Catholics
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Hello everyone - hope the peace of Christmas is in all your hearts erasing all your worries.
Pat - your dinner sounded like the menu from a five-star restaurant!! Must have been absolutely delicious. Looks like the snow will mostly miss us now. I was ready to be snowed in
Alice - glad you're better! I'll bet your house was chaos (the good kind) with all your children! I think you'll find surgery will be easier than you think (at least it was for me). If you haven't already, join the Jan. 2011 mastectomy thread too. You'll have lots of company/support from the group having surgery the same month.
Starella - loved your quote! Our Lady feels so close this time of year.
Here's a story from a Christmas Eve mass in Omaha. At the end of mass, as the congregation was singing Silent Night, Santa Claus walked up the aisle with hands in prayer, kneeled briefly with head bowed reverently at the nativity scene, turned, and walked out disappearing into the back. I have never heard of that before, but what a powerful message. Merry Christmas to all !
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Blessed Holy Family Day to all of you!
Starella - thank you for Our Lady's quote and welcome!
Pat - wow! We tried to do the 7 fishes, but ended up with 6 -- the oysters are still in the refrigerator. Your culinary education paid off! :-) It's been a year since my diagnosis via biopsy and I will be happy to see 2010 go away. Skip remarked how healthy I'm looking now and I attribute it to the good doctoring I've had and the grace of God. The vitamins help too! :-) He found a picture of us at an SFO meeting in the early summer when I had about a half inch of gray hair. Whenever I need a dose of humble pie, I can take out that picture and know how the grace of God pulled me through. All of you ladies going through it now, hang in there, pray hard, it will all be a memory one day. I still have the side effects of the tamoxifen, but that's nothing compared to surgery, radiation, chemo and the unknown. Like you, Pat, I have to choose to LIVE and have fun b/c life is too fragile and too short.
Janet - I bet that *was* quite the scene at Mass. I bet the children were in awe.
Alice - I had some nail problems, but not much, I think because i iced my fingers and toes during taxotere. Pat has some good advice.
I'm going to try to post some pictures of Christmas morning.... I wish we had taken time to do proper family pics.
That's Skip, so happy to get a vegetable steamer from Becky! Grandsons, Becky and her husband.
My son, grandsons and daughter in law (who likes pictures about as much as I do).
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Sorry about the size of the pictures.... I'm trying to get them smaller but they turn out fuzzy.
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Love the pictures - wow, look at the size and number of the presents under the tree! No wonder the kids are happy! I did do the video but my phone pics came out fuzzy. I'm getting worse re pictures as I get older.
Two wonderful days and now am snowed in. My poor husband's been out all afternoon clearing the snow in the driveway with the snowblower....and it's a long, long driveway....then he disappeared for awhile, helping out our neighbors. He came back frozen like a popsicle guy with ice from head to toe. So, after building a very small snowboy (we called it a snow munchkin) with my grandson - you can still see its carrot nose, I stayed inside and we FINALLY baked some Christmas cookies! Leftover Xmas eve dinner (still yummy) with warm chocolate chip cookies for dessert. Life is sweet!
My gym membership started today - oh well! I got an email that it was closed, anyway, with a delayed opening tomorrow. The community center has an indoor pool for laps....I so need to do that for my joint pain ala Femara. The accupuncture clinical trial I am in isn't helping at all - I described the places of needles and my doc (who does accupuncture) is pretty sure I'm in the placebo group. So, I'll still do the full 10 treatments, for the good of the cause for others suffering from the SEs of the aromatase inhibitors. I hope accupuncture turns out to be a good, non-invasive treatment for the joint pain and SEs.
I didn't get to mass today, too worried to drive in the snow but I think God forgives me! I hope you all have had wonderful, loving and fun holidays.
Now - here's to 2011 - a pain-free NED kinda year!
)Pat
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Sing JOYFULLY a New song! The Holy Family lived this challenge of human life. We have them as our advocates, The Blessed Lady, St Joseph, and Our Lord. They walked the walked of this earthly life. We have all reasons to take a great deal of confidence in our prayers to them.
God Bless, ladies, God bless you and your families.
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Dear all
hope you all had a blessed Christmas with your loved ones. I was totally in pain on Christmas eve and Christmas day; had the first treatment on dec21, was sort of OK day 2 and day 3, but then on day 4 and day 5, had the most excruciating pain in my lower back, my neck, my legs, felt exhausted, could hardly move......my little ones had to see me like this while they were opening their presents from Santa. I told my husband next year we will make a celebration and that I was sorry they had to spend a Christmas like this. Not only are we far away from home but suffering....and my little one had a fever the night of Christmas....I could not even hug him.
Please pray that I get the strength to get through this with God's help. I did not expect the side effects to be this strong. I t was definitely worst than I thought.
sorry for whining....it was really depressing. we could not even go out to church. I do not think my kids would like to remember this Christmas. So sad.
My sisters, thanks for being there, the thought of having you there does lift my spirits.
Please God help me through this.
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Dear "prayersareanswered"
Dont you even think to begin to apologize for what you think is "whinning".
The fight against cancer is very real. It's a real battle. You have every right to feel battle weary and battle weak, pain. It is a very real battle.
Put aside the fantasy version of Christmas, even when you have kids and grandkids as part of the picture. Christmas is about Our Lord coming to all of us, in human form. Our culture has built up this pseudo-picture of Christmas. But in truth, that fantasy picture is nothing like what Our Lady, St Joseph or our Lord really experienced that first Christmas. Back then, there was not fake or romantized picture of reality back then. It was a 14-16year old young girl giving birth to a baby in a cave ment for the animals with her betrothed at her side to help her. Not a pretty picture, but a reality of life for their culture
As your children/grandchildren age, they will understand.
Life is rarely ment to be "Micheangelo" picture perfect.
God Bless
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Prayersareanswered: God bless you. I know the pain, because I suffered it too. Everyone reacts to chemo differently, but it sounds like we had similar reactions. I went through mine during the Easter season 2010. Marie is right - don't give it (whining and sad Christmas) a second thought. It will be a distant memory for you soon... next Christmas will have such life-giving meaning for you and your family. And the pain eases up. I remember feeling like an old woman just barely able to walk, but it's important to keep moving, even if you just walk laps around your living room. My grandsons were living with us in NJ while I was going through treatment and didn't like Grandma being sick and going to the doctor that gave me the bad medicine, but they knew the bad medicine was helping me and I believe they've totally forgotten those days. Yours will too. Children are very resillient.
Let the doctor know the level of pain you're suffering. They cut back on my Neulasta shot after the first one knocked me off my feet.
Pat - This is one time when I'm GLAD I moved from Absecon back to VA!! Blizzard?? You guys are really getting hit. I remember us having more snow that usual last winter too in South Jersey. Snuggle up and stay warm. God bless your husband for helping out the neighbors!
St. Anne, pray for me and all of the grandmothers here.
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Prayersanswered - so sorry you're having the pain. But you are giving yourself many more Christmases to come! RIght now the most important thing is to take care of yourself! And, yes, will be praying. God will be right there with you.
Theresa - tell Skip he has a nice smile!! We always forget to take pictures too.
I was thinking during Christmas Eve mass how many of us (here on this thread and all over the world)that very night were praying for a cure for cancer, for all those who are sick, and their families. Maybe it was the Holy Spirit, but somehow I knew that God was listening.
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blessings to all of you tonight!
Prayersanswered-I am so sorry you are going through this at this special time of year. Chemo is just awful and I really suffered too during all of it. But the wonderful thing is you have an end date and until then we will pray that you get through it with peace, support, and love. I pray that the SE's become more minimal and that you have so much support that you are lifted up.
Remember to drink as much water as you possibly can.
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prayersareanswered...hugs and prayers to you for the "yuckiness" you are feeling and going through right now...take it easy right now...be good to yourself and please know that we are here for you and praying for you... One day at a time...sometimes one hour at a time...and yes, sometimes one minute at a time...
Theresa-LOVED the pictures! What a beautiful family you have!
Starella-beautiful quote! Great to see you posting again!
Pat-sounds like the weather is like that for a lot of folks...your husband is a good man to be helping out the neighbors...reminds me of that commercial on tv right now ...the man out with his snowblower with his hot coffee..he forgets how far he has gone!
Marie5890- beautifully said and written....
Be careful out there ladies!
Christmas was a quiet one for us this year...I'm Day 9 from my 5th treatment, and although I could have went home for the holiday, I didn't think it would be a good idea since so many colds and stuff are going around...being around nieces and nephews would have undoubtedly exposed me and I just didn't want to worry about getting sick....(I also, missed mass due to low counts) I have decided, that when active treatment is over...I 'm making a special trip to see everyone back home....something to look forward too.....
Been thinking of you all lately...lifting you all up in prayer and asking God to bless us abundantly in the new year.....
HUGS to Traci, Paula, Theresa, LMFSM, prayersareanswered, Pat, and all you wonderful ladies...
peace and prayers,
Tori
DE COLORES!
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Sisters - I posed this question on the Stage 1 forum, but I'll ask it here too. It doesn't have anything to do with spirituality... maybe some.
As you have heard me whine in the past, I'm not really loving my career choice and now that my kids are adults and I've had BC to jolt my world, I've been thinking of re-careering myself, but at age 50 with a need for good health insurance, it's a scary prospect. I don't even know what I'd do. Has anyone here taken that leap and had success?
I'd like like to spend the rest of my working life, getting up in the morning and thinking, Oh good, I have to go to work. Or at least not dreading it.
Or another way to look at it, have any of you had jobs you've not liked, but were able to turn your mind around to the positive of it?
Peace and God's love to you!
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Go for it sister!! Although I have always been in the counseling/mental health field, I went for my doctorate at 43 and finished 3 months before my 50th birthday! You will find your way, sweetie, and we will be supporting you whatever path you choose! xo
Ellie
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Thanks Doc Ellie! :-) That's quite a feat! I guess I'm a late bloomer too... I got my BS degree when I was in my 30s. And was considering getting a Masters in Systems Engineering, b/c my company will pay, then I got cancer and now I wonder if that's what I really want to do. It's just the figuring out *what* to do that has me stumped. I've been with my current company for 8 years doing the same thing and for other companies before that doing similar things. I'm just burned out. I'm having my annual review with my supervisor this week and want to talk to him about it, but don't want to alarm him either.
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Theresa - know exactly how you feel. Still haven't figured out what I want to do when I grow up either. So I'm trying to think about this too esp. with the new year coming up and time to take new directions. "They" (career coaches) say that the trick is to do something that you absolutely love -- that you love it so much it's amazing you get paid to do it. Besides that, you will be most successful in a job that you love. (My mother used to call it finding your bliss.) So, try thinking about all the things you love to do in general (and not specifically a job). Like, I love to be around people or I love to work by myself. I love being creative with each day different - or I love having my day structured and know exactly what to expect. I'd like the idea of a big company; I like the idea small start up (the big fish in little pond so to speak). Once you get a rather long list going, then try to think how different jobs/roles fit those 'loves' and what may fit your current skill set and/or new skills you would need to develop. I've forgotten what it's called - mind mapping or something like that. But you play around drawing a picture of your interests in different circles and then see how they might relate to each other. If you like systems engineering - maybe think of a different way those skills could be used. THen think about your strengths/weaknesses. IT skills are very portable -- either at an IT company or just about ANY company or organization that has its own IT - hospitals, school systems, university, etc. Sometimes using the same skills in a different way is a good change. Or maybe consulting or freelance work. I've been meaning to google around to see if there are any freebie career coach type websites. If I find something good I''ll let you know.
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wonderful pictures Theresa.. We had a lovely group of Masses this last weekend and I fine family time.
(keep me in your prayers as I take care of some medical business this week. I think I'll last but still I am a bit disconcerted).
Prayers for all my sisters.
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Praying for you sweet apple
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Thanks Janet! It seems I'm in good company here. I never heard of mind mapping but looked it up:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mind_map
That might be a neat thing to do just to see if it leads anywhere. It *is* a trick to find that something that you love to do and get paid for it. My Mom was a medical office manager and LOVED her job. I'd like to aspire to that.
I did talk to my program manager today (a woman) and asked her advice... of course she called my supervisor. :-\ I was going to talk to him tomorrow. I'd like to see if there is a career path I can find with my current employer. We'll see if that works, but in the meantime, I will take the advice I'm getting here and explore my interests. They've been buried for so long. Maybe there's something I can do as a volunteer just to see if I like it first. But that would mean I'd have to have energy to do a job, a long commute and volunteer work... When I was in NJ, I was really psyched about getting a Master's degree in Theology... Skip and I both signed up for classes and our parish was sponsoring most of the cost. The teaching philosophy of the school really rubbed me the wrong way, so I quit, but Skip kept it up until we came back to VA. He's still wanting to go that route and become a deacon. I'm still on the fence with my chin in my hand. But I won't let that idea die either.
Mary - I will definitely keep you in my prayers for your "medical business" - anything medical is disconcerting. I have my onc 6 month appt in January and it should be no big deal, but you know how that goes.... all doctor appts are disconcerting. Let us know how it goes.
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Hi Theresa-
When I was dxed in 2008 I had attained VP status with my company and was one of the few women, I had a lot of stock, amazing salary and bonus and had been there 17 years. I traveled all over and thought in the beginning it was a great accomplishment and I thought I enjoyed it.
After DX I could not bring myself to go on with it, and I was the bread winner of a family of 5 and I carried the insurance. It was so scary and I did not see any way out. I had a year of chemo so after the 6th month of chemo I decided to take short term disability and just rest. It took me 6 months just to unwind and I saw a counselor and knew I never wanted to go back. I made the leap and lived on disability and COBRA which again was a huge leap of faith as I was making a very large income and had bills that required that salary.
Well we changed our life we rented out 2 of our homes and got a little rental and lived in a small house for a year with the 5 of us and a dog. I started a non profit and then an old colleague contacted me and asked me to consult which I do now 20 hours a week. I am looking at doing some different things on the horizon as well. My point is it was so hard for me to change seemed absolutely impossible but it is working out so much better now. AND it has made me realize we don't need to be handcuffed to anything.
GOOD LUCK, just asking your self the question means you are on the right path.
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APPLE
am devoting my morning prayers to you this morning, it just feels awful when that "STUFF" is hanging over our heads.
May God be with you today and May our Blessed Mother watch over you and help you get the immediate medical support you need for continued health.
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Michelle - thank you so much for the encouragement. A year of chemo? Wow. It sounds like I am in the same boat as you were, even though I am not a VP ... I do carry the financial load, by my choice, b/c I wanted Skip (who is 10 years older than me) to pursue his "retirement" job and go back to school if the opportunity comes. I think it will in 2011. But I carry the insurance and pay the mortgages and am the bean counter in the family.
I had my review today and talked to my supervisor about how burned out I feel. He was understanding and wants to help me to get on a path that I want to be on. In the meantime, I'm going to continue to look for other avenues, other volunteer opportunities or ideas to help me get out of this rut. I can't see myself doing this for another 10-12 years, unless something changes.
Maybe 2011 will bring new things for many of us!
Traci - I hope you're having a wonderful time with your family. I miss your posts!!
Mid-morning reading
Titus 2:11-12
God's grace has been revealed, and it has made salvation possible for the whole human race and taught us that what we have to do is to give up everything that does not lead to God, and all our worldly ambitions; we must be self-restrained and live good and religious lives here in this present world.0 -
Our Lady of Guadelupe through Jesus, protect your daughter & our sister Mary from any medical challenges this week and bless her with health to thrive in doing such good work for your Church. Amen.
O Lord, as we approach this new year you are giving us, send the Holy Spirit to all of the sisters here. Show us the way in our lives, in our families, and in our jobs so that we may understand and follow your will. Amen.
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thanks for the prayers.. my 'stuff' (a pleural effusion) is a very common side effect of this drug I am on.
so i feel much better. A few days ago I thought this was the beginning of my demise.
Prayers for all of my sisters.
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My Dear Sisters,
Apple, Thank God. Thank God.
I have been trying to catch up, I got home on Tuesday night, my sister left yesterday AM, and I have been catching up on sleep
I so enjoyed the 7 fishes dinner extravaganza (we have a chef in our midst!)
I will spend more time getting caught up on everyone's week, Christmas and would anyone like Pray tomorrow night, usual time (or later?)
I am thinking about what I would like to have this New Year represent. I see there are a few who are deciding to follow their bliss. Wonderful Wonderful!
Prayersareanswered,
Bless you my Sister. I am so sorry you are having a rough go. I do understand, as many of us are praying for you. Chemo affects us all differently, but it affects us all. I pray you are better.
So forgive me for not being completely in sync, I just saw Apple's news, and felt the need to post ASAP
I had a wonderful X Mas, and even got to shoot a few rounds of pool with one of the residents. I didn't know they had a 9 foot table in the area where residents need a bit more of Nursing support. Gotta love good donations! It was so great to spend time with Dad and the family.
Love to all,
traci
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Mary - that's good news!
Welcome home Traci and sounds like a good visit! Did you get snowed in up there?
Tomorrow night is New Year's Eve, so might not be a good time. I don't have any plans New Year's Eve except to take down the tree ornaments, so if others are up for it, I can be here.
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Mary - happy, happy news! Praise be to God! No demise for you, sister!
Traci - welcome home!! You were missed! Skip and I are going to Colonial Beach for the weekend, so I may not have Internet access, but I will be with you all in spirit at 10pm. We don't have party plans... just welcome R&R.
Janet - nice prayer from last night and it says it all. I want to follow His will but never know it, but maybe I know it and just don't recognize it. I have a feeling Heaven will be this big "Ah Ha!" where I'll see just how simple and joyful life could have been had I not gotten in the way all the time.
Pax et bonum.
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Thanks for the wonderful welcome! I certainly thought of you all, and just love seeing the Sisterhood flourishing. Theresa, I see your efforts to know God's will for you. The simplicity of this may be in your ministry here with your Sisters, and the joy you most clearly bring your family. You are a great teacher of your path, and your openess regarding the struggles of finding your path is in itself part of the "work." We are perfectly where we are supposed to be at all times. I have full confidence in you
Janet,
Why don't we play it by ear then. You are right, it may be better to resume next Friday night.
I am interested in hearing anyone's resolutions if you all make them, be it personal or spiritual. I will share mine after some meditation and thought. We can cheer each other on into 2011!
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oh and Theresa,
UVA (University of Virginia) has a degree program for Masters/PhD in Theology/Divinity which my Physical Therapist did. She is a Minister (she did not want her own congregation, but she could have.) There is also a Social Work degree and these can be done on the weekends.
You would have in-state tuition
Just a thought, I know energy conservation is of great importance to many of us, but not sure if you could take classes via live feed on the computer as well. I think most colleges offer this route.
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Bless us all as the New Year approaches. May it be a year of grace and blessings.
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Thanks Traci... I really enjoy sharing with my BC sisters and you are so correct in saying "We are perfectly where we are supposed to be at all times." This is one of my sins of scrupulosity (if that's a word), b/c I'm always second guessing myself and wondering if I'm on the right or wrong path. Thanks for the tip about the degree too.
As I mentioned before, Skip may be on the path to studying to become a deacon. He has consulted with the vocations minister at the diocese but will need permission from the bishop and take years of classes (he's at the cut off year in age). One of the requirements of a married man, is that the wife is 100% in this vocation as well. So I will be on the journey with him. That might turn up something. Also, he sent me a link to the Arlington Diocese Council of Catholic Women, that looks interesting too. They're having a conference in March. So there are lots of things, it's just a discernment process. I'd also like to help out with the BC program at our local hospital. We'll see. One day at a time. :-)
We'll be packing up the truck to go to the river soon, but I'm taking my laptop. If I have connection, I'll be on at 10:00. Where two or more are gathered in his name.....
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