Illinois ladies facing bc

GOOD MORNING FRIENDS,  Wendy....You crack me up.  I cant wait to tell that story. and I love the snowman.  and for what its worth I like white walls.  They look so clean and fresh.  and my kids hand prints show up nice and clear.  Ha Ha

Zap  It sounds like you had a wonderful time.  Did you go bowling?  3 days next week.  so much for being retired.

I hope all of our new friends in treatment are doing well.  I am so glad you found us.  BC was a terrible journey but finding the friends I made here and the comfort and encouragement made the journey somthing I dont want to forget.  As you  can see we keep coming back.  Ok sorry I got a little mushy.  Love you all.  Bud

P.S.  My son got 1st place at regionals.  Sorry I missed it.  Still sick,  some kind of bug.

Once again it will be in the 40's today.  We really are having a spring leak and I'm going to really be enjoying it.  We have had snowfalls --- though they feel "wrong" the farther into March we get, but into the first of April.  One of our largest ( 14 ins. ) came in first week of April.  They don't last though and start to melt immediately after they are done....so it's fun for a day then a couple of days later....looks like it was never there.

Buddy, I have always adored that picture of the snowman.  As much as I generally like winter ( knowing it is much easier here in southern Illinois ) even I APPRECIATE the feeling it inspires -- especially when winter seems to have been so brutal. 

Marina...glad txs seem to be going down better now.  Hard to continue to see them as a positive measure if they really are too hard on you.  Thankfully, for most people it seems there are adjustments, and it becomes highly tolerable.

Well, might a well start my day as it will be a long one.  The finish will be an Arby's roast beef --  I so love those sandwiches smothered in Arby's Horsey Sauce, and trip to the Salem Wal-Mart right behind the restaurant to get some furniture covers for my couch and chairs.  Pet food is always a given -- my cart would look weird if I did not have at least one bag of food there.  I ought to own the Purina Company by now but they don't know I'm alive. 
See you all later.

Hugs, Jackie

Happy Sunday to all...Oh where oh where is spring. I am really tired of snow and boating season is just around the corner and counting. Sun, beach chair and water what more could a girl ask for. lol Sorry, I have been MIA, just been busy at school, taking care of mil who is now at home and slowly improving and dealing with this thyroid again. I know how you all feel just when you feel really good, bam you get hit with a pain and then the roller coaster ride begins. I am taking one day at a time and just dealing with it. 

Juliec..sorry to hear about the back issues. I hope you are getting some answers soon. I just love Tim's version of the eye test...just too small to see. lol Yup I get kids telling me that all day. I can't see the board so I have to go home. lol. Feel better soon.

Mich..your stain glass pc is beautiful. You are just sooooo talented, maybe this is a new business for you in the future. Just a thought.

Jackie...sorry to hear that your under the weather too. The flu can just bring us down. Rest, fluids and good old chicken soup is in order for you. Hugs and fell better soon.

Wendy..didn't find any back pillows at my Menard's...need my shopping girl. Green is a calming color. Have you tried peach and coral accessories to your color palette. If you need ideas I have many to share.  Just call..

Zap...cross country skiing is so fun..great exercise too. glad you found a place that has everything, bowling, shops and more shops. yeah!! Just think spring break is around the corner.

Buddy ..hope you are feeling better soon too. Rest. Congrats on your son winning, you must be so proud.

Smerf..how was your trip, fun. Sorry to hear that you are sick too. we really need warm weather and soon. Hope you are feeling better soon.

Welcome to all the new girls, hope you are doing well in your txs.

Well I gotta run, I have a busy day today...it is the big birthday dinner party for 5 family members today. Off to start cooking as my son is here to help. Yeah for me. I like when I have an extra pair of hands in the kitchen. Have a great relaxing Sunday !!

Remember be healthy....be happy... enjoy your life.

BJ  

Hi girls!

(Marina had some problems trying to post this photo. She sent me this and asked me to post it for her.)

Marina's little one, Gabriella.

She's adorable!

Adorable picture of Gabriella. Thanks for sharing.

Hi all,

Just checking in for the evening.  Whew !!!!  Got the office cleaned and Maggie's done, and got to Wal;-Mart's for the furniture covers, a little sandwich at Arby's -- one of my very big favorites for fast food.  Love roast beef. I'm sure their roast beef is not so healthy....but it is in Salem so we only go there if we just feel we have to go to the Super Wal-Mart -- so it is not overdone. 

Gabriella is  and not only has hair, but quite a lot for a 12 week old gal.  Gorgeous color.  I'd love that on me.  She is a very beautiful little one.  Lucky you, mom.  Thanks Laura for helping us meet Gabriella. 

Trying to drink a good portion of water everyday.  Anxious to get totally free of this ?????.

Long day so I'm going to say good night to all.  Have sweet refreshing, healthy dreams.  See you in the morning.

Hugs, Jackie

Illinois lady.  Glad you made it to Walmart and I hope you are starting to feel better.  It sure sounds like what I have got.  I have had it since Friday.  I also love Arby's.  I could think of alot worse things for us to be eating.  Enjoy it.

Marina.  Oh your baby... What a gift she is.  You are so blessed.  Thank you for brightening my day and sharing that picture.

Rita.  Congrats   It sounds like a lot of fun. what you are doing.  and your expanding the minds of our future generation.

Lots of Love Bud

Good morning everyone and great to see you back Rita.  Our temps should be remaining rather good for which I am glad.  Still, things are quite "iffy" till we get much farther into this part of the year.  I am just thrilled to have things dry  ( no snow left ) and no rain for awhile --- still mushy in some places I go....would I love to see that gone. 

Mich -- add me into great appreciation for your stained glass.  As I think has happened a couple times before, I got side-tracked and then thought I had said something when I didn't.  It is a little embarrassing how often that happens to me.  I think Laura has been the intended but non-recipient a whole lot of the time.  I am a bit jealous as I am not talented with my hands.

Well, time to figure out my next move for today.  I think it is going to be whatever needs doing that I actually feel like doing.  Be checking in later.  Hoping for good results for you Julie.

Jackie

just re-read -- Buddy -- sorry to hear you feel like me.  It is not a fun thing at all and caught me so off guard.  The best thing I can say is that I only had mild nausea one day, but never threw up nor did I have diarrhea.  It is getting better and better for which I am very thankful.  Hope it is not long for you to find the spot that begins your upside.

Jackie - I love what you said about what you're going to do today, it made me laugh. You said "I think it is going to be whatever needs doing that I actually feel like doing." I like that

I too have "brain drain" where I blank out - cripes - I hate it too, so embarrassing. Another embarrassing thing is that my face flushes, I assume from the tamoxifen. It drives me nuts because of course it usually happens at work!

Laura- You're sending me glass? did you used to do stained glass too? Yes, count me in to try to cross country ski next year.

Julie-Sending good vibes your way for your test tomorrow.

Rita-I plan on going to a casino in FL. Don't know where or when, but I'M GOING!!!!

I've managed to get myself pages behind again.   Story of my life!

JulieChi - You know I'm not very far from you, especially when I'm at work, so if you want anyone to come with you please feel free to give me a call.  

Speaking of anti-depressants/anxiety meds, I did try Lexapro for a very short time, and it was a total fail!  LOL.  I felt like I was in la-la land and was not having a good time there!  So I guess it just wasn't for me.  I'll just go back to keeping a small supply of Xanax on hand.  I do mean small... the last prescription I had was for #10 pills and it lasted me over a year.  

Jackie - I hope you're getting over your nasty virus.  Those things can be so annoying, especially when they drag on.

Marina - Such an adorable baby!  Thank you for sharing her picture with us.  

Connie - My bones are on a slow downward spiral too.  I will be doing Zometa infusions starting this month.  

BJ - Are you the color expert?  I would love some ideas on what color to paint my family room.  I am truly stumped.  I just know that I hate the color that's in there right now (an ugly blue/gray... what was I thinking when I chose that!)

I did have my endoscopy this past Friday, and aside from a bit of esophagitis (inflammation), there wasn't anything overly concerning found.  She did do a few biopsies that I'll find out about later this week, but I think (hope) they were mostly routine.   

A question for my well-informed supplement experts.... I was thinking about adding some form of fish oil (omega 3) to my daily regimen.  I was looking at the supplements offered at Costco - they have quite a bit - and I saw a flaxseed supplement that said it also contains omega 3.  Does all flaxseed contain omega 3 or is this just a combination pill?  Isn't flaxseed supposed to be "good" for us BC ladies?  As you can tell, I'm am hopelessly ignorant about supplements.  I do a lot of online researching, but I find so many of the websites about supplements to be commercial sites and therefore suspect in their information.   I have always had a hard time taking even a daily vitamin (stomach aches), so I generally don't take anything now aside from calcium and D3 (and even that constipates me if I take too many, so I tend to not take as much as I should). 

JULIEC - BEST WISHES TO YOU TODAY! I hope the room is big...we'll all be there with you!

Marilyn - I'm sorry you're having trouble with chemo. I'm sure others will chime in about chemo changes. Your concern is surely understandable. Hang in there, try remain optimistic. Do you take anything for anxiety? An occasional Xanax helped me through the tough times. I've seen ads in my local newspaper asking if anyone saw an accident or plated numbers. If needed, maybe you can try that. Best wishes.  

Connie - I think you started your Osteop meds this weekend. If so, how's it going so far? Hope all is well.  

Susan - Your motel story was too funny. Although I would have been just as creeped out as you. Kind of like the Bates Motel? lol dh and don't drive the speedways. We race at the quarter mile tracks. Different race cars are built to perform in different tracks. I'll post a youtube sometime showing what we do. Was the skiing good?  

Irene - Glad your test went well. Hopefully the sun that's predicted for this week will help lift you up a bit. Last week I went to a tan salon and tanned for 9 minutes. My natural doc advised to do it 3x a week for the two weeks, as this time of the year, I get a bit down. Although...since I've gotten my vit D levels up, this season's down-in-the-dumps period paled in comparison to previous years. I take an Omega 3 Fish Oil supplement daily, but mine doesn't have Flax in it. Not that that's good or bad. I will occasionally throw some Flax meal into my juices, smoothies and salads. Maybe others here can share info.  

bj - Hang in there...spring break...ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! Lunch Bunch soon? Do you want me to organize it...I know you're crazy busy...I would be happy to do it?  

Budder - Yay for dear son! Good for him.  

Mich - I have done some stained glass projects with my nieces. But we used the stained glass (broken up as needed) to make mosaic/grouted items - not soddered pieces. I have four or five 10x10" pieces left...do you want them? It's great you're heading south soon! I hope my window washers head north soon! lol  

Jackie - Hopefully you're still improving with that "bug".

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Yesterday, I picked up my niece and her 7 month old, took them to the Dr. AriAnna has eye infections and a cough (although her lungs sounded clear to the Dr - but her coughing scared the cra* out of me). She was born with a clogged tear duct. Developed an eye infection and it spread to the other eye (no temp - whew). Got an r/x for eye salve and await the results of swab tests. She has been such a trooper. Following Dr's order - have been applying warm moist compresses every hour, massaging the bridge of her nose, set up the humidifier by her make-shift bed here and patting her on the back regularly to break up the congestion (any other suggestions-WELCOME). I let my niece sleep and have been up since 3:30 this morn - but I don't feel tired - yay. Ari had woken up from coughing, but after an hour of TLC, she fell back to sleep with a smile on her face...she looks like a little cherub. Dr didn't think she needed cough meds (too young for them). Today will be filled with several rounds of steam showers for her - Dr suggested this. She will be needing the eye meds for 7 days, so they may stay here for the duration (love having them here). And you girls did this type of "stuff" for years and years and years? lol You all deserve gold medals! lol I'm glad I'm able to help out.

EVERYONE have a nice day!

Ok - I'm trying to cheer myself a bit.  Today -- like yesterday looks like it will be cloudy and gray all day.  No rain mind you --- but I am not a gray person.  I don't bloom well when I don't get a sparkling sun to brighten up the world around me.  Ok--Ok, we all really need that sun. 

Rene I think you are like me -- often confused over what does what for the body etc.  I think I have always "been away" when it comes time to find and understand those facts and cement them into my brain.  I have a newsletter from Dr. Joseph Mercola ( I think a couple of other people may have referenced him a time or two here ) that a girlfriend suggested to me ( my nutritionist friend ) and when I have questions I just check there.  Most of the time I come away feeling on track again.  Anyway -- you might just "Google" Dr. M's web-site.  Hard to go on the web just anywhere as so many are "for profit", and you wonder about the veracity of the info.  I think Dr. Mercola is less about the selling and more about reliable information.  JMHO, but at least you have a place to start.

Marilyn, I did not have to change chemo's so can't be much help, but do think Rita is quite right -- that no one can be for sure how how our bodies will react at any given time and if something does not turn up what is wanted and needed then it can be changed so as to come into line with the expected outcome.  That is why testing all along the way happens.  Hard not to have fears and questions , but it sounds like someone is adjusting to get you where you need to be with the result you need to have. 

Laura -- about the cough meds etc. for babies.  I think the idea may be that if left to cough, nature provides the remedy instead of taking little ones and starting from early on to fill them full of all sorts of drugs to build up a tolerance too or worse yet, allergic reaction to ----- and gosh really knows what many babies actually get before birth through what the mom does ( not meaning your niece here by the way ) or doesn't do in eating habits, medicinal habits etc.   I think I'd give nature a chance to get it right and step in only if it seemed it wasn't happening.  That is just me though.  I was never BIG on " must be a pill somewhere for this " and have trouble understanding those who are. 

Time to get going.  Hope you all have a stunning day.  If you find some sun anywhere can you loan it to me for awhile. 

Hugs, Jackie

Hi all,

Well test is done-- but I won't have the results until tomorrow. The waiting--- GOD, how I HATE the waiting.  I've ordered two movies off of cable these past two nights to keep my mind from going to dark places  (TIme Travelers Wife-- glad I read the book first. Adored the book. The movie- eh. Can recommend 500 days of Summer though. Very quirky, cute). I vacillate btw being certain I'm a huge hypochondriac idiot with a touch of arthritis or bursitis--- to crafting my obituary.  Did I mention I was once sane.  Really- I was ...once. Before Cancerland.

Test went ok. Went to HP hospital. Strange place for me. My grandfather was one of the founders. I was born there. My mother had her breast cancer surgery there. I had my initial surgery and a few others there.  I volunteered there in high school.  I have such a mess of emotions every time I walk in there.  My aunt and uncle live within walking distance, so I had the shot and then went to their house for a bit until it was time to go back for the scan. They are both in their 80s and just ridiculous-- meaning you would swear they are 20 years younger.  Completely spry and 100% there mentally.  

During the test, the tech asked if I had had any MRIs or PET scans done recently.  Noo... I told her. And then kicked myself on the way home for not asking why.  (And of course, I'm thinking-- she much see something, she wants another view.....)  Any idea why I might be asked that?

For the record- and because I'm  prickly and crabby-- can I say I hate how poker faced the techs are. I know, I know--- they have to be.  Way back in 2000, after my initial diagnosis, I had a bone scan and the guy doing it whispered to me afterwards- Looks fine.  I'm guessing he was not supposed to do that--but God knows I appreciated it. 

Thank you to everyone for your kind wishes.   Marilyn-- I have read that Abraxane can be much easier on the system than Taxol, yet still quite effective. Maybe this is a good change?

Will keep everyone posted....picking out movies for tonight....

-julie

We LOVE ARTHRITIS!  YAHOO!

And we Love Julie and her news!

PLEASE HAVE A  FRICKN' GLASS OF WINE TONIGHT!  I know after worrying throughout the day, I sure as heck am having one for you!

Hi All! 

Hey Julie -  Congrats on degnerative disc and arthritis!

Marina -  Your little one is sooo cute.

Wendy -  Feel better.  Sending good thought vibes your way -  Remember it's Spring!

I love my doctors & nurses.  At first I was going to have to have a 2nd MRI but now the doctors think they may just need a 2nd mammogram and ultrasound to make sure there isn't a second mass.  If this does it I might just have to kiss them.  The last thing I want to do is get back in one of those dang MRI machine's.  

Have a nice night everyone.