Illinois ladies facing bc

IllinoisLady

I think the above quote is very true.  I was a little astounded to see that Dale Carnegie was the author.  I don't think of him much in the spiritual way I perceive most quotes and their authors. 

We are having ( so far ) a great Spring.  I'm sure most of the big trees are filling with buds though I have not found the time to study them.  Many other things are getting that really vibrant, fresh first green of the season.  It always takes my breath away just a bit.  I think I have mentioned before.....New Years' Day is in fact a great holiday, but for me......after the sometimes long winters -- especially when they have been full of un-common extra cold, icy, or snowy conditions, I look to Spring as the time to think NEW and refreshed and pushing onward in positive ways to make the days as well as the year alive, healthy, and full of as many building on strengths events as can be worked in. 

Blessings

Jackie

ritajean

Redhead...Did you start your rads this week, and if so, how did they go?

Lakegirl, how are you doing?  Hives still gone and are you getting rid of the infection?  When do you go back into to see the onc?  Sending healing vibes your way!

It is such a lovely day out there that I am going to work in the yard for awhile and clear off some flower beds.  Then I might run the golf cart over to the club and hit a few balls at the driving range.  I think I have spring fever!  :-)

Hope everyone is doing well!

Lakegirl1

Ritajean... Thanks for asking! The hives seem to be gone.  Instill gave a PICC line and will get antibiotic until April 15. I see ID then, hopefully they will pull the PICC  line. Saw the PS yesterday, no fills until the PICC line is out 48 hours.   I will see MO in the next couple of weeks. I can't get the port until the PICC has been out for 2 weeks. I think the PS plans to fill fast. We will see how that goes on Motrin and Valium. 

Enjoy your day out, looks like tomorrow will be even better!!!  I am so jealous you get to play in the dirt. With e PICC line, still laying pretty low. 

Timbuktu

Rita, thanks for reminding me that there is life to be lived after treatment!  You go girl!

IllinoisLady

Here - Here !!

Jackie

momto7

Hi ladies checking in to see how every one is I am working a lot now and feeling a lot better . I have had good news from my MO on my last check up she said everything  looked great and I see my PS for a follow up  to see if he will move the  left implant over. I think he may have to . The best news is I  am going to have a grand son in a few weeks so excited have a great weekend  every one !!

Timbuktu

mom, a grandson is the best medicine there is!  Congratulations!

Lakegirl1

I went to the salon for cut and color today!!!  I may loose my hair to chemo, but I will look good doing it, damn it!!!   

Ritajean...not sure where you golf, but there were a lot of people out at Lakeside CC...Hope you had a good day!!!

IllinoisLady

Yay to grandchildren.  They are what the first half of life was for. 

Lakegirl, what a fantastic attitude.  One of the things that seems to help a whole lot of people is their ability to not let this disease ever get the notion that it has the upper hand.  Taking charge and having what you can YOUR way is a good way to not look at what you may be losing but what you are able to give to yourself.

The other great part is that losing hair is not a permanent thing.  We give up that part of our identity for a short while to get our life back and to get well.  It is not something fun and has its moments when a little doubt sneaks in, but I noticed that I was so busy with all the aspects of tending to chemo and its adjustments that I soon pretty much forgot about my lack of hair. 

Keep that good attitude --

Blessings

Jackie

Timbuktu

The decision of chemo or no chemo has been dragging on for me and my hair is getting longer and more unruly.  I think I will spring for a decent haircut.  You've inspired me!  I wonder if it will help my state of mind?  A good haircut always does!

IllinoisLady

Laugh at yourself and at life.
Not in the spirit of derision or whining
self-pity,
but as a remedy, a miracle drug, that will ease your pain,
cure
your depression, and help you to put in perspective
that seemingly terrible
defeat and worry
with laughter at your predicaments,
thus freeing your
mind to think clearly
toward the solution that is certain to come.
Never
take yourself too seriously.
- Og Mandino

Lakegirl1

Look pretty ....Feel shitty!!!   Please excuse my language...

I think that is why losing my hair bothers me most...it acts like a mask...as long as you look "OK" you can fake the rest for the most part!!!   Take the hair away and you "look sick".   

IllinoisLady

I hope you can find a Look Good - Feel Better Seminar.  There they provide you with a large case of free-make-up and give you lots of tips on bringing out and making the most of yourself minus your hair.  I was reluctant to go as I seldom used make-up and had the time of my life.  It was great to be in a whole room of "hairless" women......couldn't tell but it nearly seemed as if we were all at a "cosmetics" party. 

They also have free wigs and scarves, hats -- whatever and teach you how to make the most of those as well. 

No kidding, it is a bummer to be without hair....even ratty hair like mine was missed.  It was also one of our coldest winters on record and so with no hair....anywhere, I was also feeling like a bald ice cube.  Guess what !!!  You really can't keep a good woman down.  I do understand, but sometimes there is not much choice.  Also, I surprised myself -- I got through it and I  felt like I won.  The conditions were not easy.....and it is certainly something I would definitely have to be forced into, but I hope you can "get there".  It's not much of a ride but there can be a good ending.

Blessings

Jackie

ritajean

Oh Jackie, thanks for reminding me about the Look Good Feel Better Program!  Lakegirl, you should call the cancer center and find out when the next program is!  I went to one there and they are fantastic!  They give you LOTS of different types of makeup and help with scarves, and other hair issues (wigs, etc.)  You do leave feeling better about yourself.  

Hey, Jackie, you even went for a convertible ride with your wig on...right????  :-)

I live just across the road from Crestwicke Country Club so I golf there and we also golf out in LeRoy.  They are two completely different types of clubs and I love them both.  I have golfed as a guest at Lakeside, though and it's a nice course, too!

Oh Tim.....hugs to you as you struggle with the decisions that you are facing!  In the meantime, go for that haircut and hopefully it will perk you up a little.  Just keep in mind that there IS a "new normal" life for you, too when all the treatments are done and it IS good!  Sometimes we are just so sick and frustrated when we have to deal with a set-back or other related issues that it's hard to see the end result.  Everyone tells us to take it one day at a time and that is good advice, but not the advice we want to hear.  We want control and we want it fixed NOW and that isn't always possible.  Hang in there.  We are here so use us when you need to vent! 

Mom in Mt. Vernon....Wow!  A new grandson on the way!  Wonderful!  They are so much fun!  Be sure to give us all the details and Congrats!!!  Also...it was so good to see a post from you.

Well, we went out for BBQ ribs tonight and now I need to make a cup of tea, grab my cat and my book, and find a cozy spot to curl up!

Keep me updated, Lakegirl!  

Rita

Timbuktu

Thanks Rita.  You say it so well.  As always!

IllinoisLady

When you commit yourself to living love, you feel at peace with
yourself because you are at harmony with the flow of life.  Viewing life from
the highest perspective, you feel confident and secure.  You realize that no matter how things may
appear, you are loved and protected.  You
know you are one with God, and you bring your peace with you wherever you go. 
You’re not looking for love, but for opportunities to love.

Susan L. Taylor

IllinoisLady

If you have never loved yourself, never really loved yourself, gently and unconditionally, now is the time to do that.  Love yourself, forgive yourself, and at the same time, know that there is nothing to forgive.  Love other people, and let them love you.  You’ll never be bored.  Unconditional love can do some amazing things, and it’s a real safety net.  And we can do amazing things when we know that we are safe.  Miracles happen every day.       Max Navarre

IllinoisLady

Good morning -- from a very wet place.  Rained starting a while after sundown last night.  Not a stormy rain, but it came down really good for quite some time.  More some time today is likely and then our temps. plunge.....to freezing and even perhaps some snow.  Oh how fickle and un-predictable spring can be. 

I hope the Chicago and surroundings areas fare ok.  I have to remember that Spring can do almost anything and just enjoy the ride. 

Blessings

Jackie

Lakegirl1

Question...anyone in the Central IL area use cold caps ?  If so, where did you get them?  

IllinoisLady

Life is unlimited - it expands with the generosity, compassion,
inventiveness, and service that you contribute.
-Jonathan Lockwood Huie

Lakegirl1

PICC line is out!!!  ID MD released me. I  will make appt with Dr. Migas and go from there.  Hopefully, we can get on with this so I can stop worrying about it. 

ritajean

Lakegirl...I didn't use the cold caps but I bet the onc can help you out there if you're interested in doing them.  Yea!  PICC line is gone!!!!  Now you're ready to move forward.  Keep us updated.  You must feel lots better now the PICC is retired!

Lakegirl1

Rita...it feels very strange to not have some sort of medical tubing hanging out if me!!! I have had something since March 4!!

I am thrilled to be able to take a normal shower in the am!!!  However, it does mean I have to face this chemo thing.   I am so not looking forward to that!!!  One of the things I dread most, other than the hair loss, is the nausea. I don't do well with that at all.  I can deal with a little pain, but def not the nausea. I really think I too have the PONV described on the site.  Unfortunately, after the March 4 surgery, most of the typical go to meds didn't work. Hopefully, they can break out the "really good stuff"!   

jmg58

Lakegirl1, maybe you won't have nausea..I haven't at all.  I took a pill one time after each session (2) just because I thought i should but the only time I was nauseous was from an infected tooth after the first infusion.  How did it feel when they pulled the PICC line?  Mine's been in a month already and I still have at least a month to go....I'm thinking it's going to hurt when they pull it since my skin's going to be pretty healed around it.  Have a good night, all!

Lakegirl1

I didn't feel a thing!!!  Literally!!!  Mine was not healed at all, was actually bleeding a little as I was too active.  You would think it would be similar yo when they pull drains, not at all!!!   That is nothing to sweat!!!   For me, the "installation" was the worst part.   Think tiny tiny veins and a lot of pushing...ugh!!!

jmg58

Great, thanks so much for the quick answer.  One of my drains hurt like hell when they pulled it and I cried.  I mean, it burned like crazy.  Glad to know this won't be similar!

IllinoisLady

Live for today but hold your hands open to tomorrow.  Anticipate the future and
its changes with joy.  There is a seed of God's love in every event, every
circumstance,
every unpleasant situation in which you may find
yourself.
Barbara
Johnson

ritajean

Lakegirl, don't spend time worrying about the chemo.  You can get through it and there are ways to handle nausea if it happens to appear and to keep it at bay for the next time.  

jmg...glad that you are handling everything so well.  You'll be done before you know it!

Nice quote today, Jackie!

mdg

Lakegirl - Hope49 and I are in Chicago west burbs and we both used cold caps.  Feel free to PM if you want.  I was really glad I used them.  I had good success and so did Hope49

IllinoisLady

"Learn to trust the journey, even when you do not understand it."     Mila Bron