Illinois ladies facing bc
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Ginny - Hang in there. You've been through alot.
Good Morning! Hope you all slept well...including you Donna! Sorry if I sound like a broken record...but IS IT SPRING YET! Brrrrrrrr...although...I hear it's supposed to be in the upper 30's for a few days! YAY! Heat wave...bring it on! lol Having lunch with a friend today and then a much needed haircut.
Have a nice day.
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Rita I am doing OK. Had Herceptin again yesterday. Only 3 more to go. Friday will be the one year anniversary of the biopsy that was diagnosed as cancer. It has been a long year. My knees hurt also, which can be a SE of the herceptin, so I am wating till after I am done to do anything else about them. I had to quit the femara because of the joint pain. We will try something else after I am done the herceptin. My DH and I are going to Ohio this weekend to visit my Dad. Since no snow in the forecast it is a good weekend to go. Otherwise have not been doing much except work and staying in out of the cold. Annette
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Jackie, I often send your quote to my girls! They are now sending me quotes they like! Here is what Mary sent today. She failed t give me who said it! May have been Mary's own quote!
In the depth of winter, I finally learned that there was within me an invincible summer.
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Hi All, I live in Palatine...was just diagnosed at the end of December.. I haven't had surgery yet- the doctor is on vacation. Just received some good news - the genetic testing was normal. This was such a relief. I'm waiting for the MRI results to see if cancer has spread. Surgeon has indicated the plan is lumpectomy followed by chemo, radiation and more chemo. I'm trying to take one step at a time and not get too far ahead of myself on the research - otherwise I get overwhelmed and scared. Chemo seems to scare me the most. Not sure why. Luckily I've got excellent doctors that I'm very comfortable with and very supportive family and friends.
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Welcome Carolyn. So sorry that you need to join this club, You are quite right....reading too far ahead tends to stir up fears and weaken confidence. Chemo does present some challenges, but ended up being easier in some ways then I thought and actually a little more difficult when I thought I was at an easy spot. A little different for everyone --- but now days with all the medicines they use to take care of the side effects or ( se's ) one can generally get through and many have been known to even keep going to work thru it all. This was not the case with me, but was for several who are here.
All of us here are pretty good hand holders and will stay with you through your journey and help you to get to the other side of it. The gals here are wonderful - very understanding. Sometimes we have gotten mad, cried, vented a great deal of frustration and there is always someone here to hold our hand and help us regain a better momentum as we work through some of the rugged parts.
Susan -- that is a quote though I never remember the author of them for the most part. Glad your girls are perhaps taking up quotes. They are such a big part of me and have kept me going and I really love sharing what I love too.
Carolyn.....others will be along -- if not tonight, then tomorrow. Keep coming back here.
Hugs, Jackie
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HI Carolyn....welcome to the Illinois Ladies thread. I'm glad that you found us because there is always somebody on here who will try to answer you questions, lend you a big shoulder, and help you through this journey that really is more doable than you think right now. You are at the hard part in the journey because you're still exploring your options and making decisions. As for the chemo....yep is scared me so much that I started this thread in hopes of finding somebody else in the same situation, but really it wasn't as bad as I'd anticipated. Like Jackie says, there are so many good meds out there to counteract the nausea and other side effects that it's nothing like what people used to go through in years past. Just keep coming back here and we'll help you get through this.
Annette......so glad to hear from you. Hey, you've about got this Herceptin program kicked! Then perhaps you can attack your knee problem and get back to being "yourself" again. I think of you often and hope that you'll be able to join the Bosom Buddies again one night soon. I know it's a little tough for you to travel at night but maybe when the weather gets better you can come over again. In the meantime, enjoy your weekend in Ohio. Hugs!
Wow! Yesterday was a non-stop day: bowling in the morning, Bunco in the afternoon and a movie (It's Complicated) in the late afternoon followed by dinner out with the ladies. Today, it's picking up clutter, running the vacuum, doing laundry, writing scholastic bowl questions, and cooking supper. What's wrong with this program???? LOL
I hope that everyone has a good day!
Rita
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Welcome Carolyn. Come here for answers and support. We will be with you
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Morning all....OMG!
Rita....It was THREE YEARS yesterday that you were up in the middle of the night, starting this thread! THREE YEARS!!!!! Thank you for not being able to sleep that night, and having this wonderful idea of the Illinois ladies thread. What you have accomplished in a simple post, posted just because you needed support one scary, dark and forbidding night! Look at what you did!!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Carolyn.....we will be here, will support you, give you a safe place to come and scream and vent and cry and yes, to laugh and giggle. We are here to give hugs, and sometimes we need them too still after all this time. It's been over 3 years for me and I still have trouble sometimes wrapping my head around a cancer diagnosis. Chemo for me was scary and I HATED losing my hair. In fact it was the first thing I asked...not if I was going to survive but how would my hair be!!!! I ended up having NO side effects whatsoever except for the hair. I had to do herceptin for a year as well and that was pretty much OK too. I hated radiation as it is most usually every day for 7-8 weeks and it was the summer. The everyday thing of it was horrible. BUT....it goes by quickly. And for the nausea there are so many drugs now to take during chemo and they give them to you before, during and after each infusion. If one doesn't do the trick...speak up!!! They will gladly try something else. It is extremely doable. It all is. Just does not seem that way right now, when it is all ahead of you. I never thought I would be able to do it. But I did it. And I am glad that I did everything I possible could the first go-around. Please tell us a bit more about yourself...if you want. I'm not too far from Palatine. A bunch of us get together (or try to) once a month...perhaps you would like to join us? Anything we can help you with....all you have to do is ask. Really. Just ask. This is our little mission....to keep helping, as this thread helped us when we so needed that support.
Ginny....hopefully you will start to rebound a bit...as your weather rebounds! Since it is going to be in the high 30's, low 40's here I am assuming it is warmer by you as well!
Jackie...no snow???? Hopefully some of ours will disappear as well! How's the furnace?
BJ...when do you leave for LV? Friday? Lucky girl....
Princess Juliette....OK...getting worried now....you OK? Any news? Need anything?
Read that new book "Roses"....it got a glowing review. Hmmmm....sure glad I used a gift card at Barnes and Noble! It was "readable" but sure wasn't the next "Thorn Birds" or "Gone With The Wind" as it said in a few reviews. Wasn't all that great....
Off to do a few things and then....Laura you will be proud of me....a plate of steamed brocoli with a spritz of spray butter and a dash of sea salt for lunch! Yum! I really do like that. And I bought some fruit and boy have the prices jumped for oranges/lemons! Yikes!
Have a great day everyone....think spring!!!!!!!!!
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Good Thursday morning everyone (although it's almost afternoon)...
Susan - what a lovely,thoughtful gift you made. I was really touched - it was such a day brightener. Thank you so, so, much.
I tried to read as many posts as I could - boy, if you don't come here for a week, it's hard to catch up, lol.
Today I'm at home recovering from my re-excision. Doc said he'll call with path tonight. CLEAN MARGINS - CLEAN MARGINS.... you all know the chant, right ?
My bone scan & CT came back - CLEAR!!! Whooohooooo.
My oophorectomy is scheduled for Feb. 1st. Time to just get all this crap done, out of my body.
I'm having my ups & downs - some days I cry & think I just can't take it anymore (between the recurrence, my heart arrythmia, and my job from hell.....) and then I manage to bounce back. Of course I'm noticing some familiar patterns with certain friends as well, just like when I was first DX'd back in summer 08 - so some days are tough. You guys all know this all too well....... but whoever started the "Illinois gals are tough" phrase - well, they were right. We are a** kickers.
Time to get back on the couch with Buster. He's great therapy - although he's kinda smelly because he needs a bath.
I hope everyone is doing well. Hey, a heat wave is coming - almost 40 today. Nice
Hugs, Juliet
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Annette - Glad you're almost done with Herceptin! Have a nice trip to Ohio.
Carolyn - Welcome. Sorry you meet the elegibility requirements...but you've come to the right place. You'll get lots of support here. When I was dx'd - chemo was my biggest fear too. On the day of my first treatment, I felt as though I was being escorted to the death chamber. My hubby sat throught it with me. But it soon became quite routine. It helped to bring a book or crochet, etc. Best wishes to you. You can do it!
PJuliet - It is such a roller coaster ride and I'm so sorry you have to deal with it. Yes...you are tough! Hang in there. Everything is crossed for you, get some rest!
Wendrew - Good girl! lol
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Juliet...thinking of you and continuing your chant of CLEAN MARGINS! That was great news on the bone scan and CAT scan! Hip Hip Hooray!
As for your conflicting emotions.......of course you have days when the tears roll down your face. Just cry all you need to cry. Tears are good therapy. They release lots of pent up emotions and heavens knows that you've had plenty of them on your plate lately. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers and you be sure to keep us updated.
Relax and recoup from your re-excision surgery and we'll all keep up the chant of CLEAN MARGINS for you!
Rita
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Yes -- do cry all you need too -- you know you'll pee less then. Hey, great about getting the all clear on the scans -- so we will keep cheering you on till the whole battle is won. Isn't it great....Buster is going to think you are wonderful whether your laughing or crying. What a great pal.
Got to go to lunch ---- I'm at work. Have a marvelous day.
Hugs, Jackie
P.S. Hi Carolyn.
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For those of us who have had or will have a Mastectomy, here's a great source for sexy prosthetic bras:
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Laura...On sleep.. truly, i figured out and think this is my fibroaygia DX.. i have not had restorative sleep in 7 mos!!!I am goin for more tests on Saturday and get goin on a protocol for me as i am truly weary and very not me!!!WILL be back here to write when i get more umph..ALL the BEST to those in TX or in APPTS or having any health issues!!!!!
Susan..love my tape!!!!
Hugs.''
Donna
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HI~~ I am here~! Just stopping by to say hi~!~!
WendyK- I've been busy with my dh new working hours and all day with the kids... hard to get on the computer.. but I've been reading little bit at a time..
Bustermom- what a great news~! clean margins!! yahooooooooooo
Donna- How are you?? I wish I can help you sleep better... 7mos w/o goon night sleep is too much and too long..
Buddy- I got silicone and they are way~ better than te, gosh... you will like it~!
I hope everyones doing well with chemo and other treatments..
Welcome to the new ladies~! sorry you are here but we will help you anyways~!
I had my 3mon check up with onc yesterday and she told me muga scan came NORMAL...about time, I am very glad.. so far, everything is good and I will have my nipple recon on next month and that will be it.. I am almost normal... haha... I am off to shower, while kids are taking nap nap..
Have a great day and don't forget to smile!~!~!
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Thanks everyone for the warm welcome. I received some news todays. The MRI center called - they want me to come back and have an ultrasound and possibly an MRI guided core biopsy. I talked to the radiologist. They found another funny spot just under the nipple - she said it's indeterminate at this point. I'm not really surprised but at the same time I keep thinking does this ever end? This was supposed to be an "informationally quiet" week. Dr. come back Monday. Nurse said she'd put me in the priority pile. I was absolutely useless at work for the 2 hours after I got the phone call.
I was calm, but had no concentration whatsoever. 0 -
Hi Carolyn. It spounds like you are getting closer to some answers. Chemo is not fun, but most of us would say that it wsn't as awful as we anticipated if in fact you will be having chemo.
So happy to hear from juliet and Elf. juliet. you have every right to be sad. You are so young and should not be dealing with this. Elf, I will get the music to you and mamaq. If I missed anyone else, let me know as this was intended to be for everyone.
I am taking a continuing ed class at Northwestern (British Lit) and I forgot just how dry Brit Lit can be. The class is good as it includes a lengthy walk to and from the car as I do not have on campus parking privileges so I need to walk and power walk at that as it is freezing off the lake.
Saw my grandchildren today as they live in Evanston. We went looking for books at Barnes and Nobles. My older baby girl is already into Cinderella and the younger loves to chew on books! It is always fun.
Donna, the sleep thing is awful. I hear about Lyrica (I think that is what it is called) for the syndrome you are referring to. Have they considered that? MY son in law's mother has that (I am avoiding the name as I do not know how to spell it) and she says tai chi helps her. I wish you well. Are you subbing at all? I sub two days a week (average) and it pays for my books/classes.
Have a great evening!
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Carolyn - Hang in there... I know it's tough. I walked around in a daze for weeks after my dx. Everything seemed surreal. Surround yourself with those you love. I sent you a PM.
Susan - I sent you an updated Illinois Addy Girl List - via e-mail.
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Hi everyone...on here late of course, since I worked today...also go over to Maggie's after work and feed her apt. kitties, play with sweet Diva, then mop the kitchen and hallway. Now home eating some dinner while I do computer.
Got up to 44 at one point today -- almost felt like summer was here. Wow !!!! glad it all backed off. That bitter cold was getting pretty tiresome fast. I think the next few days might be ok temp. wise.
Carolyn though not easy -- just try to hang in there. I think the majority of us were caught totally un-aware -- not that anyone can "prepare" to have cancer. You too were probably minding your own business --- trying to do more things right ( like diet, exercise etc. ) than wrong....and more than likely had had just enough mammograms to work up at least a small sense of complacency -- even feeling positive about being on top of your health. Than the speeding train hits and nothing is ever quite the same. This cloud seems to like to spend a lot of time right over the top of your head.
I can understand an inability to concentrate -- it's that cloud. Look for anything positive and hang onto it -- like the fact that they are doing these tests so you will have in the end an accurate assessment and will be able to move forward and handle whatever has to be done. I know it is off-putting -- just while your in the middle of trying to find some way to accept your diagnosis but we will help you through this. There are lots of twists and turns on this journey and it is definitely not an easy one -- but the motto on this thread is Illinois Girls Are Tough. I'm not sure we all started tough but we got that way along the way. We are here for you.
Heat is on at my house....thank goodness. Hope it stays that way -- even if we are having our mini-heat wave.
Elf -- double yay on the negative Muga scan. Great news. Loved how you signed off.
Hi to everyone else....got to get settled down. It's once again late and I'm starting to not feel like I'm going to make sense much longer.
See you all tomorrow.Hugs, Jackie
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On the mountains of truth you can never climb in vain: either you will reach a point higher up today, or you will be training your powers so that you will be able to climb higher tomorrow.
Friedrich Nietzsche0 -
Morning ALL!!!!Hope this day finds you well and those goin thru treatment, be easy on yourself and count the days until it is over!!
Elfsong...ALways great to see your smiling spirit!!!!ALL is goin in the right direction for me and DR and tests!!!!SO glad ALL was NORMAL for yoi..yipeeee~~
Susan...NO more meds or sleeping stuff as i am goin for one test tomm that will measure my neuro transmitters to see what is goin on and then results of my saliva and urine test is still being processed. I am goin to be treatesd holsitically and know i am now goin in the right direction!!YES sub.. usally three times a week. I need monies for all the holistic supplementation i have to get for my three senior goldens!~~~~HOPE you are content and know you are one busy lady and thanks for all your great advice and support!!!!
My DH is back from AZ. Had seen two exquisite homes and we are simply preparing our driection to the next step and time is the key to make such a move and it is ALL a process!!! He awoke today to not walking as his joints are never affected when out WEST!
Budders.. Let me know if you need anything when you go for the reconst. surgery.. when is it? Silicone is what i have also and never regretted it. Though i did not have expanders at all in my surgery and all was done in one surgery!
Be well ALL and love to those i may not always post back too..it is hard for me to focus on so many good threads here!!!
Donna
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Good morning Ladies. It's not too bad out there for January weather.
Donna You have just got to get to the bottom of this. You need some sleep. Thankyou so much for the offer. I think we will be fine. Its suppose to be out patient. But thank you so much for offering. You are so so thoughtfull.
Zap I am so happy you are Blessed with your Grandchildren. What a wonderful gift.
Carolyn, This is a trying time for you. Be strong and come here for support or just to vent. It really does help.
Elfsong. I am so glad to hear silicone is the way to go. How was the surgery anyway. You just had yours done. was it painfull. How long did it take. Nipples or not?
Illinois Lady Do you ever sleep. Wow your up late. I'm a early to bed early to rise girl.
Laura I love your avitar.
Lots of Love, Buddy
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Hi Girls! Checking in...hope you're all warm and looking forward to the weekend.
Budder - Thanks about my avatar - I still love yours. My previous photo was too "summery"...so I put the current one in until I get a decent "wintery" photo. lol
Donna - Wouldn't it be amazing if your joint point also went away once you move! Although I hope you're still here in Sept. to join our walk again!
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Susan, thank you so much for the thoughtfully put together CD. I can't wait to listen to it in my car! You are a very special lady to go to all the trouble to send this to us all.
Also thanks to those of you who sent me a card or a PM when my Mom died last month. I do appreciate your thoughtfulness.
Mary Jane
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Hi Mary Jane -- and hi to all the rest as well. Buddy --- I do stay up late compared to some I guess, but it takes a bit to wind down after doing a lot --- and the bad part for me is that Wednesday starts out slow and right before noon --- if I haven't gotten to a certain spot with my work.....it tends to just build up and I get farther and farther behind. Wed. was the only day I could volunteer at House of Hope --- but I had lots of other things going on that day.....sigh !!!! someday I'll learn I guess.
Lots going on today as well and had to stop and get a car wash too -- had to get all that awful salt off my car. We are almost totally out of snow.....only spots where it was pushed up into huge piles are still there.
Having a small family remembrance buffet for Heidi tomorrow. That will provide work ( cooking ) I will do. Nothing fancy -- some pea salad I think and I'm tempted to do a Wacky Cake -- mainly as most ( if not all ) will be eaten and I won't have to worry about the calories that way. I'm thinking it over still.
Well, getting late so I'm going to kick back. See you all the in the morning.
Hugs, Jackie
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Anyone can carry his burden, however hard, until nightfall. Anyone can do his work, however hard, for one day. Anyone can live sweetly, patiently, lovingly, purely, till the sun goes down. And this is all life really means. ~Robert Louis Stevenson
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Laura..Today is the test to mesure all in my central nervous system. Took Yoga this week and usually excercise and it does not make a difference for me for long. The bottom line is BALANCE and it is coming, i know this MD is goin to help me.
BE well all today and be back soon.!!!
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Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations.
I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their
beauty, believe in them, and follow where they lead.
-- Louisa May Alcott0 -
Morning! Gosh....we have birds singing like crazy! Sounds like spring but of course it is barely mid-January...just wishful thinking on my part! 26 tho on the deck and that is not bad.
Juliette....clean margins, clean margins, clean margins! Hope that helps! Great that your scans were all clear. Whew! What's the next step? After of course you hear that your margins are CLEAN! And listen to Jackie, cry more = pee less.
Donna....hopefully you will get an answer to your sleep problem soon. When are you and DH thinking of doing the BIG move? And I am thinking that a warmer, drier climate would be a big help as well. It's so damp and cold here today....can't be good for you.
Elf...good to see you! I miss you when you don't post on here or FB! Glad you are just busy with life! Aren't good check-ups wonderful! I have my annual reg. doc visit on the 25th and I am hoping that he doesn't find anything new that's wrong! Let's see...cancer, hypothyroid, degenerative disk disease, herniated disk, cataracts.....yep, I'm done. Nothing new please!
Ginny...how's the temp down by you? SIL in Fl is so happy as it is going to be in the low 70's today. They are just not used to freezing weather! (wimps)
Jackie...our snow too is melting but I fear the big piles will be here for a long time! Oh well....winter in the midwest!
Carolyn....this is the worst part of your dx, in my opinion. You just want it all over with so you can get your life back and wouldn't you know it? Let's do another test/scan! But....it really is important that they have the whole picture first....your tx plan could change big time, depending on what is found (or not found!). Try and relax this weekend and I remember how I wanted to smack people when they said that to me but do try. Do you have any meds to help? Some sleep aids or anti-anxiety meds? Ask for them. I wanted to just sail thru everything until my wonderful PCP said to me...how can you make good decisions if you don't get good sleep? He was right of course. I did take Ambien for about 2 weeks...I stopped as I couldn't stand the dry mouth all the next day and by then my tx plan was in place. I was OK after that. Even if you don't feel you need anything, why not have something at home....just in case you find yourself, once again....in bed with the mind going at 2am. Just my opinion tho....and it really does simmer down once you have your plan in place. It's all this stuff being thrown at you right now that is so horrible. Hugs to you!
Time to get a move on....I couldn't stand my bangs anymore yesterday (I was trying to grow them out) so I chopped them! Will be interesting to see how my hair looks after my shower! Right now they are sticking straight out....not a good look for me! Have a wonderful Saturday everyone!
(PS.....BJ, are you in LV?)
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DH has what I had. So odd! Maybe Baby Henry is not the responsible party as Paul got sick seven days after I was. So it looks like we have to scratch the weekend.
I went boot-shopping with younger daughter and I have to say I love DSW. My daughter found some boots and we used my DSW reward points to save 20% on boots that were already discounted . We then went to Old Orchard and saw the very same boots/brand for like twice the cost! Okay and here is the best part: I had a 20% off-coupon and a $10.00 coupon and was discussing with my daughter how to use them. The cashier was listening and took them both for the same single purchase! I know i sound like a DSW advertisement, but that is pretty impressive!
Have a nice weekend. Good wishes especially for women dealing with cancer right now. Three years ago now I was doing rads and recuperating from the final chemo. Today I am carrying on about "such a deal" boots! It does get better!
Susan
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