Illinois ladies facing bc
Comments
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Char - That is an excellent way to think of it!
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Laura - Don't hesitate to get this done as often as the docs recommend. My husband is a colon cancer survivor and it is the most easily cured if found early. Now days you do not have to do the awful tasting liquids. They have pills you can take. You have to drink a lot of liquid with the pills, but it can be almost anything. Soda, water, some juices. There is a list. You take 4 pills every 15 minutes 5 times for a total of 20 pills and then later you take 8 more. It is much easier. I used the pills a year ago when it had my last colonoscopy. It was much better. Ask your gastro doc if you can do them. I had to pay $25 for the pills because insurance did not cover, but it was worth it. Annette
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NanaA I heard about the pills about 4 years ago. I think I'm going to look into this.
OK now off to the ophthalmologist. I think that takes care of all doctors appointments this week. I assume the SEs wear off about the same time your doctor appointments slow down right.
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You Are Richer Today.
You are richer today than you were yesterday if you have laughed often, given something, forgiven even more, made a new friend today, or made stepping stones of stumbling-blocks; if you have thought more in terms of "thyself" than of "myself" or if you have succeeded in being cheerful even if you were weary.
You are richer tonight than you were this morning if you have taken time to trace the handiwork of God in the commonplace things of life, or if you have learned to count out things that really do not count, or if you have been a little blinder to the faults of friend or foe.
You are richer if a little child has smiled at you, and a stray dog has licked your hand, or if you have looked for the best in others, and have given others the best in you.
-unknown
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Good morning all. That was some sad stories Susan. We often go on our way not being exposed to so many humbling life incidents that our fellow beings are going through. If there was no pain though, we'd never be able to feel the total richness of joy and health, laughter, and wonder. Still, it is not easy to "see" sufferings -- ours and others. Sometimes......you just have to have enough faith to keep going knowing it all means something and that we all learn and grow in some way, whether it is happening to someone else or ourselves directly.
Glad you mentioned the pills Nana.......it just sounds so much easier and I'd certainly be opting for that. I'd have less trouble drinking I think.....if I did not have to go over a long period of time and if I could have a few more choices of liquids.
Hugs, Jackie
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Hi Illinois Girls.... I know there is a board for this but I kinda feel at home on Illinois site.... I am getting ready to have recon done. Right mastectomy....was done in August will do left side also to match.... I am a double AA hhhhaaaa so now gonna go for a C Any heads up on this process of being expanded.... any advise would be good.... Very nervous...
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Annette - Thanks for the info. I try to NOT take any synthetic drugs. I'll have to research what's in the pills. Although I HIGHLY doubt they'd be anything BUT synthetic. I'm fortunate...I don't like drinking all that stuff, but I can do it. lol Again, thanks for the info.

mahometmom - No reconstruction here! Others here have gone through it...I'm sure they'll check in.
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Off to get my nails done and a haircut. Have a nice day girls!
AND - Impromptu - Northern Illinois Lunch Bunch Tomorrow
NOON - Lindy's Landing - Wauconda
PM me for more info.
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Laura - I took the pills the first time I went for a colonoscopy and it did not clean me out completely - so I had to go back a year later for another one. This time they gave me the liquid.
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Just passed my 6-week follow-up with my ONC this afternoon. He agreed to let my PS deport me when I do my exchange surgery on March 30th. Yeah! ONC was a bit hesitant at first as his protocol is usually to keep it for a year after last chemo, but after reviewing all my lab tests, etc, he said to "go for it". And now I am on 3-month follow-up schedule til the fall.
So while I am having so much fun with doctors, I decided to schedule my annual GYNE and dermatologist visits. If I get another stroke of bravery, I even schedule the dentist.
Laura ... I shall be there tomorrow... straight off the tennis court (promise to make a quick pass through the shower) No new haircut, LOL, I don't need one of those YET. And no new nail job either. You did say IMPROMPTU!
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Char - Sorry you had to have one again so soon! Eeeeeeew!
Joan - Congrats! And...port be gone! Now, now, missy mae (lol)... I was loooong overdo with my nails. Was a lazy butt and ended up NOT getting my haircut. So there!
Looking forward to seeing you and Jan and mak - AND ANYONE ELSE WHO WANTS TO JOIN US.0 -
Second day in a row - awake at 3:15am. Blaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah! Although - I have to say...the moon/sky is amazing! The sky is deep blue and the moon is almost full and a bright pale yellow with an iridescent glow around it. Tried to get a photo of it, but all that shows up is a black sky with a white circle. One of these days, I should figure out this camera. Oh well.
Hope you're all sleeping peacefully. Wish I was! lol I'm talking to myself here. LOL Will now go to FB and talk to myself there too. LOL
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Umm, I am awake, too. (4am) Damn I hate not sleeping right.
Joan, I got deported during my exchange surgery, too. It was about 3 months after my last chemo. My PS needed to do some work on a "divit" area on that side. and the port was in the way. So Onc agreed.
Have a nice day everyone
Navy
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I'm another from the "I can't sleep" club. When I'm at home and involved in the everyday schedule and activities, I can't sleep. I can't fall asleep and I can't stay asleep. At first I attributed it to the stress associated with bc. Then I attributed it to the Arimidex. Now I'm not sure. I have slept like a baby while here in the warmer climate. This is our last day so we're up and heading out shortly for an early morning walk. Then we're "beaching it" most of the day and packing tonight. It's been a great three weeks. I'm ready to go home but I'd sure like to be able to take this warm sunshine with me.
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The struggle ends when the gratitude begins.
- Neale Donald Walsch0 -
Hmm, did we not have anyone doing tissue expanders here to help Mahometmom. I have to confess my memory is not so great, but just noticed her question.
Oh wow !!!! Rita --- I think I do the opposite -- when cold, I think I fall asleep in self defense. Also can do it watching a boring t.v. program which is one of the only reasons I have a t.v. in my bedroom. I upgraded my old t.v. in bedrm. for a flat screen.....it was 13 years old and playing fine. It never got used much....and always on a timer since it was only a sleep aid. Saying that, it is what helped me, but I do think sleeping can be a complex issue. Gratitude here.....I have always slept well and have forgotten not everyone can. Rita if you start sleeping well when we get closer to our warm weather....you'll know what ????? that you have to spend several months in a warmer climate every Illinois winter.
See you all later.
Hugs, Jackie
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Sorry you all couldn't sleep. I had my first long night sleep since I can remember. Guess all that walking round and shopping with a friend yesterday (for a wedding gown) wore me out.
Joan I have been scheduling doctors appointments like crazy. I want to get as many over with as possible. Dentist, gyno, LE MD, LE PT, ophthalmologists, dermatologist, PS, podiatrists, onc…only the colonoscopy needs to be schedule. When I do land a job I want to keep the doctor appointments to a minimum if I can. Best to get them out of the way.
Looks like another nice day although not quite as warm. We do have sunshine today.
Northern gals, enjoy you lunch.
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Just dropping by to say Happy Friday to all! Sounds like everyone is doing pretty good this week. Pretty uneventful this week for me (no dr appt anyway - and that is a a good thing) ! Need to get a few cards made this weekend and think I'll try to talk the hubby to acutally get out of the house and go and see a movie - Would like to see "Unknown". It looks pretty good from the previews anyway. Hubby has worked a lot of overtime this week so it will be a matter of him staying awake! He's been getting up at 3:30 a.m. all week, working from 5-3:30. He's going to a gym to get some exercise (per the recommendation of his cardiologist). We "used" to do alot of walking, especially after his heart attack, but lately the weather hasn't co-operated much. At least it's been warmer, but now we have the melting (and the mud) to contend with. Hope everyone has a great weekend!
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mahometmom.... I have TE's which were put in at the time of my BMX last April. It took a good while to get used to them. For the first few weeks, I was sort of regretting my decision to go with this plan but now I am glad that I did so give it some time. I once mentioned to the nurse doing the fills that I felt like I was walking around in a steel cage bra. She said that many women have made that same comment. They are hard and numb. I probably had 4 or 5 fills along the way and am hoping to end up with my old B's. Fortunately, I never had any pain at all after each fill which I think may be a bit unusual. Good luck with yours. I am sure you will do fine.
We Northern Ill ladies had a fun lunch gathering today. Three more hours of chat, chat, chat!
Now, its TGIF! Hope everyone has a good weekend planned. I will stay close to home to get caught up on work while husband is flying a trip this weekend.
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TGIF ----- I really get that and loving it, Joan. Dh is making reuben sandwiches with wonderful deli corned beef and I am all set for a three day weekend. Blackjack, I know you are a happy camper as well.
I am so happy the ladies got together for lunch today in Wauconda. DH and I cycle up there in summer and fall.
I will not plan on the Chicago dinner/lunch. I explained to Lago that I am dizzy with this new teaching stint. Today was a teacher inservice (no students) and I asked to be excused. I slept the day away. I am also reading Maisie Dobbs by Winspear for my book club on Monday. Such a great book!
Take care!
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Enjoy your long weekend, Susan and BJ!
My vacation is over and we're headed for home tomorrow morning. The suitcases are packed except for the last minute things and today was a wonderful last day in the sun.
So glad that you gals had a good luncheon! Isn't it amazing how fast the luncheon goes when you have good such good company and a million things to talk about?
Jackie, I'll wave at you when we go by your exit on Sunday afternoon or evening!
Everyone have a good weekend. I'll catch up with you again on Monday!
Rita
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Safe Travels, Rita.
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Good Morning! It is chilly, willy out there. Keep warm and enjoy the day!
Yesterday's NORTHERN IL lunch bunch was great! Conversation & food was great! I'm so thankful to have you girls in my life!
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Arthur Trudeau
Character is the final decision to reject whatever is demeaning to oneself or to others and with confidence and honesty choose what is right.0 -
MOrning all. Yes I slept in 2 days in a row didn't get up till after 7! Nice to finally get some real sleep. We went out for Pakistani food in little India (former borscht belt). This morning I'm going wedding dress shopping with a friend ( adopted niece). How fun.
My hair is really coming in although much slower on the top. My husband checked it out this morning. I think he's more excited about it than I am. Granted he sees me more than I "see" me.

Welcome back Rita.
Zap I know how demanding teaching can be.
Joan, I still need a few more fills but my TE's seem a little squishy except for 2 areas where I think the valve is. I have my 1st PS appointment since September next week. My PS wouldn't do any fills till chemo was over and he was assured my white counts were up.
Last call for dinner this coming week. The coin toss went to Thursday night. Please email me if you decide to go. I will be making reservations Monday/Tuesday. Haven't picked a restaurant yet.
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You are all going to hate me but remember that stuffed oreo chocolate chip cookie recipe. Well I found a blog that lists that cookie as well as other stuffed cookie ideas. Nice step by step tutorial:
Nutter Butter-Stuffed Chocolate Chocolate Chip

Also pictured:
Oreo-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookie
Girl Scout Cookie:
Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies
Caramel DeLite (AKA "Samoa")0 -
Rita, I know your vacation has been wonderful. I need to get away. My daughter and I have a great trip planned to New Mexico in May. DH and I looked at flights to Florida during my vacation (which would be nearly everyone's vacation) and we cannot even get a nonstop flight and the prices are out of sight. So I think i will just veg during my Spring vacation. BJ, let me know when your vacation is as perhaps we could veg together.
I have my book club on Monday and I am hosting. If you love to read, Get Maisie Dobbs by J. Winspear. I just love this book. It has a Brit theme so I am serving tea and crumpets. Trader Joes once sold crumpets, but no more. Perhaps I will serve tea sandwiches. Any other ideas?
Lago, DH is going out for Indian food. We saw the Himalaya Restaurant on Check Please and it all looks good. It is in Niles so, too far for you, but I hear the food is great and I know you love Indian. I will let you know. DH and I usually go to Devon for Indian and that is fairly authentic, so i will get back to you on authenticy. We go to Tippens on Devon and my Indian food loving firends tell me it is not authentic, so who knows.
Jackie, thanks for the quotes. They are like my "guardian angel" who is always trying to whisper some wisdom into my soul that is now too busy to be receptive. I need to calm and listen to the messages. Rita, I know now that I need a quieter life and that cannot be found in teaching. As my daughters mentioned, this was my last chance to know for sure that there is life beyond teaching. I am so passionate about education, and yet, there is a good life, a purposeful life and it does not include teaching. I am glad I took this assignment on. I will do my best, be the best I can be and I will rejoice when it is complete! I know, Rita, you understand how I feel.
Have a wonderful evening.
Love you all!
Susan
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Okay, me again! There are no coincidences. Just as I posted my message, my daughter sent me a quote. Jackie, allow me to share it as it is so pertinent (at least to me)
"Every now and again, take a look at something not made by hands- a mountain, a star, the turn of the stream. There you will find wisdom, patience, solace, and above all else, the assurance that you are not alone in this world." -Sidney Lovett
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Susan, that Pakistani restaurant is one Devon. http://www.sabrinihari.com/
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"Begin at once to live, and count each separate day as a separate life."Seneca
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Oooooooooooooh...it's ugly outside this morning. Wind, "s"nain and cold. I'm glad I don't have to leave my igloo today.
Rita - Welcome back!
zap - How about scones or individual mincemeat pies or yorkshire puddings for your tea party?
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