you know....that's not a bad thing!
Everyone...have a wonderful day!
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"Always make a total effort,
even when the odds are against you."
- Arnold PalmerGood Morning
Ick...no sun again, but then heck...it's not raining so there is a definite plus. Chilly for the day, but we will bundle up to BLOW leaves. Not one of my favorite jobs at all. Dh has a way lot more trouble getting motivated then I do so I have to get us going early on or he will find things that could wait but he will pretend they can't. Sound familiar to anyone????I would make a trial run to Bloomington today if we did not have the leaves to do....it's seldom lately that Dh gets a Sunday off. Still, any day will work if he is off. He is very directional so I'll have him as back-up for me. Turn me around twice blindfolded and I probably couldn't get out of our lane. I'm just not good with that. Maybe if I had driven before I married Denny I'd be better at it. Still, it will be a fun excursion I'm sure.
Wendy, you said that so well about changing. Much better than I did....but it does tend to make moments rather than minutes more vivid and bring parts of life that I think in some cases we may have been missing and it all becomes special and highly noticeable --- and you do seem to be able to differentiate in ways we didn't always allow ourselves before.
Just thinking out loud --- the new me apparently checks just a little about how things sound that I have written. That is definitely a good thing.
Well, it is a slow morning and I need to get a late breakfast on --- hot oatmeal for working outside. I'll be checking back in later.
Jackie
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Good morning ladies! I just got home from church and I'm working the rest of the day on my trivia book so I just popped in for a minute to see what's new on the thread before I really buckle down and get going.
I need to take a break later and walk, too, Wendy. I find I'm so much more energetic after I walk. I come home and can get alot accomplished. I guess that's telling me something! LOL
Hope that everyone is enjoying the weekend.
Catch you later.
Rita
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Hello all:
Lazy day waiting for the Bears game to begin.
Talking about change and cancer. My biggest change is that I let people be whomever they wish to be as long as they are not hurting themselves or others. I still am opinionated, but I keep my opinions to myself. Helps with work relations (teachers, students and parents) and family. Now that my daughter has her own daughter, IT REALLY helps. I have also realized that my opnions are not that important in the long run. Imposing an opinion rarely changes anyone. I also am grateful for being alive. Ten years ago if someone said I might be dead in five years, I would have slumped into a terrible funk riddled with terror. Now, I am grateful to have five years (would like more, but grateful for the five).
Have fun today!
Susan
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Just wanted to pop in to see how everyone is - and all I can say is - Wow, you ladies are amazing
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The best part of chemo...is when it is finished!!! It's been an emotional roller coaster. I thought of some of your comments as I was walking out (screaming/crying). Unfortunately I was in to much of a haze from the Benadryl to have any real emotions at the time. Thank you all for your support! I'm looking forward to the 8th and seeing the girls I met at Starved Rock and hopefully many others!
Becky - You made it! Congratulations on finishing your radiation.
JulieA - Thanks for the great news on no drains and the implant surgery being easier. It calms my mind.
Jackie - Sure hope you will drive up and join us on the 8th. It promises to be lots of fun!
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HI Girls,
Hope everyone is staying warm on this very cold Sunday. Today I went for a long walk around the lake and boy was it cold brrrr. We had a dusting of snow this am. So I guess winter has finally arrived. This is hot chocolate and whip cream weather for sure...
We have about 10 ladies coming for the holiday get together so if you are planning to come please let me know asap as I need to make reservations. This is a busy time of year so I need to know.
Rita..I am hoping for good weather for your trip up north. Can't wait to see you again.
Jackie.. I hope you can come. I told Rita about the train. Do you have direct train route to the suburbs. If you do then I could pick you up. Just an idea since you don't like to drive.
Wendy..being lazy today. It is ok when it is cold outside. Turn on that fireplace and have some hot cocoa. Don't forget the whip cream lol
Laura..what's new with you. Have you been busy..how is Casa going.
Becky ..congrad on being a rad grad yeah.. time to celebrate...
Wendyty..congrads on finishing your txs.. Time to rest now.
Julie A..Juliechicago..hope you both are resting and getting healthy.
Mich101..any chance that you can come to lunch on the 8th.
Zap..can you take a personal day from school to join us
Smerf..where are you..hope all is well. can you do lunch too.
Well I am off to sit by the fire and have my hot cocoa and whip cream and just chill. I really need to finish my book I am reading....so everyone have a great evening.
Remember to be healthy...be happy and stay warm ..
Blackjack
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pondering web cams and such: missing lunch bunch people
at minimum, should we all go to chat line at some point?
Next step, could we web cam a meeting/party sometime. is anyone used to doing that, it would be good for all our resumes (if we care!)
smile, just wondering since so few can make it for a monday lunch bunch dec 8th and queen rita and throne are gonna be there....
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Maybe I could take a day off. I am so "by the rules" kinda girl. Where is lunch? I have like 165 sick days....so it is possible. My personals are saved for when my daughter has her second baby in February. Kater, I have no idea what you are talking about, but it sounds good.
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Zap.. it would be so nice if you could play hookie for this. I am working with 2 resturants and will let you know. It will be in the Schaumburg area.
Blackjack
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HI all!
Glad to hear from all of you that are finishing chemo, rads and surgery!
Blackjack - I am planning on being there on the 8th, but if something comes up for work, I may have to last minute cancel. But for now - count me in!
Just hung around the house this weekend - man it is cold! I did get out to see High School Musical 3 - it was cute!
I've made a good dent on my Xmas shopping. I like to have it done before Thanksgiving so that I can actually enjoy the holidays. I hate shopping so when you add in those Xmas crowds, it is not fun for me!
Have a great night everyone.
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G' Morning! Hope you all had a nice weekend...but knowing us Illinois girls...no matter how cold it is...we always seem to make the best of it. dh built our first fire this weekend...that always "softens the blow"...lol and he cooked rotisserie chicken (I LOVE OUR ROTISSERIE - if you don't have one...you should ask Santa for one!) and smashed potatoes on Saturday night and a pot roast, carrots and potatoes in the slow cooker yesterday! But keep in mind, he cooks...but I do the clean up! lol Actually...it's not too bad, he's not at all sloppy like most men would be.
Picked up Shelby on Saturday...the other half of her science project is due on Thurs. so we will be working on that. No kidding... you'd think she was working on a frickin' PHD...dang it's so much work, but I really don't mind helping. She is off school through Wednes...and will stay til then.
Time to think about booking a vacation...hmmmmmmmmmmm...maybe a different resort this time.
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blackjack - Is the November get-together cancelled in lieu of the December 8th one? Also...I will call you later.
Carol - Hope you're still on the up and up...but don't over do it!
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Have a nice day!
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"Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after another."Walter Elliott
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Kater....I like you chat line idea. This week is SO busy for me. I am working on that trivia book and it's driving me crazy. I hate deadlines. I know that's why he gave me one, because he knows I'll have it done then and I have been procrastinating. Maybe we can set up an evening time for Tuesday or Thursday NEXT week and all meet in the chat room. That might be fun. You're going to be able to come on the 8th aren't you Kater?
Susan, take it from me. They don't do you any favors for not taking your sick days. I can't even remember how many I never used and not one administrator even said thank you or commented on them when I retired. If I had it to do over, I would have done it a little differently. I was just so darn conscientious! Don't you feel a headache coming on already?
Well, I got to get moving here. Wendy and I are walking the Mall after her onc appointment this morning. We have got a walking schedule planned for this week and we're really trying to shed those excess points and keep ourselves healthier. Then I'm heading for the grocery (YUCK.....) for foods that are on the Core diet plan. Today's the day!
Catch you all later.
Rita
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Only time to wave "Hello" and say that YES, I will be coming to the holiday get-together in December! Just let me know where!
Is there a November meeting?
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