Illinois ladies facing bc
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Hi gals!
Well the sun is out but it's still cold!!! I almost slid through a stop sign earlier this morning on my way to bowling and I didn't think that I was going too fast either. By the time I came home, all the roads were clear but these country roads were a little icy out here.
O.K. Chiefette, fess up.....where are you from? I'm about as Redneck as you can get. I was born and raised in a little Rock River town that's so small that it no longer has its own high school. I live in Bloomington but am out from town in the woods. I'm really curious about this Red-Neck Fishing Tournament. Welcome to our thread. Please pop back on and tell us more about yourself. We are so glad to have you join us. As for the Arimidex, I have been taking it since August. At first I experienced extreme insomnia which finally went away. Then I got joint pains in my feet. I learned about adding magnesium and vitamin D-3 to my pill arsenal and that has taken care of the joint pain so far. Right now I have no complaints. I think everyone reacts differently to it and I have a friend who takes it and has never had any problems at all.
Laura, I love the laptop. I purchased the wireless mouse, too as I have always had trouble navigating that little keyboard "pad." This computer has Windows Vista on it and I am used to XP. There is a BIG difference and I'm still learning where to find all the features I used routinely on the other. So when DO you leave, Laura?
Yeah Sabarina....a new boob for you! You will now be a new woman! LOL Glad that it finally arrived.
Karin, do you live right in Salem or do you live on the outskirts, too?
Michele, haven't heard from you lately. Hope all is going well and you're just busy!
Jackie, we will be standing by to hear what you find out today. Thinking of you.......
Hope everybody is having a good day! I'll probably be back later.
Rita
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OMG Rita slide thru a stop sign!! Hope you are OK! We never get enough snow to worry much! I live just a little NE of Salem not really out in the "boonies"but at least not downtown.
Jackie hope no chemo needed!!
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Wow !!!! What fortune---we were able to go a little early to Marion...got my labs and x-ray done....and arrived at the Dr.'s office just as he was coming back from lunch. Saw him way early as well.
My program turns out to be:
Taxotere X 4.....once every three weeks.
First one this coming Wednesday.
After those 12 weeks are thru....on to radiation.
5 days a week for 6 weeks. Week-ends off. Don't know if they will let me get closer yet........again there is a big reluctance to share the whole program at once.
Dr. L did say no vacation plans. That was upsetting. Not because it would not work....but no margin for error that way. I wanted to go between last Taxotere and the rads.......he said that we needed to go in order with no breaks. So........well, we will see. I don't know what sort of plans my daughter Kate might be able to make.....we might do it after all the other things are done....just have to see.
We are due by tomorrow morning here to have sleet and snow.......which roughly translates I think to ice with snow on top of it. Not going to be too pleasant. I'm thinking Chicago area will probably not be too well off either. Lately my concentration level must be so poor.....I can't remember what was said---
Chiefette....welcome-welcome.
Sparker......hope all went well for you today.
Everyone..........hang in there....Spring is somewhere and when I find it I'm going to give it a good thrashing for hiding.
Talk to ya'll later.
Jackie
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Good Evening Ladies,
It seems like everyone has been very busy today, packing some were to go warm and cold, typing on that new laptop computer, md appointments and treatments and for the rest just laying around and healing nicely.
Welcome to all the newbies..Catherine, Chiefette, Beth, Sparker hugs to all of you as you travel on your jounry. This is a very supportive group they will make you laugh and help you along. So post often.
Seems like we have a nice group for lunch on Friday at Magganio's.
I made a reservation for 12. If anyone else would like to join us for some fun and laughter please let me know. Do bring a pillow for your chair..don't want a sore butt from sitting to long..4 hrs last time we meet. lol lol lol Just kidding they have padded chairs there.
tdbear..Lets us know when you come and and I think maybe dinner would be good for the girls who may want to come but have to work during they day. Let me know what your thoughts are. Would love to me you and do bring your pond pics!!
Laura and Pat I hope you are all packed and ready to go on those fav trips you have planned. Boy I sure wish I was going some were warm lol.. I know I just got back, but I can dream of spring weather lol
Just wanted to stop by and say hi..have to get ready for my son who is coming home Friday for a week hey!! My daughter left Monday to go back to school and now he will be home..what a revolving door I have here.
Will check back later..Have a great evening
Blackjack
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Chiefette: Arimidex and small towns
Interesting, I googled our town, 50 miles southwest of Chicago:
Males 207, females 245
and I live 2 miles south....it was 400 population 20 years ago when I left to live near Starved Rock.
Arimidex: I started over a month ago, seemed to stay awake sometimes at night, no joint aches yet, started vball 2 weeks ago and neck is a bit sore but I can't blame that on arimidex. I might have started using a pillow, better stop that!
Tamoxifen also made me more awake in the morning than I had been all through the cancer dx since feb 07. (I had ovaries out Dec. so got to switch to arimidex, age 49).
Wendy had great results tested 3x with magnesium helping joint aches, if I remember correctly. She'll be writing at the crack of dawn no doubt. smile.
I've been drinking oberweiss non hormone milk mostly so I dont have to take calcium pills,...hard to get in that habit. The oncologist did say it's best to get the vitamins in your food, naturally.
OFF TOPIC WEATHER
Hope weather will be okay, I'm taking uncle's caregiver to davenport IA Thursday for dental work...we have a dentist friend who is very precise.... (a blind date once, smile)...hey i just remembered i was going to try to get him to take my bathroom locked up feline leukemia stray cat! He's been catless for some time now...
Good luck and what is origin of your user id?
Kater
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Hello again. I hope I didn't offend anyone with my big city comment. But when I saw some of the places you call home, this seems like just a wide spot in the road.
Anyway, I started Arimidex in June and never really had any problems. I started walking and exercising regularly. Thought that might ward off any joint effects. So far so good. I must admit I was reluctant to take it because I had heard so many stories about how bad the side effects were. But a few aches and pains is better than having cancer again.
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Morning my friends! Hope you all had a night and had a chance to see the lunar eclipse last night. If not, next one is 12/2010....WHICH WE WILL ALL BE AROUND TO SEE!!!!!!! Yep...that's my plan and I'm sticking with it.Sabrina....ooooooh! A new boob! How exciting! Who'd thunk we would get so excited about someone getting a matching boob! But I am happy for you....how does it look/feel? Are you "happy" with it?
Welcome Chiefette....don't be anxious about living in a small town and joining us. We are a very irreverant group, very supportive, very caring, very intelligent....and dare I say it, a bit nuts. As for the arimidex, I had as Kater said terrible bone/muscle pain. I added 500mg magnesium to my 1200 mg of Calcium and 1000 U of D3 and that did the trick for me. I even told the onc about it and the fact that even I didn't believe it worked and went on and off of it 3 times just to make sure. He had never heard of doing that (god bless this website as that is where I learned about magnesium) and he was going to try it on some of his pts. who were close to chucking the AI's due to severe pain. I also do get up and off to the gym every morning and that makes a HUGE difference too.
Karin....let me know if you want to grab some coffee one morning, or breakfast. I am guessing I am very close to your brother. I live just off of Rt 31, right behind the Anderson Animal shelter. As a matter of fact, it you walked thru their property to the back, climbed the fence and rolled down the hill, you would be on my deck!
Rita...glad you are OK! Sometimes that light dusting of snow with these cold temps is much worse than 6 inches!
Jackie...I sent you via snail-mail copies of the book backs...let me know if any of these titles float your boat..or I can just send all of them. No problem! As for no breaks...I wanted rads to start RIGHT AWAY after chemo was done and they made me wait 3 weeks to the day as they wanted all my labs perfect and my body to recover somewhat. Also why they don't started you on anti-hormone therapy during rads...one thing at a time. That being said...why couldn't you take your trip day after last Taxotere? You could be gone maybe 2 weeks, come back to do your simulation/markings and then start your rads right on time within the 3 week time-frame? Anybody else get to start rads sooner than 3 weeks post-chemo?
Oooops! I am late! More later.....
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Well, Wendy.....can that fairy do a no slippin' and slidin' dance for me. Work has not called so that means we are open. In about 10 mins. I'll be getting in my car to go. Will only be about the second time in my life to drive on pure ice. I don't expect it to be fun......very thrilling in the wrong way might fit way better.
Dh is home from work today so........if I don't get to work and call him he will have to come looking for me. Actually, I only have to drive the two miles into town...so it's not that bad.
Talk to ya'll tonite
Jackie
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Hi all -
Jackie I also started rads 3 weeks after chemo ended. I guess the sticky issue is that you have to go in for scans, then mark-ups, then a test run before you start. I do remember when they did the first scans they needed about a week to do all the calculations and get everything set up before they brought me back. I would think you would be able to get a few days of vacation in there somewhere. I would push to get those appts set and give yourself a few days off!!
Hope all is well with everyone. Looking forward to lunch tomorrow.
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OMG - I AM SO STRESSED! I have done ABSOLUTELY NO PACKING yet! I have lots of loose ends...cripe...I can't wait to get on that airplane. I booked a "limo" (not really a "limo"...more of a "car"). Our p/u is scheduled for 4:00 AM Sat morn. YES...that's right...4:00 AM! LOL
Our flight leaves at 7:10. But...I will do my usual...board, pop a tranquilizer...wake up in MX! Works like a charm! LOL blackjack - THANKS for the lv info...got it yesterday. Great source of info. I can't find any plane fares cheaper than $320 r/t. Is that about the going rate? I'm taking my niece Shelby with...she's 12 and considered an adult...right? I need your help! LOL
I don't have time to respond to all...but I'm looking forward to tomorrow. I'll be the one with the freaked out look on my face! LOL By then...I'm hoping to have tied up some of the loose ends...I want to check back here later...
Be well...peace love and lots of veggies!
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Hi Ladies,
We're back from Florida, the kids and I decided we want to move there. Maybe someday. I think it was the best vacation of our lives. It was the mid 80's there, wow what a temperature change. I'm getting ready to go see the lung guy at Rush... my best friend is going to come with me, I'll let you know how it goes. I can't wait till tomorrow, what time are we meeting????
Love
Leesa
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Has anyone heard the weather report for the Chicago area for tomorrow? We are expecting snow flurries here and are getting a few scattered ones right now. I hope there's not another "system" on its way as I'm anxious to see you gals again and meet the new ones who are coming to lunch.
Laura....it sounds like you have lots on your plate between now and Saturday. I hate packing and I'm not good at it. My clothes look like they've been wadded into balls when I take them out. Some people have the "packing knack" but not me! Anyway, you'll be ready for a little R&R at lunch tomorrow.
Leesa, glad that you are back and that you have a great vacation. We'll be anxious to hear what you find out today from the lung doctor. I'm so glad that you have a friend going with you. HUGS!
Jackie..it sounds like you got that ice. It missed us entirely this time. Drive carefully. I had 4 chemos, then waited nearly 4 weeks and started my rads. I did all the rads, waited another 3 weeks after they were done, and then finished the last two chemos. I guess I just assumed that everybody got a few weeks off for recuperation before starting the next phase. Hmm........
Wendy...thanks for keeping the graphics coming. Today's graphic reminded me that I need to get back on my diet. I've been cheating a lot lately and I don't want to gain back the weight that I've lost. Thanks for that reminder!!!! LOL
Well, I have a lot of errands to run today. I need to keep my mind occupied as it was just a year ago that I lost my Mom (Feb. 24th...right between my second and third chemo) and I find my mind revisiting that time and situation if I don't keep it busy. I'm determined to remember but maintain a positive attitude!
So I'm off to run all over town.......florist, bank, oil change, card shop, groceries..........now that's the way to waste an entire afternoon! Take care everyone. I hope to see many of you tomorrow.
Rita
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Hi All,
I must cancel lunch for Friday. I was told by my oncologist to get my teeth cleaned before undergoing treatment. Well, I went this morning for a cleaning and it turned into him rushing a crown for me. He is having the permanent ready by Wednesday February 27. What was supposed to be a 30 minute appointment turned into 2-1/2 hours. Needless to say, I had to reschedule another appointment to Friday morning, so I must cancel lunch. I hope we can meet up another time.
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Greetings from sunny, beautiful Aspen. Dh brought his laptop so I'm able to check in with you all. The condo has free internet so I guess he couldn't resist. My usually slow typing is down to snails pace as I get used to this thing. I'm really computer illiterate, but I'm learning a few things. We also have wireless mouse, and I like it. Hard to get used to the little pad, though my kids have no trouble. Weather is so much warmer here than home, but not like MX!
Welcome Chiefette. You have me so curious about where you are located. This is a wonderful thread, with some of the best women I've known, so post often. We love to heqar from you.
Rita I'm so glad you're safe. It seems like the salt shortage is causing trouble everywhere. What a February.
Jackie....I started rads two weeks after chemo was finished. I had seven weeks, the first five were whole breast, and then ten boosts to tumor site. I wanted to get it over with, and my docs felt that would be the most agressive tx, so they recommended it. I did the scan and markings on a Friday, and simulation and first tx on the following Tuesday. They would have started the following Monday, but that was Labor Day, and they are closed on holidays except for emergencies. I did start to get my strength back during radiation, on the good side of things. Hope you are able to work things out.
I have to go outside, and enjoy the beauty of the day. And maybe a little retail therapy.
Everyone, have a great day!
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Wow! It's really snowing here! At this point it doesn't look very promising for a road trip north tomorrow. We probably have an inch now and it doesn't look like it has any intention of stopping. The weatherman is predicting more snow tonight and freezing rain for our area and a 50/50 of snow tomorrow. It appears that I might have been "wishful thinking" about getting to join you tomorrow. I'll wait to pass final judgement until later.
Nancy, you are wise to get your dental work done before chemo. They don't like you going to the dentist during chemo because of possible infections. I had some problems during chemo and have spent the past couple of months getting them corrected. I still have one more trip to go to get everything completed. I've been one of those people who have constantly bonded with the dentist all my life though so it's not anything new. LOL
Well, I'm going to write some questions and see what happens to the weather. Hope everyone is doing well today.
Rita
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Hey Pat! Glad to see that it's sunny there! And as for the retail therapy, there's nothing better! If you find lots of good deals, you can always ship the treasures home! LOL
HAVE FUN!
Rita
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Chiefette - It takes alot to offend us! Us Illinois girls are tough...and not only that...what you wrote wasn't even offensive. I failed to acknowledge you in my previous post...so here goes...welcome! sorry you had to join us...but this is a great group!
leesa - That's great that you had such a nice time! We are meeting at 11:30.
smerf - Miss jet set...tech queen! LOL Have you hit the slopes yet?
Rita - I will call you tomorrow morning around 10ish - to check and make sure you're doing okay w/the drive. 20% chance of mild precipitation tomorrow...I think it will be clear for the most part.
Nancy - too bad. Maybe next time.
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Hello all. Looking forward to tomorrow at Maggiano's. What name will we be under? Blackjack? Illinois Ladies? Does anyone have an identifying mark that I should look for? Or I could just go to the most fun-looking table, and I'd probably be right!
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blackjack...come in blackjack...what name?
But for the most part...we will instinctively be able to recognize each other! It's a woman/Illinois thing!
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Afternoon ladies, My boss let me go home half an hour early. I"m glad....it's a little treacherous out there. I did fine this morning...just went nice and slow. This late afternoon--though I was the only one on Woods Lane it seemed like every couple of feet I felt a funny little jerk....like my wheels weren't hanging on real well. But....I made it.
Boss said to call tomorrow before I leave. Fred was going to pick me up this a.m. I only live down the road a way from my bosses, but I had already left. They may cancel if it's still bad.
Good to get all the info on the rads and how it's done. I keep thinking Dr. L does not want to take a chance that a problem will come up during any of the last 4 chemo's. That would call for a re-arrangement of the schedule and throw things off pretty good if I had plane tickets and travel arangements.....as Laura knows....it's always something. Well, I'll be checking with Kate about a late vacation---she might like that as well.
Our weather is due to be just as bad ( maybe even a bit worse on the side roads ) tomorrow as it was today. I sure hope this stays in our area and leaves all of you alone so you can have a wonderful fun lunch together. I have always loved winter here in the woods, but the un-predictability of the last 3 years is starting to be very, very tiresome. Hope you all stay safe and sound.
Jackie
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HI Ladies,
Boy am I tired...work was exhausting as I think the whole school was sick. I sent home 5 kids w / high fevers today and I am praying I don't get sick too. I told my principle that we should close school for one day and Lysol it down..he just laughed lol
Smerf..how is Denver..have you turned into a snow bunny yet. My sister left for Denver today for the weekend..she can do some major shopping damage too..Is your dh enjoying the mountain view..have a fun trip.
Leesa.. glad to hear that you had a fav trip..good luck at your lung md appointment. Lunch tomorrow at Maggiano's at 11:30. It is under Michele..look for the lady in red!!
Jackie.. I hope you are feeling better. We will help you get through this..don't you worry..
Rita.. the weather here for tomorrow is light flurries in the am. The expressways are clear and well salted per dh as he drives them all the time. Hope you can come but your safety is more important!!
Laura..glad you got my Las Vegas books. There are some deals to Vegas on United. I can help you out if you like. If you are taking your 12 yr old niece with ... she will not be allowed in the casino. You have to be 21 and they are very strict about that.
Wendy..thanks for the snow be gone fairy..but I do think we need the spring fairy really soon lol Warm weather, beach and sun were are you...must be on vacation lol
Hope to see everyone tomorrow for some good food, good fun and lots of laughter!! Gotta go eat now I am starving!!!.
Stay warm and will check back later.
Blackjack
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Hi everyone,
It's been a while since I checked in. I have been reading your posts but too much for my little brain to process!
I really wish I could join you for lunch tomorrow - have a wonderful time and take pics.
Welcome to all the new gals - sorry you have to join us, but we'll all get through this together.
Michele
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I'm up at 2:50 and the why is beyond me. Just re-reading some of the posts and Rita...you will reach a point where it all evens out and while it will never be "just another day",you will reach a point where your best and finest memories of Mom will take over and any sadness will be very short-lived.
My Mom is gone 7 years now....will be 8 in October and while it took a couple years, I learned that the pain of loss can't survive stacked up against the years of love and devotion she gave so freely and lovingly to me. To have been so fortunate as to have had her for a mother brings a sense of joy and peace to me now and knowing our separation is only temporary.
Hi Mich.....good to see you. You must still be working pretty hard and getting up way too early.....though I apparently beat you up this a.m.
Pat, glad you are having a good time in Colorado. It is pretty there even if your in snow. Maybe you will get to miss a lot of what is going on here.......it's not too pretty right now with the ice everywhere. Dare I say, the harder we pray for Spring the more it seems to elude us.
According to the weather this should be the last ice day for us....due to dissipate in the late afternoon, early evening. Hope so....
Talk to ya'll later.
Jackie
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It's lunch day! Too bad we won't be sitting outside, but it is 21 on my deck and I call that a heat wave. Rita....everything clean and dry out here in S. Elgin and I'm about 35 min. W of Maggiano's. Hope you can make it....but I would much rather not get to meet you than to worry about you driving. Plus...it gives us someone to talk about !LOLPat....that's pretty much what I would be doing in ski-country...shopping, plus for me a few hot toddies around the fire while wearing some very stylish ski togs, pretending that I ski.
Jackie...up at 3am I see! Taxotere should be much easier on your tummy but you might indeed have weird tastes and maybe some tingling in your toes/fingers. I breezed right thru but I know JanClare had some severe problems with that drug. I will ask her today to maybe e-mail you about that. Just my opinion but why not look at the air fares, then see how you do after the 1st round. It is cumulative of course, but then I guess it all depends on how much you need a break. I would have loved to go somewhere in-between but with DH in education, our times for vacations are limited to when school is not in session.
Mich101...sorry you can't make it today. If we meet again on a Friday, could you tell your boss that you are going to a "medical seminar" on breast cancer - and that is so not a lie!
As for what everyone looks like....don't worry....we'll find each other! We'll be the cute ones!
Well...need to move my a** and get going. Can't wait for lunch!
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Hi gals.....I'm heading for the shower and hope to be out of here by 8:00 or 8:30 at the latest. It appears that our area might be the only place I'd have any trouble as the central and south part of the state are still in the snow/sleet band and most of that is to move in later this morning so it might be the last leg of the trip home that causes any problems. Right now it's not doing anything here so we'll give it a try. I'll see you gals at lunch!
I'm off and running. Looking forward to seeing you all!
Rita
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Rita---sounds like your on your way to lunch and that's fantastic. My work was canceled today....boss called around 7 a.m. Can't say I totally mind. I'm so used to keeping my nose to the grindstone, but the last chemo really took the steam out somehow. I think just in that the se's while getting milder after the first large push.....lasted so much longer and kept me a little edgy.
Our weather as expected is so crappy right now. We are getting more sleet on top of some very frozen crusty leftover sleet and snow from yesterday. Dh has to go to work today which does not make me happy. He should call in but I know he won't---not a manly thing to do you know and maybe he is right. I'm sure they worked most of the night on the interstates and with care he will likely do fine. We don't live far from the highway though he has to drive 7 miles to the Interstate........hmmm.
I will be thinking of all of you....hope there are a few cameras present...and there with you in spirit if not in body---so if you feel someone tapping you on the shoulder it's only me. All have a great time and eat something good for me---I'm generally not picky.
Talk to you later.
Jackie
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Hi Girls!
It's amazing how different our weather can be within the same state! Jackie...tuck yourself in today!
I will bring my camera.
I went crazy with the sunless tanning lotion last night (after a couple of glasses of wine! LOL) Cripe...I hope it wears off soon! LOL
Have a great day.
Michele - Glad you popped in. I was wondering about you.
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Hi)) I'm from Rockford IL bc stage IV
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Hi Irina.....welcome to our humble home here in the state of Illinois. Many of the gals are gone today (just for a few hours) at lunch but I'm sure I speak for all of us. It's a wonderful place where we all care deeply for each other and just share our hearts out. Rita started this thread and I know she would encourage you to tell us all a little about yourself, your diagnosis and your treatment. We are here to help in whatever way we can. I'm located in southern Illinois and have been on this thread since Dec 1, 2007.
I am so thankful I found all these wonderful gals and would be lost if I didn't have them.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Jackie
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Hi Irina,
Welcome, and Jackie does speak well for all of us. The ladies here are a great bunch, and always ready to help. Please tell us more about yourself.
Jackie...How far south is Centralia? I should look at my map, but is lazy way to just ask. I thought it was more in the middle than south. Hope you're feeling better soon. Chemo really knocked me out, and there was no way I could have ever gone to work. I don't work outside the home anyway, but you know what I mean. I guess I'm like Wendy describes herself, a lazy butt! I'm hoping taxotere will be easier on you than ac was. Taxol was much easier for me, though fatigue builds up. I'm sorry we're both missing lunch, and Maggiano's is good! There is one ten minutes from my house, at the Old Orchard shopping center. I'm having fun in the sun here, in spite of snow piled up higher than me everywhere. Temps about 50 degrees, and teenagers, God bless 'em, are wearing bermuda shorts!
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