Illinois ladies facing bc
Comments
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Randall Rd. (Algonquin) is fine. Is this restaurant near Bone Fish (and DSW)?
I have flown a couple of times this past year and I do use a sleeve and hand thing (gauntlet?) at the recommendation of the surgeon. I had a unilateral mast, lymph node removal, lat. flap recon so it was recomm. to wear a sleeve.
I have never had LE prior to flying, and have not gotten it yet. Not convinced that the sleeve is necessary, but just like the chemo tx's, I didn't want to look back and say I could have prevented LE had I worn a sleeve. Somewhere I read that it is possible that LE occurs after flying b/c of the extra use/stress that is put on the arm on your trip (i.e. lifting/lugging suitcases around), not the actual flying.
Laura-welcome back and good luck on your 1st day!
Michele
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Back and finally got a chance to read some of the posts.
Susan, (((hugs)))- I was so sorry to read of your loss. I'm so glad that you were with her. Take comfort in the time you had together. It's always been my regret that I couldn't make it to my mother's side in time.
Laura- glad to see you made it back safely and that you had a great time. I have some reading materials for you from the Komen Race for the Cure meeting. Hope your first day in the office was fab!
Jackie, more (((hugs))) for you as well. I hope you are feeling better. In my opinion, chemo is just tough, no matter what the side effects each person may have. Look forward to the future- it does get better!
Karin- I didn't have any rash after rads, just got really red and "tanned", but I did get very, very itchy. It was unbearable sometimes.. I also have chest swelling that they are treating like LE, but they are not sure if it's really LE or just general swelling from the surgery. It's probably not from rads. They really roto-rootered the tissue under my arms to get all the cancer affected areas.
Blackjack- Good Shepherd Hospital has a good LE clinic. Let me know if you would like their number.
Suzanne, I'm so glad you went in for your follow-up. Really, you got pretty good news - Let us know what the oncs tell you, please!!
Leeza- I've been thinking about you- please let us know what you have found out.
I'm one of the ones that can only come to lunch on Good Friday. Schaumburg would work better for me then Elgin, but I can get to Elgin if that's where everyone else is going. I'm probably going to be about 30 minutes late anyway.
Wendy, I wear two sleeves and hand gauntlets when I fly. It's a pain, but I was told then even on the side where I had no nodes removed, there is still a higher chance of LE. Since I saw how much my grandmother suffered from LE, I'm doing everything I can to prevent it in me!
Okay, as many of you as possible just have to come to the Day of Sharing. I attended last year, just two weeks after my surgery, and it was awesome! Several doctors panels, lots of vendors, wonderful speakers, and a good lunch! Besides, you all have to come because......I'M GOING TO BE IN THE FASHION SHOW!!
I need you all there as my cheering section! 0 -
Also, I could do Algonquin as well- but wouldn't that put Karin even further from the airport??
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Algonquin works for me as long as I have a map and a guess as to how long it takes to get to the airport.
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Hi all:
I do not have my results because I haven't had the bilateral mri yet. I am just two days late on the 18 month date and I am registered. What with my mom's last days, I had too much going on. Went to the funeral director today and did all that stuff. That was not as awful as I thought. Tomoorw I talk to the pastoral care person who helps me plan the memorial. I am working 1/2 days as my kids are doing ISATs and they are high stake tests for our district. I did not wnat to hassle with a sub. I will take 1/2 day all week as breavement days. They have arranged the ISAT tests so that they are in the mornings.
I am glad you are doing FreeRice Wendy. Our top student is now at Level 50 which is unheard of.
I feel cheated about these lunches. I am retiring in one year, so we better be doing lunches then! Have fun again. I am actually going to Arizona as it is my Spring break so I couldn't have gone anyway. My mom is to be buried there as that was actually her home before the AD forced her to be nearer to me. I have such fond memories of the place and I just want to relax a bit in the suns and close on her with a final cemetary visit.
Jackie, I am just so sad you are sick and facing two more of these. I wish I could offer you something. Of course I also have a special place in my heart for Julie. I almost feel like I could be her mother and it breaks my heart she is not feeling good. I hate breast cancer...we all do.
I am very excited to hear about the new job, Laura. Good for you. You have spunk! \\
Hello to everyone else. Susan0 -
I had to pop back on and see if Wendy had results...and she does....and it's GOOD NEWS! Hip Hip Hooray! Doesn't it feel like a weight has been lifted off your shoulders and you're free to be yourself for a few more months?
Susan, it will be nice for you to get back to Arizona and have closure. I'd love to visit Arizona in the winter. The only time I've been there is in the summer and it was HOT!! So many people from our area have retired there but I'm not sure I could take the summer months. I guess there is no ideal place though.
JanClare...love your new avatar! So cute!!! As for your trivia answers, you did really good. I'll post all the answers later in the week. Kater was the one who wanted some questions posted and she hasn't checked in yet.
Well hello to all the rest of you! I hope we ward off the snowflakes tonight and that everyone has a good Tuesday.
Rita
I wish Julie would check back in! I hate it that she's having such a hard time of it. Where's the rest of our new gals? Did we scare you away? Come back, come back, where ever you are!
Jackie, hopefully the mucinex will help you get rid of some of that stuff. Just bum around tomorrow and relax. Pamper yourself!
Laura, I hope you had a good day!
We've had rain all day but have avoided the snow so far. Karin, I think that snow fairy is working!
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you are right Jan...duh...was thinking that Karin would need to stop in at Elgin BEFORE going to the airport. Maybe somewhere near Woodfield again...that would only be 30 minutes (or depending on traffic/weather, 3 hours!!!) from O'Hare. What do you think, Karin?
Jan...love your new avatar! You are so cute!
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Jackie - I'm sorry you're having a tough time with the mouth issues.. Hang in there. If you're able to join us at our next get-together - I think you would really benefit and of course we would love to meet you!
Wendrew - Be careful about wearing a sleeve when flying if you don't REALLY need one. I have read that you can cause more harm than good...let your PT help you with your decision. Good news about your test!
Rita - Wednesday is a good day...you'll finally see the real beginning of your remodel! I bet it will be "smashing"! LOL
Suzanne - I'm so happy you will soon have a plan in place. And b/4 you know it...you'll be on to the next chapter. Just hang in there...rads for me was not that bad...more of a PITA (pain-in-the-as*) than anything else! LOL Your dx is very favorable! Keep us posted...
leesa - where are you?
Connie - That's great you'll soon have your x-change...sorry you have to stay overnight...but the rest will do you good. Michelle - I went to a LE PT for massage - it helped alot! After a few visits, she showed me how to do it and I showed my dh and he did it for me - every night for a month. It was totally gone then. But you have to follow it through...don't slack off...be vigilent. And...I have to once again thank you for the plant. It was awesome walking up to our table and seeing SPRING! It was a beautiful presentation...you did good girl! Thanks so much. And...btw...my dear sweet mom stayed at our house to watch my beloved dog while we vacationed...one of her duties was to keep the tulips alive! She said she was panicked that they would die on her watch! LOL
mich, kater, jan, bear, maryjane, nancy, smerf, suzanne, ellen, linda, ginny, julie and anyone else I have forgotten to include!
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Hi all,
Just a few words before I shut down for this evening. I'm waiting on Dh to come home. I think there is some ice outside-not sure how much. Went to the drug-store, but did what is becoming nomal when I came home...barf-barf.....so I just got up awhile ago. I will need to take the mucinex, potassium and a couple of ET Tylenol for my shot in just a bit. Didn't get anything to eat.....I have soup then for tomorrow...lots of it and hopefully it will go down good.
I must say.....how did anyone get along without these boards. I was going through the member list tonight..........so many people. And I was so beautifully fortunate to find one special group out of all those people. Even now I wonder how I would be doing if I didn't know that everyone is out there holding me up, helping me find solutions....solutions I might add that never seem to come from my oncology department. I forgive them.
Hate to put it like that---but how many people truly stay totally excited about the work they do.....how many continually try to find ways to make it better. How many just let the status quo be enough after awhile. So, it's ok....but I'm not fooling myself.....every minute that I hang in here......even when I'm hating it and miserable is done because I know you are there----because I'm following behind all the things you have had to do and suffer through and with hearts as big as all outdoors your sharing everything you know to help me be the winner I've always intended to be. When I want to quit---just a little....I see a smiling face and all sorts of encouragement and know not a single one of you is going to let me. Now if that doesn't make me one of the luckiest human beings alive then there really aren't any.
One of these days....I will make it to a lunch but till I do....I wish you all rainbows and sunshine and all your dreams come true. We are tough Illinois ladies and my job will get done---because of all of you.
Love, Jackie
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Jackie I"m sorry you are having such a ruff time wish I cud take the chemo for you! I breezed thru mine ( ok not really but at least not as many probs a u are having!)
If it makes any difference in the lunch plans I leave from Midway ....
will check back in tomorrow
stay safe & warm
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Good morning gals!
No snow yet here but they're predicting 3 - 8 inches again, starting this afternoon. I'm in a positive mode though, and I'm thinking that it will miss us again! LOL
It's bowling day and I'm off to the lanes in just a few minutes but wanted to pop on and tell everyone to have a good day. Jackie, you have a day off today to just rest up. That will help you more than anything. I know it's probably not in your nature to just lounge around (I had a terrible time with that, too) but your body is telling you to take it easy. Why not get up, get dressed and out of your jammies, fix your hair and put on some makeup if you feel like it, and then spend the rest of the relaxing? I always felt more perky if I got into actual clothes and made myself look as good as I could...which was a real challenge on some days. This phase WILL pass for you and soon you'll be bouncing around like you did before that fateful dx. Hang in there, hon.
Laura...so like you...you addressed everyone else and didn't tell us about your first day on the new job! How did it go and how was the drive?
Wendy, my onc told me that I didn't need a sleeve. He said that the cabin is pressurized and that I didn't have that many nodes removed. (4) According to him, Laura is right. The pressure of the sleeve can cause problems if the sleeve is not needed. Now....it's a different story if you had node involvement or a large number of nodes involved. I would certainly ask your onc before deciding one way or the other. I have flown twice now without the sleeve....once to Vegas and once to Florida. So far I've not had any problems.
Well, I need to gather up my things and head out. Hugs to all of you! I'll drop back later in the day and see how everybody's day is progressing.
Rita
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Mornin' Girlz!
The first day on the job yesterday went really well. Everyone went out of their way to make me feel welcome. They treated me like royalty! LOL They took me out for lunch at a Japanese rest...the kind where they make the meal at your table and do tricks with the knives. It was great. We're moving into a new building this spring because we have outgrown the existing one. My "work station" is quite cramped, but it will only be for a few months. My d-zine team is great...very creative and very fun. My schedule is: Mon, Wednes, Thurs in office. Tues: work at home. Friday: No workie! LOL So that means I can meet for lunch with you girls! Yay!!!!!!!
Have a great day...I'll check back later...
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Hi Everyone,
I just loved Sunday and yesterday morning. 50 degrees.......I can not wait for spring!!!
Susan I want to tell you how sorry I am about the loss of your mother.
Laura, welcome back! Hope your first day on the job went well.
Jackie, I am sorry you are not feeling well. Pretty soon it will be spring and the weather will be warm and hopefully this phase will be behind you.
Yesterday was my first rad treatment. 1 down 32 more to go.... I think it was all in my mind, but when I came home I felt wiped out so I had to lie down for an hour. After that, I felt fine. My husband said it was probably the stress of the first day....who knows....
Looks like the snow missed us...well at least for today. If it does snow I am not going to do any shoveling...I think I might have over done it as my left side and rib cage at my bra line has been hurting for the past week. My doctor looked at it and said since I had been wearing a bra for the past month 24 hours a day, I probably bruised my ribs.... He said to stop wearing the bra so much, and see if the soreness goes away. When I get up in the morning the pain is better but after a day of wearing the bra my ribs hurt...what is that all about??? Oh well, this too shall pass...
I will keep watching the board to see where lunch is on the 21st. Depending on where it is I might be able to make it, as my rad tx does not start until 2:30. I would really love to put a face on all the postings.
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Karin- Oh dear me, yes, Midway will make a difference. Instead of a 30 minute drive, you are probably looking at 60-90 minutes . Being Friday- lots of trucks going south around the city on 290, plus 290 just backs up both ways.
Wendy- my understanding is that those with Lumpectomies have a much smaller chance of LE. But those with mastectomies are recomended to get properly fitted for sleeves and use them. You have to put them on two hours before and leave them on two hours after you fly. If they are properly fitted, they will not create excessive pressure- they will just keep the lymph moving properly under your skin. Like anythng, you have to weigh the risks. It maybe that you choose to not do the sleeves. But I would rather have them and take them off, then fly and have nothing with you if you start to swell.0 -
OK Ladies about lunch, I guess the 2 hour before flight rule is in effect so I need to be @ midway by 6 pm. Soooo depending on weather----traffic----where we are----ect as to when I need to head out. (will say byes to family on AM.)
Nancyla RADS are a breeze, but a pain to go everyday!
Laura glad new job is fun, How was the drive?
Jackie hope you are feeling better, sending you sunshine & hugs!
Rita bowl a 200 today!! (I'd be happy if I even get 100!!!LOL)
Guess I should call my onc re wearing a sleeve while flying.Plus I'll ask my surgeon I see her on Friday for follow-up Just don't want to cause more probs!
Time for work
check in later
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Morning! BCO won't let me post any graphics this AM...sorry!
RE: the sleeve question...thanks so much for all your responses and they all make sense. I will end up seeing rad onc, onc and surg all by mid April so I'm gonna ask each of them and then PROBABLY visit the LE therapist at Delnor, who I am almost positive will tell me that of course I must wear a sleeve as it is their job to prevent. But I too have read where wearing too overly zealously fitted sleeves can cause problems where there weren't any problems to begin with. In other words, I don't know what I am going to do but I wonder if the flying business has more to do with us throwing heavy suitcases/totes/laptops around then with a pressurized cabin. Oh well.....I have some time to sort it out.
Karin....oops...Midway! Well...Jan is right as that sure does make a HUGE difference. Maybe should we be thinking of a late breakfast, rather than lunch???? And where to go? I haven't a clue. HELP GIRLS!!!!!
We didn't get any snow yesterday, but I don't know about the "snow showers" this afternoon. It sure is chilly out with that wind tho.
Jackie, Jackie, Jackie.....are you feeling any better? I feel so guilty as I breezed right thru chemo.
NancyLa...I think too that the fatigue you felt was just that the first one was over and now you know what to expect. Underwire bras hurt my ribs even before BC so I didn't even bother with them during rads (it was summer so I wore the bra-tops). I did find that most of the bra manufacturers are now making wire-free support bras so I have replaced all of mine when Kohl's had them buy 2, get one free. Warners makes 2 styles that are really comfy.
Laura...sounds like you had a very welcoming group yesterday. How nice for you, and how exciting!
I'm hungry already so I think I will go poke around and see what's to nibble on.
Everybody else....hope you are doing OK. Post when you can Julie,Leesa, Calypso and let us now what's what.
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BOWL QUESTIONS!
Rita, I knew I would not be able to answer (wow jan clare!!!)... my idea was if you gave us ideas of what you ask, we might brainstorm and give you some ideas for future questions to make your job easier if you ever have writers block....
so girls, did any questions come to mind?!!! i thought that was very interesting, thanks Rita! I have seen my friend's grade school kids homework and I know what level I can help, only computers!!
Jackie: As I wrote you on email, we are all thinking of you, too.
Midway Airport is a haul...that's for sure....
Mom had 5th chemo and the dr. just "looked at me" when I asked how many cycles to expect.
NATUROPATHS
What do you guys think of Dr. Karyn Mitchell books, etc?
Two friends say she is highly recommended...I need to try to approach my Mom about that (diet changes). Very tough to sway her, esp. from baby of the family. Reiki..I figure anything we can do to try to help we should. I couldnt get in til May apptmt, but I had hoped they would take my Mom sooner since into chemo...
she is close by, st. charles, has about 4 books, one fiction.
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Just checked map I didn't realize Midway was that far south of O'Hara but will trust your judgment as to when & where. If nothing else I could leave lunch early.
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Susan.....I'm so sorry about your mom, but glad you were there with her, and glad you DH was there for both of you. Try to get some rest, and take good care of yourself now. You've been through too much lately, and you so deserve it.
Kater...I haven't heard of Karyn Mitchell books. Are they on nutrition? I'd be interested in reading them. Are you trying to change your mom's eating habits? My mom never would listen to anything I would suggest. She was worse than my teenagers! Lol. Have you read The China Study? It's a very comprhensive study on nutrition and disease. Also, the books by Jane Plant are good if you are interested. One of my docs requested that I read them. Homework from the doctor, how about that? She is a dermatologist who specializes in auto immune diseases and hair loss. You might remember that my hair did not return very well. She has me on 2000 units of vitd3, multivit, which has 500u of d , claritin for my constant sniffly allergies, and fish oil caps with omega 3, 6, 9, and borage oil. She's trying to "tweak" my immune system. I'm due for bloodwork soon, but so far my vitamin d3 level has remained low normal. My gyn recommended her to me because my gyn of all my docs "gets" it. She is a survivor herself, and very understanding.
Jackie...I'm so sorry you are having such a tough time with chemo. Maybe you should call your onc to try to get some relief. Too much suffering is just too much! Do you have postnasal drip in the back of your throat which could cause some phlegm and retching. Or do you feel like it is all from nausea? I did have a sore throat the whole time I was taking taxol, which is similar to taxotere. I know docs don't always get it. Unless they have had the disease they are on the outside looking in, even with all their years of school. Most are doing their best though, I think.
We returned from Aspen Thursday at 2AM. My dear hubby planned that flight! I've been trying to catch up ever since, and I was soooo tired. Bathroom remodel is getting closer, with lots of decisions made this week. Also, we are leaving for San Fransisco tomorrow AM. I feel tired just thinking about it, but I'm sure I'll enjoy once we get there. It's business this time, but my dh wanted me to come along. Back Sunday, and then I'm staying put for awhile!
I've traveled by plane several times since tx, and without sleeve. I've been to NY, Las Vegas, Denver, and Honolulu. Honolulu was 8 hour flight, and so far no LE problems. My docs didn't recommend sleeve. Have any of you addressed the idea of hot tubs? Some docs think we should stay out of them because of LE risk. I dared once when I was in Aspen, but kind of afraid of it.
Hope we don't get too much snow as predicted. Have to go find some clothes to pack now. Everyone, have a nice day. Those in tx, feel better soon. Hugs to all, and looking forward to lunch! Or maybe brunch?
Pat
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Hi all - I was off-line all weekend. So sorry to hear about your mom, Susan. Sounds like she went peacefully, so that's good. I'm sure she is watching over you now.
Glad you had a good time in MX, Laura. Too bad you couldn't bring the weather back to us!
Suzanne - sounds like you got good news. You were probably referred to a med. onc. for possible Tamoxifen because of your ER status. I also breezed through rads. Got pretty red and it sucked to make that daily trip, but other than that ok. I was really surprised how quickly everything healed up. Within a week, my skin looked almost back to normal. Good luck with everything and let us know how you are doing.
Sorry you are having such a rough time, Jackie. I had horrible mouth sores for all of my AC treatment. I was so happy when they went away.
Nothing too exciting this weekend. The boys went snowmobiling in MI as they got a LOT of snow. I spent some down time cleaning the basement. Filled the back of my SUV with old toys/games/puzzled and took it over to Goodwill yesterday.
Re sleeve - I have flown several times since my surgery and have always worn one. I agree with whomever said they didn't want to look back and think what if?
My exchange surgery is scheduled for next Wed (12th). I wouldn't mind staying overnight if they didn't bug you so much! When I was there after my mastectomy it seemed like they were coming in checking me every hour! I don't sleep well in situations like that when I am waiting for the next poke from the nurse. Chinese water torture!
I don't think I can make the next lunch. Being Good Friday, I will have the kiddos home and dh has to work. I'll see if Grandma is around.
Have a great day everyone. Spring just has to get here soon!
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Yea - I was told no hot tubs. This is not a problem for me as I got a bacterial infection from a hot tub several years ago. I have no desire to go back in one again.
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Karin, if you don't have to be at the airport until 6pm, then you can probably leave about 3:30-4:00 from Schaumburg and be completely fine. I thought your flight was at 6 pm. Granted, we gab and gab, but I don't think we'll be gabbing that late! LOL.
I can't do breakfast. I think Maggiano's in Schaumburg would be great to go to again- if you all meet about 11:15 (that's when they open) that should give Nancy time to get to her rads appointment (Nancy- are you at Good Shepherd?? That's where I had rads- I loved Dr. Ruffer!.) I probably won't get there until closer to 12:15, but I can stay later to talk.
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I won't be able to drive to Naperville on that day...I have a Dr. appt that morning - I wouldn't have enough time. Just FYI.
karin - The job commute wasn't horrible...I can play around with the time I start and finish - so I'll be testing the waters for a while.
Girlz...hope your day is going well...I'm working from home today...gotta get back to work.
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Almost afternoon and I'm trying to mend....thanks for all the great thoughts. I tossed my cookies four times last night........so far today about 1/3 cup of soup and 1/3 can of coke....I'm using that to try and get some medicine in me. Stomach is rocky but if I keep babying it, will hopefully come round. Just need a bit more liquid. I've got some Italian Ices for later...and some jello.
Heck of a storm...we just got our power back. Another not so great thing...most of the morning--4 1/2 hours no heat...no nothing. One of the hazards of living out among the trees...I wouldn't change it though. Dh works tonight....I won't mind as long as their is heat.
Hope all this misses all of you. I've got my fingers crossed. Now on to a bath which I was contemplating about when we lost power.
Stay well.
Jackie
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hi everyone
my name theresa n i am new to the sight , i had a both breast removed and left lodes on 2-21-2008. i was told on 2-15-2008 that i had breast cancer and i was not sick or hurting just a total shock to me . i feel so alone n scared you guys gives me hope.
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Hi terri. (((hugs))) to you. Sorry you have to fight this battle, but glad you found your way to our group.
When you can, tell us a little more about your diagnois. I'm sure we can help you with this war on bc!
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Welcome Teresa! Sorry you had to find this site! Have you got your path report yet? Where do you live ?
Trust me you are not alone!!! We are here!
Please keep us informed!
Hugs
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Like Laura, I couldn't do Naperville. Lunch would be over before I got there! LOL. I'm pretty sure we were discussing Schaumburg again, weren't we??
Jackie, I'm sending you all the strength vibes I can. I so sorry for the rough time you are having. I was always sick to my stomach, but seldom actually threw up. For some reason, Macaroni and Cheese, applesauce, and Emergen-C and lime juice in water went down well for me. I lived on the stuff for the 4 months of my chemo.
I was told no hot tubs too. But I do have a whirlpool bath and I've been gradually going hotter and hotter with the water in that. So far it does not seem to affect my swelling. What causes my chest to swell is when I use my arm and shoulder for long periods of time.
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i will have the stitches removed tomorrow and the drains i have four n then i see my primary doc to see for a referral a cancer spec. n then know if i need treatment , i am cancer free as of now. i live in hazelcrest which is east of orland or west of calumet city or ten min. from tinley park. i am divorce for nine years n is single.
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many thanks to you all
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