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Illinois ladies facing bc

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  • camillegal
    camillegal Member Posts: 15,711
    edited February 2013

    Madi--Good for u--it is exciting to go on vacation and just enjoy.

    OK why are we all waking up, this is crazy and all about the same time too, ooooeeeeoooo kinda spooky.

  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 11,653
    edited February 2013

    OK I'm making the next Illinois Ladies get together a virtual cocktail or breakfast party/chat at 3am. Who's in Tongue Out

  • spunkyboobster
    spunkyboobster Member Posts: 563
    edited February 2013

    Hey, we should get together for a real breakfast/brunch sometime!

  • camillegal
    camillegal Member Posts: 15,711
    edited February 2013

    Lago if I'm awake I'll peek in to see what's going on--This is rediculous all of a sudden we all can't sleep, hahaha

  • doxie
    doxie Member Posts: 700
    edited February 2013

    For all you sleepy-eyed and unsleepy-eyed sisters out there, I've finally found the solution to a different eye problem.  

    My blurred vision had gotten so bad that my MO told me to stop taking the last AI option I had.  I was faced with having to take Tamoxifen.  I begged a few more weeks on exemestane to wait on results of tests that would be pointless if I was off the AI.  At my ophthalmologist's suggestion, I started using an OTC white petrolatum/mineral oil eye lubricant at night in addition to the preservative-free eye drops I'd been using during the day.  Within a few days my eyes were almost blur free in the mornings.  For me, this is about as close to a miracle as you can get.  I can see and I won't have to chose between keeping cancer at bay and serious vision impairment.  

  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 11,653
    edited February 2013

    That's awesome news! So was this just due to dry eyes? I know my left eye is still dry from chemo/blocked duct.

  • doxie
    doxie Member Posts: 700
    edited February 2013

    Right now, neither my MO nor ophthalmologists know this has worked.  I'll see my first ophthalmologist in a couple of weeks and hopefully he'll agree this is all that is wrong.  The question may be "Are the drops and lube enough to keep my eyes healthy on an AI for another 4+ years."  I may have to have my MO check to see how low my estrogen is and if I can risk having a bit more in my body for the sake of my eyes.

  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 11,653
    edited February 2013

    I know last year when I saw my ophthalmologist they tested my eyes and said I needed distance glasses because my left eye wasn't seeing to clearly. Then the dilated my eyes. Tested again (at my request) and my distance was perfect. It was all due to dry eye and that duct that keeps getting blocked. I hope it's just a dry eye issue for you.

  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Member Posts: 40,996
    edited February 2013

    When we expand our awareness, strengthen our center, clarify our purpose, transform our inner demons, develop our will and make conscious choices, we are moving toward deeper connection with our spiritual self.

    Molly Young Brown

  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Member Posts: 40,996
    edited February 2013

    doxie how great to hear, and you pretty much through some trial and error, and a good suggestion found what seems an almost perfect solution.  Wonderful that when we have a need, at some point the answer will come.  Many would not agree but I often think --- when we can find a place of acceptance for what is.....then we become open much more so into what to do about it......a way to make what has been negative energy turn into positive energy.  Sometimes this place is very hard to reach......but I think there is a window of opportunity when we say....ok, this is HOW it REALLY is for me -- Now what!!!We have cleared the way to move forward -- no left over encumbrances.

    Hope Sunday will be a perfect day for each of you.

    Peace & love,

    Jackie

  • doxie
    doxie Member Posts: 700
    edited February 2013

    Jackie,

    I've been having that need since last July when I started to worry about this vision problem. Foot in Mouth I feel like I may be able to finally move on from BC.  You are right about the negative energy.  Not even the BC has cause such distress.  Hardly ever teared up over the BC, but have over this.  This has been hanging over me for over 6 months.  So relieved to have found such a simple solution.

  • zap
    zap Member Posts: 1,850
    edited February 2013

    Doxie, you sound so happy and at peace and I am glad you can move on.  Feeling that your eyes are failing you is frightening, especially when near to the BC episode.  Have a great Sunday!

    Susan

  • spunkyboobster
    spunkyboobster Member Posts: 563
    edited February 2013

    Happy to hear your good news, Doxie.



    I went to the Picasso exhibit at the Art Institute today- absolutely fantastic, I highly recommend it.

  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 11,653
    edited February 2013

    I remember going to the Picasso exhbit years ago at AIC and it was faboulous. Did they have the sculpture of the still life? I thought that was brilliant.

  • Timbuktu
    Timbuktu Member Posts: 1,423
    edited February 2013

    My husband is teaching a Picasso class today at the AiC.  I hadn't realized the show just opened.

    He's been living and breathing Picasso for months.  There are lots of DVD's on Netflix.  The best one was made by Scorcese.  It's called Braque and Picasso go to the movies.  

  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Member Posts: 40,996
    edited February 2013

    Be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.  Talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person you meet. Make all your friends feel there is something in them.  Look at the sunny side of everything. Think only of the best, work only for the best, and expect only the best. Be as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your won. Forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.  Give everyone a smile.  Spend so much time improving yourself that you have no time left to criticize others. Be too big for worry and too noble for anger.

    Christian D. Larsen

  • spunkyboobster
    spunkyboobster Member Posts: 563
    edited February 2013

    This Picasso exhibit draws on the connections between the artist and Chicago-even though Picasso never visited Chicago (or the United States).

  • Timbuktu
    Timbuktu Member Posts: 1,423
    edited February 2013

    That is really interesting spunky.  Other than the sculpture at the Federal Building, I didn't know there was a connection.  I'll have to go and see it.

  • PeggySull
    PeggySull Member Posts: 368
    edited February 2013

    C-Squared, I am looking for an LE specialist in Northern VA area and could find only one quite a distance from where I live.



    Do you know anyone near Washingon DC you could recommend ?



    Thanks, Peggy

  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 11,653
    edited February 2013

    PeggySull you can start by searching here: www.clt-lana.org/search/therapists/

  • C-squared
    C-squared Member Posts: 338
    edited February 2013

    Hi Peggy~ 
    The link that was provided by lago will give you access to LANA (Lymphology Association of North America) certified therapists only.  I just wanted to share (with all) that some very well qualified therapist's are not necessarily LANA certified but had their training through a "LANA approved" course such as those run by Klose Training - http://klosetraining.rtrk.com/?scid=1071567&kw=6995122 (which is where I had my training). This link will direct you to therapists in the DC area that had training through Klose.

    The other big school that is LANA approved is Norton: This school has you fill out a form (the link provided here - http://www.nortonschool.com/therapistreferrals_form.html ) and they will provide  you names of practicing therapists in your area that have taken their course. 

    Peggy, I want to assure you that it is OKAY to see a therapist that has been well-trained and not necessarily LANA certified.  Here is a link to the NLN (National Lymphedema Network)   http://www.lymphnet.org/    On the right side of the page under 'position papers', if you click on "training," you will see that the criteria met by Klose & Norton schools' training are consistent with the Lymphology Association of North America (LANA) guidelines for their certification. Again, please do not be reluctant to see a therapist that has been trained through an "approved certification" course. 

    If you find a LE therapist who was not trained by Klose or Norton schools, I would advise you to ask if they are a "CLT" (Certified Lymphedema Therpaist) versus a "MLD" (Manual Lymphatic Drainage) practitioner. The MLD therapist likely did not have their training by a LANA approved course & does not have as extensive training as the CLT ( I was an MLD therapist first and then took the certification approved course with Klose. I just never went for the LANA certification - more $$$).  If you come across a therapist that says something like "I'm not sure" just ask them where they got their training?  and was it a "LANA approved" course? The other name you may hear is "Vodder" and this is the foundational theory of educational training of Norton School so it IS a LANA certified course.

    I hope that I do not have your head spinning from all of the info I've shared.  My hope is that this helps you (& other's out there) find a qualified LE therapist that can help you.  PLEASE do not hesitate to contact me (PM me, if you like) if I can be of any further assistance.  I'm glad that you reached out to me and I truly hope I helped!  Good Luck!  Keep me posted! Smile

  • ritajean
    ritajean Member Posts: 4,042
    edited February 2013

    Hello!  It's a gorgeous day here in sunny Florida and we are heading out in a little bit to do some fishing on the Sanibel Causeway.  I have chicken ready to throw on the grill when we get home in case we don't catch our dinner!  :-)

    C-Squared...that's great info that you gave to Peggy.  Hope all is going well for you!

    It sounds like everybody else is doing well.  It looks like you may be geting some snow in some parts of Illinois today.  I wish I could bottle up this sunshine and warmth and send it to those of you who aren't fond of the wind, cold and frozen precipitation. 

    Joan, how's it going in the West?  How long are you staying?  We only have a few weeks left and we'll be heading back.  Our time away is going too quickly.  Maybe we'll have to consider a longer getaway next year!

    Hugs to all of you!  Keep those quotes coming, Jackie! 

  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Member Posts: 40,996
    edited February 2013

    Short but meaningful:

    There is no effect more disproportionate to its cause than
    the happiness bestowed by a small compliment.

    Robert Brault

  • Timbuktu
    Timbuktu Member Posts: 1,423
    edited February 2013

    Lady, you always bring a smile to my face.  And that's a great thing.

    A little compliment?  Maybe a big one!

  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Member Posts: 40,996
    edited February 2013

    Timbuktu.....Thank you.  It is a huge compliment.  You made my day......sharing quotes and things that say something ( usually good -- yes, usually good ) is what I live and breathe for and it gives me such pleasure to know someone else derives some feeling from them as well. 

    In the world we are to do what we do, with love and care for our fellow world travelers, and not need applause or recognition, but it is always a warm, and wonderful feeling to be allowed the pleasure of knowing that you were able to make the day start out good for someone else.  To be able to share the good fortune of a world that talks and says wonderful things and know that someone else saw and felt it as well is priceless.

    May all your days start out with a song in your heart and sunshine.....or at least a path to get there on those days when it might not be easy for some reason. 

    Peace & love,

    Jackie ( IllinoisLady )

  • kjiberty
    kjiberty Member Posts: 687
    edited February 2013

    Jackie:  I haven't been on here much, but I love your new pic!  I do love your daily postings and I truly look forward to them!

    Hugs!!!!  Thanks for brightening my every day!

  • Adey
    Adey Member Posts: 2,413
    edited February 2013

    Karen-  DH and DD visited Bradley on Monday....... looking good!  (c:

  • kjiberty
    kjiberty Member Posts: 687
    edited February 2013

    Adey:  Yay!!!!!

    I sent you a PM

  • camillegal
    camillegal Member Posts: 15,711
    edited February 2013

    Adey sounds good !!!!!

  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Member Posts: 40,996
    edited February 2013


    When we choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives but are grateful for the abundance that's present--love, health, family, friends, work, the joys of nature, and personal pursuits that bring us pleasure--the wasteland of illusion falls away and we experience heaven on earth.

    Sarah Ban Breathnach