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Illinois ladies facing bc

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Comments

  • ritajean
    ritajean Member Posts: 4,042
    edited December 2012

    Lago...Thank you, thank you, thank you!  The shift/control + keys did the job and I have normal print again.  Whew!  What a relief! 

    I'm off to get ready for the Christmas party that I'm hosting tonight for our golf group.  The house is decorated but I have those last-day food items to prepare.  I'm making homemade apple dumplings for dessert and I can make them this morning and just warm them up later.  So...I need to stop procrastinating and get moving.

    Thanks again, Lago.  I do fine with a computer as long as nothing changes and no problems arise out of the ordinary.  Then I'm at a loss!

    I hope everyone has a great day!

  • ritajean
    ritajean Member Posts: 4,042
    edited December 2012

    Jackie, We were posting at the same time and I just saw your exciting news!  I am so happy that your daughter is coming! This is super!  Enjoy your time with her!  

  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 11,653
    edited December 2012

    Actually RitaJ you just need to press ctrl + at the same time. I sometimes get confused with mac and PC. Have PC at home but when working onsite I'm usually on a mac. Macs always seem to have 3 keys  instead of 2. BTW to go smaller its ctrl -

  • fredntan
    fredntan Member Posts: 237
    edited December 2012

    Hi youll



    I am coming to Chicago on monday to go to the Block Center on tuesday. Am excited, got free flights with corporate angels. Used almost all my marriott rewards points forroom



    Just how cold and windy is it there? Thankfullymy hair is still short from chemo, so youlls wind wont mess my hair up.



    What restaurants do youll recommend? And is there a place to dance/party? I feel like dancing now. Am on the other side of my cancermountain. Going to Block center to get there imput to makesure this bc crap staysaway



  • movetomaui
    movetomaui Member Posts: 67
    edited December 2012

    I hope everyone has a great weekend!  

    I'm hoping to lay low and maybe get some miles logged in on the treadmill.  The hubby has some fancy ideas for using his new smoker ... plans to smoke a ham, maybe some ribs and mac and cheese?!  Next week is finals week for my sons (the oldest is a senior at NIU in DeKalb and the younger one is in his second year at McHenry County College) so we expect a full house around Wednesday (including the girlfriend who will be back and forth all winterbreak).  Makes me happy to think we will all be together again for at least a month!

  • C-squared
    C-squared Member Posts: 338
    edited December 2012

    Hey fredntan! (or is it Fran & Ted??Smile)  Either way, I like it!!!  I had actually never heard of the Block Center and am so glad to have learned about it!  From what I gathered , they are located in Skiokie, IL(?)   which would be considered a 'suburb' of Chicago just on the out-skirts of "the city".  Chicago is easily accesible from Skiokie and either locale has lots of great food and entertainment to offer!  If you are staying local, however (in Skokie) I would highly recommend Maggiano's Little Italy.., an Italian restaurant located at the Old Orchard shopping center.., one of the remaining outdoor shopping centers in the suburbs of Chicago.  They have wonderful stores and offer a great opportunity for "window shopping" without having to go downtown.  If you ARE planning to take in the beautiful sights of the city, however, I will leave that to our expert city dwellers to offer you advice.  Either way you go you can't loose!  I wish you the best and I hope you enjoy the beautiful sights and wonderful food! 

    The weather has been mild.., 40's.., but I haven't seen a forecast for next week yet.  I'm confident that someone will chime in and bring you up to date!

    Enjoy your stay!  And let us know how it goes..., 

     

  • C-squared
    C-squared Member Posts: 338
    edited December 2012

    movetomaui~ ahhhhhh.., home for the holidays!  Such a peaceful feeling!  I'm picturing everyone gathered around the firepalce (or the 'smoker') just kickin'back, relaxing and catching up on things.  Wishing you lots of laughter and comfort surrounded by those you love and those who love you!  Enjoy!  Smile

  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 11,653
    edited December 2012

    fredntan Sounds like you'll be in the burbs… but if you're in the city I can make some recommendations. Just let me know what kind of food you like. I tend to prefer ethnic dives.

  • Timbuktu
    Timbuktu Member Posts: 1,423
    edited December 2012

    I woke up this morning and the lump seemed to be gone!  So i went downtown and met my friend as planned and had a nice day.    I'm not sure what to do about it.  I might see the surgeon next week, 10 days is a long time to wait to see the onco.  I have a feeling it may be a result of a tight bra, at least that's what I'm hoping.  We walk a tightrope between denial and panic, don't we?

  • Timbuktu
    Timbuktu Member Posts: 1,423
    edited December 2012

    I live two blocks from the Block Center.  I had no idea that it had this kind of reputation.  PM me if you want to get together!

  • Timbuktu
    Timbuktu Member Posts: 1,423
    edited December 2012

    Doxie, thank you so much for your post.  It makes perfect sense to me and besides, I really want to believe you!  lol  Somehow it seems odd that two different oncs could have examined it and not question it.  I've gained 60 pounds in the last year so I have all kinds of fat deposits!  Good motivation to diet and excercize!  Maybe I'll diet it away.  Thanks again for your reassurance.  It's so easy to feel so alone in these situations, isn't it?  The only person I knew who had breast cancer was my mother and she's gone now, not from the cancer.

  • Timbuktu
    Timbuktu Member Posts: 1,423
    edited December 2012

    Chicago has a fabulous Greek town.  The Parthenon is our favorite restaurant there.  There is also a little Italy, not far from U of I.  Vernon's Tap is our favorite there.  lol  

  • doxie
    doxie Member Posts: 700
    edited December 2012

    Timbuktu,  Thank you.  We are here to both give help and receive it.  I'm grateful when I can help someone.  Glad that your lump might be going away.

    I too had had little exposure to anyone with BC.  My grandmother was diagnosed with very late stage IV and treated while I was away in grad school.  I only saw her once before she died.  I also took care of a neighbor with stage IV after her second mastectomy.  She only lived a few months more.  

    My lipoma looks like a 2" flying saucer has landed on my back.  It shows through snug sweaters and shirts and I'm vain enough to hate it.  I'm hoping to get it removed by the PS when I finally get my nipple reconstructed next summer.  

  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 11,653
    edited December 2012

    Timbuktu I too had no exposure to breast cancer. I am the family history. When I was diagnosed I didn't know anyone either. I had no one to ask questions… but now I have all these friends (Illinois Ladies). My first phone call was with our very own DonnaDio. She PMed me her phone number.

    BTW I was matched with my very first Reach to Recovery partner. Technically (and legally) I'm not allowed to mention any details but lets just say it was a good match. We got along great. Her surgery is next week.

    Also got a freelance gig for 2.5 weeks up in Northbrook. This is with a new recuriter… actually a recruiter that I signed up with back in 2006. They never placed me back then but we reconnected. Hope it continues.

  • doxie
    doxie Member Posts: 700
    edited December 2012

    Yay, lago for the freelance work!  Hope it leads to more. 

  • fredntan
    fredntan Member Posts: 237
    edited December 2012

    Timbukto and lago

    The Block center has a cooking class we are going to tuesday at 1200. You should go too. I just want more from oncologist. Mine just takes my copay, feels me up and i am out the door.now that i have new boobs they should pay me! They said i see them once then they refer me out to someone closer. I got free flights with corporate angels. Used my marriott points for hotel. All we have to pay is for food.



    We are staying downtown near that big fountain off the water. I want to see sears tower and heard there is big art museum. Is second city good there? I want big steak. Maybe italion. Is there a club that has dancing on monday or tuesday night? I feel like dancing



    Fredntan is mix of my name Fran and my husband Tedsname. This is our 25th year. He has been my rock.

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Member Posts: 4,011
    edited December 2012

    Any Northern Illinois girls - We are getting together in Wauconda on Friday for lunch. If you would like to join us, please PM me for details.

    Have a nice weekend!

  • zap
    zap Member Posts: 1,850
    edited December 2012

    First of all, Jackie, I am thrilled for you.  Such wonderful news that your daughter and SIL will be near to you again!

    Lago, I live in Northbrook and if you have some free time, I could spend it with you.  I do work several days in my old school but I may have a day off...especially during the winter break. Good luck with that.  Unfortunately very few GOOD ethnic retsurants in Northbrook but there is Max and Bennies with corned beef on rye and a huge pickle.

    I remember that Marina went to the Block Center.  I see her on facebook but not here so much. I thought it was in Evanston, but I am probably wrong.

    Susan

  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 11,653
    edited December 2012

    I believe both Adey and Robo at are block center.

    Zap I'll see how it goes. When you're a freelancer you only get paid for time worked so I only take 1/2 for lunch at most. I need to see how long they keep me. Monday I arrive at 10. Don't know if I then will stay till 6:30+

    fredntan The museum you speak of is the Art Institute of Chicago. Walking distance from you. Also nice is Millenium park. The Park Grill is very good in Millenium Park. I bet they have steak. As far as Italian near you us Illinois gals have eaten at the Italian Village. My personal favorite is lascarola.com but you will need to cab it and make sure you have a reservation.

    For steak (make reservations):

    Ruth Chris (national chain)
    Gibsons
    Smith & Wollensky (national chain)
    Gene & Georgetti

    If you want to try something new and have amazing small plate food I recommend The Purple Pig

  • zap
    zap Member Posts: 1,850
    edited December 2012

    Lago, totally understand.  I hope this is a break for you.  Should be a decent drive via Edens.  Fullerton going west is bad, but then a breeze to Dundee.  Maybe your hours will be off-rush.

    Susan

  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 11,653
    edited December 2012

    I take Wrightwood to Clyborn then cut over to Diversey during rush hour. I still don't know the names of the highways. Tongue Out But maybe one day we can meet afterwards.

  • C-squared
    C-squared Member Posts: 338
    edited December 2012

    lago~ From where you are at, you will take the "Kennedy" to the "Edens" (also fondly referred to as "Route 41").  Traveling to get to Northbrook by 10:00am shouldn't take you more than 40-50 minutes.., maybe even less depending on how long it takes to get to the Kennedy.  I used to do the reverse commute from Cicero & Peterson (yes, North side) to Libertyville (further both North and West of Northbrook) and it took me 45-50 minutes at rush hour (on average). 

    lago & zap~ Please keep me in mind should you get together in Northbrook.  I am not far north from there and I'd still love to meet some of my fellow IL Ladies in person!  I am also on the school schedule so have lots of flexibility after December 21st.., though I am having (exchange) surgery December 27th.  I anticipate a smooth recovery with the ability to socialize with comfort by the New Year(?) 

    Good Luck to you lago!  I hope you enjoy the new assignment!

  • movetomaui
    movetomaui Member Posts: 67
    edited December 2012

    Thank you C-Squared ... Hope your upcoming holidays are joyous too!

    Timbuktu & doxie ... I am also without too many people in my life that have been affected by BC.  It's hard when you don't have anyone that truly understands all that goes into this fight we are in.  That is why I think I was drawn here.  I feel at home ... even if I am only reading about others.

    The hubby didn't disappoint!  He's becoming an expert smoker.  We've got leftovers for the whole week!

  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 11,653
    edited December 2012

    All I know is I get on the highway going north and stay on the right till I see the exit for Dundee Rd… then a bunch of lefts & rights for the last 2 miles.

  • C-squared
    C-squared Member Posts: 338
    edited December 2012

    okay.., well from Peterson Ave it would take (at rush hour) about 10-20 mins to get to Dundee Rd.  Again, coming from Lincoln Park, you are further south and east.  And regardless of x-pwy names, etc., just trying to help. Innocent  Let me know if I should stop.

  • Timbuktu
    Timbuktu Member Posts: 1,423
    edited December 2012

    Fred, you made me laugh!  We flew in to NY for treatment and I didn't want to go through the radiation so I asked for someone to "feel me up".  They just stared at me, incredulous, and then said "Oh, you want a pat down?"  Sitll makes me laugh when I think of it.

    Gibson's has great steaks, and everything else.  I love Carmine's for Italian, on rush street.

    Gosh, so many great places!  Live it up!

    I don't dance so I don't know anything about nightclubs.  Never been to second city.

  • Timbuktu
    Timbuktu Member Posts: 1,423
    edited December 2012

    Zap, the Block center was in Evanston but it's moved to a shiny new building on Old Orchard Road, I think.  Not far from Old Orchard and next to National College of Education.

  • fredntan
    fredntan Member Posts: 237
    edited December 2012

    I cant wait! Oh the places cancer has taken me

  • virginiab
    virginiab Member Posts: 79
    edited December 2012

    Fran--

    Second City is fabulous. You should definitely go!

  • Timbuktu
    Timbuktu Member Posts: 1,423
    edited December 2012

    Fred... I know how you feel.  I had a blast in New York.  When the onco said I was done I said "you mean i can't come to New York anymore?"  We never would have splurged and enjoyed the way we did if it wasn't for the cancer.  I wasn't afraid of flying, spending money, nothing.  Have a great time!

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