Illinois ladies facing bc

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  • ritajean
    ritajean Posts: 4,042
    edited May 2011

    Buddy, I don't think that too many of us with low Vitamin D count have any symptoms at all.  The only way we know it's low is by getting it tested.  Once again, not all oncs agree on what is acceptable with the Vitamin D level.  Mine tested in the average range and was in the high 20's.  Others want their patients to have at least a 50.  How do you know what to do?  I guess I'll increase my intake a little.  It certainly can't hurt anything and we'll see what happens.

    I'm off to golf this morning so I need to hop in the shower and get moving.  Joan, I hope you had fun at your golfing dinner.  Anything can happen when you get a big group of ladies together!  LOL

    More later....

  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Posts: 46,506
    edited May 2011

    What sunshine is to flowers, smiles are to humanity. They are but trifles, to be sure but, scattered along life's pathway, the good they do is inconceivable. -Unknown

  • hopefulhealing
    hopefulhealing Posts: 581
    edited May 2011

    joan are you planning on having fat grafting at the time of your exchange? I am still trying to decide....... I know it is taking me forever. Do I leave the textured implants and live with the ripples that are there, do I exchange for smooth Mentors, do I just keep what I have and find someone who has done a lot of fat grafting?  

    Sorry when I do post which is not often this is still my focus. I just am so afraid of messing up the good size and shape that I have.

    Skittish do to all of my complications.

    I enjoy reading your posts you are a great group.

  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Posts: 46,506
    edited May 2011

    Morning everyone.... Nana & Joan, I do as Nana says.....things daily to try and make the world a better place.  I'm not tooting my own horn ( I hope anyway ) but to me, life is a gift and since I am not smart enough to find a "cure" for anything, nor rich enough to find someone to pay who could find it for me......I just have to go out and do what I can. 

    Buddy, that was my understanding as well.....that you would not have anything for symptoms with low VitD.  I do think....since we are Easterners for the most part we are at more risk to be low as Lago says.  My friend's Dr. told her....natural is best if you can get it and the best time of day is as early in the morning as you can.  She get 20 mins. to a half hr. and does not need the use of sun block as time and angle of sun then makes it unnecessary. 

    My....lots of work at the Shelter yesterday.  Puppies and kitties galore.  We are having to turn people away which is heartbreaking, but not only are we too full.......having so many makes it even harder to do the chores necessary to give them a clean ( as sanitary as possible place )  and to make sure they all receive love/taming/training etc.  I'm sure it is the bane of all no-kill shelters....never enough room. 

    A big day in store for me today....will be catch up day and I need to get my grocery list filled for the items I'm taking on Saturday to the memmorial luncheon. 

    Anyway...hoping you all have a good day and as much sun as you can handle. 

    Hugs, Jackie

  • Juliechicago
    Juliechicago Posts: 179
    edited May 2011

    Just popping in to catch up on everyone and give a quick update.

    Surgery was May 6.  Sent node (1)  was clear and path report came back showing only the 1 cm area of DCIS we knew about.  Oh- and another fibroadenoma .    But nothing suggestive of invasion.  God knows I was relieved.  

    Have had a bit of a setback, however.   Initially I was very worried that the implant (one step) was set too high--- PS explained that it would drop over the next 4-6 weeks and set me up for some massage therapy to help it along.   Saturday, my daughter took a flying leap on the stairs and fell (she is okay-but did the cry/scream thing...).  I reacted and pushed myself out of the chair I was in and then doubled over in pain myself. Felt like a white hot poker burning the inside of my chest. I thought initially I had pulled  out the drain, but no, it was still in.  Within the hour,  I noticed, however, a great increase in the fluid and realized that the implant had fallen greatly. Ironically-to where it was supposed to be- but this was supposed to take weeks, not an hour.  Called the PS in a panic and got into see him Monday.  I turns out I likely tore a bunch of internal stitches-thus the pain and fall.  I'm in a heavy support bra now and we are watching it carefully.  Hoping that new healing takes place and it remains where it is.  It actually looks okay if it stays put.  I'm afraid of it falling further and thus needing an adjustment surgery.

    In the meantime, I'm in a fair amount of discomfort.  Drain is driving me nuts. Kind of a nervy over-sensitive skin pain that radiates to the back a bit. Sound familiar at all?    And back pain.  Did anyone else have back pain post surgery? I'm thinking it's likely because I'm holding myself so tight- it hurts to get up and down now. Plus sleeping strangely.    I finally had to give into a little painkillers to sleep. Cutting the vicodin in half.  I tried not using anything until now.  Just not bouncing back as quickly from this one.    See doc again Saturday and hoping the drain will be ready to come out, but not sure.  Right now, I'm just very tired, crabby and uncomfortable.  And uh, impatient.

    Thank you for all the lovely emails, cards and wishes.  They really have brightened my days.

    julie

  • zap
    zap Posts: 1,850
    edited May 2011

    Oh, Julie, just one thing after the other, but I really hope that this is the last thing! You have a lot happening to say the least.

    Buddy, I never asked for a vitamin D test but had one anyway about four years ago.  I  was within "safe" ranges (not sure what that translates to in terms of numbers).  I drink so much milk (too much) and it has vitamin D in it and I am outside a lot, so I am thinking I should be okay.  I do take a supplement when I think to do that.  So I cannot comment on side effects.

     I have to do all the stuff I hate (mri and mammogram) but of course I must just do it.  It will be my five year anniversary in August!  I feel confidence but not 100%.  I do not think that I will ever be 100% over it and frankly, I still think about it at least once daily.  I have moved on......with occasional glances over my shoulder! 

    Lago, you look stunning in that picture.  It is all perfect.

    Take care,

    Susan

  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Posts: 46,506
    edited May 2011

    Julie....I am so sorry.  Twisting and turning to leap out of a chair.  Tearing out stitches etc.  I can see the pain, but maybe a part  of that is frustration and mild anxiety that you have to jump from part B skipping A to  get to C & D.  I will continue to send healing thoughts and prayers that your recovery gets back into the fairly straightforward mode asap. 

    Hugs, Jackie

  • lago
    lago Posts: 11,653
    edited May 2011

    Wow Julie what a roller coaster. My fingers are crossed for you as well that you heal nicely.

    Determined i will be getting fat grafting at my exchange in June. My PS has a special interest in this for the face too. If you're interested I can PM you his name… but he is out of network. The hospital is in network which is good but his charge is calculated by the insurance company at an out of network cost.

    Thanks Susan. I still feel like a ho with the giant expanders. Husband seems to like them. Tongue out

  • joan888
    joan888 Posts: 711
    edited May 2011

    JulieChicago.... oh so sorry to hear you had a set back like that.  Sounds like you are having to deal with alot of pain and I hope you can keep it under control.  Amazing how such a small movement like that can cause so much trouble.  I am a pretty impatient person also and I know I would be very crabby as well.  So hard to tell ourselves that we have to just relax and take it slooow.  I find that putting on some relaxing music, like that stuff you listen to in Yoga or Reiki helps me calm down.

    Buddy1... I have had my Vitamin D level checked several times in the last year.  It got down to 14 at the end of radiation, so I was on prescription D for two months which brought it up to 54.  Just got the latest results this week and it is holding at 50.  I'd like for it to be higher so I have upped my intake to 4000Units/daily.  I had no symptoms that I would have recognized when it got very low.

    Determined... yes, I will have fat grafting with my next exchange.  Don't think it is really my choice, that is just the way it is. I am looking forward to relocating some of this fat from my protruding belly!

    Spent the day in the city today as I went in to NW for my pre-op clearance.  Good excuse to take the day off and shop Michigan Ave.  I had the same doc for my clearance as I have had at my previous two pre-ops.  She took a quick look at me and my charts and said she was going to skip the usual EKG and blood work as I was "apparently young and healthy" Wink and there really was no need.  Young and healthy??? Well, what about the BC??  Well, it made for a quick appointment anyway.

  • wendyk13
    wendyk13 Posts: 1,458
    edited May 2011

    Morning! Cannot believe it is drizzly...again.



    Joan....yes, they consider us healthy even with BC! Strange. If you need any extra fat please PM me...my thighs are ready, willing and more than able!



    Julie Chicago....things happen and hopefully this latest incident for you was not a setback but a jump from A straight to C, like Jackie said. How was your anniversary???



    Julliette...how's your Mom? You know, I watch this morning talk show on ch 6 (wciu) at the gym every am...it's on 7-7:30 and again 8-8:30 and they have a daily "weather dog"...I keep looking for Buster! You should send in his pic and make him famous!



    Buddy...I was at 14 for a D level and had no symptoms. I did 50,000 weekly for a few months and got up to 30 but this was the winter. Now I take 4000u and there is D in my calcium and I try to get 30min early in the day of sun...you know, when there is any sun!



    BJ...no beach chairs for me! This weather is nuts but we did make plans for vacay at least! Did you put a countdown app on your phone for the last day of school?



    Jackie....do you think Maggie will be able to come home someday? She has no family I know...what will happen to her home/furry babies?????



    Hope everyone is doing as best as they can on this gloomy day...hoping for sun/warmth soon! Hugs to all, ESP those still going thru tx!

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 4,011
    edited May 2011

    Julie - Darn...so sorry to hear about the probs. Everything is crossed for you and hopefully an easier recovery comes your way. Keep hanging in there...Don't know what else to say.

    mak - Thinking about you. Hope the sun shines in HW today. 

    Jackie - It's wonderful you continue your humanitarian work. I hope things get better for Maggie. Thanks goodness she has you.

    -----------------------------------------

    Just sharing...

    NEW Research Explains 61% of Multiple Sclerosis Cases (Low VitD Levels)

    New research shows that low levels of sunlight, coupled with glandular fever, could increase your risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS). This could be one reason that MS tends to be more common away from the equator.

    The study suggested that low levels of sunlight could affect how your body responds to infection. Vitamin D deficiency could be another possible link.

    BBC News reports:

    "The researchers found that by just analyzing sunlight, they could explain 61 percent of the variation in the number of MS cases across England. However when they combined the effect of sunlight and glandular fever, 72 percent of the variation in MS cases could be explained."

    Remember, when the American Cancer Society, or dermatologists, tell you that you should be avoiding the sun at all costs, they are dead wrong.

    http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/05/17/american-cancer-society-and-dermatologists-dead-wrong-about-the-sun.aspx

    ---------------------------------------------------------

    My thoughts are with all of you who are enduring treatment, recovery, etc. Hugs to all of you.

  • hopefulhealing
    hopefulhealing Posts: 581
    edited May 2011

    lago that would be great if you could PM me with the name. Joan did too and it is helping me decide on revision.  I really like the shape and size so I am thinking maybe I can just get the fat and won't I love it coming off my thighs!  Then I could avoid another surgery.

    Julie I hope you recover quickly from the setback

    Sounds like better weather coming our way for the weekend :)

  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Posts: 46,506
    edited May 2011

    Marina - I found something in my pics that seemed to have your name on it.

    Hugs, Jackie

  • BustersMom
    BustersMom Posts: 260
    edited May 2011

    Julie - oh girl, I am so sorry, that sounds so painful.  I will pray that everything heals as it should & that you can just move forward.  You've been through enough (hug)

    Wendy - thanks for asking about Mom.  She will see the new surgeon on 5/31 & we will see what he has to say.  I don't yet have my hands on her path report so I'm not sure of too much yet. 

    Otherwise just saying HI as I eat a bite of lunch (hummus & carrots on a whole wheat pita - YUM!  Trying to get my girlish figure back for summer).

    Hugs Juliet 

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 4,011
    edited May 2011

    Hope everyone is having an okay day!

    The ups and downs of BC can be truly frustrating. Hugs to everyone!

  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Posts: 46,506
    edited May 2011

    Juliet.....you will get that figure back in no time.  I found some lemon hummus the other day.....very tasty.  Your lunch.....great for the figure and extremely good for for body parts. 

    Hope you all have a marvelous day.  We are working out in the yard, but it is trying to rain.  I need to get over to Maggie's......my second time and feed the apt. cats and close up the house.  Have to call over to St. Louis later and see what she knows.....if anything. 

    See you all later.

    Hugs, Jackie

  • blackjack
    blackjack Posts: 771
    edited May 2011

    Hi Girls...just a quick hello to all. I am so ready to be done and on summer break. I have been sick at home all week with fever and laryngitis. We have lots of kids sick with strep....so I am waiting on my throat culture. I am taking antibiotics...so we will see. Dam those kids lol

    Julie...thinking of you and hope all is getting better for you. Please rest and take your meds as needed. Hugs to you.

    Juliet..glad to see that mom has a new md. Please let me know what her plans are in the future. Getting ready for bikini season...you go girl..

    Jackie...glad to hear that Maggie is getting the care she needs ...so how about you getting some needed rest. Angels do need to rest too.

    Wendy...no app for count down days left. They kids do it everyday . 18 days left and counting. whooo then playtime, boating and sunning begins. They are getting so squirrelled and they spend way to much time in my office. lol Guess that is why I am sick lol

    Joan...hope all goes well with your surgery. rest too.

    Lago..you should be having yours too soon... The wedding pics were lovely . I hope you danced the night away and had fun. Maybe lunch in the city this summer.

    Zap...vacation is coming yeah for you. Have great time and do soak up that sunshine. Lots of treasures to be found right. If you are planning any weekends in LG let me know, we can do lunch.

    Laura...have you been racing this year...still doing pics. My planters are still waiting for the forest lady. Do you know were she went to. lol

    Makmak...hope you are getting better..sending you a big hug.

    To everyone else I missed hope you all are doing well in and out of treatments. Tea time for me and resting on the couch.

    Have a great evening...

    BJ

  • lago
    lago Posts: 11,653
    edited May 2011

    I too would like to get the 8lbs off. I hope the soreness will be gone by this weekend so I can start working out again… get that's only a few more days but one can hope for the best. I need my energy back too. I've wiped out the past 2 days. I think it's lack of exercise but when I move too much it seems to aggravate things… trying so hard to lay low.

    I'm excited for the warm up. I know it's going to  include rain but at least it will be warm… and since I have so little hair I don't have to worry about frizz! I love lightening storms. One of the things I love about the midwest.

    BJ The wedding was so much fun. Below are a few more pictures the bride sent me if anyone is interested.  My surgery was postponed. I won't be having it on the 27th because of the shingles. My new date is June 24th… assuming all shingles and pain is gone.

    image 1
    image 2
    image 3 (will be making copies of this one. Notice pashima Tongue out )

  • blackjack
    blackjack Posts: 771
    edited May 2011

    Lago you looking amazing in your photo's. I love the hair color, dress and the cute pashima. You and dh make a very cute couple!!  Glad you had fun and got to dance the night away.

    Life is good......thank's for sharing the wedding photo''s.

  • zap
    zap Posts: 1,850
    edited May 2011

    Mary and I went over our travel plans tonight.   We leave on  Sunday and then we are in Sante Fe and then Taos to be with my wonderful and colorful cousin.  My cousin was a nun for 18 years, became  a feminist,  left the convent to  write and lives in an adobe home in the desert.  She is everything I am not in terms of life style and we are so excited to visit with her.  This is such an adventure for my dd and myself as we have never traveled together. Mary is an artist, but making her living as an early childhood therapist, so we will have so many wonderful things to see.

    I am hoping all ladies are feeling okay and hopeful.  How hard this all is for so many wonderful women who do not need this horrid worry. I follow Wendyty and I cannot help but wonder why she should have to endure all this.  I just pray that she reaches her dream....to feel well and to be healthy. I wish that to all my friends here!

    Susan

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 4,011
    edited May 2011

    lago - You and dh look great. Your dress and pashima worked well together. And I love the brides dress. Hope the shingles are clearing up more each day. You're a real trooper. 

    bj - Hope you're feeling better. I'll help you with your planters...let's talk this weekend. 

    zap - Have a fun and safe trip...how exciting!

    ---------------------------------

    Busy day for me...lots of "running around" to day. Hope you are all going to have a productive and happy day.

  • ritajean
    ritajean Posts: 4,042
    edited May 2011

    Susan, Enjoy your trip.  That sounds like so much fun!

    BJ...not much longer now until it's "fun in the sun time."

    JulieChicago....Hope that you're improving every day and that the warmer temps and sun keep your spirits uplifted!

    I'm off to try a new hair dresser today and then to play a round of golf if the weather cooperates.  I always hate to try a new beautician so hopefully I will look decent when I come home!

    If the rain stays away, the boat goes in the water tomorrow.  Rain, rain, stay away........:-)

    Everyone have a great weekend.

  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Posts: 46,506
    edited May 2011
    The family is one of nature's masterpieces.
    -- George Santayana
  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Posts: 46,506
    edited May 2011

    for those who need it..............thinking of you.

  • joan888
    joan888 Posts: 711
    edited May 2011

    Susan/Zap... you sound very excited about your upcoming driving vacation with DD.  I am sure you two will be creating some wonderful memories together.  Drive safe.

    I am flying to Phoenix today for a quick weekend with a couple high school girlfriends.  We rekindled our friendship a few years ago at a high school reunion and have been meeting once a year since.  I can't say that we have alot in common other than we grew up together in a very small town in central South Dakota and went to school together for 12 years.  We are meeting in PHX this year because one of the girl's mother lives there.  92 years old and still smoking up a storm, I hear!  Go figure.  We will be staying at hotel nearby her home... in a non smoking room!

    Everyone enjoy the warm weather coming this weekend. Yeah!  Will be thinking of all going through treatments and testing. 

  • Rene23
    Rene23 Posts: 290
    edited May 2011

    Susan - Your upcoming trip sounds amazing.  And you cousin sounds like such an interesting person.  Thanks again for the rental realtor referral, although my son is in a bit of a holding pattern now.  He had to go to court for an accident he was in that we thought was just a traffic ticket, but the judge is now saying is a Class A misdemeanor. :(   He has to hire a lawyer and we're just not sure how much this is going to set him back, financially and otherwise.  

    Julie - I cringed just reading about you ripping the internal stitches.  Ugh!  I remember how much it hurt to have some of those internal ones pulled when I was healing.  Hope you're doing better, and I hope Dr. F is behaving himself. 

    Juliet - So sorry to hear about your mom.  What a comfort you must be for her having been down this road and knowing some of the ropes already.  All the best to both of you.

    Mak - Loved the prom pictures.  They make me so nostalgic.  I'm hoping you're hanging in there and enjoying these milestones with your kids. 

    Jackie - I love that little puppy face in the pic you posted.  So sweet.  

    All the best to the everyone else I've missed.  We're trying to prep for a family trip next week.  I find myself appreciating these trips more than ever since having b.c.  Every day is precious, and the times when I can spend time away with my family are even more special.  

    It looks like a great day out there.  Going to pick up some Chinese food and have lunch my mom and daughter.  Afterwards, I'm going to get my hair chopped off!   We'll see how brave I get once I actually get there!

    Hugs to all!

  • Adey
    Adey Posts: 2,413
    edited May 2011

    A happy beautiful day to all.

  • BustersMom
    BustersMom Posts: 260
    edited May 2011

    Just a big old TGIF to everyone - I hope you are all enjoying the sunshine that we are having up here near Chi-town...

    Hugs, Juile

  • zap
    zap Posts: 1,850
    edited May 2011

    I worked all day on planting my container plants.  Wow, so much work.  We live in a really shady and small  area so we cannot have a REAL garden.  That is my dream...to have a real garden.  I do not have a lot of time, I guess, so containers it is.

     Rene, sorry about your son.  My DH is an attorney and does traffic.  You probably would rather deal with someone you don't know, but he could suggest someone and let that someone know your son is on a budget if he knows of someone  in your area.  I forget where you live.

    Yes, I am excited about the trip and yes, my cousin is interesting. I have been involved in some writing activties and she is becoming my mentor.  She wants me to try some of the writing workshops in Taos but that is scary for me to be away from home with very talented and perhaps quirky people.  This trip will help me to get to know the place and feel some comfort there.  We are going to a number of galleries.  Many of her friends are artists.

    I agree, Lago, with what others have said.  Your truly are uniquely stunning! You have not allowed this disease to rob you of the joy of becoming your best. You make me want to get a hair cut....a very chic one!

     Julie, hope all is better.  Think of you daily!  Buster's Mom, sure hope mom is going okay. Hey, how is Buster these days? Joan have a ball in Phoenix!  My parents lived in Phoenix and I have very fond memories of that place.  Rita, I got ya! Love

       to all! 

    Later....Susan