Illinois ladies facing bc
Comments
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I'm not wearing sparkly shoes unless Elf is present! ;-)
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HI Girls...Yup the party planner girl is in full swing as I am so looking forward to meeting old and new girls. Don't have to worry about remembering names, we have cute decorated name tags to wear. Lunch is off the menu you pick and pay and it will be delivered to you. How easy is that.
Dress is optional. lol I mean anything goes, jeans or dress up it is your call. Sparkle shoes optional, but I maybe wearing mine. Lots of surprises in store so come on down for some fun. For those of you who are far...there is the train. Let me know if your are coming by train as we will have pick up service for you. Jackie how sweet of Susan to have you stay with her. We will welcome Denny with open arms at the party.
Just wanted to give a quick hi to all and to say Happy Hanukkah to all who celebrate this holiday.
I am off to put my fall decorations away and then up with Xmas. So jealous of those who are done. Have a wonderful snowy night. Stay warm as it is very cold out there. Good night for hot chocolate and a book....mmmmm maybe the decorations can wait. lol
Have a great evening.
BJ
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Great news Marina!!!!
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Hanukka will have to wait 'til Sunday at this house.. kiddies are with their Dad for now.. but since they know their presents.. oh well..
Was hoping for more news today about a trial I'm trying to get into, but they are still finalizing the 'chart' for review.. and asking me questions.. may be another week.. been over a month.. sigh... 0 -
A Happy Hannukah to those who celebrate.
Elf - I sent you a PM, not sure if you got it or not.
Marina - Sounds like good news on the sono! Very glad to hear it.
Okay, deep breath. Apologies in advance for a little speechifying/venting...
I rarely wander outside of this forum. The only other thread that I even semi-regularly posted in was the June '05 chemo thread, and that was way back when. I had an experience at work yesterday that I wasn't going to post about, but after reading comments elsewhere, I want to. As some of you know, I work in OB/Gyne - so all our patients are women, and breast cancer is something that is a part of my regular professional landscape. I was scanning a patient and talking to her about why we were doing the scan, as I always do. She had some gyne issues, but she told me that she'd recently been through a very stressful year watching a close family member die from breast cancer. On rare occasions, and only if the circumstances are right, I will share my cancer "story" with my patients, particularly, the newly diagnosed who still have that awful, terrified aura around them. I've also had occasions when the doctors have asked me to talk to certain patients of theirs who need to put a "face" on their diagnosis and really know that they weren't alone. I never mind doing this, actually, I consider it doing me the favor since nothing makes me feel more alive and strong than doing my job (that's a whole 'nuther story).
Back to this particular patient though... It wasn't really an appropriate situation or one that necessitated my sharing about myself, so I just listened to what she had to say as she seemed to want to unburden. And as can be expected, it was heartbreaking and difficult to listen to her tell me the details of what happened. I'm fine with putting on my professional face and handling this, as this is my job and it's not uncommon. But once in a while, my inner patient face does gets a little rocked - Not that I'd tell anyone that but you guys.
I'm not sure that I'm expressing myself well here. I just want everyone to know that the people in the white coats that we have to deal with on a regular basis, are also people with the same chances of having been through a traumatic medical experience for themselves or a family member as anyone else. You may never know it, and don't actually need to, but not all medical people are just going through the motions of shuttling patients around like cattle. Many really do care, and care very deeply.
I'm not going to try and defend or deny the cold-hearted and/or burnt-out medical workers out there who should NOT be working wtih patients. For myself, I have ZERO patience with that type of personnel. In fact, I'm probably more picky since I expect a lot from anyone who works with patients. I have no problem switching doctors/offices if I'm unsatisfied with the care and treatment. I've worked with crappy doctors and staff before; I know they exist.
So, my long-winded and rambly point is that I wish you all good healthcare from caring personnel, and to let you know that they are out there, even if you do encounter the occasional bad apples along the way.
Looking forward to seeing everyone on Saturday!
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Rene23 I hear you and I do appreciate my health care providers.
Rush has an outstanding nursing staff with one exception… Nurse Ratched ;-)
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Oh, almost forgot! From the serious to the ridiculous.
So, I went to the dentist this afternoon to get this scary looking black hole in my back tooth filled. Already rescheduled the Zometa for a month from now because of this dental work. The dentist looks in my mouth and actually LAUGHS. Apparently, what I was seeing was my FILLING!
Omg, I was so embarrassed. I felt like such an idiot! LOL! In my defense, it's really hard to see, because it's the back of the very last tooth, but STILL. Oh well, glad to have been of some entertainment value at least.
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Rene, I totally agree with what you are saying about the medical profession. I have to agree that for the most part the medical md / nurses are very caring people. They would not have chosen their profession if they didn't want to help people. They are human beings who have dh, children and families. Yes, there are a few medical personnel who are only in it for the money and title but many truly care about their patients. Marina..glad to see that you got good news.yeah!!
Well off to bed...need to decorate at work tomorrow oh what fun... ho ho ho
BJ
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Rene23, the same thing happens to teachers. People feel "entitled" to vent anger on the internet. and that creates such pain for professionals who work so hard to meet the needs of others, be they teachers or medical workers or other service people. And we keep caring for others even when we are sick or worried ourselves. I think it is interesting that Blackjack jumped right in as she is both in the medical and the educational world. She gets the vulnerability and how flip peope can be. Stay well and thank you for all you do.
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Too much to comment on with chemo brain but MakMak Congrats. Keep up the good reviews. Happy Hanaka? to all those celebrating. What an idiot, my onc is jewish and I was there today and didnt know. Is it acceptable to do something next week? Help me out here, cause I love him and I am bringing stuff to the nurses.
Got round #3 of taxol today. Hyper as hell. Cant even remember what I ordered online, but I have been here awhile now. Uh Oh....Onc said he thinks that I have been feeling so low because I am still processing the A/C. He thinks this week will be much better as my levels were great today. So DH and I planned another weekend away to michigan. Hope Onc was right.
Hey can we change party to tonight...I'm willing to go anywhere??? And yeah I changed my avitar but put up the wrong one. Working on it. Chemo brain. Duhhhhh.
Onward
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Morning to everyone! I've been reading a lot but not posting lately, as I have family in town -- my brother and aunt, my aunt is a three time cancer survivor (breast, thyroid, bone). She had breast cancer at the age of 26, 47 years ago, and is truly in great health now in her 70s! Her bone cancer was more than ten plus years ago, she has some sort of radioactive treatment on it yearly which successfully halted the progression, and just has a great attitude, stays positive and lives her life. I am so grateful she is visiting me this week from Boston! It is helping me to lift out of the funk. I go back to work Tuesday, I'm hoping that helps me get back to routine, then I'll have to figure that routine out again, once chemo kicks in.
Marina -- so happy you got good news at you scan, that is wonderful!
Hopefully the weather cooperates and I will meet you all in person on Saturday.
Lisa
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onward Hanukkah is for 8 days. You have time. Even a few days late your onc will appreciate that you remembered.
OK I put on 3-4 pounds in as many days. I'm hoping it's just fluid retention but I don't feel that bloated. That's a lot of weight for me to put on in a few days just before the next chemo. Did this happen to anyone else?
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Morning! Brrrrrrr.....21.5 on the deck and I hear 3-6 inches starting Fri nite and all day Sat so girls...be careful out there. I will stop and get gas for the blower tomorrow.
Susan.....NO SUNDRESS TODAY!!!!!!
BJ....thank you for such wonderful party planning! I personally with the weather will NOT be wearing sparkly shoes but rather nice warm toasty boots! When it is cold and snowy, I go with comfort first, fashion second.
Marina...GREAT news!
Elf....sure hope you can make it! Could you have DH drive you? DH already offered to drive me if the weather is truly horrible and I told him I would be there for about 4-5 hours but he was more than welcome at the party. Guess who is driving herself???? I knew that would work!!! LOL
Rene....yes, there are truly caring medical people everywhere. And there are those that you want to avoid. The medical profession is just like any other "business" whether we like to admit it or not. And that's true of any profession. And don't forget...we hire our doctors, they don't hire us. If you have a problem with them, talk to them. If you can't resolve it and the situation does not improve....fire them. I had to laugh tho about your "black hole"! I just had one of those redone last winter....and the filling was huge and in the back and it sure did look black! I knew mine was a filling tho...from my 20's! It lasted a good long time before starting to leak.
Onward....have a great getaway with DH!
Lisa....thank you so much for the great story! We love to hear "success" stories! Gives us hope and strength for the future, no matter what may come our way.
Time to get my butt in gear....want to scrub out both tubs and then go down to the basement to clean up the mess I made getting out the Christmas decorations. Have an appt at 10 so I will skip the gym today...figure with the shoveling tomorrow and Saturday that will be my exercise!
Happy Hanukkah to those who celebrate!
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Hey Lisa....just a thought...if you come on Saturday, why not bring your Aunt? We would LOVE to meet her!!!!!!!
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Wendy, what a great idea! I would love to, but sadly I drop her off at the airport tomorrow morning, she is going back to Boston.
Her stories of dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis almost fifty years ago make me grateful for this forum and for support from organizations like the American Cancer Society. My aunt relates that there was no one to talk to about breast cancer when she was going through it, no real support from anywhere, and considered improper to really discuss openly. Glad those days are behind us, that had to be such a lonely path.
Great idea, but I don't think I can convince her to extend her stay any longer.....
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Good morning everyone. I hope the approaching snow does not hamper your holiday plans on Saturday. How I wish that I could join you! I will be thinking about all of you. You need to take lots of pictures to post so those of us who can't join you can "meet the new gals" and see all the fun!
Marina...YEA!!! That's good news!
Rene....so glad you shared your thoughts on health care professionals. We met a wonderful bubbly nurse on Tuesday. My aunt has been fighting cervical cancer and had an appointment in Peoria with a new specialist on Tuesday. I met them there because she has trouble understanding and remembering what the doctors tell her. She was scared and very anxious. This specialist's nurse was just wonderful. She gave her lots of TLC and reassured her throughout the entire visit, which lasted for nearly 4 hours. I couldn't thank her enough when we left. There are so many good, caring health professionals out there helping patients everyday. Unfortunately the group as a whole gets a bad "wrap" because of a few uncaring and nonprofessionals who are just there for the paycheck. Like Susan says, it happens in the teaching profession, too, and is very upsetting to those of us who give 100% and really care.
Wendy, if you ever get tired of cleaning and organizing your house, you have my address on the Addy list and I'd be thrilled to let you start on mine any time. No appointment is needed! LOL Let's face it. I think I just need some of your motivation!
Onward...that weekend away is probably just what you need! I hope this next week is better for you.
MJ.....love the foob story! After a mega shopping trip, it's hard telling where it could have been. At least you didn't wrap it up by accident! Wouldn't that have been a hoot if somebody found it with their Christmas gift? :-)
Well, I'm meeting my niece for lunch today. That's always a pleasant thing! Then I have a few errands to run. In the meantime I need to get cleaned up and write some more questions so I have my "mad money" cash this month.
Hugs to all of you.
Rita
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Lago, what would be an appropriate gift for Hanukka?
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Jews like to eat. ;-) Seriously Hanukkah isn't really as big deal as Christmas. It's more for kids IMO. Traditional gift for kids would be a dreidel and money. (That relates to the story of Hanukkah). Otherwise there really isn't anything traditional. It's just like Christmas but the wrapping paper is blue instead of red and no tree just a menorah. ;-)
But seriously I don't think you can go wrong with food, wine etc.. Just try to avoid wrapping it in Santa paper. Again I think the stuff at http://www.zingermans.com/ is great but they can be pricey. Their Hanukkah box might give you some ideas for things you can purchase locally like Macaroons. I think nice cooking oils would be nice too since the story of Hanukkah is all about not having enough oil to keep the light burning. Add some bread and you're all set. Then there is always a gift certificate to a restaurant.
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Onward, I am giving my Onc a gift cert to a local restaurant. However, I also found Godiva does Hanukkah baskets which like Lago said are the same, but wrapped in blue ribbon.. Those were my two ideas before the gift cert popped up online and made it too easy for me.. I am giving my gifts next Wed when I go in for my Herceptin.. that way it works for both Holidays. So I think you're covered!!
PS - my wonderful Gyne knew I'd be anxious for the final report on the ultrasound.. sure enough, all is well.. the cyst I had is gone and what was seen was on my OTHER ovary now.. so I guess each month since they alternate they can form little cysts.. SO.. the best was the final words.. no follow up needed!! one less thing to worry about..
Off to shop and exchage some of Gab's gifts!! PS Did I mention she is taking more and more steps? almost ready to run around!!
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"You think of yourselves as humans searching for a spiritual awakening, when in fact you are spiritual beings attempting to cope with a human awakening. Seeing yourselves from the perspective of the spirit within will help you to remember why you came here and what you came here to do."-Neale Donald Walsch
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I so enjoyed the posts this morning. So.....I found one of my favorite quotes. It is sad when professional people --- teachers, Dr.'s, nurses, child care people, miss the mark with their jobs. I think too....some forget that you can change in mid-stream, or feel they have too much time in and can't start over.
We start over every day.....we just don't see that. You are always getting a second, third or how many ever chances to get it right --- to let that part of you that is the best there will ever be come out. No matter how well you think you have or may be doing something......wanting to do it a little better, with more love and feeling or compassionate caring will never lead you wrong. I always want to be better than I was yesterday. I have had some "great" failures with this, but one of the reasons for rain is so you can know how much you appreciate the sun. Not doing something so well will give you the opportunity to look at things in a new way......to dig a little deeper inside to help you find the way. There is purpose to everything.
Susan, I so appreciate your offer about taking the train and I was deep into hoping to make it happen. I think the trian idea ( naturally, I never thought about this AT ALL,EVER ) came a bit late for me logistically. Didn't have my budget set up properly and came home yesterday working merrily away.....when I found a river in the kitchen. A pipe under the sink gave way. Wow !!! What a mess......so I'm going to have to pass this time.....just too close in time to work it all out. But -- like everyone else, I will be waiting -- almost impatiently for the pictures of all the smiling faces of the friends I adore --- and if anyone stops and thinks, even for a second of me, I'll be there.
Talk to ya'll later.
Hugs, Jackie
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I am not liking Tom Skilling today. He better get his act together by Satuday.
This is unexceptable. Granted he's not always that accurate ;-)Saturday
Snow
HI 33°
LO 19°
Up to 4 inches of snow possible, additional amounts near the lake at night. Light southeast winds back northeast and strengthen. Periods of snow at night, especially lakeside counties.0 -
Jackie, the quote is the perfect follow-up. I sent you a PM.
Makmak, the news just gets better all the time. I can "hear" the load lifting from you. Your attitude is lighter!
Susan
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Onward-- Of course I can drive!
Makmak-- Congratulations!
Lago-- Me too. Yipee for name cards.
Hello to all and have a great day.
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Afternoon, Ladies..
Rene23- I got your pm and I sent you a email... THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH..
Wendyk- My dh has to work at night and he needs to sleep on day time...
Lago- I guess you have to ware your sparkly shoes because I am coming on saturday..
Marina- Another great news~ CONGRATS~~~~
Jackie- It will be great for us to meet you...
I am coming for party on saturday and very excitecd... CAN'T wait...
Hopefully snow will be easy on saturday for all of us for driving..
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Yay elf I coming!!! Time to bring out the sparkly booties. Hope I can walk in them.
OK maybe they are just shiny and not sparkly.
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Really looking forward to Saturday. Elf... so glad you can make it. Makmak.. we will be celebrating your good news! Wow, so many new people too. Sure hope the snow doesn't deter anyone.
On another note... anyone know where I can quickly get a little white veil for my 6-year old granddaughter for her flowergirl part in our son's wedding next weekend? My daughter emailed me today and said she just hasn't found the time to pick one up for her. She is hoping that Grandma will magically make one appear. I always keep my magic wand in my pencil jar on my desk. It is not working. Somewhere around Woodfield, anyone know?
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Adey, my sister offered to drive both of us, she has shopping to do, so let me know if you are not up to it. Glad you are feeling better. Caryn
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I heard from Jackie and she is not coming THIS time! I didn't want to spread rumors and then have people disappointed.
Joan, there are so many bridal shops.....or how about a first Holy Communion veil from a religious store. Good luck. I bet it would be easy (for anyone but sewing-challenged me) to make one!
Take care!
Susan
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OK... my three boys are taking nap nap~~~ Ahhh~~~ relaxing time for me.. I want nice cup of tea~~ (what I really want is 'vanilla white chocolate mocha' from Caribou coffee, yumm)
Thanks for the good wishes on anniversary..
Joan- What about bridal shops?? any bridal shop should have it.. or "Dress for Princess" or "Veil shop" hope you can find one.. I love wedding~~~
Lago- I LOVE that bottie~~ hopefully it doesn't snow too much on Saturday so you can ware it..
And about the health care providers, I do appreciate them very much.. I love my PS and BS and Onco then of course, the Nurses.. They are an true angels..
Hmmmm, maybe I should change my bco id to 'Sparkly Elf' hehe.. I might put my over the knee boot.. (or black sequin pump (same as the purple on but closed toe).. or blue bootie) I just love shoes...and clothes..
Dh got his big toe nail removed yesterday and kids step on it few times this morning, ouch... poor dh gotta go back to work tomorrow night too.. I think dh was bit surprised that I am going to party because when I told him I am going, he looked at me and said, 'I gotta work that night and need get some sleep and I can't watch the kids' then my older son jumped right in and said, 'Maggie can watch us just call Maggie' (Maggie is out babysitter) then dh said, we gotta know if Maggie can come.. So, I told him, she is free and I got a ride for the party so, he doesn't have to worry about anything.. What was he thinking, I am gonna just go without any plan?? he should know me better than that, we've been together for 8 years, gosh, man..
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