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BiographyI was diagnosed with breast cancer on September 26, 2005. The following months were the hardest on me, my world totally changed. Now that I have recovered I hope to make it easier for a few people by creating this network of cancer survivors through blogging. Sign up for your own cancer blog! It’s FREE!Cancer SymptomsI found a lump in my left breast while putting on my bra that snaps in the front. I don’t think I would of found this if it wasn’t for the placement of it being so close to the edge of my breast and close to the snap. I also would feel a tingling sensation in the area every now and then, sometimes it would itch a little. Surgery Description, Dates & Side EffectsMy first surgery was on September 22, 2005 where I had a lump in my breast removed. I got the call on September 26th that is was cancerous. My second re-excision surgery was on October 5th. The cancer reoccurred and was found on May 29, 2009. I am scheduled to have a mastectomy on Thursday June 11, 2009. Radiation Description, Dates & Side EffectsI did six weeks of radiation starting on October 26, 2005. What a whirlwind those months were! Fundraising DescriptionIf you are interested in donating to my medical fund please click here to make a donation. or mail your donations to: Thanks for your support! Talk Show Group (talk) Comments: |
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09.08.07 
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By the way, I was so absorbed in “me” land last week I forgot to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Hi Jill :)
It seems the insomnia bug is everywhere. Actually, I get plenty of sleep in the hours between 6am and 10 or 12. Might have another nap in the afternoon. Unfortunately, I’ve become a night owl and my poor boyfriend hates to have the room in any way except dark and silent. He’s so sweet and patient. Some nights I have tv on til 6am.
So, how are you now? Hopefully you are where you’d planned to be at this point. I think of you daily and just want to join the chorus and let you know how much I appreciate the work you’ve done here and I am going to do everything I can to help support you and your mission.
I’ve been thinking about what I can do to get the word out and it just came to me…
When I went to my first visit at the AOC (ambulatory oncology ctr), there was so much to take in and I was inwardly pretty scared. I went through all of this without the support your wonderful site provides. I’m so happy that I was able to purchase the laptop and it was only a matter of time before I found you. I love to tell stories and I would love to go into some sort of social work. This is perfect for me because every time someone gets a giggle from me or anything positive, I get it back times ten. Because I wish I would have known about you in the beginning, I’ve thought of a good way to get the word out:
When you enter the AOC, the first thing you see is a smiling Paula who knows your name and lets you know that this is going to be a warm and friendly place to be. It’s like the blog. On the counter is a decorated basket that holds something different every visit. My first visit found the basket full of knitted and crocheted hats,all made by the elderly volunteers. You are welcomed to take anything you want or need.
I want to put flyers in there to promote BFAC. If you have anything saved that is already designed, that would be great. If you want me to put it together I can, I have nothing but time between appointments. I have seen dvd’s with serene music, cancer sucks bracelets, candy, booklets,last week there were poly bagged black cord necklaces that had little silver initials on them. One other time there were some very pretty head scarves. I’m thinking a simply worded, eye catching pamphlet with the logo would be an awesome way to spread the word. What do you think?
Everybody pokes through that big basket every time I’m in there. It’s nice to have something to look forward to before you get the poison.
Let me know.
Next, I’m going to check with Andrea to see if she plans on being at this year’s race for the cure. We have talked about doing lunch as we are less than 25 miles away from one another and that Sunday would be perfect. This will be my third RFAC and coincidentally, all three years are just after cancer related surgery. It’s my excuse for not running. I can get sponsors for taking a little walk anyway. I hope you don’t mind but I wanted you to know that for the first time I filled in the form as to who I’m there for, you know, it says: “In memory of” or “in honor of”, I’m doing it in your name because of all the good work that is being done here every day and I wanted to thank you publicly. I got on tv twice before and if I can manage it, I’m going to try and slip in a plug for all of us here. I might even make a sign like I’m outside one of those good morning shows!
Okay, it’s 12:40 and I’ll have to get caught up here tomorrow.
I didn’t think I would care one way or another about the whole nipple thing, you know, strong woman yadda yadda, but after carrying that giant round rock everywhere for two long years and wearing scarves or a layered shirt to disguise the fact that my one nipple just got hard, I definately do want the origami (my plastic surgeon calls it that)! I’m actually facinated to see her work. She brags about how artistic she has become over time and I’ll tell you, all of the other doctor/nurse people that saw the fake one made a point to tell me that the surgeon did a fantastic job. I have nothing to compare it to so I choose to believe my surrogate boob rocks!
My doc says 90% of her patients do it to feel even. 90% also choose the tattoo (she does that too) so they look more alike. I’m still up in the air but I’m thinking about getting a fun color instead of the flesh tone. Maybe hot pink or purple. We’ll see…
Love you girl,
Debbie
Jill,
You were on my mind just now, so I thought I would check to see how you are doing. We have such a wonderful group of people on here. I often forget to blog as I like being able to support to others:).
Hugs going your way,
Melinda
Take care Jill!! Have a good day 2day :O)
Hi Jill! I justed wanted to check up on you. I hope you are doing well. I’m really glad you created this website.
Hi Jill,
It’s not a problem that you screened my post to Jung. With some of the weird stuff that has happened in just the 10 months I’ve been on the blog, the default makes sense. I appreciate all you do, and I hope your recovery is going well. (I’m tempted to say, “Have fun with your new breast,” but that doesn’t seem to quite hit the mark).
Andrea
Hi Jill..Thanks for the prayer..
Hi Jill,
glad everything’s going according to plan. All she is doing on the not-boob is switching out the tissue expander for a D-sized silicone implant, stich me up and all I have to do is let it heal and she will make me a nipple so that looks even in a clingy shirt. Nipple heals and she tattoos color to try and match the real one. I thought about asking for a neon pink one instead but then I won’t be able to wear my slightly-slutty-almost-see-through tops(lol).
The real one is basically getting a good old-fashioned enhancement. Since I had to wait so long it looks a little saggy compared to the rock hard fake one. I’ve also lost weight since the surgery so it has flattened a little at the top.
Anyway, she will insert a silicone implant under the muscle on that side as well so they will fill a D cup evenly ={Boob Job}
later,
xoxo,
Debbie
Sorry Jill, I was just talking to Eli excited about the new show Boston Med.
It’s funny cause I just started watching last week and it seems lots of us are hooked. I mentioned the cbs web-site without thinking because I went there yesterday and watched every episode back to back. Honest mistake, sorry to cause the extra work.
How are you feeling?
Getting ready to post my up-coming good news…
xoxo,
Debbie
Hey Jill, thanks for the punch! That dude rocks!
Anyhoo…I’m gonna support you too, and am thankful for your support and response to my picture problems! One would have thought I could have figured that out….LOL (Shhhh….a secret: I use to be a real, professional photographer….duh!)
See you around BFAC!
Hi Jill,
Thanks for the nice comment on my son’s photo. They both live and work in the D.C. area so it’s cool that this was the photo they picked to use as their engagement shot.
Wedding on Sept.25. I hope to get my brest recon scheduled and be ready to party by then!
Jill, Thank you so much for your “punch” at my cancer. (My husband’s) You are so young, I wish that we could all face these awful challenges in the right order. . . . .the old before the young. I will pray for you.
Hi Jill. Thank you for your compliment on my weight loss. I’m still quite self conscious about it. I haven’t weighed this little since grade school 50 years ago. Your compliment made me feel better. Fondest regards, Frank
Dear Jill,
Thank you so much for you kind words of support. I have to maintain my support with all of my docs. It’s uncanny how you can begin with one doc then get a roomful. I feel as though I am in wonderful hands and determined to Never GIVE UP! Big Congrats to you on your Marriage! Wow, that’s a really big deal. I wish you and your hubby a long liftime of good health & happiness..
Be Well,
Patty
Hi Jill, Thanks for creating the website. I am so happy to have access to this community sharing info and concerns about our issues – this helps make the process seem more normal and certainly less isolating, especially when you might not want to bring up these subjects with a worried family!
Warm thoughts, Stacy
Hi Jill—
Yes, I’m with you girl, these scans and tests cause me great anxiety too! But I am hoping for the very best, as I always do, and will try not to worry until given a reason. I hope you will do the same. I’m sure you are enjoying married life and I hope every day is great! You are a blessing to me.
Love—
Martha
Thanks Jill for your comment. Hope you are having a nice Memorial Day. Congratulations on your marriage! Cherie
Thank you so much jill for your comment! Glad to be ap art of the group!
Jill; I’m sorry you have to do this so soon after getting married. Life is just too damned strange. I know you have will and strength with 2, so be positive and just say it’s going to be just fine. No use worrying till you have to right? I have complete compassion though, because it is much easier said than done. Please, let me know how things turn out. You know we all care so much. Thanks for your vote of confidence.
Jill,nothing important. I notice you have new ads on the board. Good going. Hopefully they generate some moolah for you. Have you found out about Patti?
Jill,
Firstly I want to thank you for such a fantastic place. It’s made a huge difference in so many people’s lives, mine and Taff’s included.
I also want to ask about the “Supporter Of” part on my profile. I think it’s such a wonderful idea! I was just wondering how I can edit it. Thank you! :)
Jill, I just wanted to say thanks for creating this site for us to come together as a community of support. I really appreciate being able to share and learn from others.
Jill,
Got to Bill on the second try. I think you’re right—the posts timed out. I have taken to right clicking and copying before posting just in case.
Please delete the previous messages to they aren’t in the way.
Andrea
Hi Jill,
I have had trouble with some of my posts actually going through this week, specifically to Bill and Patty. The posts just disappear into cyberspace when I use the “Post comment” button. I just posted to Julie and that was fine, but yet again I could not get a post to Bill. I am having no other system problems so I assume there is something weird going on with the website. Do you have any ideas?
Thanks.
Andrea
Hello, Your smile is so enlightening. It brings a smile to my face. I think anybody that can be on this journey and still smile is an inspiration. This will do one thing for me, it will MAKE me smile more. Just knowing that there is something to smile at. Cause we all know being in a bummer mood just isn’t worth it. Keep the smiles coming lady.
Thanks,
Bill
Thanks so much for your support, Jill. I see you’ve been battling for five years. Where are you now?
Hi Jill,
I haven’t written you since I recd. my lock, which I love. You have been on my mind lately I pray all is well with you and you have peace in your heart.
Love, Sharron
wellness, wellness, wellness!
Hi Jill, thanks for the nice posts you left me. so glad to hear you are starting with yoga…it will help your heart in many ways. Thank you again for all you do for all of us. Namaste, Nova
Jill—
Thanks for fixing Amy’s problems with log in. I’ll let her know.
Have a great day!
Love—
Martha
Hi Jill—
Happy New Year! I hope you are doing well and getting the year off to a good start.
I hate to bother you on a Sunday, but my friend Amy who is one of the cervical cancer bloggers is having trouble logging onto BFAC. She had requested a new password, but it doesn’t seem to be working. She asked me to see if you can fix this. Her user name is ajp08. Thanks!
I hope you have a great Sunday and week ahead. Thanks again for giving us such a great place to come together and support one another. You are awesome!
Love and hugs—
Martha
Thank you Jill! I thought I had a better chance of living longer with the Oligoastrocytoma but with this my time frame is no better! I have a lot less time! I tell you stuff sucks! I am living with it all but I cannot help looking everything up! I have read book after book but all of my friends keep wanting me to go to church and so on. I use to go to church but I feel off from it now. It is such a long story if you ever wish to email me you can email me at kjafehl@yahoo.com….
Hi Jill,
Thank you so much for helping me with my pictures. You are such an angel to have created this site! I stumbled upon it just accidentally. I had already created a blog on blogspot.com but it was not what I was looking for. I wanted to connect with other cancer fighters and survivors. It is going to be so beneficial for my Mom to see this site. I am hoping that she will start blogging and connecting with the strong individuals that are part of this blog family. I am so glad that you are well. You are the evidence that tells me that cancer is not stronger than the will to live. Thank you!
Hi Jill—
Thanks for explaining the technical side of how this website works with the search engine. I’m glad that is the case and that more people will find their way here. It’s such a great place for support and advice. I just hope that everyone in my cancer-type group keeps on posting and spreading the word about this disease. Thanks for giving us such a wonderful place to do just that! Have a GREAT weekend!
Hugs—
Martha
Hey Jill,
I hope this note finds you well and I hope it finds you. Bo left a comment for me which I cannot find and when I left one for her it did not show up. If you get this, let me know where to look or what I am doing wrong. You have my best wishes always. Tell your sweet one hello from me.
Jill—
It’s great to hear from you and know that you are doing well. Camping sounds like fun and I hope you had an enjoyable time. I know what you mean about needing a break from cancer talk now and then. I’m glad to know that I wasn’t the only one who thought the comments on several blogs by that one person were strange, to say the least. I just thought you should know about it. Thanks again for all you do for us—this blog means so much to me and everyone else. Take care and don’t go MIA again! :)
Love—
Martha
Hey Jill,
I also just met another woman with breast cancer & SURPRISE…. HER NAME IS SANDY BEARD!! HOW’S THAT FOR A WEIRD TURN OF EVENTS!! Hope you are doing well. Take care,
I hope you got my e-mail??? It was about the newspaper article about my book, but what I wanted you to see was the part about …. blog for a cure. You got a pretty good plug, in our paper, for the blog
Love Ya,
Sandy
Hi Jill,
I received the master lock, thank you! It is sooo cute, pink hehehe. Have a nice weekend, Go State
Hi Jill,
Bless you for starting this. It’s great therapy! There are angels among us. You are one of them.
Jill,
I had no idea we could set up a memorial page to mom, that would be lovely. Thank you,always, for this blog and for your constant love, support and prayers.
Alyssa
Jill,
I hope this finds you feeling fabulous. I am wondering if you have heard from Kathy Bienapfl. I have left posts for her but nothing. I don’t have a good feeling about this.
Thanks, Kim
Hello Jill,
Thank you for the prayer.
May all your dreams come true!
Ron
Jill,
Thanks so much for the welcome note. I’ve been looking for a blog with similarly situated people with whom I can communicate.
Judging on the comments I’ve received so far, I think I’ve found it.
Please take care and I will include you in my prayers.
Jolinda
Thnaks for the comment Jill. I have been keeping up with my bowels since this all started and have been having trouble going. So I take colace and have to take milk of magnesia at least twice a week. From what the doctor says. The radiation will take care of that constipation problem we’ll see i’ll keep stuff on hand any way.
Thank you so much for the welcome into this #%&$% group. Us Mini people have to stick together. I live in Folsom, CA, but have married children in Vail and Evergreen. And the best golden retrievers come from Boulder too. I know, because my daughter has 2 of them from a great breeder there. As soon as I can summon up the courage, I’ll write my awful story. I struggle with a stage 4 lung diagnosis. The breast ca was a mere 1 – piece of cake in my book. As soon as a figure out how, I’ll become your supporter too!
Carol K.
Thanks Jill I will ask for copies. Didn’t even think about that. And my husband and daughter won’t ever let me go alone. It is like they have become super glued to me. I love them dearly and am thankful to have them.
God Bless,
Eva
Jill, Thanks. I do a total of 7 weeks of radiation so three more weeks. Working toward cancer free. I appreciate your comments. Mark
Hey Jill!
Great name. Thank you so much for your support and for sharing your story with me. I see you are in recovery and that gives me hope. This isn’t a club I ever wanted to join, but now that I’m a member, I see that I’m surrounded by wonderful, warrior women who truly kick butt!
My good wishes are with you.
Jill
Hi Jill,
Thanks for your kind thoughts on the beginning of my chemo treatments. I have two sessions down and four more to go….can’t wait to finish! :) Hope you’re doing well. Take good care.
Hello Jill I just wanted to see how your doing & tell you how much I love this chance to come on & talk to you & all the other people on here. It is so comforting to know I can come here & let off some steam or maybe be a comfort to someone else. I don’t know how you manage to take care of yourself & all of us. Anyway I hope your doing well & thank you for your advice & words of comfort. I loved the painting of you & your dog your friend is awesome.
Dear Jill,
I just wanted you to know that I’ve been thinking of you a lot lately and hoping that all is going well for you. That’s it…just a little note to let you know you are loved. Take care of yourself!!
Peace,
Kathy
Hi Jill
I just spent the last hour or so reading through your blog…....Just wanted to send an extra special thank you…...I had no idea you had started this site…....this site has helped me so much in my fight against this horrible nightmare….....it helps to know others are out there and understand exactly what it feels like to fight this battle…..
I’m thinking about you…..stay strong and positive….....
Thank you…..
Jeanne
Hi Jill
Thanks for the welcome…..nice to know there is support out there….....Stay strong…...
Haven’t heard much from you, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Let us know how you are well.
Blessings.
Hi Jill,
I agree….having cancer and healing really is a full-time job. I realized that I needed to try and schedule appointments a bit later in the day (so I could rest a bit more in the morning).
I recall a quote from Kris Carr saying, “you’re always at the office of healing.” How true that is!
I hope you’re doing well and having speedy, smooth post-surgery recovery.
Sending you lots of hugs,
Kim
Hi Jill,
You had asked a question regarding my body scans and I thought I`d post the answer over here.
In 2000, when I was first diagnosed with breast cancer, they had done body scans, then in 2004 when I had my recurrence, I don`t think they did complete body scans just a chest x-rays and such, which looking back, I guess we should have done more. Then in 2008 when I had my mammogram, we found a lump on my other breast and then did complete body scans … which is where we found all the cancer.
I hope that answers your question.
Daria
Jill—
I read your comment on Amy’s blog and it sounds like you are having a bad day. I’m sorry to hear that. But you’ve been through a lot lately and things like this can take a toll. But I know you are strong and that this is only temporary. Let your body rest and soon you’ll be back to doing everything you love. Take care and know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Hugs—
Martha
Hi gal, how are things going with you. I wanted to send a Big Hug, your way.
I was reading the post that have been coming in this month that you send as a whole. There are some people there I never seen before, so do they post on the regular site? Am I missing something here?
Hey Jill, thank you for the “punch”. I very grateful that I have found this blog site. Somany people with so much experience. Continued good luck.
P.S. The puppy in your photo is too cute! :)
Hi Jill,
Thank you for the warm welcome! Yeah, I’m glad I’m writing about it. I have done the same as you—waking up at all hours and googling various terms…it really is helpful. It’s reassuring to meet others who have gone through the same thing. It’s so nice to meet you! Take care.
Best Regards,
Kim
Hi Jill! Thank you so much for your help… especially with this trying time you are going through! You sure are a trooper.
Well, no luck yet in uploading another picture. But it sure did keep you in my thoughts all day long.
Many hugs and blessings,
Rose
Hi Jill!
I was wondering why I’m having a problem uploading photos. I’m following your directions as to how to name them and making sure they are .jpg photos. Could you please help?
Thank you so much,
Many hugs and blessings,
Rose
Jill,
You are laughing inside to make everything in there happy & ready to heal fast! Sandy
Thinking and praying, for all to go well for you. Think good thoughts & smile lots. (it will help you, but it will make everyone else wonder what you are up too) WE KNOW
Jill my heart goes out to you,Im praying for you.
please keep the faith.
sending love and hugsxxoomelo
You will be in my thoughts and prayers as you go in for your surgery today. Hang tough.
GOD BE WITH YOU.
Love and hugs,
Joyce In NC
Dear Jill,
Wanted you to know I am thinking about you and my loudest of paryers are going your way this week!! Please know your name will be heard by the Divine Physician..love to you!! Lori
Wasn’t sure how else to post this; but, I have not received the book yet at my PO Box and just wanted to let you know. Best wishes, Frank
Hi Jill, Thanks for being my first supporter. I really need to be talking with people that are fighting cancer. I am glad you found yours early. I will also support you as soon as I learn to use this website. haha. You are in my prayers. Thanks again!
Nancy
Hi, Jill.
I wear special mastectomy bras with pockets to put my prosthesis in. They can be expensive ($50-80) but your health insurance should cover them at least 2 bras every 6 months. Your insurance should also cover for the cost of Prosthesis. I bought some extras mastectomy bras from http://www.tlcdirect.org (who can just live with two bras!), they are the cheapest. They have decent mastectomy bras starting around $15-20. Let me know if there is anything more you want to know!
Yuyu
Hi Jill, thanks for the welcome!
love your bichon,I have three of them.
And that answers another question.I will be able to take care of them and get through this,the thought of giving them up….
xxoolots of love xxoo
Jill am I posting wrong. It pops up on the home page but the next day it gone??? How do I do it again…Ric
Did you know that sammie723’s blog is selling a book that cures cancer of 27.00 dollars ???? thats not right…..Ric
Hi Jill!
Thanks for the encouraging words. You and I have similar stories and triple negative as well. Let’s make a pact not to live in fear!! Hugs, Jo
Hi Jill,
Weezie told me to ask you how to do the private emails.
I hope you are doing well.
Have a great day.
Hugs,
Joyce
Jill—
Thanks so much for the positive thoughts!
Martha
Jill- Thanks so much for starting this site! Blog for a cure is a truly wondering place to get our unique stories out there and shared through a positive and supportive way. BTW, my profile picture is a new paper collection from Basic Grey. You can find out more in here: http://www.basicgrey.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=96.
Hi Jill—
I wish you could have been there too! It was awesome and lifted my spirits so much. I feel that my faith has been restored!
Martha
Jill, thank you for your comment – this is all fairly new to us and you are completely right in us needing to feel empowered enough to find another doctor…the system seems a bit skewed somehow.
Jill that’s just great.
Did you see the last post on Gaile’s page? It was written by her friend. It seems she is in Palliative care, not sure if she is at home or at hospital. I guess this is it. I feel awful
Weezie
Dear Jill;
I just opened your recent email. How wonderful that we might get private email. I wanted to write to Gaile or I should say her best friend in private but I wasn’t sure how to do that except to go on the bio page. If I do that, will she get a notification to read a new posting but in private? I am feeling so awful about her as I felt she had the most to offer in her writings. She never held back her emotions and I felt she really had a bit of a raw deal, ie her life partner. I just hope she isn’t in a lot of pain.
Take care Jill. You are the best.
Weezie
Thanks Jill I needed your help. I was having trouble because I using IMAC AND ALL MY LIFE I USED PC. Thanks again.
Jill—
I have to say you are pretty rockin’ yourself! Thanks for the compliment. I hope you are doing well—I always enjoy your posts. Take care.
Martha
jill…
just starting reading your bio and recent updates…if you were part of creating the “blog for a cure”...god bless you…this is an amazing creativity…and special support group !
thanks for kind words in my first blog..
dennis
Dear Jill,
I love the idea of being able to PM each other. It’s nice to be able to take conversations out of the public eye, sometimes. Even if the PMs were in a mailbox within this system (rather than going to our regular email accounts), it would be great. Thanks for all you do. This is a wonderful place.
Peace,
Kathy
Now what I did was click on your picture and up came your bio, then I could write to you. I get it now
Weezie
Jill, I love the idea of private email. Many people here think it would be a great idea.
Now let me get this straight. If I want to post you something without others viewing it, how do I do that. Or more plainly what did you just add and how do I use it. I am a ditz, really.
Weezie