Illinois ladies facing bc
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Hi Kater, I was sitting in the second row on the end wearing a purple and black jacket. I thought the seminar was very inspirational for me. Who would have guessed that journaling could have helped me deal with this bc 5 months ago. I finished the book and thought it had some wonderful things to think about. The thing that helped me the most was sitting on the beach and looking at the ocean.
That had the most calming effect for me. The calm water, sun and sand helped me think threw a lot about life in general and bc. Also the cabana boys were very easy to look at too!! This site has made me see that there is a rainbow at the end of the day. Sorry I didn't get to meet you but hopefully one day I will.
Blackjack
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Hi Blackjack, you must have been right behind me.
I commented on emails being like journaling...There were 3 at my table for hugs and massages, closest to the speaker. 8-)....I had brown coat with hood, black hat covering my humped bald head. 8-)
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Yes, I was right behind you. I am sorry that I didn't introduce my self to you. I was the last to leave. I was chatting with the speaker for a while until she had to leave. I am so glad that I went. It really helped me for the moment knowing that I can get through this bc journey. Blackjack
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Blackjack: You'll get through this. Just another of life's stumbling blocks. I thought the book was fun to read, too.0
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Morning! Just finally ventured down the driveway to grab the paper...seems it is melting quickly. Sorry some of you missed your seminar yesterday. Only a handful of people made it to Johnathan's 3rd BD yesterday as most were coming from the city and the driving was just too bad. But he had cake and presents so I don't think he cared! Unfortunately for me I learned a new song..."Jingle bells, batman smells, Robin laid an egg...." and I cannot get that stupid tune out of my head!
I was just "strolling" thru the boards this am and I found something Nicki had written in "Moving Beyond Cancer"...don't remember exactly where but if you look under her profile 'Chemosabe" you can read it. True Nicki....really moving post.
Kater and Blackjack.....so sorry you guys didn't get a chance to meet. Kater...sounds as if your trip home was exciting to say the least. It's all pretty "melty" around here so out by you must be the same.
Kats....there is an editorial in the Daily Herald about U46 and the labor problems if you wanted to take a peek.
Wishing you all a good day, and a safe driving one as well. Pat....you stay put and take a nap!
OK....just a thought as I typed that last part....what would you think if we printed out the messages here so Pat could read them? Don't even know if that could be done....we all seem to mention her and include her in our daily routines and per Rita she can't sit to get on the computer. Any thoughts, girls? If it can be done and you guys agree, I would be more than happy to give it a try. Let me know!
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Good morning Illinois Ladies--I was having a mini melt down this morning about this bc stuff when I opened up my email and read this. Just wanted to share this with you all... Here goes...
In our lives, we never know how many miracles we will need. A miracle is not the suspension of natural law, but the operation of a higher law. A ball is a circle,no beginning, no end. It keeps us together like our circle of friends. But the treasure inside for you to see is the treasure of friendship youv'e granted me. Today I pass this on to all of you who are stricken with bc. My oath to you is
When you are sad...I will dry your tears.
When you are scared.. Iwill comfort your fears.
When you are worried...Iwill give you hope.
When you are confused... I will help you cope.
And when you are lost...and can't see the light, I shall be your beacon..shining ever so bright. This is my oath.. I pledge till the end. Why you may ask? Because you are my friend.
This is for all women out there with bc. Each and everyone of us is going through a differant phase of tx and we all need the support of each other to help us deal with this disease. I thought this was so well put that it made me feel better knowing that I am not a lone on this journey that God has given me. Thank you to all the ladies out there for your words of encouragement. I feel a little better...
Blackjack
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Oh Wendy, I do understand. Ever since I was a little girl my Mom and I made the Chex mix combo to have for snacks at Christmas and everyone got a tin to take home after the holidays. Even last year when she was so bad and I had two surgeries between Thanksgiving and Christmas, she had my cousin come and help her make the snack mix so we'd all have some. I was walking down the cereal row aisle at the grocery store and saw the Chex cereal and the tears started rolling down my cheeks. I guess it will be up to me to carry on her tradition this year. Like you, I miss her SO much.
I guess that means that we had wonderful Moms....and good Moms will never be forgotten and can never be replaced. We are lucky we have the good memories....hey, I think it was you who told me to remember a good time when I got down a little, and you know, it works.
Hugs...
Rita
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A great good mornin' to all of you. It's raining outside and 60 degrees here in Centralia, un-believable. Well, a good day to catch up on all the housework I've let go while I've spent time hunting resources--like these boards to help me through.
Wendy: Good for you and your fort. I haven't as yet broken down with anything--so much to do I guess I just haven't had time or the right set of circumstances hasn't set up the prelude.
Kater: Sounds like you are a true animal lover. In my 'biography' earlier I failed to mention that on Sat., Sun., and Mon. I go out around town and feed feral cats in four different areas. I also have a large amount here at my home in a big screen room. I won't say how many because everyone always says YOU WHAT!!! Also three adorable dogs---a puggle, bichon poo, and a whatever with a lot of border collie. I might mention that all of these animals were tested, nuetered and otherwise receive anything they need---but mainly a warm, dry place to live with consistent meals. I manage to find homes now and then, but due to the large un-wanted population not often enough.
Now I'll get smary---it's a spiritual thing with me---the caring for the animals...have done it since my early childhood years and know in my heart ( at least for me ) it's the right thing
Sounds like you have the benefit in your area of conferences and meetings.....I think it's a bit small time here to do those things. I'm looking into some things but not sure how it will go. Waiting for an acquaintance who got into dx and treatment before I knew she had bc....probably due to giving her chemo first before surgery. I hope to compare notes when she's over the operation.
Hope the rain backs off later so I can't get my cats fed. One groupl is in an old building so that helps, but the rest have little shelter which is not good at food time. They often have to go without.
Wish me luck.....tomorrow is D-Day or should I say C-Day. I'm off to Marion for my first one. Hope living so far out does not become a problem--for benefit of those who haven't dealt with the V.A......their viewpoint is don't get treated anywhere else unless your dying and then tell the nearest hospital that you are V.A. so they can stabilize and then transport. Now, I know it's not going to be that bad, but I'll have to figure ( with the help of the oncology nurse ) what to do about anything that comes up. I'm a realist about most things so I feel fairly certain something will.
Hope you are all having a glorious Sunday-dry if possible.
IllinoisLady
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Oh Wendy...I just had to drop back in and tell you what a wonderful idea you have about printing off the thread and sending it to Pat. Maybe you could oversee the project and start it off. Then perhaps others will volunteer to go one week at a time....maybe Sunday through Saturday and we can share the time it would take you to do it. You could get a schedule posted and maybe PM the person up next as a reminder. I would be willing to take my week (or weeks).
Also....your graphics are GREAT!!!!! You've discovered the key to posting them!!!!!
Kater and Blackjack...so glad to hear that you made the seminar and it was so good. It's really too bad that you didn't get the chance to meet. I've really enjoyed reading the suggestions that you've shared with us.
Illinois lady... I have ONE feral cat that I've been feeding for nearly a year. She arrived on our doorstep last February and has been living under our front porch or under the pool decking for the past year. She will now let me pet her while she eats but is still skittish at all other times. She does come when she's called if she's within hearing distance. I didn't realize she was feral until a friend told me that her one ear tip had been snipped off and that is what they do in this area to identify a feral cat. So she's settled in here. I worry about her as I live on the outskirts of town and there are coyotes in the woods around the house, but she's held her own so far. As for tomorrow....you will be O.K. I was literally shaking when I first walked through the doors to the chemo room and had tears in my eyes. I was surprised at how easy the actual treatment was and we learn to manage any side effects that pop up later. Do you know what type of chemo you are getting??? AC??? I was told to suck on something cold during the infusion to ward away the mouth sores. My infusion center had ice chips availabe for the asking. Then for a few days after, drink LOTS of liquids to get the chemicals out of your body in a timely fashion. We used to laugh....drink and pee, drink and pee! LOL I will be thinking about you tomorrow. You will do just fine!
Mary Jane...so glad to see that you posted. You've got it all figured out now so come back often and let us know what you've been up to and give these new gals some encouragement.
Well, I've been putting off wrapping the huge pile of Christmas presents that I bought this past week in Chicago. I guess there's no time like the present to get started.
Talk to you all later. It's actually warm here now... nearly 50 degrees. The ice has melted and the roads are clear. Hey maybe I should take a walk and let those packages sit awhile longer!!!!
Rita
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Illinoislady (heck...I was going to shorten your name to Illady but that looked to close to Ill Lady!!)....
you start the big C tomorrow? What protocol are you doing? Chemo was almost a nothing for me (had taxotere and carboplatin along with my herceptin)...had virtually no side effects and I wish the same for you. Good luck and the person sitting next to you as the big C drips in, holding your hand, will be one of us. Of course my hair did go, but it's back. Short but back. Look like Don King on steroids, but it's hair.
Hey Rita....anytime you are feeling down and want to sit under my kitchen table, you are most welcome. Thank Goodness I bought a counter-high table...much easier to crawl under. Heck...bring along that chex mix and we'll have a good cry and then laugh and laugh as we tell funny stories about our Moms...all while sitting under my table.
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Hey Rita....
I will try to see if we can even print off these boards and if so, since I am a lazy butt and do nothing but eat bonbons and watch the soaps I am MORE than happy to do this. But first, let me warm up the big computer with the good printer and see what I can do. If it works I will go back to Pat's last post and start printing.
I will let you guys know if I can get this working.....
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Oh Wendy,
That is such a lovely story about your mom and the fort. My mother was never like that. It makes me want to be more like your mother to my own adult girls and my grandchild. So in a away you mother has inspired me and remains alive to me even though she failed to come to your fort that day.
I have a funny story about my mother who currently has advanced Alztheimer's Disease and is in a nursing home. She never was totally comfortable being a warm mother for whatever reason. Now the staff always is certain she has her two babies to hold. She is so tender with these dolls and will not allow anyone near them She was so agitated and then they tried these dolls. When we go visit her we talk to the dolls just like they are real. She sings to them and holds them so carefully. It baffles our whole family as we never saw that nurturing spirit. I do not hold it against her.
Have a "dry" day. It is raining like crazy here
Susan
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zap:
very interesting about your Mother holding the babies. I studied Alzheimers a lot when I was to take care of my uncle back in early 1998...he is 87 now...has had a tia and a stroke and cannot sit up or stand now, but thankfully we have machines and a great caregiver.
Unfortunately, the past year or more, he ignores cats and dogs now, I wish he would still nurture them. He does take hugs and kisses good night and sometime even reciprocates, I'm trying to catch up for all the years of bachelorhood he had, he worked in Africa, etc. for the government as a plant pathologist specializing in tropical diseases.....Pet therapy, too, is great....it doesnt seem to work now with him, though, surprisingly.
Illinois Gal: We need to email and stuff I am sure you can help me brainstorm for the shed I want to build to foster cats and dogs! Pm me if you want to, when you get time. I don't think you are on Laura's list yet?
Wendy: I can feel your grief, my Mom means a lot to me. And I adored my Dad, who is gone 6 years now. Counter high tables, what is with that? I bought an outside set for my back porch because the windows are high and it worked out well with high ceiling. My Mom often wonders about that. The local bar has all high chairs like that and she has trouble sitting on them.
cut and paste: yeah, it doesnt work inside firefox forum (with right mouse click).. bUT i found out you can go to file/edit menu and still use copy and paste thankfully. Laura, that must be how you got it to work!
RitaJean: The vet told me clipping the ear means they are neutered or spayed, which is nice to know! (We wondered if this new stray I have was considered feral since he's fixed at an early age, ears normal). He seems to be holding his own but is not drinking or eating with this new cold. I squirted some water down his mouth a few times....I dont have any meds around to give him, unfortunately.
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I'm just going to say hi everyone so I don't have to scroll down for names---just kiddin' but you know who you are anyway.
My chemicals tomorrow coming through an IV will be the lovely Miss Ann Adriamycin and Mr. Cyd Cytoxan. Hope they both behave. I think I'll be reading War & Peace or maybe just dozing.
Hey, loved the MOM stories. My mother was such an angel. I recall when I was very young she would read "The Littlest Angel" over and over to me---in self defense actually--- and I was just sure I really was an angel as her voice was so convincing. I don't recall my mother ever getting very exasperated with me---even after she read me that story at least 20 times in one afternoon. Every reading sounded fresh and brand new. She passed away in 1998 and I've missed her every day since but she was tired and needed to go and I'm glad because she is well where she is and I know she checks in on me and helps me still. She hasn't seen the last of me yet---and Mom when I get there---I'm bringing the book with me.
Anyway, I'm looking forward to tomorrow because the first time will be the hardest I think. I've learned so much from all of you already and it's time for me to get my feet wet on my way to wellness.
Talk at ya soon.
IllinoisLady/Jackie
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Illinois Lady: I know that you will do fine . You have a very positve outlook and I good sence of humor. I think anything we have done for the first time is very scarry. Keep us posted on how you are doing. Blackjack
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IllinoisLady,
Your great attitude will definitely help you with Ann and Cyd. Good luck and keep us posted.
Prayers,
MaryJane
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Kater,
Regarding a conversation we had last Monday night about cash renting: with three of their landlords they go 50-50. With another one it's $135. I hope that makes more sense to you than it does to me!
MaryJane
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IllinoisLady (Jackie)-
to you on your first day of chemo, sounds like you have a very upbeat attitude. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids to keep your self hydrated.kater and Blackjack- Sounds like you both got a lot out of the seminar you went to.
Susan- Hope your cold is better.
To everyone Hi.
Mary
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Jackie...I'll be thinking about you tomorrow. You will do just fine!
Tomorrow must be doctor day! I have my yearly exam and mammo tomorrow. Mary Jane has graciously volunteered to go with me so I have positive vibes and encouragement while waiting for the results which I should get tomorrow, too. It's a bit nerve-wracking, isn't it, gals? Last night was the first night in a long time that I couldn't sleep. I didn't get up in the middle of the night and take one of my pills, though because I had several things that needed to be done around here today and didn't want to be a groggy mess!
But......the sun is out and that lifts the spirits, regardless of the temperature!
Everyone have a good day!
Rita
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Wow - you gals have been busy this weekend! I guess that's what happens when you get snowed/iced in!
We had a great weekend in WI. We headed out Fri afternoon when the skies were still blue. Saturday we woke up to the storm. It snowed all day and we heard lots of stories of how bad the roads were. No problem for us - we were inside swimming and having fun. The kids had a blast sitting in the outdoor hot tub with the snow falling down! When we headed back to IL last night, the roads were just fine. We did see the road crews still working on a semi that had completely flipped on it's side. Scary!
Glad you girls enjoyed the seminar. It sounded very uplifting.
Welcome to the newcomers - this is a great support group!
Good luck today Jackie - that first one is scary, but you should feel fine. I think the first one and the last one are the hardest. The first one is scary and the last one you just expect it to be all over when you walk out, but you still have those side effects to deal with for the next few days.
Glad to see you posting MaryJane - we like having long term survivors around!
Good luck tomorrow, Rita.
Laura - I agree with everyone else - that centerpiece is beautiful!
Happy Monday to everyone!
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Morning girls!
Still working on printing these posts...had to go out and get a new cartridge for the laser printer as it had dried up. I'll let you know later how I do.
Rita...good luck today and sending you positive vibes.
Connie....glad you weekend was fun and you enjoyed the weather!
Jackie...may you have a pleasant get-together with Ann and Cyd. And I loved YOUR Mom story. Maybe if you and Rita ever need to you could come over to my house, we could sit under my kitchen table, eat Chex Mix and you could read "The Littlest Angel" to us. Can't imagine what my DH would think if he found the 3 of us there...might start locking up the liquor!
Everyone else....hope you are well and happy and enjoying this sunny day. Hey Pat.....how are you doing? Hugs and smiles!
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Hey Wendy, can I get in the fort too? My mom turned me in for two plastic dolls. If any one needs to get in the fort it is me. I"ll bring some wine and cheese, and we have the book and the chex mix. It all sounds so cozy right now. I am waiting for my next crew of 8th graders to blast into the room. NOT COZY!
Also,thanks again for the good things you have accomplished with getting the posts ready. Can I chip in for some ink/postage?
Susan
My cold is better. Now my neck hurts. Oh, it is not easy being me!
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Susan....I prefer to think that your Mom for some reason had a hard time expressing her love for you, and that is what she is doing now. She is holding you and loving you as her mind has gone back in time when you were little, and she has learned to express those feelings, just as you do now with your loved ones. But anytime you want to come sit in my fort, the door is open (but make sure you bring the GOOD wine!)
Also...the little project is completed and will go out tomorrow. Kater had suggested printing her e-mail copies but you know...this way your avatars show up, and the graphics and all your pictures. I thought maybe I would do this every Monday (or less if we get lots of posts)....hint, hint....if you would like to post extra on the weekend. Hint, hint.
Take care everybody!!! PS: I am proud of myself...for the first time since last February I went out without my wig in public and I felt OK about it. My head sure got cold tho! I know...I was a weenie about my hair in view of BC but TOO BAD!!!!! Plus I don't look cute like Michele in a baseball cap.
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Thanks Wendy! All this talk about "mothering" has me feeling good about the subject. Today I went to visit one of my collegues who has had a baby at age 43 and after years of working with fertility clinics, getting creative so she can conceive, she now has a gorgeous baby boy! I went with my daughter who had her first baby, very easily, at the age of 26. We sat in this cozy home (Chicago is COLD) when I should have been at work (I took a half day personal) and I told them your story about your mom and the fort (kitchen table). They just loved it! What a wonderful memory. Thank you for sharing that story.
Rita, I am thinking about you and I know all will go well tomorrow. You are so in control of this gig what with a great prognosis, a healthy life style walking each day and the ultimate feather in your cap...YOU CREATED THIS THREAD. You are kinda like the grande dame of this place. Look at what you have done. You have connected so many people! You are strong to do that. You will be okay. Of that I am sure.
Michelle, Wendy is right. You look very cool in a cap! I looked like a mope with a big head.
Connie, did you take the fam to the lodge in the Dells that creates this Christmas motiff? I saw it advertised and it looks so wonderful.
Good luck all in treatment. Just be kind to your bodies and rest!
Susan
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Hi all,
Illinois Lady here.............how anit-climatic it was going to the first chemo. Was almost like going for any of the tests you get to take since you do the blood work first. Only difference you will get the results that day and be TOLD right then.
Fairly un-eventful, even dare I say this...BORING. Still I'm glad that there were no ogres about. I do know that some after effects may take a while to show themselves, but I was sent home with meds, and will be injecting myself right before bed ( starting tomorrow ) for five days with some meds for the bone marrow to encourage fast growth of red blood cells . This is fine with me....I was a Medical Corpsman in the service and have never been squeamish about this stuff. No problem there. Some anti-meds should the tummy rebel, but not to be taken unless I actually feel urpie--hmm, is that a word. Well, I think I will be fine and not looking for problems. Glad the almost BIGGER than life hurdle is done. Next treatment date is Dec 26th. Going the 70 miles to Marion may be a bit lousy with all the returns on that date and mark-down sales. May have to take the back two lane highway. Sigh ----- seems almost nothing is really easy but hey.....at least they have TREATMENTS now and I am one thankful lady for that. So, please don't let me come off like a party pooper and whiner. Truth is the traffic and crowds bothered me just as much long before I had cancer---not my thing, especially here in Illinois with all the truck routes. Of course, you have to bless them too as they make sure we have all our needs met with the job they do, but I'm a nervous nelly in the middle of 20 i8-wheelers going at break-neck speed.
Hope you all had a wonderful Monday and that Tuesday is good too.
All the best,
IllinoisLady/Jackie
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Illinios Lady, I am so glad to hear that your tx went well and that you do not have side effects yet?? Is your home town near Springfield? I know that they have a big hospital there.
Glad you are doing ok!!
Blackjack
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Rita I'm thinking of you today, and sending good vibes your way. You'll be fine, and it's great that you have MaryJane with you. We are all with you in spirit, and after all.... you created this thread that has connected all of us.
Jackie I agree with you that the first chemo was anti-climatic. I'm so glad you got through it so well. You are one strong IL lady! Sounds like you have a good handle on how to deal with any se's, but let's hope you don't have many.
Kater I never posted that I was going to the seminar because I was unsure about the weather. It's at least an hours drive from here, and once it started snowing I decided against it. Good thing too, because the snow quickly changed to freezing rain here, and the roads were coated with ice. My hubby wanted to go out Sat night insisting his car is heavy enough so there would be no problem. There was no problem with the car, but we went only about ten minutes away to Edwardo's Pizza, and the walking in the parking lot wasn't so good. The wind was so strong, and the lot was glazed ice, so I was being blown backwards, and barely making it into the building. My hubby made it, and was holding onto the building and extending his hand to me. He managed to pull me in, and we must have looked quite a sight! Who are these crazy old folks, and why didn't they stay home tonight? We did inspire the staff to go out and spread some salt for our departure, and for future customers.
I'm glad you and Blackjack were able to go to the seminar, but I'll be happy to read the book. It sounds like it was really helpful.
Have to give the computer over to my dh who is working on a lecture he has to deliver to some residents. That's why I haven't been on much for a few days. He's been doing research, and working at home.
Have a great day, and stay warm!
Wendy You are so right! Michele and Kater look so cute in their hats. I looked terrible, and did better with my wig, or even just my bald head. They were building a new house next door, and I think I confused the workers sometimes. I would go out side g to my garden bald one time, and the next with my wig. I wondered if they realized it was the same person each day!
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Geesh you girls are chatty! I just spent half an hour catching up with all your posts!
Welcome to the newbies! The girls here are F A B!
RITA -
Hope today goes well...I know you're nervous, but the stats are on your side.
Wendy -
You are toooooooooooooooo funny!
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For those of you that have asked...the centerpieces are $38. (That includes the black metal stand that it's on and shipping. Candles are not included, but the the glass candle holders are.)
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Well I finally got an appt with my Rheumatologist today. My hand has been swollen for several months now. If he decides it's not a rheumatology issue, then it might be Lymphadema. Just in case...I have an appt with my bs on Thursday. It's always something!
Have a great day girls!
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Rita-Thinking about you today and sending best wishes & good vibes.
Laura-Hope all goes well with your drs. appt on Thursday and the swelling problem isn't Lymphedema.
IllinoisLady(Jackie)- Happy to hear you had an uneventfull first chemo. Take care of yourself & drink plenty of fluids.
Wendy-Your table forte with your Mom sounds a lot like my chair and blanket forte with my Mom. I loved it when she would crawl in there with me and my brother, she'd bring us sliced hard boiled eggs w/Miracle whip on top and Saltines with margarine. Not exactly heart healthy stuff
. Looks like you'll get the chance to use your new snow thrower today if the weather forecast is right.Pat- Sending hugs to you........
Take care everyone.
Mary
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Wendy-Kats -
Bummer I would love to meet you two on the 14th, but my friend is coming in from WI that day...and that night is my dh's company x-mas party.
If you change the date, please let me know...
btw...this is soooooooooo cool...I'm at the Ford Dealer getting my 10,000 mile service done. They have computers set up for people to use. But, I'm drooling...there's a brand spanking new MUSTANG COBRA staring at me in the showroom. It's gorgeous...Santa...please, I'll be a good girl! LOL
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