She had a DCIS lesion and was treated either with a lumpectomy or radiation. The articles vary. Either of those options usually completely prevent recurrence. Because of the increased use of mammograms, doctors are finding more DCIS lesions and it's heavily over-treated. There's a current debate as to whether most types should be treated by watchful waiting, like some stages of prostate cancer.

The pollen count is high here which is making me tired and therefore exacerbating my depression.

Man, I've been exhausted for the past couple of weeks. Damned ragweed, I didn't even think about my allergies making me tired.

Okay, ready for fall now! Go away, pollen!

Man, I've been exhausted for the past couple of weeks. Damned ragweed, I didn't even think about my allergies making me tired.

It hit me all at once when we got back from Colorado. My allergies were non-existent there, but my asthma was much worse.

How are you doing with your treatment, Ginger? I have been able to read here so infrequently in the past few weeks I may have missed updates. You have been on my mind.

It makes me want to sleep all the time and I have varied gastrointestinal issues. I've had several blood transfusions, because I'm still not making red blood cells. It all sucks up way too much of my time. I am also scared and broke and depressed that I don't feel well enough to be a venue captain at the book festival this weekend. I am doing a four-hour shift tomorrow as a regular volunteer, at least, so I won't break my streak of volunteering at every festival. Anyway, it's not a particularly cheerful subject, and I don't see the point of depressing everyone else. It does make me want to lash out at people like Romney's wife, who had what I view as a minor inconvenience.

Nothing to see here. Move along.

Lash away, no doubt all medical matters big and small are a bit easier to handle when you have great insurance and no financial concerns or need to work.

I'm sorry that you have to endure this while having to deal with all the usual life challenges on top of it. I sincerely hope the red blood cells snap to it and start multiplying. Strength and energy thoughts headed your way, whether I am on the board to mention it or not.

Hey, if you can't share with imaginary Internet friends, who can you share with?

Which is to say, please feel free to bitch or moan or celebrate or anything here, Ginger. I like hearing how everyone is, even if thats "horribly sucky and I need love and hugs". Because better to provide those virtually than not know you need them. Etc.

Roomie and I drove down to the outlet mall south of Portland for tax free shopping. It was a complete madhouse. Omg the parking. But we persevered, and shopped our butts odd, and then got to meet Erin Obscure for a food truck dinner! So Portland! :)

Tomorrow, more actual Portland stuff, less crazy outlets.

Ginger, you're always in my thoughts.

Connie, I'm so sorry. It's wonderful that she had a good last few days. Sympathies to you and your family.