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by ontheropes

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by tig2

Wears a pin that says "Fu*k Cancer".

My sentiments exactly.

I think what Neil was saying was that there was little difference between lumpectomy versus mastectomy. For most that is accurate. The only time I know of when it is not accurate is in teh case of Inflammatory Breast Cancer- Doesn't present with a lump and is the only form that is treated with chemo and radiation first and mastectomy- radical and bilateral- second. The nature of that type is such that it hides in pockets everywhere and surgery before treatment is not a good plan.

Peer me your Aunt's name. I will carry her with me on the walk.

P.S. I hate cancer too. You don't bring anyone down by talking about a Survivor who is not with us any longer. And sharing your experience always helps another.

by Member 25348569

I was referring to stage 1 where the lump is localised and lymph node involvement is not confirmed. For stage II, bigger lump and possible lymph node involvement of for stage III, certain lymph node involvement, the optimum surgery options change.

Stage IV, external to the breast and lymph nodes, is another matter, alas.

Thirty two is very young. If this aunt was blood relative then is there more familial history? If so, it might be thinking about worth testing any daughters that you have as it takes one copy of the gene and it could be passed via you. The BRCA2 gene also imparts a lesser but significant increased risk of prostate cancer in men who are carriers. Sorry to post such a bummmer message but it's always worth knowing.

by jellimonsta

She is my Aunt by marriage, my uncle (her Husband) is my Moms youngest sibling and 4 years my senior at 36. He is also my best friend and I pretty much introduced the two of them (actually, she pretty much introduced herself and ravaged him on their first meeting) :D
There are a lot of good memories carried on there though! :)

by tig2

I love what you have done! I want to find a way to use it for fundraising for next year's 3 Day. I have some ideas...

Now that we are so close to the event, it seems like I am not even close to being ready for it. There is a bunch of stuff yet to do, I have two fundraisers coming- Friday and Sunday- some walking, some packing, LAUNDRY (I hate doing laundry!), and... and... and... It just never ends.

I think I have finally found a lumbar pack that will work. The one I have been using is just not the right thing. I have combed the local resources but just haven't found the right thing. Yesterday I spent some time researching on line and found what I think will do the job and had expedited shipping available. Once it arrives, i will be wearing it constantly to get used to it before the event.

Training is in the cool down phase- 10 Sat and 8 Sun. I think I have a 4 on Tuesday. Nothing on Thursday but will try to get in a couple of miles before things get too insane.

Have to get more Smart Water- I really hate the sport drink that the 3 Day uses and am looking for ways to get Smart Water through the event. Mike won't be able to get to us as often as I will need to refill. I'm devious and will figure something out.

The Michigan 3 Day starts Friday. I am hoping that you have great weather there through the whole weekend. I read on our message boards that everyone is pretty excited.

It sounds like your hand is feeling a bit better. Just remember, slow and steady progress. I think that the work you have been dong with your icon is a great way to improve your flexibility.

So which photo packages are you using? I haven't found one yet that I like and am too cheap to go purchase Photo Shop. Going to need something soon- between Mike and I we will have a LOT of pictures to go through. I need to start going through what we already have and get the scrapbooks started.

And I wonder why I am always so busy. Sheesh.

What have I gotten myself into???

Have caught myself wondering what in the world made me think that this was something I can do. I have talked to a couple of veteran walkers who tell me they go through the same thing. Just anxious, I guess.

Incidentally- how's the raccoon problem?

by tig2

I looked at Camelback hydration packs. While I can carry more water that way- making them better for training- there will be water stops every 3 miles or so. Between the pair of bottles, I am carrying a litre of fluid- electrolyte replacement and water. They tell us to switch off between the two.

Also talked to a couple of the girls who use them. The consensus was that they are great for training, wouldn't use them on the walk.

Finding the right pack is tough. It has to wear comfortably- I will have it on virtually all day- the back panel needs to be a dry wicking material, the bottle holsters have to be easily reachable, and there needs to be additional compression straps on the front or below to carry the layers I will be shedding through the day. I will start the day in a team shirt but will be down to a tank as the day gets warmer. Some women walk in their sport bras. I don't think I will be doing that...

I have been playing a bit with PaintDotNet and PhotoPlus. They both have their points. I plan to wait until after the walk to play with any of the trial period software. I just don't think that I would have the time to really evaluate it. I'm still not sure how I feel about either of the ones I am currently playing with.

I just love your sign. I need to cover the "Race" logo with the 3-Day logo for fundraising but that should be easy to do. I am thinking of using it for a cheering station sign- I have a collage of photos taken on training walks and at fundraisers that I want to plant on foam core and mount on Mike's truck.

Poor Mike. He had no idea what he was getting himself into with all this. He has put up with so much- he has walked virtually every step I've walked- over 500 miles in the last 24 weeks.

Those butterflies are pretty big these days...

Coming into the final stretch- Fundraiser tonight, fundraiser Sunday, last training walks with the team Saturday and Sunday. Thursday it starts- move into the hotel, pray that I sleep.

So did the raccoons show up?

by tig2

I finally got hte newsletter out. But if you read your email, you know that.

I also posted my request to make my avatar EVERYBODIES avatar for the week. I had mentioned it back when there was a discussion about dpetrak's avatar being too violent.

This weekend has just been filled with things to do. This week will be no easier. I have packing, endless laundry, lists and lists and list- and to-dos.

I don't know if I will be able to post during the event. We are taking a laptop with us and will try to get a word to the outside. At the least, I will post Thursday before we leave and on Sunday night- assuming I survive this.

Environmental training- THANK GOD FOR RAIN GEAR! We walked through a torrential rain today- 2+ miles and soaked through... except for the rain gear that we were packing. I don't have rain pants but the jacket helped a ton. And I wasn't dying of heat like I would have been if I was wearing one of those plastic bin liners that are marketed as "temporary rain gear".

Today was the last team walk before go-live.

The butterflies are getting bigger and more active.

AAAARRRRGGGGGHHHHHH!

Hanging in, survived another weekend. We have a four mile on Tuesday and then the event.

Breakfast of Champions- two ibuprophen and coffee...

I am going to make this thing!

by tig2

Mike got first place. But you knew that.

We ARE more than our profiles and our jobs and our knowledge. The Pink Brigade had a perr from the US (you) and a peer from the UK almost immediately. Have you looked at the top 100 lately? This just blows me away.

I can't believe the size of some hearts. Yours especially.

You DO get time to think about things in certain situations. And some of them free your thinking. That alone can be scary as he!!. Let's face it, we LIKE our ruts. And we like to stay in them. Questioning one's self is a big thing. The faint of heart need not apply.

I think that one of the reasons I understand you is because we have travelled the same two lane blacktop. The signs were different but the destination was the same.

I don't give a damn about anonymity. People used to call me Tigger. Had something to do with the costume. I used to worry about that but... why? Mike keeps me safe and I don't think a prospective employer will care- except that I have had cancer. I'm over it.

There is more I want to say and will. I just need to get my thougths together and sleep for awhile. Running on empty and can't for long. Way too much to do.

Watch this space...

by tig2

I think that is the perfect answer to the whole JOB thing!

I'll mention it to Mike. Maybe we can gate crash. You never know what I might do...

Sounds like the perfect thing though. An end of summer blow out.

Soundslike your old company is desperately seeking a handbasket to carry themselves to hell in. Lots of people do things in thier jobs that they don't WANT to do. They DO those things. I don't like lots of things that I have to do. So what? I have never heard of someone being fired over preferences. Although I do know a guy that was fired because he stated that he did not respect his boss. Didn't say he wouldn't work for her, only that she hadn't earned his respect. I couldn't tell you if the people who work for me respect me or respect my role. Either way, the job gets done. Isn't that the important thing?

I seem to recall JD saying that there were trucking jobs aplenty in your neck of the woods. Is that a true statement? If it is, your friends have nothing to worry about. It is a real pain in the kiester looking for new work but my guess is that they probably were only staying put until they found something else anyway. Doesn't sound like the company was a real joy to work for.

Party planning is always fun. Drag out the tunes, fire up the grill and open the bar. I'll tap you on the shoulder somewhere along about the 5th and see if the hangover is gone yet.

I'll email you asprin. I'll even take another shot at emailing you coffee. The caffiene always gets stuck in the application layer for some reason...

Sounds like you will be busy. Pop in and see me when you can!

by tig2

I certainly haven't gotten as deeply into image editing. I don't know that I would know where to begin!

I am not sure what you mean by the icicles not being right. That said, you have the image in your mind of what it should look like. I like it now too!

Don't let it frustrate you. You knew that fine movement was going to be tricky for awhile. Patience!

I am almost finished with the laundry. I want to get most of the packing done tonight so we are just packing toiletries tomorrow. We have an appointment to get our hair cut tomorrow morning and have to pick up our riders by 2:15. Check-in is at 3:00 and we have to be at the TV station in downtown by 4:30. We're out of there at 6:00 so will have just enough time to grab a bite and go to sleep. Morning will come early- have to be at the Zoo by 6:00 for Opening Ceremonies.

I am no longer capable of thinking past that point.

What have I gone and done this time???

by tig2

It has been a long day. I still have a mass of things that need to get done before I can fully examine the inside of my eyelids.

I need to learn to stay the hell out of political threads. I may never learn but I can try.

Why is it that some people think that their lives should be trouble free? Someone always there to take care of them? Someone ELSES problem?

I just don't and probably won't get it.

I am busily going NUTS now. I still have to pack and get shirts ironed for Mike and, and, and...

Just tell me I am a nutcase. I am good with that. Keep forgetting that progress, not perfection is the key.

Have a myriad of things to do next. Will be checking in and out tomorrow.

I need a hug...

by tig2

And getting ready to power down the computer. We have a full day ahead and fuller days beyond.

Yours is a wonderful message to carry with me. I have been so very blessed by everyone here- if I don't make it, it won't be for lack of support.

Just wait. We get to do this all again next year. For now, I think I will just try to stay focused on the path ahead.

I will pop in tonight for my screen shot and a last check. I hope to be able to post through the event but have no way to know if I will be awake enough to do that. I may be spelling like JD or Oz, but I will try.

Thanks for the hug. I needed that. Thanks for the prayers too. I need all I can get.

Have to run and get things done. Thanks again.

by tig2

I got the shot on Thursday at the hotel but other than a quick update after the Friday walk, this is the first I have really seen a computer. I have been off and on since this morning but have a list of to-dos that I have yet to "to-done". And I want a nap.

Dang, I'm tired!

I am not a bit surprised that the couch had such an impact. It was really unbelieveable. I haven't gotten the pictures downloaded yet. Mike was taking an average of 100 pictures a day, I was getting maybe 6. I didn't realise that when you start moving like that, nothing else makes a darn bit of difference.

As I am going back through the three days now it is hard to get all of it on paper. The whole expereince was just so awesome (not a word I use often) that I could tell stories about it for hours. What I posted this morning was just a snippet of the whole thing.

One thing I have learned in this expereince is that the time in your head changes. As I walked, things got very different. Perspective changes when the one thing that is important at all is to reach the finish line.

I was so touched by the cheering stations and the numbers of people that lived on the route. One place on Day Two will be with me forever- the peopl eof that house decorated their trees with old bras- had them hanging everywhere. The children were on the sidewalk with misting bottles misting down walkers. Two older children were standing out with bowls of candy and LifeSavers (a VERY popular candy on the 3 Day!). They had ice chests packed with ice and bottled water, there were a dozen lawn chairs set up in the shade and a couple of college age guys were at the foot of the driveway with two dining room chairs and a sign that said "Free Foot Massage". In that neighborhood there were pink ribbons on EVERYTHING- sign posts, mail boxes, trees, front doors- even people's dogs had pink ribbons on their collars. It was wonderful.

From the time we left lunch, there were people lined up along the sidewalk for miles cheering us on. It was just incredible.

Dulci and I walked together most of the three days. On Day Two when we were so beat up, we were pretty focused on getting to the cheering station where we knew Mike would be. When we finally got there, he had chairs out that we could fall into and Smart Water. By that point, the Gatorade was making Dulci pretty sick and the Smart Water was the best way to get electrolyets into her. A couple of my girlfriends had joined Mike at that station and stood over us to make shade. Just having that brief respite helped a ton- we had another three miles to go to the finish. We were exhausted. But we made it.

I know that there are hundreds of "couch stories" but I have raised the pollen count enough for one day. I am working on some online journalling to go with some of the pictures of the weekend. As soon as it is done, I will post a link.

I really appreciate all the links you posted to new information. I was recording the evening news all weekend- well Mike was. I stay out of his video stuff. As soon as we have it edited, I will send you a disc.

It was truly amazing to stand at the Capitol steps and realise that I had made it. I had worked my tail off to get to that one brief moment in time. I will never forget it.

by tig2

I like the fact that it cycles slowly. It give one a chance to read it.

I didn't see that the letters are different colours. They all look the same to me.

Did you get the pics I sent? What did you think? No fair reminding me that I looked like I had just walked 8 miles- I had!

I love the shot with the traveling couch. The Vulcans were pretty cool too. Please note- it was pretty hot to begin with and I know that those costumes they wear are made for Minnesota winter. Those guys have a LOT of heart!

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