Illinois ladies facing bc
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Yeah Susan -- love your description....three years later I am carrying around " such a deal " boots and yes -- loving and appreciating life that had some big questions marks three years ago. It does get better and the sometimes monumental feeling of struggle is definitely worth it. I think it is sort of like childbirth --- after a bit a lot of the "remembered" pain sort of dulls so very much that it doesn't seem quite as bad as it seemed while in the midst of it.
Sorry that your hubby is taking a turn with that flu.....hopefully it won't last long and he'll be itching to take you somewhere for lunch soon.
Hi to everyone....need to get ready to go to the wake...See you all later.
Hugs, Jackie
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Morning! Birds are singing, sun is shining, temps already in the high 60's, had coffee out on the deck. It was glorious. I do so love those little pink pills...(OK...but I have to admit that "frozen fog" on the trees is quite pretty)
Susan....sorry to hear about DH. Perhaps some eggnog.......
Will have a quiet Sunday as of course....football has taken over. DH usually doesn't care too much but at playoff time, life is suspended. Unless I mention "pizza" and then off we go...to a bar of course with tv's...where no one talks to me! Oh well...it will all be over in a few weeks.
Just watching HGTV and a gardening show....soon! Have a great Sunday everyone!
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Good Morning everyone -- hmmmm. frozen fog. That would be interesting. Came home from the wake last night rather late to a call on my answering machine that one of my life-long friends passed away Friday at work. Gary was a beautician and worked right up the street from the White House. Had an aneurysm. Another gal I grew up with died last week from Lou Gehrigs. Starting to bug me that so many young people are not going into "ripe old ages".
Does really go to show that each day is a treasure though that is hard to see when you are trying to keep life afloat and do the balancing act that takes every day.
That old football -- I think ( there are some gals ) it is a man thing. Women get together and may end up talking about nearly anything....men are probably going to talk sports and maybe a couple of other things. I have never enjoyed sports much and have trouble trying to follow them on t.v. especially. Most of Denny's brothers are into sports but he is not. That is good cause I probably would have had to try to outlaw it at our house years ago and was saved from that "fight".
Hope you all have a really good Sunday. Dh is off today, and is going to work a bit on our furnace and a couple of other projects. I have no project -- just my normal stuff. See you all later.
Hugs, Jackie
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A pessimist sees only the dark side of the clouds, and mopes; a philosopher sees both sides, and shrugs; an optimist doesn't see the clouds at all - he's walking on them. ~Leonard Louis Levinson
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Good morning gals! It sounds like everyone is busy and doing pretty well. Susan, I'm so sorry to hear that hubby now has the flu. It sounds like pretty nasty stuff and I hope that he gets better soon.
I'm certainly enjoying the warmer temps. We had the frozen fog this morning, too. The trees looked pretty neat, but I must admit that I still prefer green leaves! I take off on the 27th for Florida so I'm hoiping that it continues to warm up in the south, too. I'm so ready, although I think Dave is starting to dread being left behind with the cats.
I hope everyone is having a good Sunday. I need to make a phone call soon. My middle grandson is four years old today!
I'll be back later before bowling. Enjoy your day!
Rita
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Unselfish and noble actions are the most radiant pages in the biography of souls. ~David Thomas
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Another happy Monday begins -- well at least I hope so. Actually, was feeling a bit on the blue side from the sudden loss of so many friends, but this too shall pass as they say. Due to get almost to 50 here -- sure hope there is sun with it. We have done more mud wading outside and am keeping my snow boots ( which have turned into mud boots ) handy. Later in the week rain -- hate to think that will mean more mud. Icky.
Much to do as always....there is one thing you can always count on here. With all our furry friends it seems we almost always have a project in progress or just plenty of general work to catch up. Somewhere in this world people are caught up -- I have dreams that someday it will be me. Well, heck -- can't grow old -- my time and energy is already reserved for other things.
Hi to all today. Hope it will be a good day for you. I am thinking about you. Always.
Hugs, Jackie
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Jackie - It is sad about your friends. How could you not feel blue about it. I hope the sun came out in your neck of the woods.
I love sunny days...but at this time of the year it's a real shocker...when the sun is out, it's very obvious how badly my windows need to be washed. But the problem is that the guys that do them are still south of the border! lol
Hope you're all having a nice day. Paulie keeps trying to take my slipper off my foot...as I type! lol I am convinced he will be a perpetual-puppy!
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I got back yesterday. Of course my first trip down to AL in 4 years and they had record low temps. We had a great time with my parents. They are now settled in their new place. I got to play golf 5 times. It is wonderful to have my energy levels returning to normal again!
Tonight I went to a program called Begin Again at the Community Cancer Center in Bloomington. Looks like I'll be getting motivated to work on my diet and a regular exercise plan now.
The countdown is on. I have 7 days of freedom left before I go back to work. I'm looking forward to it. Although I keep wondering why I didn't get my to do list done before now. I guess it is another sign that my life is getting back to normal. I love my returning energy levels. Maybe I can get it all done before I start work next Monday. Fat chance!
Rita - Andy was at the class tonight. I'll give you an update tomorrow.
Susan - Thank you for the wonderful surprise. It was nice to have more than bills and junk mail. Hope you are starting to feel better.
Jackie - Since I only have three left, you'd think that they could get along and snuggle for warmth. But no, they love to fight. So each cat has it's own shelter.
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Morning this quite foggy morning. If this was nighttime I'd be thinking about all those good books I have read at one time or other that start out with " it was a dark and very foggy night and then ". Even now one could get into a few ideas if you had the time to let your mind wander for a while. I'd do that but I'm too afraid my mind just might decide not to come back.
WendyTY -- Glad you have gotten that oh so wonderful feeling of enough energy to actually feel like you are able to go through a whole day now and do everything you want too as well as things you have too. It was one of the things I missed most or worded differently -- one of the things I hated was the exhaustion that would often come from doing one or two things -- knowing how much I could do before. A most definite up-swing to be sure. Aren't we always supposed to have a to-do list --- I mean, if we had it all done wouldn't we be bored. Oh the fantasies I have had about not having a list -- so that I could pick and choose and only do what I wanted too -- when I wanted to -- well, it is a great fantasy. I think I need some of your motivation for my diet and exercise.
I still have only lost 9 pounds, but thrilled that I was able to do this while doing Arimidex. Exercise -- I keep buying walking track tickets ( good for a month ) at the local Rec. Center and not getting around to using them. Double shame on me.
Dh got my new stainless sink in yesterday and Teeny's spaying went very well the Vet says. She was up walking around in her recovery crate. I'll pick her up some time this morning. Sure glad that is out of the way. Perhaps she will "lose" at least a little of her 'hyperness' now and our almost constant household whirlwind will slow up for all of us a bit.
Ok, probably no sun today....guess I'll have to just try and pretend. Drat -- need that sun. I'm definitely looking for a great Spring and starting to hope it does not take long. Interesting maybe to see what happens this year. We typically seem to either get some really nice warm days in February ( a little while away yet ) or a cold snowstorm. Fingers crossed for the warm days.
Hope you all have a great day....off to find a quote for you. Bj.....back from LV yet. Did you win big???
Hugs, Jackie
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Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. ~Leo Buscaglia
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Hello~ to everyone~! What a nice sunny day for a change, I like it~!
I hope everyones having a good day..
Wendy- you are so kind~~ I am sure doc will fine nothing on your next check up... Everything is good and we want to keep it that way!! oh, I didn't tell my onc I don't have port anymore, not that she needs to know..
Donna- once my dh wanted to move to AZ cuz drier and with his asthma and allergy, it will be better for him doctor said.. Also, it is good for aches and pains too..
Buddy- my recon surgery took about 2 to 3 hours and stayed little over one hour in the recovery room and came home with bit of discomfort and mild soreness. My ps told me to take over the count pain medicine so I did few times.. Then had 6 weeks follow up and that time still little bit swollen.. My next follow up is first week of Feb and I will get my nipple recon same time at his office.. For me, the funny thing is every time I move or jump or run, only my right boob is bouncing up and down while left side is firm and not bounce at all...
Susan- what a great deals you got from DSW, right on~! I love that place, not just for the shoes, sometimes they have nice purses too.. makes me wanna go shopping~~
I've been shopping on-line and can't get enough of it... Does anyone heard of My Shape.com ?? I love their customer service and free shipping every time.. and the other site love to shop is Victoria's Secret, they got more than just bras and panties.. Oh, well, I am a girl and suppose to love shopping right??
Have a great evening everyone and don't forget to smile~!
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Hi Everyone. Dr is back from vacation, but I haven't heard from him yet.
Other than having no patience, I'm doing well.
Had a nice weekend. Hope you all did too!0 -
Carolyn -- call that Dr. up and make him talk to you. Hope you do hear from him soon.
Hugs, Jackie
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Hi Girls...just popping in for a quick hi and to say I had a great weekend in LV with the girls. Girls wanna have fun and I sure did that. I am trying to play catch up with my sleep as it is the city that never sleep. The spa day was fit for a queen, pampering, pampering and more pampering. We even got served cosmos while having our pedi's done. The best part was that the weather was sunny and cool but sunny! So I soaked up a lot of that Vit D. while walking the strip.
Welcome Carolyn. You have found a wonderful group of fantastic women who will give you lots of hugs and support. Post often. Hugs to you as you start your journey..but remember there is a rainbow at the end and you will feel normal again.
Wendy.. thanks for stepping in as the Lunch Bunch coordinator for Feb. I have to tell you that there were some hot looking cabana boys at the pool. lol. Please try to keep that snow be gone fairy around....boating season is right around the corner. Hey!!!! think spring.
Laura....honey how are you doing. How is dh doing?
Susan...I just have to tell you that I brought your cd with me and played it in our room. It was wonderful and everyone loved it. We even danced in our jammie to it.
Jackie...how are you doing? I am sorry to hear about your friends. It is always sad to lose close family and friends..but they will always be with you in spirit. Hugs to you.
Elf song...good to hear from you. Glad to see that you are happy with your recon. If you like pretty bras try Bare Necessities. They have some cute and comfortable ones. Lots of styles to choose from..
Rita....you have been a very busy party girls. lol Life is good so enjoy and have fun!!!
Well I am off to bed as I have a very busy day tomorrow. Sleep tight everyone.
Remember to be healthy...be happy...enjoy your life. Hugs to you all.
BJ
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Good morning gals!
Hey Blackjack! I'm so glad you had a good Vegas trip! I love that city! Did you win enough to finance the trip?
Jackie....9 pounds is nothing to sneeze about while doing Arimidex. I think it's great! I'm anxious to hear how you like that new stainless steel sink.
Elfsong....so good to hear from you. It sounds like you are happy and healthy right now and that's what really counts.
Welcome, Carolyn! I'm with Jackie. If you still haven't heard from your Dr. today, I'd give him a call and find out what's going on. We don't need that extra stress from WAITING!
Next week at this time I will be piling things into the car and taking off for hopefully sunnier shores! I am SO ready to go. They are predicting freezing rain for later today and this evening....and maybe lasting into tomorrow. YUCK!
Ginny, I hope you're still doing well! I think of you often. The Bosom Buddies are meeting at Famous Dave's tomorrow night for dinner and I sure wish you were here to join us. Keep in touch. It's time for an update!
Well, I'm off to bowl and then run some errands before this freezing rain hits here. Everyone have a good day and stay safe and healthy.
Rita
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Good Morning:
BJ: Love the idea of dancing in pj's in the hotel room in Vegas. How fun!
Rita, I say ask a child to feed the cats and bring Dave along for the fun in Florida.
Carolyn: I hope your wait is over today. That is shear torture!
Wendy, I think like me you like the older (vintage) books. I just read Breakfast at Tiffany's and loved it.
Jackie, you have gone through a rough spot. I found out that a classmate of mine from grade school died and it put me into a sputter. I am hoping something very bright and beautiful comes your way soon. Knowing you, if that something is near and somewhat hidden, you will find it all the same.
JanClare, so sorry you were so sick.
Elf, you sound delightful.
Kater, thatnks for the article on chemobrain. I knew something was happening. I am taking two classes; one in philosophy and one in British Literature. Both are exceedingly difficult for me to comprehend. I am probably taking in 50% of it. I am convinced that this is a good thing for me to do as I force myself to concentrate and write down what I hear. I notice that I "learn" it better when I write it down and then discuss it later. I am lucky in that my DH loves that stuff so that is our dinner talk. The article appears to imply that chemobrain does lift or get better, although I cannot state that it has for me.
Today I am doing NOT A THING....... no scheduled activities.I am going to plan our trip to DC in April. My brother, who adopted the two babies from Vietnam when he was 58 no less, is waiting for us to firm up our plans, so today is the day to do that. Those babies are now in 2nd grade.....amazing!
Have a wonderful day!
Susan
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The rain has hit our area. The main roads are still O.K. but the parking lot at the bowling alley was very treacherous. It quickly changed my mind about running errands. Nothing that I have to do is that important so I came home and am snuggled in for the rest of the day and evening.
Susan, I would gladly take Dave along to Florida but he's not retired yet and has to work. He doesn't have enough vacation time and doesn't want to take off without pay. So.........he's staying home with the cats. He doesn't mind taking care of the cats. In fact, he's very protective of the feral outside cat, but I really think he wishes he was going along. Have fun planning your DC trip. That's a great place to visit!
Well, I think I'll head for the kitchen and make up a pot of chili. It's just that type of day. If you have to be out and about today............be careful!
Rita
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Well, the doctor called. I could have the second lump that was found biopsied to see if it's cancerous. This would involve me having to drop off the MRI CD and then taking off more time from work and I still wouldn't have a surgery date. This last sentence was my thoughts not anything the dr said. I called the dr back and asked what if I chose to have a mastectomy. He said he'd give me the name of a plastic surgeon. I probably wouldn't have to go through radiation.
Logically, I know what I the decision is. But I just can't bring myself to say it. I know it's diseased and I'm better off without it but I keep thinking how am I going to really feel when I wake up and the surgery is over? Will it be relief? Will I be overcome with sadness or regret? Will I be able to live with how I feel when I wake up?
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Carolyn: you cannot know how you will wake up and what you will face. Do know that there are so many women here who will be thinking, caring and supporting you. You will rise up eventually....no matter how you feel at first. And then you have that great family. I know how hard it is. I wish I could tell you how to proceed.
I wish you well and want you to know that this is the worse time.
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Carolyn....a few words here. Mainly, I was having a lumpectomy.....for a slow growing papillary cancer. No big deal to an extent....no need for chemo the Dr. felt and maybe only a couple weeks of rads. When my surgeon got inside -- lo and behold she found a second bigger, faster growing tumor which she removed as well ( at that point what choices do you really have ). So, I am thinking out loud here that perhaps with a biopsy -- you could find yourself still with the ability to have only a lumpectomy -- although obviously you would need chemo and rads afterward. Hope I haven't just made the decision process worse. It is a hard choice to make and though I blurted out when I was first told I had a tumor --- go ahead, take the breast ( fear talking ) I was all for life and that meant whatever the Dr. had to do.
One of the strongest parts to ourselves ( that we generally don't consider very much ) is the will to live -- just live. People live while missing many things -- arms, legs, eyes etc. Now and then these parts are still there but non-functioning. The will to live drives us forward in the face of so many odds. Anyway....in your first couple of sentences there was some question about whether the second lump was cancer. I had both breasts biopsied -- one breast turned out ok....the other breast only showed one cancer but had two tumors - just saying that what looks like one thing could be another and vice versa. Guess were it me ( but then I am thinking about my original experience ) I'd probably want the lump biopsied -- what if it turned out not to be a cancer after all. But you know your body better than anyone. As Susan said....we will be here to hold your hand and help you get through whatever comes. The first parts of all this tend to be the hardest.
Long day for me today, but it's nearly 9 O'clock and I'm ready to wind down as quick as I can. Work tomorrow....sometimes Thursdays come so fast. Been on the go since 9 this morning and ready to jump in jammies and toss myself into the recliner.
See you all tomorrow.
Hugs, Jackie
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It's no coincidence that four of the six letters in health are "heal." ~Ed Northstrum
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I don't have much time, but I wanted to post a reply to Carolyn422.
Carolyn I don't think that it is a bad thing that you don't have a surgery date. It's been less then a month since your Diagnosis and there are a lot of considerations you should be discussing with your TEAM (yes, team!) of doctors. It's possible that your best bet might be chemo first, then surgery. Why do I say this?
You are GRADE 3 & TRIPLE NEGATIVE. Grade 3 is usually a more aggressive type of cancer, as is being triple negative. Many times the doctors may want to have chemo first to make sure the tumor responds- which would mean that any little unseen specks of cancer in the rest of your body will probably respond as well.
I have to go to work- but I live in Lake Zurich. I was stage 3, grade 3, triple negative. I had dose dense chemo, followed by a bi-lateral, then radiation, so I had it all. BUT nothing happened that quick- you need the time to have all opitions weighed. I would be more then happy to meet with you and talk. I think I can help- at least with some of the information I have, you might feel better about the length of time this is taking.
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Good ICY morning. Its really slick out there. I bought theses wire straps to go over my boots to dig in the ice when I walk. I sure hope they work.
I started OT therapy yesterday. I am so sore. She sais I would be. She is trying to massage the fluid to drain, She wants me to come 2 or 3 times a week. Its too far. So I agreed to 1 day and I have to stay 2 hours. They will do the biopsy and switch out my TE on the 29th
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Carolyn, JanClare is right. You need time to explore ALL your options. This isn't impulse shopping. Once you have all the facts, you will feel better about making the right decision for you. Perhaps the biopsy would answer a few questions for you. Talk with your primary care physician, a good surgeon, and an oncologist. See what suggestions they have for you. If you still don't feel comfortable about making your decision, you have time to get a second opinion. This journey will get much easier once your decision is made and you have a plan for attacking this demon. Right now you're very emotional, scared, and uninformed. How well we all understand that feeling and you have every right to feel this way. Once you have the information you need, you won't feel so overwhelmed. Hugs to you.
Rita
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Carolyn: I am so happy JanClare piped in as she is the voice of reason having been there (nearly the same dx as yourself. We have all had BC but different experiences, and Rita is right in advising you to listen up to Jan Clare who has had a very close experience to your own.
When I said this was the hardest time, I meant that the anxiety and uncertainty can be debilitating. If you are sleeping and living through the day in some sense of order...GREAT. If not, you may want to do what was suggested by another lady, i think Wendy, that you ask for a sleeping or anti-anxiety pill. The doctors will not be surprised as it appears that these medications can help us make decisions.
Please know that we will all have you on our minds. I wish you well
I am off to play with my grandchildren. It must be Thursday. WE will make very lopsided and primitive valentine cards!
Susan
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"Reach high, for stars lie hidden in your soul. Dream deep, for
every dream precedes the goal." -Pamela Vaull Starr0 -
Carolyn... I agree, take your time to make an informed decision. You need to make sure that you can emotionally deal with all this as much as physically deal with it. Come her often, I know how much these ladies can help.
Also, can everyone tell me if they had any testing done when they were done with chemo? (I might have asked this before, not sure though. Chemo Brain) Onc. says that they just give too many false postives and that if the cancer would reoccur or metastisize that the treatment would be the same, not matter if they found it early or later. Is that the same thing that anyone else was told? I'm having a hard time not knowing if the rest of my body was clear. Also, did anyone have radiation done after a mastectomy? I wonder about this because I did have lymph involvement.
Thanks for any help on this.
Jo
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Morning all....31 on the deck this am...that's pretty good for January. How are you girls downstate doing? Hear you really got hammered with the ice. I'd rather have snow than ice any day!
Carolyn....this is a hard time. Decisions like these are very difficult and confusing. Yep...the initial reaction is to have a mastectomy. I had IDC and DCIS but they were on top of one another so a lumpectomy worked quite well. However...I wanted a mastectomy with immediate recon and my 2nd surgeon (I switched after the bx as I needed bigger margins and the originial bs refused to even discuss a mx, pretty much told me that it was going to be done his way...and I was out the door) asked me why did I want one. My answer was so it won't come back. How naive I was! He was great...sat down and went over all my chances and I came to understand that in my case being Her2+ was my ticket to spread of disease, that and if I had+ nodes( I didn't), not a local recurr. Not that it couldn't happen of course. I made the decision for lumpectomy based on this, tho knowing that if I proceeded with rads afterwards my chance of a mx with expanders was most probably gone and I would never have the HUGE recon surgeries at my age. I do think about what if I had just gone ahead and had them both removed but.....I am happy. I can live with if some time in my future I must have a mx with no recon. There are 2 gorgeous ladies right on this board who did that, and had rads as well....and they are doing just fine with their decision and having great lives...and did I mention that they are gorgeous, sexy ladies! And you 2 know who you are! Being triple neg and grade 3 is a concern tho. You really do need to throw everything (and the kitchen sink too) at this beast the first time. You need to make informed decisions (are you getting enuf sleep????) and have a good team (yep...JanClare is right ... a TEAM) that will support your decisions. YOUR decisions. YOUR body, YOUR decisions. You have some time. Get a 2nd opinion by all means. I got 3, altho 2 were from the same onc. group - and they were different! And don't forget - you hired these doctors, they are in your employ. If you are not comfortable with them - fire them. If they don't listen to you now, they are not going to listen to you later. OK...done now! Hugs, honey! We are getting together for a lunch in a few weeks...maybe you would like to join us? Just a thought...we could PM you the details.
Jo.....I think a couple of the gals here did have rads after a mx and I know they will check in. I don't have scans as my onc doesn't do them on node neg gals, but he does on node + gals - depending on the case.
DH bellowing for me from upstairs...something fell down in the bathroom...gotta scoot!
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Good morning everyone!
It's a little icy on my deck and front porch today and Dave called after he got to work and said he saw several cars in the ditches. I don't have to get out in it for a couple more hours so hopefully it will be a little better by then. Heavens forbid that I miss my hair appointment! LOL Jackie, did you get ice in the southern part of the state?
Carolyn, it looks like you've been given lots of good advice. Now you just have to do some thinking and see what's right for you. You will make the best decision for you!
Susan, I'm jealous that you get to make Valentines of any kind with your grandkids. When I'm in town today, I'm sending the box of clothes, candy, and books that I've found for my little guys. I want to get it off before I head for sunnier shores next week. I sent a stamp set too so they can work on some of their own Valentines. I miss being too far away to pop in for an afternoon and help with the project.
Well, since I have errands to run today.........have to get to Walgreen's and get that Arimidex after my hair appointment..........I'd better get moving!
I enjoyed talking with you yesterday, Cagney. Sorry it wasn't in person. If you send me a pm with your email address I will be sure you get an email also about the next Bosom Buddies gathering.
I'm off to officially start my day! Be careful out there gals and have a great Friday.
Rita
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