Illinois ladies facing bc
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Morning all! 51 and dark on the deck, very windy. Chilly tomorrow I see...high of 57 out here!
Sido....welcome to our little corner of the world! Of course we have room for you! And Rita is pretty close to you as well! We are sorry that you had to find us, tho. Tell us a bit more about yourself, okay?
Connie....so, according to Rita....you are a skinny-minnie???? You already were!!!!! Are you off on Friday? Come to Maggiano's and we will feed you bowls of pasta......
Rita....jeepers! One would have thought the walk was enuf of a weekend! but you added all those other things as well! Sorry you didn't go home with a big pot, tho!
Need to scoot as lots to do today, including running around outside and picking up all the Halloween stuff which has blown down! Have a good one, everybody!
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"Life's challenges are not supposed to paralyze you, they're
supposed to help you discover who you are."
-- Bernice Johnson Reagon0 -
Good morning everyone. Cool outside this a.m. while feeding the dogs. As I sit here and look out at our parking area I see lots of leaves that have come out of the trees. I'm not really ready for this -- the work of Fall, but it is all part of living here. In order to buy our land here, we had to agree to be annexed into the city - something we did not want at all, but they would have made the lease so high you would have been forced to move....so. One of the nice things about it though is that our trash service now goes to $5.75 per month. Our private service was $22.00 per month. Couple of times we have even seen a "local" police car driving our road. I imagine they were all told to take a drive out here to "show" we are getting city services now and then. If they are like many....,it may be their first time out here.
I go Wednesday for my mammograms, and have a follow up appt. at local V.A. Be glad to get them done.....after this mammogram, I think I go to a longer time period in between, but as it is V.A. I will wait and see what they say....I suspect it will be the same. I also think after this next check with Oncologist I will go to every 6 months instead of every three. That will be nice. It does get tiresome to go so often to Dr's appts.
Hope you all have a great Monday.
Hugs, Jackie
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Quick question... why so much joint pain after a day of work??? Never had so much aches and looks like I am taking Aleve once per day as after the walk..I was really sore Is this from chemo or some sort of atrophy??? Anyone know?
School and work went well today and am seeing some tiredness but feel calm overall. Still wake up every three hours but fall asleep..All a process as learning from each of you each day!!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MICHELLE... BELATED BUT HEART FELT~!!
Rita...thanks for the good talk on the walk too!!!Loved it all and look forward to more in the future!!!
Got to unwind and chill.. and take an Aleve!!!
Donna
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Morning... Hope all slept better than me..lol!!
I AM DONE!!! After working a full day and still not tried enough to stay asleep is insane!!!Took an Ambien around 1am after being awake (wide awake) for an hour. Trying to locate a after care program at RUSH for some intergratvie medicine to help heal me.My joints hurt as i am not getting restorative sleep. I am still on Lexipro 10 mg.. it will be three weeks next week.. and they told me I can up it to 20mg if not better. MAY do that tomm and call my DR. I want my oneness back and SLEEP!!!! Goin on 4 mos post chemo (Oct 10th). Have to call Rush or possibly Northwestern (Victoria at the race recommeded NW) and see what can be balanced. Something has to help than sleeping pills that I cannot handle?!
BTW.. Connie..keep forgetting to say LOVED meeting you too finally and with your adorable daughter!!!!
Well.. sorry i am so frustrated in my writings.. just want solid SLEEP..!!Got to go get ready for a day of school and thank goodness for the diversion.. tired and all.
Donna
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Health Benefits of SleepSleep is necessary for overall health and well-being. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) sees sleep as having five major benefits:
1. Recharging the physical body
When we sleep, fundamental substances like jing, shen and qi (vital energy) flow inside the organs, making the physical body calm and relaxed. Sleep also enables the blood and qi flow smoothly, lowers the body temperature, heart rate and blood pressure, while reducing respiration and production of internal secretions. The low metabolic rate of the body during sleep helps the body to recharge itself.2. Maintaining mental functioning
Individuals with sleeping problems usually exhibit easy irritability, low energy, poor memory and difficulty in concentration. Extreme sleep deprivation can even cause paranoia and hallucinations. Rest allows the brain to clearly process thoughts, feelings and memories. Getting a quality sleep helps maintain mental efficiency.3. Enhancing defense and immune systems
The body depends on the immune system to fight against infection and to clear the body of harmful toxins in order to maintain a harmonious internal environment. Sleep relates to the ability to form antibodies or disease-fighting cells; it is also a time for the body to repair damage caused by stress, the sun's ultraviolet rays and other harmful things. The body accumulates fundamental substances while sleeping, which enhances the body's immunity and allow it to heal itself.4. Promoting growth and development
Sleep is an essential part of growth and development in children. The amount of sleep needed changes as a child grows older. Newborns sleep approximately 16 to 17 hours a day, while preschoolers need only about 12 hours a day. Before adulthood, growth hormones are released in spurts during sleep which ensures normal physical and mental development.5. Enhancing beauty and minimizing the effects of aging
Getting enough sleep means the body has rested and recovered from the "wear and tear" of wakefulness. With sufficient sleep, the physical effects of aging will be delayed. A good night's sleep is the best antidote against developing dull, wrinkled skin, age spots and lusterless hair./This is for you Donna. Since I generally always sleep so well, it is hard for me to relate to what non or problem sleepers really go through. I do know that on rare occasions when I do remain wakeful, I feel like mental jello ( or my idea of that ) the next day and naturally it gives one an un-connected feeling because your interior is in a jumble while the exterior works hard to STAY together. Here's hoping Donna that the right answer will come soon.
Hugs, Jackie
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Donna: If I have learned one thing about meds it is that one prescription may not always fit all medical needs. Sharing your frustration of sleeplessness, I googled Lexipro and found that 12% of people who take it get insomnia. NOW THIS WAS A GOOGLE AND THE VALIDITY OF THIS % IS AT BEST QUESTIONABLE. The internet is filled with wrong information. If this is not wrong, however, then 12% is a pretty big percentage of people. Maybe you could talk to your doctor about it. I feel for you as I need my sleep. I need like nine hours of it! Hope you get some rest soon.
We are getting ready for grandchild 2's Baptism this weekend. My son-in-laws fam is coming in from Boston and then on top of all that, we have a wedding this weekend! I have to say I am not looking forward to the wedding as we have done so much of that this summer and they are so time consuming! I guess I am a touch grouchy this morning.
Have a good day!
Susan
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Morning....I am sorry about all the crazy figures in the post. Often when you copy and paste you don't know they are going to appear until you submit the thing....then, editing will not always take them out. Anyway....there are no good suggestions there, just a good review of what sleep can do.....and I forget how much good I do for myself when I sleep well which is almost every night. It has been my good fortune to sleep through most of everything that has come my way without having to deal ith that and the trauma of insominia as well.
Hope you all have a fantastic day.
Hugs, Jackie
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Good judgment comes from experience, and experience comes from bad judgment.
-- Barry LePatner0 -
Donna, I had the "no sleep syndrome" for almost a year. I don't know what really causes it but I have found an answer to my problem with yoga. I started going to a Yoga for Breast Cancer Patients that is offered through our cancer center. The relaxation techniques that I learned have helped me cope with the insomnia. I've finally learned how to relax and once I get loosened up for the night I have a cup of green tea and read a bit and I do fall asleep. Now if I awaken in the middle of the night, I still have trouble getting back to sleep but that is really rare now. I'm hoping you find the answer for you. It is so frustrating when you can't sleep.....and it really wears you down!
Hang in there! Also, did Victoria give you her email address, and if so, would you send it to me by PM or an email when you get the chance? No hurry! I just want to check in with her and see if she had trouble getting onto the thread.
As for the joint problems, Donna, I don't think anyone has the answer to why so many of us experience joint issues after chemo. I have blamed mine on Arimidex but I'm not so sure that the chemo has caused part of the problem as there are plenty of us who have not done Arimidex that are still facing joint and muscle-related problems.
Hang in there! You are indeed a true pink warrior! Hugs!
Rita
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Hi Girls!
Donna - When I had a sleep problem...I took Trazadone and it helped. For the ol' joint issues - have you tried Glucosomine Chondroitin? Also...google "natural alternatives for joint pain". Best wishes to you!
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I am still so happy about our walk! Everytime I think of it, I smile! Thanks so much team!
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I feel bad Victoria hasn't posted.
Rita - What info did you give her? I'm convinced she simply hasn't been able to find us...she was so excited to meet us! How can we find her?
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There's a bc group called Young Survivor Coalition...for bc girls under the age of 40. They are having a fund raiser on:
October 17th - 6:00 pm
Dirty Nellies Bar in Palatine
It's $25 per person
DOES ANYONE WANT TO MEET ME THERE?
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Don't forget...this FRIDAY - LUNCH BUNCH - those of you who will be joining us...please e-mail me and let me know...
HAVE A GREAT EVENING - I am exhausted!
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Laura...OMY....susan.. also liked Trazedone.. i was on it and I turned into a energizer bunny and it never got me drowzy!!!I was nutso!!!lolol.I have joint pain now as i have no good sleep restoring ,me. postivie that is it. I am on some good GLUC too.LOL>. when i lived in Palatine. years ago.. use to go to Dirtie Nellie;s!!!
Rita.. thanks for the info!!!I I am certain I am to learn techniques for the Yoga i do now is for building the core. I will look into our Cancer Center for a more focused yoga as you are doin!Goin to try some meditiation also.
Susan.. Lexipro actually is helping.. i just think i need to do a higher dose. On only 10mg. I am goin to takie two tonight and call my DR tomm and see if it worked. After a day of work, i need to shut down and i don;t ..think that has something to do it with it all.
Victoria should of got back on and know she works alot and travel.s Here is her email and have not had a chance to email her myself.. vbmss@anet.com.
JACKIE....Thank you so much for the great read.. i am so worn out here i could cry as this all makes sense and know this and need to get online and further educate to get to some Medical Center or somewhere for after cancer care to address this insomnia. I am taking two lexipro tonight as they said to increase after three weeks and trying that tonight. CANNOT thank you enough for you always have the wisdom and good message of hope and clarity! It is appreciated.
I am so grateful for all of you listening and being there. The walk we had puts a smile on my face too!!!'
Hugs,
Donna
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Buddy....Isn't your RADS DONE THIS WEEK??!!!!!Praying for you and know it is goin to be a process of rest and restoration but done with this part of the jounrey!!!!!0
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Donna I am so sorry You are not getting your rest.
Yes this was suppose to have been my last week of rads. I was on my way this morning and I got the call again!!!!!! The machine is broke and I was cancelled. So now my last rad will be on Monday.
My Oncologist said to start teh Arimidex (a day or 2 after my last treatment) I think???? Does that sound right to you girls. I just cant remember what he told me....... DARN CHEMOBRAIN......
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Hi:
We are all wired so differently. Trazodone put me out in less than twenty minutes and I was out! I was taking Trazondone for the nightmares (not insomnia) and I think it put me in such a deep sleep that if I had nightmares, I sure as hell had no memory of them. Give me a cold tablet that causes drowsiness, however, and I am jumping out of my skin. I hope that extra lexapro does the trick.I I bet it will.
Laura, you are a doll. I believe it is called DURTY Nellies! My DH remembers it with probably too much fondness. It sounds like fun whatever the name.
Susan
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Morning all....dark and 49 on my deck, but sun later today with a 30% Chance of rain tomorrow. Not too bad...
Donna....I too went thru the sleep problems but mine were waking up at 2 or 3 and not being able to go back to sleep. If I have trouble going to sleep a benadryl puts me out. If I wake up now at 2 I can't take benadryl as I will be too sleepy in the am. I give it a half hour and if I can't go back to sleep...believe it or not...I go downstairs and heat up a mug of skim milk. It works for me in 20 mintues. Strange I know, but it's of course an old rememdy. I did take ambien when I was first dx'd for about 2 weeks but did not continue. If I took it at 10, I was up at 4. So I was staying up to 12 or 1, just to take a stupid pill. Plus...I got the dreaded "dry mouth" all the next day. I would rather not sleep than have that. Don't know why the joint/muscle pain...I attribute mine to arimidex since I only have it after sitting in one spot for too long, or for about 5 minutes after getting out of bed.
Buddy....I finished rads in mid-July 2007 and then started arimidex 8/1/2007 so I think your schedule is about right. So close to finishing rads...and then of course, down goes the stupid machine! Same thing happened to me the last week of rads. Bad timing if you ask me....
Susan....Durty Nellie's! Gosh I do remember that place! Yeah...MY dh has very fond memories of LOTS of bars! Now I can't get him out of the house at night!
Laura...can you send out the searchlight for Karin? She posted once on FB about something and then nothing more. I am a bit concerned about her.
Pat....has DH taken your computer away since retiring??? I think you need your own....one of those cute little netbooks, maybe in pink????? We miss you!
Blackjack...boat gone bye-bye? Sniff-sniff....so looking forward to seeing you on Friday!
Time to scoot and get ready for the gym...was looking at the back of my hair and I glanced down at the ole' butt. OMG - and what exactly happened there?????? Need more cardio......
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We plant seeds that will flower as results in our lives, so best to remove the weeds of anger, avarice, envy and doubt, that peace and abundance may manifest for all. Dorothy Day
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Hi ALL.. Update to let you all know, I think the second pill of Lexipro did the trick last night as i slept deeper and only woke up once but not so wide awake!!YEA!Hope this is not a fluke!~!!
I am off today and am trying to catch up and get theLAUNDRY done since we have no Laundry Fairy anymore...lol!!
buddy.. just get r done~!!!!
Thanks ALL!!!!Have a GREAT day and enjoy the sun.
Donna
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Donna...so glad you slept better last night. It does really get to be a drag on our systems.
Buddy...I also started on the Arimidex as soon as I finished rads so I agree with Wendy. It sounds like everything is progressing as it should. Sorry about the machine going down and you having to tack on an extra day. That just isn't fair! LOL
Now this Durty Nellies sounds like a fun place, gals. If I was closer, I'd go with you to check it out! LOL I think you should all join up with Laura. You have the perfect excuse to check out the place and I do bet you'd have fun!!!!
Donna, thanks for Victoria's email. I will email her, too and see what happened to her.
I hope that everyone is having a good Wednesday. I'm off in about an hour to go play LEFT, CENTER, RIGHT. We just organized a group of gals to meet once and month and play this. It should be a good time.
Catch you all later!
Rita
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HELP....Victoria.. is trying to get in here!!!She is signed in but how do I direct her to this thread specifically?? Rita..can you help?!!0
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Donna, I sent her directions by email. We'll see if that works. If not, I can get her through it with a phone call. I'm glad she's joining us! We had so much fun at the walk.
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Evening everyone. I don't usually post late, but went out to dinner at the Moose after a long day including a trip to Carbondale for my 6 mos. Mammograms. They came out great....and I don't have to have anymore ( either side ) for a year; I celebrated with two Margarita's. Wednesday night at the Moose is taco night. You can get taco's or a taco salad for $1.25 and Margarita's are a $1.00. Hard to resist. Makes me a cheap date for sure.
Anyway, I am thrilled to say the least. I work tomorrow and may not be able to get on here for more than the quote. Hope you all have a great day tomorrow. I'm sure I will.
Hugs, Jackie
p.s. "quietly" whispering....keep up the good work for Donna, sleep fairy.
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Wendy, thank you for the warm welcome! I am new to Illinois, this is the beginning of my second year. I'm teaching at a local university (finally got a tenure-track position) and my department has been amazingly supportive since all this started. I also found out on Monday that my IDC was triple-negative and I will definitely have to undergo chemotherapy, which was my worst fear. My mom died of lung cancer 20 years ago and I cared for her as she moved from chemo to hospice. She was so miserably sick from the chemo she would just sit, hanging her head, afraid to open her mouth and refusing to eat anything but miso soup. I know that things have changed dramatically since then, but her image keeps flashing through my mind whenever I think about going through it myself.
Wendy, I hope you have more luck with your sleep issues. I have had the same problem since my dad died in 2001 and I am currently using Remeron (I've used trazodone before and developed blepharospasam - an excuse for botox injections every 3 months...) which works okay. Not great when up against the stress of my bc diagnosis.
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Sido....Welcome!!!!I I too have triple negative and was also overwhelmed with the thought of having chemo.Goin on 4 mos post chemo.. and all i know is. I did it and it is all DOABLE and not as harsh as the days it was for your mom!!I I teach part time for elementary and it is intersting how many teachers are in this foum!!! Here if you have any questions and know it is all goin to be ok~~~!!!!
thanks Rita.. I gave Victoria directions too and hope she gets it all!!ILoved the walk and all we shared!!!!
Wendy....BTW.. the cup of warm milk before bed may be a winner for me too!!!! Thanks for that tibbit of info!!!!!
Slept better again..YEA!Goin to work today and wish all sunny wishes (in spite of rain) and all those goin thru treatment and appts, tests etc.
Donna
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Morning all...got on here late as I was gonna skip the gym but Laura reminded me via FB that I have an enormous butt and need to go.....37 on my deck (yep....37) with lots of rain for later today.
Sido.....I am soooo sorry you have to go thru chemo, but like Donna said...it is so doable...a word you will come to hate! Chemo of today is nothing like the chemo of yesterday....well, some of the drugs are actually the same as they work so well BUT....the anti-nausea meds are terrific! Just remember to ALWAYS take them, no matter how well you might feel. It is so much easier to try and prevent any nausea than it is to fix it once you get it. Also....go right ahead and ask for some sleeping aids and/or anti-depressants. I could have used them in the beginning but just couldn't bring myself to ask. Once I had my first chemo, I was fine tho....it was a "fait accompli" as it were. If your type of chemo causes the Great Hair Exodus and you choose to wear a wig, American Cancer Society has some for free, as well as their Looking Good, Feelilng Great program where you get SCADS of very high-end makeup for free...check out their website. I got all my wigs however from wigs.com...they have so many cute styles. Some days...really...I actually miss them as I had more than a few styles to choose from every morning. It was so great in the am....pick one, plop it on and out the door. No bad hair days....ever! Any other stuff you want to ask...ask away! We are just full of it! Info that is...LOL, LOL!
Gotta scoot now....off to work my ginormous butt..
Hey Jackie....WOW...2 margaritas!! You so deserve this! I too was moved to annual mamm's now. Yay...I think. Of course now in 6 months I will probably worry about that!
But...YAY!!!!! for a good report!!!!
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YEA JACKIE!!!! I'm still doing the 6 month mammo on the bad girl side and the year mammo on the good side so you've passed me up. I'm so glad everything was clear!
Sido....I sure can understand the terrible vision you have of chemo after watching your Mom! That would be very hard to overcome because when bad things happen to our loved ones, they're imprinted on our mind. I was scared witless about doing chemo and had made myself sick before I ever entered the chemo room that first day. I came out amazingly surprised. It was so doable. I did get some nausea but I learned how to prevent it the next time and the wonderful gals on here helped me through.....just like we will help you through this! We welcome you to our thread and know that you will get through this, too. Do you know the type of chemo that you will be doing? I am right up the road if you ever need a shoulder to lean on or somebody to sit across from you and just listen.
Well I need to get moving. The gal that I was assigned to through Reach to Recovery has nobody to go with her to her onc appointment today and I'm going to go along so I need to get cleaned up and ready!
I hope everyone is doing well. Donna....so glad you had another good night!
Rita
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Morning ladies!
I don't like the weather change! I want hot weather. I think I need to move to AZ.
Wendy - yes I am a skinny minnie. I joined weight watchers at the beginning of the summer and I have lost a little over 15 pounds. I am really proud of myself. People have always looked at me and thought I was tall and thin, but the truth is - I was about 25 pounds heavier than before I had my kids. I lost about 10 lbs on chemo and then gained it all back - and then some. When summer hit and I put on my shorts they were tight and I was depressed about it. Then my employer offered to pay half of a WW at work session. So, I attend my meetings at work and it is so easy! The best thing it has done for me is open my eyes to how bad I was really eating. Once I changed my diet, the pounds fell off. I have always walked for exercise, but I did step it up a bit as well. I'm hoping this stays off for good now!
I don't think I can make it Friday. I am working from home and have a few calls scheduled. It is a slight possibility but don't count on me. Hope you gals have fun!
Donna - glad you are getting some sleep! I am like Susan and need about 9 hours. I get about 7 on the days I go into the office, but about 9 on the other days. I am also like Susan in that if I take Nyquil - I am up all night. Crazy. I really wish I could get off of my sleeping pill - Temazepam, but I have tried several times and I am up all night. I still blame it on Tamox, but I don't know.
Sido - welcome! I too was petrified of chemo but made it through with very little nausea. They have lots of different meds to take to prevent it. Once I figured out the right combo, I never had it again. Stay on this thread and you will get a lot of support!
Congrats on the clear mammo, Jackie! That is great news and I'm glad you were able to celebrate!
Have a great day everyone!
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Rita: Thanks for the delightful surprise. Yes, you do know what makes me happy. Thank you, I love my surprise!
Have fun at lunch tomorrow. I have my son-in-law's family here for brunch. I think I am becoming the Brunch Queen. This is Lila Grace's baptism weekend.
Sido, it sounds like your oncologist knows the routine of chemo very well what with when she is saying to get infusions so you are ready to be teaching. I taught middle school and had the infusion Thursday around four-thirty, right after school. I felt fine on Friday and could work. Then Saturday and Sunday were not happy camper days. I was still rocky on Monday and took that day off and routinely returned on Tuesday. I am not saying you will feel 100% (you most certainly will not) but I was able to keep up with my routine. Of course, we are all different. And like everyone is saying, take those pills exactly as prescribed. Lay them out in advance and let the games begin! It will be hard, but most of us did better than we thought. I also remember now, that I came home and slept after work more days than not. It was personally very important for me to maintain my routine of work, so I had no life other than that! I wish you well.
Have fun today!
Susan
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On a less optimistic note, my dear friend's cancer has spread. He was the one with Stage IV colon cancer and he showed great results with his chemo. That was two years ago. Sadly, his wife called me and told me it is in his liver. I know I told you about him as he and his wife are our best friends. Cancer is a mean disease. He will do chemo again and I am hoping for another two good years, if not more. I find that there is absolutely nothing you can say the second time around. It feels lame to tell him we will beat it, as we told him that the first time and believed it. Now, we feel defeated and defenseless. Prayers, please, if that is your inclination! Susan
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On a less optimistic note (this message was shown twice and then I deleted one and they both went!) our best friend's colon cancer has spread to his liver. He had two good years and we thought perhaps all would go well. It is so hard to find the right words the second time around. He is doing chemo again and is approaching his cancer as a chronic disease. If it is your inclination, prayers please.
Susan
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