Illinois ladies facing bc
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Morning all! Raining here, but there are numerous reports of black ice, so PLEASE be careful and stop waaaaaay before you have to, to test the roads and also so that big honkin' truck behind stops in time! Glad you guys made it home last night to the Bloomington area...such a long way to travel for lunch but we are so thankful that you did!Jan...the MRI was kinda strange, but mine was over in less than 30 minutes. Yeah...the internet is a scary place, sometimes too much info is NOT a good thing. It wasn't for me...once I found out I was going to have chemo, I spent days on the computer and made myself physically ill. So I stopped for a few months reading anything to do with breast cancer. I had already found this thread but just couldn't stop myself from reading all the sad stories. But I came back and am very glad that I did. These women were and still are a lifeline for me. I know you so cannot relate to this but this I do know....If the beast once again rears its' ugly head in my lifetime, I know that I have a HUGE circle of friends who will be there for me, 24/7....and they live right here, in my computer and they always have time to talk. We are here for you too...whenever you need. Just look at JulieB (Juliechicago)...she wants to know if you would like to meet for lunch when you are up for it!!!!!! We all know how important support and understanding is...so let us, okay?
Laura...your "horrible" brownies" were "disgustingly" good! I had some for breakfast. Yum. Good thing I am going to the gym this am...
Karin...I am so sorry but I laughed my butt off over your garage escapades! And your neighbors with the headlights and christmas lights??? What is with these people! I did get your frosty cartoon, but I tried to save it so I could post it...and it wouldn't save. Hmmmmmm....I will work on that!
Jackie...we sure missed you! There was an empty chair at our tables! Hopefully we will all make the trek downstate in April and maybe then we could meet.
Juliet...still think you could have passed off the pork chops as yours! You could have reheated them, and burned them a little...that would have worked! HOw's the roof coming?
Jan...pics were so great! How's the cousin?
WendyTY...how are you feeling? And your hair is sooooo soft! I asked DH if mine was that soft and he said yes.
LittleC/Leesa....your hair is coming along! Soon you will be like us, once again....complaining about our hair. So normal.
Carolberrypatch...Good luck today! Post when you can...anxious to know how you do!
Blackjack/Smerf...so...cocktail hour AFTER we all leave???? Well....harrumph! That's OK...I have my own bottle and wine glass and you 2 can't have any!!!! LOL
Mich101...too funny about the jewely! I really do want to learn how to do that. Maybe, if you don't know how to crochet, I could teach you how to do that in return? And maybe we could meet up at Laura's and she could teach us designing and we could ask Blackjack and she could teach us interior design and party planning!
Susan...once again...so glad I FINALLY got to meet you! And your hair is GORGEOUS!
Rita...once again..just want to say "thanks" for starting this thread. I hope you took a moment yesterday to look around the room at the strangers you brought together and the friends that we have become is all due to you. To steal a line from the end of "It's a Wonderful Life"....
"To Rita ..... the richest girl in town!"
(and you need to buy yourself more tops in that exact shade of blue....you looked so pretty and your eyes looked huge!)
Gotta scoot....hopefully just wet roads around here. Everyone...have a wonderful day!
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Good morning gals! It looks like I'll be dodging raindrops today as I head for bowling. Then they're suppose to change to snow later this afternoon and evening. Guess I'd better get my errands done while I'm in town today. I'm sure going to miss walking with WendyTY after bowling today. Hope you handled the trip O.K. Wendy and that you're feeling good this morning. I'll check in on you this afternoon.
Wendy, I did take a good look at our group yesterday. What a fantastic group of ladies! When I started this thread in the wee hours of the morning (nearly 2 years ago), I never dreamed what would evolve. I had been through two surgeries within a month and was facing that dreaded chemo. I was so alone, so afraid, and grasping for somebody who just "understood." The cat wasn't fulfilling my needs! LOL I certainly found the understanding that I needed, as well as many wonderful friends. You gals were (and are) MY rock! I was so surprised when Michele gave me the scrapbook that I really couldn't even respond properly because I was about to cry but I do indeed treasure it. I am so glad that so many of you are in the same vicinity and can meet and share your experiences so often. Hugs and smile from friends are so healing...no matter what seems to be ailing you at the moment.
Carol...hope the chemo goes much better for you today. It was so nice to meet you and I'll be thinking about you.
Little C...how'd it go yesterday? Did you get any additional info? Thinking of you also!
Juliet..a day with the gals is just what it takes to adjust a rotten mood! Who would have thought that you had been "out of sorts" in the morning???? So glad you joined us.
Michele101...you are NOT fat! I hope you ate Laura's brownies and started on that wonderful chocolate candy last night. You can start on the fitness and good dietary plans as soon as the holidays are over. I loved your hair. You looked SO good.
Nurse Jan...you have indeed found a good place on this thread. We will all be thinking about you on Friday. This journey goes on, and on, and on, but it doesn't seem quite so bad when you have other bc sisters at your side. Welcome to our little corner of the world. Log on, ask questions, and vent when you need to vent. There is always somebody close at hand to answer those questions and offer encouragement. I'm so glad that you found us!
Well, I need to get moving. I'll check in later. Everyone have a good day!
Rita
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Morning everyone! What a great lunch yesterday. I can't believe how our group keeps growing. It was so nice to see everyone and the food and company was great. Blackjack - you should definitely go into party planning! Thanks for all you do!
My DH loved the chicken and pasta. I let it slip that it was from Wildfire and he said - oh, I thought you made it! Ha! He liked those brownies as well. I haven't tried them yet - they will probably be all gone when I get home from work today!
Jan - welcome. Sorry you are here, but I will echo everyone else in that it is a great group. I too spent hours on the computer after diagnosis. There were a couple times when, like Wendy, I just couldn't take it anymore and took a break. It is all so scary and sad. Now I pretty much keep up with this thread and not much else other than any breaking research news. I live in Aurora (used to work in Downers Grove) so I am not far from you either. I continued to work through my treatment as well and I think that it was a good idea for me. Some days I felt like doo doo, but it helped keep my mind on other things.
Good luck on your chemo today, Carolberrypatch. Have a good nap from that Benadryl!
WendyTY - I sure hope you are feeling better today. It was so nice to meet you.
Glad you southern girls made it home ok. It is so nice that you make that long trip!
Have a great day everyone!
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Good morning -- this is your party pooper signing in. I am so sorry I missed all of you yesterday but duty before pleasure. Just not nice to have to wait till almost the last minute to find out where and what would get my attention. I so HOPED this was my time.....but April is coming as sure as the winter snows ( well, Jan it's rain for my part of the world today too ) and wild horses won't keep me away.
Wendy the way you talk about this thread and Rita starting it is so touching. I was sitting with tears in my eyes. I did EASILY see and note all the smiling faces and Mich 101 you did look great. I had to look twice --- thought at first who is this that has never been to one of the lunches before. Connie, you must have a really sweet guy to NOT notice that it wasn't your cooking. I like guys like that. And Laura....the brownies sound scrumptious....isn't all chocolate, well and all cheesecake, and all.;.....mmm, better stop that. I'm not gaining weight right now and I would like to keep it that way. I also am sorry I missed you Mary Jane and WTY yesterday. So much fun to be had....I'd say shame on me, but some milk just has to spill and no amount of crying changes it.
Anyway, as always I am thrilled that all of you got to be together and that ya'll put pictures up and talked a little about it. That way I really did get to be there.
Hope you all have a most fantastic day. I'll be checking in with you later.
Jackie
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You don't have a soul. You are a Soul. You have a body.
C. S. Lewis0 -
GEESH... ONLY IN ILLINOIS! Another Governor - chooses corruption... allegedly. Dang... what is it with Illinois politicians! Land of Lincoln should be Land of Greed!
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ANYHOO! - I have an idea... how about if I host a scrapbook making seminar at my house on a Saturday or Sunday in January... Michaels has great kits (perfect for beginners)... there's always a 40% coupon in the paper... each kit would be about $15-$20... and of course - me - the instructor (clearing my throat) would be no charge! lol If you're interested... I could start getting the kits... can only use one coupon per visit... although I could keep running out to my car - put on one of my many wigs/hats/scarves... and keep going back in! lol I think I even have a mustache from an old Halloween costume! AND... Michele can teach us how to make bling-bling charm danglers... Mich whadda ya think? Something to consider...
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Good Morning!
Even pneumonia couldn't keep me away yesterday. It's just a little bump in the road on my way to recovery. You all have been so wonderful and kind I just had to come. I enjoyed seeing/meeting everyone!
I'm feeling fine this morning. I'm just going to hang out and rest now. Dreaming about walking with Rita and my hair growing.
Carol, Good luck today.
Jackie, Missed you! I can't wait to meet you in the spring.
Jan, Welcome! I hope the group helps provide you the peace and support that I found.
LittleC, How did things go at your appointment yesterday?
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Hey guys....just a quickiie...
DH's neice...a BIG B9!!!!!!!!!! YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!! She's ok!
Whew.......................................................
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BlackJack - incredible. (want to be my party planner next time I have one?) Lunch was absolutely amazing. The food, the decorations, all the special trinkets... the tin. chocolate, chocolate & more chocolate... on and on...
The Women. The strong strong women. I am humbly honored to have met you all! I talked a mile a minute about all of you all evening and today. I'm so so glad I've met you all.
the "Happy Birthday" embarrassing as it can be, it made it that much more special.
I do think this luncheon was a great Chemo Brain Gauge Test. Meeting all of you and trying like hell to remember everyone's names.
Laura - you made the brownies? YUM! (The Angel ornament is beautiful, was that from you too? Thank you)
WendyK13 - Yours lasted till morning? I ate mine for dinner along with the sodabread/ zucchini bread it was great.
WendyTY - I loved talking to you at the lunch! You are an incredible & courageous girl. I truly believe nothing will stop you. Cancer. Pneumonia. That other pulmonary thingy you have going on... Nothing will stop you. YOU GO! (I love your wig! It really looks like your own hair.)
Queen Rita, none of us would be here if it wasn't for you. THANK YOU! Do you ever look around the room and think "holy crap. I did this!" I can't thank you enough for what you've started. You have brought so much calm, piece and camaraderie to so many in 2 short years... Most people can't accomplish that in an entire lifetime for just a fraction of this number.. . I also deeply appreciate your concern. I teared up even more when I got to my car. Thank you isn't enough.
Wait a minute. Michele101 fat? SO NOT TRUE! I should have made you take the whole pork chop. But they were so good my selfish side came out.
Zap - Whoa wait. WHAT? Higgins road illegal exit?!?!? Oh my god I missed that story! Thank god you did survive! That is so NOT the road to do that on.
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To those that haven't met the girls yet.... I was apprehensive (in a scared way) about meeting everyone. When I got a phone call for a doctors' appointment the same day, I though, "well, here's an excuse I could use. If I don't go everyone will understand because of the appointment." I decided to still go. I couldn't be happier that I did!
There was a point, when the food turned to desert. I had a flash of depression. I was so happy meeting everyone, that when it got closer to leaving time it saddened me that I had to go.Time went by so fast. 3 hours felt like 15 minutes. I found myself excited about the NEXT time I get to see you all again. I'm only disappointed it will be another whole month!
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Berrypatch/Carol - Here's hoping your 2nd first chemo is smooth & uneventful.
NurseJan - you found the RIGHT PLACE TO BE. The best group of women you'll ever come across! There are no "downers" here. Everyone is uplifting, supportive and understanding beyond reason. Having someone to talk to that understand really DOES make a difference. When you are down, vent it. And everyone here will pull you up. I never thought I'd find people like this either. But damn glad I did. We will ALL be with you in spirit & prayers Friday when you have your surgery. Make sure you tell us how everything is going! Good Luck Friday & lots of ((( hugs ))) coming your way! (What brought you here? Fate brought you here. God / Angels or however you want to define fate.)
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Blah Blah Blah... I'm still blabbing.
My appointment yesterday was.... Ok.
Bad and good.
The Endocrine Doc said it's Papillary Cancer (carcinoma) in my thyroid. The good news is he doesn't think it's a fast grower. I have a biopsy Friday. ((thank you for asking and keeping dibs on me guys)) I'm actually in a pretty good mood. Perhaps it's the "They're coming to take me away - ha - ha -" syndrome. (anyone remember that on the radio?)
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Hi Everyone!
Well, I did it. Got my Taxotere and Cytoxan in today and it is now coursing through my bloodstream and kicking some cancer a$$! It must have been all the good wishes and warm thoughts from yesterday, that was the charm! I finally feel as if I am doing something proactive about this whole thing, other than getting things cut off. Right at this moment I am feeling good, that's the Decadron! But I have had some folks call to check on me, and I cry everytime I talk to someone. Before surgery, I had asked if I would/could have a port placed during surgery, and I was told that I would not need one. Guess what...yeah, have to arrange for that tomorrow when I see the BS. I'm angry about having another surgery, even though this is pretty small potatos compared to the last 2. I am just an emotional mess tonight! I can hardly see the keyboard with all the tears...is this an SE, or am I just a frickin' basketcase?!
Nurse Jan - this is the reason that we have this board and it is so lovely! Who else would understand the emotions that we are going through? I am sorry that you have to join us, but I look forward to meeting you. Please know that you have found the right place. I'll be thinking of you on Friday!
You beautiful ladies were all such a tonic for my soul yesterday! Seeing you all looking so healthy and full of life gives me such hope!
Wendy - I LOVE my new hat and will wear it proudly. so soft!
WendyTY - I hope that you are feeling well. You really did look great yesterday, and I was thrilled to meet you! Somehow, sometimes, we can pull it together, even with pluresy and pnuemonia on top of everything else. Get some rest!
Mich101 - you're such a doll! I enjoyed riding with you, and because we don't live too far, we will have to get together for dinner locally.
Little C - That dinner includes you as well! That news from the Endocrine doc sucks...You are in my prayers.
Rita - Look what you did! Just with a simple post to a BB. I was honored to meet you!
Laura - Brownies were awesome! Yummy! Thank you so much!
Blackjack - You are a party-planner goddess! How special and beautiful everything was! Thank you for all of your hard work and attention to detail! Superb!
JanClare - It was wonderful to meet you and see the pics of your remodeling! I know what that is like to live in and I'm sure that you can't wait for it to be done, but it will be so worth the mess!
Well, I'm still crying...maybe I need to lay down for awhile....I don't know...maybe it's just such a relief to have the first TX over with...I've had such anticipation and dread for so long about this part of the journey...there's no turning back now!
{{{{Hugs to all}}} Carol
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Little C....HUGS! I am so sorry to hear that you have another challenge ahead of you. This is just so unfair! The biopsy will give you more info. I will certainly be thinking about you this week...and sending prayers and good vibes. Remember the success story that I told you Monday? Just keep that in mind. Our motto on this thread is "Illinois Gals are Tough" and you fit right into our group! :-) I am so glad that you "bit the bullet" and joined us on Monday. It was so nice to meet you.
You better believe that I remember the "they're coming to take me away..ha..ha...." but I really thought you were too young to remember that! LOL
Hang in there.
Rita
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Carol (berrypatch)..YEA!!! One down! You made it!
There's nothing wrong with you, Carol. Emotional flare-ups come with the journey. One minute you can be fine and the next....POOF! I'm sure that you were very anxious, too about how things would go today after your reaction last time and that probably stressed you out enough to cause some of the tears too when it was all over. Hey, every once in a while I still have melt-downs and don't even know why. In fact, at one time Wendy, Susan and I were going to sit under her table and cry together. LOL You will mellow out some as you mark off those treatments on your calendar but I really wish we had a buck for every bucket of tears that all of us have cried since our diagnoses. Hey we'd probably have enough money for one heck of group vacation! HUGS!
Thinking of you!
Rita
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Oh LittleC, that really sucks! I, too, will be sending you good vibes on Friday. I'm glad we shared the pork chop. I ate it for dinner last night, along with a piece of the chicken. It was delicious
Hang in there and keep us updated.Yeah for berrypatch Carol! One down!!!!! As you said, the T & C are working to kick some cancer a$$!!!!! WE ARE TOUGH!
Susan-I missed the illegal turn story too - tell us about it !
Laura-Your brownies were delicious.
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You are all absolutely amazing !!!!! I am so so enjoying reading your posts.....the positivity, the incredible courage, and I am so relieved to hear how normal the tears are ! My husband took me to lunch last week after we went to the Surgeon, although I have barely eaten in a week now, and halfway through trying to eat lunch I began sobbing right there at the table in the restaurant.....the tear faucet is totally unpredictable . I went into a surgical suite today to get something for a patient and just stepping in was overwhelming......and so it goes eh ?
To each of you who are going through rough times and taking big and sometimes difficult steps I think only the best and most positive thoughts for each of you as you do for me !
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Just a quick post to see how Buster looks in his holiday sweater...... (okay, well I sold it on Ebay already.....)
LittleC - I'm sorry about the news from the doc, that stinks. We will all be thinking of you on Friday. My sis had that form of Thyroid cancer 11 years ago, and she's doing great. So stay strong, we are all behind you!!!
I'm going to the doc tomorrow a.m. I'm tired of the depression crap & not sleeping - so I'm gonna go talk to him. I had another day of not getting out of my bathrobe because I was awake from 4am on & being completely unproductive. Sorry to be a whiner, so many of you have much more important things to deal with.......
Anyway - yesterday was wonderful & I keep thinking back to the fun I had.
Good night everyone!!! "Juliet"
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Hi Girls,
Well I have to tell you all that I had sooo much fun yesterday. It was a pleasure to have everyone together for a great holiday party. The food was wonderful, the conversations were great and most of all the support we have here is amazing. I guess maybe we should start planning for next year.... any ideas??? Oh I have to tell you all that in my rush to get home and unpack the car I fell and cracked my left rib. What a way to end the day... ouch. I guess I shouldn't wear heels on ice. lol So the healing begins. Wendy ..my cosmo glass got good use last noc..lol
Nurse jan..welcome to our thread. sorry you have to join us but we are all here for you. I sent you a pm.
LittleC..It was so good to meet you. You are very spunky and have a great smile. Sorry to hear about your up coming challenges. please keep us posted. sending you healing hugs your way.
Laura and Mich.. craft classes together sounds like a lunch bunch. Tell us when and where and I will bring the dessert. lol
carolberry.. one down and a few more to go. hang in there. when you are up to it the lunch bunch is here. Sending you healing hugs too.
Mich.. I forgot to tell you that I love your new hair do..It looks great on you.
Susan ..glad you made it to lunch..gotta watch that Higgins Rd.lol
Rita..so glad the the party was yesterday..cause we have a frickin snow storm here with black ice everywere.. glad you got home safe and sound. I think the snow be gone fairies came back just to let us know that winter and snow is here to stay. lol
Jackie..sent you email
Wendy.. I am soo happy for your neice..b9 hey !!!! that is great news.
Well I am off to rest my side..jammie time..stay warm.
Have a great evening..
Blackjack
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Juliet,
Please talk to your md about maybe getting so meds on board..maybe Effexor would help. I think you are taking tomax. This could be side effect from it..so ask him. I am soo glad you came yesterday it was fun.
Blackjack
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OMG - Blackjack!!! You poor thing!!! You know I'm close by - if you need help with anything let me know.
And you bet, I will be talking to MD about some meds!! I think you are right about SX from the Tamox. Thanks
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First off LITTLE C: Be glad if your cancer is Papillary. It is a very lazy slow growing type cancer. My lt. breast biopsy showed papillary cancer. Most of it ended up in the biopsy needle. Un-fortunately, and this won't happen to you.......in my operation ( lumpectomy ) my surgeon lifted out a bruise and thank God kept feeling around ( some sense told her she should ) and she then found a second tumor which was ductal carcinoma and much larger then the lazy Papillary that got me into the operating room. Do I believe in angels....you bet I do. It wasn't fate, and it wasn't luck or anything other than someone un-seen and heard only by Dr. Ryan --- somewhere in her brain. A tiny whisper that kept repeating over and over I'm sure because she ( Dr. Ryan ) did not feel good about ?? SOMETHING. She didn't KNOW what until she discovered the second lump. To make a long story short.......I think I'd hope for papillary.
I too am glad you took the plunge and went to the lunch. You are making memories with a fantastic group of women.
Berrypatch Carol --- Rita said it so well. Nothing and Anything can trigger our tear glands along with the rest of us into going to pieces. After all we are facing a demon and knowing that life will never be the same. You, like most of us here are used to being strong. Usually we are the ones to keep the home fires burning and keep everything on the right track. We are the ones that give comfort and care to everyone else. We are not use to really NEEDING it for ourselves --- oh sure, now and then in rather brief temporary situations but this is so different. For some time it may be pretty easy to find yourself suddenly overwhelmed without warning. Just lean into it and let the tears flow. Acknowledge your feelings completely....it is what it is. I didn't like the idea of chemo, losing my hair and all of the "rotten" parts of systematically killing off parts of my body. Seemed almost un-fair ( obviously not doing it was not an option ) and I worried about what would be left afterwards. Maybe you too worry about what will be left when you go through all this and feel that you were unfairly chosen to carry this burden. I have a theory about that as well. I think we are learning things in this life which will help us where we are going next. That feeling helped me so much to get through everything. Now then......I have a long life ahead of me and I just think WOW !!!! How great to have gotten that out of the way.....like a test that one dreads.
Jan - SameDayNurse --- see we really are normal and I do think once in a while the fellows in our lives don't quite know what to do with us. The ladies in my family have all been really strong and brave ( no wonder --- they all were Southern Illinoisans ) and for the longest time my Dh kept saying to anyone who would listen and even privately during our personal conversation how I would come out fine because I was so strong. One day I broke down and read him the riot act....Lord knows what all I said..............but the gist of it was....I don't want to be strong right now. I want to give in to the terror and upset and total upheaval that has been taking over my life since I learned my diagnosis and if you say I'm strong one more time I'm going to pick up the nearest thing in this house and cream you with it. Please for once, just let me feel as weak and powerless as I need too.
We need to experience whatever comes and go with it. Really get inside of it because if we push it away or let someone ( un-knowingly of course ) try to persuade us otherwise, like my normally sweet husband who was clueless, it just hangs around like a dark cloud and we just feel worse.
Just hang in there. Though it may seem so far off at the moment there is light and an incredibly good life waiting for you right at the end of the tunnel and we were all squinting at one point thinking it was so far away just as you may be doing right now----but we all had each other and we will be with you all the way and one day soon you will say some of these same things to someone else who will really need you and the strong support you will be able to give.
WTY---hope your resting a lot and feeling much better.
Wendy---for Tom's niece --- Way To Go. Hooray
Have a wonderful night everyone and hugs to all, and to all I have not mentioned by name just know you are most assuredly occupying a lot of space in my thoughts and it is all good.
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We were posting the same time Blackjack - well ok, I was trying to write a book but I finally caught myself and shut the heck up. Wow !!!!! I hate hearing that you fell and hope the healing won't take too long......please be careful.
Buster is such a little Doll and I'm glad we got to see him in the coat he won't wear that got sold out from under him or I guess that would be on him. Also glad that you are going to get something from your Dr. for your malaise. Sounds like you did exactly what I said....really claimed your feelings totally so you could identify and fix. Good for you.
Jackie
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As disappointed as I am for not being able to join you ladies, I'm also so glad to read all your reports and know that everyone had such a great time. Thank you for posting the picture link, Jan Clare.
As it turns out, Monday was a hellacious day at work, so there was just no way I could have slipped away for a long lunch. Now that I'm checking in here more often, I'll hopefully have enough notice to take the day off next time.
Berrypatch Carol - It was a long time before I stopped randomly losing it after I was first diagnosed. I used to lock myself in the bathroom and just sit there and cry for a while until I got it out of my system. I still get bouts of what I think of as my "crazy lady funk" but fortunately, not nearly as regularly as before. There's just so much to absorb and process, particularly in the beginning. Give yourself time and let yourself vent as often as you need to. I'm fairly new to the group here in terms of participation, but there's no doubt that there is a wealth of support and sincere understanding that these ladies have to offer.
Nurse Jan - This path isn't easy for anyone, but it is a unique perspective when you enter it from a medical background. I don't think I've mentioned it, but I've been an OB/Gyn sonographer (ultrasound) for over 20 years. Experiencing life as a patient on the other side of the probe is both easier and harder - at least that's been my experience. I'm glad you found your way here. I wish I'd taken more advantage of the support here back when I was first diagnosed.
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Morning! Wow...lots of posts!
LittleC...another challenge for you I see. And a bx on your BD? That is wrong on soo many levels. I am so glad you decided to come on Monday. It is scary for all of us to walk into a room full of strangers that first time...it sure was for me. But then...we aren't strangers, are we?
Blackjack...OMG! A cracked rib? Well...that sure sux right about now, doesn't it! Do you need anything? Or help at home? I'm with my niece today but I am free tomorrow and Friday if you need something.
Juliet...loved Buster's christmas coat but why do I think he was MORE than happy to have that sold out from under him! I had no idea you weren't feeling up to snuff on Monday...meds are a good thing. Just sometimes knowing that you CAN take something helps! Good luck and don't worry about not getting out of your jammies once in a while....
Carol/berrypatch...yep. I remember the tears. I know it was because there was no turning back and MY HAIR WAS GOING TO FALL OUT, even if I never went back. I am surprised that you are getting a port NOW. Sure would have been nice to have that little item taken care of before this. When is it being put in? Not too sure what you meant about the hat....I didn't give you one! I personally hated them and ended up ripping them off during the night!
Rene...sorry you couldn't make it...we generally try for a mini-lunch or dinner every month or so..you are on the email list so that's how the date will come to you...
Jackie....I sure hope when we all come down in April that I get a chance to meet with you. You actually have your very own page, with your picture, in Rita's Memory Book - with a lot of your wise words/quotes!
Time to get off my "lazybutt" and start my day. I cannot believe all this re: our gov. DH told me this am that they are already talking about an insanity def. Oh Good Lord! Wonder how much this little fiasco in the courts is going to cost us, the taxpayers of Illinois. I am cringing, just hearing all those recordings. Karin...I bet you are glad you live in Oregon! But yeah I know...innocent until proven guilty...BUT...seems like they certainly have the goods. Oh well....
Be careful driving out there, girls! I need you all safe and sound!
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Jackie...forgot...I too am the strong one, the one who takes care of everybody else. So everyone let me take care of myself. I so totally remember breaking down one day with a friend a year after chemo, finally telling someone how alone, how lonely, how unloved I felt...pretending I was strong all the time, when all I wanted to do was curl up in someone's arms and be a little, crying, babbling baby for a change. But I never got the chance. I think sometimes I still resent people for that but I have pretty much moved on I guess. But....I sure was tired of being strong.
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Good morning ladies,
Thank you for a wonderful day on Monday! Blackjack, your planning and organizing talents are amazing. Thank you to everyone for the gifties: the poinsettia, the candy, brownies and the angel ornament. One of my Christmas trees is angels only so I will have a nice memory of our day when I put that ornament on the tree. The gift from the drawing was lovely. Thank you so much, everyone. It was so nice to meet the ones I hadn't met and visit with the ones I had.
We had a safe trip home. No ice. Dropped Ginny, WendyTY and Rita off by 5:30 and met my daughter (senior at ISU) at Olive Garden for dinner (just what I needed, more to eat!) I took a car load of her things with me since she will be spending 2nd semester in Italy. Made it home by 9 p.m. Have to confess to using Jan Clare's chocolates to keep me awake the last 30 miles!
As I looked around the room on Monday, I thought of how some of us have a lot in common and some of us have very little in common, except for that great uniter, breast cancer. There was an amazing amount of courage displayed in that room. It was good to hear from several people who are past treatment that while they think about it daily, it is no longer haunting them. So, ladies who are in treatment, take heart.
Merry Christmas!
MaryJane
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Morning ladies!
Wendy - so glad ot hear the news of B9!! That's always great to hear.
Little C - sorry to hear your news. Just keep JulieA's sister in mind as you start this next battle. Sorry I didn't get a chance to talk to you much on Monday. Your post was very moving - I'm glad you were able to make the lunch as it sounds like you got some healing from it!
Carol - glad you made it through the first tx. I think that first chemo is definitely emotional. It's another step in the "I can't believe this is happening to me" journey. I remember being very emotional on that first chemo. It gets easier. Losing your hair will also be emotional, but after that it's only up from there! You will be glad you got the port - it's so much nicer. I hear you about another surgery!
I'm not an animal person, but I have to say that Buster looks really cute in that sweater. Sorry to hear you are feeling depressed, JulieA. Glad to hear that you are going to the Dr.
Blackjack - OMG! I can't believe you broke a rib! I hope you are doing ok.
Interesting Wendy and Jackie. I too am the strong one. I also gave DH the riot act one night because I was tired of acting like everything was ok. I too felt like I was left to take care of myself even though I would have had support if I had asked. Sometimes you don't want to have to ask! I also felt more compelled to keep everything normal because of my little ones and it was hard!
13 more days until Florida!
Have a great day everyone!
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When things go wrong as they sometimes will;
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill;
When the funds are low, and the debts are high
And you want to smile, but have to sigh;
When care is pressing you down a bit-
Rest if you must, but do not quit.
Success is failure turned inside out;
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt;
And you can never tell how close you are
It may be near when it seems so far;
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit-
It's when things go wrong that you must not quit.
-- Author UnknownGood morning everyone.
Hmmmm, I wrote a really nice little piece and guess I forgot that little button that says SUBMIT. That is starting to get tiresome. Anyway, it's getting better outside. Got up to a light layer of snow with some slipperies underneath just a bit. It's rapidly leaving, thank goodness. The ground still has enough heat in it to keep us from REALLY feeling TOO wintry.
Connie how great to go to Florida and miss some of Ole' Man Winter. That is just fantastic and I'm envious. I'd have trouble making myself come home.
Don't know why, but I'm still not as warm as I thought I'd be. Well the same stuff that ate up some of my fat cells ( oh there is a God ) nibbled part of my temperature gage too I guess. Not a problem....or I guess I should say....what an easy problem to fix.
Hope you all have a most wonderful day. The quote for today is a poem that I have had on a plaque. For those of you ( although it is applicable to all ) starting txs, or needing some adjustments or meds or whatever.......just do the best ( it may not seem like it while you are going through it ) you can each day. Tomorrow is always a new day and you have another great opportunity to improve. It is true ( especially in the chemo cycles ) that several not so good days can gang up on you --- but THEY will move on. Even if all you can look forward to is getting through today---that is enough for now, because it all leads to getting better. TODAY, though it may often seem so IS NOT the problem.
Hope you all have a fantastic day. I'm going to go curl up for awhile in Weny's graphic---complete with the deer at the edge of the thicket....just like at my house. I'll be checking in later with all of you.
Jackie
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I started out to write a note to Rita and while typing away I all at once felt like I needed to share with all of you. I hope you will all bear with me. It's going to get smarmy which I'm sure is not a word, but sounds like what I need right now.
I got a beautiful not from Blackjack ( Michele ) last evening that had me in tears in no time and they returned while I was attempting to say a few words to Rita. Michele knew that I would not be able to get to the lunch, but kept a chair for me as well as a place setting so I could be there in spirit....and I was. At first I didn't know early on what the references were about the album given to Rita. Michele explained how they ( sly group that they are ) had put it together for Rita and as well that within the book was a whole page devoted to me --- the quote lady.
I am still quite overwhelmed to say the least. I never realized since I have always had such a fondness for quotes that it was making the impression, quite deep for many, that it was. So many of you apparently look forward to this part of our thread. Perhaps it helps you in some way to face the day and the challenges as it does me. Anyway, as I was saying to Rita.......the universe has done an outstanding job of finding all of us just what we needed in each other to come together at just the right time and converge. Even if I can't connect all the dots someone out there set this all up, and who knows how many eons ago that may have been. I do not believe in circumstance, fate, chance, or any thing that has such an enormous possibility of randomness connected to it.
If I feel like this here alone, I can barely imagine what Rita must have been feeling when presented with her album. Each of you ladies are so special and wonderful -- just to think of doing such inspiring wonderful things for each other --- so anyhow, I just had to tell you and I am including each lovely soul, that I am blessed beyond measure to get to spend every day with you and that I'm sure I'm a better person now than I was before I met you.
May each of you know a hundred times over the beautiful spirit of love and harmony and health. It is all I wish for you. You are all the greatest and I am honored to be your Quote Lady.
Love, Jackie
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