Illinois ladies facing bc
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So sorry to hear that, makmak. You can do it. Hopefully the Gemzar will go easy on you. Just let us know if you need any help getting to appointments, etc. Fists up!0
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Makmak this stinks
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Makmak, I do not undertsand all that is involved, but I do know this is exhausting and discouraging for you. I know you wanted Miami trip to work for you. It is now up to gemzar to do the trick!
My day began in an unusual way. DD came over for dinner and a sleepover last night and we decided to wake up in the dark and watch the sun rise over Glencoe Beach. That meant getting up at 5:00 am. I know many of do this anyway, but not me, man. It was a perfect morning to watch the sunrise.....absolutely miraculous...and took about an hour for it to get up there. We showed up at the the beach around 5:20 and a police car was guarding the place at it is not officially open until 6. DD approached the police woman and before she could even ask for early entrance permission, was told my headlight was out and she was about to ticket me! I joined them and said, "Good Morning to you too." I think she then felt badly so she told us to go take our pictures and forgot the headlight issue. There were a few people with their dogs and there was a woman with a scarf who clearly was in the throes of chemo. I wanted to connect with her but of course I respected her privacy. Then we went to the Botanic Garden (this is about 7:00) and Mary took pictures of the Japanese Garden with mist lifting from the pond. Lago, perhaps it is like the pond you walk by in LIncoln Park. Oh, so wonderful. Then we had a breakfast at this old-fashioned diner and had the best breakfast I can remember in years! What a great experience. I really want to do this more often. I thought of you all down on the beach and prayed of sorts that we all find our peace. My dd is an amateur photographer and took many pictures. I will post one of the sunrise when she shows me how. The only problem was that I was so tired and napped for two hours.
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Another quiet day at home, which so far, I am enjoying. Still catching up on my sleep. I am letting my body/insticts be my guide.
Makmak...I'm so sorry to hear of the news. Hopefully, the Gemzar will work.
Zap...your morning sounded wonderful.
Rita Jean...wow, 18 rounds of golf! You must feel great!
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Mak...well..doesn't that just suck big-time...but I do hear Gemzar really kicks serious cancer butt! Keep the faith, Sweets!
Susan..loved being in Florida those last few times, watching sunrise and the miracle of another day...anything is possible with more time....we just need more time...,
Hope you all have a great night...easy sleeping to all...0 -
Morning...57 on the deck...supposed to get cloudy by this afternoon and some rain moving in late tonite and for tomorrow...nice and pleasant then thru Tuesday. And I am sad...I see some trees already changing color! Not much but Fall is definitely in our very near future. Don't mind that but the thought of Winter? Yuck.
Susan...get that headlight fixed! I see sunrise every morning but no sunsets which I love...would have to walk about 5 blocks to get away from all the houses to see it and by then I am in my jammies. My dream condo in FL would be to see sunrise from my oceanfront balcony and then in the evening go to my other, riverfacing balcony and watch sunset. Believe it or not, they have those and we can afford them...just can't buy anything down there...yet!
Lago...any decisions yet?
Just watching the news...once again... would so like to fire all of them and start over in Washington. The problem is as I see it...start over with whom??? Oh well...I guess I will just go to the gym and do my back exercises as I have been a bad girl and haven't done them in weeks...a bit sciatic-y this morning!
Happy days to you all....do the Friday Dance!0 -
Good morning everyone!
Susan, your morning sunrise excursion sounds delightful, in spite of the headlight problem. I have always been an early riser, probably because I drove 40 miles to teach school and had no other choice, but now I feel "out of sorts" if I sleep in. I love seeing our wooded area come to life each morning. Today there were 2 little fawns and their mom having breakfast in the soybeans so I watched them for quite some time.
makmak, I am so sorry that you are once again facing treatment. I know of several who have taken Gemzar and have had good results. I will pray that it works for you, sweetie. Hang in there. I'm sure you are completely frustrated by all these road blocks but keep your fighting spirit. We are here for you.
Wendy, I think many of us would like to clean house in Washington and start fresh! Like you, I'm not sure who would do a better job. It seems like they all change once they are elected....or else they've lied to us during the election process. Our country is really in trouble.
We do need rain but I hope it holds off until this evening. I'm golfing this afternoon and we all know how important that really is, don't we? LOL This morning I have to take the kitten to the vet for her last shots. That's always challenging! She's such a delight and amazingly, both of my cats have become best buddies, Rene! I really thought I was going to have to take the kitten back when I first got her because our one-year-old was so hateful and spiteful. I kept them apart for nearly two weeks unless I was there to supervise and they seemed to gradually work out their differences. Whew! Now they play and sleep nestled up together.
I'm off to start this lovely day!
Hugs to all of you.
Rita
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wendyk13 I am supposed to hear from job #2 by today (to see if I moved to the next step). I have decided that job #1 is a no. I mean they have not met me and I have not met my boss. Actually only had a 30 minute telephone interview with my boss… and I didn't even like him. I was shocked that I even call the job offer. Given that they are offering the worst hours with no health benefits, no commission, no bonus, no paid time off, no holidays off and no benefits period it sounds to me like they are having a hard time finding qualified candidates. Also it's a new program and based on how they are hiring it sounds like it's going to fail anyway.
Going to the doctor today to see about this rash I have on my lower inner legs. It's not itcy or raised just red blotches. I've had it for almost 2 weeks now and the OTC cortisone did nothing. I really hate going for another doctor's appointment but I can't ignore this anymore. Can't imagine what it is. Can't find a picture of the rash on the Internet either.
But first off to another beautiful day and a power walk in the park.
Happy weekend everyone
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Mak....so sorry about your PET scan result.... BC sucks a LOT!
I know nothing about gemzar but some of the other ladies seem to, and it sounds encouraging....
Susan....your sunrise sounds beautiful....I don't function well at that hour. And usually let the people around me know it, I'm cranky.... LOL. But the sunrise sounds worth it, for me to make it to the lake (especially up north) for that I'd have to get up about 3:00....YIKES!!!
Wendyk....your FL balconies sound really nice too..... I think my DH and I have decided on going to Naples, FL in January....I'll be about 6 weeks out of chemo and I think that'll be just what we'll all need.
Rita....enjoy your golf!
the news seems to be saying no rain until later tonight!!! Although, that may effect jackie's balloon festival??? Hopefully not?
Adey....thanks for that info. I unfortunately will be a chemo girl soon....it looks like my official start date should be Aug. 23. God give me strength!!!!!!!
Lago....how's the job situation? Any resolutions???
I told my daughter last night, that my medicine I'm going to need is so strong that its going to make me lose my hair pretty soon....she was great about it. Said she will help me tie my scarves and put lotion on my head....and she's very curious about my wigs. I promised her I'd be fine and that I will dress up for Halloween this year and she can pick out my costume and wig!!! She loved that, and said she wants me to be Medusa....LOL. That'll change (I hope).. And she said when I lose all my hair if I get sad she will give me a lot of hugs!!!! I'll take her up on those for sure.
Hope everyone has wonderful days.... I'm working and than taking my stepson out shopping in preparation for college....ISU bound this Tuesday night....crazy!!!!0 -
(((((mak)))))
Mad- You absolutely have the strength. I'll be dropping my oldest at Valpo on Saturday, boo.
A very healthy, happy day to all.
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mak - I am so sorry...I understand how disappointed you are. But isn't it possible that the laser and your day to day efforts kept it from growing? You know we are all surrounding you and you know we are here...24/7! I echo Joan...anything you need help with...please just ask.
lago - Geesh...what a f'd interview process! I've had similar luck and as a result, I am really turned off by it all. It's time to pursue my own "gig". Just can't deal with the work ethic "out there".
zap - Your sunrise experience sounds great!
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You are all sooooooooooooooooo busy these days - that's a good thing. Have a nice day...
Julie & bj - Have fun!
Jenn - August 23rd...you can do it!
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Good morning everyone -
Mak - so very sorry to hear your results but you have a wonderful group of supportive women here to help you get through this new course of treatment!
Jenn/MadMom - still waiting for the picture of the new hair with the pink streak. Glad to hear that your daughter is being so supportive of the changes that will be coming.
Adey - assuming your son is going to VU? I grew up there - it is a beautiful town!
Lago - Good luck with the job situation and the rash.
I need some input/advise about an issue that I have been dealing with the last few months...I have very dense breasts and have been told that I have fibrocycstic breast tissue which is why my breasts hurt sometimes. The last few months my left one (the bad one) has been hurting terribly. It used to just be one area of the breast and it would hurt the most pre-menstrual but now it seems to be everywhere, most of the time. It is very swollen (the BS recently asked me if it was always my bigger one because it seems large. He even laughed & said "I swear I took tissue out, not put it in" & was surprised about the size). It is also very "heavy" & sensitive.
Is it possible that this is just from all the trauma that it faced last year (very difficult stereotactic biopsy, then the lumpectomy, then radiation)? Or should I be concerned that there may be more to it? (my mind is going in that direction)
I am scheduled for a mammo at the end of the month as well as a 6-month MRI follow-up (provided it is approved by insurance) so that should resolve any uncertainty I have but I am getting so tired of this daily pain.
Hope you all have a wonderful day. Enjoy the weather today because it sounds like tomorrow is going to be pretty crappy (just perfect for the pool party I will be attending)!
Jenn0 -
Jenn...why not move up the mamm? My bad boob still hurts from rads and will always from what I was told and I'm 4 years out now but mine is a bit smaller from the rads rather than larger.
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Wendy serves a great purpose beyond being a great friend....and that is she is always after me to fix stuff and stop procrastinating....so I made a list (that is a start). Headlight, eye doctor, mri (yuck) and shingle vaccine! I did get word from my doctor that there is no reason NOT to get the shingle vaccine with my medical history. So let's hope he knows what he is talking about.
Lago, I think Joan mentioned a rash on her leg. That was just within the last two weeks.
Rita, I tried at my library to get The Forgotten Garden but all copies are checked out.
Have fun with your college-bound kids. I always loved getting my girls settled and resettled in college.
Just celebrated my 37th wedding anniversary. Dh asked if we could exchange PRACTICAL gifts and I said yes (even though I would have loved a trip to Italy) and so he gave me a GPS. I know that sounds so unromantic but I love it and he told me he gave it to me because he didn't want to lose me
! We will let him off the hook this year!I did Craig's list for the first time! My DD wanted Carrie Underwood Concert Tickets at Ravinia (sold out). I was worried the tickets were not on the up and up. When we went to pick them up, the woman lived in this mansion in Highland Park! I think the tickets are okay. Craig's list is scary, though.
Have a great day!
Susan
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Jenn It may be fine. All the things you mentioned should send up warnings. I would push up the mammo. I had very dense breast too. My tumor was 6.5cm (including invasive part) before they saw it on a mammo/US. I would really talk to your BS because this also could be due to the trauma from last year. I have no personal experience with lump/rads. Tell him you are really concerned. Granted some people do have discomfort for years after.
Congratulations Susan and Mr. Zap
Joan what was your rash?
MadMom good luck. You'll be fine. I'd stop by but I'm be on a plane headed home from my steamer orgie on the cape.
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Mammo moved to next Thurs
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Jenn...good girl!
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Lago... your rash sounds just like mine. I was diagnosed with Schamberg's vasculitis (think I got that right). I had tried the cortisone too, and it made no difference. If that is what you have.... well, there is no cure. I figure it is sort of like spider veins. Its broken blood capillaries just under the skin and is often described as having a cayenne pepper appearance. It always stays on the lower legs and would rarely travel above your knees. I have blotches on both inner calves and a couple on my heels. I asked my dermatologist if it could be chemo related and she said that she had never heard of any connection. Oh, well... something else to add to my medical reportoire. At least, it is apparently harmless.
JSandstrom... so glad that you moved up your mammo. Let us know what you find out. I always had very dense breasts also and had my first surgery when I was only 20 years old to remove some very painful fibroids. Back in that day... they kept me in the hospital for TWO nights! Can you imagine? Now days, you'd be out of there in a matter of hours!
Zap... I love your sunrise story. I am more of a sunset person these days. When the kids were stil at home, I was always up at the crack of dawn. It took a few years after they were both gone, to realize that I didn't have to be out of bed by 530am. Now, we often walk the 2 blocks down to the lake to watch the sunset. So calming and mystifying.
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Mak - You DO deserve a break, and hopefully, this Gemzar will give you one. Hugs to you.
Susan - Looking forward to your sunrise pics. What a lovely sounding morning. Congrats on the anniversary and the GPS. I love my GPS. Yes, Craigslist can be scary but I've used it successfully a few times. I'm actually thinking about listing a few things on it that I want to get rid of.
Jenn - I'm also glad to hear that you moved your mammo up. Consistent pain like that needs to be checked out. I didn't have radiation, but it sounds like others who have also have experienced lingering pain.
Mad and Adey - The first time we dropped off my DS at college, I think I cried the entire way home (from Champaign!). Dropping off the second one (my DD) 5 years later was MUCH easier. Of course, she was just in Chicago, but it was TIME for her and I to be separated, if you know what I mean.
One of my FB friends posted this. I loooove hearing about new and successful research like this. It's not being used for breast cancer yet, but it sounds very promising for the future!
http://www.webmd.com/cancer/news/20110810/gene-therapy-cures-adult-leukemia
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Joan: Does it neede to be tart cherry concentrate or can it be bing cherry concentrate?
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Hi ladies -
Mak - so sorry to hear your news. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Mad - your DD sounds so thoughtful. Good luck with the hair loss - it is difficult. My kids had a hard time with it and wanted me to wear the wig all the time.
We had a fun time at Disney World. It was very hot but no complaints from me. DD didn't want to come home. Haven't had a moment to breathe since getting home. Work, laundry (no fairy for me), school meetings. Need to go out school supply shopping this weekend.
Have a great weekend!
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Has to be TART cherry juice! Montmorency cherry juice for instance. I found the concentrate in the refrigerated juice section at Jewel, above the orange juice. It is pricey, but when diluted it makes alot so cheaper in the long run. Otherwise, Trader Joe's has the pre-mixed from concentrate, but think it is around $4/jar.
http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/amazing-antioxidants-tart-cherry-juice
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I forgot what the tart cherry juice is for??? I'm so forgetful these days.... I'll have to go back and find it....I know I wanted to try it though???? Sleep?? Headache??? Foob pain??? What other ailments do I have?
Connie...so glad you had a great time, it was really hot for us too (end of April and 90s)...the only one that complained was the DD.... Lol. I miss Disney!!!! Next time I go I'm NOT being diagnosed with anything while there.....welcome home!!!! Just got back from walmart with my college bound stepson.... Cart full of crap.0 -
Mad....I love carts full of crap....it means something. Susan -- are we too old to swoon, If Dh said something to me like about a GPS I just might. Ssssh, at our age practical is almost all there is left maybe. Actually....I like practical. Less apt to have to return it to the store and will actually get used.
Mak -- I'm as bummed as everyone, but hoping a little set-back in one lane will cause a bit leap forward in another.
Wendy....just saying hi because I forgot what all you said....but I think there was something about I should exercise.
I just had to go through another geek session to clean up my computer....had a little friend that was not supposed to be there --- so all should be fine now.
Nana....Balloon Fest is August 26, 27, and 28th. First night is fireworks night.....and that is when I would go. Hope the cooler weather holds out.
Ok....I'm done in so have to go. I'll see you all in the morning.
Hugs, Jackie
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The fragrance always remains in the hand that gives the rose.
Heda Bejar0 -
I'm getting ready to head to bed. I switched up my meds to take the Tykerb earlier. It seems to be helping. I slept till 5:30 this morning! My mouth is getting much better. However the sores on my head from radiation are getting worse. Ugh!
MakMak - So sorry about the spot on your liver. If you have an questions about Gemzar, IM me. I was on it with Carbo for 4 months.
Jenn - Moving up the test sounds like a good idea. Have you considered a second opinion? Just another thought.
Lago - I think you made a good decision on not taking the job. It didn't sound like a good fit or a place you'd really want to work. The right opportunity will come!0 -
Morning! Some gentle rains passed thru last night but no storms. I guess another storm is moving thru and will hit us later today. Nice tomorrow tho...67 on the very wet deck.
Susan...awwwwwww! Your hubby is sooo sweet! My suv came with gps which I didn't want but boy do we use it! I really miss it when we are in the other two cars. Maybe a good holiday present for DH!
Joan....schamburgs vasculitis? That's a new one for me...but can I make a joke? Must be all those lunch bunch meetings in Schaumburg! Does sound like you and Lago have the same thing tho.
Jackie...I would never tell you to exercise as I think you need more rest!
Connie....do kids ever want to leave Disney??? Glad it was a good trip! How was Sweden?
Rene...how are your cats? Why not contact Kater either thru here or on FB. Not much she doesn't know about cats.
WendyTY...glad you got some sleep! What are you putting on your poor little head?
Mak...keep the faith, Sweets! Thinking about you...
Laura...very sad to hear about you stockpiling wood ....so winter is gonna come back? Boo.
Lago...hope you are having fun!!!!!
Everyone else....happy days!0 -
Happy Saturday! We were going fishing today but changed our minds. We're heading out for the State Fair instead! Just had to try a post from my new phone. I am learning SLOWLY!
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schamburgs vasculitis I don't think mine is red enough. It's redish but not bright red. My GP said to give it 2 more weeks and he's testing my platelets (or something like that) just in case. If it doesn't improve in 2 weeks I need to go to the dermatologist.
Update on job #2. I was offered that job too yesterday. Also part time. No set schedule or set hours per week. My hours could be reduced if things were slow. I might have to work short shifts. She really could give me details on that. Health benefits only after working for them 1 year. Odd but she offers me the job then starts asking when I can come in for training and paperwork. I had to then ask "what is the offer". She replies "Oh you mean hourly wage and benefits? We'll get to that lets first set up when you can come in for training and paperwork" Anyway this job pays $3 hour less than the other. My friends tell me not to take it. If it were in the city it would be a little better but traveling to Skokie for a 4-6 hour shifts with no health benefits is not as appealing. If I worked a 29 hour week I would be netting around $230. I have to tell her this afternoon. At least its $3.7 above minimum wage.
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WendyTY - I hope the head sores clear up soon. HUGS!
JennSand - I don't want to alarm you, but I was told for 4 years that my 4cm clump of "dense tissue" was "just" dense tissue and it was nothing to worry about. Even the radiologists who read my mammos for 4 years said it was "just" dense tissue. It wasn't until a 1cm lump appeared that they realized the 4cm clump was actually malignant. I would suggest an MRI.
lago - Whiskey Tango Foxtrot! Geesh...it's great that they want you, but cripe...it seems they aren't the sharpest crayons in the box. I'd pass on it. There's a few job fairs coming up, which I think you know about.
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