Illinois ladies facing bc
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Maggiano's in Schaumburg would work for me. It's kinda at Woodfield mall right? That keeps me near main roads so I don't get side tracked & get lost!!LOL
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Theresa,
Welcome, and so sorry you need to be here. This is a wonderful group of women, and everyone here understands what a shock this dx is. Post often, and let us know how you are doing. There is always someone ready to help on this thread.
Hugs to you.
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Jackie....I'm so sorry you're having all this trouble. Have you tried calling your onc about the nausea? There are so many anti-nausea drugs out there, I'm sure there would be a better one for you. You'd feel better all around if you could stay hydrated. Usually simple carbs are best, like plain mashed potatos, mac and cheese. Even ice cream sometimes works, and it did for me. Don't worry about diet just now. Pamper yourself with whatever works! Reaching out with a big hug, Pat.
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Jackie, all I cud force down during chemo was watermelon & cottage cheese, What ever works..... My onc nurse said eat what ever you want when ever and don't worry about calories.
Theresa we are planning a lunch the 21st of March. You are welcome to join us if your up to it. Or maybe another time. Seems it's a once a month thing now!!
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Welcome Teresa. So sorry you have to be here. I can feel your pain. I am coming up on my 1 year anniversary of dx this Friday. I didn't think it would bother me, but I have been thinking about that period of time the last few weeks and getting emotional. It is a tough time. I remember that day like it was yesterday, but yet it seems like lightyears ago. But, happy to say I'm still here, still kicking and next week, I'm getting a new boob! Take it one day at a time and you will make it through.
Post often and let us know how you are doing. This is the best group of ladies!
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Hi gals!
Gee Pat...I'm glad your home and think it's great that you're going to get out of Illinois weather again so soon. Wish I could go along. It is snowing very hard here right now and it's very windy. I think we already have an inch and it's only been snowing for about 45 minutes. Looks like it's in for an all afternoon and evening blanketing. YUCK!
Hey Karin....Please tell me to bowl a 200 every time before I go to bowl. I had a 147, 200, and 162. It was so much fun! It must have been your good vibes coming through to me!
Laura, so glad that your first day on the job was enjoyable and that your design team is so awesome! You have so much talent and so much to contribute! What a neat challenge!
Aw come on, Kater. I thought you were going to answer these questions! But hey, I'll take any question ideas that you have! Jan did an excellent job with them. I'll tell you the ones you missed in a couple of days, JanClare.
Oh Susan, I am hooked on freerice.com. What a neat site! Thanks for sharing!
Theresa, I'm glad that you found our thread. We welcome you with open arms. I know I speak for everyone when I say that we wish you never had to come searching for us in the first place. However, the ladies on this thread are VERY supportive. We will help you as much as we can. Once you see the oncologist and get a copy of your pathology report, you can begin to plan out your journey. Once you know what path you are taking, things are not so mind-boggling. Tell us a little more about yourself when you get the chance.
Nancy...your first day of rads is over. I'm sure your fatigue is stress related. It's tough not really knowing what to expect! I imagine that you'll feel much better tomorrow. Hang in there.
Jackie, dear....how I wish I was closer so I could just come and sit with you and try to help you get your mind off your nausea. I know one of the gals suggested that you let your onc know about the nausea and related problems. I think they gave you good advice. Perhaps there is something else they can give you to eliminate this problem or at least make it better.
Wendy....darn it! I know we're getting all this snow this afternoon because they wouldn't let you post your "snow-be-gone fairy" this morning. You and Karin have the magic touch! I hope you have better conditions up around you. Several of the rural schools around here sent the students home early.
Hi to both Michele's. Nancy, Julie, Suzanne, Connie, Kats, Ginny, Mary Jane, Joanna, and anybody else that I accidentally missed.
I'm going to write some more questions. I've rigged up quite the set-up between the desk computer and the laptop since I didn't want to stay in town and hit Barnes or the library. I have my laptop on the right side of my desk and am using it to search the online encyclopedias. I write the questions on the main desk computer and can glance at the laptop to keep getting my ideas. LOL
Well....travel safely if you're getting the snow that we are getting.
Rita
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SNOW BE GONE!! 0 -
Terri, welcome, welcome. As one in a rather major struggle I can tell you, you are in the right place. I am thankful every day for this group of ladies. I'm positive they are doing as much for me ( feels like more right now ) as my oncology team.
Speaking of which...I am due tomorrow to be in Marion for a blood test which I probably will fail due to the vomiting etc. Decided this afternoon it's time for a showdown of sorts.
We need to figure out some corrections that work on my se's better than what I've had so far. Bless their hearts, I'm sure they mean well, but getting something from them is like pulling teeth.........and I'm doubtful that having my body go without food and drink for several days in a row is a desirable thing. So, since scheduled...I will go and see if we can get out heads together with something...either a little less strong chemo....or a bit more steroids--or whatever. The mucus mouth has been an issue ( so far Muninex hasn't done much ) since I started chemo and guess because I didn't throw a hissy in the middle of the floor....I have not been taken seriously....anything that can throw you so far out of kilter needs addressing. Ok---nuff ranting and raving for today.
Hang in there Terri---we are all here for you.
Jackie
p.s. Jan Clare....hmmm, I have some Mac & cheese in the pantry...I may not go hungry this afternoon.
Jumping back here....a couple were posting when I was and I am grateful for all the info. My nausea seems to be stemming directly from the large amt. of mucus....some of which hangs in myy throat and by night time---all the swallowing one must do starts to set me up for a really strong gag reflex....that is when---since I haven't done much for food and drink....I start to lose stomach acids and whatever else hangs around down there. I thought ( so I did my best to be patient....A/C was causing that and it would be a thing of the past with my switch to Taxotere....it's as bad or maybe even a bit worse. In fact---on the A/C I wasn't bringing up stomach liquids much. So, I definitely need something that will work....the painful nails....the sore back, very un-pleasant, but it's the mucus that is throwing me so much. Hopefully tomorrow will dawn and I'll find someway to be able to get through three more of these things.....everyone else did. I need too as well.
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Welcome Terri, I am sorry you have to walk this journey, but am glad you found us. This board has great group of gals. They have helped me tremendously!
Rad tx today was a breeze....I think you are right I was so stressed yesterday not knowing what to expect that when it was over I became exhausted. 2 down 31 to go...I am on a roll.... I also bought some new wire free bras....I will go "el natural" for a few more days...well except to my clients as I do not want to scare them and I am confidant that the pain will subside.
What is the most difficult thing for me is the unknown...is being tired normal...is the pain normal...is anything normal anymore???? While I never use to question things, now I question everything. I thank you all for helping me with my concerns and questions.
I can do lunch in Schaumburg as my rads are at NWC in Arlington Heights. I am so looking forward to meeting you all!!!
Well, its time for me to get on my treadmill! Have a great evening and great Thursday...
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IL Lady, jackie undergoing chemo
hot water and lemon.....for bad throat...hydration and soothing
lemon drops
pasta or bread was bland for me without right taste buds...
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oh and i realized this morning, one year later,
I DONT THINK ABOUT BREAST CANCER EVERY MORNING ANYMORE!!!!
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Sending out the search light for kats:
Hi terri! Welcome...hang in there.
kater - I love your new avatar! You look great! Nice hair-do! 1 year for you! You did great!
Rita - That sounds like a great set-up...you're one smart cookie! I love it! Thanks for thinking of me and my new job...you're always so thoughtful.
Nancy - Congrats! 2 down...woo-hoo!
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Wow, I cannot believe all the posts.
I too welcome you Terri. Yes, it is a shock!
Jackie, I sent you an e-mail about thrush (a kind of yeast infection that can grow in your mouth when the immunity is down). You don't suppose you have that? It is white and thick and gross. I had it and took pills to clear it up. I feel so badly for you as I wish they had been more aggressive about your nausea. My onc nurse told me that they have to prevent that nausea as once it starts, it becomes almost a learned reaction. I know you are a calm person and could troubleshoot that sort of thing, yet there should be more in place here. Have your tried a sedative just slow it all down. I feel funny suggesting these things as I am sure you have tried everything. I just want to help.
Kater, I also love your look. You look fantastic.
Now all this talk about the sleeve. I clean forgot about that and I am traveling to Arizona. I guess I should get one. The Lance Armstrong Survivorship program I am with suggested I get one. Excuse my ignorance, but if you get lymphodema is it there FOREVER? Do you get it and it gets better, or does it come and you are in trouble forever.
Smerf, you are quite the traveler.
Nancy, some days I am just tired....no reason. That was true when I had rads. I would be tired one day and okay the next. This is sad but I kinda got used to being tired all the time. Not sleepy tired, just dragged out tired.
If you ladies actually get to lunch on that Friday, I'll buy a drink for each of you next time I can get together. I am dizzy with all the plans, airports, highways, restaurants and times. You are all very cute and I am very jealous.
Wendy and Rita, you are both so dear. Thanks to all for your kind messages about my mother's passing. The dear is now on an airplane, en route to Phoenix, with a change of planes in Atlanta. Modern day life is so weird. The past few days arranging for my mother and dealing with her death have made me think about things I rarely think about. We are so fortunate to be able to come here whenever we want to seek some friendship. I just wish I could make Julie and Jackie well. We all do.
Laura, you are one cool lady. Your job sounds like FUN!
Susan0 -
Susan...Do you have school on Good Friday? I thought you would be able to come to lunch. Yes, if you get lymphedema it stays with you. It can require daily massage.I didn't get a sleeve because by the time I thought to ask my doc there wasn't time. It has to be measured just for you. Anyway, all my docs say flying is not too much risk for me, but remind me not to lift heavy luggage. Also, be careful of mosquito bites or bee stings. I'm paranoid now about that!
Jackie....Susan is spot on about the nausea. It is better to prevent it, because it is more difficult to control once it starts, and it can be a learned reaction. She's also correct about thrush, though they should be checking your mouth for that and sores at your doctor's appointments. Thrush will not go away with out medicine for tx. I wish I was closer, and could come over to help you. I hope your docs are able to help you out tomorrow. Take the anti nausea drug before you are nauseated, and it might be better.
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Kater....Your new avatar is so cute! Is it the same pic as the one with you and JanClare? Thanks to you, and to Jackie for sending me the pics from Feb lunch.
Connie..You too! Your hair is so cute now. Did you wear it short before, or are you hoping for the day when it's long again? I love the picture.
Laura...How lucky they are to have your talent, and your smiling face in the office. I'm glad the commute wasn't bad.
Rita...I wish I could take you along too! It's a huge annual meeting of orthopods, so maybe a little boring, but a beautiful city for a meeting. Thousands come so it's a bit crowded. We couldn't even get 4 nights in the same hotel. Whole city booked solid, so we'll be moving....two nights in one, and then two more in the next. Crazy.
Have to figure out dinner.....later.
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HI Ladies,
Wow, looks like it was a very busy day on the Illinois tread. So many posts to read. While you all were busy chatting today.. I was working hard. Not fair!! To Karin and everyone else re: lunch Maggiano's is about 1.5 hours from Midway depending on traffic. Another place that takes reservations is Wildfire, which is right down the street from Maggiano's. Let me know what you all decide and I will make the reservations for you.
Laura and Pat.. Welcome back.. we missed you both. Glad to see that you had a great time. I didn't see any spring weather in those suitcases. lol
Susan.. how are you doing? My prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Nancyla..glad to see that your are breezing through rads. Just a helpful hint. Put the Aquaphor cream on right after your tx. It helps keep the skin soft and from peeling. Cami bras are best to wear because they are soft on the skin and comfy to wear.
Jackie..hope you are feeling better soon.
Terrie..Welcome and sorry you had to find us. Keep posting and let us know how you are doing.
Kater..Congrats on your one year anniversary..You did it hey !!!
Rita..I loved your questions. Are you going to give us a pop quiz everyday !! lol It was fun trivia..but too early in the am to think w/o my coffee.
To everyone else I hope you have a great evening.
Off to pack Easter boxes for the kids at school. Spring is almost here right???
Will check back later,
Blackjack
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Okay,
I'm back. I think I went a little crazy for a while there. I got so fed up with my docs., that last week I called my GP hysterical and told her I didn't no what to do. She suggested the doctor that treated her mother 5 years ago. (She is on staff at Alexian Bros. but went to Lutheran General, what does that tell ya???) Well she called the group and her doctor was out of town but they recommended a different doctor, who suits my type of disease, she's doing 2 studies on triple negs. I went in to see her and fell in LOVE, no really LOVE, she is kind and understanding and talked to me for over and hour. I can't remember the last time I felt human like this. She is so unlike any other onco. I've ever been to.
Well after that it was off and running, next stop the surgeon, I like her too then, 2 breast MRI's the first time after 3 hours the machine broke, then another Cat scan of my lung, now I'm just waiting to find out when the surgery is. The doctor goes on vaca next week so it looks like the 18th, we still need to find out about the lung thing??? but I know it's fine. I'll see the onco one week after surgery and I'll either get 4 or 6 doses of Cyboplatin, taxotere and avistan, so it's all new chemo, anyone had any of these?
I'm sorry you were all worried about me. I think I've been down in the dumps, I'm excited about getting this started so I'm finished sooner, but now it's so real. I guess I really do have cancer again. I think I have to get used to it now instead of just imagining someone is going to call me and say... OH BOY did we make a mistake, it's just a cyst!
Wow am I ever bit&**.
Okay, my daughter is home I better make some dinner.
Susan,
I lost my mom a couple of years ago, I was so scared when I got sick, after my surgery, my sister stayed with me. She said I talked all night long to my mom, I remember my mom telling me "Don't worry I'm here, and I'll take care of you. Well that was mothers day, I thought I'd never feel safe again, but after I realized my mom was still here, in my heart and in my soul I was never scared again. I'm looking to her for strength again and I know she's here for me. I still have to talk to her every day. Sometimes she just yells at me lol.
Love
Leesa
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CAMISOLES OR TANK TOPS FOR RADIATION
I wish i would have bought all of them a size bigger as my arms had tough time getting into them.
Many times I had to put them on bottoms up. 8-)
Kater
And reminder, if you wear these you dont have to change into gowns, you just pull it down for radiation. We've read it so much maybe we forgot to remind about that.....
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Photos
I'll still make photo cds, by the way for lunchettes.
Leesa, so good to hear from you, nice story about your Mom, thanks.
Kater (I was next to you at lunch to your right)
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do i dare quote this, i'm not sure of the source, about lymphedema
source:?
"
Just discovered your generally well-written and informative website "National
Breast Cancer Awareness Month" http://www.nbcam.com
I searched the site using the search box, and manually, but found not one
mention of the sequela of breast cancer treatment which will affect one quarter
of the men and women treated for breast cancer--LYMPHEDEMA.
Basic treatment involves the excision of the tumor and the irradiation of the
breast and, if necessary the axillary basin. Diagnosis often involves
dissection of a couple of sentinel nodes and, if necessary, the axillary nodes of
levels I and II and sometimes III. ALL of these diagnostic and curative surgical
and radiative procedures create a risk of LYMPHEDEMA.
I am referring not only of the 20-50% risk of upper limb and upper torso
lymphedema created by dissection and radiation of the axillary nodes for systemic
metastatic control, but also of the 7-23% risk of breast and chest lymphedema
created by sentinel lymph node sampling and tangential radiation for local
control.
A certain percentage of the population of breast cancer diagnosed patients
will have DCIS or early stage node negative IBC. These women must be informed of
a trade-off that they should consider involving radiation which may lower
their risk local recurrence but raise their risk of lifelong breast lymphedema
and cellulitis and contralateral BC VERSUS no radiation with a higher risk of
surgically-salvageable ipsilateral recurrence and lower or no risk of breast
lymphedema. There should be an acceptable way of presenting the appropriate
questions to the Doctor which will allow this choice to be made.
The bottom line is that you are failing in your mission to inform breast
cancer patients of the issues and their rights by not even mentionning the still
common sequela of breast cancer treatment that is LYMPHEDEMA, and the power
they may have to choose a treatmet that will not have so devestating an impact on
the quality of their remaining life.
You also miss the opportunity to inform breast cancer patients that there IS
a medically recommended protocol for treating and managing lymphedema, called
"complex decongestive therapy" and there are sources of reliable information
and assistance for the 25% of them who will develop this condition--the
National Lymphedema Network. Hiding the condition in discussions of breast cancer
treatment does no-one a service. There is a general bitterness felt by breast
cancer survivors who were never warned by their doctors of the probability of
developing this condition, or told of the availablilty of treatment for it. You
have an opportunity to correct this sad situation."""""0 -
susan - Best wishes to you with your travels. I'm holding you and your family in my heart...
smerf - You're back too! Did you ski...did dh get free passes? And thanks...I appreciate all the encouragement re: my new "gig"! Bummer...I was hoping to see you on the 21st!
leesa - I was teary eyed reading your update. I'm so glad you checked in. I am ELATED and relieved that you are hooked up with a Dr! And it's awesome that you LOVE her! That is a HUGE, IMPORTANT BONUS. I had A/C + Taxol...so I am unable to offer info on your regimen, but hopefully someone else can. Thanks for the travel mouth kit! It came in handy during my trip to MX. We will help you through chemo...every frickin' step of the way, girl! Remember...Illinois Girls are tough! Hang in there...
blackjack - I'm easy...anywhere in that area is okay with me. Hey...can you be our official IL Girl reservationist? LOL Don't forget...I'm the official IL Girl secretary and Rita is our official IL Girl Queen and Founder! Wendy...ya just can't help but love her...she's our official IL Girl class clown! Love ya Wendrew!
JanClare - I love your new avatar...you look adorable.
Nancy (in Quincy) - How are you doing...is the neuropathy any better?
sparker - Do I have to send out the search lights for you too! Hope you're doing okay.
Mich - Just wanted to say hi! How's the hair coming in?
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Leesa,
You made me feel GOOD. Thank you.
Susan0 -
Leesa.. glad to hear that you finally found a md that you just LOVE.. and things are moving in the right direction for you. I was getting very worried about you!! Remember we are all here for you and will help you through this. Can you do lunch on the Fri. Mar. 21? Would love to see you.
Laura.. do we officially have Queen Rita's subjects lol. I can be the party planner/ reservation girl..Kater is our official photog for lunches lol.. Smile your on candid camera lol
Kater..thanks for the info on lympoedema. I was never told that I could get it in my chest. It is so swollen and hurt like h*ll. It just adds to the lung issue in top of that. I hope the md can help me as I am seeing her tomorrow.
From what I am reading the official Ladies Lunch is scheduled for Friday March 21 at 11:30 am at ??? which restaurant would you like
Maggiano's or Wildfire or any other suggestion is welcomed.
Please let me know by Fri if you can make it. I just need a head count. thanks.
Time for jammies and tea..and a good book to finish.
Have a great evening to all.
Blackjack
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Laura....isn't it your birthday tomorrow? HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you, and may you have a great one. Ice cream, cake, the works!
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Hi Illinois Ladies! You've all been chatty lately! Hard to catch up on all the posts.
First of all, Susan - I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. I hope that knowing she is no longer suffering eases your pain. I lost my mother almost 19 years ago when I was 20. I know how difficult it is. I hope your trip goes well - you'll be in my thoughts and prayers as you go through the difficulty of the next week.
Laura - sounds like you had a wonderful trip!! I'm sooooo jealous! It also sounds like your new job is very cool! I would love that kind of schedule!
Jackie - I'm so sorry you're dealing with nausea/vomiting also. It is so tiring and takes so much out of you. This last treatment, my onc had me come back in for additional anti-emetics and fluids b/c I was so dehydrated. I'm scheduled for tx #4 on Thursday of this week and we've again schedule me for two days of more anti-emetics and fluids next week. We moved those up a day from the last tx, so I'm hoping we head it off before it hits this time. I sure hope they figure something out for you that helps.
Rita - loved the questions - my chemobrain makes it impossible for me to even TRY to answer any of them! Hope the snow stayed away from you today! We ended up with about a quarter inch of ice and a dusting of snow - definitely better than the 6 inches they had predicted!
Well, it's about time for bed for me, ladies. Just wanted to check in quickly and it's taken me an hour to read everything! Sorry I'm often lurking here and not posting too much - I think of you all often and hope everyone is doing well. Just reading your posts helps me to keep pushing on - thanks! I'm now half-way -- #4 Thursday!
Julie
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY LAURA!!!!!!!!! To one of the sweetest girls it has been my good fortune to meet! Hope it is everything you dream of.....(and I hope my poor chemobrain got the date correct?)Leese....I am so glad you found the dr for you. It makes such a huge difference. And the story about your Mom? Well....I hear you. And you are right, your Mom is with you, you just can't see her. But if you listen really hard, you can hear her saying " Hi honey...I love you!"
Boy...lots of posts and I need to get rolling as I have a 9am with the rad onc. Maggiano's is fine with me. Julie...jeepers. You have really had a time with chemo. Hope starting a bit earlier with the preventatives helps. Jackie....I never thought of thrush! Duh! You should get that checked out ASAP.
Terri...please tell us more about yourself. We are here, 24/7. Please come back often, OK?
Blackjack...are you seeing the LE specialist or a Dr today?
This sleeve business is driving me nuts! I'll let you know the opinion of the rad onc but I'm thinking he will say something along the lines of "Of course you must wear one" or "Of course you don't need one" or the dreaded "Of course, it is up to you". But Kater knows Dr Bendre and he's one that really will give an opinion, not just what you want hear or what the med comm thinks in general.
Off to shower and do something with the mop. I get my lst haircut tomorrow night. I was hoping I could just let it grow but that isn't going to happen. Def. needs some shaping!
Later......
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY LAURA!!!!!!
Have a wonderful day and celebrate BIG TIME!
Rita
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Good Morning Ladies,
Happy Birthday to Laura..what a surprise to find that you and my baby sister share the same day today. The sun is shining and what a lovely day to celebrate !! Hope you don't have too many candles on that cake of yours lol.
Wendy.. I am seeing the lung specialist today, the gyne md Friday and the lymph specialist next week. Way to many appointments for me. I know your haircut will look super cute on you soo don't worry..
Julie.. sorry to hear that you are having a hard time..Sending you a big hug to help you through this.
Jackie..mail is on the way.. put the wrong zip on it.. got returned to me. sorry.....
Rita.. any new questions for us this am. Do you think you can come next week? We need our Queen here with us. lol
To everyone else have a great day...enjoy the sunshine and maybe we too can get a suntan like Laura. lol
Hugs to all of you.
Blackjack
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Good morning ladies...Feeling good today...Today is my last chemo...Hip, Hip, Hooray!!! Pray for me. Have a blessed day.
Sabrina
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