Illinois ladies facing bc
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Hi gals!
Five years ago yesterday, Wendy was diagnosed with breast cancer and I was diagnosed five years ago today. Congrats Wendy on hitting that 5 year milestone.
As for me, I am so grateful for these past five years. I've had the opportunity to welcome grandson #3 into the world and to see my son advance his career. I've also had the opportunity to see myself change drastically. As I look back over the past five years, I've seen myself develop into a much more caring and supportive person. I'm not as self-centered and much more responsive to the needs and wants of others. I've learned who my real friends are and I cherish each and every one of them. I take time to watch the deer outside in my back yard, to visit a friend in the hospital, to read a good book without worrying about the work that's still piled up, and to give thanks to those who have helped me get where I am today. This diagnosis sure changes us, doesn't it?
I'm not officially celebrating my 5 year cancer anniversary until the 5 year tests are finished on Dec. 13th, but I do give thanks for the five years I've had and for all your support throughout these years. This thread helped me get through the treatments and emotional blocks along the way and you gals will always be especially dear to me. I can't wait to see many of you again and to meet the newer gals at the holiday party.
Hugs to all you "oldies like me,," newbies to our thread, and especially to those of you who are facing treatments, surgeries, and reconstruction. We Illinois Ladies are indeed a tough bunch!
Rita
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spunkyboobster the choices are crap. I really didn't have to many choices but even if I did it would still be crap. Had to have the MX and once they found some stuff in the other BMX was highly recommended. Then not having any stomach my choices of recon were limited to implants unless I wanted to do micro surgery. In the end, knowing what I know now I'm glad I did the implants and the BMX.
Just remember the begining part is the worst. I was scared like crap till I had the BMX. It really did get easier after that (Granted Chemo isn't fun but I was in a better mental state by then).
OMG how did I miss the 5 years. CONGRATULATIONS to both WENDY and RITA.
Hey Robo
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Welcome to the new members! It's always both happy and sad to have new ladies join the group.
Happy 5 year to Rita and Wendy! Milestones are a very good thing. Wishing you many,many more.
So tomorrow was supposed to be my final fill, with my exchange tentatively scheduled for the last week of Dec. While at work today, I realized that not only is my TE smaller than it was but it's too soft. Omg, I think it sprung a leak. I'm trying to not overreact but my head is spinning at the idea of having to switch it out. Doing the exchange with it at this size will leave me a lot smaller than I wanted, even though I did want to reduce my overall size. GAH! Hopefully, my PS will make everything magically better tomorrow.0 -
Congrats Wendy and Rita! WhooHooo! Rita... I echo everything you said about the changes that come over after going through this "crap" (if Lago says it like that, I shall too). Not a fun experience, but it sure does change you... I must say, for the better.
I made it through 4 doctor appointments last week if I can count the dentist and eye doctor... and all with flying colors so I am breathing easy right now. My DH loves going to the ONC's office with me, I think mostly because he enjoys the the ONC PA soooo much. We all had a good discussion about this darn generic Femara that was giving me lots of stiffness and joint pain. Not alot of options, but my ONC gave me permission to take a break for several days and then start on generic Aromasin today. The Aromasin has a steroid component to it, so he is hoping that I can toloerate it better. I certainly hope so cause that Femara "crap" nearly turned me into a cripple. All my blood work came back great so that makes for a great Thanksgiving for me! The only thing that was disappointing is that my D3 level was only at 51 after taking nearly 4000/day. I may up that a bit as I'd prefer it to be around 70.
Welcome to spunkyboobster! Yes... it gets easier once the big decisions have been made and you can follow that path. Still lots of learning to come as you find your way, but there are alot of very supportive ladies here who want to help you along. Hope you can make it to the holiday party.
I am flying back to South Dakota tomorrow afternoon to join my DH who left a couple days ago. He went early to play "farm boy" and we will join a bunch of his cousins for Thanksgiving Day where I will be the "token short person". Nobody in that family is less than 5'10" and most are well over 6'.
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. I know that I have so much to be thankful for and that includes you Illinois ladies. It is so comforting to know that you are not in this alone and can always find someone who truly understands this experience.
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Congrats Wendy and Rita!.....& Rita, thanks for this thread! Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
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To Wendy & Rita :
And a whole lot more after this.....a whole, whole lot.
Love you gals,
Jackie
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HI girls...Just a quick congrats to Rita and Wendy on reaching that 5 yr mark. Rita thank you for starting this tread and for all the wonderful support, encouragement, and cyber hugs you have given all of us over the years. Yes this disease has changed us but out of it we have developed some wonderful friendships here. So thank you!!. I am so glad you are coming to the holiday party. It looks like it will be lots of fun with the oldies and the newbies.
Please keep my bff dh in your prayers. He was just diagnosed with colon cancer on Friday. I spent the whole night at the hospital with her waiting until he got out of surgery. I am so sad and upset about this as he was just walking his dd down the aisle 4 weeks ago. My mil is still in the hospital with fluid in her lungs so we are waiting to see the next step. So please keep them in your prayers.
I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving this week with your family and friends.
Well it is jammie time and off to bed....sweet dreams to all
BJ
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Hi ladies, hope all are well. SpunkyB, I go to Loyola, but I did not have PS so can't advise re that. Excellent surgeon, tho.
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It is neither wealth nor splendor;
but tranquility and occupation which give you happiness.
- Thomas Jefferson
With gratitude, all life appears as a blessing -
without gratitude, all of life
is perceived as a burden.
- Jonathan Lockwood Huie
Appreciate again and again, freshly and naively,
the basic goods of life, with awe,
pleasure, wonder and even ecstasy,
however stale these experiences may have become to others.
- Abraham Maslow0 -
Good morning on this raining cats and dogs ( oops -- about using that old phrase ) outside. Not my kind of day, it is a blessing to complain isn't it?? So I couldn't decide between the quotes so took them all.
Was thinking when I spied them of Rita's words. Still find it extraordinary how something so pretty much horrific and ugly tends to dissipate some things about us, and actually bring out some better sides. I could write a lot, but will just say I second much of what Rita said. I am glad ( lots and lots of gratitude ) for the changes as they were for the better --- bringing clarity and peace.
Bj --- you carry such a load -- so quietly with no complaints. You are a special person you know. Part of my gratitude is just to be in such wonderful company. I will keep positive prayers in my heart for your loved ones.
Hope you are having an ok day...not too much rain. If I were not working.....I'd just curl up and do nothing today. See you all later....thinking of each one of you today.
Hugs, Jackie
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Congrats to Wendy and Rita!
Spunkyboobster; you sure do live up to your name. Hosting Thanksgiving? Making a 20# bird? All while juggling your next steps, which is the hardest in the beginning? You rock.
Blackjack, your friends are in my thoughts.
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Hi gals!
Thanks for the congrats! I'll really celebrate on the 13th if all my tests come out O.K. Even after this long, I still get a little nervous as they approach. You are all so super!
Joan, I'll be anxious to hear how the generic Aromasin works for. There have been many days when I really thought about dumping the Arimidex in exchange for something else.
BJack....so sorry to hear about your friend's husband. That's really a bummer. Also sorry to hear that your MIL is still suffering with problems. Darn it all! Hang in there and try to enjoy your Thanksgiving and the short vacation from school.
Good to see a post from you, English Major!
Happy Thanksgiving to all of you! I hope you enjoy the holiday and are able to spend it with family and friends.
Rita
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Right on right on!!!
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Robo.....whoo hoo! One more!
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Yay Robo!
Hi English. Been wondering how you've been. Glad to see you post.
Well I have the day off tomorrow. There just isn't that much work right now and it would be a short day anyhow. I'm going to bake cookies.
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Lago-thanks for putting it as it is-I guess the key is choosing the crap I think I can live with.
Blackjack-you are so strong to be carrying so much, my thoughts are with you.
EngMajor-I feel very lucky to have gone to Loyola for a second opinion, I'm very comfortable with evryone I've dealt with thus far. My surgeon is Claudia Perez.
Corrine-Thanksgiving is great distraction. If the bird thaws in time I'll be in great shape.
Has anyone been to the Wellness Center in Hinsdale?
G'nite all-have a good night.
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Oh, we are getting closer to the most wonderful holiday. No running around, gift-giving......just dwelling on thankfulness, food, good company.....I love it! Mine will be spent with us hosting my best friend, her two adult kids, my own girls and the grandkids. DH is in his glory as he loves to do this dinner. The bittersweet is that this is our first year without our best friend, Bill. He was with us last Thanksgiving and we have a picture of him. I know that "firsts" are hard and so I know I must be a great support. If you believe in prayer, please pray that I can be supportive. They need me this year.
Congrats to Rita and Wendy, you darling "old" friends. I am one month before you. Rita, I too will wait for the end of arimidex. I am lobbying for more arimidex but I do not know what my doctor will think about that. I simply I cannot imagine life without that pill everyday. Maybe could be better, right????? It scares me.
Looking forward to the Holiday Party. You ae so real to me. My husband, my daughters, my very best friends know you as my BC Blogger Friends. I too am thankful for you all.
Susan
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Hi SpunkyB
I had a diff surgeon (C. Goodellas). Good experience at Loyola. I have been to Wellness House--for support groups and various programs. Supports groups are v. good, staff is very nice. Check it out!
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Morning! Seems like the weather will be more like Easter than Thanksgiving...fine by me!
Zap...you could probably get your doc to keep prescribing Arimidex but your ins no doubt would no longer pay for it. Note I said "probably". I know Kater gets from I think Costco...a few months at a time and price wise it wasn't too bad. Hopefully she'll chime in.
Spunkyboobster....I sent you a PM.
BJ....eat. Sleep. Take care of you, too. Please.
Need to get moving...carried up all the Christmas stuff Monday and no back probs! Woke up this am with I think a pulled inner thigh muscle. Ouch! Have to go out to get my hair...uh...ungrayed and it's right near the gym so I think I will stop there and try some stretching. Have a great Wednesday!0 -
Zap I too love Thanksgiving. It was always the big deal holiday in our family. Maybe because we were only a few miles from the first Thanksgiving and all Massachusetts folks get into it in a big way.
Blogger friends. Love it. I must admit I call you all my "Ladies who lunch" group.
I mean breast cancer friends sounds so wrong. It might have brought us together but I would still be your friend even if you did fight the BC battle. It's cookies, cleaning and other errands today. I'm glad I got the day off. I really do have a lot to do. I'm off for my power walk in a few.
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Morning girls...Just wanted to pop in and wish everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends. My life totally changed when I came to this board one dark night. I realized that I was not the only one with this disease and that there were many of us out there clinging to the life raft. I have gained so much support and wonderful friendship from all of you and I am so thankful to know you all the oldies and the newbies. This is a wonderful place to be and as I sit at my table I will be blessing all of you here in my heart.
I have such a busy day today. Cooking, cleaning, hospital visits for my mil who is having surgery today and my bff dh too. Please keep them in your prayers.
Well off to the shower now...have a wonderful pre Thanksgiving day...looking forward to seeing you all next week for the holiday get together. Have a great day!!!!
Remember to be healthy...be happy and enjoy life!!!!!!!
BJ
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We don't receive wisdom; we must discover it for ourselves after a journey that no one can take for us or spare us.
~ Marcel Proust
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Jackie
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Hello IL Ladies - I am sending you all Thanksgiving wishes - be safe, enjoy your family, enjoy the yummy food, let's be thankful that we are here. See you in December at our Holiday Lunch.
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OMG I just can't wait. Hope everyone has a wonderful turkey day. Hope all your taste buds cooperate… and I don't know about you gals but I'm going to be drinking some wine!
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Morning! Just stopping by to wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving! DH and I woke up very early as of course the Christmas decoration fell down at 4:30am and when we ran downstairs to see what the noise was we saw that all the outside decorations were turned on... Guess I set the timers wrong. Going back upstairs I tripped in the dark and smacked into the wall. We gave up on sleep as we were laughing too hard.
Just watching the news and the cooking tips for today. First of all...it's too late for instructions on brining a turkey! And seriously... Who gets up to put the turkey in the oven at 5am? You'd be eating at 10!
One more thought... All these stores opening at midnight? Seriously? Am I the only one who never goes near any store on Black Friday?0 -
"Life itself is a gift.
It's a compliment just being born:
to feel, breathe, think, play, dance, sing,
work, make love, for this particular lifetime.
Today, let's give thanks for life.
For life itself. For simply being born!"
Daphne Rose Kingma0 -
Happy Thanksgiving! I hope everyone has a great day, especially those of us in treatment right now.
I'm home recuperating from exchange surgery and oopherectomy, had both procedures Tuesday. Glad I made reservations for Thanksgiving well ahead of time......
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Good morning everyone. Wendy, you are too funny.. I can echo many of your thoughts. I don't think ( not that I'd win prizes ) I'd ever cook anythingfrom a t.v. lesson. First, I'd have to tape it and watch it 500 times...maybe a few more. It's easier to get a Betty Crocker ( or similar ) cook-book and just read it and attempt to follow.
As for Black Friday -- never fits me really well. People have camped out for this. If I have to try and save that much money....then these are all things I can't afford anyway.
BTW --- congrats on the simple joy of having a great laugh with someone you love at 4:30 in the morning -- now that is a treasure. That is a gift of life.
I hope everyone has a memorable day -- full of warmth, laughter, love and gratitude.
Happy Hugs,
Jackie
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CONGRATS to Rita & Wendy!
Welcome to SPUNKY!
I have been working 11 hour days...sigh...miss you all sooooooooooo much! HUGS to all!!!
bj - Will continue to keep your mil in my prayers AND your bf's husband as well.
Best wishes to all who have had recent surgeries and treatment, etc.!
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