Positive Girls Club

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  • Valsul
    Valsul Member Posts: 160
    edited October 2007

    Sheila, you could have some of our rain - we have had none for three days now, and it's due back on Sunday.  Frown

    big hug

    Valerie S

  • Fllorik
    Fllorik Member Posts: 1,351
    edited October 2007

    I, too, was asked to speak at a dinner. I really didn't want to talk about my journey but thought I would speak about cancer and our families in a very abstract way. But after reading your posts, maybe I will tell my story. I did everything "right". mamos, etc. but was diagnosed with stage 3c and 13 mos later mets to bone and liver. So my moral of the story isn't all about early detection or eating right and excercises but just it's a crap shoot. some people get it and some don't. It's how you deal with it that counts.

    And that bc is not a death sentence..It's a chronic disease.

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited October 2007

    Fllorik,

    I havent done my talk yet...its scheduled for Nov. 3....Im scared silly already...I originally had thought to turned it down but after my post here and all the encouragement Ive received I changed my mind.

    Ive never done anything like this before and until that day in the post office I had kept things pretty quiet....since my name was the first and only survivor symbol on the wall there for the first few days I have received many phone calls, cards and notes from people I only know in passing....they all have said that they wished they had known so that they might have helped me through and they would still like to help if there's anything I need....

    The first few of those made me want to run and hide, but ya know what.........its NOT happening...I walked my journey and for now I am NED and leading a pretty normal life again....I shouldnt hide what I have dealt with, I should be proud that I have dealt with it and come out on the other end of the tunnel that I didnt even think had a light at the end when I first entered.....

    If feels really strange to say this but I think you all will understand....

    I DO feel PROUD that Ive walked this journey and where I am today!!!!!! Its the hardest fight Ive had in my life so far and I can hold my head high....

    And Im proud that I can be here and attempt to help others that will unfortunately follow in our paths....

    Hugs to ALL of us!!!!!!!!

    Jule

  • lvtwoqlt
    lvtwoqlt Member Posts: 6,162
    edited October 2007

    Valerie, I wish I could have some of your rain also. We are in extreme drought conditions. We are about 20 inches behind in rain for the year and heading into the driest time of the year. Most cities are restricting outside watering if not prohibiting it as well as washing vehicles. They want everyone to reduce water consuption by 25%. I already 1. wash dishes by hand, 2. collect water while getting hot water to the faucet to water the dog and plants, 3. take 5 minute showers with a reduced flow shower head, 4. only wash full loads of laundry (4 loads a week). I don't know how else I can reduce my water use.

    I walked this past weekend in the NC Foothills Race for the cure. There were over 1000 people preregistered for the race and more registered Saturday. We had a fun time there. I had 15 people registered for my team. I am proud to walk this year in the pink t-shirt and hat. It is good to see the light at the end of the tunnel and it is not a train.

    Everyone have a positive week!

    Sheila

  • dkmaustx
    dkmaustx Member Posts: 363
    edited October 2007

    Hi, everyone, sorry I haven't posted for the last 2 weeks. When I was at the computer, I couldn't think of anything to post or I started nodding off after reading a few posts.

    I've been on Aromasin now for a month. So far it isn't too bad, but some days are better than others.

    My husband are flying up to St. Louis tomorrow morning, then on Wednesday we'll drive his mom down to see her sister in Tenn for a few days and fly back home on Oct 30. I'm looking forward to the trip. Now all I have to do is finish packing.

    We're getting some rain here, too. It's our first in about 3 weeks plus it cooled off big time. Today was about 30 degrees cooler than yesterday.

    Thanks for that verse about the pink ribbon. I'm going to have make a copy for myself.

    Woo Hoo, weddings! I hope you have fun planning them.

    See you next week.

  • hi5
    hi5 Member Posts: 374
    edited October 2007

    Great news, June.... You'll do great...

    and thanks Sheila for the sharing the poem about the pink ribbon...

    What's been positive for me????

    Well I am feeling like I am finally getting caught up with some of my coursework.

    Have given away a box of clothes so things are clearing up...soon I will have an excuse to buy some more!!! 

  • lvtwoqlt
    lvtwoqlt Member Posts: 6,162
    edited October 2007

    Hi everyone.

    Guess what . . . It's RAINING!!!! It has been raining on and off since Tuesday. It is not real hard but gentle showers. I think that they have gotten between 2-3 inches in Charlotte this week and we may have about 2 inches this week in Lenoir. The rains are supposed to leave by tonight or tomorrow morning. It is not enough to stop the water conservation orders but it is a start. We have been behind our average rain totals in every month except one since January and it added up to about 20 inches behind. All the boat docks in the local lakes/rivers have been closed because of the low water levels.

    That's positive enough for me.

    Sheila

  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 5,446
    edited October 2007

    Sheila,

    We are having RAIN here too!!  So much rain!  But, we need it!

    Harley

  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 5,446
    edited October 2007

    I, too, think a positive attitude is what helps us get through all this bc crap... 

    I went for a walk when I got home from the hospital, after my bi-lateral mast.  I really didn't have much pain at all from my surgery.  I also didn't have too many se's from the chemo.   I really think that being positive helps us to heal more quickly, too.

    Through all this bc experience, I have felt God's presence in my life, helping me through every step of the way.  Every time I have needed something, sometimes even before I know I need it, it is THERE!... 

    So, I just have to THANK GOD for helping me through this, and I have read that God can make GOOD things come from the bad things that happen in our life.  HE has made LOTS of good things happen for me, and I just know HE will be here for me, helping me with whatever I need. 

    This is a nice thread! 

    Harley

  • lvtwoqlt
    lvtwoqlt Member Posts: 6,162
    edited November 2007

    I will post my positive today because starting tomorrow (Friday) I will be out of the office until Nov 12.

    I am having my second stage implant surgery tomorrow! I will get rid of these hard turtle shell boobs and hopefully get the softer saline boobs. My husband is taking off next week to take care of me while I recuperate from this surgery. My mom is taking me to the hospital and taking me to her house until my DH gets off the road.

    Harley, I also have felt God's presence and hand through every step of this process. And everyone is helping me through this process.

    Sheila

  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 5,446
    edited November 2007

    Sheila,

    Yes, since I have moved here (North Carolina) from Maryland, I have met so many nice people!  They have all helped me in many ways.  I just know that GOD has put these people in my life, to help me, and to be here for me, when I was here alone.  My dh was still in Maryland, in the DC area, because he was in the Navy, and his MOM moved down to SC.  She was a big help also, and even though we weren't very close, we have become much closer, and I can only think that it was part of GOD'S plan for us to become closer, too.  God has blessed me in so many other ways, too, since beginning this bc journey.

    Good luck with your surgery!  I'll be praying for you, that all goes well!  My reconstruction surgery will be next week, on Nov. 7th.  It is a one step, implant without expander surgery, with saline implants.

    God Bless,

    Harley

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited November 2007

    Shelia,

    Im sorry you didnt get to see this before heading for your surgery today, but I want you to know your in my thoughts...post when you feel up to it, but I know in my heart things will be just fine for you....

    Harley,

    I will mark your date on my calendar and my thoughts will be with you as well....

    My positive for this week????

    We are busily making wedding plans, have one last fitting for the dress, had meeting with minister last night, ladies (except one) have all picked out and gotten their bridesmaids dresses....purchased the material and what nots for the flower girl and her sisters dresses, just need to get them sewn.....all the flowers are made, just need to finish the table decors.....

    Just think we have done all this in just two weeks time!!!! with help from lots of good friends and family I must say!!!!!

    Hope everyone is having a wonderful time and things are going well...most of the posters on this thread have stopped posting and Im praying that all is well for them, even though I do miss them...

    Hugs

    Jule

  • dkmaustx
    dkmaustx Member Posts: 363
    edited November 2007

    Sheila and Harley, I hope your surgeries go well and that you will have speedy recoveries.

    My husband and I made it back from our trip. The 10 year old car with over 100,000 miles on it made it from St. Louis to Tennessee and back. The Check Engine Service light was on for most of the trip, but the car seemed to run alright. Instead of taking the car in for a Maintenance Check as we had asked, his mom took it to NTB for an oil change and tire rotation. They also replaced the windshield wipers which we really needed on the trip down because it rained nearly all the way through Kentucky and Tennessee.

    His aunt looked really good for someone who has been in a nursing home for 3 years. The staff there had done her hair and make up for a special visit from her sister and nephew. She was wearing a nice outfit and special jewelry, too. When my hubby sat next to her she grabbed on to his hand and didn't let go for a long time. She didn't say much, but we could tell that she was happy to see us.

    We got to visit with a few other relatives while we were there.

    Where we live in Texas doesn't get much Fall color, but we saw lots of it on this trip down through Illinois, Kentucky, and Tennessee. I even saw a couple of deer on the short section of the Natchez Trace that we took.

    Now it is back to my regular routine. I've been to my water aerobics twice, and hope to go all three times next week.

    One positive that I almost forgot, we bought one bag of fun sized Hershey bars for the Trick or Treaters and had enough for all the kids who came by the house. We even had enough left over for each of us to have 2 bars. Is that planning or what?

    Check back with you next week.

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited November 2007

    Hi Everyone!

     We finally got some rain here in southwestern Virginia, too. I'm not sure if it was enough, but it rained lots for about three days!

     Debbie, so glad you made it back from your trip in your oldie, but goodie car. Kiss  Sure sounds like you had a nice time.

     Jule, sounds like you're in a flurry of wedding preparations. I know you're having fun with it! Try not to cry too hard during the wedding!!

    Harley and Sheila, so nice to hear you talk about God's presence in your lives. He is so good to all of us, if we just have the eyes to see.

    Hi5, did you buy more clothes yet? I managed to fill up a black trash bag with clothing from my drawers and closet that either doesn't fit or doesn't look right anymore. I have done a fair amount of buying (all on sale, of course). Right now I am waiting for three pairs of shoes to arrive. Oops. Pretty soon I'll need another black trash bag.

    So, let me think of any news I have from all the recent testing and onc visits. First of all, not one doctor will let me off the hook, as far as continuing to visit them! Arg! Am I THAT likeable??  LOL Just kidding.

    Anyway, I am getting my port removed next Friday.

    There was no improvement in my heart function, but I brought my bad cholestoral down to some stupendous number. Tongue out The doc also said it was very positive that my heart function didn't drop even lower, so that's another positive!

    Work is going great. Still loving it! I feel like I have joined the land of the living again. I have just spent the entire day sleeping, though. I must say living life again is wearing me out!  LOL

    I think of you all and pray for you and care very much about what is happening with you!

    Love you,

    Miss S

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited November 2007

    Here I am again. Did I scare everyone away or am I the only one with good news? Laughing

    My positives for this week:

    I celebrated my one year anniversary of being dx with bc.

    My port was removed today.

    Life goes on.....

    Miss S

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited November 2007

    Miss S,

    I love your avatar!!! that is sooooo me in the mornings..I wake early but my brain sometimes lingers and doesnt get into full gear until Im through 1/2 pot of coffee...

    I also will be celebrating (if you can call it that) my 1 yr anniversay of being cancer free...I choose the day of my lumpectomy as my anniversary....which also is my birthday so Nov. 15th I will be 47 as well as being cancer free for 1 yr...

    Work is crazy, this is a busy time of year with budget closing and spawning fish at the hatchery....I go to the hatchery Tues & Wens to work with the fish, but my desk seems to grow daily!!!! I keep teasing my boss about it....Im 5'1" tall, and I keep saying Im waiting for it to get as tall as me then I will clear it off....he always comments back that Id better not let it get as tall as he since he is 6'5".....I cleared most of it off the other day and when he commented about it I said I was just curious to see if there really is a wood top on my desk....its a running joke around the office....

    I think we have most all things done for the wedding on the 24th....a couple of table decorations to finish off and some other small details then we are good to go....

    Hope all is well with everyone and that is why no one is posting here anymore....things are good for me right now, but I keep coming here any :)...I just miss you all too much to cut the apron strings I guess :)...

    Hugs

    Jule

  • dkmaustx
    dkmaustx Member Posts: 363
    edited November 2007

    Hello everyone.

    Miss S, I hope you are doing well without the port. I had mine out last month and haven't missed it one bit. I find myself checking where it had been occasionally to see if there's any pain or whatever, but so far I've had none of the problems that I've heard about from other people. Sorry you didn't get better news about your heart function, but having your cholesterol count down is good. Oh, I love the Coffee Monster, too, even though I'm not drinking as much as I used to. Take care of yourself.

    Jule, That is sooo funny about your desk. My Husband complains about mine here at home. Hey, I can find stuff if it's important. Wow, the wedding is getting closer. It sounds like you are getting everything done for it, though.

    The 1 year anniversary of my diagnosis isn't until December 22, but it seems to be coming up fast. I decided to use that date because that's when we got the news from the surgeon who did the needle biopsy and it is easy to remember.

    I don't have any super positives this week, but I'm plugging along at "normal" life. I went to my water aerobics on Mon, Wed, and Fri. I kept up with the Fri instructor who does major upper body work as well as cardio. She tells us that she changes it up every so often so our bodies don't get used to it and keep improving.

    Yesterday the hubby and I went down to San Antonio for the day. We had a nice time walking around the El Mercado (Mexican Market) and the rest of Market Square and old Farmer's Market shops. We didn't buy much this time, but we had a nice lunch at La Margarita (one of the sister resaurants to Mi Tierra) because they have seafood in addition to the Tex-Mex. As we were walking back to the car, I noticed my hands were a little swolen. On the drive back to Austin, I raised my arms over my head and wiggled my fingers, and they were fine by time we got home.

    We got home in time to see the Texas Longhorns beat the Texas Tech Red Raiders 59-43. They tried something different this week and led for the whole game instead of the come from behind at the last second like last week.

    I was pooped out after that day and went to bed early. This morning I slept soundly until 9:30.

    I hope the rest of you are doing well. I'll check back next week.

  • lvtwoqlt
    lvtwoqlt Member Posts: 6,162
    edited November 2007

    Hi everyone,

    I am back on the computer!  My surgery went well, the lypo that the doctor did on my sides hurt more than the exchange part of the surgery. He said that I will be getting nipples around Christmas! Laughing

    My husband spent a week with me and I could not wait for him to get back on the road Tongue out.

    glad to hear that everyone is doing fine.

    Jule, keep the wedding plans going! My sister and I make wedding/bridesmaid/prom gowns and I know what a headache it can be.

    Debbie, Glad you liked the colors in the mountains. I live in the foothills of NC and we see the beautiful colors each fall, sometimes we take them for granted.

    Miss S, Glad to hear your good test results.

    Harley, My son is also in the Navy but homeport in Honolulu. His ship is leaving today for 6 months in the Persian Gulf region. Hope your surgery went well last week.

    till Friday

    Sheila

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited November 2007

    Hi ladies,

     Well, Sheila is getting nipples for Christmas! Woohoo! That made me giggle! Congrats!

    I am doing fine with my port out. I get the stitches out tomorrow. Yay! it was wonderful seeing my BS again, as I love her to pieces. She is my favorite of all my many doctors.

    I somehow got a kidney infection, but I am taking antibiotics to try to get rid of it.  Yell  My back is killing me!

    My positive: My CA son is visiting for Thanksgiving!

    Love you all,

    Miss S

  • lvtwoqlt
    lvtwoqlt Member Posts: 6,162
    edited November 2007

    HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE !!!

    I hope that all have a wonderful, stress free Wink, Thanksgiving.

    I have the date for my nipples, it is December 20 (my 11th wedding anniversary). My ps said that he would do it another day but the dates available were getting slim before the new year and we are trying to get as much done this year as we can before my insurance deductable rolls over to 0.

    Sheila

  • dkmaustx
    dkmaustx Member Posts: 363
    edited November 2007

    Hi, Happy Thanksgiving from me, too. I started my Holiday yesterday afternoon with a massage from the threapist I been using for about 4 years now. I couldn't believe it on Tuesday when I called and he had times open. As he worked on my right arm, I remembered that I had some tightness around my left arm where I had the 2 lymph nodes removed and the radiation. When I mentioned my left arm, he dropped his plan for the rest of the massage and worked on lymph drainage for 15 or 20 minutes before he did my knees and ankles. I'm really not swolen, at least I hadn't noticed it, but he showed me a few things to do on my own and he'll continue to work on it during my massages from now on.

    We had a quiet day at home watching the parade, the dog show, and the Cowboys' game. We finished off the evening with The Incredibles on NBC. We had all our favorite dishes for dinner with enough left over to have another meal sometime over the weekend.

    I hope you are all doing well and have a good weekend.

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited November 2007

    Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. I just want to let you girls know that our dear friend, Jacque, from the Chemosabe March chemo group passed away on Thanksgiving morning.

    It's always heartbreaking to see someone from our group pass away and she was particularly wonderful and giving. I am so sad for her family and loved ones.  Please lift them up in prayer.

    Love you all,

    Miss S

  • lvtwoqlt
    lvtwoqlt Member Posts: 6,162
    edited November 2007

    I hope all had a great thanksgiving and did not eat too much Wink.

    Sorry to hear about the passing of Jacque. I have a good friend locally who had another scan 2 weeks ago and they found additional spots on her spine and hip area. She has been fighting mets for over a year.

    My positive news: I went to Arm-N-Arm meeting Monday and we had painting therapy at 'Mine by Design' pottery store. I painted a triangular shaped plate with an abstract snowman face on it (painted white flecked, with black hat on top, orange carrot shaped nose, and black dots for eyes and mouth). I picked it up today and it looks cute.

    I will check back monday to see what everyone else has done. this week.

    Sheila

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited December 2007

    Hi Gals,

    We made it through another week! No one has any positives? Kiss

    Sheila, your plate sounds like fun. I should do something like that.

    I have a PET scanned scheduled for Friday, so please be praying for me. I really am not in the mood for bad news, if ya know what I mean.

    My positive: My son is visiting from California and I'm really enjoying the time with him!

    I'd love to hear how the rest of you are doing. Check in if you get a chance!

    Love ya,

    Miss S

  • dkmaustx
    dkmaustx Member Posts: 363
    edited December 2007

    Hi Miss S, Sheila, and everyone else.

    It sounds like you had fun painting that plate, Sheila. Just being with a group of friends sounds great, too.

    Miss S, I've never met Jacque, but I'm sorry to hear about her. I hope her family makes it through their grief to a better place. Continue to enjoy the time with your son.

    This was a good week for me just getting on with life. I went to my water aerobics 3 times. My hubby took me out to lunch a couple of times, and on Saturday we went to the Christmas Market Days at a small town near here. I had supper out with my neighbor on Thursday.

    Next week is busy, busy, busy.

    On Monday, I see my PCP for my annual check up and Pap smear.

    Tuesday, I'll go with my neighbor to her Diabetes class. I found it very informative when I went in July, and I recommended it to her. She's had diabetes for a year or two, but had never been to the class.

    Wednesday, I have water aerobics.

    Thursday, is my first Mammogram since my diagnosis with BC last December. It will be the first time for a "diagnostic" mammo instead of a screening one. The scheduler said to expect the appointment to take an hour. I'm assuming she means AFTER I get called to the exam room.

    On Friday, I have water aerobics again and lunch out with the other Aqua Angels. It's our Christmas party and we always have fun with the Gift Exchange Game.

    Then on Saturday and Sunday, I have a Mega chat on Instant Messenger with a group of on line friends as we reveal the presents we received and who sent them to us. That is, if I get my package in time.

    I hope you all have a good week.

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited December 2007

    Hi Ladies,

    Its been a bit since Ive posted my positives but Ive been running in circles and now that the wedding is finally over I can breath a little...

    Positive #1-Wedding was beautiful....went off without a hitch...I will try to figure out how to post a pic from the wedding at the end of my posts.

    Positive #2-had follow up with onco...he gave me the all clear and said he would see me in 6 months...

    Positive #3-Son is all healed, no more cast and back to work full time...(he broke his ankle into about 6 pieces in May..had to have two surgeries to put it back together).

    Positive #4- I have my first real date with a man tomorrow for dinner....this one I might need help on girls...I havent dated in a really long time....Im really nervous!!!!!

    Positive #5-Work is finally settling down now to so life is just plain GOOD for me right now...

    dkmaustx-I love your new avatar....I thought I was a busy girl....your week makes me tired just to read about it...but it also brought a smile to my face as I can tell how happy you are...

    MissS-Your pet scan will be fine...I just know it will be.....enjoy your son....

    Shelia-my daughter would LOVE your plate....she is a collector of snowmen....she has more than you can believe!!!!!!

    Love ya

    Jule

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited December 2007

    For some reason I dont think this pic is going to work Frown, but here goes.

    Nope, didnt work....how the heck to you post them here now??? Anyone know???

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited December 2007

    troy, melissa, david, jule, justin Well, pooooooey!!!! I cant figure this dingy thing out...I use to be able to post pics on the old board.....

    Here is the link to where I think you can see them.....let me know if it works.

    http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa151/jpann39/TroyMelissaDavidJuleJustin.jpg

    the one above is of my ex, daughter, new son-in-law, myself and my son

    http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa151/jpann39/Melissaandgirls.jpg

    this one is of my daughter with her wedding girls....the two little girls are my granddaughters :)....

  • dkmaustx
    dkmaustx Member Posts: 363
    edited December 2007

    Great Pictures Jule! Thanks for sharing them. it took me a couple of tries to post some pics on another thread. Your pics were on photobucket so it should have worked in the post. You choose the "direct link" (second line down under the picture) and it copies it for you to insert into your message. You click on the tree next to the Smiley face at the top of the writing window to get the insert picture box. If you did all that and it still didn't work, I not sure what else to say.

    This week is moving right along. The Doctor ordered 3 vaccines for me yesterday for flu, pneumonia, and an Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis). Two in my "good" arm and one in my thigh. The one in my leg has raised a knot that's beginning to get a bit sore. I hope it will pass soon.

    Today after her class my neighbor and I went to lunch. Boy were we ready to eat. We were there from 9 am until 12:15 or so. We picked today's special and stuck to our diabetes food plan controlling carbs. I felt I was good enough to get a praline for dessert; I did save half of it for a later snack, though.

    I took that picture the week before Thanksgiving at the Junior League's A Christmas Affair. If I don't put on a hat and squish it down, my hair is doing pretty good in that spikey style. We'll see what happens when it gets a little longer.

  • lvtwoqlt
    lvtwoqlt Member Posts: 6,162
    edited December 2007

    Jule, Thanks for the comment on the plate. We had our Christmas party Monday for my quilt guild and the lady's name I drew had on her wish list 'surprise me'. I bought her the desk calendar with the quilt blocks and patterns and gave her the plate. She said she had seen the calendar in previous years and wanted to see how the quilt blocks looked and was glad I got her that. She also loved the plate. She said that she was going to have to find some treats to put on the plate for her next party, even using it after Christmas.

    I got a 1 yr subscription to my favorite quilt magazine!

    Sheila

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