Illinois ladies facing bc

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  • lisamed123
    lisamed123 Member Posts: 186
    edited January 2011

    Hi all,

    Just catching up and checking in.

    I work downtown and would be interested in meeting with a group.  Just let me know when and where.  I work in the loop, but would drive anywhere.

    I saw some discussion about eyebrows falling out.  I used a product from Benefit Cosmetics called Eyebrow Zings (I think) that is a wax and powder.  I have very thick eyebrows and people had no idea that they were very, very sparse for a while.  Also, when they start coming back, they come back very quickly.  I think it was a matter of three weeks that I had about 9 eyebrow hairs and then had to get them waxed.

    Susan, about 10 years ago I had a hideous case of food poisoning and had to have two colonoscopies within 6 months.  I was prepared for the worst and it was nearly as bad as what I was expecting.

    I just booked a trip today for DH and me to go to Mexico to an all-inclusive place.  I have never taken a "relaxing" vacation before, we are usually running around amusement parks fromt he crack of dawn until it is time for bed.  I am starting to get really excited for it.  Also, we have not gone away just the two of us since we got married, and we only went to Galena for a few days then.  We are going in early March.  I cannot wait to just sit by a pool and soak up the sun.  I am so close to my goal weight, I can taste it and am looking forward to getting a new bathing suit for the pool.

    I am starting physical therapy again this Saturday for my LE.  It has not been good for a few months, and I was trying to dislodge something in a drawer one day and my hand has been very puffy since.  I happened to go to the onc two days after I did that, so they gave me a script for PT. 

    I am glad to hear that so many people are finsihing up chemo and having good news.  This is such a blah time of year, that is so uplifting to hear.  Also, it is the time of year where all of my cancer activity started and I have all of the "anniversaries" of everything that goes along with that.  This year I will be thinking it has been three years since (diagnoses, MRI, surgery, chemo, wearing wig, etc.).  I have been having some hip pain, but had a bone scan and X-Ray two years ago and they said it was arthritis, so I am sticking with that.

    Elf, I hope that whatever you and your family choose to do that it makes you all happy, you certainly deserve it.

    Take care everyone.

    Lisa

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2011

    Marybe - I'm glad you checked in with us. Figures our very own lago would be the one to reel you in! lol Let us know what days and times are best for your schedule. And let us know the exact dates you will be here.  

    Rita/Marcia - Have you tried Magnesium for joint pain? If not, google it. Feel better soon!  

    Marcia - TJMAX has some incredible Lavender bath/lotion products at very good prices.  

    Adey - Yay! PORT BE GONE! Good for you! (I LOVE your avatar.)  

    Elf - Good luck with MN "thing". bj said your little guys are adorable!  

    Marina - I AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU! My fingers and toes are killing me as they've been crossed for many days now! WOO HOO, WOO HOO, WOO HOO! Sushi...a good thing!  Have you ever had Dominic's (food store) Sushi? They have a Sushi dude there everyday...very fresh. Let me know your opinion of it.  

    Jackie - Love tacos...I'm sure you had a good time!  

    lisamed - What resort in MX?...GOOD FOR YOU!  

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

    Talked to Carolyn tonight. She's feeling a little better. Boredom is a problem, but I told her about the scrapbook (kit) I made for Rita and she seemed interested in maybe creating some. I suggested she make one for each of her nieces, utilizing their baby photos. It's a great project when you're bored!  

    If we get some snow here...I will DEFINATELY go cross country skiing!

    HI AND HUGS TO EVERYONE! Have a great evening, girls!

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2011

    Oh...have to add: dh and I went out for lunch today and then had dualing haircuts at the salon! LOL A first for us! LOL

  • lisamed123
    lisamed123 Member Posts: 186
    edited January 2011

    Laura,

    We are going to Secrets Capri.  I forgot, I did go to NY this past summer, but we walked about 12 miles a day, so that certainly was not relaxing!

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2011

    Asking for prayers/healing thoughts. Just got off the phone with Mom. My sister is back in the hospital...via ambulance. ICU...fluid in her lungs. I am freaked. Sorry...had to vent. Gawd help her!

  • Rene23
    Rene23 Member Posts: 314
    edited January 2011

    Laura - So sorry to hear that your sister has to go back to the hospital so soon.  Wishing her the best. 

    Marina - OMGYAY!  I am SO happy for you.  I know you've gone through a lot.  What a fight you've put up, and what a wonderful result for you to hear.  Enjoy your sushi!  

    Lisa - My boss went to Secrets last year with her daughters.  They loved it.  

    Adey - Congrats on getting rid of the port!  

    Elf - Minnesota,huh?  It sounds like you are looking forward to this move, especially if it means less stress for your husband.  I hope it all works out for you and your family. 

    Well I just booked my winter getaway.  I'm doing a short 4-day cruise with my sis-in-law in March. I can't wait!

     

  • Carolyn422
    Carolyn422 Member Posts: 162
    edited January 2011

    Elf - Sorry to hear that you're moving away, but if it makes life more comfortable for everyone in the family go for it.  I have a friend up in Minnesota, so I sent an email asking him the question that you possed.

    MakMak - I am so very happy for you.  You have been down a long and hard road but now you have great news.  Don't just celebrate one day - through yourself a party.  You deserve it.

    Laura - I'm so sorry to hear that your sister is back in the hospital.  Hope she can keep up a fighting spirit.  Please let her know that others are thinking and praying for her.  She is not alone.

    Love to all,

    Carolyn

  • NavyMom
    NavyMom Member Posts: 1,099
    edited January 2011

    Laura-Hugs to your sis.

    Mak-Ye Haw Girl.  Dancing with NED   Love Love love it.

    won't be at the chicago lunch/dinner but sounds fun.

    Lisamed-we went to Secrets Capri in December.  I liked it.  It is one of thesmaller secrets resorts but that is the part I liked.  Walking back and forth to your room is a short distance and doesn;t take a half hour just to get somewhere.  Do take the time to go to the "meeting" so you can get information.  It only takes 30 minutes and gives you good resort info.  PM anytime if you have questions. 

    Have a great day everyone.

    Navy

  • blackjack
    blackjack Member Posts: 1,010
    edited January 2011

    Morning girls... Just a quick drive by HI to all.

    Carolyn...glad to see that boredom is a good thing. Feeling better and posting priceless. Scrape booking is a wonderful past time for you as looking at pics of your nieces as babies priceless. feel better soon.

    Zap....I love Las Vegas!!!! I am going there in Feb. my annual girls trip. There are so many hotels and price deals out there. Call me and I will help you plan the perfect trip!! Ching ching. Glad that your coloy went well and all is clean.

    Marina...soooo happy for you!!! do the happy dance. As we all like happy dancing. NED NED

    Elf...I had a wonderful lunch with you, dh and kids. They are the cuties things. I chuckled all day thinking of Evan and his pizza. We will miss you when you move to MN but happy that dh will be stress free. Happy house hunting.

    Lisa...happy trip to Mexico. Just be careful as there are lots of bad things going on there. Staying on the resort is a good thing.

    Jackie...how are your fur babies. My gf just adopted a baby lab puppy. soo cute. glad you are making a difference for these babies. How was taco dinner. yum!!

    Adey.. port be gone hey for you!!! happy dance too.

    Laura.. sorry to hear about your sister. Hope she is feeling better soon. I saw jobs posted for Captiva on their web site. Passing info along. I bet you and dh look so cute with your new do's.

    Rita... leaving soon for sunny FL. I want to go too. Save me and Wendy a beach chair,lol

    To everyone else I missed hope your txs are going well.

    As for me I have a really bad chest cold / sore throat again. Really tired of being sick. Off to get more cough meds and then back to bed.. Be well everyone. Hugs to all.

    BJ

      

  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 17,186
    edited January 2011

    Just a quick drive by since I have a dermatologist appointment early this morning for the fingers.

    Laura, sorry to hear about DS. Really hope she swings back very soon. BTW I also do Domonick's sushi. Not as good as some of the restaurants but not bad as long as they don't overcook the rice.

    Carolyn wish I could think of something to take away the boredom. How is the eyesight doing?

    lisamed the more the merrier. This Chicago meet might turn bigger than I thought. Guess I should really assume we are doing this even if MS. Ohio for some strange reason can't make it. Let me know if we need to be close to public transportation and what lines so I can make it easy for everyone.

    Have to catch up with the rest of you later. Need to get into the shower. I'm moving slowly today since the nuelasta has my entire back, neck,ribs and jaw sore. Not complaining. It's worth a day of soreness. With nuelasta my onc said I can eat sushi and we know how important that is.

  • ritajean
    ritajean Member Posts: 4,223
    edited January 2011

    Good morning everyone! 

    First and foremost............YEA MARINA!  I am so excited for you!  This is such wonderful news!  You go, gal!!!!!  You've got LOTS to celebrate.

    Jackie, how much snow do you have from this current system?  It's still snowing here.  I need to brave the roads and go into town today to the banks and later this evening for our local breast cancer group dinner.  The older I get, the more content I am to just stay in on days like this.

    Laura, so sorry that your sis is back in the hospital. I will keep her in my thoughts and prayers.  Hang in there!  It is so tough when we see our loved ones struggling.

    Susan, thanks for the suggestion on the epsom salts for the joints.  I have not tried that.  I do take magnesium.....as much as I can without spending the day in the bathroom and that does help some.  I also add the vitamin D3 with it. 

    Navy, I love Fort Myers Beach.  We have stayed at the Neptune in the past but have rented a condo a little farther down toward Bonita Springs at the Sunset for this year.  It's just about across the street from the unique pink movie theater.  The Diamond Head area is a really nice area.  If it's still cool there when you leave, please take the cold air with you.  We leave next Friday and I'm hoping it's at least warm enough that we can golf that first week.  Enjoy your stay!

    BJ...sorry that you're fighting a cold.  They are so miserable, especially when you're working and can't just plop and pamper yourself.  I think I do need to save you and Wendy a beach chair.  That warmer weather would take care of the cold real quickly.

    Marybe...so glad you found our Chicago gals.  I am a little too far south to just drive up for an evening, but you are in good hands with these gals.  Are you still posting on the older ladies thread?  I've weaned myself away from that even though I still qualify!  :-)

    Well I need to get ready to start the day so I'd better get out of here.  Everyone have a good day.  Congrats to those of you have just finished up treatment.  Now you're on to finding your new normal!  Hugs!

    Rita

  • IllinoisLady
    IllinoisLady Member Posts: 29,082
    edited January 2011

    When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.
    - Lao Tzu

    Take time to play!
    Ask for what you want.
    Laugh.
    Live loudly.
    Be avid.
    Learn a new thing.
    Be Yourself!
    - Mary Anne Radmacher

  • IllinoisLady
    IllinoisLady Member Posts: 29,082
    edited January 2011

    Laura...I am gathering up well wishes for your sister.  Like Rita, I sometimes think it is harder to watch those we love have to 'suffer' something than to go through it ourselves.  Prayers and healing hugs.

    Bj -- I'm so sorry to hear you have that cold and sure hope you are feeling better very soon.  You need some time in the sun --- even if it is just coming through a window.  Do you have any of those lights in your house that mimic the sun.  All you'll need is a blanket and beach chair.  Sure hope is it not long till your on the mend.

    Still snowing here.  We went to bed around mid-night with a nice covering on the deck --- just enough to hide the wood.  We now have about 4 inches and it is still coming.  I think we could easily get more than the original prediction of 6 inches.  So far, my 4-wheel drive has kept me motoring anywhere I need to go. Every day is a Maggie and feral cat day so I will be out there doing what needs doing. 

    Marybe....Rita is correct.  The Chicago ladies ( I'm much closer to Rita ) know how to "liven" up a restaurant and you will be in good hands.  Enjoy-Enjoy.  I no longer post to Older Forum either.

    Hope you are all going to have a fantastic day.  Had to put in two quotes today as they seemed to go together so well.   

    Oh -- almost forgot.  Hope your appt. goes well Lago.  My hands are a mess but only from all the bleach water at the shelter.  Cracked open here and there but the Gold Bond is helping.  I can still type so I figure it is not too bad yet. 

    Anyway...the snow is beautiful --- coming straight down -- no wind.  Last night we put rubber floor mats on our windshields so that will make life easier when we go to clean off the cars.  Have a strategy planning meeting tonight at the Green Grill which is a restaurant which has been around for years and years here for our late February dinner for House of Hope. Hope everyone can make it.  Our President lives several miles out in the country.  All back roads so to speak.......while I only live about a mile from the highway --- two miles from town....not bad for me. 

    Have a fantastic day everyone....be safe.  Don't hug the snowmen.

    Hugs, Jackie

  • zap
    zap Member Posts: 2,017
    edited January 2011

    Hi everyone!

     Laura, so sorry your sister is going through such a  bad time.  How very hard this is on her and her family.Prayers and healing thoughts are on her.

    BJ, thanks!  DD and I spoke last night and we both decided we are more drawn to New Mexico. She loves the art center there (Georgia OKeefe is her favorite artist) and I like the missions and we both are hoping for some great pool side memories, So it is Sante Fe.  Who knows, maybe this year  I can also get to Las Vegas too!  Maybe Las vegas has a mission here or there (ching ching).  I actually love to gamble (DH does not) so a trip to Vegas without him could be trouble. Oh, and the colds!  I have had two major colds this year and I generally never get sick. These have been nasty colds that linger. Very discouraging. 

    Carolyn, you are sounding well. I have missed a bunch of people I like so much.  To all of you, have a happy day!

  • makmak
    makmak Member Posts: 632
    edited January 2011

    Hello there.. Off to Sushi in a bit.. and going Commando!!  that's right.. I put away all my wigs today!! still need to get my hair shaped but oh well.. will call later and make an appointment. 

    Laura, thinking of you and crossing my fingers for good news for  your sister!!  and I get Dominicks Sushi all the time..

  • scrap2book
    scrap2book Member Posts: 367
    edited January 2011

    Good Morning all!  Hope everyone is having a wonderful Thursday!

    Laura - thanks for the info on the lavender bath stuff at TJMAX, will definately have to check that out and the Magnesium, as well. We all hope to hear that your sister is doing better - it sounds like she's had a rough time of it. It should be time for something good to happen.

    Jackie- I love the name "tired old ass soak" - sounds like it was made for me!!  I love looking at those catalogs that have all of the "old" stuff that we remember.  I still get a taste for things that they don't make anymore.  There was a frozen vegetable soup that was made by Campbells that I can still remember the taste of - they had a frozen cream of potato and oyster stew too, if I remember right.  (Here I go on food - it must be getting close to lunch time or I'm back on that soup kick again!)

    Marina - GREAT GREAT GREAT news!!  I'm so happy for you!

    BJ- Sorry to hear about your chest cold thing (absolutely hate those).  Take care of yourself and get plently of rest.

    Lago - Get some rest yourself and get over those nasty side effects of the Neulasta (and your chemo).  You seem to keep going no matter what - which I had just a "little" bit of your energy.

    Also thinking of you Susan, Ritajean, Wendy, Adey, Char, Rene, Joan and Onward (and anyone else who I missed..).  So glad to have found all of you!!  Have a great day!! (Soup for everyone!!)

  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 17,186
    edited January 2011

    scrap2book I'm trying to take advantage of my energy because I know tonight I will crash. So far been to the doctor and back, emptied the dishwasher and planing on cleaning a bit. I'm sure by 4 I will crash. My eyes are all wacky… on schedule though.

    Just have to say how much I ♥ our group of gal. I love reading all your posts although I don't always let you all know.

  • joan888
    joan888 Member Posts: 810
    edited January 2011

    Just trying to read thru the past few days of posts.  I love that this group is so chatty.

    CONGRATS to you Marina on NED.  That is way, way such wonderful news.  And going commando today.. wa hoo!  I packed away all my scarves and wig a couple weeks ago and am so enjoying just going with my new "do".  I think you must have more hair than me at this point as I am not ready to make that first appointment at my hair stylist.  Just did a little trimming myself around the ears, etc.

    Adey.. congrats on your deportation!  I am still sticking with mine for now.  My PS just offered to remove it when I go for my exchange surgery on March 30th and think I will plan on that.

    Lago... done with chemo!!  Hope you are managing those final SE's okay and then onto just feeling stronger and better every day.  Count me in for the downtown Chicago get-together with Marybe.  I love any excuse to go downtown... seems I have been there ALOT lately.  I arranged for a group of 10 of us last night at the Weber Grill.  Had a riot and the food was great.

    Zap... a trip to Sante Fe in April sounds wonderful.  We used to ski there alot and have enjoyed a few girls trips there as well.  Much different experience than Vegas.

    Laura... hope that your sister is doing better today.  Will keep her and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

    Thinking of all of you while I am waiting for my CT/PET scan results today.  Arrrgh!  I am glad that my travel business is so darn busy this time of year as it does help to keep my mind off of it most of the time.  My DH is home today and I think I have made him as "jumpy" as me every time the phone rings!  Everyone enjoy the day... it is going to be so COLD tonight.  So glad that I don't have to be anywhere tonight, but I imagine that it will be pretty frosty when I drive to tennis in the morning.  BRRR!  Anybody brave enough to go to the Bears game on Sunday?

  • scrap2book
    scrap2book Member Posts: 367
    edited January 2011

    Joan - Keeping my fingers crossed for good results on your scan.  I'm with you on the hair - I need to do a little trimming around the ears.  It's staring to get wavy in the back and I don't like it at all - I've trying about every kind of gel and styling product there is, but it goes how it wants anyway!! (Not that I'm complaining about having hair).  I think the Bears game on TV will be just fine with me - you won't see me in the crowd!!   BRRR is right!

    Lago- I know what you mean about taking advantage of the energy when you do have it.  Before chemo started I cleaned out closets, cooked and froze food, and pretty much got done with things that I knew I wouldn't be able (or want) to do later. Now if I'm cleaning or doing something that I really don't have the ambition to do - my DH says to take it  easy - like it'll get done on it's own! I don't know about anyone else's house but I haven't seen any "cleaning elves:" at my house.

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2011
       I am not an Illinois lady, but thanks to Lago I am going to meet some of you when I am in Chicago for my dental meeting and I am soooo excited.  I don't care where we go or what we eat, I am just looking forward to meeting all of you. Yes, I still post on the older women with BC thread....I am an older woman, but I have middle-aged memories.      We got I don't know how much snow today and I just went out to pull my windshield wipers out so they wouldn't freeze to the windshield and found out my doors are already frozen shut so unless my husband takes me to work in the morning, I am not going to get there....but maybe they will call and tell me not to come in anyway.  Oh, did someone say soup?...I made this last weekend and just recently learned how to post pics on here.
  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 17,186
    edited January 2011

    That looks yummy. What kind of soup? I love soup!

  • Rene23
    Rene23 Member Posts: 314
    edited January 2011

    Joan  - Sending postive thoughts your way for those CT/PET results.   Those waits always feel soooo long. 

    My DH will be going to the Bears game.  He and some friends have season tickets and wouldn't dream of selling them.  I love the Bears, but gotta admit, some of the prices I'm hearing would tempt me to sell!  

    Marybe and Lago - I hope you post when and where for the Chicago gathering.  I might try to make it down there if I can. 

  • DonnaDio
    DonnaDio Member Posts: 905
    edited January 2011

    lago..adey..makmak..ALL awesome news!!!!Congrads and doin the happy dance!!!!Love good news!!!

    Keep warm as this is scary cold!!!jackie..hope you do ok with the snow coming.!!be safe!!!

    donna

  • DonnaDio
    DonnaDio Member Posts: 905
    edited January 2011

    Oh.. i had the red face look when I had the steroids taken before chemo. It went away in a week. Use a non fragant cream like Eucerin or a cream designed for senstive skin is what I would do!!!Lots of water too in keeping hydrated@

  • IllinoisLady
    IllinoisLady Member Posts: 29,082
    edited January 2011

    "Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow, but only saps today of its strength."
    - A. J. Cronin

  • IllinoisLady
    IllinoisLady Member Posts: 29,082
    edited January 2011

    Morning everyone......our snow is still here and more will be coming.  I don't think it will be a lot more.  I ended up going to the shelter to work.  Some people could not make it in.  I guess I can say this here...........I'm quite annoyed with those who think they must try and call in every "able" body.......and then they are able to go home early and let the "abled-bodied people hang around for the grand finale'.  Ok -- now you have seen my rough side.  This is the same person who I worked for Monday so she could have an un-scheduled day off which has now given me four days to work this week.  I wondered why she called in two people.....because two can do it......then when she went home I realized -- duh, so she could walk away when she wanted too. 

    Ok---more than enough ranting from me.  I try not to do it --- and more  importantly do it here so thanks for listening.  I do feel better. 

    I too was red with my steroids --- in fact, I would have several days where I "looked" healthier than anyone around me.  Now we know where that old saying comes from that looks can be deceiving. I had forgotten that actually. 

    Hope you are all going to have a good day.......Bj, hope your cold is better.

    See you all later when I get home -- late again tonight.

    Hugs, Jackie

  • scrap2book
    scrap2book Member Posts: 367
    edited January 2011

    Good Morning to everyone!  Hope everyone is keeping warm and safe!

    I know what you're talking about Jackie and I'm glad you can rant here (cause that's what I feel like today too).  I work in a small office (one other person besides the boss), well today's the "other person's" birthday.  He'll be coming in late, but today's his birthday so the boss will take him out for lunch.  I've been here 26 years and so far have never been taken out for lunch or any other time.  They do this every year - so I should be used to it by now (not)!  I guess I should remember what a wonderful time I had last year on my birthday - went for radiation in the morning, then had my port put in that afternoon!  What more could I have wanted?  Don't think I even ate that day at all!!  I DO feel so much better now- got that out of my system (until they leave me here alone later to handle the office myself.   Looks like it may be a slow day here, so I'll probably check in later. Happy Friday to all!

  • Carolyn422
    Carolyn422 Member Posts: 162
    edited January 2011

    Hi everyone!  Happy Friday.  Hope everyone is staying nice and warm. I'm bundled up in my favorite and warmest sweat and a pair of warm sox.    Still have a cold but I've got over the counter meds that for once seem to be working.

    Stay warm everyone and enjoy the fookball game this weekend no matter who you're rooting foor.  (i'm a bears fan stuck in a packers household).

    Love to all,

    Carolyn

  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 17,186
    edited January 2011

    Hi everyone. Just came home from my PE/LE. I know I must be nuts to be out in this cold, this early and still suffering from some nuelasta SE but I'm glad I went.  Yesterday and today will typically be my worst days of my cycle. I'm so psyched these are my last really bad days.

    Carolyn Great to see you online.  Do post if you need some Bears support this weekend.

    I'm really excited about this Feb get together. I'll try to get some selections of places to eat next week. I'm also open to suggestions but I do feel we will need to keep the location to loop/south loop/Mich ave/river north area.

    BTW venting is always allowed. I do my share of it too.

    Extra warm hugs for everyone today O ♥ O ♥ O ♥ O

  • Char2010
    Char2010 Member Posts: 532
    edited January 2011

    Carolyn - So happy that are you all snuggled-up and posting.  You sound great.

     Lago - Congratulations on reaching the end of chemo.  Hope you are back to feeling good very quickly.  I am looking forward to the Feb get together.  Let me know if I can help in any way.

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