Just wondering how you’re doing and thinking about you today.
:) Hope you are well
xoxo,
Debbie

Posted on August 24, 2010 at 9:59:26 AM PDT by debbiedimatteo

Thank you…Thank you…Thank you!
It came yesterday so I got it when I got home. I put it in my pocket and can’t wait to go speeding.

Hugs all around
Mac

Posted on August 10, 2010 at 2:17:51 AM PDT by rigidridr

Hi Jill—thanks for your post—my chemo treatment is for 4 months (every 3 weeks) for the following (as I copy them!)—Protocol: FEC-T (Epirubicin, Fluourouracil, Cyclophosphamide for cycle 1-3 with the addition of docetaxel for cycles 4-6). Followed by month of radiation and hormone therapy. Doc said it was aggressive chemo—with all the side effects—but as I have learned here—everyone goes through it differently. He said after the 1st session—will have a better idea of what to expect.

Posted on July 27, 2010 at 3:39:55 PM PDT by rachb

Back atcha sister…thanks :)

xoxo,
Debbie

by the way, how did the qualifying go? Are you back at work? [Because of you and your blog I changed my attitude about wishing for my old self back. Started thinking about creating the “new self” starting with appointments from the hair-cut to the dentist to the colon-o(don’t-make-me-drink-that-shi*-again)scopy I’ve put off ‘cause of two years of cancer/treatment/BS,etc.]
thanks again

Posted on July 21, 2010 at 1:30:53 PM PDT by debbiedimatteo

Hey Jill!

How nice to hear from you! You have crossed my mind many times and I have wondered about you. In this crowd, not hearing from someone for awhile conjures up worrisome thoughts, so I’m so pleased to hear that you are doing well. About the job change, well, look at it as a new challenge—one at which I know you’ll be successful! I hope that your energy level is returning and that you are getting in that exercise. Thanks for the congrats on my race. I was a little disappointed that I couldn’t run it from line to line, but that’s okay. It was still a fun day and, as you could notice from my shirt, a great opportunity to spread a little awareness! I haven’t read your post yet, but I promise I will—and I’m sure I won’t fall asleep! It’s so good to hear from you. Keep up the good work in your recovery—you’re doing great!

Hugs—
Martha

Posted on July 16, 2010 at 1:37:37 PM PDT by mp327

I’ve been following your blog for several months now and gave been hoping for a follow up post regarding your tests. I hope everything is ok and that you’re just too busy with work and your animals and life to post.

You’re an inspiration, I hope you know that.

Thanks Jill! I know you’re right—we are going to get through this! My biggest challenge at the moment—downing 64 ounces of Gatorade. OMG! I have a bladder the size of a thimble. :) I appreciate your support so very much!

Hugs—
Martha

Posted on June 7, 2010 at 2:48:33 PM PDT by mp327

Hi Jill—
Thank you so much for your words of encouragement and support. It means more to me than I can say, especially knowing that this is a time of uncertainty for you as well. Okay my sister, now is the time for us to think positive and give it all we’ve got. I think we’ll be all right.

Love—
Martha

Posted on June 3, 2010 at 6:22:11 PM PDT by mp327

Hey, Jill!

Thanks for your message. I’m doing well. Tim’s getting back to his normal self little by little, which is great. I started a new job 4 days after his radioactive iodine treatment and I’m still adjusting. I think of you returning to work and how nice it is to have all your coworkers know your story. In this new place, no one knows about my cancer history and only a couple know about Tim’s. I feel like I’m walking around with this Big, Important Secret. Not that I wouldn’t want them to know, but it seems weird to just drop that news into casual conversation with people I barely know.

I hope being back at work continues to go well for you. How is your health? How are your styling your hair now? Now that it’s summer, are you wearing those frilly sundresses you were longing for a few months ago?

When I saw the pic of you on the Bay Bridge I kicked myself. We were in SF in October and didn’t realize how near we were to you. We would have loved to take you to dinner or something. We will probably be back, as I have 2 brothers living there. You’ll be sorry, because I’ll be relentless in getting you and Karen to agree to meet us!

Well, I hope you’re not sorry you asked how I’m doing! Take care of yourself and enjoy the summer!!

Peace,
Kathy

Posted on June 2, 2010 at 6:10:17 PM PDT by curlygirl

Jill,

I received the Livestrong Quarterly today and thought of you. I really recommend your getting a copy. You can order one at Livestrongmagazine dot com by clicking on sign up/order just below the banner. There’s an amazing article in there about women who have had mastectomies and how it has affected their self-image. There are also a lot of other really moving articles.

I hope you are adjusting well to being back at work and working your way back into your “normal” life!

Peace,
Kathy

Posted on May 17, 2010 at 4:39:49 PM PDT by curlygirl

Hi Jill,
Thanks for your support. It did feel like a battle, and I’m the victor!

Hugs,
Theresa

Posted on May 13, 2010 at 9:33:38 AM PDT by theresam

Hi Jill,
Wow! I was stunned when I received your holiday card. Why another of my circle has been struck? But enough..I have been thinking a lot about you recently and I am in awe of how your strength and courage help you to forage on. Go Studette!! I will recognize your journey when I do join a Relay for Life event in May and have given your name as an honoree to a friend on a TNT triathalon team. These are two causes which I have have been personally involved with over the years. Take care old friend and keep in touch. with luv. Monica, hoopgal

Hi Jill,
I’m in the process of writing an ebook on cancer and specifically anal cancer. My hope is that it will help people with this diagnosis understand it better, prepare for treatment, and also help the family and friends know how to support their loved one with any diagnosis of cancer.

It’s a tall order, but I feel driven to do something. I’ve had to take breaks from writing because I’m doing it on the computer and I can’t sit for very long periods of time; even still. I guess I’m slow to heal.

Anyhoo, that’s the gist of it. It’ll be a free ebook available to download from my blog.

Warmly,
Theresa

Posted on March 27, 2010 at 10:45:41 AM PDT by theresam

Hey Jill how ya doin’ girlfriend?? I see the hair is growing back in!! Woop Woop!! I actually LOVE that platinum color!! You’re lookin’ good sista!!
How’s the wife and animals ?? How are YOU????
Just wanted to let you know that I had been thinking about you….Your blog is one of my favorites and I pop in often! It is one of raw truths and I am glad that you have shared your journey with me. You REALLY should consider a book Jill~~~ so many women would benefit from your story. You just have a unique way of about you… sharing such intimate yet truly “THIS IS IT FOLKS” pictures….talking not only about fear and strife but triumphs as well…...The rawness yet honesty and purity of your blog keeps me reading….

Posted on March 19, 2010 at 3:33:51 AM PDT by beege

Dear Jill,

I just wanted to let you know that I’m thinking of you and hoping all is going well. I’ve missed your posts. I hope you are getting lots of rest and healing.

Peace,
Kathy

Posted on February 19, 2010 at 5:24:44 PM PST by curlygirl

Thanks again. Yes, New Britain is a few minutes north. It’s even a bit colder there!

Posted on January 30, 2010 at 7:20:00 PM PST by jpfrank

Thanks again. Hope you are doing well.

Posted on January 24, 2010 at 4:12:25 PM PST by jpfrank

Hi Jill,
Love your blog. Have been thinking about you since I got your holiday card. Glad to hear you’re doing fairly well with your treatment.

Jill,,,thanks for the info on tumor assay testing. Actually, that’s my first question to Dr. T….we’ve discussed this before and he squashed it for several reasons but the biggest was that at the time, I didn’t have any accessible tumor for a biopsy. Now, unfortunately, I may have some. I have already chosen a lab, still in Calif., that tests for tumor Death, not just sensitivity like the lab you mentioned. They are somewhat related as both founders came from the same original lab.

Hope you are feeling well and focusing on the finish line!
Teresa

Posted on January 4, 2010 at 11:10:15 PM PST by tmay

Jill—
Where have you been? I’ve certainly missed you and was just wondering how things were going for you. Call me the old mother hen worrying about all her chicks! An update would be great if you’re up to it. Hope you and Karen had a nice Thanksgiving!

Hugs—
Martha

Posted on November 29, 2009 at 6:43:46 PM PST by mp327

Hello my friend Jill and my friend Karen. Friends, yes we are and I am thinking of you both. I send a huge hug. You touch my heart and I hope that you continue to realize the love and support of those who care about what your going through. Sometimes my yoga teacher says just turn your mouth up a little while you practice,just a hint of a smile and feel the difference. I will smile for you. Love Suzanne (at the gallery)

Thank you Jill.

Posted on October 5, 2009 at 1:48:17 PM PDT by jpfrank

Jill – So glad to finally “meet” you. Your mom had told me so much about you between shuffles right & left. You are incredible!! I’ve been there myself. 17 year survivor & counting. I just want you to know I’ve been praying for since from the beginning & will keep on praying. You ROCK!! Luv – Trud

Hey Jill—-Tell Karen (AKA Martha Stewart) that she has great taste in color AND in Partners!! Thinkin’ about ya sista!Hope that your pain is subsiding. Love and hugs…..

Posted on September 6, 2009 at 4:43:25 AM PDT by beege

Hey Jill, I hope you’re having a good day!
I was wondering, could you post some pictures of your mini donkeys? I’ve never seen one before. Mini pigs, yes, mini horses and ponies, yes, but never mini donkeys. That’s so cool!
Take care, xo

Posted on September 3, 2009 at 7:06:15 PM PDT by me0a0me

Okay, Jill-lou, and it will be Jill-Lieu with time. You got me to read this blog site and now you have passed on the addiction. Thanks a whole hell of a lot. It is just wonderful to follow your road of despair to hope. However, this crummy highway does have it’s left and right turns and I know you will plow thru them with an indominitable will. Jim and I are so lucky to have you and Karen in our lives – sometimes the ugly C can bring riches. Looking forward to Tuesday…...CarolK

Posted on August 21, 2009 at 3:31:03 PM PDT by carolk

Jill,
I got tased by a Marion County Deputy on the way to Louisiana to help after the hurricane. To carry a taser in Indiana you have to take a hit from one and I figured they might need help. The deputy was reluctant but his captain told him to go ahead. We all had a good laugh but man do those things hurt.

I need a better class of playmates.

Hope yall are doing well
Mac

Posted on August 20, 2009 at 12:10:50 PM PDT by rigidridr

Hi Jillzee! Have been thinking about you loads! So glad to read your blog and confirm what I already knew – you are STRONG in many, many ways!

Let me know if I can help in any way!

Hi Jill,
Just wanted you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers today. If you or Karen need anything please let me know.

With love, Carrie Dennis

Just more love from your second mom..give Karen a hug for me…and Kevin and Meg…can’t wait to see the new dog…mom

You’re welcome. Best to you. DoGooder

Posted on July 31, 2009 at 10:50:41 AM PDT by dogooder

Jill, I admire your strength and your tenacity. How wonderful that you got some positive news in this darkness. You deserve the very best, and it sounds like you found that in your surgeon. I admire your courage to join a support group. You are a very strong person.

I love you,

Carrie

Posted on July 31, 2009 at 7:03:12 AM PDT by brayc

Jill~ love your blog, you are such a strong and beautiful person. I know you will beat this and besides when lightrail is complete, I will be ready to ride with my lightrail buddy again. My prayers are with YOU! love ya.

jill…thinking of you…love

hi again…gee your pig is a cutie…hugs ..mom

Jill, you, Karen and the kids are in my thoughts and prayers!

Love Carrie

hi….call if you want anything…love..love…love…mom

i love you….stay strong…..mom

Hi Jill! You are in my POSITIVE thoughts today! Love you bunches…..