Illinois ladies facing bc
Comments
-
Well, bear with us. This our first attempt at posting a pic. You may have to go to backwards (248) to see it.
This is Lila wrapped in Wendy's blanket. I wanted you to see Lila, but I also really wanted you to see the warmth and kindness of Wendy as reflected in this blanket she created for this baby.
Susan
0 -
Susan....both the Baby and the blanket are very beautiful. Miss Lila was and is definitely worth the wait I do think. The picture is beautiful....couldn't have turned out better if you ask me.
Jan, I think you have two converts to your favorite recipes. Now they make EggBeaters with a little yolk in them though my nutritionist friend keeps telling me how easy I'll adjust to eating only the white part. Hmmmm, I'm going to have to sneak up on it with a blindfold --- like some others in my family, I eat with my eyes in part and not seeing yellow yolk bothers me.....and so I start to think it won't taste good before it ever gets near my mouth. Well, I'll start with the Eggbeaters w/ yolk and then try a bit later to go without.
I might mention....I only use brown eggs at home. I think they are better than the white ones....I always feel the flavor of the brown ones is much different than white. Ok...now you know. I can be a SUPER picky person about many things now I'm a little older.
Rita, I thought I had swollen a couple of times but if so it comes and goes quickly. I did remove my ring one day as it seemed so tight but an hour later it went right back on no problem. Also convinced myself once that my right hand had swollen because I used my computer mouse so much on some of the games I'm addicted too.....I really am going tom have to start walking and get away from this computer a little more. Hurry Spring.
Prayers and hugs,
Jackie
0 -
Nothing is predestined: The obstacles of your past can become the gateways that lead to new beginnings.
Ralph Blum0 -
Good Morning! Beautiful sun out there....Susan....Lila is gorgeous! So glad her blankie "fits"! And yellow is def. her color!
Rita....My hands are just fine after 1.5 yrs on arimidex. Maybe arthritis in your finger joints????
WendyTY....prayers going out for your Grandma....hopefully she is resting comfortably.
Jacks....I ate the reg. egg beaters for years...a bit bland sure but then I just put in lots of veggies and seasonings to make an omelet. The one with a touch of yolk really does have more flavor...but remember...they might be eggs but they won't taste as good! Nothing like a couple of fried eggs...in bacon fat...with crispy little edges on the whites. Last time I let myself have something like that has to be at least 5-6 years ago. Sure sounds good right about now....
Jan ....recipes sound wonderful! Yum. Been eating dried pineapple lately...they do add a bit of sugar to the pieces (why, I don't know!)....I figure it's better than grabbing a couple of m&m's (OK...more like 20-30) and it really stomps down my desire for something sweet. I know, I know....an apple would be a better choice...but at least I am not eating chocolate.
Blackjack....are you home yet? Can't remember how long you were going to be gone....
Hope4cure.....we all hope you are doing well.
Kater....I do admire your healthly eating/juicing. Just haven't made up my mind to start all that. I do whole grains for breakfast, lean cuisine or a salad for lunch, lean protein and veggies for dinner and in - between I have a little pineapple and a glass of V8 Fusion Light juice and a fat-free yogurt. A cup or two of coffee in the am, water during the day, maybe some pop a few times a week, a glass or 2 of wine on the weekends, when I eat my one, whatever-I-want meal. That will just have to do it!
Well...I am going to watch the rest of Y&R, and then stick my head in the dishwasher....it just started making this horrible, vibratey grindy noise...no idea what that could be and it's only 4.5 years old. Oh well...if something in this house wasn't working right, it wouldn't be MY house!
Have a great Wednesday everyone!
0 -
Lila is beautiful Susan! You and that blanket look great as well.
0 -
HI Girls...Just wanted to let you know that I am back in town. I was sick in LV since Monday.
Can anyone tell me what causes low WBC. Mine is 1.4 today. I feel terrible, fever, chills, swollen neck ect. Going to see the onc tomorrow...very nervous. I really don't need this now. My uncle passed away yesterday am. He had another heart attack. Funeral is this weekend. My sister's aunt passed away this week and her funeral is this weekend too.
I got the early morning phone call today that my aunt had a major stroke this am and she is in CCU. It does not look good for her either. My whole family is falling apart and I can't even be there cause I am sooo sick. Could you all say a little pray for us..we could sure use some today.
You know when it rains it pours.....thanks for listing to me. I just wanted to cry somewhere and I know you all would listen from a far.
I hope everyone else is doing well...missed you all while I was gone.
Off to make more dreaded phone calls...ohhhh I hate this part.
Blackjack
0 -
Hey everyone! What a whirlwind of a busy week this has been. I've been trying to get everything in order before my surgery tomorrow so I can just come home and take it easy for the next week. The DD's Turnabout weekend and final dance competition went smoothly. She looked so grown up in her pretty dress, I just can't get over how the time has passed so quickly. Also, trying to plan a very last minute spring break cruise by this evening. I'm hoping that 3 weeks post-op is an okay time to take a trip - even if not, I think I am making it so. I really *need* a getaway.
It was so amazing to meet so many of you ladies at dinner last week. I really got a kick out of the comraderie and real friendliness of the group. I'm looking forward to being able to get together again. Hopefully next time, I'll have time to make it home to change first!
Susan - Lila is just as beautiful as her lovely name! It's great to see you too.
Rita - I have pain in my joints most of the time, but I'm on Femara. It was worse (considerably) when I was on Aromasin. However, I do not have any associate swelling with the pain.
Blackjack - I'm so sorry to hear about all your family troubles. I hope the onc can give you some insight on your low WBC count.
0 -
So glad you are back BJ but I sure wish all the rest was not going on. Sounds like ti was bad enough to be in wonderful LV and not feeling well. Happy that you are going to go to the Dr./Onc tomorrow. You must have some infection somewhere. Anyway.....you need to get better and do as much as you can to do it so you can handle all these other things hurdling at you. Wish I were a little closer --- might only be able to make you a hot cup of tea, but at least I'd feel like I was able to do something for you. You and all your family are and will be in my prayers for as long as it takes -- whatever happens.
Prayers and hugs,
Jackie
0 -
Hi everyone, just a quickie....
Blackjack - I'm so sorry to hear of everything you are going through. ((HUG)) You know I live very close by, so if I can do something, please don't hesitate to contact me, okay ?
Hi to the rest of you girls!! Sorry so short, my water is boiling for my pasta.....
Take care, enjoy the sort-of-warm weather. Juliet
0 -
Blackjack, I hope you get answers very soon. I have no idea what a white blood count even is, but it sounds like you have an infection. You are under way too much stress with family and illness. I know you cannot change that situation and you have to ride through it. I know you will see better days very soon. I am just sorry you were ill in LV as I know you love that place. I do not know what I could do for you, but I am damn ready to do anything you can think of.Rita, my fingers are okay (today), it is the rest of my body that is acting up. I went to the hormonal thread and came across some posts that totally wigged me out. I read that if you are not having drenching sweats, arimidex is not working and you have estrogen in your body. I was so proud that I was on arimidex and having very few hot flashes. I am HOT just about all day, but not sweating hot. Even when I went off prempro (hormone replacement I blame for my bc) I did not have hot flashes as vividly described by many. So now, I am wondering if the freaking pill is working. When my onc asked if I was having hot flashes, I said I wasn't having anything horribly hot. He nodded and that was the end of that discussion. I think once again, medical knowledge is so limited about so much to do with bc.
Happy evening to all!
susan
0 -
blackjack.....I cant give you a for sure answer about your wbc.....I do think your immune system is compromised right now and I do think its from an incredible amount of stress....and I do know there are certain viral infections that cause wbc count to go down instead of up....so as sorry I am for all your stress i hope it is the cause of your bodys reaction and that it will only take some rest and peace to feel better....and yes I know that isnt coming your way tomorrow, but at least knowing thats the cause would give you some of the peace you need. Best of luck at the doctor tomorrow....*hug*
Susan......I am SO sure that NOT having all the horrible Arimidex symptoms does not mean its NOT working.....seriously. I will check with some of my *sources* at work but I would BET on it.....that its working just fine for us !
Wendy......your diet sounds perfect for me.....what kind of breakfast do you eat ? I am soooooo tired of South Beach........
Love to all
jan
0 -
Susan, I'm coming back in here after reading what you wrote. I think if hot flashes were a key element of Arimidex working....we would all be warned in advance to let our Dr.'s know if we didn't have lots of heat emanating consistently. I'm with Jan here.......Arimidex works by eliminating estrogen....and though I think you can 'warm' up now and then I don't think it has anything to do with the drug working or not working. Not sure I read all the material right as it's been some time back but it was my understanding that the Arimidex suppressed estrogen production by going into the cells that could turn into cancerous ones and therefore filling them and there was no room left for cells to grow....so if there they just died. Well, part of this may be wrong....but my feeling is......if I don't get a recurrence....the Arimidex is working for sure whether or not I have hot flashes or anything else.
I also think Arimidex is one of the newer drugs and my Dr. thought it was the BEST one.....at least for me. So if you have questions I would ask your oncologist. I try not to read too much stuff ---- not because it triggers anything or freaks me out......more because I won't remember correctly enough what I read. Working in the medical field I use to read all the time but after my bad thyroid and stroke I had memory lapses and it is better for me not to bother. Some people repeat things in a very convincing manner which is great --- if they are right, but somehow I just don't think what you read was right and it has you full of questions and apprehension now. Of course, here I am trying to tell you about Arimidex but I will tell you at least that I don't understand it all but do feel the Dr. would make sure you understood if hot flashes were a prerequisite of this medication working correctly. I wouldn't worry your pretty head about it....I bet it's working perfectly for you.
Prayers and hugs,
Jackie
0 -
WBC white blood count
Blackjack I'm glad you asked, that is really really low..I'm sure you googled it by now if you had the energy.
I knew that my WBC was low in December...but I was thinking it was from the chemo, and now I'm surprised to see it was higher when I had just been through chemo! I'm still looking for the dec 2008 wbc, but i know it was not as low as 1.4..my guidelines at delnor say 4.1 to 10.9 range is okay. OH, it was only a touch under 3.9 with RDW high at 15.% with normal 11.5 to 14.5 whatever that means!
I saw all 3 within a month and neither my oncologist, gynecologist nor my primary care physican's assistant mentioned my WBC being under the guidelines. Each costing over $300 (no insurance) for appointments. I'm going to think twice before I go back to most of them.Also as I had mentioned before, my alkaline phosphatase (liver) were elevated (the assistant DID mention that when she called me in for $300 just to tell me she thought i was diabetic, and she ignored that i was supposedly osteoporosis-ed, as per the oncologist that week).
161 on normal scale of 38-126 alkaline phosphatase
and the usual reason is alcohol, which I don't drink...and the other reason I found online was menopause, although smerf thought not.Neither were discussed by any of the 3 and they all received the results.
WISHING YOU LUCK!
0 -
ARIMIDEX DISCUSSION
my hot flashes have subsided and are not as frequent. I think i mentioned that to the oncologist, he said good, i believe. (i also had ovaries removed last year)
zap, if you want, go to infared spa and get all heated up and sweaty and get those toxins out!
i got one for my 50th bday last year but it's at my mom's house...i had thought others would use it there...so i'm less likely to use it..unless i stop after vball some night..
kater
thanks to all for your thoughts on my birthday from Monday...appreciated..I think of you, too! I'm just not organized enough to show it yet. 8-)
went to lunch with mom, sister and niece and nephew, then gave them a vita mix demo..that was fun and they drank it. ha! and then vball, but it was cancelled, but that's okay! so far so good with my mom's new chemo...next time it might start reacting, on the third try. (doxil)
this week i'm adding vanilla yogurt...not sure that is on the raw food diet, but it sure is good and i know probiotics is good and mixing it up a little is good. (what foods you eat)
0 -
Question: I just noticed that the fish oil supplements that I bought contains soy. Aren't we to avoid soy after breast cancer?
This from an ACS site:
The effect of phytoestrogens is less clearly understood in postmenopausal women, whose estrogen levels are naturally lowered. Although there is some evidence to suggest consumption of soy reduces breast cancer risk in premenopausal women, there is no evidence that consumption of soy reduces postmenopausal breast cancer risk. Some doctors and nutrition experts believe phytoestrogens may actually boost estrogen levels in postmenopausal women.
"Because the chemical structure of phytoestrogens is very similar to estrogen, they may be interpreted by the body and some tissues as estrogen and may be just as likely to increase the risk of breast cancer as to reduce it. And super-concentrated pharmacological doses of phytoestrogens are probably detrimental. You're playing with fire because it could go either way. It could do more harm than good," said Jeanne Petrek, MD, a surgeon and breast cancer specialist at New York's Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
Should I not take these?
Re: hot flashes, I know my onc. said something to the effect that hot flashes mean the tamox. is working.
0 -
Hey,
I survived the surgery. All I can say is PAIN, PAIN and more PAIN. I had no idea it was going to hurt sooo much. I knew it would hurt but the intensity is way up there. I was able to come home tonight. They kept me 2 nights since they couldn't regulate my pain. I was on all kinds of things and apparently sensitive to lots of meds. WOW. (They put me on some really strong stuff that wasn't hardly touching the pain.) It finally leveled out some where I can at least tolerate it some even though it doesn't totally subside. I told the PS doctor I felt like someone beat me with a ballbat or something. It is intense. (Funny thing: one of the nurses talked to me for awhile and said that she and others on staff have seen several women like me come through and they all agreed that if they were faced with the choice - they wouldn't do it. They said they are too "chicken" about all the pain.) So, I guess I am not an unusual case but the norm. WOW.
I am so thankful for my husband, he was such as sweetheart through it all. I think the nurses were ready to hire him on the spot. It was such an ordeal - nothing even close to the lumpectomy. He was excellent and I love him even more for it.
I go back next Tuesday to hopefully get 2 of the 4 drains removed. They said I am doing well - just have to watch out for infection.
Getting in and out of the bed is like a 9 on a scale of 10 for pain and I am going to have to stop typing for the night since it starting to hurt do that too. Man does it HURT!! Thanks for all your support!
Jennifer
0 -
Morning my pets! Well...at least it's not snow!Blackjack....I agree with Jan, your immune system is shot right now. I of course have no real idea what is going on but you were in the middle of a horrible, stressful situation and then you went off to LV, your happy place...just wondering, knowing you, you felt overwhelmingly guilty about not being home to take care of things...that your body just shut down. I am so sorry for all the loss in your family...not to be trite but doesn't it always seem that when it rains, it pours. I second Juliette....if there is anything I can do, please give me a call. Anything. Even if you just need a hug. Boy, do you need that quilt!
Hope4cure....I feel for your pain. It does seem like they pretty much tried everything to regulate it and unfortunately sometimes some patients just don't do well with the meds. Thank goodness for your DH. Just hang in there....we are here if you want to come online and yell your head off. We don't mind a bit. Here's hoping for better days....and soon!
Jan....for breakfast I don't fuss too much about labels...just buy the whole grain cereals that I like, with low amounts of sugar and then I eat the rec. serving size. You would be surprised how little that looks in a cereal bowl! And of course, skim milk. Personally....I like Special K Red Berries or the new Banana Nut Cherrios. Yes...I know....much healthier choices in the health food aisle BUT...like I said...I am not too serious about the whole food thing. I have always believed in eating whatever I want...in moderation (and of course, eliminating anything which may be outlawed by the docs). Sometimes too I grab a fat-free yogurt (nope, not organic - just my fav flavor of the day) and scoop it into a bowl and add a handful of cereal for some crunch. Yum. What's the fun of life if you are always dieting???? I usually stay the same weight and have been for the past 25years or so ... I guess it works for me! Arimidex however did put on about 5-6 lbs which won't go away but I keep my eye on that...more exercise for me, and less yakking at the gym!
Rene23....am I a total idiot? What surgery????? I hope it all goes smoothly for you today - I am so sorry I didn't know (or didn't remember). Hugs!!!
Time to scoot...have a wonderful day everyone...looks like today will be the last "warm" day for a week! Oh well....at least it's almost March. Tops down, fists up!
0 -
Susan, I don't have the hot flashes either on the Arimidex and have never heard that the lack of hot flashes are associated with ineffectiveness of the Arimidex. I will find out about that though, as I have a med appointment every week for three weeks now. I see my primary physician today, have all my blood work done next Thursday and then see the onc on the following Thursday. I have a list of things to ask about when I go in today. I will add that concern to both my list today and the list for the oncologist.
Jennifer...I am so sorry that you experienced so much pain. I hope that you are doing better today. Hugs!
Blackjack....Wow! You've really been bombarded lately! I know that my WBC was down during chemo but don't really know what causes it to drop when not doing chemo. I ws told to eat protein......steak....and it seemed to help. I hope you get your answers today and I'll be thinking about you! Hang in there.
Thinking of you today Rene and hoping that all goes well. Post when you can so we know all is well! Hugs!
Wendy, my weight gain is all around my middle. I guess the common term is called Belly Fat. Even when I do lose some weight, this seldom budges anymore. I think I'll inquire into the Acai Berry products.
Well, I have laundry and other things to do before my doc appointment this afternoon.
Everyone have a good day!
Rita
0 -
blackjack - OM - you poor thing! I am so sorry... you have alot going on. Hope you're feeling better. I'm glad you have a Dr appt... let us know what she says.
Jennifer - OUCHY WOW WOW... I had severe pain also... the Drs all looked at me like I was a mental case. They couldn't understand why my pain was so severe... honestly, they thought it was all in my head... Vicodin and Gabapenten in combo finally gave me about 80% relief. Hang in there...sorry you have to deal with this.
------------------------------------
I had HORRIBLE hot flashes every day and night for the past 2 years from Tamoxifen. I always took it in the morning. Two weeks ago I started taking it at about 7 PM. My hot flashes have almost completely gone away... TRY IT... it just may do the same for you.
Have a great day...
0 -
Jennifer.. it has 5 weeks since my surgery and know how you are feeling!!!! Time heals alot!!! When i came home., slept in a recliner as it was a painful time trying to lay down or get up,as you know!!! IT does get better!!! I had a great DH and it does make all the difference. Be patient and know this will all pass and you will heal.
healing thoughts,
Donna
0 -
Hi everyone....finally made it here. I have nothing to contribute....you all have much more info than I have about operations and all I had was the lumpectomy and not one pain did I ever feel....well minor when I took my first full shower, but otherwise the pain pills were a complete waste.
Rita....over the week-end I went to the home show and found someone I know who deals with Xocai. They have a wt. loss thing by eating what they say is un-cooked and un-processed chocolate. I am going to look into it......my friend the nutritionist bought a bag and gave it to me as she got one for herself as well. It's dark chocolate.....and seems the dark chocolate that we eat now still may not be the REALLY right kind....Sigh------it's always something, Anyway thought if I could combine my love of chocolate along with a wt. ( mainly South Beach style ) eating program that I might give it a try.
Interesting thing on the today show this a.m. Falls under the why didn't I think of that....well, I think everyone has.....but it came down to eating good food, and a little less of it and exercising and slowly but surely you will lose the wt. and if you keep doing those things keep it off. Now jmho, I think we all pretty much know that and don't do it consistently enough. Or if you are like me....I do well for a year or so then sometimes comes up....I fall off the wagon and just can't get back on. I have saboteurs in my family though and they seem to take enormous delight in "finding" ways to get you to ignore good eating habits. I note as well......these same people are the ones who have never dieted and probably will never have too. SIGH!!!! I have words for them but I can't repeat them here.
Gotta run.......Anyway, if you want any info on the Xocai let me know.....or maybe I'll just sent Sonya's email addy to your regular email address. Gotta run and go get some dinner. Be back later to find a quote for today. See you then.
Prayers and hugs,
Jackie
0 -
Jennifer:
It only has to get better. When it does, hug that DH extra hard as it must be dreadful to watch someone you love be in pain. I have been spared that in my life so far, and I just cannot imagine.
I am stuck at school to attend another meeting. This I will be grateful to give up!
Susan
0 -
Jackie...Please send me the info on the Xocai. I'm interested in trying some different things. I'm also going to run the Acai Berry products by my onc in two weeks to see if there's anything in that herbal supplement that will counteract with the Arimidex. Maybe we'll find something that will work for us! :-)
I saw my primary care physician today and she thinks the swollen knuckles are from the Arimidex. She called it Arimidex induced arthritis and told me I might as well get my rings resized as she didn't think the joints would shrink any in time. They don't hurt...that's a plus, and I am going to run this by the onc, too before I run my stash of rings to the jewelry store. She also told me to lose about 10 pounds so I really do think I need to get serious about the issue.
Well, I'm ready to crash in my easy chair. It was so dreary out today that it made me tired! I guess I should be happy for the rain instead of snow! LOL
Have a great night! Catch you all tomorrow.
Rita
0 -
"Friendship is always a sweet responsibility, never an opportunity." - Kahil Gibran
0 -
Thinking of you today blackjack and hope you're feeling better. You know, my poinsetta plant is still beautiful and I think of you and the lunch everytime I see it. Thanks!
I'd like to know more about the Xocai chocolate too
!0 -
"The keys to patience are acceptance and faith. Accept things as they are, and look realistically at the world around you. Have faith in yourself and in the direction you have chosen."- Ralph Marston
0 -
Where's Wendy????? I miss your early morning post!
Thanks for the info, Jackie. I will pour through it this weekend!
Hey Susan....just think! You don't have very many of those exciting meetings left! Won't you miss them? LOL You are on the downhill slide now, gal!
Blackjack...hope you're feeling better today. Sending good vibes and prayers your way for both your family and yourself. HUGS!
It's "get rid of the gray day!" That color and cut will perk me up for sure!
I hope everyone is doing well today. I'll check back later.
Rita
0 -
Wondering where blackjack is and hoping she is doing better......*sending good vibes*
If anyone wants one more SB recipe, I have a great chocolate shake that also sounds disgusting but is delicious.......
If anyone is interested, there is a relatively new board, for *older* women with bc, mostly its anyone post menopause or early fifties, its a really nice bunch of women, lots and lots of talk about Arimidex and supplements and belly fat *grin* and the fight against it.....very positive people just like here.....Im enjoying reading and posting there , so that I now have two favorite places to read and learn......take a peek if you wish
have a great Friday ! I never have a Friday off so its already great for me
love to all
jan
0 -
Morning!!!
My lots to catch up on!!!
Susan what a lovely new baby!! And a lovely name to match!!
Blackjack, hope you and family are doing better .
Jennifer, hope you are able to control that darn pain!! But remember it DOES GET BETTER!!!
Donna how are you doing? Every day getting better?
I have been having "hot flashes from H*LL" the past 4 days, now 24 hours and only 1 minor flash!!could they be going going gone????? I know with "normal menopause" most women only experience the discomforts of flashes for a "short" amount of time as their body adjusts to the changes. I'm on aromisine plus had total hyst 2 years ago. Sure would be nice if they just went away!!
Jan love your SB recipes!! Can you direct me to the new board? I don't surf the boards very much...just come here!
Time to get busy!!
HUGS TO ALL
0 -
Morning! OK....it is just too frickin cold out there with that wind. So Ihave decided that I will spend the afternoon in that hammock....(don't I wish)Blackjack...I know you have a lot going on...hope you are feeling better. Please take care of yourself...sometimes it just needs to be all about "me-me-me".
Jan...send along the choc shake recipe! Hey...direct me to that "old" site!!!!
Donna...glad you joined our little "addy list"!
Jennifer....how's it going today? Any improvement?
Rita....I had to answer a difficult email this am, so ran out of time on the computer. Gee...it's sooooo nice to be missed!
Need to get dressed and out the door....hope you all have a lovely Friday and give a hug to someone today...they might really need one and just don't ask! Tops down, fists up!
0
