Illinois ladies facing bc
Comments
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Here's part of my miss-spent life ---- I'm still on here to answer your question Re: tick removal. There are many theories....a few of which I have tried. The quickest and easiest is to have someone else....easier because they can often see it better and get a better angle...just pull it out. You hopefully will get the whole tick and not leave the head in ---- though if you remove the body you are ok. People say smother them with petroleum jelly ( maybe I didn't have enough patience -- but then I thought...do they breathe through their body somewhere ) or one I just heard....take liquid soap...put on cotton ball, rub the tick for about 20 seconds...pull cotton ball away and the tick will be stuck on the cotton ball and soap ( nobody explained to the tick embedded on me that he was supposed to do that ) and I tried some lotion....thought maybe the chemicals in it would cause him to dis-lodge --- nope.
Well, by now after all I've done I'm sure he's holding on for dear life and they are tenacious long before you disturb them with anything. At any rate....if you should ever get one, tell the person performing the removal operation to grab hold of the tick...it's quite small, as close to the head ( it's the embedded part, of course ) as possible and pull with a consistent steady pressure. The tick will come out....in total this way....then I wash the area with peroxide....but basically the poison is already injected once the tick bites you and starts withdrawing blood.
You know....this would make a wonderful horror movie. I hate ticks, oh how I hate ticks.
Hugs,
Jackie
p.s. deer ticks are even smaller than the dog ticks we get here though we have deer too, but they don't spend too much time directly on our property thank goodness. The deer ticks carry more diseases as well so do be careful. They can be quite minute ---- but grow just like any other tick. You are probably fine but if you get around your woods this time of year do stay watchful.
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Hi gals!
It's hard to believe but Wendy TY and I played golf yesterday at a bc outing in that wind and breezy temps. It was for a good cause and we each purchased bown teeshirts with pink letters that said: Fight like a girl. The shirts were cute and the proceeds went to the American Cancer Society. The pork chop sandwiches, bean, chips, and potato salad made the windy conditions a little more tolerable.
Jackie...I love Tuscola! For some reason, many of the outlet stores closed a couple of years ago but now they'll filling up nicely again. There is also an Amish buffet right behind the outlet mall. It's only about an hour from me so Mary Jane and I have gone there several times for our monthly shopping sprees! You will have fun.
Also, I loved your train tunnel quote from yesterday. Maybe that's one we all should remember!
Well, it's a nice day today so I'm going to sit out on the deck with a good book for about an hour. Dave has gone to Springfield to visit his Mom and we have some landscaping we want to tackle when he gets home later.
Blackjack...we are heading out the end of the week for our favorite place! I can't wait. I have alot to do this week to get ready but I am so ready to get away.
Catch you all later.
Rita
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MAMAQ - your kids are close to the same as mine - 11 and 8. A 2 year old will be hard. They take a lot of energy. Yes - take advantage of anyone that offers help. I found that as time went on, I got less offers for help as everyone kind of goes back to their life. One thing that always bugged me was when people said - let me know what I can do to help. I am not one to ask for help, so I wished they would just have done something. Some people did do that - just brought over dinner or called and said they were taking my kids for the day, but most would say - just call me if you need anything. You asked about sun - I was careful with sunscreen and didn't have any issues - never got burnt. It was a tough summer but I made it through.
FL - Yes we are going to Orlando. My DH is receiving a Scouting award on Thursday at the BSA annual meeting. We are going with 2 other couples and we will be hitting Disney on Wed and Fri. We are returning on Saturday. No kids coming so that will be fun.
Wendy - I remember your neighbors were vampires so they were probably building coffins.....
Blackjack - party girl. Sounds like a fun time and I'm sure you made their apt look awesome. You have that party planning touch. I hope they had fun.
Isn't this a great day out??
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Rita - I really enjoyed that quote as well. A long time ago I read " The Hiding Place " which was basically Corrie Ten Booms' autobiography and to this day I am still so impressed with her. If you have never read that book----I hope you will. It touched me very deeply. I'd have to re-read it now --- it was so long ago, but I see her name and that is all it takes pretty much to make me feel ** this is right ** no matter what it is.
Hugs,
Jackie
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HI Girls...the party planner is back and boy am exhusted!! Three days of fun is good but now I need a vacation. lol Graduation for my niece was exciting for her to walk, happy that school is done, no more final exams and crying that they will miss all their freinds as they go out into the real world.
As I sat there watching I was thinking about my own graduation from bc, crying in the beginning of being diagnosed, scared for all the treatments to come, happy when they were all done and celebrated life by NED scans and living life to the fullest. So for all you girls in treatment now you too will be graduating soon and celebrating life. We will all be here for all of you, to cheer you on that you are finally done. So hang in there for all of you starting out, in the middle and for those who are all most done. You can do it!!!!
As for me I am most grateful for all of you here who have become so near and dear to me. You all are amazing women.. full of courage, strength, support and most of all wonderful. Each of you has a special gift to share with all of us here wither it be quotes, advise, jokes, funny stories, support,or just plain laughter. We are a circle of friendship. I hope you all are having a wonderful weekend..enjoy the wonderful sunshine...celebrate life by hugging the one's you love and remember to be healthy..be happy.
I am off to unpack my dd's car as she is home now for the summer. Yeah !!! Reminder the lunch bunch is meeting Weds night. Hope you all can come for some fun, laughter and great food.
Have a great evening,
Blackjack
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Everyone- Thanks for all the positive thoughts about chemo. It was actually kind of funny because the onco dr. actually told me that chemo "sucks" (his word not mine) I love when people are upfront with me. My favorite people "Say what they mean and mean what they say" so I appreciated it from a dr. But he also said, "You'll get through this and then will be able to close the book on this chapter of your life." I will just be tough and do what I have to do.
Zap and Conniehar- The kids are great. The 12 is almost 13 and is really good at taking care of his baby sister. Also, my 11 year old is mature, beyond belief, and extremely loving and gentle. So that makes it easy, because she will still help me out too. We live up towards Great America, and are lucky to come from a pretty tight school/church community. But I too feel funny asking for help, so I only do it, when absolutely have to. And I have the greatest mother in law that lives a block away, who does more than you can imagine. So, we'll find a way to make it happen. Us women, always do.
Well, tired from being at a soccer tournament all weekend, so I'm going to veg and watch "survivor."
Again, thanks for all the advice and pointers, and words of wisdom.
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Jo, count me in as someone who can help if you need it. Now that I know where you live, I can get there in less than 30 minutes. I live in Northbrook. My DD has a two-year old (and a 3 mos old) and we can help if you need it. I feel so happy I live close enough to do that.
You are going to get through this with flying colors!
Susan
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That is so nice of you. I'll let you know if I need anything. My aunt (who is my age) lives in the school district that you were teaching in.
I don't know about flying colors but I will get through this. (Do I sound positive, I'm trying to convince myself) LOL
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Juliet was right. Miss a day, miss a lot. Miss several pages of post. Ugh...hard to catch up.
First off, Juliet congratulations on getting a job! I am so excited for you. Sorry this is late. What did you do to celebrate?
Buddy - I know you don't want to fight yet another war. I was in the same situation a last year. If I had been smart, I would have gone straight to a lawyer. Don't let the school push you around. They cannot do that to you. If you want more information, let me know and I will send you a PM.
Ginny - Do you have the optional disability with SF? If you want to talk about it give me a call or send me a PM. I have lots of experience with disability and SF.
Wendy - The anger has passed. Must have been the news on Herceptin treatments until December. I need to call the onco's office to see when my next tx is. Not sure if it is this Friday or next. I want to ask them about the whole 52 wk thing.
Jackie - Response to your post from forever ago. My heart was broken that you forgot me. Just kidding. I have thick skin. Appreciate all your notes.
Still searching for a balance to my life. Seems I can't get it figured out quite yet. I had a blast yesterday with Rita playing golf in Rushville. It was a nice fund-raiser for the relay for life. I'm hoping for some positive news on the job front this week. Today my family celebrated some birthdays. My sister got one of those inflatable fun houses. Us girls got in it. Something I would recommend. Let loose and have fun. We almost tipped the thing over. Lots of laughs.
Hugs to all.
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Brrrrrr....again. 34 on the deck! I actually got up around 3:30am and grabbed the down comforter out of the closet. Too cold!Jackie...ugh. Ticks. I don't worry about them as I don't come in contact with areas where ticks live....well, a lot of them anyway. Hopefully you will heal up just fine.
Connie....have a great time in Fl! Wow....you are a mean mommy! Going to see Mickey and NOT bringing your chldren! LOL
Blackjack....sounds like you had quite the weekend! Why I am thnking that you spent most of last night doing laundry????? HOw are you, BTW?
Rita/WendyTY - sounds like yesterday was a very fun day! WendyTY - glad you are feeling better. PLEASE let us know about the Herceptin! I don't know anyone who had to do more than one year. I actually don't think your ins. would pay for it anyway!
Jo.....up near Great America? DH was a principal up in Lake Villa for 3 years. He made the drive from Foster and Austin in Chicago out there.....I never saw him!
Donna....don't worry about the mirror. It can be fixed. And what a sweetie your DH was not to say anything!
Laura.....we took a drive yesterday and ended up at Dockers. It was great...for about 10 minutes and then this BREEZE started up and turned into a WIND! Boy, did we eat fast! Have you ever gone to Reflections? We drove by there and it looks very nice! It's on some lake and no, no idea which one! There are so many right there.....
Neighbors were quiet yesterday....still these wooden things all over the yard next door. Wonder if they ARE coffins!
Time to get going .....back to the gym for me, then off to Jewel, then house-cleaning, then ironing with maybe some laudry thrown in. Aren't you all jealous!!!!!!
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Wendy.. this neighbor sounds like our new neighbor who hasd a lawn service.. a guy mows this lawn on a tractor like 90 mph and then leaves one strip of long grass right at our property line.. drives my DH crazy as he is such a yard mowing perfectionsist!!!Then this guy pulls out some motoring device sounds like the Texas Massacre power machine. and sounds like he is cutting trees down!For some reason, we hear it all and we are laughing or at least I am!!!Coffins,.huh.. better be careful.
Jo..Hope all is ok and daily you are getting the support and help you need. I am inmidst of treatment and am still strugglin with feelings BUT overall, it is good and i am still having a life.The feelings before it all began, are still in the back of my mind and remmeber the anxiety of it all.Coming here helped and knew i was never alone.Take it one day at a time and one step at a time.. that is what helps. I don;t have children but i just think that delgating and getting help when many want to .. is a gift and one to accept when it is needed. Kids are resliient. and if you are able to explain it all and be honest on a good level for them, it will be less distress for them i would imagine.
Buddy...Are you healing well?! Hope your bowels are ok and that your system is getting stronger as you need that restoration.Don;t worry about the tx's as you will tolerate it better once your body is stronger!!
Rita and WendyTY...WOW., golf.. you have had a blast. To be able to, is a blessing!!! Good luck Wendy,on job situation!!!
To all. have a good Monday.WED is my treatment #3 and will get my walks in and a yoga class before i am down for my rest period. Enjoy the day!!
Love and Hugs,
Donna
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Donna, WendyTY and I have been doing a yoga class for breast cancer survivors. It's called Gentle Pink Yoga and is a beginner class but I really like it. I have really discovered how inflexible I really am. We only go once a week and I really wish we went twice. There is a Saturday morning class but I don't want to give up my Saturday with Dave for yoga! Anyway,if you're doing the real thing, I applaud you! Good luck on Wednesday!
Well, I'm back to my "can't sleep at night" syndrome. I thought I'd gotten over that. I think it's because I'm worried about getting everything ready for our trip on Friday and my poor mind is going seventeen different directions when it should be unwinding. I'm hoping that I'm not reverting back to my early Arimidex days when sleep aluded me!
Connie, have fun in Florida. Was your hubby an Eagle Scout? My son made it all the way through the program. That's quite a challenge. I imagine that he will get back into it as a leader when his boys get to that age. It certainly builds character! Maybe it will be nice to have a few days in the sun without the kids, eh?
Jackie, I sent you an email about tick removal. It does work! We have lots of ticks in our area, too. I think this wet weather creates a good environment for them.
Michele101...where are you? I always miss you when you haven't posted in awhile. Come back and give us a heads up on your busy life! Love ya!
Ginny, I'll be checking in on you before we leave. Hang in there. It sounds like you have made some good (but hard) choices for you! Hugs!
Just want all of you to know that Laura is having a hard time right now and needs some hugs and words of wisdom. One of her close friends on another thread has been diagnosed with mets and Laura's pretty devastated, as we all would be. She will post when she gets a grip on it and wants you all to know that she hasn't forgotten any of us. Hugs, Laura! This is so tough!
Well, I need to get moving. I am having lunch with Andrea and her mother. I met Andrea through Reach to Recovery and ironically she will soon be starting the same type of chemo that I did. Her mother is from England and I'm going to get to meet her before she goes back home.
This is suppose to be dry week in our area and I have lots to do so I'd better get off here and moving!
Buddy, Donna, and anybody in treatments of any kind.........I hope this is a good week for you!
Rita
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Good morning everyone
from sunny southern Illinois. I'm so loving this....though our temps are not nearly as warm as I would like....need light jacket out of doors.Rita - I sure hope your lack of sleep is just from over-stimulation. Maybe some good anticipation too as our weather ( at least up to now ) has been in the realm of **something I'd like to get away from soon** so hopefully that is all that is going on. Thinking about yoga classes -- I did some years ago. Wondering if any YMCA's or YWCA's or here we have a Rec Center might "give" the classes. I'd be interested.....may check into that.
WendyTY - Glad you are very forgiving. It is so hard for me to remember sometimes and though I tried writing little notes to myself.....I ended up feeling so un-spontaneous that it didn't feel quite right to me. SIGH !!!!
Donna & Buddy - You both have done so well....Buddy with so many **surprises** so far in your chemo path....and Donna I know you have had lots of anger and depression to undergo. But you fight on. I am just here to say if you feel a need to rant and rave and give in to some feelings of weakness......I hope you will. I well recall still my deep frustration at constantly hearing how much of a fighter I was and how very strong --- that may well be true for all of us, but now and then you have to give in and recognize your weakness, accept that it really is there ** like Samson with his hair cut ** that you for once have lost your strength and need time to get through that emotional time.....and then find your strength again.
Laura - I am thinking about you and hope that your burden will lighten up for you soon.
Hope you all have a wonderful day... full of sun and not too chilly I hope. I'll be back to check on all of you later.
Hugs,
Jackie
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The invariable mark of wisdom is to see the miraculous in the common.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson0 -
truth is tough. It will not break, like a bubble, at a touch; nay, you may kick it about all day like a football, and it will be round and full at evening.
-- Oliver Wendell Holmes0 -
Wendy- That was one heck of drive to Lake Villa. Hope he's closer to home now. My DH drives to the city everyday, for his work. I wish he didn't have to but we feel lucky he is working. Maybe they could have switched jobs. LOL
Laura- My thoughts and prayers are with you and your friend. You have been a great comfort to me, and if I can do anything to help. Please, let me know.
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Also, can anyone tell me good shops or websites for wigs/hats/scarves? Not sure which is best.
Thanks-
Jo
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Hi girls -
I was cold too this morning! I love the sunshine, but I don't really like when it is freezing in the morning. Figures it is supposed to get to 80 this week when I am heading to FL.
Rita - yes my hubby is an eagle scout. Funny, but when our son first got into Cub Scouts, he didn't want to volunteer, but now it is like his full-time job. He LOVES it. He is getting some Wood Service Award that they only give out to one individual a year in the country, so he is pretty excited. Should be fun.
Have a great day everyone!
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Good morning everyone - well, pretty soon it will be noon!!
Lots of posts over the weekend! I'm pretty up-to-date now... hi to everyone!
I plan to treat this week as a vacation before I start work; since I'll be sitting at a PC all day, every day, typing away... I'm going to spend very little time at the PC this week! DH & I went to Lou Malnati's to celebrate. I had told him a few months ago that as soon as I get a job, we are going there & having a feast! It was yummy & fun.
Just 2 days until Lunch Bunch, and it's supposed to be in the 80's
Ohhhh yeah!!!Take care everyone - Juliet
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Rita, can you send me the tick removal information. My cat goes out now and I am worried she will bring in the tick.
Laura, with you in thoughts. You are such a good friend!
Rita, I couldn't sleep last night. I think it is just the change of season.
I took a yoga class for people who were new to it. I loved it and I plan to do it again this summer!
Take care all,
Susan
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HELLO FRIENDS. I HOPE YOU ARE ALL WELL. IT WAS A BEAUTIFUL DAY.
I GO BACK TO ONCOLOGIST TOMORROW TO GET MY NEW CHEMO SCHEDULE. I HOPE HE DOSENT PUT ME OFF ANY MORE. I WONT BE SURPRISED IF ITS 2 MORE WEEKS. I AM PREPARED TO BEG HIM TO START IMMEDIATELY. THIS WAITING IS TEARING ME APART.
I DID GET MY 2 PLANTERS DONE, WITH THE HELP OF MY DAUGHTER. WE PUT OUT THE FINCH AND HUMMINGBIRD FEED. I LOVE TO WATCH THEM. THEY ARE BUSY LITTLE FEEDERS.
I MAY NOT CHIME IN OFTEN, BUT I DO POP IN REGULAR AND TRY TO KEEP UP ON THE POSTS
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HUGS being sent for Laura!!!! I went thru the same thing, few years back and know how tough it is! Just cannot do it all and need to focus only on what is impt and right now, it is friendship and being there. Here and understand!!!!So sick of this disease and what it is doin do too many.
Rita.. i try to do Yoga class twice a week and has done alot for me. Have some pilates in this class and the instuctor has become a personal friend. She did relexology on me right after surgery and has done alot for me in healing stones etc and applied it for me to heal and release the toxins etc. YOU sound like the energizer bunny.. you and some others here... who is the one who runs to excercise class in am..Wendy>?... All I know is. there is goin to be life after this deeper and better!!!!!
Susan.. did not sleep well last night either. and refused to take a sleeping pill.. hate what it does to me the day after.
Jackie.. LOVE the Sampson story as a reminder of this fight and the hair loss.You are always right on with the right words as the right time and with tons of wisdom.
JO... I purchased all of my wigs and scarves from TLC..part of Amercian Cancer Society. You can also get a free wig, from your local Amercian Cancer Society Office. There is also a Feel GOOD seminar for all cancer patients and you would recieve a free make up session and a good amount of FREE makeup from very good name cosmetic companies... like MAC, Elizabeth ARDEN etc. Call your local office for a schedule or just go in! To order wigs and misc.. go to www.tlcdirect.org.
Budders... (lol.. where that came from..lol?!) Are you listening to me, you have to heal well and will trust the DR will tell you the same. Now of course, i would be just like you in this, for you want this over with and have our lives back!!!! Have some peach fuzz coming back and know, that won;t last if i have two treatments yet!! Here for you always. BTW.. i love my bird feeders and need to do the humming bird one also.. so fun to watch.
Be well and HUGS...
Donna
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Just a note to wish everyone a good week with lots of sunshine and good days.....
Wishing you peace and strength Laura....I have a friend, who was changed from Stage II to Stage IV just as I had my surgery.....it breaks my heart everyday......I have a cousin who I love dearly who went for an MRI and bonescan in search of mets 2 weeks ago and they found nothing....it lifts my heart everyday.....all we can do is ~ride the wave~ and be all that we can be for ourselves and for everyone we love
Buddy my best thoughts go out to you everyday as you work your way to the light at the end of this tunnel.
Donna, I am just now learning about your laundry gift.....I had no idea but could always partake of your gift giving
I know you are getting anxious to finish your treatment and it will come soon....stay strong and keep that wonderful sense of humor it will pull you through all kinds of things. Rita, Wendy, Michelle, Jackie and all the others whose names I think but didnt type I love reading your posts and keeping up with you even though for the most part I am silent these days....I am just now getting strength back from whatever illness we got in Central America and I am back doing long hours at work , a lot of time with patients just like us who are just starting on their journey .
Thanks to each of you for always making me smile and for making me proud to *know* each and everyone of you.....love to all
jan
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Hi girls... just a quick "drive by"... thanks for all the prayers and encouragement. I'm still quite shocked and saddened that my friend has to face "all this" again... at the ripe ol' age of 33. It sickens me, but it helps to know she has tons of support and many people cheering her on. Unfortunately, I can say it again... IT'S ALWAYS "SOMETHING". But then again I do understand... that's what life is all about. Sometimes good "somethings" sometimes not so good "somethings".
I hope you're all doing okay. I'll check back tomorrow, but just wanted to pop in and say HI.
Oh and btw - the Hummingbirds came to my feeder yesterday. They are so amazing.
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Hi everyone...just popping in to say hi before I shut down my computer for the night. Long day today. Took one of my dogs over to play with my friend's dog....Big Diva. Then went to Marion with Denny as he had to set up some testing they need to do on him. On the way home I stopped at Lowe's garden center. Had some ground cover I wanted....delicate looking but sturdy as all get out. I'm going to dig out the middle of the trees that came down and make flower pots in them. It rots the center out much quicker and it is way less work. Looks pretty too.
Juliet - enjoy your last week of freedom. It will be wonderful to have two incomes though.
Well, it's late.....I'll be working out at the lake tomorrow. If I am fortunate it will be the last day I have too...I am so ready to be done out there. I need to get back to what needs doing here and that is so much.
See you all in the morning.
Hugs,
Jackie
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Hi everyone! Just a quick pop in to say hello and that I think of you all often. I'm sorry I feel lost here because I did not keep up with the posts, but I still read when I can. I wish I could give words of advice and wisdom as sooo many of you have done for me.
This is a hectic time for me with graduation coming, college planning, elderly aunt needing care, etc. I guess I don't do well multi-tasking. That is why I'm always so impressed with Blackjack, don't know how she does everything she does and keeps it together!!! I need lessons!
So, to all my IL sisters - good thoughts and hugs to you and your families.
(Bustersmom-congrats on the new job! Yeah!)
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Michele's back! I'm so glad to hear that all is going well for you and you're keeping busy and healthy. I know what you mean about the multi-tasking. I never was too good at it and now....well, just forget it! LOL Thanks for popping in. Keep in touch! We miss you!
Jackie, we do think alike!!! I have planted wavy petunias in my tree stump and they look so pretty!
Jan, so glad that you back and keeping busy, too. I would think that it would be quite gratifying to be able to help those just starting this journey, especially now that you understand how trying the journey can be. Hugs to you as you deal with this on a daily basis. Post when you can as we miss you, too!
Susan, the tick info is easy. Jackie said that it didn't work for her but it did for us. You use liquid dish soap and put a nice glob of it on a cotton ball. (I also squeezed a big drop right on the critter.) Then rub the cotton ball over the tick. The tick released and then was tangled in the cotton ball and we could just toss the whole thing out or down the toilet...whichever is your fancy. I used Dawn liquid.
Yes, Donna, there is life again after the treatments. It's not quite the same as it was before our diagnosis but it's pretty darn good! Just keep that in the back of your mind when you get frustrated and tired of the whole journey!
Hugs Buddy! I can only imagine how impatient you are right now! Hang in there. As Donna said, your doctors will know what the best schedule is for you. You may just need a little more time to regain your strength before surging onward. HUGS!
Well, I'm going to see if I can get some sleep tonight!
Rita
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To ALL.... Your freakin Laundry Fairy.. is OFF this week..ALL requests go to Wendy.. the one with all the IRONING SKILLS!!!! hehehehe.
Yours Truly,
Donna!!!!!....
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Donna...enjoy your week off! Wendy, I need a basket of ironing done before we leave Friday! LOL
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Good Morning - and it's going to be too. The sun is out bright and going to be 80 today here in little ole'Centralia while I'm out at the lake having to work. Yech !!!! Oh well ---- have to get some money together for Tuscola.....still not sure but probably the 27th.
Michele - sure nice to see you. Getting the young'uns in college. Except for graduation that is about the last big hurdle isn't it. Lot of work I know but when you have given them the right foundation a good life usually follows...what more could a parent want!!!
Wendy - you are usually here before me every day....must be sprinkling clothes to iron, huh? Hope you are enjoying the weather. Hopefully your day time temps. are better now. Still hard to believe you had 33 on your deck the other morning.
Rita - I am not thinking too well....should know where you are going but not sure. Guess it's ok...I'm tired enough working on the other side of the lake....I'll stow away most anywhere.
I'm going to get started for the day. Hope you all have a great one. I'll be checking in later.
for the tick removal --- I did try what Rita said and it didn't work for me, but I think the problem may have been that I did something else first.....and so the thing was really holding on. I am going to not panic and do only that next time as I think it will make a difference.
See you all later.
Hugs,
Jackie
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