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  • pickle
    pickle Member Posts: 1,409
    edited October 2010

    Francine: Have a wonderful time. The fall foliage should be wonderful and thanks for giving a shout out to my hometown!

    Hugs

    Beth P

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  • Luv2sing
    Luv2sing Member Posts: 145
    edited October 2010

    Pickle,

    I'm just getting back to the boards and "YES" that was me with the grad cap .. recieved my MBA in June of this yearLaughing. 

    Crusader - I'm hanging and hubby's not too good, but we're both kicking, just not as high. Wink  (loving the picture of your granddaughter!)

    I see everyone has been keeping busy in one way or another.  I'm taking a quick break at work and decided to stop by the boards.  Everyone looks great, in spite of all the challenges.  I'll be checking back soon.  Smooches to everyone! 

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  • Alyad
    Alyad Member Posts: 817
    edited October 2010

    Congrats on your MBA Raymon! have a great cruise Francine! I am taking off this evening on a weekend road trip to Delaware, just tagging along with my friend. (yes its quite a long way to DE from MO- 19 hours!) We are going to a wedding of a couple that met while hiking the  AT in 2003.

     I have only met them once briefly at a hiker gathering, but they have a great story. They hiked most of the 2168 miles together as friends- she had a bf at home, they ended up going their own ways at the end, he went ahead and when he got to Katahdin (big mountain in Maine where the AT ends), he decided he couldn't summit without her. She somehow found out about it and got a ride and they summited together, then he went back and re-hiked the miles she'd skipped with her. 

     They were going to hike the Pacific Crest Trail in 2005, but he came down with a spinal problem, she helped him through his recovery and realized she wanted to go into physical therapy as a career. Their trail names are Yo-Yo and Zero.

    I am looking forward to getting out of here if only for a few days. I hope we can stop where we cross the AT and I can hug a tree with a white blaze. (white blazes mark the AT the whole way) . I miss the trail.

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  • pickle
    pickle Member Posts: 1,409
    edited October 2010

    Raymon: Wow....big congratulations to you. That is a great accomplishment. Nice to see you pop by.

    Dayla: have a great weekend...and hug a tree! 

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  • bethr
    bethr Member Posts: 259
    edited October 2010

    Hi All,

    Just popping in to say hello....

    Raymon - congrats on your MBA!  Fantastic! 

    Alyad - When I hear stories like the one you just told, it really emphasises the 'meant to be' cliche'.  What a fantastic journey for your two friends.  Have a safe trip to Delaware and I hope you get to hug your tree.

    BethP - I saw your BC walk progress on FB.  Way to go!  Your group raised a nice sum of money.

    All - I hope you all have a great weekend.  It's supposed to be beautiful here in MD.  I'm going to look at houses tomorrow.  wahoo!

    Have a great weekend!

    Beth

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  • Luv2sing
    Luv2sing Member Posts: 145
    edited October 2010
    Just wanted to stop in and say "GOOD MORNING" to everyone!  Dayla, hugging a tree sounds good right about now Cool.  Sending good thoughts to everyone, have a great rest of the day!
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  • Alyad
    Alyad Member Posts: 817
    edited October 2010

    Well I settled for waving as we passed under the trail on I-70 in Maryland. It was enough to remember myself walking across that overpass in June of 2001 ( I didn't get there this year). The wedding was great and I made some new hiker friends. I am very glad to be home and I really missed my DH.

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  • crusader1
    crusader1 Member Posts: 1,222
    edited October 2010

    Hi Ladies,

    My cruise was really special. What a great ship with so many real friendly folk. Good to be home though.

    Raymon..Congrats to you on your MBA..Nice to come by and say hello to us..

    BethP- just love the new avatar. Halifax was lovely..walked through the Public Gardens..Spring Garden street and then along the water. Very quiet because of Thanksgiving. Yes a very happy thanksgiving to you and your family..

    Dayla..glad you got to spend some more time outdoors..Your friends all sound so special.

    Hugs,

    Francine

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  • pickle
    pickle Member Posts: 1,409
    edited October 2010

    Francine: Glad you had a lovely trip. I love the Public Gardens and Spring Garden Road. The gardens lost alot of trees a few years back when Hurricane Juan blew through. Were the leaves all changed or are they off the trees already?

    Hugs

    Beth P

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  • crusader1
    crusader1 Member Posts: 1,222
    edited October 2010

    Hi Beth,

    The leaves were not really changed..many lovely flowers still..

    Would you believe that I visited Halifax on a cruise with my lady friends in '93 the week before Juan made the direct hit on Halifax.

    Hugs,

    Francine

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  • pickle
    pickle Member Posts: 1,409
    edited October 2010

    Another beautiful Autumn day here in Edmonton. We are having a lot of sunshine and warm weather. Hope everyone is well and enjoying the Fall

    Hugs

    Beth P

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  • Luv2sing
    Luv2sing Member Posts: 145
    edited October 2010

    Hello Everyone!  We're finally getting much needed rain in our area and I can't wait for the holidays to get here.  Dealing with daily issues and concerns and feeling kind of blah today.  Hope you all have a great weekend!!

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  • crusader1
    crusader1 Member Posts: 1,222
    edited October 2010

    Hi Ladies,

    Getting mentally prepared and I guess physically for my five mile walk on Sunday...Making Strides Against Breast Cancer..have got much support from many friends and family. Will tell you exactly how much I raised after final count. I am a little concerned as I have a little cold. Really not in character at all. But I hope to be better by Sunday.

    The Yankees play tonight. Go Yankees.

    Hugs,

    Francine

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  • pickle
    pickle Member Posts: 1,409
    edited October 2010

    Good luck with the walk Francine. Hope your cold gets better. Here's to the Yankees!

    Hugs

    Beth P

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  • ChrisC433
    ChrisC433 Member Posts: 553
    edited October 2010

    Just got back from our Making Strides Walk here in PA.  The weather was a little windy, but kept me from getting too hot!  We had an awesome turnout...what a great way to start the day!  Good luck with your walk tomorrow Francine...just take it slow!

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  • crusader1
    crusader1 Member Posts: 1,222
    edited October 2010

    Chris ...So great that your turnout was awesome. I am sure you had a great feeling of pride walking for this great cause.

    My cold is getting a little better.  Now I have to decide what to wear so I will not be cold early in the morning...But I hear that there is a tent for survivors to wait before the start. My DH will come with me to keep me company.

    Until tomorrow.

    Hugs,

    Francine

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  • crusader1
    crusader1 Member Posts: 1,222
    edited October 2010

    Hi ,

    My husband and I completed our 4 and 1/2  mile Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk this morning. Would you believe that they said that there were ten thousand participants. I am proud that I raised about one thousand dollars between checks at home and my site. I had never participated in an event of this proportion before. Sorry I did not bring my camera. But I did get a free T shirt for being a survivor and took a photo at home..

    Hugs,

    Francine

    Photobucket"

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  • Luv2sing
    Luv2sing Member Posts: 145
    edited October 2010

    Congratulations to all who participated in the various Walks!! Laughing  The one held here in Richmond appeared to have a great turn-out.  I'm still not up to doing walks, but have started attending functions related to BC awareness.  My hope is to be able to participate in a walk next year.  I'm starting training as an advocate with a local group and have been asked to 'model' for a BC fashion show. 

    Francine - Glad to hear your cold is getting better; loving the t-shirt!

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  • pickle
    pickle Member Posts: 1,409
    edited October 2010

    Congratulations to everyone who participated in the walks/runs. It's empowering to feel like we are doing something for this nasty disease.

    Hugs to all

    Beth P

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  • bethr
    bethr Member Posts: 259
    edited October 2010

    Hi All,

    Just thought I'd say hello.  I'm in CA again and I have a feeling it's going to be a LOOOOOONG week.  And it's raining..   I keep thinking of the song..  'It never rains in California'..  smile...

     I'm so happy for all of you who've done various walks.  I didn't do any this year.  The walk in DC was in June and I was going through reconstruction.  I kept looking at other ones to participate in, but just never got around to actually doing it.  The Komen three-day took place in DC last weekend and although I wasn't there, I heard it was a great turnout too..  Next year, I'll be walking..  Things will definitely be settled down by then as far as surgery goes. 

    Raymon, congrats on the organization activity!  And already modeling?  Fantastic!! 

    Well, back to work.  I hope all's well with everyone!  Have a great evening!

    Beth

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  • crusader1
    crusader1 Member Posts: 1,222
    edited October 2010

    Hi Ladies,

    So great to hear that all are doing well.

    Bethr..always a pleasure to hear from you ..Don't work too hard...

    Lovely fall day here in NY.

    Saw my PS's yesterday and they were happy with my new breast. I am also. They told me to come back in two months and then I will discuss having  more liposuction and maybe even a nipple. The breast really looks like my "real " one except for the scar across it..That too will fade.

    Raymon..So happy to have you back with us. We all share something very special..

    Hugs,

    Francine

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  • ChrisC433
    ChrisC433 Member Posts: 553
    edited October 2010

    Beth...California Girl...are ya rocking the West Coast!!  Try not to work too hard...hopefully the sun will shine on you while you are there!

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  • pickle
    pickle Member Posts: 1,409
    edited August 2013

    Francine: So glad you are happy with your new breast. Finally reached the light at the end of the tunnel. Good for you.

    Beth R: Still California dreaming? Hope you are ahving a good week.

    On a side note....Tamoxifen is really affecting my moods...it's such a rollercoaster and I feel like an old woman when I get up in the morning. Stiif and achy. It's hard to feel motivated to get going in the mornings. I am not sleeping well and I find when I lack in sleep...cancer creeps back in my mind constantly. I have been trying to exercise 3 times a week...Zumba...Yoga,,,and aquasize. I hope it helps. I hate being so up and down? Anyone else having these issues?

    Hugs

    Beth P

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  • bethr
    bethr Member Posts: 259
    edited October 2010

    Hi All...

    Well, still raining here in CA, but the weatherman says the Sun will be out tomorrow.. Oh my God..   remembering yet another song...  loll

    Francine, I'm so happy to hear you're happy with your new breast.  My new one looks O.K.  the shape if kind of off, but they'll even everything out for the next surgery in November and they'll form a nipple then too.  I'm just happy not to have to adjust that puff anymore.... 

    BethP - I've been having some of the same issues with the tamoxifen.  My mood swings can be downright awful!  And I keep trying to push myself to get more involved with some new activities but can't seem to get my butt in gear to actually do it.  Although my bones are no longer sore like they were in the beginning, my ankles are very stiff in the morning and, like you, I feel like I'm about 100 years old when I get out of bed.  But once I'm moving around, it gets better.  I've been walking as much as I can which helps in the sleep department.  But I get so stiff now when I sit down after any excersize.  You should see me when I have to get up off of my sofa.  I get very frustrated sometimes when I think of how effortless everything used to be.  But such is life, I'm realizing too that I've been holding myself back from various activity just because I was out of commission for so long and that simply became the norm.  So, I'm starting to push myself to JUST DO IT DAMNIT!!!...   I hope the excersize is helping you and you start to feel better.  I understand the recurrence fears too.  Lately, for some reason, that's really been bothering me.  Hang in there my friend!!!

     Well, back to work again..  

    Have a great day ladies!!!

    Beth

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  • ChrisC433
    ChrisC433 Member Posts: 553
    edited October 2010

    Beth P:  I have been on Aromasin for a year and a half.  I tried Arimidex and that wasn't very good for me...can't say the Aromasin is any better.  I, too, am so stiff and sore.  My wrist and elbow bones hurt to touch them!  My fingers lock up on me all the time.  I have little strength in my hands and can't even hold myself to do a pull-up (not DO the pull-up, just hang!).  I have NO sex drive and my vagina actually bleeds at times from lack of estrogen.  I have headaches all the time, my vision sucks, my weight continues to rise, and I take meds to help me sleep.

    I am asking my BS to run an hormone panel on me while I am on the Aromasin.  Then I am going off for awhile to see what the difference is.  We take a cookie cutter medication...same dose for all!  How do I know that my levels weren't already as low as they will go (had complete hysterectomy 4 years ago).

    OK...done venting.  I really needed that!!  I have been taking it day by day.  Trying to exercise when I get motiviated to (not often).

    Love you ladies.....

    Chris

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  • crusader1
    crusader1 Member Posts: 1,222
    edited August 2013

    Hi ladies,

    Sorry to hear about your problems..the 2 Beth's and Chris. My friend told me the other day that life just has it's speed bumps..I guess that is a good way to look at things. I guess at times we must just push thru. and say...this too shall come to pass..Seriously I do hope you all resolve your problems . I guess we all have to be thankful for the good things we have and try to dwell on them..

    Chris..I do believe that many treatments are cookie cutter style. Hope you can figure out the hormone stuff.

    I am older but have little Mojo since taking Arimidex.

    Tomorrow will be a better day.

    Hugs,

    Francine

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  • pickle
    pickle Member Posts: 1,409
    edited October 2010

    Thanks Ladies...you gals are the best. As much as I don't want anyone else to have SE's, I do feel somewhat relieved that I am not alone and going crazy!. I have never really been a big complainer but this is really affecting my QOL. I am thankful for so much and I can put up with the pain/cramps/ fatigue etc but the mood rollercoaster , memory loss and cognitive issues are really hitting me hard. It is really tough. I don't know why I am really struggling so much this week...I guess last week was my "up" week...lol!

    Chris......My sex drive.....zilch...zippo...not a miniscule of desire. 

    I won't get my hormone levels checked until two years on Tamoxifen and then they'll change me to an AI depending on the estrogen levels.  I was supoosedly pre menopausal when BC came knocking. I had a hysterectomy (uterus and cervix removed) many years ago but I still have my ovaries

    Beth R: Yes another song...lol. If it keeps raining you can always sing "Listen to the rhythym of the falling rain"...sounds better than raindrops keep falling on my head!

    Hang in there y'all and thanks so much for your honest input. I really appreciate it.

    Hugs

    Beth P

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  • crusader1
    crusader1 Member Posts: 1,222
    edited October 2010

    Hi Ladies,

    This evening I went to a local Barnes and Noble and heard Hoda Kotb speak about her new book. She was so charming , warm and friendly. Much of her talk was devoted to her getting Breast Cancer. I watch her while at the gym but did not know about her cancer..

    I came across this interview which some of you may be interested in listening to.

    Kotb: Why I went public with cancer battle - TODAY Health - Breast cancer awar

    Hugs ,

    Francine

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  • ChrisC433
    ChrisC433 Member Posts: 553
    edited October 2010

    God allowed me to wake up this morning and I am grateful!!

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  • pickle
    pickle Member Posts: 1,409
    edited October 2010

    Francine: Thanks for sharing. She seems delightful on air. Must have been nice to see her in person.

    Chris: Yep...I am grateful too.

    My DH and I are leaving for 3 nights at Jasper Park Lodge in the glorious Rocky Mountains. Dinners, relaxing, spa day....should be a great little getaway.

    Have a wonderful weekend

    Hugs

    Beth

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