Illinois ladies facing bc
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Lisa......we will all be thinking of you tomorrow. I am encouraged that a lumpectomy is the plan. One never knows though till the path report comes in --- but they do already know that they can perform this smaller procedure. Relax -- right easy huh !!!! I relaxed by pretending I was having my tonsils out but of course you will probably hear a little tiny voice way in the background saying yep ! sure thing, tonsils ???? who are we kidding here. I think we all take a giant step when we admit our fear --- but there are many emotions to go through. It is a life changing event, but we will help you every step of the way.
Lago, I was told not to have blood pressure taken, or blood drawn or injections given --- nothing done on the affected side. You are trying to avoid lymphedema and even with all precautions in place, some people still have it happen. Laura had it happen about 5 years after. Buddy got it right away --- some people never get it -- just something that no one can make a prediction on so I would err on the side of caution if at all possible.....I don't know if using a sleeve right after bp or blood draw or whatever would help. Depending on what is done.....there could be some irritation for ?? how long ?? so how long to wear the sleeve etc. I think I just would not take that chance. Once you get this....I think you can control lymphedema, but are never rid of it --- so I'd do what I could as preventative beforehand...but that is just me.
Susan....glad you got to the mission. They all do inspire stirrings inside as they are so rich in history. My family loved the one just down the road from Santa Inez around Solvang. Solvang is a Dannish style village....all the architecture....and the shops where most of the shopkeepers dressed in Dannish style. Don't know if they still do. We often made the three hr. drive from where we lived ( Stanta Barbara area ) and would take a picnic lunch. Never tired of wandering through the buildings and it was easy to feel the history. Even my Dad would go and generally he did not like our day excursions....but I think he too felt the centuries of life that had gone on there. My mother wanted to tour all the missions and was able to get to 20 of them....all but one. She felt a connection to them I'm sure.
Rita -- shopping in Peoria. Sounds like fun to me. I hope you and Mary Jane have a great time as I'm sure you will. Warm hi to Mary Jane. I often think of her -- specially when your posting Rita. Have fun.
See you all later.
Hugs, Jackie
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Lago... I was diagnosed with hypertension at the same time as my breast cancer. Wonder if they are related?? Probably not, as it runs in the family. I must have been in a real fog after surgery as I don't remember how they monitored it after surgery in the hospital. I am on blood pressure medication so have to monitor it regularly. My oncologist's office has a finger cuff that they have always used on me. My radiation oncologist's nurse won't take my blood pressure since she knows that I monitor it at home and see my PCP for treatment. I did end up buying my own finger cuff blood pressure monitor and use that all the time... works great. I take it along to my PCP since he does not have one. They are hard to find but I found a new one on E-Bay.
My London trip is pure pleasure for a change. DH is working the trip and we have seen so little of each other the past few weeks so I am joining him to celebrate the end of rads on Thursday this week. Only 24 hours in London, but will make the most of it.
Looks like alot of beautiful weather this week. Can't wait to take time out for my walk after rads this afternoon. Everyone have a great day. Lisa.... we are all thinking about you and praying for good report!
Joan
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I think I jinxed myself with the not much nausea remark, oops! Maybe it's the build up after three. At least I'm not throwing up, although my "exit" is very angry. Gonna try to get out and enjoy this awesome weather tho'. Take care all.
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Jackie, that was the mission we went to. I made a mistake on when it was built...it was in 1804 and yes, that village is stiull there (looked a little too touristy for us after the mission). The mission was called Santa Inez.
Thanks for the time, MomofFour, you are officially on my internal list of people to think/pray for. Rita, have fun with Mary Jane!
Adey, have your tried Imodium?
Susan
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Best wishes to Lisa and char! Everything's crossed for you two!
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Adey... I didn't get any nausea until after the third treatment either. Hope it's not too bad. My onc nurse highly recommended the ginger thing.... not sure it worked for me, but World Market has alot of ginger stuff... cookies, candies, etc and of course, there is always GingerAle.
Char... got all my fingers crossed for you. Seems like Tuesday is the big day this week. Char and Lisa... praying for you.
Well, off to rads. Actually looking forward to my usual two laps around the trail at the hospital with this lovely weather. What a gorgeous day.
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Lisa, will be thinking about you tomorrow. The waiting is the hardest part. Once you have the surgery there is a sense of relief. I remember how nervous I was about every stage I went through, however, everything was doable. Remember that there are people out there praying for you and that you a strong person. You'll make it through with flying colors.
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The Geneva Inn has nice rooms and a great restaraunt
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Determined Yes the Geneva Inn is a lovely place to stay as it over looks Lake Geneva. My son is the chef there and as a proud mom I must say the food is outstanding. I was there this past weekend and got to sample the new Bailey's gelato dessert. Oh so yummy!!! I have to say he takes after me in the cooking department. lol.
BJ
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GINGER ALE
if you like that ginger taste i think it's goose island that makes ginger ale really strong (also whole foods and health food stores have strong stuff).. you can get the real sugar version in special section at jewels...by the sparkling water it seems like usually....we all should ask costco to carry that (they have goose island rootbeer, hope i got the brand name right)....and also bring back the trial version of almond milk, they have rice milk but almond milk disappeared, i liked that especially, i have blendtec to make almond milk and the bags, but have not gotten to that yet.
i love the strong ginger ale...it helps with tummy aches big time. when i had some in the hospital with mom a couple doctors had a second look, they thought i was drinking beer. maybe i should have been. smile.
I'm going to juice some ginger and make ice cubes and add to regular ginger i think...or that canfields green tea ginger ale, i was going to go healthy now that i'm on my own but i have like 3 freezers of food to eat, normal food. smile,,,, as an excuse not to quite yet..
juicing veggies and fruit helps my cholesterol 40 points....i need to get back to that.
THANKS FOR all your notes about my Mom passing away and at peace. Cancer is ugly disease, I kept telling her how lucky she was things could have been worse, that did not always help however, but it's a good thought to carry.
Cat news
.nextstep for kitty: http://www.fixinferalfelines.org http://fixinferalfelines.org/
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Hi Illinois ladies, If it's ok....I was hoping to sneak in on this thread. We used to live in Downers Grove, and moved to Milwaukee. I have a surgery scheduled on dec 3 and find myself on these forums all the time. This waiting is terrible and I feel like bco is the only place people understand that. Glad to find such brave and understanding women.0
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Welcome zogo! I live in your old neck of the woods. You can do this. You will get through it as we all are. I'm half way through my chemo treatments and I am so looking forward to 2011! Although it will bring on more choices. Take care.
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Hi zogo, welcome! Yes the waiting is hell but ironically I still didn't get my entire place cleaned before surgery. I had an entire month too!
BTW if you are nauseous stay was from sugar. Best to find the diet ginger-ale
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"The purpose of life is to discover your gift. The meaning of life is to give it away."David Viscott
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This third treatment has been a literal pain in the ass! "Ahss hoooole' remember Meet the Parents? Anyhoo, I'm off to have some ginger tea.
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Welcome zogo but sorry you need to be here. Dec 3, 2008 was the start of my first chemo. We have a couple other "Illinois girls" that live elsewhere. Please visit often with us. As you have probably noticed, we are in all stages here, are good at hand-holding and truly understand this kind of roller-coaster ride.
Adey -- hope the nausea is calming down. I went on white food diet at that time -- potatoes, egg whites, white toast ( and I normally never eat white bread, but did then. Bananas ---- these foods do not make your stomach work -- that was of course, if I ate at all. Otherwise -- wait it out till I got the signal to eat....then went for the tuna fish on toast.
Hope you will all have a fantastic day. Wendy, it is going to be 76 here today which means play day outside. See you all later
Hugs, Jackie.
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Just got back from the first follow-up mammo - all OK. Thank you for your words of encouragment and support.
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Welcome Zogo, I was just telling another woman yesterday that the waiting, in my experience, is the hardest part. Please feel free to drop in anytime. We're happy to help you through this. That's what we're here for.
Take Care!
Carolyn
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Char congratulations on the all clear.
Adey: Yesterday was probably my worst day since hearing the diagnosis. I too had "exit" issues and ended up being soo bad, I had to call my sister over since I was so out of it, didnt want to be alone in the house. Finally after several bottles of gaterade and 9 immodium, I am feeling almost human. Dr called when I was finally able to call and said next time, drop on by asap and get fluids. So, with that, I hope never to deal with the A/C word again. Onto Taxol next week. I feel like my life is similar to cracker jacks. A surprise in every box (day). Onward
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Char, Great news. Just what we all want to hear.
Onward I so hear you about the cracker jack surprise. I was just saying that the other day. It's kinda like what they say about Howard Stern. Some people don't like him but they keep listening because they don't know what he will say next. Hmmm maybe our new key word for cancer can be "Howard Stern"
OK so why do you guys get the floods while I get the road block. Maybe we need to change diets ;-)
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I don't have the floods or blocks... just a burning a-hole! I think it's the poison coming out. I am nauseous this time which I never was before. Build up I guess. I want a different prize! This too shall pass. (c:
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No Place like Home! I am back at work tomorrow and I do not want to complain as I am grateful I have the skills and the income and the energy at 62. So many people in my town are out of work and it breaks my heart the worries they face.
So happy for the good mammo news!
Zogo, welcome. That seems like a very long wait to me. I guess with the Thanksgiving holiday, it is what it is. I wish you well. My husband went to Marquette in Milwaukee and he adores this horrid little greasy spoon called Chili Johns and we often have to do a Chili John stop on our way back to home. He is trying to replicate the recipe and has tried about twenty times without success.
I am thinking about MomofFour right now and I suspect she is in recovery or near to that.
Onward I had the same problem you do. The diarrhea MADE me nauseous! I also had burning and then hemorrhoids. (I just did spell check on that last word....boy was I off...should be a spelling bee word). You need to watch that and let the doctor know. I was ALWAYS hesitant to call the doctor because that is just my nature. They really do want you to call with problems like hydration as you are putting heavy duty poisons into your body and things can and do occur. So call sooner rather than later. I was especially reluctant to call about what I considered private or gross things, which is silly as they are people who deal with all parts of the human anatomy and do not consider most things private or gross.
BJ, how cool that one of us spoke so highly of your son's restaurant! That truly is wonderful.Be the proud mama!
Susan
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Onward one tip that I have yet to use but might help is keep a spray bottle by the toilet. Basically it's a poor ladies bidet.The other thing I that I have tried is using baby-wipes during these trying times. Much gentler on the pain in the ass.
For bad hemorrhoids (when Vaseline and prep-H don't work) nothing works better that a sits bath.
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Fellow butt burner! Yup on the spray bottle, I fill it with Rose Petal Witch Hazel with Aloe and also pour some on flushable wipes. Soothing. Bought a sitz but haven't used it yet. Roids suck. Both kinds!
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The highest courage is to dare to be yourself in the face of adversity. Choosing right over wrong, ethic over convenience, and truth over popularity ... these are choices that measure your life. Travel the path of integrity without looking back, for there is never a wrong time to do the right thing.
- Submitted by Michael Moore0 -
My facebook status today: I love that chemo has become just another thing on my to-do list. No big deal, simply one more thing I'll do while I'm out today
I am blessed! 0 -
.... and it's true - I'm not bluffing! I am excited about going on a trip tomorrow - flying to SC to meet a friend I've had online for years. Yesterday I was going through the list in my head, of things I have to do & chemo was like an after thought "oh yeah - that will be from 1 - 2:30" and then I'll do this & then I'll do that . . .
I drive myself and have been feeling absolutely fine other than that short bout w/mild pneumonia a couple of weeks ago. Only two more after today - yaay!
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Good for you, Ginger. Enjoy your trip. Sounds like fun.
Navy
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Yay Ginger --- do enjoy that trip and your on-line friend. Wish all could have such a good chemo experience, but the important part is that there is something that can be done. Enjoy - -Enjoy
Hugs Jackie
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I am 10 months out since my bilateral mastectomy. Had reconstruction but not done yet. Intimacy is non existent. I just feel so different. My husband has been so wonderful but I just can't Did any of you go through that if you had a mastectomy?
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