Illinois ladies facing bc
Comments
-
Morning! Okay, okay....I know I am exaggerating but it was 76 here yesterday and it's 41 on my deck right now. Jeesh spring....make up your mind!WendytheYounger....I did get your e-mail, and I wrote you back. Sorry I deleted you! Keep asking questions about anything....someone here can probably help you with most anything. I too...even with just a lumpectomy....was sent home with this sports-type bra thingy with velcro, but as I NEVER wanted to see that again, I tossed it.
Jackie....the only reason my rads got delayed was once the machine broke, and then the rad doc decided at the last minute to add on 2 boosts...so I think if you arranged your vacation maybe a week after the scheduled start (or maybe wait until you actually have your first zap, and then count) you should be OK with plane reservations.
Bren....HI! And welcome to our very supportive, knowledgable (and somewhat weird/strange/goofy) group. I had taxotere and had no swelling whatsoever until after the second to last chemo and one ankle swelled terribly for a few days and then after the last chemo swelled again, this time for 2 weeks. But then that was that. Swelling is very common with the taxanes. If it gets bad, ask for something to help rid yourself of the excess fluid.
Kater...I see you were posting at 1am...girl, go to bed!
Laura....winning????
Rita...spoil those grandsons!
Leesa...how are you feeling? Did you know that Sharon had her group of ladies over there, praying for you in Arabic? At least I think it was Arabic....
It looks so gorgeous out, but I think it is a long pants day + a sweatshirt! Everyone...have a lovely Sunday. 2hr Desp. Housewives tonight, for those of you who watch!
Tops down (hm....maybe not today, and also....the Z uses premium and it is now...$4.21 a gallon), fists up!
0 -
Welcome Brenda...nice to talk to someone who has come so far already. I had some minor swelling...sorta strange, in my wrists. Thought I would not be able to get my coat on a couple of times this winter, but it didn't stay. A little swelling in one ankle but that too resolved on its own. I guess partly---I tend to 'wait' things out to a degree before I yell help.
As far as help......I would "normally" never get on a site like this about anything, but somehow I felt instinctively that I needed to talk with someone all the time that had the same problems I now had. So I have been here since Dec 3, 2007. It is a good place to be. Those who don't have this disease process ----- while to support us I know they try hard ---- will never quite get where we have been forced to be and the emotional roller coaster we are often on. So, here in this place you can be who you are right now....we laugh, we cry, we ponder questions together and I so appreciate knowing that the viewpoints I get are those of someone who has been where I am exactly.
It's cooler here in the southern part of the state and I did see that Chicago was going to be cold today. Sure believing the global warming---so strange all over.
A little off topic thing...anyone who uses recipezaar---if you like brownies--just found a recipe (like this fat girl needs a brownie) called "Whatever Floats Your Boat" Brownies Recipe # 32204. The reviews were numerous--over 200 I think, and most said they were the best they had ever had.
I'm hoping ya'll don't freeze up north. Guess it's going to be a mainly work in the house day here too though substantially warmer.
Have a fantastic Sunday anyway.
Jackie
0 -
"My friends are my estate."
- Emily Dickinson0 -
Good Morn-thank you for responding! My swelling has lasted for over 2 months- gets better - comes back. I've been on lasix for several weeks and I've had occupational therapy for lymph drainage. I have appt. next wed. to learn how to do the manual lymph drainage myself. Just something I'm going to have to do. But I would really like to be able to wear some cute summer shoes lol! Any shoes at this point would be nice. My co-workers are tired of seeing me in sugery shoes & house shoes lol!
I'm finally starting to get some hair back, my old nails have all come off so my fingers aren't covered in bandaids!!! Now I just need to try and be patient and let all the chemicals work their way out of my body. Bren
0 -
Brenda
I'm betting a lot more people will respond to your question as well. Sometimes the week-ends are a little more quiet than week days so keep checking back. I think you may be a bit closer to me--not sure. I'm from Centralia, but go to Marion, Il for my treatments. Will be starting my rads soon. They haven't called to set that up yet. Finished my last Taxotere on April 30th. Still working with the sore finger and toe nail beds.....achy legs, hard to walk on feet, but it will all clear up ???? sooner or later.
This group is large enough that someone will have the answer you are looking for so stayed tuned.
Jackie
0 -
Hi all:
Hi Brenda. I did not experience what you are experiencing, but as Jackie says, others will pipe in soon.
Adeline (ghrandchid) is getting baptized today. We spent about 20 hours planting and sprucing up the yard for the party afterwards, and it is toooooo cold to be outdoors. Looks pretty, however, and we now have a jumpstart on the summer. EIGHT babies are getting baptized in the church! I will bet you, southern Illinois ladies, that you will hear them all the way from Evanston, Illinois. Listen at about 1:15 pm! I am so excited!
Later!
Susan
0 -
HI all -
Just back from a camping weekend with girl scouts. It was fun. There were so many girls there that they didn't have enough cabins/tents so our troop - 1st graders - got to sleep in the program center - heated, nice bathroom, etc. My kind of camping!
WAM - I had the same surgery as you (and Mich101). I came home with an ace bandage around my chest with the drain tubes safety pinned to the bandage. I just kept it like that for the week that I had the drains in. Then I was told to wear a front closure sports bra. I got it at Walmart. After my exchange surgery, I had a mesh type velcro bra like Mich101. I kept that on until the drain was removed and then just went back to my normal bra. So, I would say for sure get the front closure sports bra. Good luck!
Welcome, Brenda. Sorry you are here. I had Taxol, but did not have any swelling, so I'm sorry to say I can't help.
No word from Laura? Hope you won big and had a relaxing time!
Looking forward to seeing everyone next week. We are looking forward to a nice long weekend at the lake next weekend. Hope it warms up!
Later...
0 -
Jackie - hi - we are a couple of hours from each other (I'm in Decatur). Wow, you have quite a drive to Marion for treatment. You will find radiation so much easier than chemo.! The side affect symptoms do get better with time. I am so glad I ventured out to talk to other women who have experienced this. I'm finding more of a need to talk about it now that I'm almost done with treatment?
WendyK13- Tops Down - Fists Up!!!! LOL - I love it!
I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone. Brenda
0 -
"Pain is temporary. Quitting lasts forever."
-- Lance Armstrong0 -
Welcome, Brenda. I'm from Bloomington so we're fairly close. I'm glad that so much of your journey is behind you. The rads were easy for me compared to the chemo so I'm hoping that the last ones go well for you, too. Are you getting them done right there in Decatur? Keep posting! I think you'll find this group to be a very good support system. I know they are all very caring ladies! :-)
I had a ball with my little grandsons this weekend! The only problem was that the weekend wasn't long enough! We spent yesterday at a small town festival complete with wonderful chicken dinners and lots of carnival rides. Other than banging my knee a good one as I tried to get all of us on the Scrambler, everyone had lots of fun! Gosh its heck to get old. That was a giant step up into that seat!!!! LOL
Well, I need to get in the shower. I'm picking up Wendy the Younger for lunch today. Then she's going to get her hair cut very short and I'm going along (mainly because she can't get rid of me) to be the cheerleader! It's hard to tell what we'll do after that. We're going to send her into surgery looking good!
I'll be back tonight when I have more time to read all the weekend posts and respond. It sounds like we're going to have a big group on the 28th. Some of you others need to reconsider as it gets closer! I will really be hyper by the time I get to Maggios and I'll be dragging Mary Jane along! LOL Can't wait to see some of you again and meet those I haven't met!
Well, I'm off to the shower. I'll catch you later. EVERYONE have a good day!
Rita
0 -
Tomorrow my visit to new oncologist in Highland Park, Dr. Dragon. Maybe some one know him?? I'm very nervous. For me didn't work two chemo (1)Xeloda, (2)Taxol+Avastin. I'm need prayers
0 -
Irina...prayers are on the way. I'm hoping and praying that Dr. Dragon has some new ideas that will help you. Keep your faith, honey and go in with a positive attitude. There are so many different types of treatments out there and several bc patients have had to try different things before they found the magic "cocktail" for them, because all of our bodies are different. PLEASE keep us informed and let us know what you find out tomorrow. My thoughts and prayers will be with you! HUGS ACROSS THE MILES!
Rita
Rita
0 -
Thank you Rita. I try to do the best what I can. It was not so easy to try to have second opinion with out insurance and money. If this doctor have something for me, I have to move in north suburb of Chicago. It can be hard too. Because from Rockford to Highland Park 2 hours.
0 -
Good morning, my dear bc sisters. I'm getting a chance to report in because I'm currently sitting in the Lake County Courthouse Jury Assembly Room- yep, I'm on jury duty. Massive amounts of people here and nothing much happening, but I arrived 15 minutes early just so I could get a worktable with an outlet. LOL- I'm planning on surfing the web all day and getting updated with my favorite sites!
I am still alive and functioning. Had another couple of minor CVS (Cyclic Vomiting Snydrome) episodes. It now seems to be over- if the pattern follows, it will be about 3 months before I get another wave.
Working hard, doing a lot of shopping and planning for the addition, but not getting much time for the computer. Now that I'm stuck here, I hope to get a chance to catch up on everyone.
(Since I wrote the above, I was called in with a group of potential jurors. Lots more sitting around while the lawyers questioned individuals, but I was never questioned and they got their jury before my number came up. So, in case I'm called again, I'm going to post what I've already written and go back to read all the missed posts to see what is happening with everyone)
0 -
Afternoon!!!! I see something must be going on with this site....very slow loading, can't add pics or do spellchecking, print is verytiny!!!! Oh well....
Irina...sorry, honey...I don't know Dr. Dragon but I am so hoping that they have some new chemo cocktail for you to try. I love your avatar...what a pretty young lady you are, and such a pretty smile. Hugs! Don't give up...where there is life, there is hope.
JanClare...I had never heard of CVS so I googled it. Gosh! They have a website, support groups, forums....that is one nasty little syndrome! But it sounds like you are between "break-outs" so enjoy! Sorry about the jury duty, but at least you have to slow down long enough to post! We;ve missed you...but we know you are crazy-busy.
Rita...you take care of Wendy the Younger for me, okay? She sounds like such a sweet gal...and funny too! Great addition to our somewhat wacky group, but I would much rather have met her as just a passenger in your car, not another bc sister.
Wendy the Younger...don't forget to take pics! You need an avatar. Come to think of it...I need a new one as well! With my OWN hair.
Connie...sounds like you had a fun weekend. And too, sounds like the weather will be warming up for the weekend.
Jackie..aren't you glad to be done with chemo! Hope your se's are going, going, GONE!
Laura...you home? How did the elephant bling go over?
Leesa...how are you feeling this round?
Blackjack...how are you feeling? How's the new do? How's your Mom?
Hope everybody is doing well....sure wish it would get a bit warmer! Have a great day.....0 -
Good afternoon ladies! Hope everyone is doing OK.
Blackjack, dying to see pics of your new hairdo. Are your fish up & active? Mine are "mating" The warm (hot) weather has started the alge growth.
Hi Brenda, welcome to our group!! Feel free to ask (or tell) us anything! You'd be surprised what goes on w/ this group!
( hear the "Enquirer" is still trying to get an invite to this month's dinner! LOL)
Irina, adding you to our prayer circle.
Wendy, not sure which is my fav saying, "tops down fists up" or " weird; the new normal"! We definitely need bumper stickers!
Rita & Wendy (WAM) hope you both are enjoying a great day golfing!
Jan Clare, locked up in jury room yet?
Laura, are you back yet?
Jackie, I would think it would be cheaper to "farm out" your RADS treatment closer to home.... But then it IS the goverment!
Leesa, Glad to hear your second chemo wasn't as bad. Hope the rest go VERY smoothly!
Connie, I agree camping w/ indoor plumbing has to be the best!!
I still have a bunch of catching up to do..
Everyone have a great day!!
0 -
Found these t-shirts & had to share
0 -
Karin! I love those shirts! Where did you find them?
Oh...and nice to know that you have horny fish. Gosh...the things we talk about here....I love this group!
Susan...you know, I think I did hear some crying but it was around 1:40 or so! How was the baptism? Sorry they didn't get a chance to enjoy your beautified yard but you are right....it was chilly out!
Bren...you are pretty far along with your treatment and seem to be doing very well. Keep posting! My slogan is 'cuz I have a convertible which has been sitting for sooooooo long as the weather has not been cooperating so I just use the SUV. The fists are for this stupid frickin' disease...hence..."Tops down, fists up"..it wasn't that I was suggesting that we all go topless. Hmmmm...wait a minute...now there's an idea for our dinner at Maggiano's on the 28th! Anybody game?
0 -
Is where I found the t-shirts above
0 -
Okay- I was pulled out of the jury assembly room to form part of a pool for a 6 person jury civil trail. Almost 2 hours of the judge and lawyers asking questions of individual potential jurors, but I was not one of them. I was bored silly as it was the same questions just in different forms for each juror. They finally picked their jury without ever talking to me- just the luck of the draw.
I'm tired and sleepy- if I have to do this for 4 more days, I may have to drink more caffeine!
Julie- so sorry to read that they found more cancer in the nodes. I found my original tumor in my lymph node, so know how frightening that can be. I did the chemo first, then surgery, then rads and was very happy with that order. By doing the chemo first, they were able to confirm that it was working on the cancer in my lymph node (I had an unusual sitiuation in that they never found the primary tumor in the breasts- just the tumor in the nodes) Since you do have the positive nodes, are they planning a PET scan, bone scan, and CT to check the rest of the body?
Jackie- sorry to read that you have to be in a motel for your rads!! That seems insane when you think that it will literally be about 15 minutes a day. And when you consider the cost for the hotel, etc. it would seem they could pay more to someone closer. I don't get it. Also- were you the one dealing with antibodics for Lyme? 15 years ago my son and I had Late Stage Lyme- very ill for several years. If you continue to have any problems, you can PM me if you want.
Blackjack- ooohhh spiky hair!! Sounds like my kind of "do"!! I can't wait to see it!
Laura, did you win? Forget that silly slogan- What happens in Vegas needs to be told right here! LOL.
Kater- good to see you. Don't know about the raw food diet for the animals- remember that animals in the wild suffer from more illnesses and problems, don't live as long, etc. There can be a lot of problems from raw meat, even if it is what they would eat in the wild. Just saying.... Also, my BIL and SIL do a raw food vegan diet- it's very extreme and very tough.
So glad that Sharon, Rita, and Mary Jane will be at the dinner! Well, happy to see any of you, love you all, but since those 3 are coming so far, so to speak, it has me especially excited!
Well- I was just dismissed for the day- so I'm heading home.0 -
JanClare,
I did get the ct scan and bone scan today. Nothing was said about the PET exam. What is that for? Anyway the nice tech that was helping me gave me good tips about future CT scans regarding bringing Crystal Lite or Apple Juice to disguise the nasty taste. However when I said that would be great if I have to come back, she replied that when I come back I should do this. I guess I was a bit paranoid because I left thinking what did you see?
0 -
Irina - Since I'm new to the group I don't know what your situation is, but you mentioned no insurance & no money so I was wondering if you had checked into the the Illinois Breast & Cervical Cancer Program? A co-worker of mine went through them and all of her medical bills are being covered.
Thank you everyone for welcoming me into your group.
My prayers are with all of you. Bren
0 -
Irina:
Dr. Dragon is my doctor and he is wonderful. He is very kind and he is very well-respected. He will make you feel very comfortable. I have so much respect for him. I just hope he can come with the right treatment for you. I too am not up on your dx.
Susan
0 -
Thank you sisters(((HUGS))) 0
-
Hi all -
Julie - I know it's hard and no matter what I say you will be worried, but try not to worry about what you don't know yet. I remember when I went for my ct and bone scan. As soon as I got home, I got a call from the hospital that they needed me back right away for some more scans. I was sure I was in big trouble. Of course, they can't tell you anything. But, everything turned out all right. I think they wanted me back right away because of the stuff still being in my system, but they didn't say that and it freaked me out.
Irina - I hope you can figure out something for your treatment. I agree - you have a beautiful smile! Thinking of you!
Jan Clare - sounds like a boring day. You have to go back tomorrow? That stinks.
Hey - dental question. I went to the dentist a few weeks back and I hadn't been in a year because of chemo. He said my teeth looked great, but he noticed one tooth on the bottom that had a receding gum so he sent me to a periodontist. Well, I saw this guy on Friday and he tells me he sees 4 more teeth that have receding gums. He wants me to have $5,000 in gum grafting which is where they take skin from the roof of your mouth and create new gums. He tells me that the causes of this are genetics, braces and overbrushing. He doesn't see any other signs of disease. Has anyone heard of this? Usually I'm really good at making decisions and feeling good about it, but this one I'm freaked out about. You are lucky with just your deep cleanings, Rita!
Good night all. Hey Wendy - we haven't heard from your neighbors in awhile. All quiet?
0 -
Hey Wendy! Kater's already been "topless" at Maggio's! That poor guy sitting behind her about lost his dinner when she whipped off that wig! LOL
Bren...I sent you a PM.
Julie, oh my gosh! I can't believe that the tech made that comment to you. Why in the heck wouldn't you be paranoid after that? She was completely out of line to say anything like that. Try not to worry. I'm the A+ worrier of the group but one of the gals (maybe Jackie) posted a quote earlier that I try to remember when I get in one of my "worry modes." The quote said, "Don't jump on the Worry Train until you've bought your ticket."
Well Wendy and I had a nice afternoon. We went for lunch...pizza and salad and then went to get her hair cut. She got it cut short....REALLY SHORT...like "can hardly get a hold of it short" and it looks SO CUTE! We both really like it! We'll have to get her to post a picture while she's recouping from her surgery. I should have taken the camera today but you know me. I can't walk and chew gum at the same time anymore, let alone remember more than one thing at a time! Anyway, she's going to look great when she hits that surgery room on Wednesday. Then we topped off the afternoon with dessert.
Laura..can hardly wait to hear about the LV trip. Sure hope you had a good time, survived the "living quarters", and won some cash!
Susan, hope the baptism went well and that you had as much fun with your family this weekend as I did with mine! Sorry that the weather didn't cooperate for your outdoor setting.
Calypso...where are you? You should be all finished now! Check in when you get a chance. We miss you!
Connie...we did the boy scout thing at our house for years. In fact my son became an Eagle Scout. I never did get too excited about the camping trips. I share your sentiments entirely!!!
Well, hello to all of you! I'm off to finish a few things before I find the recliner and "whiz through" the finale of Desperate Housewives that I taped.
Catch you all later!
Rita
0 -
HI GIRLZ...I MISSED YOU! Wow...what a FAB trip it was...my Rocktober Elephant sisters ARE AWESOME. It was incredible...didn't do much gambling...but did ALOT OF KAROKINING (sp?)....LOVED every minute of it...miss them already...
Jule - Bren - Irena - HANG IN THERE...you have fallen upon the best group ever...
------------
I don't have time to read all the posts...but will...but did notice you girls cheering me on through my get away weekend...thanks so much for that...you thought of me in between your hectic days and I really appreciate that. FUN WAS HAD BY ALL. But damn...LV is a frickin trip! Yikes...I saw things that made my mouth drop...in fact it is still "dropped". But hey...variety is the spice of life...
Love ya all...can't wait til the 28th! Hey that rhymes...
0 -
Evening and another lazy day from me. Rita, it wasn't a quote from me...I don't recall it anyway, but I sure like it and it's true. Lately I have been requiring one or two naps and wondering why...my last tx was Apr 30th. and usually I'm not napping so much nor feeling tired. I do manage to do a little work, but not enough.
Julie, Irina, Brenda it is all so confusing isn't it? Also scary too, but take it one step at a time. We are all here to help so you have lots of people behind you hoping to allay your fears and give you lots of care, love and encouragement.
Connie...I am majorly nervous around dentists, but I've never heard of taking parts of the roof of your mouth and making more gums. Wouldn't those just recede too--I mean later. Also, $5,000.00 sure sounds like a lot of money....and he was able to find more problems than your regular dentist--that's the skeptic in me talking. Being a specialist I'd assume the possibility of finding something else, but by my calculations--5 areas, $5,000.00 hmmmm. If he has 5 people a month with 5 areas--oh forget that---see I really am a skeptic sometimes. I have just never heard of such a thing though I do know that menopause and other things can cause mouth/gum changes etc. But taking tissue from the top of your mouth--sounds painful too. I'd think second opinion time and a lot of googling may be in order.
Laura...glad your back....so mouth dropping things this time, hmm, sounds interesting!!!!
Will check back in tomorrow.
Jackie
0 -
Just dropping by to say how much we Rocktober sisters love Laura!
She even got us all matching necklaces that even strangers remarked how neat it was!!
Here she is doing the "Don't hate me cuz you ain't me" moves!
0 -
connie: grafting!
beware! i had it done, it was okay, it was a hassle, but i cant help thinking it was a ripoff...
my mom had her dentist for about 400 do something different.
i think mine was at least 1000 and what a hassle sking grafting!
my "buddy" dentist sent me to this guy and i just felt a little like i had been had...... he had a mansion like wooden.....well lets put it this way, it was like the merrill lynch office in schaumburg...very ritzy...his office...
i would get 2nd opinion if possible, my mom's regular dentist did something very simple instead...to take care of receding..
also...i got a rotating electric toothbrush, they say that we usually brush too hard and make receding gums worse....
PET SCAN
that finds smaller tumors than the ct scan (as in ovarian cancer). my mom is yet to have one as her oncologist doesnt believe in them, or so he said years ago. she has had ovca 10 years and is on her 3rd recurrence / chemo now, at 83.
Kater
i know the raw meat thing for dogs and cats, seems weird but after 4 hours of hearing drkarenbecker.com i am a believer!!!! she is vegetarian.
0
