please help

livesstrong

Mornin All -

Just a quick pop in - 

Cathi - hang in there - sounds like you are doing great.

Judie - how are you?  Don'r let the ex thing make you crazy - try not to over think it.  My guess is she just wanted someone to talk to.

Have a great day everyone,

AE

NancyD

Sorry I've been MIA. Work has been very, very busy. We publish college textbooks on American Governrment (among other things), and the upcoming election has us working overtime. We have to get everything ready before hand that we can (covers especially, which are my domain), and then the results are rushed to the printer the week after the election so the books can be printed before the end of the year.

We have something like 45 Election Update covers we have to get out to the printer before the end of the month. Of course, the editors are dragging their feet and complaining about things I have no control over. We just went through a branding update (new logos), and the eds don't like the guidelines that were set by the branding committee. Everyone wants their covers changed, and I can't do it if it violates the guidelines. I don't know how many times I have to tell them, No, can't do it. Then they go running to their editor-in-chief or editorial director to try and get "dispensation" for their title. They're like little kids going from one parent to the other to try and get what they want. I'm just trying to get the darn thigns out on time so we make their incrediably tight deadlines.

And it doesn't help that the branding committee has updated and changed the guidelines THREE TIMES in the last three months. We just get settled into the new standards and, POOF, there's a new set of rules to follow. There's always a shakedown period when going through an identity change like this, so I'm not that surprised, but it's happening at a time when we have so many covers going to the printer that it's adding so much work to make the changes.

And one of my designers was out for ten days...came back Monday...and I had to do his work while he was away. 

Karen, if you're on Tamox or an AI, they are very likely the cause of your pain...much more likely than mets. And there's aging. I first started feeling pangs of osteo arthritis in my late 40s. Buck up...

lvtwoqlt

I got this in an email today from my uncle and wanted to pass on this thought:

If you planted hope today in any hopeless heart,

If someone's burden was lighter because you did your part,

If you caused a laugh that chased a tear away,

If tonight your name is mentioned when someone kneels to pray,

Then you day was well spent.

I am glad that we plant hope, lift burdens, cause laughter, wipe tears, and pray for each other in this cyber community.

Sheila

portiasproudmom

I love that, Sheila.  Thanks for sharing it.  Please know that I pray for each and every one of you every night.  You all mean so much to me.

I'm feeling a little bit better today.  Don't know what brought on that little breakdown last night.  It just seems that I'm more and more achy every day.  I feel like this old lady with her cracking, rickety old body.  Plus, I just keep getting fatter and fatter!  None of my pants fit properly anymore.  I refuse to buy new jeans, but I can't hang out in sweats every single day.  I've been trying so hard to eat well, but the scale just doesn't seem to move.  I know that my knee would feel better if I took off 15 pounds or so.  Sigh.................stupid, frickin' bootface!!!!!!!

Good to see you, Nancy!  We've missed you.  Sounds like things have been totally crazy at work.  Hang in there!

Love you all!!  Keep me in your thoughts tomorrow as I get my port out.  I know it's no big deal, but anesthesia always makes me a bit nervous.

Hugs,

Karen

shari1232

Congrats on getting your port out tomorrow, Karen!  I understand completely about anesthesia being scary.  At least with this one, something good happens when you wake up!!!

lvtwoqlt

Karen I know what you are saying about not fitting in your jeans. I put on 15 lbs since my surgery and just can't seem to loose it, and I am not on any treatment that would prevent me from losing the weight.

John is having a good time while home. He is still undecided what he wants to do or where he needs to live. He is doing a few chores around the house while he is home. He said he would mow the grass tomorrow for me. That should be the last time it needs mowed this year, the leaves are starting to fall from the maple and dogwood trees. He called and his truck has been delivered to Atlanta, I am taking Monday of to drive him to Atlanta to get his truck.

Sheila

Anonymous

Good morning all,

Well, it's actually afternoon,  I slept late. With the Femara I've had constant hot flashes, bone pain, and insomnia. Bragging that I always sleep well no matter what is a thing of the past. I hate it. Another bootface rage opportunity!!!

My onc prescribed Neurontin when I saw her the other day. I've taken it the past two nights and still take 3 or more hours to fall asleep, but with the med I don't wake up again until morning. We'll see. It sure gives a hangover, though.

AE, I'm not stewing over the ex but allowing things to unfold however they will. We are talking at least once a day and the conversations are as if we just picked up where we left off. It's good to communicate about unfinished business, like when setting up my sewing machine yesterday to make some outfits for Connor, I realized that all my accessories, threads, supplies, patterns, etc. are still at her house. It still feels eerily strange, but so far okay.

Jane!!! So good to hear from you. Please get internet soon and tell us all about your new home and community.

Sheila, how very true. Thanks for the inspiration. That's SO you!

Cathi, how goes it?  I know what you mean about dreading actually seeing your chest. It's a tough hurdle, but once done it's done and you can move on. Did you end up writing a message on the girls before they left home? Do you think our girls went away to college and left us with the empty chest syndrome? GROAN......I'm sorry. The devil made me do it.

Oh, Nancy! I can't imagine the pressure you're under. I'm sorry, but I must say I thoroughly enjoyed the peek into your world. You are a strong woman...which has always come through in your posts, but I see it more clearly today. I hope a reprieve arrives soon so you can have a little fun and relaxation.

Karen, be well. Sue, too. Shirlann, come back soon. I miss you. Fumi, get yourself back here. We need you! Ulla, keep on working hard and know you are loved and supported. Mel, you are my sunshine.

Everyone, be strong if you can, weak if you must, always caring as much for yourself as others.

Judie

geebung

Hi Judi! It's really cold here and I'm sitting in front of my heater, delaying all the work I have to do. I feel like eating the rest of the chocolate I bought this morning (it's dark, sugar-free and I only had 2 squares - honestly!!) and having another coffee but I must start painting and packing up things to either take to my new home or to the charity bin.

Karen, the weight thing is so depressing isn't it? I've been walking to town every day which is involves several very steep hills and I've been watching what I eat (all the articles about losing weight talk about "mindful eating", eating slowly and mainly whole foods). Well, I'm doing all that and nothing seems to be happening! Perhaps if I persevere, the weight will come off gradually? I hope so! 

Well... I'm off to wield a paintbrush. Love to everyone (and welcome to the newbys here who have joined in my absence).

Jane xxx 

Shirlann

Okay, okay, time for a silly joke.

Seems that death (the grim reaper) knocked on this old lady's door.

She answered; "Hello", he said, "Are you Edith P. Wadsworth?"

She said, "yes, I am".

He said, "I am Death!"

She said, "THAT'S OKAY, I WILL JUST SPEAK TO YOU A LITTLE LOUDER!".

heheheheheheheeeee

Love you all, Shirlann

lvtwoqlt

groan!!! that was bad Shirlann!

1Cathi

Hi All,

Just a quick pop in, been having alot of nausea the past few days and the drains are really causing alot of pain - oh they are awful. 

Karen and Lisa so sorry about the pains and fears,  please see your doc's and get some answers.  I wish I could spend more time posting and being uplifting but right now it is a bit hard, just know that I am thinking of you all and wishing us all to be "BOOTFACE FREE"

XOXOXOXOXOXO

livesstrong

Morning ladies,

 Not much to say today - I'm in a crabby mood - one of those I HATE EVERYTHING days.

I'll be back when I'm more civil.

Love you all.

AE

Anonymous

Hi ladies

Sorry to hear that some of you are having troubles...I sure wish I knew how to wave a magic wand and make them disappear...I too have been holding back whinning about hurting....for this past couple of months my right hip has been giving me fits....my PCP took some x-rays and they came out ok so no idea what the heck is going on but it does scare me...she told me that she would like for me to tell my onc about it in Nov. if it is still giving me troubles.

I havent posted much because work is absolutely INSANE right now!!!! but home life is wonderful as David is finally getting settled in some....I hated the feeling that he was living out of a box.....but on the other hand I had no idea how hard it was going to be to inter-mix two households full for things!!!!!! If any of you need ANYTHING for a house let me know....we have TWO of them Im sure...

Well, as always work calls, but ladies, please keep my boss in your thoughts today...a few weeks ago he was dx'd with protrate cancer and during the testing for that they discovered a 4 inch thickening in his femur that they arent sure what is...he will be in surgery here in a couple of hours for that so please keep him in your thought for a pathology...the specialist that is doing the surgery sounded like he thought the growth was a cyst but did not rule out bone cancer....

Hugs to all

Jule

Ulla

dear sisters,,thsi will be really quick one to wish cathi all the best in these exhausting days,,and to dear karen as she is getting her port out,,

am terrily sorry that i cant catch with the posts,,i have another examination in the GOTHENBURG UNIVERSITY 2morow,,it is difficuilt one that i must pass to be accepted in the new medical course,,plz keep ur fingers crossed for me ..

i promise that i will come back to tell u a really funny story about my last appointment with the gynicologist last wednesday...i just have no time today to stay any more,,,

love u ..love u sisters,,u mean the world for me,,

geebung

Good luck Ulla! I hope you come top of your class! Also thinking of Karen, Lisa, cathi, AE, Sue and all of you who are having worries, pain and sadness.

Love to everyone. Jane. xoxox 

1Cathi

good news on the port Karen.  Lisa Ae, Sue and everyone hope you are having a better day. 

I have ofically looked at the chest of coarse it looks a mess  - steristrips and drain tubes and what not-  the missing boobs aren't the big concern right now, I guess I really never knew what you gals meant by "dog ears"  my chest is soooooooooo indented from the compression bandage, the BS assures me it will fill back out -and I have been feeling this kinda weird feeling like my bones are moving or something.  The BS said that because I had a relitively small amout of body fat the compression was alot-  I don't know , I was not really ready for that look, anyway thats the really freaky looking part. I want to stop the pain meds, and we have been able to spread them furthur apart but the stupid drains on the R side are giving me a fit -  OH well each day is a bit better.

LOVE TO ALL XOXOXOXOXOXO

footprintsangel

 Dear Friend, I just got home from PTherapy and feel like I was dragged threw a knot holes. To all the wonderful and caring people, I just want to say how nice you care about others, I hope you take care and keep fighting. When I was at the hospital I met a lady that is having lung cancer removed, I felt pretty lucky even though theres alot going on. God bless you all, Debbie

Wren

Hello Ulla! Hope you do very well on your examination! So good to see you here. I can't wait to read about your appointment at the gyn.

Cathi1, You are doing so well to be up and posting and reading here. I know those drains suck, etc... and all, but you will just continue to feel and look better (more healed) each day.

Today is the one year anniversary of my bilateral mastectomy... and yes, I thought about it allllll day, BUT when I started to feel any twinge of sadness I just thought to myself that I'd much rather be doing what I was today, cancer-free, than what I was doing a year ago....  Wow, what a year... I can't believe all that's happened since then--four surgeries later... My next surgery is only about two and a half weeks away too.

Hugs to you all!

livesstrong

Evening All,

 Cathi - hope your pain lightens up soon, you are doing great.

Wren - congrats on your one year!!

Ulla - Good Luck my friend, you'll do fine.

Jane - HI'ya girlfriend (can you see me waving) - what's the latest?

Nancy - boy you sure don't need all that crazyiness right after finishing rad's.

Karen - how did it go today?  They knocked you out?  UB & I were awake for ours.

Lisa, Sue, Judie, Shirlann - where are you??

AE

Anonymous

I'm here!

Doing well. Sewing for Connor finally. It feels good.

Bad, bad joke Shirlann...my favorite kind!

Cathi, I'm sorry its being a rough go for you. Doggone it. We're here for you, but then you know that. My heart is sure there.

Jule, isn't it amazing how many have come forward with pain that they are hiding out of fear? Wow. I'm glad you've had yours checked out. I second the idea of checking in with your onc just to be covered. And, I think it is not related to bootface.

I can just see you trying to stuff David's stuff alongside yours. I need a futon or a couch if you want to toss one over. I have a futon couch and my perfectly trained cat punished me for going to Walla Walla by peeing on it the whole time I was gone. Everything had to be dumped, and I now have a nice metal frame to sit on.

Sending good vibes to your boss. 

Ulla, there is no doubt that you will ace the test tomorrow. I'm so excited! You are pushing through one obstacle after another, you amazing woman!

Wren, congratulations on your first cancerversary! We're just a couple of months apart, and I know what you mean about all that has happened in that year. 

AE, sorry you are grumpy. You probably caught it from the rest of us lately. It's sure been a time of venting...much needed, I think.

Love to all,

Judie

Wren

Well, I don't know what date is my official cancerversary, LOL... I had my lumpectomy on Aug. 29th of 2007 and my bilateral mastectomy on Oct. 23 of 2007. Both are significant because on the first surgery we got all the cancer (that we knew of) and on the second I said goodbye to a part of me... and hopefully decreased the chances of ever having breast cancer again...

All I know is that today was a weird day for me--and although I wanted to tell someone, I didn't know who to tell... and so I just wore my pink ribbon pin and bought a Breast Cancer raffle ticket at Safeway, LOL!

Anonymous

Well, glad you told US! Your two surgeries bracket my one surgery...bilateral mastectomy on September 29 of 2007, but I opted not to do reconstruction, so unless I change my mind, I should be finished. You will win the raffle...I'm sure of it!

lvtwoqlt

Wren I am with you on what is the offical cancervarsary date, my stero biopsy was April 25, 2007, and my bilat mast was June 1, 2007. I don't count the additional surgeries for my recon since the cancer was gone at that point. The final path report from the bilat mast showed no additional cancer in the right breast, so the biopsy got all the cancer out, but there was additional pre-cancer in both breasts. so if I didn't do the bilat, I would have been fighting again sometime down the yellowbrick road. I am with you on 2007 was a long hard year and 2008 has been much better.

Cathi, it is still early from your surgery, and you shouldn't expect to feel 100% yet. I think I was still feeling weird after 2 weeks. what helped me feel better was getting rid of those nasty drains! How many did you end up with, I had 4?

Ulla, I am wishing you good luck on your exams.

I am still trying to sort out where John's stuff is going, he is cleaning off the computer desk (with the obsolete computer on it) to make room for his stuff. My stuff is all going in a box for me to go through later. We still don't know when the rest of his stuff will be arriving from HI, there was a problem with coordinating the shipping company with the person John left responsible for the storage unit to meet and get the packing done.

Sue where are you!!!!

Sheila

1Cathi

Hey Shelia,

I have 4 drains as well, the right side hurts much worse than the left,  can't wait for Tuesday the nurse that comes in says  for sure the BS will remove them.  We got the final PATH report, the L breast had no residual carcanoma from ILC but multifoci micrcals, ALH and LCIS.  The R breast even astounded the surgeon she knew from US and mamos and MRI's I had alot of cysts, but she was was amazed at how many when actually removed -  she said mty entire breast was pretty much a cyst/lesion - compsed of micrcals, ADH, DCIS and everything else under the sun. So what a great decision I have made,   for the first time in 2 years I feel like I have beaten this rotten BOOTFACE - YEAH!!!!

Love to you all - hope we all have a great day.

shari1232

Yayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy Cathi!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

lvtwoqlt

Cathi, I had 2 removed at 7 days after surgery and the other 2 removed about 14 days after surgery. The last two were draining too much to remove at day 7. Your path was alot like mine, I had no additional DCIS in the right breast but addtional ADH in the right and hyperplaysic ductal cells (too many cells in the duct but not abnormal) in the left. My surgeon said I made the right decision, if I hadn't had both removed I would have been looking at bootface again in the future, maybe invasive. I was fighting ADH for 2 years in both breasts and like you I felt like I beat the rotten bootface after my surgery.

whoops I didn't mean to repeat myself.

Sheila

Anonymous

Hey, Cathi, no more second-guessing, eh? Fantastic. You knew this was the right thing, but until the final path report, there's always that awful wondering if this is really the right thing. Keep yourself comfortable, and heal.

Sheila, what a nuisance it must be dealing with the shipping company. I can only imagine trying to fit someone else in your home...I'd go crazy! But what a great reason...your son is home safely. Whoopee!!!

My onc said she considers surgery to be the cancerversary because it is the first day you are free of bootface. That makes sense to me. That's a cause for celebration where date of diagnosis is not. So that's what I decided to do...celebrate the day bootface was removed.

Hi Shari! How's it going?

Off to sew really cute stuff for Connor. I'm having fun!

Judie

lvtwoqlt

Judi, When John left for the Navy and was married, I didn't expect him to come home and stay for any length of time. I painted his room a mint green and put new curtains up that are turquoise and mint paisley print. He hates the color and curtains. My computer table went in the room as well as my sewing machines and new shelf for fabric and notions. I also was packing and mailing boxes to friends in the military stationed overseas and the extra stuff I purchased to put in the boxes are also in that room. I am also getting used to someone else at the house during the week and planning meals according, no more fixing grilled cheese and soup when I don't know what else to fix for supper.

My sister-in-law gifted me some old Dresden Plate quilt pieces to put on a quilt and I can't wait to get started appliqueing them on blocks and designing the lay-out. The thing is I am still working on my mother-in-law's Christmas present, a Mickey Mouse tree skirt that is hand appliqued. I have been working on it since Jan and am about 3/4 of the way done. I am trying my best to get the tree skirt done by Thanksgiving when she puts her tree up so she can enjoy it all season. I had thought about doing her a tree skirt since we were married (11 yrs in December) but hadn't found the perfect pattern to go with her Mickey Mouse obsession until Christmas last year.

Sheila

honeygirl

Hi all my wonderful girlfriends! Happy fall and harvest season to all.

Hi Jane! Hi Ulla! Sooooo good to see you here. Jane , you are such a busy/active person. I envy you. I will use you as my inspriration! I can't wait to see you new "homestead". Please post pics asap. Its so funny how we are starting fall/winter , and you are having beautiful spring. I love the change of seasons. Spring in the mountains must be beautiful. Love you Jane.

Ulla , please let us know , how your test went. I know you have the ability to do it! Good luck sister.

Welcome Debbie! I'm sorry , I don't remember if you said what your pt is for. I hope it helps. I know what you mean about feeling lucky at times. There was a women where I work , that was diagnosed with lung cancer , just after my bc diag.. She quit work in the summer cause it came back. Sure is scary. Where do you live Debbie? If you don't mind me asking. I'm in Ohio. Close to Lisa. Well glad you joined us. Hope you are having a good weekend.

Hi Judie! Wow , I respect anyone who can sew. My mom was great at it , made alot of my sisters and my clothes when we were little. And my sister is good at it. I however , well , not so much! Please take pics of Connor in his little outfits. About your ex , imho , just take it one day at a time. It seems like you both were going through a crisis situation , and that alone can cause people to break up. Maybe she realizes' how much she misses you. And wants you in her life again. But you do whats good for you Judie. You are still hurting , but you really have come a long way from where you were. And you are making "new beginnings" for yourself. I guess I just want you to do what feels good and comfortable for you.You are a super person , and so gifted , you deserve to be happy. Now , get busy sewing those threads lady! Love you Judie

Hi Sue! How are you honey? Are you feeling any better? Has your head healed? Do we need to have another "blast the bootface" session? Love to you and your boys. Come let us know how you are. Hey , its almost holloween here. Don't you have "bondfire night" , or something like that in England? Happy Bonfire night!

Well ladies , my bff came to visit me this week. She lives in Fla. and she came to visit with her first grandchild , Bella. It was so good to see her. I have known her since I was five yrs.old. She dropped everything , and came and helped take care of me after my surgery. We caught up , laughed , ate , enjoyed her grandbaby , and I teared up when I told her how much it ment to me , what she did for me. I felt like she helped save me. bc was my lowest , scariest , painful , emotional thing that has ever happened to me. And she really helped me. Thank you Lord for girlfriends. She left for Florida today. I miss her. We laughed and said we will make sure our kids put us in the same nursing home , so we can be together!lol

Hi AE! Have you heard from the doc yet? Do you have to have a biopsy? Gosh , I hate this. I know you do. You're in my prayers lady. I'm sure its nothing , like the last umpteen times , but it sure sucks to have to keep going through this. Gosh I will we were all together right now on your patio , its warm and breezy( for us with hotflashes!) and we are having some blue drinks and listening to Marquriettaville , and UB is making us all laugh with his witt. Someday , we will!

Love you AE.

My niece sent me a "survivor" bracelet. They had a special program in Tenn. where she lives for survivors of bc. She summited my name and was there in my honor , and the read a list and gave out braclets. She is so sweet. She sent me the bracelet and a note that said she was sooo glad I am a survivor and how much she loves me. God bless us all for nieces. They are sooo special.

So even though I don't much care for the "pink month" I sure do appreciate my friends and family.

And that includes all of you. Love you all Melody

portiasproudmom

Hi everyone!  Well, my port is out.  The surgery was quick and painless.  I was a bit tired last night, but that's about it. 

I can't believe I forgot to tell Jane how good it was to hear from you!  I can't wait until  you have internet at your mountain place.  We sure do miss you when you aren't around.  Love you Jane!!

Thanks for the joke, Shirlann.  It made me smile from ear to ear.

Well, I'd better run for now.  Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Love and hugs,

Karen