Illinois ladies facing bc
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I hate to be the bearer of bad news...
It is with a heavy heart that I let you know that Joanna Klemm has passed away. Joanna joined us here about 4 years ago. She didn't post much, but some of us did meet her for dinner and she attended one our annual Holiday Parties. And...Kater kept her updated about our posts and treatments, etc. She fought a long tough battle...may she rest in peace and find comfort in a better place.
Legacy: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/dailyherald/obituary.aspx?n=JOANNA-KLEMM&pid=157673972
(I also posted two tributes in the Commemorating Loved Ones Forum.)
Illinois girls are tough!
Dx 7/2005, ILC, 4cm, Stage IIb, Grade 2, 1/11 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-0 -
Have a great weekend everyone. The weather is supposed to be marvelous. I'm buying my 35 flats of flowers at Pesche's (Rand & River Rd in Des Plaines - a great place) Saturday morning. They'll deliver for only $25, which is less than the gas cost of driving back and forth several times and I don't have to clean out the car afterwards. I'll plant next weekend right after my surgery pre-op appointment. Finding out if I'm IDC and not DCIS is getting closer and more real - 21 days and counting. I keep telling myself I'm getting insurance-paid cosmetic surgery but that little voice in the back of my head whispers, "you're also getting a sentinel node biopsy". For all of you incredibly brave and put-together stage 1+ ladies, you have my total admiration, I really don't know how you keep it together. I always thought I was so strong emotionally, but damn, this is showing how very little I know about myself. I'm just plain scared and it's getting harder and harder to keep up the cheerful positive outlook for my family and friends. Sorry for venting, but at least I'm venting to people who know exactly what I'm talking about.0
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Lisak7290- sorry I haven't called. It seems that our schedules are somewhat reversed. Do you ever walk at Independence Grove? I am looking forward to getting back out there for some walks and maybe even bike rides, if you're interested in joining me. Or anyone for that matter. Independence Grove is in Libertyville & is easily accessible by 94 from the east and Milwaukee Ave. from the west.
I don't have any specific tips for the leg cramps other that stretching.., possibly heat & stretching. Is it a pattern? i.e., after sitting for a long period of time? If so, maybe some ankle pumps (for lower legs stretch) will help? With your heels resting on the floor and legs extended out in front of you push your toes toward the ground (like stepping on a gas pedal) and then pull your toes back up toward your leg. Hold for 3-5 seconds. Repeat 5x hourly. That's the therapist in me coming out.., can you tell?
Lago-Wishing you all the best with the potential job. I think it's time to kick some job interview *ss! And you deserve it so I hope it's a good match and turns out to be all you've wished for. Please keep us posted and let us know hoe it goes.
Thank you also for letting us know about Invisible. Healing thoughts are with her!
All- after many weeks of complaining about the nasty SE of my AC chemo regimen I am happy to share that I now have a new oncologist and he has truly come through for me. I had my third AC yeaterday afternoon and was able to get up out of bed today, go to work and function (for the first time in 3 infusions). I am so releived and so grateful to have found an onc who listened to my concers and addressed each and every one of them. It is a testament to the support I receive on this forum and you all deserve equal credit as I kept hearing it repeated in my head "you don't have to suffer!" That said, he tweaked my pre-meds and shifted arond some post meds and so far so good. I can't even believe the difference. Needless to say the pre-meds knocked me out but I'm okay with a good nap during infusion. I am hopeful for a peaceful weekend and I wish you all the same. Please let me know if you are at all interested in getting together for a walk up here in Lake County @ Independence Grove. It is a beautiful Nature Preserve.
Sunshine to all and thank you for everything!
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Lisak7290- also forgot to mention that leg cramps are sometimes caused by dehydration.0
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Quick drive by because I'm on my way out again. Crazy day. Visited Invisible and she looks great. She still in that "what did I just do?" mode but doing really well. I bet she goes home tomorrow.
Interview seemed to go really well but he's interviewing 2 more. I was first because the others refused to go down town today and Monday because of NATO. Hope that scores me points for having no issue with it. Should know something by Tuesday. BTW downtown is a ghost town. Really strange.
So sad to hear about Joanna. I knew things weren't good but hate to lose another one of our special IL Ladies.
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Oh Lynn, most of us were also scared....several different times during our journeys. It helps to take it 1 day and 1 step at a time, especially if you tend to worry like I do. You have a lot on your plate right now and lots of unknowns to consider. Come and vent whenever you need to vent. We truly get it.
I am very sorry to hear about Joanna. I was one of the lucky ones who had the opportunity to meet her. She was a tough Illinois lady and a good friend to Kater. Rest in peace, dear sister.0 -
Hi guys...beautiful weather!!! And although I continue to eat/drink healthy I will admit to some tanning on the deck! Bad I know....
God speed JoAnna...I was lucky that I got to sit next to you at a dinner and we talked at great length. Your fight is over...now relax.
Lynn...if you ever want to hear about my fort, I will tell you how after hearing I needed chemo I waited til DH went to work and I crawled under my kitchen table, waiting for my dead Mommy to come and make it all better. And I am a strong person. With a nursing degree. Trust us, cancer is the great equalizer.
Hugs to all .... Enjoy this fab weather! I don't post much these days but I read every day...you all are in my thoughts and prayers...always.0 -
In honor of Wendy, Smurf and any other nurses here....:
Nurses - one of the few blessings of being ill.
~Sara Moss-Wolfe0 -
Sorry to hear about JoAnna. I remember her well from our first dinner in Long Grove. Peace to you JoAnna!
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Did an early shift this morning ( thank god for spell checking as shift was missing its f ) so I'm here late today.
I'm so sorry to hear about Joanne. I have been here a long time and admit that I barely recall her, but I find myself ambivalent......glad the pain and suffering for her is over, sad because her loved ones will have to feel the loss for some time to come. She is free now.
Lynn....Wendy does have a wonderful place in her fort........I think we have all needed to "barge" in there from time to time. You can sometimes find some truly amazing strength when you are down so low that you don't think there is even an inch left......I'll be hoping that circumstances will conspire to help you find it soon....along with many of you other lovely women here.
Lago....add my good wishes for a positive outcome here. You have been so very diligent in your search that I just know something good is going to happen soon.
C-squared.....yay....there is life and manageable se's. I never "found" the key to mine, but it is thrilling to hear when someone else does. Hope all continues to go super well for you.
Lynn.....35 flats--oh my. I can't imagine planting that much, but then I live in the forest and spend much of my time keeping "growth" at bay. Laura and Rita would know alot about that.
Lisa -- un-believable. Well, take heart.....you don't have much else do you???? A toaster, hmmm.
Hang in there Invisible.......hi to everyone else. I'm pooped. My starting at 6 a.m. this morning didn't finish until 5 p.m. this afternoon......so I'm getting ready to put my brain on hold for the next few hours and love my recliner like never before. See you all in the morning.
Hugs, Jackie
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Robo-you look great!!!
Lago-hope the interview went well. My daughter interviewed for a job last week-she didn't get it, but they like her so much they created a position for her so they could work with her. I'd do the same for you.
Invisible-hope you're doing well and on your way home.
Joan- drain-be-gone
Doing-welcome, hope you're feeling well and healing quickly.
Where's the picture forum? I keep hearing about it, but don't know where it is...
I have an exam on Monday in the Loop (Madison/Dearborn) sounds like I better get there early.
Looks like a beautiful weekend on the horizon-enjoy!
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I am one of the lucky ones for a change - I "have to" work from home Monday and Tuesday. Not supposed to go back into the city untl Wednesday. While I am thoroughly enjoying working from home in this beautiful weather, I also would love to watch what is happening in the city.
Lisak7290 - Cramps definitely can be caused by dehydration but also try eating a banana a day.
Lago - wishing you the best for the job!
Have a great weekend everyone!
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Let me not pray to be sheltered from dangers, but to be fearless in facing them. Let me not beg for the stilling of my pain, but for the heart to conquer it.Tagore
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Wow had abusy day today...went to the union grove gun show,Kenosha farmers market and worked on my garden.
I have been drinking plenty of wate but am going to try and ea a banana every day and see if it helps...0 -
Summertime!!
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But be careful later if the rain comes
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In an attempt to get my annuals planted this weekend I was planting in the dark last night and went out early this morning and finished about 7. Good to have that done.
It's going to be a hot one today!
Wendyk-hope you're wearing sunscreen
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BTW no one mentioned Donna Summer. She was a breast cancer survivor although passed from lung cancer. She was a home gal for me… Dorchester, MA.0
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I still have Donna Summers albums.., just nothing to play them on! HA!
I experienced a real eye opener yesterday when trying to do some gardening. I had to take frequent breaks due to fatigue - WOW! I didn't realize just how low my endurance is these days!!! I feel I really need to make it a goal to get some strength and endurance back before my BMX (7/5/12). My last AC is May 31st. I have a good 6-7 weeks to get a head start. Any suggestions?
Enjoy the beautiful day, beautiful ladies!
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It takes time but also remember that hot sun, heat and humidity can wear you out too. I started with the daily power walking.
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Hi All! What a beautiful weekend even if it is just a tad bit too hot. I've definitely lost some of my tolerance for heat but have to remember I'm still healing and take it easier. I was out planting the garden yesterday and had to come in about three times to rest and then when the heat built, stayed in permanently.
Tomorrow my radiation treatments start. I'm doing the Mammosite treatment which is 2X daily for 5 days. I'm a little scared about how I'm going to be feeling. Tomorrow is a really busy day with the first rad at 8:15am, a class on exercise and bc at 1pm, my second rad at 2:15pm, and my fill at PS at 4pm. I hope I get it all done. The rest of the week is just the rads so shouldn't be as bad. I'm going to get some extra sleep tonight and already have lunches and dinners cooked for the week. I put that nervous energy to some good use.
I was wondering about Donna Summer and did hear she had died of lung cancer. What a beautiful lady she was!
Good luck Lago with the job! There is something out there for you and hope this one will fill the spot for you.
Hope everyone had a great weekend. I'm closing things down for the evening right now and just relaxing for a while.
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Wow....enjoyed "Summertime". Great trip down memory lane. How I recall the bus ride home from school, and the rush to walk the block and a half from where the bus let us out................so I could change clothes and get "Bandstand" on. I did note that Donna Summer had passed. There are so many notable people....proof that it does not really matter who you are -- known -- un-known, rich or poor, stout or slim. Cancer does not play favorites....it is willing to invade anyone and doesn't mind the challenge of someone who goes by all the health rules.
I worked this a.m. Had hoped to not do it, but then we went to Mt. Vernon to bum around and pick up a couple of things when I got off. Had a gnarly rain storm on the way home. My car windows are a bit cleaner though.
C-squared.....I'd walk before I would do anything.....but pace yourself. You are being and doing a really harsh thing to your body and it needs to heal a bit.
Hope you all had a great Sunday.
Saying hi to Invisible..............hope you are healing well.
Hugs, Jackie
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You can have anything you want if you will give up the belief that you can't have it.
~Dr. Robert Anthony0 -
BTW Robin Gibb lost his long battle with cancer today too.0
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Good morning all! Thanks for all your good wishes. My BMX was last Thursday on 5/17. I think everything went really well. My pain was managed well and no nausea! That was a big fear of mine because I don't handle pain meds very well. The pain doctor (oh yes, love this person) found a good combination of anti-nausea, pain meds and muscle relaxants.
On Friday night the PS told me he doubted the skin on the bottom of each area of my breast would survive. The skin was showing signs of necrosis. The problem was old scar tissue (breast reduction 30 years ago). I know he really tried to explain everything but all I could do was cry. I laid awake most of that night trying to prepare myself for life without breasts. Saturday morning I was much calmer and stopped crying enough to understand as they explained what they could do. They said it would take 7 days for the skin to "declare itself". If the worst happened and the skin needed to be removed they will graft skin/muscle from my back. I won't know for sure until Wednesday.
I spiked a temperature Friday night so plans to release me Saturday were put on hold. I finally got to go home Sunday morning.
I should have my pathology on Wednesday. The BS said he would be very surprised if I needed radiation but could not rule out chemo. Oddly enough I am more afraid of rads.
Lago came to visit me on Friday. It was so nice to see her!
Thanks again for all your good thoughts. This thread has been a life line for me over the past three months. I am going to follow all instructions and pray my skin heals.0 -
A little inspiration x's two:
Life is the biggest bargain. We get it for nothing.
~ Jewish proverb~A diamond is merely a lump of coal that did well under pressure.
~ Motivational saying ~0 -
What a gorgeous morning after the lighting, thunder and huge pour-downs of yesterday afternoon. Am scurrying to catch up with all I need to do. Invisible......it is so good to hear from you. Just know that there are disappointments and surprises to get through......but you are going to turn out to be a diamond. I just feel it in my bones. OOps...maybe that is the Arimidex......just kidding!!!!
Hope this turns out to be a fantastic day for everyone.......I'll be seeing you all after work.
Hugs, Jackie
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Invisible - I will pray for a beautiful outcome to your surgery. I am still on the fence on whether or not I will have a mastectomy. I will have to make the decision by mid July as my last TCH will be in the beginning of August.
I just want to say that reading all your posts and seeing how supportive you all are of each other makes me feel like there is a special bond, a type of sisterhood that I am proud to be part of. I hope each and every one of you lovely ladies has a great day!0
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