Any LDS women with BC?

Many thanks for your warm get well wishes, Ray and TallM  Fever is gone today, but the darn cough is starting so I'm drinking that Emergen-C stuff and eating more greens, hoping it will help fight it off.  I've GOT to keep teaching this week because the piano recital is in 4 weeks and some of my students still need lots of help (plus I need the income!)  Susan--I hope you're still playing the piano as often as possible. I really love  it when adults decide to take lessons and develop their musical talents

Ray--thank you SO much for sharing that terrific and touching "40 day fast" experience from your congregation.  Wow!  What a great idea! I'll share  this with my dad who's always looking for ways to involve his ward with missionary work. How I hope the members who participated in the fast felt the spirit stronger in their  lives, especially being able to be more aware and unafraid of missionary opportunities.  As  far as your Young Women "whisperers," I think your switching gears in the lesson to helping OTHERS be more successful was a wise move, and I'm sure it gently redirected their thoughts....at least during class

Tomorrow is a BIG day for you, Ray, so please take good care of yourself tonight and remember how many people  love you and stand by you and petition the Lord in your behalf

(Edited to add comment re TallM's post I missed)

Those Primary programs are the best, TallM!  Glad you got to enjoy those sweet children's voices.  We usually have WAY more people at church during those programs because of extended family, friends and many less-active members come, too.  It's a good way to feel the Lord's spirit through His little ones

Have a good week, everyone, and mark your calendar to VOTE!

Can I join you ladies?  I used to be LDS and I quit the church last year amid threats from a woman in my ward and not much support from the bishop.  I did take it to the stake president and the member that made the threat was reprimanded.  I really feel that I need the support and I miss my church as I don't have much family support.  I have not been diagnosed with bc yet as all of my biopsies have turned out to be inconclusive even though the mammograms and ultrasounds show something is up and I may need to have an excisional biopsy soon.

Ray--I hope you adjust OK to the hot/cold body temps from Tamoxifen.  My socks are the first to go when I wake up with hot flashes, but I go right back to sleep as I cool down.

Denise--WELCOME!  So sorry you're still  in limbo about a dx.  I'm really sorry about the episode with the lady in your ward, darn it!  You'll find sisterhood here on our thread and we'll do our best to answer questions and support your journey (Ray's doing a good job with that tonight! And I'm with Ray--surprised your Dr. is talking chemo already before conclusive results. Hang in there and make sure they do as many tests as needed.  I'll  keep you in my prayers for a quick dx and peace of mind.  Who knows?  You may be lucky and find  out they're benign.  We'll hope for the best for you, Denise!

WOW! I was off for just a few hours & POOF this thread exploded:-) seriously I was just going to head off to sleep & thought I'd see what, if anything was going on. That's an understatement:)



So RAY haha. Since some have already answered I guess I will too:) PJs in the cold, shorts & tank top (tacky I know but it's just so HOT sometimes). The "outfit" depends on the company too. Glad you had a good laugh...it's good for the soul. Fingers crossed for you tomorrow.



Denise!!! :-) WELCOME!!! We are so glad to have you join us. Definitely the more the merrier. We can only stand each others jokes & comedy for so long, it's nice to have fresh ideas (hehe no insult meant to anyone;) I'm so sorry you had a bad experience with that lady & glad you joined us. I too hope your dx comes back ok:{ The waiting is sometimes the worst. You're always welcome no matter what:)



OK REALLY off to sleep this time:o Goodnight well morning to all:-) xxx

yeahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, congrats Ray!!!!!! soo cool. send pics   many more prayers your way, have fun

it is going to hard to be off this topic, my daughter was the best thing that ever happened to me.....so happy you were so blessed ray

but on to pjs, me tank top and maybe underwear (was that to much info)

welcome Denise, good luck to you

yes i am still playing piano, my "teacher" has me practicing, i am not sure what is is called, quick recap, know nothing about music and cant sing, so i am playing Bach's ave maria. to show my music intelligence, my "teacher" played it and sang it after the lesson, and that is when i realized it was the ave maria. cause my daughter, who has a great voice, a capella groups and all, has sung it a million times. but when teach was playing and singing i asked her where the notes where that she was singing, and of course you are laughing right now, cause they aren't on the music sheet. so i was very confused. but my daughter , who knows how my brain "works" told me that yes indeed there are notes for the ave maria, but not the ones i am looking at. that made sense to me. sooooooooo, do you guys think i should quit, or stay the comic relief for musicians??????? did i spell a capella right????

Joanne, hope you are feeling better, sending prayers your way too.

Hi TallM

loveeeeeeee the pics, i am teary eyed with happiness for you!!!!!! he is soooo cute and you are used to not sleeping, so you are the perfect mom. thank you for sending the pics. oh, and i loved the messes, my husband was aways wiping Claire's face and cleaning her and i would let her put the bowl on her head..lol

we did a lot of sidewalk chalk and my hubby would come home from work and before entering the house he would hose it down. the neighbors caught on and they would draw pic for him and make a mess when Claire and i didn't, we all finally broke him and he enjoyed the mess too.

enjoy it all, it is all priceless

OK--your turn for this: (((((((TallM)))))))) I wish I was your neighbor and could drop by for just a few minutes.  I know we'd have a nice chat and talk about who we commonly knew from church in your Anaheim days (I LOVE playing the "Do you know___?" game!).   I'd BEG you to play something on the piano and show me how to really use the pedal properly (I'm sure that classically trained pianists like you have a special technique , and  then you could give me a flu shot because I've been  bad and STILL haven't gotten one--ha!  Please know that when you have down days, you're not alone and are always in someone's thoughts and prayers, always.  I know how faithful and wonderful the Tall family is as they stand beside  you, then include all the hundreds of friends you have plus the ones you've made here on BCO.  THEN, add in all the angels that cheer you on when you’re doing what brings you joy, and keep a close watch over you when you’re at rest and trying to heal and regain some strength again.  

I hope  you'll continue to do things that you love, everyday, no matter how small. I really enjoyed seeing your pedicured toes picture--too cute! Keep sharing with us so we can absorb your light and spread it to  others.  You have a great purpose and touch more people for good than you know

"Momma"Ray--I imagine your days are so full that you're retiring with a smile and waking up with an even bigger smile on your face!  Thanks for posting pictures so soon (OK--you updated us a LOT sooner than I predicted, so I was WRONG! You were sweet to let us know how your first day was as a new mom.  Looking forward to more updates and adventures, packed with all the cute, funny things from a darling little boy!

Susan--loved the sidewalk chalk images.  How fun that you enjoyed doing that with her! My 16 yr-old STILL does chalk art with her friends on our sidewalk and in the backyard.  Her name is written in chalk on our retaining wall right now

Happy Halloween all!!! We have a family tradition to make maple bars (long johns) with my great grandmas recipe. YUM! My friends still talk about them to this day & say they still crave a maple bar during this month, (even the ones from Ca:)



Thanks all for the words of encouragement & hugs. Thanks for letting me know I'm a strength. I'm usually so strong just having a moment I guess:-) Thanks for being there.



Mmaaammmaaa RAY! I'm so excited for you & like susan we await more pictures. I hope you have such a great time today & how fun to have him for Halloween:)



Joanne-I hope you feel better & better & back to yourself soon! That's no fun to feel yucky. You are so amazing! As for the pedaling haha:) I'm sure you have it down. Something I tell my students that seems to help is have them think of it as a gas pedal. The farther you push down the "faster" & out of control they get. I have the feel for that "change" befor the pedal engages, listen to the sound & there always shocked that they need that little. Anyway, the "do you know..." would definitely be a game we'd do well at:)



BTW-It looks like I'll be here Thurs (going to Idaho latter this time:) & will work on getting some links up for my music.



Susan you are invited anytime:) It will be fun with more people:-) I enjoy hearing stories about your daughter Claire too:)



I'm having tx as I write then off to my sisters house in Provo to help with doughnut making, passing out candy & party:-)



Thanks again everyone for being there. I hope "y'all has" a happy Halloween!

I TOTALLY second that motion, Susan!!!!  Do you realize that my mouth started watering, uncontrollably, when I read TallM's post about HOMEmade maple bars--yum!  It was my favorite doughnut when I was a teenager.  For early morning Seminary, our teacher would bring a maple bar for whomever won the "on time" drawing.  I SOOO loved it when I won that darn doughnut--ha!  OK-so we don't really expect deliveries, but how about your grandma's recipe and any hints so that we can make them? 

Ray--did you take Jacob trick or treating?  Pics when you get a chance, please!  I'm sure you had a great time shopping today and had to hold back in buying everything that made his eyes light up!

Happy Halloween to all!

Ahhhhh, Susan; you just won't give up hope, will you?  Don't think the maple bars would taste as good after 3 days in the mail on a truck!

No trick or treaters AGAIN this year. Not many children left in our neighborhood areas (none on our street) and no  one wants to hike up a steep hill  Guess my husband gets to eat the candy by himself again--ha!

On my way to watch my daughter's final volleyball match of the season.  Hope they at least can tie this fabulously talented opposing team!

Ray you will totally be able to clean & do all you want & need:) I bet Jacob would enjoy potato cheese soup too. My nieces & nephews have always enjoyed that. Also the doughnuts are good plan as a scone w/o the maple frosting. They are not as sweet as a "real" doughnut. Maybe because the old fashioned ones are not as sweet as the modern ones. They put SO much sugar in everything now a days.



Heading off to Idaho sometime today. I'll try really hard Joannne (;) to get some music here for the weekend.



Yes-HAPPY FIRST DAY OF NOVEMBER! :-) I hope it's a great one for all.

Mmm sounds great Susan:) Hope work was ok today.



And Ray I too hope your tired is a fun tired:) AND you're enjoying EVERY minute:)



Joanne I hope you're feeling better & stronger every moment.



I also burned some of my music to transfer to my other computer. Should have it up in the next couple days. Joanne you've been esp patient;) As well as the maple bar recipe:)



Thanks to all of you & your strength I finally had more energy today:-) Off to Idaho & just ate at a place called Madox in Brigham city (It's really in Perry). Oh so yummy if you havent ever tried it. It's a family tradition from my grandparents & on:-)



Firstcall, painterly, raro, MOmom2three, denise2012 WHERE ARE YOU??? I hope you're all well:o

Alright!  What's all this talk about testing my patience?!?!   Look what happens when I'm off the board for a day--sheesh!  At least I know you still love me and of course, I  love you all, too.....even if you STILL haven't put up more pictures, Ray, and music and doughnut, chili and potato soup recipes, TallM (insert folded arms and tapping foot icon  ) OK; what if I share my chicken tortilla soup recipe right now?  Maybe that will make Ray take back her comment--ha!

Here it is: Tonya's Chicken Tortilla Soup

(Tonya's a good friend who brought us dinner every Tuesday for almost year while I was in tx, so I'm giving her credit)

1 small onion, chopped

2 cloves minced garlic

1 T. olive oil (for sauteing onions)

16 oz can of diced peeled tomatoes 

16 oz. can nonfat refried beans

1 10 oz. can Ro-Tel mild diced tomatoes with green chilies (or substitute your favorite salsa)

1 can chopped green chilies

handful of chopped cilantro (optional)

chopped zucchini, yellow squash, etc. (optional)

can of corn (optional)

can of drained black beans (optional)

16 oz. can chicken broth (or more for lighter consistancy)

2-3 cups precooked, cut up or shredded chicken 

Saute onion in olive oil, then add garlic.  Add remaining ingredients. Bring to a rolling boil for a few minutes, stirring.  (I like my soup thick, so I let it simmer for a while after after the boiling period). When ready to serve, top with broken tortilla chips, grated cheese, sour cream, olives, etc, or serve with corn chips or crusted bread for dipping.  This makes a huge batch, so there's plenty to give away or freeze for later. 

Hope your injection goes quickly and without incident, Ray, and  have a wonderful time at your "toddler shower" on Saturday.  Can't wait to hear how it went and what Jacob has to say about his new things to wear and play with--how fun!  I think it's WONDERFUL that he cried for you tonight when you had to leave.  Bitter/sweet, but sounds like  he did just fine with Daddy taking care of him.  You really have the best of the best in a son, and he has the  same in you and John I totally agree with TallM re your co-worker having you in her life.  She trusts you and will find strength and comfort in your listening ear.  You'll know how to ease her burden and make her feel not so alone.  It may turn into a missionary opp. if she asks you how you cope--where you get your faith.  

TallM (Malinda)--happy trails  to Idaho this weekend!  Stay warm and don't stress over the  music for me.  I can wait a while longer  Glad you're calling out to our other posters, too--good idea!  Last time I heard from raro, she mentioned she weathered the storm in VA just fine.  Hope she checks in, soon!

Stake Conference for us this weekend--yay!  And I'm SOOOO glad it's Friday in a  few hours!!!!

TallM - Thank you for asking about me.   I'm here, and doing pretty good.  I enjoy reading about your travels up in Idaho- as thats where I spent the first 18 years of my life. 

So....to update everyone....I finished my chemo the end of April, and have been on Tamoxifen since then.  I saw my  MO this week, and had blood work.  It was a little disappointing, because I still have anemia, and my kidney function tests were a little off.  So I had more blood tests yesterday, and I'm waiting for those results.  I did go into JC Pennys and asked for a free haircut, since they were offering haircut and styling free during Oct. to BC survivors.  It was barely a trim, since its pretty new growth still since chemo.  I just wanted to make a statement by showing up.   I wondered if they would believe me that I was a BC survivor.  It was no problem.  But I do have a problem with JCPennys....my missionary son sent an email this week (Hes been in the MTC for a couple of weeks now) and he said that both of the new suit pants have ripped out.  Thank you JCPennys.....Good thing its just a plain black suit, he should be able to buy some black pants to use with it. 

So.....call me crazy....but I'm going to try to run a marathon tomorrow.   I have run a lot of marathons....8 last year, and 2 during the month before I was diagnosed.  But I have not run one since then (Dec).   And I didnt have anemia then either......so stay tuned.  

Ray--I'm LOVING the pictures of Jacob!!!!  And I'd much rather have what you're having for dinner tonight--yum!  Some friends of ours are taking us out to eat Sushi (possibly), and I'm really worried.  Not a Shusi fan.

TallM--Your music you emailed is BEAUTIFUL and I  love your creativity with the original piece.  Was there a guitar playing with you?  Keep composing and thanks for sharing your lovely talent.  Hope you can find a way to put it on a link for all of us on this site so others can hear it, too.

Dr. F.--too funny about getting a free haircut.  I did  the same thing and worried if they'd believe me.  Thought I'd have to bring a path. report or picture of my previously bald head!  Sorry about your son's pants, but my husband, who served in Brazil MANY years ago said at least he's in a country that can repair or make new pants for much less money.

On to our "date night" with some friends.  We may watch an old movie on Netflicks after dinner.  Enjoy your weekend, everyone!