Illinois ladies facing bc

It use to amaze me as to what I would find to send.....as often I would choose a quote without looking to see "what was going on" with everyone.  To me --- a huge purpose of being alive at all.....is growing and glorying your soul.  I also think.....if through un-meant complacence, or other rote behaviors, it may sometimes take something major to put the right amt. of jolt to the system -- to kick the veil aside and start to see and have emotions that ultimately lead us to define much deeper how we REALLY feel. 

Just my opinion, but I think ( and it shows up every night in my letters/prayers to the Universe ) being grateful, even for the negative things, is a big key.  What else could change you or your direction --- the world is not really a positive place -- so at times I think we go into complacency and compensation for that.......and we lose some of ourselves that way.  Then a crisis in the form of a disease shows up.....and its why now, why me, pretty much instead of why not.  What else of all the other smaller but still problematic things that happen to you, could shake you right down to your roots.  This....makes you sit up and take note. 

We are here --- and while we are here ( again my own opinion ) we are meant to make the most of it and ourselves -- and sometimes that takes a real shake-up -- but I think -- after that can come more happiness, joy, fulfillment, and a deeper, stronger sense of aliveness --- and in the new normal, I hope, and think you start to cling to that and it does allow you to SEE through different eyes............to separate.  To make choices and do things you would not even think about before --- because this is your second chance -- your do-over as it were. 

I'm glad for my do-over. It helps me to recognize things that were hiding   It helped me see that maybe I was selfish taking a little part of the world and not stepping out to say you are a part of me and I am a part of you and maybe I need to care about this a whole lot more.  So I am learning to BE on purpose.  It is a journey...parallel to my cancer journey.  I hate the disease, but a part of me sees that maybe without that as a major crisis.........I'd still be in my little world never realizing that I was a bit stagnant --- not moving or helping much of anyone else and never connecting with a better purpose for my existence. 

I think this is probably a bit over-long......but in the end.....whatever helps you find your gratitude.  Hope you all have a fantastic day.  See you later.

Hugs, Jackie

Jackie, I completely agree with Rene!

Csquared-I am so glad your numbers are improving-I am so sorry about the stupid se's

Jackie-You said it! I find myself being thankful for the diseases I don't have, because I don't think I could handle them.  BC I can deal with.  Last night I ran into a woman who ran a support group I used to attend, she asked me how I was and I replied, "I can't complain".  Then I thought about it and I really can't-I find things to be thankful for with this ridiculous disease all the time.  Mind you, I'll still whine about it on occasion...

Hope everyone is staying safe and out of the extreme heat today.

One more day of July weather.  Thank goodness, I hate paying for air conditioning.

On the other hand, big celebration:  four drains pulled out today!  Only two left.  I'm chanting "dry up, dry up" in the hopes that I can get them pulled at my first post-op Thur.  Dang am I glad to lose those groin drains. 

Jackie I knew you'd chime in with great philosophy!

Great news Lynn! You're almost DRANO

C-Squared you can always go to a resale shop and purchase them inexpensively. I know to bed I wore XXL rapper T-shirts (well actually I still do). You might not need them that big. Also consider big loose T-shirt dress. But a couple sizes up so it's loose.

Hi Everyone!



Lynn - groin drain...oh boy that does not sound pleasant! Losing my last two drains about 10 days ago was a big turning point. Once my surgeon decided that I should stay wrapped tightly in an ace bandage my output dropped like a rock within 2 or 3 days. He then kept me wrapped tightly for another week. I am now out of the ace wraps and am

just using spanx type tops.



I had my visit with the MO yesterday. She wants to do a Mammaprint test to see if I need chemo. She said that test eliminated the gray area and provided a clear yes or no answer. Once again I have my doubts about the insurance coverage of this test. If they decline she will do the Onco. I have a return appointment with the MO on July 9th and will hopefully have my treatment plan.



On the DVT (leg blood clots) my bloodwork showed the coumadin was now working so I am able to stop the Lovenox injections. Another small victory!



I am back to work (I work from home) full time but using lots of caution. I can tell my iron levels are coming up because I have much more energy. The walking of my arms up the wall is sheer torture.



Jackie - today I chose inner peace. Yes, that quote is still taped to my computer monitor and I think of you each time I see it.

jdwench: they told me that the breast can change shape with radiation, so don't worry about the CT re-do. I know the end of radiation is hard. Been there, done that. You will be surprised how quickly your skin starts to go back to normal afterward, and at how good your incision looks after the swelling goes down. If you are like me, you will be so glad you had the opportunity to save your breast! Keep the faith a little longer!

Kjiberty: Yes, it was the Taxotere that balded me! I had to stop Taxotere after one cycle due to allergic reaction, that's why I ended it early. My other drug was a piece of cake (Navelbine) by comparison. Congrats for only 1 more chemo cycle to go. Rads was a real pain but at least it didn't make me ill.

Hi the big things I do is eat more fruits, nuts, seeds. veggies less fried way less sugar more salmon and blueberrys are supose to be the super fruit for BC.  Who knows it seems to change daily.

Coffee  is suppose to be good for you in moderation like 2 cups per day.

I exercise more do Reikki and chai qong they are both things.

Do you go to support groups?  They help me also.  Have met some really nice ladies at them.

Do you worry about it coming back?

Take care and be well

Renee 

kjiberty: get Miaderm lotion. Use liberally. Buy online if your hospital doesn't carry it or pharmacy can't get it. I got pink, but had no breaks in the skin. My RO said it is the best product he's seen. I had no fatigue until the very end of rads, and one night just hit a wall and had to crash. I'd move rads up a week or more if you can because you will be so tender in your mother-of-the-groom gown! Congrats.

Renee--I'm doing the berries, too. Lynn: you will get there! 

"Build this day on a foundation of pleasant thoughts. Never fret at any imperfections that you fear may impede your progress. Remind yourself, as often as necessary, that you are a creature of God and have the power to achieve any dream by lifting up your thoughts. You can fly when you decide that you can. Never consider yourself defeated again. Let the vision in your heart be in your life's blueprint. Smile!"

-Og Mandino

Hi everyone!



Very interesting perspectives and advice on my question. I am not on an AI and I am definitely suffering hormonely. I broke downand made an appointment with the gynecologist to discuss the new hormone pellets. They may not be recommended for high ER+ PR+ girls but quality of life's an issue.



I'll see what he says.....

Beata - so happy to hear you are doing well. I thought about you yesterday, and am happy you are home. How bad was the surgery, if you don't mind me asking - as I am still on the fence on whether or not I want to keep my trouble makers!

Beata I can't believe you posted! Glad for the good news. Get some rest.

Congrats, Beata!