Illinois ladies facing bc
Comments
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Good morning -- ok-ok.....I try not too but I have to say that this quote hit me like a ton of bricks but none of them hurt. I know I may seem silly, but I always think....I've worked so hard and waited so long to figure some of these things and people like Mr. Holmes knew it long ago ---- and it is not ( at least for me ) just opening the gates of happiness --- love to me is THE MASTER KEY to nearly everything.
Love to me means mending and building and always lifts up rather than dropping down -- it helps create understanding and the willingness to look at many viewpoints and work hard to find the common ground. Love is always abundance and not scarcity.
Just a little four letter word
and I feel ( another big four letter word ) that it that it is easy to miss the almost immeasurable importance of it.
Joan -- I think some of the people in my category ( just turned 65 ) tend to get dry eye due to age and if you have that tendency I can well see that anything like chemo could make it a lot worse than it might be. As I was not having chemo when mine started it seems quite mild. My friend was advised to wash her eyelids with a small amt. of Johnson's baby soap and then warm water rinse. I haven't tried that but my hubby does it all the time. My eye Dr. said she'd give me drops but I don't think I'd do well. I see this drop coming toward my eye and it is like seeing the Rock of Gibraltar coming at me......I squeeze my eyes so tight it is a wonder they don't turn inside out.
The sun is out so I'm going to have a good day I'm sure. Oh heck, who am I kidding --- all of my days are usually good -- I don't want the other kind. Hope all of you have a great one.
Hugs, Jackie
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Well, we were going to go to (http://www.allseasonsorchard.com/new/orchard.php)
as my daughter and her husband took the kids and said it was fabulous. Instead we went to a GOURD Festival at the Botanic Gardens, which was a bad choice. They took all these nice gourds and painted stuff on them. The gourds were fine when they were just GOURDS and not Santas or elves, or whatever!
So maybe next week.
I think I jumped the gun on Connie's birthday. I like the idea of celebrating all week, however, so the thrills just keep coming.
Rita, that is so troubling about the cat.
Arimidex is blamed for just about everything (and maybe is guilty of the same)! I was wondering if arimidex was causing my IBS-like symptoms. Maybe yes and maybe no! I just always go back to my hope that it prevents recurrence. It is just a personal decision on whether to chance se's or not. I went out "IBS-shopping (not as much fun as most sprees) and got my "good food" choices along with fiber. Based on the number of choices on the shelves, I am not alone in my quest for a peace within!
Have a good week!
Susan
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YOU CAN STILL JOIN Team: NO SURRENDER! Join us this Saturday!
Today is the last day to register on line!
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I met with my radiation oncologist this morning for the first time. Actually, I met with a doctor who is filling in for my doctor, Dr Ruffer, while he is off on vacation this week, but I was very happy with her. Apparently, since I had clear margins, they are recommending 28 sessions rather than 35 so that was good to hear. I go back later this week for the CT and planning session. Then actual rads won't start until later next week. They won't let me start until at least 4 weeks after last chemo. It has been 3 weeks tomorrow. I just want to get started ASAP!! Teary eyed and all. My eyes are really watering again today in spite of plenty of eye drops. It has gotten me some sympathy a few times, so, oh well. I know that I have Arimidex in my future.
Laura, we are hoping to be able to continue golfing a few more weeks. I continued to manage my league all summer while going through chemo and all so I am glad to be able to participate again before the season ends. You are very welcome to join us on tuesdays.
Good luck to all participating in the Race for the Cure. Next year for me!
Joan
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Hi girls!
Yes, Wendy was right - my birthday is not until Wednesday. So, thanks for the early wishes, but you need to do it all over again on Wednesday! LOL
I'm glad you checked in WendyTY. It's nice to see your smiling face. Stay strong!
Glad you enjoyed your pizza Makmak!
Good luck with rads Joan. After chemo, hopefully it will be a breeze.
See all you racers on Saturday!
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Susan, I also read that some side effects on Arimidex means its working.
Joint pain from taking Arimidex can be troubling. But a 2008 British study suggests that women who experienced joint pain while taking hormonal therapy medicine were less likely to have the breast cancer come back (recur). Knowing that this side effect might indicate a reduced risk of the cancer coming back may help some women stick with treatment despite the side effects.
Source:
http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/hormonal/aromatase_inhibitors/arimidex.jsp0 -
Okay- This is my first post on this website so I'm not sure what I'm doing-
Carolyn422 in Palatine-I think I met you at Chili's last week..Is that you???
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Hi carolynlemont -
Carolyn422 is the same Carolyn you met at Chili's last week. It was nice to meet you. Glad you found the website!
Take Care!
Carolyn422
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Hi girls! Just got home...photographed soccer teams (60 teams total and over 600 individual shots) right here in lovely Lake Zurich! It was non-stop fun...but I love to be busy. I am shooting again tomorrow, Wednesday and Thursday. Wednesday will be challenging. I am teaching an art class in the morning and shooting afternoon/evening. The shoot will be outdoors...hope it doesn't rain, although we do have a back up plan.
WELCOME CAROLYNLEMONT! Sorry you are eligible to join us...but this is a FAB group of girls! We'll help you through this. Are you currently in treatment? Were you at the Adey get-together? Glad you ventured here...you will be navigating like a pro in no time!
Carolyn422 - You are quite the savvy IL girl...recruiting bc girls in restaurants! LOL Good for you...you have reached out! Women are amazing...hope you're feeling "okay". Last chemo is soon, right?
Joan - Thanks so much for the invite. I will keep it in mind. I'll PM you about a lunch date soon. Dr. Ruffer was my Rad Onc. He was also JanClare's. He is very nice...you will like him.
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I am really looking forward to Saturday! Thanks so much to all who joined. And those who didn't, you will be there in our hearts. Gooooooooooooo team: NO SURRENDER!
AND A BIG, FLUFFY, WARM HUG TO EVERYONE! I miss you girls...we must get together soon! Budder...where's Budder? Do I have to send out the search light?
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Welcome CarolynLemont -- there unfortunately is always room for one more and we are thrilled you are here. You will be on to this in no time. Hope you come often.
See you later. Same general time -- same place.
Hugs, Jackie ( your quote lady )
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Just a quick drive by to say hi to all the new girls. Welcome, and as Jackie says there is always room for one more and glad you found us. Sorry I have been MIA for a while but I have been dealing with a few issues that have really taken up all my energy. This disease sucks! I am so glad that you all are walking on Saturday for the cause. Go No Surrender Team. Thank you Laura for organizing your team. I do hope we fine a cure soon.
The Lunch Bunch will be meeting for lunch on Oct 8. Friday. So save the date. I will email everyone with the place. I have no school that day...so let's play!! To all the new girls please try to come and join us for some fun and laughter. We really do have fun and yes we are a very chatty group.
Zap...I am so sorry to hear about your GI issues. Hang in there. diet change is very helpful.
Wendy..how was the mamo...any results. I am sure it is good. You know the beach is still there for us.
Wendyty..thinking and praying for you. Hope you are feeling well post txs. Hugs to you.
Laura...camera girl, coaches, art classes you are soooo busy. We have pic day Friday at school. Smile!
Jackie...how are you feet. You do need to rest some girl. Find the lake and rejuvenate. that's an order!
Carolyn...glad to see that you are out and about and only one chemo left. time to celebrate soon.
Connie...Happy Birthday to you. Boating is officially over for me now. Boat was pulled and tucked away until next year. sniff sniff. There is always running around the lake which is fun to do.
Rita...lazy days are so refreshing. Enjoy your time being a lazy-butt.
Ginger.. Golbetts pumpkin farm is near my house. I go there to get all my pumpkins. So now I need to go get pumpkin donuts. yum
Makmak....glad you found a yummy pizza to eat. Hope you are feeling well. How is baby and nanny doing.
To everyone else I missed hope you all are doing well in and out of txs. Hugs to all.
I am off to school now. Looks like it will be another fun filled day on the playground. Unless it rains I am off and running. Have a wonderful fun filled day today.
Remember to be happy....be healthy...enjoy life.
BJ
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It's not enough to have lived.
We should be determined to live for something.
May I suggest that it be creating joy for others,
sharing what we have for the betterment of personkind,
bringing hope to the lost and love to the lonely.
Dr. Leo Buscaglia0 -
Another IL newbie checking in.
My name is Dawn and I am in Pontiac being treated at the Center for Health in Peoria. My surgeon is Dr. Mammolito. I have heard good things about her and she was very kind at my comprehensive breast clinic last week.
I am at the early stages of diagnosis, right now all I know is DCIS, stage 3 ER+ HER2 test not back. I did a BRAC test on friday but waiting to see if insurance will pay for it. My mom died of ovarian cancer at 60 years old.
I have a lot of choices to make coming up really soon. Unfortunately we only have 1 car and a 6 year old so those will play into part of the decisions too. I have people who are right now saying, "what ever you need, you just let us know" I doubt those same people will feel that way when I say, ok, drive me to Bloomington everyday for 6.5 weeks and oh, watch my kid for me too. Sad but true, just like when someone says how are you, you don't REALLY want an answer.
I also have MS (diagnosed LAST summer, I'm beginning to really hate Aug) so I don't know how that will play into any of my decisions either. I have an appointment on thursday but I have a feeling they will change that since it was just with the NP and I'd rather my neurologist be in on things since I want to go off my Desease Modifying Drugs for at least a year while I fight this.
Sorry I had to find out there even is a group like this but I hope to learn a lot from all of you!
(oh yeah, I'm 43 and have 2 gown kiddos and 1 6 year old whe adopted from China 4 years ago)
Dawn
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welcome Dawn, I too .... am sorry you had to find this place. It sounds as if you have more than anyone should have to handle at one time. Try to keep you chin up and keep moving forward. A positive attitude will do you good. I have found that not looking too far ahead helped me - dealing with one issue at a time kept me from being too overwhelmed. Best wishes to you in your waiting for results and your decision making process. You've come to a good place ~
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Welcome, welcome Dawn --- sorry you had to come here, but the door is always open. There are so many caring women here....and believe me, most of us do know that many times friends and others say they want to help but when it comes time to really do so, the enthusiasm has waned considerably. Maybe in some ways it is just getting too close to home.
Stephanie gave you good advice about looking too far ahead. There were times I was taking things in ten minute increments. Whatever gets you through without the overwhelm and know that you can come here -- whatever you need to do is accepted. Cry, vent, ask questions, we share ups and downs and in-betweens. Best wishes.
Hugs, Jackie
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Morning girls....just finished mowing and boy, is it warm out! Another shower for me I guess!
Carolynlemont/Dawn....welcome to our little group, the one that no one wants to join but we always have room for one more. Just wish we could say "sorry....closed...out of business". Wouldn't that be nice! The girls here already told you....just baby steps. One foot in front of the other. Take your time. If you need something for sleep, ASK FOR IT! You cannot make good decisions if you are sleep-deprived. And eat. You will need your strength. This is the place where we come to yell, scream, vent, cry and look for comfort and big shoulders and hugs. But...we also come here for laughs and giggles and to rejoice when one of us gets good news. Please come whenever you need to talk....someone is always here, always listening! OH....and we are all gorgeous btw....
Connie....OK....I will start....Happy One Day Before Your Birthday!
Laura.....wow, you are busy! Does DH still need that whip at the gym?
Susan....how are you feeling? I hope you continue to improve. Scary stuff tho....
BJ: Glad you checked in...count me in for the 8th. I still don't know why you have to take the boat out so early tho...we have such nice days in October to enjoy. My mamm turned out OK but I was called back in twice for add'l views of the good side. Turns out I have a really young R breast and it is very dense so they really smashed the poor little thing....I actually have a very light bruise. Usually they just us that one but they hadn't gotten a clear pic of the R so they asked me if I minded add'l (meaning horrible) compression and I said go for it. So....back in one year. Whew.
Jackie...did I miss something? What's wrong with your poor feet? OK...do I have to some down there and take my own picture of your lake??????
Rita....did your kitty show up yet?
Hope everyone else is doing well.....anyone catch the new Hawaii 5-0 last night? With all the hype (that song is now perm. stuck in my head) I thought is would be pretty good. Uh.......hopefully it will get better is the best I can say!
Hey Marina....what kind of pizza did you end up with? Inquiring minds need to know
Enjoy the weather.....we will all be wishing for this in January!
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Thank you Stephanie and Jackie! I'm still overwhelmed with the whole thing. I am reading things I shouldn't (LOL) so thinking this isn't DCIS it's really stage IV, and yet also in a state of denial too. I just want to have all the answers in front of me, I think that will help me decide, but as I'm sure you both know the waiting can make you crazy!
Thanks so much for the welcome. I am trying to swim upstream, or worse going up the down escalator on Christmas eve at the mall! I have a lot to learn, that is for sure!
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So nice to see this link. I was diagnosed Ded. 21st of last year. I had a stage 1 grade 1 ER/PR + Her2 neg. Tumor was .7 Had a bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. That is where it all turned sour. Infections in both incisions with bacteria noted for being almost exclusively hospital acquired. Mastectomy was suppose to be nipple sparing but due to the infections I lost both nipples a week or so after the first surgery. Two surgeries after mastectomy due to the infections. Incision that broke open and took months to heal. PICC line with two strong IV antibiotics for 6.5 weeks, side effect of one of them where I lost my balance for 5 weeks. Delayed filling of tissue expanders until I was 6 months out. Scheduled to have my implant exchange Oct. 1st. Needless to say not going back to the same hospital! Very nervous about it. One thing that amazed everyone was on the final pathology they found DCIS in the left where the IDC was and LCIS in both sides so the bilateral was a good thing to do. Loving wonderful husband. Sad at the friends that I thought would be there that were not. Grateful for the ones that try to understand and don't minimize or make insensitive comments. Amazed that women just don't get it. Find I am more comfortable around women now who have traveled the mastectomy journey along with the breast cancer. Forever thankful for the early detection. Sorry to go on, just so glad to find a group of women in IL. I live in St. Charles
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Hello Ladies, It has been a while since I have checked in but have been reading posts.
Welcome to all the new ladies. I finished my herceptin in March and had my 2nd 3 month checkup this last week and it was good. But other problems have developed. I started spotting in July and it had been 10 years since last period. Went to pcp and she had an ultrasound done and made appointment with obgyn for a uterine biopsy. ultrasound showed thicken lining of uterus and the biopy showed polyps. The first question the ob asked was had I taken tamoxifin. Which I had for a few weeks before having a reaction to it. Then she had a different kind of ultrasound done when they put saline in your uterus before the ulrasound is done so they could determine how many and size of the polyps. After doing all this we have decided on a hysterectomy taking ovaries and cervix also. No more chance of cancer in those areas. My surgery is scheduled for Oct 11. Ob says there is 70% chance they can do the surgery laparscopically but they don't know until they start the surgery. If they can do it that way just overnight in hospital and 2 weeks off work. If they have to do full incision 6 weeks off work and 2 or 3 nights in hospital. I am praying for the the easier route. When things have finally all healed from this I am planning on having knee replacements, which I wanted to do a couple years ago but got sidetracked by cancer diagnosis, surgerys, and then rads and herceptin for a year. The knees are now very painful and I have a friend who had hers done in June as is telling me she feels so much better she does not know why she waited so long. This other need to come first but hopeful we will get it done soon. No later than January I am hoping. An ortho doc friend who is retired says I should have one done and wait about a month to do 2nd one. That way therapy is working on both at same time but one is always a little father along and can support the other. I will be glad to not be hurting anywhere for a while. I am not on any AI's or tamoxifin now. Had reactions of continuous headaches from the last 2 we tried. I am allergic to binders in some meds that give me these headaches . We may go back and try Femara again after the knee surgery. I did not have headaches from it but joints got so bad I could not take it. Compared to what some people are still going thru I feel very lucky, but it would be nice to feel more like I felt a few years ago. One of the onc nurses where I did my chemo and was so nice, husband died over labor day weekend from cancer. He used to be in doing chemo when I was in there. I am so blessed to be almost 2 years out and doing OK. I should not complain about any of these other things.
There is some great news in our family. The son that got married right between a couple of my sugeries back in Feb 09. He was 39 and she 33 when they got married. They are expecting a baby around the end of May or first of June. We are all very happy to have another grandchild on the way. The youngest now turned 5 in August, so It will be nice to have a little one again. The oldest is now 14. They grow so fast.
I will try to pop in once in a while, I will be home more while I am recovering. I plan to use some of that time to catch up on scrapbooks I have started for grandchildren, but not staying caught up very well. Lots of pics and programs etc to get to and put in.
enjoy the warmth while you can, it won;t be long until you wish it was this warm. Annette
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Determined --- hey, glad you are here. I think you are determined to grab all these minuses you have and find a way to turn them into pluses. We are here for you and do come anytime you like. It is very mice to meet you.
Mom of three --- you will feel better and more in charge when you get your test results and reports and can move into where you can make a plan. Right now there is no action except a brain that can't relax. Hard to realize right now.....but it all comes together.....deep breaths, in and out .
Nana....a few struggles for you as well. Hope this all comes together well for you too. You know Nana --- by complaining which is just another form of talking --- you help yourself work through some of the problems you get handed. Exactly why we are here --- so you can do what you need to --- rant, complain, talk --- or whatever it is that helps us relieve and release the tension that builds when we find the path strewn with some rocks again. Big hugs to all of you.
Jackie
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Hi and welcome Dawn!
"I have people who are right now saying, "what ever you need, you just let us know" I doubt those same people will feel that way when I say, ok, drive me to Bloomington everyday for 6.5 weeks and oh, watch my kid for me too...."
The best thing I heard about this (and I am way past child care issues and I lived ten minutes from chemo and rads) was from someone who posted that you should ask people if they truly want to help with the practical needs (transportation and childcare). If they hesitate and get squirmy, forget them and move on. If f they shake their head 'yes', sign them up. Few people will sign up to drive to Bloomington from wherever you live for 6.5 weeks, but I bet you can get someone to do it for one week. Get the plan and a then a calendar and test the response to help.
Good luck!
Susan
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Ladies, Please pray for my Granddaughter Grace who is 8 years old. She was taken the hospital this afternoon and is in ICU. They say she has a sinus infection that may have gone into the bone and maybe the brain. They are doing an MRI in the morning and surgery is scheduled to clean out the infection at 1:00 tomorrow. They are giving her triple doses of antibiotics throughout the night tonight. Please pray for wisdom for the doctors and a complete recovery for Grace. Annette
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Welcome Dawn, Carolynlemont,Dertermine,and momof3, welcome and glad you found us. I am sorry that you had to join this club as nobody wants to join but we have a wonderful support system here. Please come often to vent, rant, cry or just laugh. We are all here for you. Making decisions after the initial shock is over is very hard. It is good to have a support system in place.
Yes ,there will be freinds that come and go, because they can't accept or deal with their own feeling about bc. You will find out as I did through my journey that the one's I thought would not help me were the first to step up to the plate and help. Remember to take one day at a time. Journey and keep a daily calender on how you are feeling of signs and symptoms, dates for md appointments, blood work and tests done. I am 3 yrs out and I am dealing with a few issues now. I recently had to look back at when I had some test done and boy my eyes few open as to how many x rays I had. Back then I was in total denial of everything...so please keep good record taking if not for the future.
Get copies of all your bl / x rays and keep in a binder after your txs are done. This is very helpful to look back on if need to. Hugs to all as you go through this journey. But there is life after this!!Nana...I am so sorry to hear about your granddaughter. I will keep her in my prayers for a speedy recovery. Children are very resilient as the bounce back quicker than adults when they are sick.. There are very good meds out there to help prevent and cure infections. Hugs to you and your gd.
Connie celebrating your bday all week is so much fun. Life is a celebration..so celebrate away!!
Zap ...how are you feeling. better I hope. There is a Oct feast coming to the Lake 2nd weekend on Oct. I will be there. Maybe lunch up at the lake?? Hope you can make it to the lunch bunch, it will be good to see you.
Jackie..loved your quotes this week...inspiring!! You are the best quote lady. big hugs to you. But you do need to find the water and rest.
Wendy.. glad to see that your girls survived the squish. ouch! and all clear is good.
Laura..working hard to make them smile. You go girl.
Well I am off to the shower and then for a fun fill day of in-serving at school. Working on the new computer system. arrrggg. Putting up fall decorations at school too. Fun!!
Have a wonderful day everyone. Fall is here and I totally have my house decorated for fall. hehe
Remember to be healthy...be happy ..Enjoy life.
BJ
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Morning! Still dark out....was quite the storm yesterday but wasn't too bad by us here. Mid 70's and cloudy today, hot and near 90 tomorrow.
Nana....prayers going out for Grace. Please let us know how she's doing. As for your health concerns, fingers crossed for the lap. Joint replacements can give you so much relief so I am hoping that you can get started soonest. And congrats on the new baby! All our neices/nephews are done with babies so the youngest is 5. Sure wish I could cuddle another one tho....
Determined.....welcome to our little group! You have been thru the wringer with your tx for sure but it was a very good thing that you decided on the mx. I wish I had known about you sooner as I am right up the road from you in South Elgin. Of course...now I am wondering what hospital you went to! I had my initial bx at Delnor but didn't much care for the surgeon so had the lumpectomy at CDH and loved Dr Woodard. All my chemo/ herceptin and rads and everything else was done at Delnor. We try and get together about once every 2 months or so...our next get-together is 10/8 for lunch. It's a Friday and most probably will be in the Woodfield area as it is central for those of us who live up north/west.
Glad to see NCIS last night but not too sure about NCIS/LA....what has that got to do with the Navy???? But the new guy....sure is easy on the eyes!
Have a great Wednesday everyone.....and.....
HAPPY BIRTHDAY CONNIE!!!!!!!!!!!!
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BJ.....We were posting at the same time....what/where for the Oktoberfest in LG? Second weekend in October? Good luck today! Hugs!
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One TAC down, one Nuelasta shot give, it was easy. Only 5 left!
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Oops... Hi carolynlemont, it was great to meet you!
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Prayers for Grace today!
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The adventure of life is to learn.
The purpose of life is to grow.
The nature of life is to change.
The challenge of life is to overcome.
The essence of life is to care.
The opportunity of life is to serve.
The secret of life is to dare.
The spice of life is to befriend.
The beauty of life is to give.
The joy of life is to love.
William Arthur Ward0
