Illinois ladies facing bc
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Hi all:
Wendy, speaking of praying out loud....and being a reader...have you read Eat, Pray and Love by E. Gilbert? You wiill totally love the book or hate it. I loved it. I got some ideas on how to pray from her book (it is not a how to book, and nor is it religious). Read the book and you will get it. The time was ripe to pray as I drive East and I am driving into the rising sun. It is the best time of the day in terms of the sunlight. You can't help but appreciate the beauty of that sun still coming up over Lake Michigan.
Today was different. DH and I traveled across to far south side Chicago to do a service project at the Greater Chicago Food Depository. I "'did" cereal along with other volunteers. We repacked 2080 bags of Kellogg toasted flakes to be delivered throughout Cook County. It was actually fun, but I was so tired in the afternoon and napped! I love meeting people from all over the city. It is so good to get OUT of my safe little zone.
Laura, hope the pain has eased. Question: do you know what esophageal spasms are? I have had it a few times and it feels like a heart attack. It is actually when the esophagus goes into spasm due to gas. If you drink a glass or warm water, it relaxes it. Just a thought.
To all in treatment....this too will pass. Thoughts go to Ginny every day. Connie and BJ...boat season soon.
The retirement dinner was fabulous and I am glad I didn't hide under the bed with my cat. I am like a little kid looking forward to TIME to do things. It is like I am about to embark on all these adventures.
Take care,
Susan
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Hi to everyone this afternoon. What a day. Helped Dh out in the yard clean the area where we had the tree removed. Then, we went to Wal-Marts in Salem as it is a Super one. More groceries there. Then back home for a late lunch.....and we decided to let the dogs run....all but Molly McB. Got her on lead ( not just sure how we did it...but I do know it was the hard way ) and this little thing proceeded to drag big ole' me all around the yard. Thought my arms were about to be ripped from the sockets. Makes me wish I had a good e-collar for a little training.
Oh well.....it was a fun half hour but that was all we could take....Dh had Molly for the last 15 mins because I was just pooped.
Speaking of which.....poop and the lack thereof was a recent subject on another part of bc org. Donna....I did not have real good success ( constipation has been and off and on problem for me all my life ) during chemo until I got stool softeners. Any brand...I got the generic from Wal-Mart. Two in the morning and two at night.....daily. May take a dy or two for your system to accept that your taking over but I found that when I stayed with this system I did not have to use laxatives.....that and a nice warm cup of coffee or two in the morning.
Hope you all have a good evening...Going to be movie night here I think. Thought it was going to pour down earlier....had very minute sprinkling....and then it all went away. Muted sun out now. Well, I bet we do get wet---just a question of when.
Hugs,
Jackie
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Susan....Want to read that book. Eat, Pray and Love.. heard it is very good.
Laura...sorry to hear about this pain, hope somewhere here can also give you some remedies.Camomille tea seems to do everything for me!!
Jackie.. Love the dog /leash in the yard story.You should have that on video!! i have a few i should share,having the number of goldens we have had in the years.Trust me, you would be laughing!! I have a good hold on what to do for the contispation and try to stick to it daily! it is all such a process.
Hope all enjoy the weekend and stay dry!Darn,, it was goin so nicely.
Donna
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Hi girls! Thanks for all your info/suggestions - this is the very reason I post about unexplained pain. I really appreciate your insight and your help. I do try to post positive things as well! lol Thank you so much.
Susan - I am open to having this situation be - just about anything! I will ask my Dr on Monday about the spasms being a possibility. Thanks for sharing your info. AND THANKS GIRL for doing something SO WONDERFUL today! Wow... you have a heart of gold... and our dh too! And he, my dear, is a sweet, sweet man!
Donna - I'm sending ANTI-CONSTIPATION vibes your way!
CarolB - Hope all is well! I will call you next week... I miss talking to you.
Rita - Are the little wild trees - Oaks? Those "spinners" cause havoc! lol
Jackie - Too funny! Who's running the show there! lol I will donate dog food or whatever... please let me know if there's anything I can do to help the rescue dogs.
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Wanted to suggest another book my oncologist, of all people, suggested. It is Why Bad Things Happen to Good People by Rabbi Kushner. My oncologist was the son of a holocaust survivor and has struggled with faith issues for years. I know many have read about the 10-year old diagnosed with BC. That news would shake any one's faith in the Big Guy. This book may be helpful. Susan
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Susan... good minds think alike.. reading that right now and this is my second or third time reading it.Everytime i read it, is affects me differently. Book is a keeper!
Laurie...thanks!!! How is sweet Paulie.. there is a new shz shu (sp) puppy in the nieghborhood,Lola.. sweet as a pea and just want to eat her up. My goldens and I gave her a puppy sized nylabone and Kong.. all puppy necessities!!
Enjoy the day and be well,
Donna
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Good Rainy Morning! Not much sun yesterday but got out for lunch, and ate outside, in shorts so it was a good day! Back inside until it looks like Thursday with temps in the 50.s. Oh well......it was fun while it lasted!Irina....I don't have any info re: docs or hospitals in the Zion area. I'm sorry! I thought you were going to a new onc in the Glenview area??? What happened?
MammaQ - yep, def. check out the DCIS forum. Sounds tho like your new gyne wants all her t's crossed before she schedules any surgery and that is good. She's right about doing the hyster. if you will be taking tam. But I also think Laura is right about DCIS'ers NOT taking tam - but maybe things have changed lately.
Rita....good bargains! No way could I drag DH to one of those sales!
Jackie....sounds like you got quite the workout! Did you put the furniture out?
Susan.....what a nice way to spend a Saturday! I put a hold on that book at my library. Thanks!
Karin...I loved the bigger type! Sure makes a difference.
Laura...glad you are off to a new PCP. A gas bubble in your shoulder? Now...that is a new one for me!
Rene23...enjoy these days! Your kids will be gone soon...but then...you get to be a Grandma! But yeah....job first, then marriage! Have fun at your workshop this week.
Off for my 2nd cup...and then some vacay planning. I was winning the "no Hawaii this year" arguement based on the economy until my Hawaii mag. came yesterday - DH is back, pushing for the islands. I really don't care as long as there is a beach to walk on. Have a great Sunday everyone!
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I was going to say good morning and it is because we are here but it's raining....which it did most of the night here. Woke up around midnight and came in here to the computer, but I did not post. Susan.....I had meant to read that book a long time ago and never got around to it. One of these days I think I'm going to have to go get my old library card out and start using it again....to catch on what I SHOULD of read long time ago. I remember one of my Dr's, a pcp, telling me about it in the 70's ???? Wow!!!! Look how far behind on my reading list I am.
We did have a really great time with Molly McB yesterday. I need to get working with this little one --- not super, but she needs to be a little sedate when she is on lead. Don't want to scare off adoptive parents for her being hard to handle. Was such a challenge getting down the deck stairs with her. The tread on my stairs is quite large ( thank goodness ) but it was still a dicey maneuver. Hope tomorrow when Dh is home again....we might just get that furniture out. I try not to rush to much....out here in the woods the pollen can be quite thick and I find myself having to clean the table three or more times a day if you really want to sit there. Seeing the green layer of build up ---- no wonder those with allergies have it flare so much this time of year.
Hawaii sounds fantastic to me, but then hey.....I'm the one who did not go on vacation for hmmm, I think that was 33 years.....til' last October when I went for two weeks to my daughter Kate's house. Don't know for sure what may be in the works this year....but maybe I'll go again. Have to see how it goes with things around here.
Well, I'm going to get started for the day I think and see what I can find to do. Hope you all stay dry and do something fun.
Hugs,
Jackie
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"People travel to wonder at the height of the mountains,
at the huge waves of the seas, at the long course of the rivers,
at the vast compass of the ocean, at the circular motion of the stars,
and yet they pass by themselves without wondering."St. Augustine,
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Hi Girls!
Sorry I haven't been reading or posting lately. Not sure why I haven't really been on-line lately. Maybe I just didn't know what to say. I had nipple reconstruction last month. It took a while to make the decision. I have to say, I am very happy with the results. I read somewhere on here that it was like icing on the cake. Very true. I go for my first tatoo next month. Never thought I would ever write that or get one! I guess all in the course of putting my body back together again.
I've been struggling with fatigue over the last couple of weeks. I hope it is not a new symptom. Probably a case of too much to soon. I played 9 holes of golf on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. I ended up sleeping for about 5 hours yesterday when I got home. Today I am working on some deep cleaning. I hate bathrooms!
Hope you all are hanging in there.
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Hi girls - As Sunday night winds down...wanted to wish you all a great week...
Hope you all took advantage of yesterday's weather. It was great to be outside without a winter jacket on.
My cousin Kristen has a team walking the 3-Day 60 mile again this year. They had a fund-raiser at a bar in Crystal Lake this afternoon (Fire Bar and Grill?)...dh and I went and donated money for their team. It was great to see her... she is a remarkable young woman. I hope they reached their fund-raising goal.
Ginny - Hope all went well today...hang in there.
WendyTY - I'm glad you're happy with your girls. Maybe with the warmer weather upon us, you won't be so fatigued.
CarolB - How are you? Do you start work tomorrow? Thinking 'bout ya!
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A quick hello to everyone on this cold, rainy Sunday night. What a nice couple of days we had though. Spring, come back!!!
Not much up here - hoping to hear back from Alexian tomorrow. Hung out with some GF's yesterday, ate way too much junk food & feeling like a bloated walrus today
Laura - awaiting to hear the doctors report.
WendyTY - so good to see you & glad you are happy with the recon. And hope the fatigue is just a passing thing.
WendyK - ahhh planning a wonderful vacation. How fun!
Hi to everyone else, this is short & sweet. Hope you all had a nice weekend, and hope you have an even better ahead. Best to everyone.. Juliet
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Monring! I just saw the weather.....snow and the 80's, all in one week. What is up with this?
Ginny....well, you are on your way! If you would like to have me try and get you in touch with Nicki (she's a few weeks ahead of you on xeloda), let me know! Fingers crossed for no se's!
Juliet...hope you hear good news today!
Laura...hope you like your new doc AND that you get an answer re: your back pain.
Jackie....how about your granddaughter coming to see you this summer? Would that work? Just a thought.....
WendyTY...I think the golf did you in! And I too am happy that you are happy with the girl! The tattoo you will be getting...that's the areola, correct? I assume you are doing something normal, not a smiley face or anything!!!! But then, I don't know about you! You just might surprise us all! Or maybe something in purple......
Donna/Buddy - hope you are feeling good and had a nice weekend! Don't forget about the Luigi's ices.
Jan....saw you were beating the pants off your son on that game on Facebook! Good for you...and good for them to know that their Mom can still beat them at things, even if it is a game online! Did you try PopPies 2?
Carol....are you back to work today? How is the arm? It should be good by now I would think.
Elfsong...I hope sleep found you this weekend! Have you decided to move for sure?
Blackjack....I don't know about you but that beach chair is looking good as I watch the snow forecast. I spoke with DH's family in Fl and it was 80 with sunny skies and low humidity. And they were sitting around the house, inside, watching TV. Florida is wasted on Floridians! I would have packed up a picnic and gone to the beach! Grrrrrrrrrrrrr....my SIL hasn't been to the beach since we were there last July and they have so many nice restautants there!
Hope everyone I missed is doing well and enjoying life....and plan something nice for this weekend. Saturday looks fantastic, but I have a communion to go to so I will be in church for a large part of the day. Hopefully the party afterwards will be out of doors! Gotta scoot......stay warm!
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Wendy...lolol.. Have a Luigi;s ice everynight!! Have lemon!! Love them.
Wendy PT...tiredness and fatigue question.. are you in treatment or post? i am new and just wondering, as i always like to know how it is for others before ,during and after treatment especially,. Keep taking care of you!
Today i go to the Feel GOOD Seminar. Feeling tired here and there and overdid it this weekend and attribute some of the triedness to that.
Buddy... where are you and know i miss seeing you.
Hope all is well this rainy Mondy and have a good week ahead.
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Good morning ladies!
Donna, I think you'll really enjoy the Look Good, Feel Better seminar. I'm anxious to hear your reaction to it! The make-up sack is a wonderful plus and I found the beauty tips to be marvelous!
We spent the afternoon with Dave's mom in the nursing home yesterday. She was pretty confused and not having one of her better days. I found it extremely depressing, perhaps because the weather was so rotten, too.
Ginny, I hope things are going O.K. for you after your first dose of this new chemo. I'll check in later today or tomorrow if I haven't heard from you. In the meantime, be sure you have the 7th on your calendar for our night out.
I know there are several gals in the immediate Bloomington/Normal area and surrounding areas who lurk on this site but do not post. Wendy the Younger and I are trying to get together bc survivors at all stages in the journey (from diagnosis to many years out) to meet for a get-together dinner on May 7th. That's a Thursday night and anybody is welcome. We've got a small group that gets together every so often for a social time but would like to expand it. If you're interested in joining us, PM me and I'll give you more details. Come out and join us. It's very informal and should be a good time for all. We'd love to meet you!
Juliet...good luck on the job. I hope you get it!!!! :-)
Laura...is your appointment today? If so, good luck and let us know what they tell you.
Well, I have a pretty uneventful day planned, which is nice for a change so I'm going to try to write some questions and make some money. I'll be back later to check on you gals that have important things going on today.
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Hey there
did you see that pretty southern Illinois sun. It may not stay all day but it i definitely the way I like to start out. If there is a day and a half or more of gray I just go down the tubes fast. Last night it was pouring again....enough for now. Juliet...got my fingers crossed you get a GOOD job call today. That would be fantastic as all get out.
WendyTY glad you stopped in...we missed you. If it helps, many times I don't know what to say either....think that is why I'm so glad I get to do our 'quote' for the day. Now and then that is all that gets on here too from me.
I had thought about Alissa coming here...and one of these days that will probably happen but if I go to California again I will get to see my grandsons ( Alissa's half brothers ) Jacob and Andrew, and my son-in-law and all of his family. Met them for the first time this past vacation and what fantastic people. My daughter Kate, once she settled down ( typical to an extent young person ) and quit only going with the so-called lookers did well. I think Robert is a good looking man as well but he had his feet on the ground properly long before their first date.
Ginny...lots of visions of your having an un-eventful time this week with your Xeloda.
Donna....I ended up loving the Feel Good Seminar and am so glad that I went. I slowed down on make-up to a degree but I still wouldn't be wearing any if I had not done the seminar. Just got lazy because I see lousy w/o my glasses....now I don't mind if the make-up is not perfect.
Rita...that is so nice that you go with Dave and visit his Mom. It's sad when confusion/dementia/Alsheimer's gets a foothold in someone. I think people with that for a diagnosis really do respond in kind to what we see as negative weather. They really are the same as we are, but their senses are now responding w/o the verbalization we give it which helps us cope a little better.
I've nothing much planned for today....often if I plan something I struggle to get it done, and sometimes if I just amble around and do things I accomplish more. Don't know why I resist the planned things....probably because as long as dh is home ( he doesn't go to work until afternoon ) he gets in the way somehow and then I don't accomplish what I wanted too and I'm frustrated to boot.
I'll be checking in from time to time though....so see ya then.
Hugs,
Jackie
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And Joy is Everywhere;
It is in the Earth's green covering of grass;
In the blue serenity of the Sky;
In the reckless exuberance of Spring;
In the severe abstinence of gray Winter;
In the Living flesh that animates our bodily frame;
In the perfect poise of the Human figure, noble and upright;
In Living;
In the exercise of all our powers;
In the acquisition of Knowledge;
in fighting evils...
Joy is there Everywhere.
Rabindranath Tagore0 -
And Joy is Everywhere;
It is in the Earth's green covering of grass;
In the blue serenity of the Sky;
In the reckless exuberance of Spring;
In the severe abstinence of gray Winter;
In the Living flesh that animates our bodily frame;
In the perfect poise of the Human figure, noble and upright;
In Living;
In the exercise of all our powers;
In the acquisition of Knowledge;
in fighting evils...
Joy is there Everywhere.
Rabindranath Tagore0 -
Ok sorry everyone.....I tried taking the marks out and it did not work this time...Had it down pat for awhile but didn't keep it up. I dislike this and imagine everyone else does too. I will work on this again.
Thanks,
Hugs.
Jackie
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PJuliet - Fingers are crossed!
Jackie - It would be nice if you could see your G-daughter and g-sons. Any chance you could go this summer? I hear flights are fairly inexpensive.
Donna - Have a gorgeous day! lol
Wendrew - This is for you, Peeps doing chemo :
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question- headaches?
Ok- so to preface this-- I'm not convinced it's a brain tumor. (yet....). Just wondering- has anyone here ever had strange headaches- more like a stabbing pain in the back of the head. Several sore spots on my scalp? This has been going on all day. Tried ibuprofen- made no difference. Thinking this could be nerve related? Possibly related to ongoing tension and neck issues which I know I do have? The stabbing pains come every 5 minutes or so-- brief- a few seconds- but hurt! It's the mental equivalent of having a smoke alarm battery go out-- just the tension of waiting for the "Beep" driving me nuts. I hate my head these days. I hate being a hypochondriac. I hate cancer for leaving me this way-- I was sane once. Really, I was.
Having a hard time today for other reasons. A good friend of mine has stage IV bc...we learned Friday that it has spread to her brain. They have rushed her into WBR starting today and ..I have had a hard time absorbing and accepting it. I hesitate to write much about it here-- because obviously, she is living all of our nightmares---and we are all trying so hard to get to a place where we can coexist with our nightmares... I'm just in a terrible place, hurting and feeling for her.
Selfish post today-- but I think of you all all the time.
-julieb
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JulieB - OM that's awful... your friend and the headaches! Your post is not at all selfish - that's what we're here for. I'm one of the lucky ones... never get headaches - probably have had 2-3 in my whole life. But could you try Aleve or do you have any muscle relaxers or Xanax? How about trying some neck stretching exercises? I'll try to find some on line and e-mail them to you. I don't know what else... just wanted to suggest something! Hang in there...
HI GIRLS - I liked my new PCP... she seems nice, not intimidating, good bedside manner, and she didn't rush me AT ALL. I always love that. We both agreed that since the pain has gone away - we will wait and see if it happens again. If so, CT scan and other tests will be done (she didn't say specifically which other ones). We talked about a lot of possibilities as to what it could be, but nothing very concrete. She said situations like this go two ways... it happens again and we get aggressive or it never happens again and we won't have to do anything. I AM HOPING FOR THE LATTER! I'm comfortable with this. She wrote me a script for a muscle relaxer - and said if it comes back moderately, take one and see if it helps. But she also said if it happens again, and if it's as bad as it was Thurs night, I should go to the ER. I feel great that the pain is gone and I won't worry about it. I guess my biggest concern was a Pulmonary Embolism.
It has been raining all day here! Can't wait for Thursday/Friday - it's supposed to be nice and sunny! Yay!
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Julie B.. SO SORRY!! No there is no words to respond to that as it is everyone;s worst nightmare and we are all strugglin to get thru what we have been diagnosed with. Be a friend for her and know that she will need your love and friendship. There is no pity when you talk on this.. keep it coming out so you can cope. This is the toughest time to endure with anyone.I went thru this with a neighbor years back. Your headaches can easily be attributed to this stressful time. Sending you hugs.
Donna
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Hey Girls.....Everything is going good so far with the Xeloda. The only side effect I have is nausea.
Wendy....That would be great if you send me Chemosabi's blog link. Thanks...
Ginny
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JulieB, I would love to give you some suggestions but I am the girl who is currently wondering if the cancer is in my hip as it it hurts and has for two weeks. I am moving from the 2-week 'go to the doc' rule to the 3-week because I know I have been acting like a hypochondriac. I have a wonderful primary who says it is "normal" and "acceptable" to be a hypochondriac, given my experience, but I still hate showing up for each and every symptom. He has an "open-door" policy, however, and so that helps. He acts like he really likes me, and that helps me feel less foolish. I often wonder, when the symptom obsession will end.
It so sounds like you are under tension and those head pains are talking to you about your fears. Good heavens, your news about your friend is awful. Who wouldn't be tense.
The other day I was driving (I think a lot when I drive) that I could have cancer that has spread to my hip and that is scary. I could also get in a traffic accident in two minutes and die....and that would be FAR WORSE. I know it is all desperate, but that actually gave me some comfort. I am alive and I do have time...hopefully a lot of time. Hang in their dear lady. I will be be the first to admit that I was on an antidepressant for awhile. I recall feeling calm one day and it was a novel feeling. I never realized how stressed I was. I did stop the pills (perhaps foolishly) as I wanted to try to go without them only because I am taking so many pills. I also was on traxodore for nightmares. I am off that too. I can pm you what I was taking if you would like to discuss it with your doctor. There were very few se's. I just got sick of taking pills and so I went off them. Forget the name already, but can get it. And they did help. Calm feels soooooo good.
Love to you!
Susan
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JulieB, I would love to give you some suggestions but I am the girl who is currently wondering if the cancer is in my hip as it it hurts and has for two weeks. I am moving from the 2-week 'go to the doc' rule to the 3-week because I know I have been acting like a hypochondriac. I have a wonderful primary who says it is "normal" and "acceptable" to be a hypochondriac, given my experience, but I still hate showing up for each and every symptom. He has an "open-door" policy, however, and so that helps. He acts like he really likes me, and that helps me feel less foolish. I often wonder, when the symptom obsession will end.
It so sounds like you are under tension and those head pains are talking to you about your fears. Good heavens, your news about your friend is awful. Who wouldn't be tense.
The other day I was driving (I think a lot when I drive) that I could have cancer that has spread to my hip and that is scary. I could also get in a traffic accident in two minutes and die....and that would be FAR WORSE. I know it is all desperate, but that actually gave me some comfort. I am alive and I do have time...hopefully a lot of time. Hang in their dear lady. I will be be the first to admit that I was on an antidepressant for awhile. I recall feeling calm one day and it was a novel feeling. I never realized how stressed I was. I did stop the pills (perhaps foolishly) as I wanted to try to go without them only because I am taking so many pills. I also was on traxodore for nightmares. I am off that too. I can pm you what I was taking if you would like to discuss it with your doctor. There were very few se's. I just got sick of taking pills and so I went off them. And they did help. Calm feels soooooo good.
Love to you!
Susan
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Oh Julie B..HUGS! It's no wonder that you have a headache, hon. You're a busy Mom who is stressed to the hilt with your friend's diagnosis and your regular busy routine. I am so sorry for your friend. I also get angry because cancer has made turned many of us into hypocondriacs. Why would we not become one? I think most of us can relate to this as we've all had times when we've imagined the worst and worried and worried. Hang in there! I'm betting that your headaches are stress-related.
Donna...doing better today?
Laura, I'm glad you like you new PCP and so glad you went even though the pain has subsided. At least now you have a plan and a doctor who listens and is ready to help if needed.
We actually had some hail today about 12:15, followed by very heavy rain. Wendy and I ended up walking in the Mall instead of outside. The only good thing about it was that the Mall was relatively quiet and we didn't have to buck the shoppers.
I'm looking forward to the warm weather that they are predicting for the end of the week. Nothing like the sunshine to boost the spirits and the morale!
Have a good night and try to stay dry.
Rita
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Oh honey.....I have not had any headaches. Call your onc and get an opinion. It could be so many things, including stress over your friend. I am so sorry that she is going thru this. And yes, it is the elephant in the room, the nightmare we live with every day.
And I know you are sane, we all are sane - somewhere inside we are still sane.
My fort is open.....
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Ginny - That's great...thanks for letting us know.
Susan - Refresh my memory please...have you ever had a Dexa Scan, MRI or x-ray of your hip? Have you ever been told it's Arthur-itis? I have hip pain - right side - every now and then, and the area lit up on my bone scan as uptake/Arthur-itis. One suggestion - do a 10 day Aleve test. 2 a day - morning and evening. If it's inflammation from Arthur...the pain will most likely go away. This is what I recently did for the inflammation I had in my Sternum - and it worked! It may act up again, but at least I know I don't have to depend on another prescription drug.
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Ginny, I'm so glad that you're doing pretty well! Hang in there. Remember that lemon drops help to relieve that nauseous feeling. Thinking of you and praying for you..............
Call if you need to talk or need ANYTHING~~~
Rita
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