Illinois ladies facing bc

Onward, the biggest hug to you. Hopefully we will have a gathering soon.

When I was dx someone sent me a big box full of  Lance Armstong testicular cancer bracelets. You really do have to wonder, "what were they thinking????"

Thunder, lightning, rain and cold. Wonder if I'll ever plant any flowers this year. My deer are looking at the empty containers, and wondering when the tasty treats will appear.

Have a nice day, even if you are in the rain!

Onward -- many happy, healing hugs from the very tip end of southern Illinois.  I hope things really settle a bit for everyone. 

I'm thinking like Smerf, we have had such horrid and often somewhat unpredictable weather.  We are dark here right now and getting darker....though it is the second time so may blow over again, but not boding well that is keeps coming.  At some point it will stay. 

Rita.....you do have a huge heart and willing helping hands.  You are definitely one of the people who make the world go round.  Teachers, mothers, and nurses --- I think the are almost natural givers who always want to enrich whom they can, where they can. Hats off to all of you....everyone here seems to be just the same. 

Smerf....you painted such a picture of your deer.   I thought I heard them muttering under their breath at you. 

Love the purse Lago. 

I think we may all be in for "weather" today.  Hopefully it will be fairly kind to all, please.  I'll be checking in later.  See you then.

Hugs, Jackie

Is there a good place to meet for din-din on June 13th between Schaumburg and Lombard?

lago - Your purse...TOO funny! It would look perfect with "hair"! LOL

Onward - Hang in there...I hope you get relief soon.

NEW GIRLS - Again...BIG WELCOME TO YOU!

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It's been thundering ALL morning...but the flip-side: It's so lush and green here in the forest.

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JulieChicago - How are you doing?

Onward....big, long and loving HUGS!

Makmak, I have you on my mind.

  I have been doing the missions and have discovered that people do pilgrimages here and so I see the same people from place to place and many clearly are doing this for health reasons.  I believe they are looking for some healing.  Of course the missions are so haunting and ancient that they do offer some mental or spiritual healing but I am not sure about the bodily cures some are seeking, I was looking for the architectural and historical significance, so it is jarring to see those in search of cures!

Smerf, the Lance Armstrong bracelet story was so funny!  I actually was given a sweet little pillow with an angel pin and I loved it.  It amazed me that total strangers take time to make these things for people they do not know and they don't even need a thank you note.    

  We head for Taos to visit a pueblo and an art gallery and my cousin who lives in a an adobe home.  My dd has captured some fantastic shots with her great new camera Smerf, I love the art here too, but it just does not translate to the Midwest.

I keep all of  you in my mind.  I hope today is a very happy day for you.

Susan

Hi all,

Brief update.  Well, I developed an infection. Again.  Week 1/2 out and hmmm....those bright red streaks on the underside of breast don't look quite right.  BUT- this time- we had hindsight. (Same thing happened three years ago. Super expensive antibiotic didn't work- had implant replaced and infection was cultured. Turns out good ole Cipro did the job in about 48 hours.)  PS wanted to get me on a NEW superantibiotic, but insurance refused to approve it! In the meantime, based on past history, went on Cipro and another AB and it's fortunately had the same response.  Was barely pink within 48 hrs.  (Am still pissed about insurance though--what if the Cipro didn't work?!)    So, am breathing a sigh of relief on this as the next step was moving to PIC line and IV antibiotics.      And of course, the damn drain is still in. And will remain in for a while.  Maybe come out next week.  Really getting aggravated at it- hurts and I want it out.

I am really struggling with back pain this time though.  Btw shoulder blades, mostly under right scapula.  tight and aching.  Pretty much throughout the day.  Some relief with ibuprofen. I thought at first that it was likely from the stitch tearing incident, holding myself against the pain, not sleeping as I usually do.  But it's nearly 3 weeks post surgery now and still going on.  Talked with onc again-- bone scan 3 months ago was completely clear, so most likely is somehow surgery related. I hope.  THe dark side is seductive--- trying to stay away.   

Had to laugh too at the Lance Armstrong bracelet.  My favorite "what was she thinking" moment so far was an email from a former coworker who asked if I was going to continue working.  A woman in her office had lung cancer and worked right up until a week before she died.  I didn't want to do that, did I?   It would be better if I quit and spent the time with my kids.     Thunk. Seriously.   I sent back a one line response.  "That really was not helpful."  Since then, I've been flooded by emails from her-- and have yet to respond. I will.  At the time though, I just needed to put that one aside! 

Regarding question about dining place btw Schaumburg and Lombard-- there is a wonderful restaurant in Glen Ellyn called Honey.  All natural food and just wonderful inventions. And the BEST chocolate chip cookies ever. (And I'm a tough critic on that one).    However, on Butterfield in Downer's Grove/Lombard, there are a ton of really good restaurants, many of them centered around Yorktown Mall.   Right around the hotel I think Onward (?) will be coming to soon. 

And now-- it's time to go back to work...

Adey we are staying at Westin in Lombard ...will be there late the 13th and will be heading back home on Thursday...my husband has a conference so I'm just hangin out Tues Wed &  Thurs at the motel.

Wishing the best to everyone...this weather has been way too scary lately...

I want to go too. Don't make it to hard for this city gal who never leaves the city except to meet her BC Cistas!

Adey how's the hair?

Evening everyone.  I think ( fingers crossed hard ) that we are clear here now except for some continuing thunderstorms.  An hour and a half ago.....warning sirens went off in town as I was feeding the dogs.  A bit later it got dark, the wind came up pretty good and we had hail the size of large grapes.  After about five minutes or a bit more, the hail quit and the wind lessened to a more normal amt.Dh called and said the town to the east and south past us may have had a tornado touch down.  They seem to find their way there easier than here -- thank goodness, though I hate that anyone has to have them. 

 Denny gets off at 9 and he said there was virtually no customers.....so hope he gets out a little quicker tonight.  He has to drive home slow.....the truck is acting up ( the young guy that is working for our mechanic may have made a couple mistakes....so, got my fingers crossed, but back to giving Denny a ride for a bit after he gets the truck home tonight. 

I hope every one is going to have an ok night......only rain please.....no wind storms of any kind. 

Hugs, Jackie

I work right up the street from the Westin in Lombard.  I'm up for anything.  I can help drive anyone who wants to take the train out to Downers Grove, right up the street from the Westin. 

Thanks Adey. I'll let you know if I decide to train or drive.

ATeamNana... looks like you have lots of ladies willing to meet you in Lombard.  Wish I could join you also, but I think it is unlikely since I am scheduled for my next exchange surgery on June 15th.  Otherwise, I would be there.

JulieChicago.. so sorry about the infection.  Sounds like you have it under control, so continue healing and getting your strength back. 

This darn weather really SUCKS!  It looks like we are in for a warm-up this weekend.  Maybe I will actually get some flowers planted, finally!

ATeamNana -- I can easily give you a ride to the restaurant and back, as I live in the area as well. 

Thanks LlisaMomofFour....I will contact you when it is decided when and where we are meeting...It will be great to be able to meet some of you and gives me something to do while husband is attending the conference...we are taking off the whole week and his conference is only tues wed thurs...so we have Monday to travel and head home on thurs evening..at least he and I will be able to do a few things in the evening...Love it when he has these conferences and I can tag along...

Joan888 so sorry you won't be able to join in but good luck on your upcoming surgery and Julie...hope you are still healing.

Adey..once my hair started comig back it really took off.... it is growing like crazy now....:)

Hi there... Sorry I won't be able to join you guys that week, that's my trip to NOLA with my DD to look at Tulane..

Had my Herceptin yesterday.. had a slight fever going into it, and today am achy all day.. and migraine.. not fun trying to chase Gab.. but she's sound asleep now.. I was all upset.. until NOW.. Here is my new thought.. I am taking additional supplements which are supposed to increase effectiveness of Herceptin.. achiness is a known side-effect.. I did't have it before, but maybe now with enhanced effectiveness.. enhanced SE's.. I'm going with that..

Good visit with my Onc too.. he doesn't feel anything.. told me by this exam no one would ever know how bad things were last year!!  I'm cautiously optimistic as he didn't feel the lymph node before either.. BUT, at least I know it's not doubled.. I've stopped feeling around.. as each time I feel something I freak out..

My DS is graduating middle school next Wed, and we got a call today from the Principal that he's second in his class.. and needs to prepare a speech.. He doesn't want to do it.. luckily my DD is good at speeches.. I'm awful.. so she'll have to help.. Always something going on around here!!

Hope all are doing well on this yucky cold and windy night.. looks like warming up a bit soon!!!