please help

Anonymous

Karen, I've been holed up in my room with a dark cloud, so haven't noticed the weather other than I'm cold and it's dark and I hear raindrops sometimes. This is June for crying out loud. Time for a little sunshine!

Judie 

NancyD

Hi all,

Didn't get into the water (except my feet) because the water temp was only 69°, but had my first glass of wine in a lo-o-ong time. Slept like a baby last night, LOL.

AE - forgot to wish you a Happy Birthday...but let the partying continue all weekend!

Judie - bad weather, ugh! What happened to Spring? In the East, we went directly into summer. Predictions are for 90° or higher today through Tuesday, but with high humidity, too.

Lisa - a little window shopping never hurt. I check out the local guys sometimes. What a hoot how much they lie. I've seen a couple of guys I went to high school with on Match.com, and they have taken at least a decade off their age. They're worse than women when it comes to that. One guy I had contact with confessed that he had taken a few years off his listed age, but said his dr said he could because he was in such great shape for his age (what the?!?!)

I want one of those sailors! Every Memorial Day, they have Fleet Week in NYC. When I worked in midtown near Times Square, it was a regular thing to see all the young sailors around town checking out the sights. Nice eye candy, but way too young for me now.

Another hot one today, but overcast...chance of rain. No pool-water's still too cool, but I might get a barbecue in. 

Ulla, Sue, Shirl, Jule, AE, Lisa, AnneW, AnnNYC, Judie, Mel, Jane, and everyone else...enjoy the rest of the weekend!

Ulla

hi girls..

nothing new..i am feeling as used to feel after damn BC..

its not nice to lose the ability to plan for the next few years,,

i donr feel good..very calm sadness..scilent most of the time not finding anything to say..nothing interested,,

sorry to say such sad things,,but its just how i feel..

honeygirl

Ulla , I wish I was there to give you a big hug and just sit with you. I'm so sorry you are feeling so down. I know its hard , but try to cheer up. I love you sister!

portiasproudmom

I found an interesting article you guys may enjoy.  I always knew our canine fur babies were amazing!

Not only do dogs enrich the lives of their humans; they may also be trying to save our lives without us even realizing it! Dogs are detecting cancer; some are trained to do so, and others instinctually know something is not quite right.

Gill Lacey, who was featured on CBS's 60 Minutes in 2005, was saved by her Dalmatian, Trudi. Trudi began sniffing a tiny mole on Gill's leg. That mole was a malignant melanoma, which could have easily spread and put an early end to Gill's life, had it not been detected so early.

Just because your dog is intently sniffing you does not mean you should run with alarm to your doctor. A dog's nose is 10,000 to 100,000 times more sensitive than that of a human. A dog also has a larger portion of brain and nervous system devoted to the olfactory sense. Thus, a dog's interpretation of his surroundings is greatly affected by the information obtained from his nose.

Sniffing you is telling your dog where you've been, who you met, what you ate, how you're feeling, etc.

However, if your dog seems consistently and considerably concerned about your body - beyond sniffing you to learn about your day - you may want to consider taking it seriously. He may be telling you something. Dogs can even smell cancer on your breath, particularly breast and lung cancer. One dog sat in her owner's lap, began sniffing and became very agitated. The dog alerted her owner to breast cancer this way - TWICE!

So, what are dog's detecting when they smell cancer? They smell a metabolic waste that is excreted by cancer cells, but not normal cells. It seems that some dogs naturally find this chemical to be a concern, or, at the least, interesting. Dogs can detect these chemical traces in the range of parts per trillion, making them able to smell cancer even during the early stages!

Dogs are currently being trained to detect cancer, similarly to how a dog is trained to detect drugs or bombs. A treat-based reward system is used, along with samples from healthy and cancer patients. The dog is rewarded when he sniffs the cancer sample. Eventually the dog learns to alert to the cancer sample by lying down or sitting when he comes upon it. Cancer-detecting dogs are often trained and capable in a matter of a couple weeks.

Studies around the world are proving that dogs can be extremely accurate in smelling and identifying cancer. This could be a huge benefit in the early detection of cancer, possibly saving countless lives. Researchers hope to incorporate dogs and their talented noses (literally the best odor detectors known to man) into physical exams in doctor's offices, alerting doctors to possible cancer concerns.

Think of all the things our best friend does for us - provide therapy, guide the blind, protect and serve those in law enforcement and the military, search for our missing loved ones, alert us to bombs, guard our homes, detect our cancer... provide unconditional love. Such an incredible creature.

Pretty incredible, huh?  I've read stories on here where ladies have had their dogs become obsessed with their breast--sniffing them constantly.  Very cool.

Hugs,

Karen

portiasproudmom

Ulla, sweetie, cheer up!  You're young, beautiful, extremely intelligent, and ALIVE!!  I know it's easy to let this bc stuff pull you down into a dark hole, but don't let it!!  You're being treated by the best onky in your country.  You're going to live a long, happy, healthy life!!

Love you, Ulla!  {{{{{{{Ulla}}}}}}}

Karen

portiasproudmom

AND you're going to have a couple of adorable babies that look just like my dear niece Jada!!!!!

Okay--that just HAS to make you smile!!!!!!!!!!!

Love and hugs,

Karen

honeygirl

Hi Karen! What a cute pic. Hey , I'll be glad to send you some of my hot , humid , sweaty weather!

        Its actually 88degrees in here! I'm going back in my air conditioned bedroom. bbl.xxxx Mel

Anonymous

Dearest Ulla,

Gentle, silent sadness is a place familiar to all of us. When your words return, please share them with us.

A thought:

1. A person loves to entertain and plans a barbeque for friends, thinking it will be a lovely day. It rains so hard the barbeque is ruined. Everyone has to run inside.

2. A person loves to entertain and wants to plan a barbeque for friends, but is afraid it might rain so does nothing. The day turns out sunny and perfect for a barbeque.

Which is the tragedy? Is planning for an unknown future meaninful in and of itself? Meaningful enough to make it worth the risk? 

Love and gentle hugs,

Judie 

sueps

Sisters helloooooooo xxx

I can't post much as I am in agony...wtf...my arm, under my arm ,my hand ,my shoulder and my back and my ribs...are swollen more than ever with stupid freaking fluid...any tips.... any type of massage tips...does lymphedea get worse with hot weather....thanks for your answers ma dears xxx

Ulla thinking of ya loads...I was at work today upstairs in my office with a long sad face cos I feel like you xxxx just think we were like that together...cant wait to meet ya Ulla ...I will cheer ya up hehehehe  GET LOST BOOTFACE XXX

I love you all the build up of fluid is making me sick xxx and am fed up and dont want to die by nxt year xxx UGHHHHH

I AM FREAKING FED UP WITH THE SWELLIN AND PAIN AND CHEMO S/E

SOZ XXX lol

xxx

TenderIsOurMight

Boo, Sue



Lymphedema definitely worsens in hot weather, Sue. Ha, bet you didn't know I was following along. Well I do and I'm very sad to read your post. It's the last thing you need or any dear person with BC, including men, need.



Do you go to a lymphedema specialist, Sue who can teach you to wrap etc? This and lightening your lifting at work and air conditioning will all help.



Hugs to you,

Tender

livesstrong

Sue - this is long but READ it and do as it says, missy.

How to Avoid Lymphedema

Prevention is the best tool against arm lymphedema. Learn the warning signs and the precautions to take. Make these guidelines and a heightened awareness a regular part of your life.

Skin care is your first line of defense. Since the skin acts as a barrier to infection, any disruption of the skin can spell trouble. Burns, chafing, dryness, cuticle injury (such as hangnails), cracks, cuts, splinters, and insect bites are immediate risks for infection.

Learn to recognize the signs of infection:

• fever
• redness
• swelling, warmth, or tenderness in the at-risk arm

Infection and inflammation can escalate quickly. Redness, tenderness, and warmth can spread from the injury up your arm. Call your doctor as soon as you suspect infection. You may need to start antibiotics immediately with any early sign of trouble. If you already have swelling, or if you have diabetes (whether or not you have swelling) you may need antibiotics after just the smallest of injuries—even without any sign of trouble.

If you already have significant arm edema, sometimes a dental procedure may trigger an arm infection. This is because the work a dentist does on the tissues in your mouth may increase the number of bacteria circulating in your bloodstream. Vulnerable areas in the body, like the compromised drainage of a swollen arm, may become hangouts for the bacteria. If you've already had an arm infection following dental work, talk to your doctor about whether you should take prophylactic (preventive) antibiotics before future dental procedures. (People with heart valve disease take prophylactic antibiotics before or right after a dental procedure for the same reason.)

Do's and Don'ts: Preventing Lymphedema

• Do moisturize your skin frequently and regularly. Use lotions such as Moisturel, Eucerin, Vaseline Intensive Care, or your own favorite brand to make your skin supple and prevent it from cracking.
• Do keep your hand and arm extra-clean, but don't use harsh soaps such as Ivory (despite Ivory's advertised image as a gentle soap) or Dial. Use Dove instead.
• Do use rubber gloves when you wash dishes or hand-wash clothes.
• Do wear protective gloves when you garden or do outside chores.
• Do take more frequent rest breaks when scrubbing, mopping, cleaning, or while doing other vigorous or repetitive activities, especially if your arm feels tired, heavy, or achy.
• Do wear oven mitts when handling hot foods.
• Do use an electric razor instead of a safety razor.
• Do use insect repellents that won't dry out the skin, such as Avon's Skin-So-Soft, which actually moisturizes the skin. Avoid brands that contain a significant amount of alcohol. (Any ingredient that ends in "ol" is a type of alcohol.)
• Do apply antibiotic ointment (like Bactroban) to any insect bites or torn cuticles (as long as you are not allergic to its contents).
• Do protect your arm from sunburn with sunscreen. Use a product with a minimum SPF of 15, although SPF 30 is much better.
• Do use a thimble when you sew.
• Do REST your arm in an elevated position. But don't hold up your arm without support for a long time because your muscles will tire.
• Do control your blood sugars very carefully if you have diabetes, to minimize the danger of damage to the small blood vessels and infection.
• Do wear compression bandages or a compression sleeve and glove on the affected arm when flying in airplanes (if you already have arm swelling).
• Don't take unusually hot baths or showers.
• Don't go from extreme hot to cold water temperatures when you bathe or wash dishes.
• Don't go into high-heat hot tubs, saunas, or steam baths.
• Don't apply heating pads or hot compresses to the arm, neck, shoulder, or back on the affected side. Also, be cautious of other heat-producing treatments provided by physical, occupational, or massage therapists, such as ultrasound, whirlpool, fluidotherapy, or deep tissue massage. Heat and vigorous massage encourage the body to send extra fluid into the compromised area.
• Don't carry heavy objects with your at-risk arm, especially with the arm hanging downward.
• Don't wear heavy shoulder bags on the affected side.
• Don't wear clothing that has tight sleeves or that restrains movement.
• Don't wear your watch or other jewelry on your affected hand or arm.
• Don't use a heavy breast prosthesis after mastectomy. It may put excessive pressure on alternative routes of lymphatic drainage that are already doing double duty. Find a lightweight model or make one yourself.
• Don't drink much alcohol. Alcohol causes blood vessels to expand and leak extra fluid into the tissues.
• Don't smoke. Smoking narrows the small blood vessels, lessening the flow of fluids in the arm.
• Don't get manicures that cut or overstress the skin around the nails.
• Don't permit blood pressure testing on your at-risk arm. If you've had breast cancer in both breasts, ask that your blood pressure be tested on your thigh. If this is not possible, ask that the person measuring your blood pressure inflate the cuff only slightly above your normal systolic pressure (the first, higher number of your blood pressure).
• Don't permit the skin of your at-risk arm to be pierced for any reason: injections, drawing blood, or vaccinations. (Don't trust anyone, not even your personal physician, to remember which is your at-risk arm.) If you've had breast cancer in both breasts along with underarm lymph node dissections, blood should be drawn from another part of your body. If blood must be drawn from your arm, use your non-dominant arm (your left arm, if you are right-handed; your right arm, if you are left-handed). If one side had no lymph node dissection, use the arm on that side, regardless of whether it's your dominant arm.

AE

 

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honeygirl

Judie , beautiful , beautiful words of wisdom. I felt it come straight from your heart.

Sue , sorry your in such pain and swelling. Hope you can get some relief. Tender and AE gave some good info. xxxx Mel

portiasproudmom

Sheesh!  bc really is the gift that keeps on giving, isn't it Sue?  I'm sorry that your le is acting up.  I really think you do too much repetitive stuff at work.  Do you wear a garment on your arm when you're working? 

Take care.  Love you!!

Hugs,

Karen

portiasproudmom

Hi Mel.  You know, I think I'll take our overcast, cool weather over your humid stuff.  I don't do humid well.

Stay cool!!!  Love ya!

Hugs,

Karen

sueps

Hehehe Tender ..you made me jump when I read your post xxxx lol

Ok Ok Sisters I went and nodded off for Enland on the chair again...it is 2am and I have to be up at 5am....god what happened to my sleep pattern...

I just want to say a huge thx for the above posts which I will read tomorrow after work THANKYOOOOOOO hehehe

Well I am going to see my onky on Tues for toxicology test so I will mention this   to him ...also my bad back which is exruciating for 5 weeks now.... I am sure it is the stairs and lifting ...

SWEET DREAMS SISTERS ....I love you allll

....Mel ...I hope I am not too crashed out tomorrow as I want to wish you a very beautiful and peaceful happy birthday xxx

Much Love ...once again from my heart and soul I love you all xxx

Wren

Hi all!

If you can see a cute photo of a wren in my avi it's because Towhee sent me a photo she took of a winter wren so I'd have one to use! I just love it! I am so grateful.

Also, Sue, it sounds like you are overdoing things so your arm is swelling up. Please be careful and see a lymphedema specialsist. They can give you special massages and teach you how to do some yourself.

Ulla, I am sending you a big hug and hope you will feel better.

I only have two and a half days until my surgery!!!

geebung

((((AE)))) - I'm sorry I wasn't around to wish you happy birthday! Well, I hope you had a wonderful day and I'm sending you my very warmest, belated birthday hugs. ((((()))))!

((((Mel)))) - is it your birthday too? Is it today? - Monday, 9th June? If it is, I hope you have a wonderful day. (((((Big hugs to you too)))))! I must do you SexintheCity quiz.

It's my oldest niece's 36th birthday today, my youngest niece's tomorrow (25th) and my mother will turn 91 on the 19th June.  

Sue - I am so sorry to hear that you are in such a swollen, painful state. I can't add anything to AE's extensive list of do's & don'ts. I do know that if you catch LE early, get treatment - massages, instructions on how to wrap your arm when it swells, a properly fitted compression sleeve, and are careful, you can minimise its develpment and keep it at a comfortable level. I so hope you can get some treatment from a person who really knows what she/he is doing - soon! Gentle hugs to you - I wish I could help you - being so far away...I feel useless...

Ulla - big, gentle hugs to you. I think it is not at all unusual to be feeling down like this after treatment. Are you on any antidepressants? I think it would be such a good idea for you to have them to get you over this part of your recovery. The Tamoxifen probably isn't helping either. I have heard taht the initial side effects tend to fade but you shouldn't have to suffer them cold turkey in the meantime. I wish I was with you to give you a hug and just sit beside you. 

Lisa - Sex and the City opened here last week. I don't know if I will get to see it for a while... Hope you have a fantastic time dressing up in your sexy clothes and going out with your gfs to see it - have a fantastic time!

Wren, I am sending you my most strengthening, loving vibes and hugs for a fantastic outcome for your surgery. How are you feeling - a mixture I suppose - scared, excited, happy...?

Karen - I would like to send you some lovely warm sunny weather but it's the opposite of that here! It's been raining ever since June 1! The mountains were cold, misty and raining - but very atmospheric - I love the mysterious, mossy beauty of the mountains in that sort of weather. I planted my  purple garlic plants and they seemed to be very happy. I don't do humid well either - partly why I am moving to a cooler region. I loved your post about dogs - really fascinating. They are such wonderful animals.

Nancy - sounds like you had a great weekend. The water in your brother's pool is sure to be warm enough for a dip soon!

Jule - I absolutely loved hearing about your roses. They are my favourite flower. I prefer the heavily scented ones - all colours, so long as I can inhale that wonderful smell! What colour is the Stirling Silver - pale mauve-blue perhaps?

Judie - wild yellow roses with a heavenly scent - oooh yes!

AnneW - late springtime in the foothills of the Rockies...I can't think of a better place to be! I bet those tender spring lettuce will taste great! That is so great that you are back in the climbing gym already!

Shirlann - great to see your post. As usual, your calm wisdom is a soothing balm.

All of you - big hugs and love and also to Angie, Mia, Sheila, Kaloni, AnnNYC, Lucy, UB and anyone I haven't directly spoken to.

Jane xxx 

geebung

I don't think I am like any of the women in SITC - but I did the quiz anyway and got Miranda! Lol!

livesstrong

Mel - Happy Birthday!!

"

AE

lvtwoqlt

AE - happy late birthday

Mel - Happy birthday to you

Anyone else not happy with their weather, just come to North Carolina, right now we have the summer Bermuda high off the coast and it is sending all the rain from the midwest to the north of us and pushing all the humidity straight to NC. We should have temps in the 80's but pushing 100 even here in the foothills and threating record highs that are about 100 yrs old. My window ac unit broke in the house and every day last week I got home to inside temps about 90-94. Poor Penelope, it was all I could do to try and keep her cool with fans sitting on the floor as well as the celing fans. I could not get anyone out to check out the ac so over the weekend we bought a new unit, old unit was about 10 yrs old and it would have cost as much to get it serviced as the cost of a new energy efficent one.

About the sailors - remember that they have mothers too and worry about who they will meet when they are on shore leave!!! John spent 2 weeks in 2005 in Portland during their Fleet Week not to mention all the time in foreign ports since Nov.

I need to get back to what I am paid to do.

Sheila

my3girls

Just a quick hello.  I have sooo much to do today! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MELODY!!! WOOHOOO...I LOVE YOU SWEETIE..HOPE YOU HAVE A GREAT DAY!! I wish it was cooler for you!! It's going to be in the 90's here!  Thank God I have air conditioning! Have a great day ladies, I will catch up with you tomorrow...and let you know how my Sex in the City, night went! xoxo Lisa

Anonymous

HAPPY B-DAY MEL!!!!!! I hope is a VERY special one!!!! love ya...

Our weather was beautiful yesterday, then today I woke to a cloudy breezy day again...I wish it would straighten out....I know we need to moisture but ENOUGH ALREADY!!!!!! Im ready to start my summer...

Hugs to all

Jule

AnneW

Happy Birthday, Mel, and a late one to AE!!

Sheila, how oppressive--all that heat and humidity, and it's not even officially August yet! Get rid of it before I come home!

Ulla, I remember feeling like there was no way I could make future plans, because, well, who knew what would happen. That took about 2 years to pass. So, instead of making long-range plans, I tend often to be more spontaneous for the day.

But even 5 years out, thing come up that blow plans out of the water. I've had to cancel a 3 week New Zealand trek twice (once because DH lost his job, the other because of my cancer recurrence)--but I haven't given up hope that I WILL go this year. But who knows--a natural disaster could get in the way...Some things you just can't control.

If you dwell on what you CAN'T do, you'll never find the joy in what you CAN do.

So, I'm off to do a hike, in an area where the snow has all melted. I'm hoping to see some orioles--I hear they are out where I'm headed!

Everyone have a good day. Find that ray of sunshine within. (Can you tell I'm back on my Zoloft??)

Anne

livesstrong

Add me to the HOT list - supposed to hit 101 degrees!!!  Meanwhile , I'm sitting at my desk with a sweater on - it's FREEZING in here.

You can't win.

Thanks again for the birthday wishes, Jane, UB's B-day is the 19th as well!!

Lots of Gemini's around here - WOOP WOOP!!

bbl,

AE

lvtwoqlt

AE, It may be close to 100 outside but here in the office I think it is close to 50  . Last week it was tolerable here in the office but today I am freezing. I keep going outside for 3 or 4 minutes every hour just to warm up.

Anne, I will do what I can but you know the weather, if you don't like it now, wait 10 minutes and it will change. Wait a minute, what am I saying--- it has been cookie cutter summer temps for a week. At lunch I watched the weather and they are saying that we should see a break in the temps Thurs or Friday. This week is VBS and we usually get rain sometime during VBS and Carolina Conference youth camp is the week of June 22nd and it usually rains that week also.

Got to get back to work.

Sheila

portiasproudmom

Happy Birthday dear Mel!!!  And many, many more!!! 

Love you,

Karen

portiasproudmom

Crappy weather here again today.  Grrrrrrr!!! It's going to snow up to a foot in the mountain passes this evening!  I can't believe this.  It's JUNE!!!  We went to a kid's birthday party yesterday at the park.  It was so cold, we all were using those "hot hands" thingies.  Craziness!  Portia has a dance/cruise Wednesday night to celebrate her 9th grade graduation.  Those poor girls are going to freeze their butts off in their sleeveless dresses and skimpy little shawls. 

Love and hugs to everyone.

Karen

sueps

  OH DEAR MEL....Happy Birthday to yoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo !!!!!!!

LOVE YA LOADS MEL...X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

sueps

WOW Karen....what bad weather you're having...its been hot in the UK....been in the mid 80s'   ..... I have a day off tomorrow...going to the hospital tho.....at 3pm BOOOOOOOOOOO

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO TFACE

Well girlies my bloomin hand an arm an ribs are driving me crazeeee!!! I am goin to tell them at my appointment tmw ...

I hope you are all having some good moments ....

Wren I love ya little wren .... I love watching birdies in the garden.... xxx

I still have massive s e ...my nose and mouth are sooooooo sore and bleeding and I am fighting to stay awake....it is some 3 weeks since I had my last tx....I am having a toxicology test tomorrow ... how long does bootface medicines take to disappear.... I have a weeks holiday next week WOOP!! WOOP!!!   and I do not want to feel tired!!!! I have loads to catch up with.....xxx

My dad is so worried about me....says he can't believe how much I have crammed into my life ..... and wants me to take stock .... how do I ... its too much....

Serious question..... have all of you gone through the emotional side of losing a breast...coming face to face with EVERYTHING  including what might be.... and then  sorted ya heads out etc...or do a lot of you think in small doses ...cause it hurts too much....xxx  do you know what I mean.... I can always feel some amount of sadness bubbling inside of me .... and I HATE shopping for clothes right now... HATE HATE HATE ... I feel like a man must do when his suit is too big.... nuffin fits right ....  HO HUM DE HUM ...

LOL

 Much Love xxx