2013 Survivors!!!
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Believe, I am looking forward to my Cookies and Champagne day with a couple close friends in a couple weeks. It ia amazing how much we get made in just a few hours. One of the friends is a 7 yr stage 4 survivor who amazes me with her attitude.
Now just counting the days til we head south to see my mom for Christmas, cant wait!
Have a great day everyone.
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Believe: there you are singing my praises… and I haven’t been here for a few days
Just busy, busy. Spent the day Sunday (well most of it) cooking. I like to cook freezer meals for those days when we get home from work and just don’t feel like cooking – great to grab something out the freezer and nuke it.
Turned very, very cold here - high today of -6. But least with this cold, we have no snow still.
Yes, ladies we have almost reached another year of virtual friendship and togetherness. Hard to believe that 2013 will be over soon and we can all raise a glass (or 2) to 2014. We have come so far.
Love and hugs to you all xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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iatigger - wow, a 7 year survivor! That will be us in a few years. My best friend from high school is a 6 year survivor from Cancer of the Vulva. She's the one I see in Laughlin. At this point she sees her doctor once every six months and doesn't even take any special pills. This disease is so random and unpredictable. Yes, I think attitude makes all the difference.
Made it a great day ladies. I'm baking red velvet cookies today. The recipe is in that book I bought last year. Still trying to make every recipe in it. I don't seem to have trouble keeping busy.0 -
Believe: as you are in a baking mood - you have to try these (and anyone else for that matter). They are sooooooooooooooo good. Not sure where the skinny bit comes in but its from a recipe website I use a lot - skinnytaste.
Skinny Cranberry Bliss Bars
Ingredients:- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup brown sugar, unpacked
- 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
- 2 large egg whites
- 1/4 cup unsweetened apple sauce
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries, chopped For the Frosting:
- 8 oz 1/3 less fat cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 ounces white baking chocolate, melted*
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Directions:Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9 x 13 inch non-stick baking pan with cooking spray.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon and stir to blend.
In another bowl, whisk the sugars with the butter, egg whites, applesauce and vanilla until light and fluffy.
Whisk the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients in two additions until the batter is very well blended. If the batter looks more “crumbly” than smooth, add just a drop of water at a time (ONLY if needed) until it smooths out. Fold in white chocolate chips and 1/3 cup cranberries. Spread batter onto the baking pan using the back of a measuring cup to smooth evenly. Bake 10 - 14 minutes, until the edges are light brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Don't over-bake or your bars will be dry. Let it cool completely on wire rack.
Meanwhile, prepare the frosting; in a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar and vanilla until well-blended. Frost bars and sprinkle with remaining cranberries. Drizzle with the melted white chocolate.*To melt the chocolate, place in a microwave safe cup and heat 15 seconds; stir. Another 15 seconds; stir until the chocolate is melted.
When the chocolate sets, cut into 15 large squares (5 cuts by 3 cuts with the knife). Then cut each square in half diagonally to create triangles. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
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Tazzy - that looks complicated but I will give it a try. I have to go to the super market to get some of the ingredients.
Have you made these? I've tried a few FB recipes. They always look good but they don't always taste good.
Thanks for thinking of me and all of us bakers :-). They only have calories if you eat what you bake. I like the smiles I get when I give away trays of goodies. Hate to go anywhere empty handed, especially at this time of year.0 -
Tazzy - damn you and your yummy recipe! ;-) he skinny comes from egg whites vs eggs and apple sauce vs oil.... but still not on my diet plan... damn it!
Tough couple of days. As some of you know from FB; a friend of mine lost her 14 month daughter to a rare epilepsy (darvets syndrome). She hadn't had a seizure in months but one started the day before thanksgiving and lasted 25 hours. They put her into a coma to try to stop her. then her organs started shutting down. They took her off life support yesterday. So terribly sad.... She has a 3 month old son as well, who will never know he big sister.
The i found out today that one of the women from my Casting for Recovery group (the fishing trip this summer for survivors I went on) is undergoing a prophylactic mastectomy today. Shes a 10 year survivor. They found something at a check up (no metastasis) and she opted out. Shes in her 70's and an amazing woman. I called and left her a message to see if I can be of any help to her during her recovery period. We live in the same town since my move.
AND a sponsee of mine who I love dearly, came home to find her partner passed out drunk on her bed (yet another relapse) with her 2 kids 4 and 2 jumping around on him. They just bought a house as well and she's got 3 years... and he can't seem to keep it together. *sigh*
So anyway - I'm doing really well myself. My back is really REALLY hurting since late last night. Not sure what I did as last night was the first night I took off from unpacking. in fact, I was sitting on the metal bench in the jail (at my commitment where we bring meetings into the local county jail) when I stretched a bit and ... zing... hasn't stopped hurting since. damn it.
My thanksgiving was great - my boss is stick a prick and my husband is still the most amazingly perfect man for me! So that's my check in.
Aruba - that bread display wouldn't have made it to the main course if I was there... damn that looked good. Please tell me it got eaten as well? (like the bread bowl your soup comes in?)
xoxo ladies
PS - I will not be creating yet another new 2014 forum... LOL - speaking of the upcoming New Year. We became suvivors in 2013 and so we shall stay... (at least that's my opinion)0 -
2Fried, I am with you on the no skinny pics right now...that is why mine is from the waist up
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Juneau, the bread would be great with some hummus etc..not much got eaten of it here because there were also mashed potatoes, rolls and homemade bread stuffing so everyone was stuffed. We needed the dejuicer like the blueberry girl on Charlie and The Chocolate factory. Looking forward to seeing a pic of that new home of yours! Sorry about the news of your friends and aquaintances....always something it seems.
The spirit of the holidays is around and I hope you all will share your holiday preps with a few pics for us all to enjoy.We can see seasonal doings from all around! I tried to do that for Thanksgiving but I leave Christmas and New Years for your pics too. Believe, I do want to see some of those baked goods so I can pretend to feast online (my waist will still grow..). Anything you all can "picture" to share, a taste of the season will be loved by me and I am sure the others on here.
Tazzy, got a picture of those treats? Iatigger, champagne and cookies sound grand. Websister hope you and others up north are safe in that snow.
Geez..here is another example of why I hate BC.....Here I am just imaginging you all at a virtual ,via pictures, happy holiday time just now and the phone rings ..yes just a second ago at 8:15 PM from the hospital with a reminder call of my appt with RO on friday. Only you guys would get that no matter how far we try to get away...a reminder (literally) is always there.0 -
Juneau: hugs... your stories suck. Happy to read you are doing so well.
Believe, they really are not complicated at all... here's a pic. Even mine looked like this, so cant be difficult.
Aruba... yep always a bloody reminder somewhere along the line. I have my 3 month check in. Funny how I get more anxious about these than my regular visits for chemo, etc last year.
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Juneau - sorry to hear all those stories... But you ended right by reminding yourself that you have just the right husband for you. I could see that when we all met. And now you have an amazing house together to build a home. Hugs!
I'm chugging along. Got connected with the social workers at my cancer center and have had two appointments. No earth shattering lessons, but boy does it feel good to just talk for an hour and have someone ask me some smart, thought-provoking questions. Also getting some tools to help beat back this anxiety that's been cropping up on me. But all in all - can't complain. Have been having a delightful Chanukah with my family and feeling good physically.
Love and hugs to all. Go get some happy.
And here is a funny if you need a giggle (not so funny for me at the time but really is funny) - we are working on potty-training my stubborn 3 year old. This weekend we suffered through an underwear weekend with lots of accidents. At one point, he went to the laundry room seeking an empty laundry basket - his place of comfort when he is upset. Instead he found one full of clean clothes and sat on the edge of it to pout over who knows what. When he was done, he came to me and climbed up on my lap for a hug. He felt wet so I asked him if he was wet. I got his classic answer - "I don't want to talk about it." Sure enough, the little buggar peed all over my clean laundry. But at least I hadn't taken the time to fold it yet. Sigh...
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Ramols love the story ....
We had an early Christmas on Saturday --- here is a picture of my adorable nephew with a cupcake ....
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Now thats what I am talking about
Love the story Ramols, and love the pics Tazzy and Joanne!!0 -
Love the pictures! Tazzy, those look great.
Ramols - love your story and that you are still smiling. Kids don't go to school in diapers. Hang in there! I can honestly say I don't miss that part. My DS is 38.
JoAnne and 2 Fried - good to hear from you.
Aruba - I so get it. I have a Doctors appt Jan 7th and just got a reminded card too. Wish they could all disappear. I feel fine. Should be seeing my MO this month too. She never gives me much notice. Less time to stress.
I'm going to try a photo, again ... In my next post.0 -
These are the cookies I baked yesterday (chocolate pixies with walnuts) and a test. I figured out how to attach a photo without Photobucket! I'm ready for all upcoming pocket parties!0 -
Christinerenee.. can you believe THIS? I called & had to have a # to enter.. I'm working 24/7 almost until Sat 13th, so may as well wait.. now turns out I've got low iron & my thyroid way out of whack! I knew something was up cause of all the symptoms & getting worse.. will doze off even while texting, even at times when driving I'm fighting to stay awake.. and if you can believe.. even while drinking coffee.. but when I go to sleep.. insomnia.. hypothyroid is so fun.. can't believe it's gone off like this.. seems those lumps are continuing to grow.. odd how fast they seem to be.. in early July couldn't even find anything.. now starts in mid front ab around to bottom of ribs in my back for 1.. the others are smaller.. I'm quite interested.. and no not happy in the least since I'm the worse candidate for any surgeries. Now also need to get my 2 cardiologists in the know about the thyroid as with the A-fibs/angina etc. all this since chemo.. hmmm0 -
oh my .. just thought about your little one peeing in the clean laundry.. sorry Ramols
.. but at least you've got a good frame of mind to laugh it off!0 -
This looks so yummy thought I'd pass it along.. love your cookies & recipes.. and everyone getting into the holiday swing..even though some of us are struggling.. most .. well, sometimes we put on a face right? but at least here, there are no masks!
Aren't these the cutest little things????? a friend of mine shared!
Hot Cocoa Reindeer
With Christmas right around the corner there are all sorts of cute craft ideas that are sure to make someone smile.
This is an awesome DIY craft for kids!! and they are a fun way to celebrate the season. This is pretty much the cutest gift for anyone!!!
For the hot Cocoa Reindeers' project you will need:
Hot cocoa (powdered)
Mini marshmallows
Chocolate chips
Piping bags
Red Pom Poms
Brown Pipe Cleaners
Googoo eyes
Instructions:
Fill your Piping bags with the hot cocoa mix (2 cups worth per bag)
Top with chocolate chips and mini marshmallows
Wrap your pipe cleaner around the top to make them look like antlers
Using glue, glue the googoo eyes, and red pom poms to your bags, draw a smile, and
Voila~ You are done!!!
I hope you and your children enjoy making these this Christmas!!!0 -
Believe.. did you try the FB recipe that calls ONLY for Ice Cream & flour.. that's it.. I think it's nuts.. but thousands say it's yummy and others say no way.. i tried it.. it was 'ok'. but honestly I'm just too busy to do anything lately.. all the 'shop shop shop' hehe.. and decorating & then falling asleep anywhere.. getting my nails done yesterday I fell asleep for the 5 mins my nails were in the 'dryer'.. i hope they don't think i'm some kinda wacko!! sometimes I wanna wear a sign saying .. be patient with me please.. I have thyroid / chemo brain with a bit of sometimers in there!! honestly!!
Ok so seriously, I've not been DX'd yet, but seems I've abdominal lymphedema I really don't know much about it, but there is trunkal as well.. my whole body is falling apart. I'm a game of dominoe & when one health prob happens a string comes with it.. I won't even go into it all.. i'm whiny. I've had enough.. but on the other hand.. I'm trying hard to forget & focus on happier fun things..
Juneaubugg wish i had a few likes & dislike buttons from your story.. tears.. I'm sorry to hear of your friend\s daughter & sponsee's hubby's relapse. we're never recovered.. and there's always these things.. darn it! I too am a 19yr old. but feel about 2! I won't.. but I wish I could .. but then what's the use.. I either cried, laughed, danced, sang or was just silly and I do that now.. so what's the use of using a glass.. I think it's more about the 'socializing' aspect!
I wish all of us a happy happy tomorrow. I've over done it in all areas.. & think I'd better sit quietly and meditate
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I'm all mixed up sorry.. ya'll were telling me about a few shops to get swimwear w/breast forms .. now cannot find thread.. one was Sharon's.. i go on google for these.. no clue & they're all so expensive! I now live where there's an indoor pool and so really need to get in & move this body! please help? I originally went to the one in langley ...but way too expensive.. $200 for a suit & $200 for forms..or is this a normal price?0 -
I think I'd buy the swimsuit that has the most coverage, a good mastectomy bra and inserts from Walmart's which I use in my mastectomy bra...a size B and the forms are only $25.00 a pair. I bought a really good mastectomy bra on ebay, (B cup) Sears has nice suits with good coverage. There are gals who make their own swimsuit inserts but I'm not that talented. The Walmart ones are silicone. I bought two small ones too...A cup size for when I want a small "look" LOL!0 -
Tazzy; you made me laugh, "your stories suck." I know you meant it literally (because, well they DO suck)... but sounded so funny in my head.
Ramols: Some days all we have is our sense of humor, right? Flo called me today (my friend from CFR who had her mastectomy yesterday). She said she had the same surgeon who did her UMX 10 years ago on the other breast and as they wheeled her in she said, "hey doc, we have to stop meeting like this". He laughed and agreed and everyone in the room looked confused. She's in good spirits and said she's rather be the one with a recurrence then he daughter or granddaughter getting it. Shes a kind soul.
Ladies: WHAT'S UP WITH ALL THE PHOTOS OF YUMMY TREATS!?!?! It's tough enough to read about them, but now you are torturing me with PHOTOS TOO! You're lucky I love (and need) you all so much, or I might have to hide out until New Years.
Re house photos... I'm ALMOST unpacked... then I will take some photos. There are no paintings hung yet, and the pellet stove doesn't go in until December 20th, then it gets inspected and then they come back and put the front cover on it so we can use it.
Ok back to work. xoxo0 -
Juneau.... get your thoughts out from behind the shed
Believe: your baking looks very scrummy.
Cant even thing about swim suits with -10 as a high.
Love & hugs to you all - will be in pockets if needed xxxxxxxxxx
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Today I went to the gym and also did a mow of the front yard to collect leaves as it was very warm for December here and we may be getting parts of that big upper midwest snowstorm in a few days. Anyway, I was hot and decided to add my shirt to the wash I was doing...I was impressed that my body became so artistic in sweat today. Sent a pic to my DH..now is that romantic or what. So glad he puts up with my antics.
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Aruba: Doesn't get more romantic than sweat in the shape of a heart
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Aruba - I love that you have your Tide pods in a jar. Impressive. My detergent jugs just hang out on the floor blocking the dryer. Ha Ha.0 -
Luv, I discovered those things this summer with my Dad. Perfect for him and his arthritic hands versus trying to lift a heavy jug. So I quickly saw that by the time I pour and often overflow the lid to measure, I am probably saving money with my pods...thats my story and I'm sticking to it!
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Cher - cute moose chocolate! I hope your Doctors get it together for you! Keep nagging them, you know what they say about the squeaky wheel. I didn't see that particular FB recipe but the last one I tried on FB was the almond joy cookies. They disappeared so quickly, I didn't even get a photo.
Swimsuit = Nightmare. I managed to be in Hawaii for 8 days and didn't have one nightmare!
Juneau - sounds like your home is coming together. You have probably caught on that the projects never end. Being a home owner is fun, you will never be bored. Have you started painting yet? Sorry about the news regarding family and friends. Particularly difficult around the holidays. Positive thoughts and prayers going your way and to the families you mentioned.
Aruba - love your heart shaped sweatshirt design. You go girl! I agree, very difficult to lose weight on Arimidex. I'm sure you know that weight gain is one of the side effects. I feel blessed to have kept off my original 20 lbs. it makes shopping more fun! After our next trip, I will reunite with my Treadmill. I've been avoiding it, easy to do since it's in my husbands office and not connected to our main house. Good excuse, huh! At least I didn't say I'd wait until January 1st.0 -
ok ladies. I feel stupid when I ask this question. Is there a difference in stage 2, 2A and 2B? I know I'm stage 2 but don't know if there is anything to do with A or B.0 -
Chrisrenee: Don't feel stupid about asking these questions. Here's my understanding of grading from the Cancer Agency in Canada: But plese ask your doc :
Stage 1 The cancer (lump) is smaller than, or equal to, 2cm and has not spread to the lymph nodes in the armpit.
Stage 2 is divided into two stages:- Stage 2A – Either the lump is smaller than 2cm and has spread to lymph nodes in the armpit OR it’s bigger than 2cm (but under 5cm) and hasn’t spread to the lymph nodes OR the cancer can’t be found in the breast but is in the lymph nodes in the armpit.
- Stage 2B – Either the lump is smaller than 5cm and has spread to the lymph nodes in the armpit OR it’s bigger than 5cm but hasn’t spread to the lymph nodes in the armpit.
Stage 3 is divided into three stages:- Stage 3A – Either the cancer can’t be found in the breast or the lump is under 5cm and the cancer is in the lymph nodes in the armpit, which are stuck together OR the lump is bigger than 5cm and has spread to the lymph nodes.
- Stage 3B – The cancer has spread to tissue near the breast and may be attached to surrounding skin or muscle. There are usually cancer cells in the lymph nodes in the armpit as well.
- Stage 3C – The cancer has spread to lymph nodes in the armpit, below the breastbone, near the neck or under the collarbone.
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A thoughtful message for Christmas:0 -
Tazzy - you are too smart!
Taking off tomorrow - again. Be home in 8 days but my smart phone is always with me.
Hugs!0
