Illinois ladies facing bc
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Julie....I am seeing my medical Oncologist every three months but will soon go to 6 months. Can't wait. I am required about a week in advance to go have blood drawn and he checks all my numbers at that time....markers, counts white and red, cholesterol etc. etc. Also always checks how I am feeling with the Arimidex. All in all....not bad, but he is of course 70 miles away so glad to only have to see him.....and do the every 6 mos. Mammo's.
Gorilla.....welcome welcome. These are all wonderful caring delightful ladies who helped so many of us through countless questions, what if's, and bouts of depressions, our mad rants and other assorted things. Also helped many of us ( I hope I'm one ) keep our sanity through some of the trials and tribulations of chemo, rads, deserting friends and whatever.
Pat...how exciting and maybe just a little off-putting too. So many people work so long and have to forge into almost un-known territory afterward. Still....I think it's a marvelous thing when you both can be "retired" together. When your health is good you can "travel" with a more relaxed schedule and do things that will interest both of you. To make special memories together now...just the two of you -- roaming about together, even for just day trips.
Buddy....boosts are generally just targeted the last week or so of rads just around the site of your operative scar.
See you all in the morning.
Hugs, Jackie
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Welcome Babs..... please come in anytime. Our door is always open. If you were reading Gorilla's post then you know the ladies get together at least once a month for a get together. You might want to think about that. I live too far away but I keep thinking.....one of these days.
I'm sure you already probably noticed most of the gals have their diagnosis right under their name.
Nite everyone,
Jackie
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Hi girls!
Rita - How did your appt go with the chiropractor? I'm sorry you're having these problems. Have you tried taking Aleeve for 10 days straight... kind of a test to see if it's inflammation. You should think about trying it. Also try hot baths with Dead Sea salt crystals - TJMax sells it as well as health stores...and perhaps even Walgreens or Jewel.
Wendrew - Hey there girl!
gorilla - I grew up at Foster and Higgins! I know exactly where you are located. I now live in Hawthorn Woods, but I'm not that far from you. I will post when our next get together is. I sent you a Private Message... re: our addy list.
JulieB - JMO - I think it's absolutely not necessary to continue seeing the surgeon - unless you are having a specific problem. After my second mast., I had ONE follow up visit with my surgeon - everything looked good, and he said I didn't need to ever see him again - unless I had a specific problem. As for the Onc., I think 6 month visits are sufficient. And of course, GYN annually.
babs - I'm sorry about your dx... but welcome to our group... I sent you a Private Message regarding our addy list. Where do you live?
Everyone - Be well!
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GIRLS - I had a blood test today to check my Vitamin D levels. I am SO CURIOUS! I CANNOT WAIT to see if I am deficient, will know in about a week. Here's an article regarding the importance of it - PLEASE READ IT, I know it's long, but print it and read it when you have a few spare minutes:
BREAST CANCER RECURRENCE, DEATH & VITAMIN D
Based upon recent clinical research findings, Vitamin D is the only remaining vitamin that may have significant cancer and cardiovascular disease prevention properties. Recent large-scale prospective randomized clinical research trials have not only failed to identify a cancer prevention role (beyond a healthy balanced diet) for Vitamin E, Vitamin C, folate, and beta-carotene (a member of the Vitamin A family) supplements, but data from these trials have strongly suggested an increased risk of adverse health outcomes, at least in some sub-groups of patients, with supplements of several of these vitamins.
Alas, as is typically the case with public health studies, the clinical data regarding Vitamin D is not without inconsistency, and the data on Vitamin D and cancer incidence has not been uniformly positive, either. However, multiple recent epidemiological and prospective clinical research studies have at least suggested that low levels of Vitamin D in our bodies may, in fact, be associated with a higher risk of developing certain cancers (look for a more comprehensive review of the data on Vitamin D and cancer prevention in my forthcoming book, "A Cancer Prevention Guide for the Human Race"). Moreover, decreased blood levels of Vitamin D also appear to be linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease as well.
Now, a newly published prospective clinical research trial suggests that decreased levels of Vitamin D in the blood appears to be associated with an increased risk of breast cancer recurrence, and death due to breast cancer, in women previously diagnosed with early stage breast cancer. In this study, which has just been published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, 512 women with early-stage breast cancer, diagnosed between 1989 and 1996, were prospectively followed for an average of nearly 12 years. Blood was routinely collected from all women following their diagnosis of breast cancer, as a part of this clinical research trial. The women were then closely followed for recurrence of their breast cancer, and for death due to breast cancer and other causes.
As with other similar studies, a surprisingly large number of these otherwise healthy women were discovered to have decreased levels of Vitamin D in their blood. In 38 percent of these women, Vitamin D levels were significantly below normal levels, while another 39 percent of these women had mildly decreased levels of circulating Vitamin D. Among these 512 women, 116 experienced metastatic recurrence of their breast cancer during the course of this prospective clinical study, while 87 women died with evidence of recurrent breast cancer.
The results of this prospective clinical study were rather compelling. The 10-year survival rates for these women with early-stage breast cancer varied significantly according to the level of Vitamin D in their blood. Survival at 10 years following breast cancer diagnosis was 74 percent, 85 percent, and 85 percent for women with significantly deficient, mildly deficient, and normal Vitamin D levels, respectively. Based upon the analysis of all of the data from this study, breast cancer patients with a significant deficiency of Vitamin D were observed to be almost twice as likely (71 percent increased risk) to experience a recurrence of their breast cancer, and they were 60 percent more likely to die, when compared to the patients who had normal levels of Vitamin D in their blood. Although this clinical study included relatively few patients, it does, nonetheless, raise the possibility that a significant deficiency of Vitamin D may be associated with a worse prognosis in patients with early-stage breast cancer. Another related finding in this study was that very low levels of Vitamin D also appeared to be associated with breast tumors with more aggressive features when examined under the microscope, which is consistent with other studies that have suggested a link between "high grade" breast tumors and decreased blood levels of Vitamin D. At the same time, as I have already mentioned, the available data regarding Vitamin D levels (and the use of Vitamin D supplements) has not been consistent, and other clinical studies have failed to identify a link between Vitamin D and breast cancer risk. There is also some experimental data available suggesting that very high levels of Vitamin D in the blood may also be associated with poorer outcomes in women with breast cancer (similar findings have also been reported for excessive Vitamin D levels and cardiovascular disease outcomes). Taken together, the data from these various studies strongly suggest that there may be a fairly narrow "optimal range" of Vitamin D levels in the blood that are associated with a decreased risk of breast cancer, a decreased risk of breast cancer recurrence (and death), and a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease; and that excessively high or low levels of this vitamin may have adverse health effects in these areas.
The next obvious step is to conduct larger prospective clinical research trials that secretly randomize patient volunteers to receive various doses of Vitamin D, versus placebo (sugar) pills. There are several such studies already underway (or about to start), involving both cancer patients and patients without cancers. However, it will likely take another 10 years for mature data to emerge from these ongoing studies. Meanwhile, my advice is to eat a healthy and well-balanced diet. If you are a breast or prostate or colorectal cancer survivor, or if you have one or more risk factors for these cancers (or for cardiovascular disease), then you may also want to ask your physician to measure the level of active Vitamin D in your blood. If you are significantly deficient in Vitamin D, then your physician might consider the possibility of Vitamin D supplementation in conjunction with careful serial monitoring of your Vitamin D levels. Disclaimer: As always, my advice to readers is to seek the advice of your physician before making any significant changes in medications, diet, or level of physical activity Dr. Wascher is an oncologic surgeon, a professor of surgery, a widely published author, and a Surgical Oncologist at the Kaiser Permanente healthcare system in Orange County, California
http://doctorwashcer.com/0 -
Buddy, Mine is on my right side and my right arm rests in 2 stirups ( for lack of a better description). One for upper arm and one for lower above my head. The boosts are a different kind of radiation just directed at the site of your tumor and the path used to remove it. That is the time and place cancer cells were most easily moved to some other place in breast, so that is area they focus on during the boosts. They only do them from one direction and is much quicker getting set up and the boost is about 30 seconds long and I am done. I was in and out today for my first one in less than 10 minutes. They said skin would get redder than it did during the 25 regular rads, but skin would not break down like it did under the breast and in armpit during regular rads. Both of those areas still sore at this point. It makes sleeping a little difficult, When you roll over you remember why you weren't sleeping on that side or on your stomach. They said within 2 weeks of last Friday they should be totally healed according to onc's nurse.. You will do fine. If they are telling you 6 1/2 weeks some of them will probably be boosts. 25 which is 5 weeks is the usual number of regular ones done and then the rest are boosts. Sounds like 7 or 8 boosts. I am sure they will tell you or your can ask one of techs or the Onc. They check me once a week with nurse and either onc or his PA. Want to make sure they keep on top of skin breakdown etc. Hugs Annette
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Illinois lady
Nana
Thank you so much.
I just woke up with a terrible cold. Does anyone know if I can still get my rad treatment? They dont open for another 1 1/2 hrs.
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Good morning everyone! The cat doesn't have a snooze button and I finally just let him win and went ahead and got up earlier than usual! LOL
Welcome Babs. It sounds like you've gotten started on your journey I hope you're healing well from your lumpectomy. From the details you've given, it looks like you caught yours early, which is so important. Tell us a little more about yourself and where you are located. I'm sure there's somebody close to you as we come from all different areas of the state. Come back often. The ladies on this thread are awesome!
Laura, the chiro appointment went well. He was amazed at my progress because I was pretty "down and out" when I finally got in there. I am now walking upright, but am still having trouble sitting for any period of time and then straightening up. According to him, the muscle spasms are not as noticeable but there's still lots of inflammation. Being more of a naturalist, he's not big into Aleve and anti-inflammatory drugs but I just took one a few minutes ago and I think I'll take them on a regular basis for awhile to see if they help reduce the inflammation. He is right about the activity. I do need to keep moving and do what I can do unless it causes pain so I may try to hit some golf balls this afternoon and I'm planning on trying yoga tonight and just not doing anything that hurts. This has really been a bummer!
O.K. Kater....this is on topic! This chiropractor and I have discussed cancer cells and he has done lots of research on this topic. He firmly believes that sugar (and especially refined sugar) is the main reason that cancer cells begin to divide and multiply. He says that PET scans use a sugary substance and that cancer cells grab at this sugary fluid, thus showing up as hot spots. According to him, cancer cells love sugar so we should try to avoid it as much as possible. He gave me some Stevia which is a liquid sweetener that is entirely natural. It can be used in beverages, on cereals, and in baking. I am going to give it a try. He also believes that sugar causes inflammation and causes our immune system to be compromised. I've been trying to watch my sugar intake and have been doing pretty good for the past week, but it's really hard. There are so many different things that we eat that have refined sugar in them. I'm hoping to research Stevia and find some recipes that use it because I do miss the cookies, cakes, and desserts.
Annette, you're just moving right through those rads. It won't be long now!
Oh Laura, I also talked with my oncologist about the Vitamin D levels. He agreed that there was a correlation between low vitamin D levels and the onset of cancer but he said that it still hasn't been proven if vitamin D supplements are effective in warding off the invading cells. Still, I find this very interesting and I have taken Vitamin D supplements for the past year. They certainly can't hurt us! LOL
Well, I need to move. I've had my max for sitting right now. Everyone have a good day.
Rita
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Sow a thought, and you reap an Act;
Sow an Act, and you reap a Habit;
Sow a Habit, and you reap a Character;
Sow a Character, and you reap a Destiny.
Samuel Smiles (1812 - 19040 -
Happy belated bday, Rita. Sounds like you had a great day.
Laura - my onc has recommended that I take Vitamin D as well but I don't think my level has ever been tested. Interesting study.
Rita - interesting that they want you to avoid sugar but they inject it in when doing a PET scan? I'm sure it is a miniscule amount, but still.... I don't have a problem giving up sugar as I do not really like anything sweet. I am a salt girl. I don't put extra salt on anything, but I do like salty snacks.
Dr visits - my rad onc sent me away after 6 weeks. I still see my onc and surgeon every 6 months.
Laura - I can't make the dinner tomorrow as I have a school function.
Gotta get back to work. Isn't it a beautiful day out?
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Rita, my Onc told me the exact same thing as your Chiro regarding the refined sugar/PET scan. I have been off sugar for over a month now. It really isn't that bad and after a while your body stops cravy for it. My in-laws brought me a 1 lb box of mint meltaways and I have not eaten even one of them. Some of the sugar free stuff I have found to be pretty good are the carnation creamers, sugar free cookies and low sugar apple juice and low sugar cranberry juice. My Onc also said that 30 minutes of exercise daily is also very important. She mentioned a study that was done and survival rates were better for those in the exercise group. I can't remember the exact stats. All seems to make sense to me though.
Welcome to the group all of you new people. You will find these gals to be a good source of information and support. We are all in this together.
Navy
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Hi ALL!!! Enroute to IL. from a weekend in Michigan and then some!!!Fabulous time. Met up with a gal that i met online who was introduced from a good friend of mine and we both have the same hair length and have a few pics of us! Was awesome to meet her and talk~!
HAPPY BELATED but with A heartfelt HAPPY BIRTHDAY RITA!!!! ALL THE BEST THIS YEAR~~!!
Will wiite more when i am not driving in a RV!!!Best wishes to all in tx and having tests etc.
Welocme Gorilla!! Nice to meet you! I am also a triple negative and only goin on three months since my last treatment!1We shall chat soon!!!
Hugs,
Donna
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Afternoon all....finished up all the ironing while watching "Mildred Pierce"...I've seen it ofter but still love the movie...wouldn't you all just like to SMACK Veda one??????
Babs....welcome to our little corner of the world! Come back often and please tell us a bit more about yourself. Sorry tho that you had to find us...
Gorilla...I lived at Foster and Austin for years so I know where you hail from! Glad too that you are still around and kickin' it after 5 years!
Pat....must have been so hard for DH to shut that door for the last time! Do you 2 have any fun trips planned? Probably should talk to Susan about that....those 2 are always doing fun things! A Peruvian restaurant of all things! What did you have? Sounds interesting....
Rita...glad your back is slowly coming back to normal. Not much fun, is it? Just standing ironing for 50 minutes causes cramping....Oh well!
So lets see.....no alcohol, no sun-tanning, no fried foods, no charcoaled foods, no red meat, no soy, no flaxseed, no bad carbs, no processed meat, no pop, no diet pop, no fake sweeteners, no pesticides....and now NO SUGAR????? Oh good gosh...what does that leave me exactly? I guess I will stick with my life-long belief....eat/drink everything and anything, in moderation. I have yet to find a doctor who disagrees with me. I do agree that too much of anything is a problem but I'm not giving up my oreos (double-stuffed), my salami, my bacon or my 2-3 glasses of wine per week. Maybe it's bad....but then I exercise at least an hour per day and eat lots of fruits and veggies and fish so I'm hoping that it all balances out. I do think you girls who are so strict with your diet are admirable but I know I couldn't do that so I compromise and only cheat once a week. I think that's OK. The Vit D3 thing tho I think is VERY interesting and I figure this is a supplement that everyone should be taking, esp., us Northerners. Not that it will stop the cancer cells from growing but maybe...just maybe...cut down on their speed of regrowth and if taking 2 little gelcaps everyday could give me a chance - I'm all for that.
OK...that's my 2 cents (HEY!!!!! there is NO "cent" key???? Where did it go???) on the cancer diet thingy.
Isn't it a gorgeous day? I redid all my deck plants are put in mums in shades of yellow and rust...very pretty. But...very fall-like. Will check back later......
(PS: Hey there yourself, Heidi!)
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Of course I forgot.....Juliechicago...it will be 3 years for me in November and I see a doctor now every 3 months and I have 4 docs so that averages out to once a year for each. Everybody is fine with that. I have my Mamm on 9/17 and if everything is OK, I go to once a year for that as well. I asked re: MRI's but ALL the docs said that they would be more than willing to order it for me BUT for them, and in my case, they don't believe it is warranted and if anything pops up, they will have to go digging and they see soooo many false positives. So they left it up to me but since NONE of them thought it was necessary, I am fine with things. But truthfully, I don't see why exactly I need to see either the BS or the rad onc. I mean.....I've been totally healed for years now - really, what are they checking for that your PCP/gyne and your onc doesn't check for????
Julie....love your avatar AND the sock story! I love the stories you post on FB! Sooooo funny! I hope you are writing all these down!
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Hi all and welcome to new people.
Rita, it sounds like your back was a little more awful than I thought. I hope you are on the mend. Has this happened before? The chiropractor sounds like he has a lot of good insights. I am wondering if you have a disk problem. What does the chiropractor think about those thermal belts that I told you about. They worked well for me.
The Peruvian Restaurant was great, Wendy, and I had a hamburger which did not look, taste like a hamburger. Lots of cumin. DH had a chicken dish he raved about and we shared as it was like a tapas place. It was on Division and looked a bit creepy on the outside but was great on the inside. We go out to dinner/theater 2-3 times/month to these little neighborhood places. I half the time think we get such great service as we look like suburban restaurant reviewers.
Many are BYOB and that is great as you save lots of money if you have wine with the meal. All this diet talk, however, is taking the fun out wine and I know I have a bottle of vitamin D SOMEWHERE in this house. I wish we could just not think about all this, and yet I know we need to.
And I love MILDRED PIERCE! I love all those old movies. Just rented "Imitation of LIfe" .....the 30s versions and the later one with Sandra Dee. before that I rented "Portrait of Jenny" and watched it on my laptop because my DH does not appreciate the old films as I do.
Have fun today!
Susan
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IMPORTANT: If you are taking Vitamin D - make sure it's D3!
Here's an excerpt from an article written by Dr Mercola (a link to the full article is at the bottom):
Consider Vitamin D as it Prevents Seasonal Flu
Just last week I reported on Canada's decision to investigate the role of vitamin D in protection against the swine flu. This is great, but there are already overwhelming evidence showing that your vitamin D levels play a significant role in your likelihood of getting the flu.
Vitamin D has been a hot research topic these past few years, and has been shown to have remarkable impact on nearly every single disease studied.
Here is a list of four studies published this year, showing an inverse association between respiratory tract infections and 25(OH)D levels. That is, the higher your vitamin D level, the lower your risk of contracting colds, flu, and other respiratory tract infections:
A 2007 study suggests higher vitamin D status enhances your immunity to microbial infections. They found that subjects with vitamin D deficiency had significantly more days of absence from work due to respiratory infection than did control subjects.
A 2009 study on vitamin D deficiency in newborns with acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI) confirmed a strong, positive correlation between newborns' and mother's vitamin D levels. Over 87 percent of all newborns and over 67 percent of all mothers had vitamin D levels lower than 20 ng/ml, which is a severe deficiency state.
Newborns with vitamin D deficiency appear to have an increased risk of developing ALRI, and since the child's vitamin D level strongly correlates with its mother's, the researchers recommend that all mothers' optimize their vitamin D levels during pregnancy, especially in the winter months, to safeguard their baby's health.A 2009 analysis of the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey examined the association between vitamin D levels and recent upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) in nearly 19,000 subjects over the age of 12.
Recent URTI was reported by:17 percent of participants with vitamin D levels of 30 ng/ml or higher
20 percent of participants with vitamin D levels between 10-30 ng/ml.
24 percent of participants with vitamin D levels below 10 ng/ml
The positive correlation between lower vitamin D levels and increased risk of URTI was even stronger in individuals with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Another 2009 report in the journal Pediatric Research stated that infants and children appear more susceptible to viral rather than bacterial infections when deficient in vitamin D. And that, based on the available evidence showing a strong connection between vitamin D, infections, and immune function in children, vitamin D supplementation may be a valuable therapy in pediatric medicine.
Granted, so far none of the research has focused on vitamin D's impact on pandemic flu. If your body has never been exposed to the antigens there is chance that vitamin D might not be enough.
However, there's no evidence suggesting that vitamin D supplementation would cause you any harm or make your illness any worse.
On the contrary, if you are coming down with flu-like symptoms and have not supplemented with vitamin D, Dr. Cannell, one of the world's leading vitamin D experts, recommends taking 50,000 IU's a day for three days to treat the acute infection.
Some researchers, including Dr. Cannell, believe the dose could even be as high as 1,000 units per pound of body weight for three days.
Ultimately, your best bet is to maintain healthy levels of vitamin D around 60 ng/ml year-round. Please note that this is far higher than most doctors will refer to as "normal." Rather it is the optimal level you'll want to maintain for disease prevention.
I strongly recommend you watch my one-hour free vitamin D lecture along with my video on vitamin D's role in flu prevention for more in-depth information about vitamin D's role in flu prevention.
Taking care of your health to reduce or eliminate your risk of contracting the flu is always going to be your safest bet. In addition to optimizing your vitamin D levels, this past article details my other recommendations for avoiding the flu naturally, and I strongly urge you to start incorporating these changes into your life today.
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Tonight's get together is cancelled. It will be next week instead...I'll let you know the date.
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brrrrrrrrrrrrrrr...it's chilly out there! Where did summer go!
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The greatest thing in the world is to know how to belong to oneself.
-- Michel de Montaigne0 -
Good morning everyone. ah food. One of my favorite subjects. I don't think I've picked up a salt shaker more than 3 times in the last four or five years. Not because I don't like it....but because so much of the food we eat already has salt there....and I knew I was getting an over-abundance by adding more. Now pepper....that's a different story. Sugar is the same--- plenty in lots of our food so I switched to Splenda and Whey-Low. I do eat more "sweets" than it good and my wt. comes from some of the things I dearly love --- pasta and breads of all kinds. I'm procrastinating as I've said I'm going to start being more careful but haven't as yet. I need to lose the wt. and move more as in exercise.
Think I am going to print something out for my Dr. I asked before for my Vit.D to be checked and I don't think it was done....so maybe I'll print something out. That would help him to know I am serious about wanting to have this answer.
Susan...we had friends that lived in Peru for a while as the company Rick worked for had a plant there and they named their dog Choncho which they said was the Peruvian word for pig. Interesting to incorporate that into the name of a restaurant....how many people would know? Another little glimpse into my inner workings---definitely somewhat of a miss-spent life.
Hi to everyone....hope you are getting ready to have a wonderful day.
Hugs, Jackie
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Just a few tips:
Blue Agave (liquid organic) is the best choice for substituting sugar. I use it on strawberries, if they're tart and I use it in my daily 6 ounces of coffee and even when baking.
Salt - only use sea salt - not iodized.
Beets fresh steamed (or canned in water or vinegar, not sugar) and spinach should be eaten at least twice per week.
Frozen veggies are a better choice than canned.
Substitute pop with sodium free seltzer and add fresh squeezed lemon to boost your immune system.
Oils - Coconut and Grape Seed Oils are best choices.
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TEAM NO SURRENDER - A FRIENDLY REMINDER!
Participants must be registered online by September 7th to receive the race packet in the mail (t-shirt and race bib). For those who register online after September 7th, but prior to the close of online registration at midnight September 20th, may pick up their t-shirt and race bib from one of the Jewel Packet Pick-Up locations listed at komenchicago.org or on race day in Grant Park. Participants may also register for the walk/run on race day.
AND - YOU DO NOT HAVE TO RAISE ANY MONEY. When you register, you do have to pay a registration fee - $30-$35. You will get a t-shirt to wear the day of the race.
Here's a link to my team registration page:
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HEY GIRLS! MASSAGE ENVY has a great offer:
...I just booked mine...can't wait!
Massage Envy - over 800 locations nationwide - in early consideration of October Awareness Month is offering a $35 hour long massage.
So if you want to treat yourself - gawd knows we've all earned a good massage - take advantage of it...a portion of the proceeds go to Komen.
(It's not just for survivors.)
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Hey Girls,
Just a quick hello to let you all know I am still here. I met with my new oncologist on Monday and he seems to be really good. We all liked him. He is having me do a PET Scan on Friday and next Friday after that I will have a CT scan and then see him and see what he wants to do with my treatment. The oncologist office buidling is huge. They do everything there and get results from the CT scan within an hour or two. So you can get a CT scan and see him afterward and they have the results. I think I will be happy with him.
Rita...Happy Belated Birthday!!!!! Sounds like you had a good one.
Sorry to all you guys up there and the cool weather. It's been in the 80's here and 60's at night. Today it was only about 79 but it felt good and we took a walk. I think I am going to enjoy this weather.
Well, that's about it for now..
Ginny
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Evening all....gorgeous day, wasn't it??? I love this weather...
Ginny...how great is it that you can get scanned and get the results from your onc the SAME day! That is so great as the waiting for these results is so terrible. Your weather too sounds wonderful! Send a pic of your new house when you can...
Laura...the thing about iodized salt...people with thyroid issues should discuss this first with their docs as IF their diets are not rich enough in iodine, this may be useful for them. I know my Dad had goiter so we always had iodized salt in our house. Now I use the salt-sense stuff for cooking pasta, but sea salt in cooking. I eat enough seafood in my diet so I know I am OK. I won't use anything but pure cane sugar for baking, but then I really only bake at Christmas. I don't put sugar in my coffee or iced tea. I only use EVOO for cooking and I just can't give that up! I love olive oil! I drink diet colas, maybe 3 a week, rest is water or my newest find...FUZE! Love that stuff!!! Sorry...no beets for me....yuck. And if I can't do fresh I always do frozen veggies...can't stand the canned stuff! So...for dinner tonight we had meatballs and spaghetti...made with ground turkey breast meat and frozen spinach, used whole grain pasta and jarred organic tomato sauce on the side! I think that was pretty good (but then I did have those 2 chips ahoy low-fat cookies!). So I am trying to be a good girl....
Jeepers...now I am hungry again! Wonder if there is any of that reduced -fat salami left???
Susan...that restaurant sounds really good...and different! All these different things to do, right under our noses!
Those of you who have been listening to me rave like a lunatic about our neighbors..well..it's getting worse. We checked into a fence, but then I have to get permission from all the neighbors as our hill is deed-restricted so....we have started...unofficially...looking for a another home. We really don't want to do this but this summer was the pits. We have no mortgage and that is so nice but we have had it. Last night it was the mowing at 10:30pm...this morning it was skipping rope at 4:30am on their patio, under our bedroom windows. So if anyone you know of is looking out this way...unofficially...let me know! Our house is 4 beds, 2.5 baths but it is a smaller version so no luxury baths/kitchen but it's nice and only 8 yrs old. We've got a few ranches we want to drive-by this weekend and we will see... know until you look around...
Ok..enuf of my boring life...hope you guys are all doing well, or as well as can be. Please get out in the next few days if possible and enjoy this weather...it is just wonderful! I know, I know...Blackjack...you need the beach!0 -
Rita - An update on my ins and Pet scan. Still no approval so Pulmonary doc wants to do a bronchoscopy on Sept. 14th. He will try to biopsy the largest nodule which is the size of a pea and also wash the lungs and then suction the fluid out and have it analized for cancer or other cells. He is also having my PCP order an ultrasound of my thyroid to see what shows up that way and also a couple of blood tests. If that does not give answers they can biopsy the thyroid. Onc agrees with ins. that there is nothing indicating that this is cancer and won't do anything until he has evidence. I see him Tuesday and will ask him if he has been watching tumor markers. Ins. says if those were elevated that would be reason for PET scan. I have no idea if he has had these done. If not I will request he run them to see if they are in normal range. Only 9 more rads to go. 2 more this week. 3 next week because of holiday and machine down Friday, and then the test on Monday and then finish rads Tuesday, Wed. Thurs. and last day Friday the18th!!! Annette
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HI Girls..Well, school is officially in full bloom. Kids are in and out all day long, bumps, bruises, bee stings...ouch. You have to run from them fast lol and of course the dreaded I have a stomachache. Where are the days when kids just stayed in the classroom....teachers any advice.lol Now we have to start thinking about the swine flue which is targeted for the younger population. Oh I really do need the beach....Speaking of back issues how do you like chiro doc's?
Sitting all day is not good for me so my back is not behaving well....need your advice girls. Cosmo's only help a little. lol
Wendy..so sorry to hear about those nice neighbors. I am sure they will miss you and dh when you move.. all those fun times you had...lol I think those stories could be a coffee book.
Laura...next week is good for me for lunch bunch
Rita...how is your back doing..better I hope.
Gorilla...welcome. I hope you are doing well. Hardwood Heights. The Plaza shopping center, Kiddyland..oh my what memories. I grew up in Norridge. So you see we could have meet at the Plaza..lol
Jackie...how are you doing. My cousins live in Peru,Il. near the Cherry Vally Mall. how fun it that.
I do try to visit them yearly as our schedules are so busy.
Ginny...glad you like your new home and md. Keep getting well and have fun in that warm weather. Sit on the beach for me.
Well I am really tired and sore so I am off to put on jammies. Have some tea and then bed.
I hope you all have a cozy warm evening..maybe fire is in order..roasting marshmallows. yum
yum
remember to be healthy..be happy..live life and have fun.
hugs to all
BJ
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Late note on a few of you that posted late today as I will be working tomorrow. Hooray Ginny. It sounds like you have a really good ( almost ideal ) situation with your current oncology care. Sounds very reassuring.
Bj....oh the stress but a couple full-time paychecks may help make up a bit and after a month or two you may get the hang of coordinating things well enough that much of the stress will evaporate and not leave you quite so done in. There will always be those challenges like flu seasons etc. Hope it gets a bit easier as you get a few more weeks in. I certainly think of you as I don't think I could do full time work anymore unless it was temporary. In fact, been thinking about applying for disability on my social security checks since by now I'm sure I have enough time in for it. I went back to work a year or so after my stroke....not knowing that I would be starting my work quarters all over.....so by the time I thought of applying for disability....I couldn't. Now I have those quarters in. We will see.
Wendy...hmm. Had so idea that the neighbors NEVER EVER got it together. You may be right....moving though your house is not very old may be the best way to deal with the problem. These people sound strange enough to find ways to get your goat if you "turn" them in for their bad behaviors. Some ideas to think about -- you mentioned a ranch style home...great. Even though you are fine now if you intend to make the next home possibly the last one....you will appreciate no stairs. Some people here do walk-out basements so in theory.....they don't have the stairs as in down to the basement or up to second story. Also, many have an alcove or similar space on first floor for washer/dryer and the walk out is mainly for bigger get togethers or storage. As well since neighbors have been a problem look for areas of sparse housing and or a house on the corner. You will have maybe a little bit more street noise on two sides of the house but at least the neighbors may be easier to digest. Also, if you get where you even think you could be serious about a house....drive there several times a day.....and a few times in the evening hours just to see what feel you get from the neighborhood during different time periods. I'll check at work but seems to me at one time you could find out about "neighborhood complaints" from police dept. I might be dreaming this one up, but will ask if any of them know a way to "discover" things that could impact a purchase. A really good Realtor would ADMIT to you anything they themselves are aware of or become aware of---but many are not going to ask all the questions they could of their sellers because they don't want to kill any "good" deals. If sellers know that something might impact a sale ( they do have to own up to known defects -- like oven doesn't work -- or re-zoned commercial a block from here ) they may not offer up info unless the specific question is asked....like the police were at neighbor's house 3 times last week. It is just a few ideas....and please don't let any of it phase you. No one that I knew ever sold real estate and though for the most part we lucked out with fairly good neighbors ( hope they felt the same way about us ) having worked in and around and even selling real estate for a short time myself....I now know that there are questions to be asked, but even then.....I would look at the neighborhood at different times during the day too...something I didn't do.
Annette....at least you will get some answers, even if they are the round-about way. Still hard to figure the Ins. Co to a degree. I always think....if it was one of them in your shoes --- what would happen? Could they forget the worry and torture????
I use a lot of olive oil too...just can't convince myself it's bad for me. A few more calories but I think it balances with protective properties. If I want a cookie...and I often do, I eat regular ones. Some of the sugar free ones have too much fat to suit me...so I opt for regulars, but try not to have more than two,. Don't do too much low-fat anything either though a bit more of some of it would be ok.....only brown eggs and brown rice. I try to eat lots of fresh veggies and will eat some from a can.....especially if I am making soups....just watch for salt content. Sometimes will rinse them. I get Zero Diet-Rite cola which has no calories, no real sugar and no salt. I pickle my own beets because I dearly love them.
Hope you all had a wonderful day. I'll see you sometime tomorrow.
Hugs, Jackie
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Hi all
Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers tomorrow. I am going for my exchange surgery. I have to be there at 11AM - so I guess this will happen in the afternoon. I am so ready to be done.
Going to bed now to get some rest. Good night!
~ Jennifer
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Jennifer..Good thoughts goin for your durgery and for a successful exchange!!!
Laura...Thanks for all the great info shared!!!!I Just had blood work done and vitamin D is at a low level. I am on D3 and have been and getting exrtra sun as well. GOOD to know what you sent!!! Love that massage part too!!!
Sleeping is better..but today i woke up at 4ooish and wide awake.. this is even on taking Trazadone.. will call my Dr today as i just do't get this and will i ever get a full nights sleep again. Just so challeneging especially when i go back to teaching !
Back from Michigan has me wanting a laundry fairy...Wendy...when are you goin to take care of my needs.. i know you are doin everyone;s laundry and not telling me...lol.
Met a gal in Michgian who i have been online with thru another friend's connection. She and I have been goin thru chemo and recovery at the same time now and was great to meet her and talk in person. This jounrey has certainly brought so many GREAT women to my life!! Like all of you!!Look forward to the Susan Komen Race to meet everyone~!!
Hope all are well here and thoughts and prayers goin for those in Tx and varipus medical appts.
Hugs,
Donna
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Wendy - so sorry that you have to consider moving. Your neighbors are just unbelievable. We recently had some new neighbors move into a house across from our MI home. It looks like about 20 people went in and bought this house together. It's not every weekend, but most weekend they are all there and up all night screaming with loud music. Last weekend someone finally called the police about 3 am. I got up at 9am for my walk and they were all on the deck talking loud again - I even saw a couple of little kids! Crazy! My DH is not at all amused by this.
Good luck with your surgery Jennifer!
Ginny - great to hear from you - sounds like you have a great onc.
Have a great day everyone!
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Hey everybody... Just a quick question. Did any of you have pain in your knees or arms? I had A/C but I didn't think that it caused any joint pain. Just wondering because you know where my mind is going every time it hurts.
Thanks
Jo
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Jo, do not worry. You will get pains on and off just because the meds are so strong. Cancer rarely goes to the knees or the arms. My onc said that cancer rarely hits knee or below. Arms are pretty unusual as well. Try the two-week rule and see if it goes away after two weeks. Almost always it does.
My vitamin D levels are perfect according to the doctor. Probably because I am a milk addict and I know milk is bad for you. Milk is fortified with vitamin D. I am so bad that I get up in the night and drink milk and then find it on my bed table! I just love the stuff. I don't know. I think so much is just in the genes. It must be discouraging for men and women who are soooooooo conscientious about whatthey consume and then to end up sick with cancer.
Wendy, moving seems extreme. If you love your home why should you give it up because of them? If you are interested in a new place, however, I would guess that they are just what you need to make that very huge decision. Good luck. We have neighbors (not right next door, but down a few places) who are very strange and inconsiderate. There is screaming sometimes. I have never called the police but we all (neighbors) talk about it amongst each other. They were so messy with their garbage and just let it fly all about. I wrote a "nice" letter asking them to be respectful to the environment by preparing their garbage so that litter is not all about. I was too cowardly to go in person or sign my name. I kept the letter very friendly and suggested where in town they could purchase tightly-fitting cans for their garbage. I was so stunned as they bought them and there has never been a problem since. I half wonder if I should write them another anonymous letter to say THANK YOU! I am sure, Wendy, that you have tried talking to them about the problems. Good luck, That is a tough one.
Susan
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