Illinois ladies facing bc
Comments
-
Blackjack, can I ask why your chest is swollen and painful? Is this something from the rads? I start mine on Monday. My doctor recommended aloe gel and Dove soap. Any other suggestions? I have read something about corn starch, but not sure what it is for.
I also bought some men's t-shirts to wear under my bra, as I did that after surgery and it was soooo soft....
Thank you for the pictures on snapfish...they are great....
Everyone else, have a great day and enjoy the beautiful sun!!
0 -
Back again and goofing off as I really don't want to start the tax bit yet....
NancyLa....Biafine cream, Rx only--most of the gals used that and it was great. I also used it when I burned a finger on my flat iron and on my gouged knee when I ran into my car bumper. No scars for those 2 things and my skin was tanned but perfect after rads and I had 38. Corn starch was for use as a deodorant - yeah, sure - that worked well for me in July! Tom's of Maine is a good deodorant, but anything that is NOT an anti-perspirant will work too. Avoid underwire bras...Warners makes several styles that are comfy and that's all I wear now. Also the bra-top camis from Kohl's were great and on sale they were around $6. each and came in lots of colors. Just buy them a size (or 2) bigger than you would usually wear as they shrink a bit and bigger is comfier. I figured I would just toss them at that price when rads was over but I use them pretty much weekly for exercise and under sweaters etc. They've held up really well. Dove soap is the only one my rad onc suggested I use and I've been using that for years anyway.
Rita...still laughing!!! Boy the 2 of us and chemobrain! DSW is Designer Shoe Warehouse, not something you put on your face. Or is it????? LOL, LOL.
Enuf goofing off....time to do my paperwork....
0 -
Dah! Wendy...You went right on talking about that Olay product and I thought it was the initials for the name of the product. LOL I went back and read your post, which makes perfect sense now (an should have before) and have been laughing my head off too! I was just sure that you'd found another wrinkle compound to try!
As for the DSW..no I haven't tried it for SHOES. I also want to try that Maryland on-line site that somebody mentioned earlier. Needless to say, I'll have to go back and find it to get the complete name and hopefully it is a site for SHOES!!! I'm determined that I'm going to get my shoe wardrobe "up to snuff!"
Well, I'm off to pick up my friend for lunch! I'm going to try to be good and choose something that's half-way healthy. I can't gain back my chemo weight.
Have a good day!
Rita
0 -
HI gals -
Met with my ps today for my post op appt for the implant exchange. I have to stay in the hospital overnight! Uggh. I was under the impression that it would be in and out, but he said because I had radiation he wants me in overnight for additional antibotics. I hate hospitals - they don't let you get any sleep!! We talked about doing a lift on the right for more symmetry, but I think I will stay as is. He says it will be really close and will look fine in a bra. If I change my mind I can do it later only if I decide to have a nipple tattooed on. Anything has to be better than what I have now - one boob at my waist and one at my chin!
I didn't know we were supposed to get more snow/sleet tonight. It's sunny out!
Have a great day!
0 -
Kater You did a wonderful job on the pic's!! Did I understand right you took pics for a living at one time?
I wore a sports bra inside out when I had rads. I got VERY burnt & itchy. The seams on the bras were very irritating. Plus I have some "softees" Ever hear of them ?
Today might get up to 60 and SUNSHINE!!! I'm going to try my darnedest to bring warm sunshine with when I come !!!
back to work
0 -
ola chicas! this place rocks but this keyboard is in esponol...hard to navigate...bear with me. we´re having a great time...lots of tequila, lots of sun, lots of food...i hope we survive this trip!lol it´s awesome though...hoping you´´re all doing well...this computer takes coins...times flies... gotta share it with dh...adious for now...esta manyana, chicas
0 -
hi all:
Thank you for the kind words about my vigil over my mother. She hasn't eaten or had liquids for four days, so I think it should be soon. I had one nice evening with her when she held my hand and looked at me. On some level I believe she had some lucid moments about me being there and getting into the idea of good-bye.
My breast surgeon is so stacked with appointments that I do not see her regarding the mri until April 4. I was told that she would "probably" call me earlier if she sees something on the mri. The "probably" does not sit too well with me. I might call and ask directly for her to do that. I am partly to blame as I procrastinated getting the appointment. At least I am not scheduled for April Fools Day.
Connie, I hear you on the hospitals. I have a dread of them too. The only "happy" time in the hospital was with babies. I guess just do it as you have no choice. Too bad you can't have your husband stay with you overnight. I know you have the small kids so you can't do that. Bring "gossipy" magazines to pass the time.
This school I am is filled with FLU. These kids are coughing like crazy and it is making me jumpy.
Have a great night.
Susan0 -
Hugs Susan!
I know I would call to find the results of the mri before April. That's ridiculous! Even if they are booked with appointments, how much time does it take to pick up the phone and give somebody a quick report. Remember all those days when you've been tired after school and you still have to stay and make a phone call to a parent?
My thoughts and prayers are with you! Hang in there.
Rita
0 -
Connie-saw your post on your exchange. I just scheduled mine for March 28. It's interesting that my ps is doing mine as outpatient. I finished rads in Oct and my 1st appt w/ ps, I was told to come back in 2 months b/c of the rads. I never burned or had anymore than red skin. Now he says I'm ready for the exchange. I will also be doing the lift on the other side. I debated that because I call that my good side and do I want to have discomfort on my good side? (I still may change my mind). I will question him about infection/antibiotics.
By the way, b/c of this I will not be able to make the March lunch. I am part time and I don't want to have to ask for another day off ($$). I'll try for the April lunch!!!
Susan-thinking of you, your mom and family.
Michele
0 -
Good Eveing ladies,
Nancyla.. started having chest swelling a few days ago. I had the short double dose rad tx 21 txs and 4 boost. My breast got burned and I developed lung problems from it. But my case was the exception to the rule. I had problems from day one. I know you will do fine and fly right threw rads. I used Aquaphor cream everyday and still do as it keeps the tissue soft and it helps with the itching. I also used Aquaphor liquid baby soap to wash the breast area. It does not contain perfumes or dyes. Cami tops worked very well. I got mine at Costco. They are very soft and comfortable to wear. Toms of Maine deodorant works fine too.
Connie..when are you having your surgery? Maybe they can give you a private room so you can get some sleep.
Laura..hope you don't have too many of those Mexican drinks lol Enjoy the sunshine and bring some home for us.
Smerf.. hope you are having a great time and relaxing.
Susan.. my prayers are with you and your family. I know it must be hard for you watching your mom slowly slip away..but just remember all the wonderful times you had and hopefully it will bring you peace.
Rita..did you have a nice lunch and eat low cal lol. You know lunches have no calories right lol
To everyone else hope you have a great evening. Time for jammies as I am truly exhusted today..
Blackjack
0 -
Rita.....the product that Kater and I have discussed is O-Do-Ban. It's not expensive.....comes from Sam's Club and is highly concentrated. You buy a gallon for $9.33. It comes with a quart bottle attached pre-mixed and the recipe on the big gallon bottle to then mix your own. I didn't think it was expensive at all. It may take several tries on the boots....depends what materials....and if they are newer boots....it may have something to do with how the rubber reacted to the current weather conditions. They may just take on some sort of odor that is not removable---especially if it is not bacterial. As far as shoes...if I put any away....I often put a little baking soda in the inside----even tennis shoes that I've gotten damp from outside......or knew my feet were sweating...I just use the baking soda. Hope this helps clarify a bit.
Connie, I too am sorry you have to do the night in the hospital, but you'll really be one of I think the nicer steps closer to your goal. Trying to be encouraging here......but I had a lumpectomy so never needed to worry about reconstruction issues. In fact where the site was.....you can barely tell anything happened. I know.....but supported in a bra...I'm the same size etc. I think I lucked out due to the fact that I had the boiled egg sized bruise under the skin and the tumor was below that---gave me some extra room somehow.
Susan: your mother definitely knows when your there even if she makes no outward response---even the actual passing never removes our attachment to these beautiful souls.......so she knows and I'm sure though she can't express it, that it bestows a calm and peace and acceptance for her. All we are able to do at this point is tell them we love then and tell them to go ahead and go home to their creator.........that we will see them soon. Eternity is not run on clocks......so once she gets there.....it will only seem to her like mere minutes till you show up....but may really be 60 years from now. We count time spans different here on earth. In the time span of eternity....50 or 60 years is like a few blinks of an eye. May peace be with Mom and also peace to you.
I'm running around a bit tonight....can't be helped, but I did fine today at work. No nausea or problems like that but I feel very minute back tiredness...I think a good night's sleep will see me fine in the morning. Came home I think I mentioned with some hot flashes.........not bad, but I woke up at least four times during the night and had to throw off my covers and take off my sleep cap. That's ok....I recovered quickly and fell right back to sleep.
Hope to check back in here at least once more before I sign off for the night.
All take care....you are always in my thoughts...even when I don't name you.......trust that you are there.
Jackie
0 -
Thank you, thank you, and thank you again. Each of your personalities come through your messages to me about my mother. I am so grateful to you all! She still lingers, but she is at peace. She even had a fleeting smile when she opened her eyes and saw me today. That was rare in "real time" for her and me, so she and I are both finding our peace together. My husband feels she has weeks, while the staff says days. I am alright with either prediction.
Rita, I know I must ask for the doctor to talk to me earlier than April 4 about the mri. Thanks for bugging me about it. I tend to "shelf" stuff in an effort to buy more carefree time.
Wendy, thank you for the card. The "fort" remains a place I want to create for my two adult girls and my grandchild. My grandchild will love it. My second daughter will climb into it with glee. My eldest daughter, mom of the grandchild would feel awkward and would never join us
, yet she will remain outside of the fort, taking pictures, laughing at us,loving us, and keeping the fort in the family. Life is good.
Susan
0 -
Jackie....this graphic is for you! I still get the night sweats, but not nearly as bad and this was before arimidex. As silly as it sounds, I sleep with one arm and/or leg outside the covers, with the window slightly open (yep - even if it is zero out) and this really seems to help!
Ah Susan.....You will hold that short memory of your Mom "being there" if even for a short time in your heart forever. My Mom had a massive stroke and was in a coma but half-way thru her last 11 days she woke up while I happened to be there and said "Hi Honey" and went back to sleep. And she passed away 6 days later. And there is not a day I don't thank the powers that be for those two little words. I like to think your Mom is at peace and is just smiling, holding your hand...remembering when you took your first step, said Mama for the first time...wanting to tell you what a fantastic daughter you have been, and what a wonderful wife, mother and grandma you are. Hugs, sweetie! I'll be thinking of you....
Blackjack...I will look up the name/# for you...it's on the Delnor website. I know my onc thinks they are the best around, and my surgeon from Central DuPage mentioned going there too rather than his hospital so there's 2 recommendations and I see my rad onc next Wed and I'll ask him too.
Mich101..sorry you can't make lunch but then I don't know where my head was but I didn't realize it was Good Friday and you and Connie both probably can't make it as your kids are off of school. Anyone else not able to make it on that day? We could still meet up with Karin tho as she said either Thurs or Friday.
Connie....did you ask what the reasoning was behind staying overnight? They told me that too after my lumpectomy, more so due to where the surg was and the big drain but my surgeon did leave orders that if everything was fine, I could go home AFTER 7pm...and I did. Just a thought for you...and you are right. You get NO rest there. Now...I'm just throwing this out there...BUT...and I am not advocating that you do this....but if it were me and I thought I was going to be stuck overnight, I'd bring along some of my "happy pills" that I still have from the breast surgeries, chemo and my herniated disk. At least that way I wouldn't care! Not recommending that you do that...well..but just an idea. Did I say that politically correct enuf?????
Laura....well you are coming home to temps near 50. I hope you vacay was wonderful!
Off to exercise, mail off the taxes, run errands...yada, yada, yada.
0 -
Good morning gals.
I see that Wendy is up and moving already this morning! She's definitely our morning person (or has been forced to be one). I am up, but not moving very fast yet. There's still coffee in the pot to drink! LOL
Connie...what a bummer that you have to stay the night for your surgery! Still, think how good you're going to look and feel when you have your new boob!
Michele, I'm sorry that you can't make the March luncheon but how well I understand work and the money that it generates. Besides, you need to earn lots so we can hit the boat some night! LOL Still, I will miss you.
How about Pat and Laura......who still find time to post on their vacations! Aren't they something? Have fun gals! We got more snow in central Illinois last night so I think you've picked a great time to leave the state.
Hey Blackjack...I did well at lunch yesterday. I ate baked cod instead of the burger that I really wanted. Tonight will be another story because we are having a Leap Year Party at a friend's house. She's making soup, salad, and a fancy type of bread. Everyone else is bringing something to share. There will be desserts, appetizers, cheese balls, and lots of other fattening things. I'm going to be lazy and bring a pie from Sam's Club. It's probably better than one I could bake anyway. While I'm out there I'm going to pick up an O-Do-Ban bottle and see if it will attack those boots. Thanks for the info Jackie on that product. I will also get some baking soda and see if that helps.
Well, I need to get moving. I'm taking my laptop to the library this afternoon and writing some questions (we'll call it "going to work") and I have things to get done around here....mainly the refrigerator that containers that are sprouting strange things.
I'll check in later. Hope everyone has a good day and I hope we get some news from Suzanne.
Rita
0 -
A lovely morn today....a bit of snow showers last night ( surprise ) that was a bit slick. Due to be nice today...40's with maybe even a little sun. HOPE--HOPE.
Another long day yesterday...these Wed. trips to Chemo where so much has to be dumped in....then long nights too for catching up. Found out late brother Dave ==Denny's brother and SIL Heidi are picking up their new puppy this morning....so after Denny got home from work we packed up our two dog crates to take out there. He will be a big dog in no time....so took small and large crate. The dog's name is Bob right now but that may get changed. Doesn't sound too creative by the breeder.
Slept well last night....good old exhaustion and cooler pj.s plus I didn't have the covers on tight...so did wake a couple of times with them moved down.....only took my sleep cap off once early a.m.
So far, so good.....but got the week-end coming....I think the third day may give me a clue or two....we'll see. I could get lucky.
Probably no one noticed Good Friday.....all the lunch dates sounded like so much fun---so morale productive and special....I wouldn't have seen that either.
Well, onward and upward for the morning. Dh goes to work late today so can come to the office and have lunch with me today. Small office so reception ( me ) gets to stay through lunch hour with food brought in. I've never minded....I don't have to sit up front during lunch. Phone in conference room where we eat.
All take care....I'll be back late tonight.
Jackie
Note to Rita....I did see the other day at our local WalMart some single bottles of O-Do-Ban.....along one end of where they had laundry soaps and those sorts of cleaners. Guess I'm still not sure if we are talking about the same thing. I have had to use it on a couple of things more than once to get the desired effect.
0 -
Hi Ladies,
Hope everyone has a good day today. I watched this inspirational short movie and wanted to share it with you. It is food for thought.
http://www.hasanyonetoldyou.com/
Hugs and love are just as important as the food we eat. One feeds the body and the other nourishes our soul.
Enjoy..will check back later..
Hugs to all,
Blackjack
0 -
I also forgot about it being Good Friday.....Dad's B'day is the 19th
....one track mind.. But I can do lunch on Thursday if it's easier for all. My sibs have to work Thursday during day so I'm pretty much free. Just let me know when & where!!!
0 -
Lunch March:
It seems at least one could only do Friday...at least no stress to get to airport if thursday. Hope it works out for all...
ZAP
I know you probably know this, but remember the book about when people are in comas...they say hearing is the last to go...so it's your chance to say everything you would want to say even if you think she's not comprehending.
My uncle cannot express himself now most of the time (alz)...but he seems to understand or listen when I tell him what is going on...
who knows, someone else up there might be listening and will tell her later when she has less issues inside her head... ??
Good luck...I know just a tiny bit what you are going through...watched my Dad for four weeks with diabetic wounds, two surgeries and the end...
They say also, that if you say "it's okay if you want to let go now.." often helps the person let go... I heard that and I told one uncle that and later that night he passed on from infection in hospital, in ICU, BUT he had non hodgkins lymphoma and prognosis was never told to us or him, but I assume he had bad times ahead with chemo and dialysis at 79.
love, kater
0 -
Of course i said, if you think you can beat it that's GREAT, but if you think you want to let go, that is okay...we love you....
0 -
Susan
I'm so sorry to learn this news about your mother. I've been offline a couple of days, traveling slowly home.
I'm sure your mother knows you are there, and I always think that our loved ones can hear us even when they may not be able to respond. That healing smile was worth a thousand words! You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers, especially during this difficult time. You know I live nearby, so can do errands or anything else you need the next few days.
You are a most loving mother yourself, and I am touched to read about how well you understand the differences in your own children, and how they would each respond to the fort.
I agree with others who think your doctor should give you results sooner, but maybe you are too occupied with your mom right now? Otherwise, I would call doctor's office and tell them you need to know sooner than April. I'm with Rita in thinking that long a wait is ridiculous. They know waiting is hard on us, and should be more responsive to our needs.
Take care, and let us know how you are doing, please.
Love, Pat
0 -
Blackjack, I am so sorry you had a bad time with the rads and now your chest is swelling. Thank you very much for the inspirational link, as I really enjoyed it.
I will watch the board regarding the March lunch. Depending on where it is, I might be able to make it as my rad tx are now not until 2:30.
0 -
Hey guys...just checking back in re: Susan.
Kater is so deadspot-on with this as she usually is...they know when they want to go...and I personally think that is so great. I hope when it comes my time that I am able to let somebody know that it is time. And I am ready. And Pat is also so right....last thing to go and first to come back is hearing...you just never know! And regarding waiting for your results...here's a thought...what would your Mom have done, for you? Grab them by the throat and shake them until you hear your results bouncing around, I bet! JMHO. "Probably" is the word I heard from just about everybody...and everybody was wrong, except me. Hugs, my friend. Do you need anything? Need me to send something for the fort?
Pat...wow! What a great vacay you guys have had!
Laura...you come home tomorrow, right? Hope it was wonderful!
Took DH out for dinner (PIZZA!!!) as I told him that calories didn't count on Leap Day ()..and I told him that I may not be home for lunch on Good Friday (3/21)...he said "wow...how lucky you are to have that great group of girls". And I said...yep..I am lucky!!!!
If I haven't told you today, thanks for being my friends.
And Suzanne, Leesa........what's up? Did you hear??? Can we help??? Leesa, you are so close...what can I do????
0 -
My computer came back today from the computer dr. and is doing much better - thank goodness. March lunch - I live in Elgin (close to Randall) and would be happy to have everybody at my house except that I have three hour treatments on Friday morning and wouldn't have time to cook. But I could do dessert if you wanted to come back here after lunch - just a suggestion
Susan, I am sorry to hear about your mother. Peace to her. My mother-in-law passed away about a year ago and went home to hospice and lasted about a week. It was hard for my kids to see grandma so I was glad it didn't last too long and she was ready.
Stress causing cancer - I don't think it does. The only thing that REALLY stresses me out is medical stuff and I was rarely sick before I got cancer, didn't smoke, rarely drank, exercised, wasn't over weight but did eat a few potato chips now and then but had a paternal grandmother with it (later in her life not in her 40s like me and she lived to be 95) I'm shooting for that. Maybe someday they'll figure out the cause. Just thought I would put my two cents in.
0 -
My computer came back today from the computer dr. and is doing much better - thank goodness. March lunch - I live in Elgin (close to Randall) and would be happy to have everybody at my house except that I have three hour treatments on Friday morning and wouldn't have time to cook. But I could do dessert if you wanted to come back here after lunch - just a suggestion
Susan, I am sorry to hear about your mother. Peace to her. My mother-in-law passed away about a year ago and went home to hospice and lasted about a week. It was hard for my kids to see grandma so I was glad it didn't last too long and she was ready.
Stress causing cancer - I don't think it does. The only thing that REALLY stresses me out is medical stuff and I was rarely sick before I got cancer, didn't smoke, rarely drank, exercised, wasn't over weight but did eat a few potato chips now and then but had a paternal grandmother with it (later in her life not in her 40s like me and she lived to be 95) I'm shooting for that. Maybe someday they'll figure out the cause. Just thought I would put my two cents in.
0 -
Blackjack-the link was very touching - thanks. You are a very sweet person.
Also - CHEMO BRAIN AGAIN- I would be able to make the lunch on Friday, since it's Good Friday, it's a Holiday at work!!!! I don't know what I was thinking, or not!
I'll watch the posts as to when and where.
Michele
PS- anyone planning on attending the 7th Annual Chicagoland Day of Sharing for Breast Cancer Awareness On Sunday April 13 in Rolling Meadows?
0 -
Hi Ellen..
Oh gee....you don't have time to cook??? Well....did you ever hear of take-out??? So you can't be bothered to cook up a fancy lunch just because you are having a little chemo...well...how rude!!!
Ohmygosh....Ellen! How about we come to you?!?
No...we won't be descending on you for dessert.... You rest! How about you tell me where you have your Friday treatments and I come and see you! I try and go to exercise every AM (at College Green/McLean) and I could come by and bore you with stories of my childhood??? Let me know....Oh and re: potato chips..so THAT'S what causes BC! And I thought it was the white eyeshadow and blackeyeliner coupled with white lipstick/white go-go boots that I wore in high school.....
Karin...I am thinking lunch will still be a go for 3/21 but if you are at loose ends on 3/20 - want to do coffee or something? There is another gal for whom lunch is hard to do and maybe I could invite Leesa (she's such a hoot)...we could just gab about everybody else! LOL Let me know...you have my #'s on the list.
Susan...still thinking about you...and you know? YOU paid for the test, YOU are entitled to the results...they are YOURS. My SIL in Florida has to wait 2-3 weeks EVERY time for mamm results even tho she has had to have 2 stereo bx's (all b9)...and even then had to wait 2 weeks for bx results. I think that is just all a load of doohickey (and by the way I spell that S**T).
Jackie...how are you feeling?
Rita...still laughing about putting DSW on my face!
Hey...I heard a little something about Ethan Allen going under as well as Wickes??? Jeepers...
I'm off now to check out houses in Florida...still hoping to move there one of these days. I will make sure if I buy one that there is a wing for my Illinois buddies! And that we have a pool!!!
0 -
I had to say....Blackjack...just went to that website...remember how Laura GTO gave us those puzzle pieces? Well....you just explained it all. Thank you so much. I am so glad that you found us because you certainly make a difference!
Mich101--more info on 4/13 please! Could you e-mail a link?
Now I will sign off...
0 -
Ok, I'm finally here....what a day. Well it was just a long one. I stopped by the Manor to visit with Maggie and didn't leave til' after 8:30. Had to rescue the dog we have to keep on a line in the pen. He jumped out....still attached. Then straighten out the kitty apt....then get inside to feed Baby Boss and walk him after.
Lots to do tomorrow....just hoping to hold up. Wow....back has some soreness...I'm hoping for a good night's sleep to handle that.
A little thick in the throat....didn't expect that......anyone know what that is about....or is it usual with Taxotere...
Got to do a bunch of things for Maggie tomorrow as well as the feral cats. Just when I think I can slow down I have to speed up....hope I don't get into a mess with all this. We'll see.
Hugs to all.....I'm going to get myself comfy somewhere.
Jackie
0 -
Here's the info to the Day of Sharing:
www.advocatehealth.com , classes and screenings and the class code is 3C15 or search seminars on bc.
Is this the same fashion show Laura and Jan did last year?
Ellen-to display your diagnosis in your signature (you had asked this a while back, not sure if you got an answer) go to your home page on this site, my profile, my diagnosis, and the last line asks if you want your diag. displayed.
Michele
0 -
Good Morning Ladies:
What a great morning it is with the sun shining..maybe spring is almost here. I am glad to see that you enjoyed the inspirational movie.
Wendy your pic says it all about true friendship and joy. As I watched this movie I thought about each and everyone of you on this tread. We are all pieces of a puzzle linked together by bc. Friendship, support, compassion and caring is what each of you bring to this thread and I thank you for that.
I have learned alot about myself since I had this disease and I know that I will be ok, but without all of you I don't think I would have done very well. Each of you are special and you all deserve a special hug..so here it comes to each and everyone of you !!.
I am sad this am as my son is leaving to go back to school. I am trying not to cry but it is hard. I had such a wonderful day with him yesterday and I am missing him already. So now I have to go pack up the millions of cookies we made and then off to the airport.
Have a great day and will check back later..
Hugs to all of you.
Blackjack
0