Illinois ladies facing bc

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  • smerf
    smerf Member Posts: 615
    edited March 2010

    Congratulations, Susan! That's so exciting, and I really admire how much you get done as a "retired" person. Seems like you don't usually have a whole week off at a time with the subbing that you do. And yes, it is the same Flower Show we were both at last year. I have to miss it this year, but wish I could go.

    Laura, I'm hoping you are starting to feel better. I had what I think was a cold, and it lasted about two weeks. Just took a Tylenol now and then. You know the saying...a cold lasts two weeks, 14 days if you go to the doctor.

    Jackie, so glad you are feeling better too. Something's going around for sure. There is such a difference in our temps...when you are saying 50's, I'm having 30's. And no cleaning up the yard yet as Rita is doing. It's still very much snow covered.

    Wendy, I would like a tree like that too! Now I really wish I could go to the show. Spring is almost here, and I'm wondering what your interesting neighbors will be doing outside this year.

    Happy #3 Connie, and so many more!

    Carolyn, we are all here for you, and sending all good vibes.

    Buddy, I'm with your thought. I can't imagine, and so grateful I don't have to.

    Tax day for us today. DH does most of it, and just asks me to keep track of the medical. Good thing because he has way too much energy since retiring, and now the sinus surgery has cleared up that problem. I look around at all the housework needing to be done, and realize I can never retire!

    See you all later!

  • smerf
    smerf Member Posts: 615
    edited March 2010

    Buddy, a big congratulations to your son! So wonderful you could attend this year.

  • buddy1
    buddy1 Member Posts: 750
    edited March 2010

    Ha Ha  I guess dead corn does sound funny.  Its the stumps left after harvest.  They rotate so this year we will have soybeans.

    Smerf Thank you so much.  He really took a beating.  Bloody nose and all.  He even got pile drived upside down head first.  He moved his head off to the side and took it in the shoulder.  I thought I was gonna faint on that one. 

     Rain rain go away. come again another day.

  • makmak
    makmak Member Posts: 632
    edited March 2010

    Just had to laugh at Buddy's post.  My 13 yo son was in a karate tournament 3 weeks ago.. and came home all proud!!  He took first place... after three different rounds of bloody noses and getting punched in the gut.  Told me I would have passed out.. then made me take a ton of pictures in his bloody uniform with his first place trophy!!  His nose was swollen for a few days!!  Not much else new around here.. just dealing with this round of side-effects.. they seem to be developing a pattern where at least I know what will happen each day.. Hate the diarrhea today, but if I take too many Immodium, it goes the other way for a few days.. not fun either.. OH, as far as how many more I have left - WHO knows.. I go weekly and just finished my first cycle of 3.. off next week and then on 17th the Dr is supposed to check my breast for progress.. it seems a bit softer..but I keep wondering if it's finally that the milk is gone...

     Got a chance to get outside to the mall yesterday.. Actually bought myself something.. haven't in the last month.. keep wondering if I will ever use any of it.. but then this forces me to be more optimistic!!

    My aunt and uncle are coming over.. first guests since my diagnosis..  That will keep me busy.. with the Nanny having the day off..

    Hopefully the rain doesn't stick around all day or week like the forecast promises!!  Just like a few of you I too have had a dream of moving.. We've actually been looking at different islands each year.. Panama is booked for this November.. and so far I am not cancelling....

    Marina

  • conniehar
    conniehar Member Posts: 954
    edited March 2010

    Morning ladies - Thanks for the cancerversary wishes.  In some ways it seems longer than 3 years ago and in others not.  I still remember that day like it was yesterday.  But, today is a better day!

    Congrats on the book Susan!  I hope you have success getting it published.

    So nice yesterday - I am ready for spring and summer.  We usually put the boat in the water in May, but we are headed up to MI for a few days during spring break.

    Hugs to everyone!

  • ritajean
    ritajean Member Posts: 4,223
    edited March 2010

    Good afternoon ladies!

    The rain has found us here in Central Illinois.  I'm hoping that it will melt some of the nasty-looking snow piles that are still hanging around in fence rows and parking lots.  It does appear that there's more on the way for the week but rain still beats snows anyday in my book!

    Buddy, if you got all your sticks picked up, you can come back to Bloomington and help me finish up!  I got all the bigger pieces picked up and Dave used the chipper to mulch them up.  We have LOTS of clean-up to do in the spring since we sit back in a wooded area.  I really don't mind as I enjoy the yardwork.

    Congrats to your son for his second place sectional finish and good luck wishes for a successful state endeavor.  That is really exciting!

    Marina...we'll keep hoping that you get a good report on the 17th.  In the meantime, you just keep shopping for yourself.  It's very healing and when you get through with these treatments, you're going to need some new things!  Then you can go out and shop some more!  My thoughts and prayers are with you.  Is your nanny working out well?

    Connie, enjoy spring break!  This has been such a long winter that I think everyone is pushing hard for an early spring where we can get out and enjoy good weather.  We went to the kick-off at the club for the golfing season last night and the place was packed.  Everyone wanted out of the house and is anxious to get those clubs back out!

    Well, I've got to attack this lady bug population again.  We can't seem to get rid of them and I've got piles to vacuum up every day.  YUCK!

    Have a great Sunday afternoon.

    Rita

  • buddy1
    buddy1 Member Posts: 750
    edited March 2010

    No problem just call me the Stick Fairy

  • zap
    zap Member Posts: 2,017
    edited March 2010

    Just a quick message.

     Connie, have sooooo much fun on Spring Break.  I know you cannot wait to get that boat in the water.  Spending time with the children will be so nice!

    Thank you, Smerf, but for the record, I began the book  three years ago so it is not like I get so much accomplished.  My house is so dated and I know I need to attend to some redecorating, but I just cannot get going on that.  It just seems so big and expensive!

    Marina, it sounds like you are plugging along.  You are a very brave person.  You just seem like a very directed person.

     Carolyn, I am with Wendy.  If I can do anything, I will.  I just do not know what to do.  I forget where you get your medical care.  I am glad they are moving up the biopsy, but good heavens, they need to.  How scary this is for you!

     DH is making dinner.  He loves to cook and I am such a lucky person.  I like to cook, myself, but he really loves it so I move out of the kitchen so he can do his thing. 

    Next week is my breakfast with the apes with daughter number two.  I was never crazy about animals until I got older.  Now I just love them.  I know we have so many animal-lovers here on the boards, like Jackie.  Jackie, do you think zoos are wrong in concept?  Just wondering.

    Have a good week.

    Susan

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited March 2010

    Did any of you see the movie - Children of the Corn? (First time I've laughed all day.)

    Connie - Congrats on the c-versary!

    ----------------------------------

    Well...I am still very sick. My Dr. was quite concerned with the high temps 2 nights in a row. And when I woke up this morning...my eyes were stuck closed with green mucus crap! NOT A PRETTY SIGHT! It's traveled from my chest to my sinuses and now has backed up into my eyes (Dr. said it backs up into the eyes or the ears - I didn't know that). Changed my anti-biotic to THE MOTHA of all anti-biotics - Levaquin. Levaquin is the anti-biot that is used against ANTHRAX...yikes - this med is major ($175 for 10 lously pills - Ins was quite generous - they paid ONLY $25!).

    Honestly - this is the sickest I have ever been in my life. Even back in 1991 when I had bacterial pneumonia - I didn't feel this horrible. Body aches, congestion, chills, etc.

    And gee...I'm supposed to report for jury duty tomorrow morning at 8am. Will have to get a Dr's written excuse, as this is the second time I had to postpone my "duty" - the first was due to working at a poll on election day.

    I hope none of you get this strain of what ever the hell this is! Back to bed for me. 

  • ritajean
    ritajean Member Posts: 4,223
    edited March 2010

    Oh my gosh, Laura.  Take care and rest!  It sounds like you really have the "bug" this time.

    Hugs.

    Rita

  • IllinoisLady
    IllinoisLady Member Posts: 29,082
    edited March 2010

    I second Rita's thoughts exactly.   I did not have anything but the aches and deep, deep fatigue ( thank goodness ), so do know that it is quite stressful and wearing to the body.  Do take care and get well soon.

    Jackie

  • IllinoisLady
    IllinoisLady Member Posts: 29,082
    edited March 2010

    A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor's book.  ~Irish Proverb

  • zkacmom
    zkacmom Member Posts: 152
    edited March 2010

    Laura...sorry you are so sick..Hope you get better soon.  My youngest was home for 2 days for a high fever(103). He feels better know.  Didn't have any cough or anything.

    I had a good time at the races.  It was a long day but worth it.  It was a really nice yesterday in Atlanta. We left at 7 am and got back at 12:30 that night.  I slept til almost 1pm today. I plan on taking it easy today.  Hope everyone has a great day...

    Ginny

  • DonnaDio
    DonnaDio Member Posts: 905
    edited March 2010

    Susan...GREAT news that your book is done.. incredible feat and well deserved to pat yourself on the back!!!!Teaching is not missed i bet all the way.. working as you do weekly is enough for the reminder of how tough it can be when doin it full time!! My job offerings are very slow these days,. Would love to do something on a smaller scale part time.. not sure what for sure..lol.

    Laura.. Hope you are feeling better by now. sounded terrible the amount of flu you had attacking.. it is a challenging time of year for sure.End of winter and yet is it?!!!

    jackie.. always love your words of wisdom and insights!!!

    Good thoughts goin for Carolyn and Ginny.  Marilyn keep up the good atttiude as it is everything.. your family support too!!!

    Went downtown yesterday as my step daughter jumped into Lake Michigan for the special olympics. Was pretty fun to watch and it was sunny at the time and not too breezy. We then walked to Clark ST and had a informal brunch.  Looked at my old condo building.. 2626 Lakeview..lived in Lincoln Park a good 8 years when single and in a  career. Fun looking at all the changes around the neighborhood.

    All be well and know i try to stay here but get distracted.. lol.

    Healthy Wishes TO ALL..

    Donna

  • zap
    zap Member Posts: 2,017
    edited March 2010

    Wow, Laura, I sure hope you are feeling better.  Do you think it is that swine flu thing?  The fevers sound like a heavy duty flu unless you are having some sort of secondary infection.  If so, those pills should start kicking in.  And you are still sick, Jackie, is that right?

    That's all I want to say, is get better! Well, that and so glad Ginny you had fun in Atlanta!

    Susan

  • IllinoisLady
    IllinoisLady Member Posts: 29,082
    edited March 2010

    Ginny I always enjoy see a post from you.  So glad you enjoyed that very long day at the races and very glad you are pampering yourself today with lots of sleep and rest. 

    Susan....I am well over what bug got a hold of me.  I am ( sshhh don't tell dh ) fairly strong and though I did NOT get around to a H1N1 shot as I didn't like the metal carrier in it, I thought I was going to find I had made a big mistake but lo --- all I ever got was some gunky fatigue and major muscle aches and they only lasted a little less than a week.  Felt them a few times pass that but you could tell they were heavy duty on the way out. 

    I don't seem to get flu-like things and only had one very, very mild cold in the 12 years I have been back here.  I'm now saying this extremely quietly and in a huge whisper --- I only seem to get big things like strokes and cancer, but no one actually heard that did they????? 

    Speaking of which....I am going to go make some chicken soup.  My friend Maggie was up all night throwing up.....when she wasn't on the great white porcelain chair and is sleeping and resting.  Is feverish.....would not drink anything for me when I was there.  Will go back later and check on her and will take some soup --- just in case, but I have a hunch it may end up sitting i n the fridge till when ???  She dehydrates easy so I'm going to have to keep my eyes open and make her go to hospital if I don't see her drinking by tomorrow latest. 

    See you all later.

    Jackie

  • lisamed123
    lisamed123 Member Posts: 186
    edited March 2010

    Hi girls,

    Just checking in, so much activity.  I read, but do not post much.  Friday was 2 years since my surgery--the time has gone so fast.  I really think I will feel so much better next year at this time.

    Just wondering if a time has been set for the girls down south to meet at PF Changs.  Let me know, or if you want, I can organize the time and getting everyone who is interested there.

    Lisa

  • IllinoisLady
    IllinoisLady Member Posts: 29,082
    edited March 2010
    Joy is not in things... it is in us. Don't ever forget that you are the greatest achievement in your life!                              [SUN]
  • IllinoisLady
    IllinoisLady Member Posts: 29,082
    edited March 2010

    Rain is here though I am happy it is not a pour down type -- not yet anyway.  I think it is due to get up to 70 degrees here today or tomorrow....well, now --- that means watch out for tornado activity.  It is the time of year for it so will have to be a bit vigilant. 

    Not much planned for today.  It will be odds and ins and whatever turns up.  Sometimes that happens. 

    Hope you will all have a productive day.  Wasn't for sure but I think this rain extends clear up to Chicago --- we just see spots on the map, but don't always get much explanation.  At least, it should be much warmer.  April showers are coming a bit early. 

    See you all later.

    Hugs, Jackie

  • DonnaDio
    DonnaDio Member Posts: 905
    edited March 2010

    South side girls ...Shall we put a date out there to meet for lunch at PF changs.. I will throw out a day. and if weekend is needed as someone is working ( i can take off).. and Buddy ..forgot when you are goin to florida? How about  WED..April 21st?

    Getting ready for spring. cleaning and streamlining junk for a Spring garage sale!!! Hubby is home and goin for the BIG grocery and misc necessities needed shopping. Have a new organic produce place near us and loving this!!!

    Enjoy the day all and to ALL THOSE in TX, having appts or tests.. healthy wishes and hugs being sent!!!!! Two gals in my area have been in touch with me as i am able to guide them in this journey that just seems to keep going and just  ayear ago.. i was in their shoes.Time as a whole reallay does go fast . WE did it and WE can tell all others in it NOW.. Keep goin and know the STRENGTH is there and WARRIOR's we will be forever..!!!!

    Sister in Pink and PROUD,

    Donna

  • wendyk13
    wendyk13 Member Posts: 1,600
    edited March 2010

    Monring all....sunshine here for now but rain coming in soon and is supposed to last until Sat am.  Oh well...could be snow!

    Jackie...you are getting up near 70 today?????  what time are you serving lunch on the deck??  Lucky you!

    Laura....are you any better?  Hope so....

    Ginny....glad you had so much fun!  Wow that was a long day for you, for anyone!  No wonder you slept in....I would have too!  How's your weather doing down there?  Maybe I 'll come to you for a spring luncheon outdoors LOL

    Time to grab the clothes from the dryer....hope everyone else is doing well and enjoying this brief encounter with Mr Sun!

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited March 2010

    Hi girls!

    It's a miracle! lol Unbelievable...the MOTHA of all anti-biotics started kicking in yesterday mid-day. As the day progressed, I kept feeling better and better. I had to cancel jury duty yesterday, but called yesterday afternoon and they said I could come today. SO GUESS WHERE I AM? LOL Yup...Lake County Court House...

    I had no idea the anti-biot would kick in so fast! It's amazing. I still have quite a bit of congestion and sinuses continue to go from stuffy to running, but my temp is gone. I had to get jury duty over with - because in a couple of weeks I'll start my new gig. DID NOT want to have to take off for jury duty. So it all worked out. I feel a little run down, but it was actually a good feeling to shower and dress in "street clothes" this morning - the first time in 5 days.

    The court house has computers for jurors as they wait to be called for a case - I was shocked! It's still quite boring though. I actually hope I get called for case...atleast the time would go quicker. And oh gee...Lake County - last of the big time spenders...I will get paid $5 per day! I think they need it more than I do.  

    Have a nice day! Thanks for all the well wishes. And thank goodness for anti-biotics!

  • Rene23
    Rene23 Member Posts: 314
    edited March 2010

    Trying to catch up here.  Apologies if I overlooked anyone needing an extra big virtual *hug* this past week. 

    Susan - The Lincoln Park lunch sounds wonderful.  Is that a special thing, or something they offer regularly?  And big congrats on finishing a book!  Truly an impressive life achievement.

    Ginny - I'm so sorry to hear about the markers being up.  No one in our position wants to hear that, but considering how many of the ladies here have noted that their oncs don't even monitor markers, I have to wonder at the real significance of that.  Like most things medical, it can be a very complicated and individualized thing.  Wishing you the best...

    Joann - I know nothing about Xeloda, but I hearing your s/e just makes me cringe.  Your determination to be strong and get through this with a brave face for your kids is  so heartwarming and will get you through this!

    Carolyn - What a shame that you have to wait so long for your core biopsy.  I'm not a very patient person when it comes to testing.. a by-product of working in diagnostics myself, I'm sure I'm slightly demanding ;).  I'd be calling every day to get in sooner.  I know that (fortunately) not everyone is as impatient as I am.  FWIW, I had core biopsies when my tumor was initially felt, and the procedure itself was fairly painless after a nice dose of xylocaine to numb things up.  Good luck to you!

    BJ - Just sent you a PM, btw.  We'll have to talk about your sister being in Barcelona since that's where my upcoming cruise embarks from.  I'm still searching for a good hotel there.  Crossing my fingers for your neck MRI.  Ugh.. I hate MRI's, but agree that thank goodness we have them!

    Laura - Is your plague over yet??!!! Good grief, what a horrible birthday for you.  I hope someone makes it up to you once you are back on your feet.  Glad to hear you finally got on some good atb's.  Levaquin will kick its butt, whatever it is.

    My DH has been home sick with a head/chest cold and fever for 2 days, but I think he's finally on the mend.  I was a good wifey yesterday and came home and made him a big vat of chicken soup.  He rarely gets sick, so when he opts to stay home I know he's really feeling it.  

    Speaking of tumor markers, my onc does do them as part of my lab work at my regular visits.  For a while, I was getting copies of each one, but I have slacked off and don't even think about it now.  If they are ever elevated, I'm sure they'll let me know.  I am glad he does them, but I'd rather cut that one worry off my list of things to obsess/be paranoid about.  

    As I mentioned above, we did decide do do the Mediterranean cruise this fall.  We are frequent cruisers, but this will be a first.  We are both turning 50 in the fall, AND it's my 5th year since diagnosis ("cancerversary" - a term that makes me laugh).  So, we are just going to go for it, even if it's probably not the smartest  financial move right now since we still have one in college.  Life's too short though... and I got a pretty good deal, so barring any unforeseen disasters, we are going for it!

    Okay, here's my chemobrain story from this weekend.  My friend and I went to brunch before our hair appointments and we were talking about how spacey we are anymore (she's the same age I am).  After we ate, I got the bill to pay up front, then we both decided to hit the bathroom before we left.  On our way out, we were gabbing away, jumped in the car and headed to Schaumburg.  We were almost there when we decided to stop at an ATM to get more cash for tips, when I suddenly had a lightbulb go off in my head and yelled, "OH MY GOD!"  It's a good thing I didn't crash!  I realized we'd left the restaurant WITHOUT PAYING!  We Dined and Dashed (as the kids say).  We were laughing hysterically in our shock!  Not having time to go back there because of our appointments, I called... and did give them my debit card over the phone to pay.  I was worried that our server would end up geting in trouble and/or having to pay for us.  What a laugh we had over our mutual dippiness!  She said that at least I can blame it on chemobrain, while she's just naturally menopausal dingy!  

  • buddy1
    buddy1 Member Posts: 750
    edited March 2010

    Donna April 21st works for me.    The kids are off the first week of April and I am going to try to get down south that week.  Thanks for taking charge of this and setting it all up.  I cant wait to meet so many of our sisters.  Love Buddy

    Laura I am so glad your feeling better. 

  • DonnaDio
    DonnaDio Member Posts: 905
    edited March 2010

    Buddy...ok great !!! Have to get the others knowing this now!!April 21st for PF Changs for anyone south or wants to drive from the north to Orland!!!

    Laura.. Glad you are feeling better and working for the county...lol.Don;t get arrested or anything as i know i could cause some trouble there...lol

    Rene...TOTALLY could see me doin this and it is NOT all chemo brain!!!!hysterical!!!!

  • lisamed123
    lisamed123 Member Posts: 186
    edited March 2010

    Hi girls,

    It is really hard for me to do lunch during the week.  And on top of it, my son has a field trip that day and if I were taking that day off, I would volunteer to chaperone.  I would feel guilty taking off for a lunch and not going on the field trip.

    My boss is out of the office between April 12 and 16, so it would be a lot easier for me to take a vacation day that week for lunch, or i could leave work early for an early dinner some time.  Sorry to be a pain, but I would really love to go.

    Lisa

  • DonnaDio
    DonnaDio Member Posts: 905
    edited March 2010

    Lisa.. NOT a pain at all!Life is busy and especiallu with a school aged child etc!!!IWill throw out dates.. and see what sticks. April 15th lunch?  Not sure if early dinner would work as the kids coming home from school etc. OPEN for suggestion South siders!!!

    WOW.. any more mud here and my goldens will be living in the garage!!! TOO much mess.. grrr.And of course m,y one golden loves to roll in anything icky!!!!

    Goin to chiro this AM and have a OBGYN appt this afternoon. Hope ALL are well and today is a good day!!!

    Donna

  • IllinoisLady
    IllinoisLady Member Posts: 29,082
    edited March 2010

    A man should never be ashamed to own he has been in the wrong, which is but saying... that he is wiser today than he was yesterday.  ~Alexander Pope

  • buddy1
    buddy1 Member Posts: 750
    edited March 2010

    Good morning.  Yes I am sick of the mud.  The chickens eggs are all muddy too.  I have to wipe them off with a wet paper towel.  I wish they would be a little more coinsiderate.  Ha Ha  Just kidding.  I took my Golden for a walk yesterday  he loves to run through the puddles, then he found a fresh pile of coyote poop to roll in.  So I had to give him a bath.

    Donna April 15th works for me too.  Have you heard from Elfsong?  Thanks again. 

    Love Buddy

  • NavyMom
    NavyMom Member Posts: 1,099
    edited March 2010

    Lunch on April 15.  Count me in!

    Navy

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