Illinois ladies facing bc

navymom

Yes, we are quite a bunch.  Little did I know when I stumbled on this thread that I would gain so many wonderful friends.  Thanks, English for sharing Carolyns post.  It is a comfort that she felt comforted by all of us.  Good to see you again Smerf, BJ and Jan.  Sorry I couldn't stay longer to see the others that came later.

Navy

[Deleted User]

English - Thanks for sharing that.

donnadio

GREAT for all those who got to the wake and BJ and Jan with the blanket!!IT has to touch her to know Carolyn was so loved and cared for by this group. Makes me teary eyed too.

English....thanks for the kind words as we are all here always and it is the most loving and accepting group I have ever been part of personally!

lago....keep resting, slow down and stay in the moment and know you will get thru all of the se's also.. IT is all still part of the jounrey. I wish i could take it all away for you.

Feel stronger today and hope that we get that warm weather soon.

Hugs,'

Donna

LisaMomOfFour

Thank you to Jan and Michelle for bringing the blanket to Carolyn's family.  I'm sure that it will mean a lot to them. 

zap

Thank you to all that attended the wake and the funeral and for the blanket, Jan.  That was a gesture of love and I so appreciate that you followed through with your attendance and for representing the rest of us who could not attend. 

 Good thing I have this huge Mastercard bill coming or I would wonder why I took on this huge commitment with teaching.  I know now that long term subbing is TEACHING in every sense of the word.  I will get through this, however, and will rethink future assignments.  I have parent teacher conferences next week and I barely know the kids!  Thank heavens I am good at chitchat and will be able to get through that!

 On Sunday we are having a birthday party for Lila Grace, my two year old grandchild.  This party is all about Tinkerbell!  I am so excited.  This, my friends, is my social life for now. 

Have a wonderful weekend and bless all of you.  So glad we have no one in the hospital.  Lago, hang in there.  It will all heal.

Susan

ritajean

Thanks to all of you who went to Carolyn's wake.  I am so glad our thread was so well represented.  This is such a caring, compassionate group of ladies and it proves how strong the bonds become between "sisters." 

Thanks English for sharing that post with us. 

Susan.....a Tinkerbell birthday party!  How exciting!  That will be so much fun!  My little guys wanted me to bring them more magic shirts from Florida.  These are the shirts that appear white with black outlines until they are put into sunlight.  Then the picture on the shirt becomes colored.  I finally found them today at the flea market and can't wait to get them in the mail to them.  Grandkids are so very special!  Have a great time Sunday.  It doesn't seem like Lila Grace should be two already.  They grow up too fast!

I think I need to check out those Damnit dolls!  :-)

I checked in hoping to find news about Mandy.  Anybody heard anything about how it went today for her?

lago

Good moring everyone. I feel so much better today (granted the fingers are still a big issue but that's going to be that way for a while).

I have lost 8.5 lbs since Tuesday! The diuretic is working. My tummy bloat is gone, my arms are now showing bone/vein definition (I have great veins) and I can see my ankles. This is the thinnest I have been in almost 2 months. I knew 1/2 the weight I put on was fluid. So far I now have only put on 7.5lbs on chemo. My onc told me I could expect to put on about 8. Finally I am typical regarding at least 1 SE. 

Looks like a really nice day out. Hope some snow melts.

illinoislady

Kindness

If you were busy being kind
Before you knew it you would find,
You'd soon forget to think it was true
That someone was unkind to you.

If you were busy being glad
And cheering people who were sad,
Although your heart might ache a bit,
You'd soon forget to notice it.

If you were busy being good
And doing just the best you could,
You'd not have time to blame the man
Who's doing the very best he can.

If you were busy being true
To what you know you ought to do,
You'd be so busy you'd forget
The blunders of the folks you've met.

-unknown

[Deleted User]

Thought you girls could use a chuckle:

THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN MEN BAKE:

CarylC

Hi, Ladies.  I'm Caryl, almost 52, just dx'd with extensive, high grade DCIS with microinvasion, waiting for Tuesday for an MRI because the doctor couldn't do the biopsy on both sides because I was bleeding too much and am learning quickly that this test: wait, test: wait is very hard on my nerves!

I'm from Elgin, and was so glad to see other Illinois women here.  I'd love to get recommendations on surgeons, both for removal and reconstruction.

Thanks! 

lago

Caryl Welcome. sorry you need to join us. I sent you a PM (personal message) of my team. I have very happy with my treatment so far. I'm 3.5 weeks out from chemo. *Reconstruction was started at BMX.

* Do talk to more than 1 plastic surgeon. In my case there weren't as many options due to my thinner body (or at least the docs said I was thin). Here is a good list of all the procedures. Better to be informed before you talk to these doctors:  http://www.drmarga.com/drmarga.html (BTW I have never met the doctor but I found her site very informative. Note she does have some strong opinions regarding reconstruction that not all PS would agree).

-------------------------------------------------

Laura if my husband made those I bet he'd just make the ones with the butts. He was always a leg and butt guy… at least that's what I thought until he made a suggestion that I could go bigger with the recon. Not sure if he was serious or not. That picture is great.

-----------------------------------------------

And how about the cards for valentines day?!

illinoislady

Welcome Caryl -- others will chime in and say hi and offer information for you.  So sorry you have to find us, but this is a good place, an understanding place to be. 

It is difficult to wait and wait and wait it seems.  First instinct is to DO SOMETHING NOW, but until everything is discovered that can be it is best.  I am wishing you well and hope Tues. comes quick for you and that you get answers quickly. 

Hi to everyone else.  Laura -- too funny.

Hugs, Jackie

[Deleted User]

Caryl - Welcome...these girls are great!

We have several new girls here who are playing the wait game. Hang in there!

Jackie - Nice poem!

lago - My dh is also a butt guy...thank goodness since my chest looks like that of a seven year old. lol

lago

Laura the square sponge bob Frankenboob look isn't exactly a turn on either.

joan888

Welcome CaryIC.  You have come to the best place here with these Illinois ladies who will support you all the way.  We are all at various stages of diagnosis, treatment and recovery and it is so wonderful to be able to share and learn so much from such a supportive group.  I am just north from you in Crystal Lake and would be happy to get together if you'd like.  I will PM you with details of my doctor team.

LauraGTO.... so funny.  My husband has no idea how to bake and can barely find his way around in the kitchen so there is no chance he would come up with those funny valentine cookies.  I'll make sure he sees them though.

ritajean

Welcome Caryl!  You are at one of the hardest stages of your journey right now.....the tests, waiting, and decision making process.  It all happens, too, just when we are at our most emotional level with the diagnosis and the anxiety of what lies ahead for us.  I can't help you much with the doctors in your area because I'm quite a bit south of you, but you will get many suggestions and input from our northern ladies on the thread.  I am so sorry that you've had to join us but you found a great place for support.

Laura...love those cookies!!!!!  How cute!

Lago...so glad you're feeling better now.  :-)

We just got back from a huge craft show and now I'm headed poolside for a few hours.  The wind is rather cool this afternoon (but magnificent compared to what you've been dealing with) so most everyone is just wearing shorts and long sleeves or jackets.  I can handle that!

Catch you all later.

Rita

elf_song

Thanks for attending Carolyn's wake and I am sure her sister find that very comfroting..

Laura- LOVE those cookies.. 

CaryIC- welcome, these ladies are wonderful..

Adey- I love Portland, OR..  I went there few times with my friends from college..  

Char- glad you are home~~ 

DH went to face to face interview to Kalmas Falls, OR and came back on Thursday night and very next day he got a call, he got the job..  OMG, that was fast..  He is very excited to move out there and starting new job..   I am glad he got promoted but not so hot moving to smaller town..  I know it's beautiful in OR and coast of living is way better than here..  I had chance to say no but I couldn't and I didn't because it's promotion and thinking if we said no then he might not get another interview from the same area in the future..   Oh, well, what's done is done and just go with the flow and who knows I might like it there, right??    It has more pros than cons so, that's good and I am ok with it..  At least I don't have to pack anything.. company will provide full moving service..   I told him I want grand piano if he get the job and he said yes before he went on  face to face interview so, we shall see...   

Have a good evening ladies~~  enjoy the warmer weather...

wendyk13

Afternoon...a bit dreary but it sure is warm...

I am heading out in about 10 minutes but wanted to hop on...

Caryl....I am in South Elgin, so I am your neighbor!  I had a lumpectomy only but I love all my docs.  Surgeon was from CDH, onc, rad onc are from Delnor.  They were the best!  If you would like names, let me know via PM....and boy do we know.  THE DREADED WAIT GAME.  It was for me the hardest...like Jackie said, we just want it all gone RIGHT NOW THIS MINUTE and you really do need time to make some very difficult choices.  Whatever I can help you with....let me know!

Gotta scoot for now....surprise party that I am helping to run...and why do I think she knows?????  Have a wonderful evening all....

Elf...Congrats on DH's job!  When are you moving????

donnadio

Welcome Caryl!!!!Not for the reason,but if you have to be here,this is the place to be!!! I know the waiting is hard and we all can relate to that in some form!! Keep coming in and get all the info, support and care that you would normally not find in the outside world!!!we understand!!!Like lago.. and others here, I went to Rush and had an excellent team. Take is one step at a though and whatever you need, just let us know.

elf.. wow!!!IT is all goin to be a process and take one step at a time.!We are projecting our move whenever we are destined to move to AZ and it is overwhelming IF i think through it all. Just wait and see what is next for DH etc and maybe it will make more sense.

laura...oh those cookies look appetizing...for some male into butts , which is most of the males populattion!!!....lololol.. what a riot!!

Mich101

elfsong-Congrats to your husband. It may be hard to move the family but you may really enjoy it in OR. And that's great that the company will move you. Please continue to keep in touch with us. I enjoyed meeting you at the Christmas party and wish you and your family the best.

 Laura-those cookies are hilarious.  I really like that dammitdoll too!

Welcome Caryl, and to the other ladies going through tx, hang in there - it will get better, and this thread will help you through it.

lago

elfsong I am jealous. You won't have to deal with the lousy winter anymore. I'm sorry to hear that you are leaving but I bet you will love it out there. Congratulations to your DH.

I feel so skinny today. My jeans were loose and my tummy didn't stick out.

[Deleted User]

Glad you girls "liked" the cookies...how cute, huh?

Rita - Continue to ENJOY your vacation! You have earned it.

ELF - ((((((((((HUGS))))))))))) - I will miss you, little one! But on the other hand, I am so happy for you! Is the town actually named KLAMOTH FALLS?

mich101- MISS YOU!

lago - Hey there skinny butt! lol So glad you got a quick fix!

HOPE YOU'RE ALL TUCKED IN AND SAFE AND WARM.

lago

Laura it didn't take anything off the butt, just everywhere else

[Deleted User]

lago - Well since your dh is a BUTT man...then that's a good thing!  

Char2010

Caryl - Welcome.  This is a great group of women.

Lago - So happy to hear that you are feeling better and dropped that chemo weight.

 Elf - Congratulations on the DH's job.  We will miss the sparkly shoes but know that you will keep us updated through this site.

A big thank you to all that went to Carolyn's wake.  I am sure it was a great comfort to Carolyn's family to see how many people loved and cared for her.

LisaMomOfFour

Caryl -- welcome.  I'm still pretty much a newbie to this thread, or I feel like one!  Was diagnosed in October, and still in active treatment.  This is a great group, with a lot of support.  As of Thursday I am officially half way done with chemo, four treatments behind me, now four in front of me.   My medical team is all with DuPage Medical Group... might be a bit far for you, mainly Naperville/Downers Grove/Hinsdale locations.  I have been pleased with their care, especially the BS and PS.  Feel free to PM me if you want more details. 

Lago -- great to see you are feeling better!  I'm looking forward to being where you are, and looking at chemo in the rear view mirror.  Eight more weeks..... but who's counting?

Hope everyone is having a nice weekend.  I am lucky to have both my in-laws and my brother visiting this weekend to attend my children's music recital tomorrow.  Makes it so special for them! 

kad45

HELLO From Oregon and your long lost Elginite!!! I know I've been very scarce just living life and loving it!!

But I know where to turn when I need help! Illinois Ladies are the best!

 I'm going to be giving a hat party for a friend that just found out she WILL need chemo. It will be a mix of work friends, family and friends. I need some ideas for party games or something to get 20 to 30 people who don't know each other to co-mingle. Invites ask to bring a hat or scarf, prizes for the most use-able, cutest, weirdest and silliest.

Any Ideas??

Thanks

Karin

illinoislady

You don't have the power to make life "fair," but you do have the power to make life joyful.
- Jonathan Lockwood Huie

Unknown

I don't really feel like I belong on this thread since I am in OH, but I check in to see if anyone does want to get together when I in Chicago the 23-26.  I know a lot has been going on, losing a sister and Lago who was sort of the organizer not feeling all that great so totally understand if it doesn't happen.  However, I wanted to tell you how much I love the cookies you posted Laura...all I did was make plain old hearts to go in with my Valentine mix, which I take to my assorted dr's offices.  Today I am going to make more hearts, but make them into the man appeal cookies and will add some of those to the plates I take to my friends and their hubbies...am sure they will get rave reviews.  I never would have thought of that. I will attach a pic of my cookies.

Re your party maybe ask for 5 volunteers (providing there are 20) and ask them to pick the three hats or scarves (other than theirs of course) that they would be most likely to wear or like the best and then have those four be a little group and I don't know what from there....discuss?, come up with a theme for a party where all of these hats would fit in?, compose a little play with each character wearing her hat, talking as if they are the hat?  hmmmm, am at a loss here, but was thinking it would be a way to get at least a group to mingle. .

conniehar

Morning everyone!

Thank you to everyone that attended Carolyn's wake and/or funeral.  Sorry that I couldn't be there.  I am sure the prayer blanket will be a great comfort to Dy.

Welcome Caryl - sorry that you are here.  Let us know how we can help!

Lago - I think we all need some of those magic pills you have!  Glad you are back to normal with the swelling.

Elf - congrats to you and DH.  Just look at the move as an adventure!  We all know your DH has been miserable for the past year or so so I am very happy for you. 

Off to a swim meet today!