Illinois ladies facing bc
Comments
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Mary- Congrats on the 4 years! Now, let's make it 40!
Nicki and 6Kitties- thinking about both of you, hoping everything is okay.
Hi Michelle! We must have met at the y-me meetings, since I've been to every one since Oct. I think I remember you, but my memory isn't so good since the chemo. I'll be at the next one- I hope you feel well enough to come! Good luck as you start your next section of treatment. I had AC followed by just Taxol, but it was dose dense. I hated the Taxol, I'm still suffering from dead feet because of it, but I understand that most people don't have too much trouble with it.
Laura- welcome home! Time to walk, baby! I've often done Cuba Marsh during my marathon trainings. I also have a lot of different routes around my house that I use- one of which goes right by your house, I think.
Still worried about Cheryl- she has not checked in here, nor have I heard an answer to my PM. I so wish we knew what was happening. Her last post was so worrying, with reported seizures, etc.
I've had my rads simulation and I'm all marked up. Don't get my tattoos until this Friday, then I start rads next Monday.0 -
Good morning all you wonderful Illinois ladies.
First of all, in my "quickie" post last night, I made a big blunder. Today was the start ofmy 3rd week of rads, not the 4th (darn it!
) It went well, as have the others.
Mary...CONGRATUATIONS ON YOUR 4TH ANNIVERSARY! I am so happy for you that your announcement brought tears to my eyes. I am also wishing you the best on the BSGI results.
I'm thinking of you today, Nicki, and hope all goes well. Keep up that exercise and diet program. It's inspiring me and heavens knows that I need weight loss inspiration.
Michelle.. CONGRATUATIONS ON COMPLETING YOUR AC TREATMENTS! Good luck tomorrow as you start your next round in this journey.
JanClare, Aren't these marking flattering? It sounds like you are getting the actual tatoos. It won't be long and you'll become an official member of the "Nuke 'em gals!" I can't speak for the whole regiment but the first few weeks are fine with no major side effects of any kind.
I also wanted to tell you that I spotted the link that you put on another site about the Essiac (Flor-Essence) tea. I have read about this extensively and despite that link, I have ordered a month supply to give it a try. I would never recommend it in lieu of modern medicine, but I've read the complete actual report with all the governmental inserts and think I'm going to give it a try. I think that the link you enclosed is the first negative thing I've read about it. Maybe I'm being a dummy but one of my friends drank the tea after her medical treatment 11 years ago and she swears by it.
Deb..You are really making the celebrity circle now! Thanks for stepping up and telling it like it is! You're doing all of us a great favor.
6Kitties...I'm hoping and praying that your mammo spot is "nothing to be concerned about." Hang in there.
Last week was a real frenzy around here. It was the week of the Illinois Junior High Scholastic Bowl Sectional and State Tournament. Since I wrote the questions, I thought it would be nice if I showed up to see how they worked, so I was gone for that on both Monday and Friday nights. Daniel Wright School in Lincolnshire (up by some of you gals) won the large school competition. They were awesome!
Streator St. Anthony won the little school competition. It's always fun to hear your questions put into play. This was my last year to write all of them. Next year I will just help my "buyer" and leave the major deadline and stress to him.
Glad you are back, Laura and so glad you had a good time. You know, I think there is a major epidemic of "dicky-dos" in men over 40.
Talk to you all later. The sun is shining so I hope you all have a good day!
Rita0 -
Hi Ladies -
I posted a while back, but didn't stay in touch. Rita sent me a nice "miss you" note today so I thought I would check in. I have been spending my time on the chemo board getting to know the ladies that started the same time as me. Now, I will have to spend some time getting to know all of you better. Just glancing through this thread - you all are so positive and uplifting. It looks like a great place to be!
I started my chemo on 4/20. I am in a clinical trial where I receive AC every week for 15 weeks and then T bi-weekly for 8 weeks. I also have to give myself Neupogen shots every night - not fun but definitely not as bad as I thought it would be. I am actually glad that I go every week. Overall, the dosage is more over a two week period, but it's less each week so it seems as though I have been having an easier time than some of my chemo sisters. I go for my tx on Thursdays and I feel pretty good until the weekend. Sat and Sun I usually feel crummy. Nothing too bad, just blah and nothing looks or tastes good. Come today, I am feeling much more like myself.
My hair started shedding yesterday which is really hard. I have really thick hair so I know I have a few days, but not many. I have a wig on hold and I also need to get some hats and scarfs. I'm sure once I get out there, it will get easier but I'm really dreading losing all my hair. I am the type of person that likes to blend into the background. I just don't want people staring at me when I run to the grocery store.
You probably couldn't ask for a nicer day out today so I am going to go for a walk. I hope everyone else is doing well and I promise to stay in touch!0 -
Hi Ladies!
Just checking back in, nothing much happening here. I had some sudden sharp pains in the BC area yesterday while doing yard work. Felt like a heart attack but lasted about 10 seconds. Happened 3 times throughout the day. Guess I am not ready to push myself like my old self just yet. I also went off Tamoxifen a week ago cause I am sick of feeling like crap. Thought I'd go off it for 2 wks then start up again. Tired of the doc's saying my symptoms aren't related to the drug. Funny thing they are starting to clear up a bit after being off it a week. What do they know anyway!!! But anyway, can't wait to enjoy this summer since last summer sucked w/ BC. I am looking forward to boating again on the Chain O Lakes.0 -
Hi Girls -
Wow - Alot of posts...my chemo brain is trying to absorb it all!
6kitties -
Fingers are crossed for you!
Kats -
Happy Anniversary! And I'm especially inspired because you're an Elite Lob Gal! Do you know about Parade.com/snapshots? You can submit photos and I think they pay $ if they feature them. I think you'd have a good shot at it...LOL get it...shot at it! LOL
Nicki -
Congrats on the weight loss...you've inspired me too!
JanClare -
I have been so swamped with my job since I got back! Two weeks ago, I joined the Foglia Y and still have yet to be able to make it there - it's also been tough b/cause our basement isn't finished yet, so I still have carpenters, electricians, etc. hanging out - so I'm a prisoner! Did you like Dr. Ruffer?
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I'm worried about Cheryl too!
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Rita -
You are involved with so many different orgs. I don't know how you do it!
Connie -
The hair loss part of this chapter is really difficult. But believe it or not, you will actually get used to it. Hang in there. Have you thought about getting it shaved? Once mine started falling out, that's what I did, because I had hair everywhere! Best wishes.
Michele -
I don't think your hair will start growing back on T...sorry. Mine didn't and most of the girls in my chemo groups didn't either. I finished my last Taxol on Feb. 1 of 2006 - My hair started growing on March 5th. So it was only about a month later (and that month goes by quickly). One of my friends went from Taxol to Herceptin and her hair started growing back during the first few Herceptins. FYI - hang in there.
Pam -
If you get those pains again...I'm hoping - at a minimum - you'll call your Onc. or Gyn. Nice that you have the "chain" to look forward to this summer - is Blarney's Island still there?
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If I've missed anyone...hope you're doing well. Gotta get back to D-ZINING!0 -
Just got a call from my Surgeon with the results of the BSGI I had done last Wednesday and I'm beyond thrilled to have been told that everything looks good......
Okay, now I can breathe easier and concentrate on my upcoming trip (May 12-15) to Chattanooga to pick up my other granddaughter who'll be staying with us for 7 weeks.
Mary0 -
Laura - yes I am planning on shaving my head. But, my appt isn't until Thursday and my stylist is at a conference until then. I guess I could try to get in earlier with someone else if it can't wait. Plus, I procrastinated on getting scarfs, so I have nothing. Well, I do have a Cubs cap!
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And .... Congrats Mary. That is excellent news!
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Mary..........YEAH! Such good news! Breathe in...breathe out and look forward to your granddaughter's visit.
Connie...welcome back. It's good to hear from you. You are really on a rather stringent schedule, gal but it sounds like you are handling it well. The hair will be the worst, I think. I was lucky. I didn't lose all of mine but it has thinned considerably. It was my greatest fear and hugs go out to you. Keep in touch. We are to here to help you if you need help.
Pam...glad to hear from you. I agree with Laura. If the pain comes back, it might be wise to get it checked out.
Laura, it's so nice to have you back. You always have such encouraging comments and help for everybody.
It will be fun to get together this summer and meet everyone!
Well, I actually stayed home today once the rads were done and weeded my flower beds. I still have one more to go! My iris are getting buds!
Talk to you all tomorrow. Have a good night.
Rita0 -
Well Illinois Ladies, it looks like you gals have been at this a lot longer than I have. I was just diagnosed 1 week ago today. Do you have room for one more Illinois Lady? I found out I have Invasive Grade III Ductal Carcinoma. I have had a lumpectomy and am getting ready to have a Mastectomy and Chemo. I am not sure of the margins etc. Those are questions I didn't know to ask last week. I see the oncologist tomorrow and hope to come up with a plan. Does anyone have specific advice for me?
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Rita,
I am from Quincy, IL. In 2003 I had ILC stage2 and did chemo & rads. Dec. 2006 we found mets to the spine and I'm taking Aromasin and Zometa for that. I also took rads on spine. I go to Blessing Cancer Center in Quincy.
I am 48 yrs old, married (30yrs) and have 3 children and 3 grandkids, 2 cats and a dog. We enjoy camping alot. I read, sew and crochet when I can. Thanks for this board , it's cool0 -
Lisa and Mazy1959
Great bunch of ladies here.
JanClare Laura Connie & Rita Thanks for WooHoo's on my BSGI test results.
Laura I submitted a photo for 'Snapshots' on parade.com thanks for letting me know about that. I think I'll submit some more & wait and see what happens. I don't read that magazine but it be cool to have a photo of mine in it. Oh Yeah can't forget get $100.00 too.
Nicki How did your scan go yesterday?
Pam Hope you're feeling okay, I'm sure it's scary when something like that happens.
Connie & Mazy1959 You're Elite Lob Gals too? That makes 4 of us (I think) here on the Illinois thread with ILC.
Michele and Wendy Hope you both are doing okay.
Mary0 -
Hello, Welcome. My surgery was March 19th, stage 2, 4 of 13 nodes.....MAKE SURE YOU GET ALL YOUR LAB reports and review them. When I went to my chemo doctor he was telling me what I had and he was WRONG! He had read the report wrong. You need to know what is going on, read read read....Dr. Susan Love Book is highly recommended...Mayo clinics book for women cancers....I could go on! But find a support group and they probably have a library. HUGS kate
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Good Morning Ladies....so many posts! Installed my NOrton Security Update and wow....talk about a computer slowing down! Good thing we have someone from my husband's school district who came out and worked some magic.
Nicki...congrats on the weigth loss!
Laura...sounds like your vacay was great, you lucky dog!
Rita...3rd week already? Wow...it does go fast.
JanClare...I'll only be a week behind you I think in rads..good luck!
Connie...I'm in S. Elgin and my sister and niece are in N.Aurora..where are you going for chemo? I go to Delnor.
Mary...Yay!
Pam...hmmmm..Pam has a boat, ladies! We need to get to know Pam! Only kidding....my dh and I often take the drive to Dockers.
If I've missed anyone, I'll get to you guys after I get my but slightly water-logged butt to the gym (yep...I make it thru 5 rounds + 2 weeks of chemo and THEN I get big thighs, puffy ankles and a big butt...they're going to give me more steroids for round 6 tomorrow)
Have a wonderful day girls...looks like another winner!
Wendy K0 -
Morning everyone!
Lisa ans Mazy - welcome, there's always room for one more!
Mary - yes, I'm a lob gal.
Wendy - I am going to Edward for my treatment - before living in Aurora, I lived in Naperville for almost 20 years. I have a girlfriend in South Elgin (I think it's south) - she's near Randall and some street like Bode.
Hope everyone has a great day!0 -
Good Morning everyone!
It's a beautiful day to be off of work but unfortunately I have to go for my 1st T/Herc. treatment. Took my pm Decadron last night and then my AM dose today. My heart was fluttering and racing but I was still able to get 3-4 hours sleep at a time between the night sweats and bathroom trips!
Kats-Congrats on your 4th anniv and good results on your BSGI. I had not heard of a BSGI before-when is that used instead of a mammogram?
JanClare-How long ago did you finish T and how long is the dead feet feeling expected to remain?
Rita-Thanks for the kind words.
LauraGTO-Wishful thinking on my hair growing back soon-I'll have to wait until August. I guess I'll have to look at the bright side: no armpit shaving in the summer, only a little leg shaving, no flat hairdays when it's humid. If I get hot, just pull off the wig. Now I just need to convince myself of all of this!!!
Lisa and Mazy1959-Welcome-the ladies on this site always have good advice and a way of cheering each other up.
Everyone, enjoy your day!
Michele0 -
Michele Thanks for the Congrats
BSGI is a new imaging technique, it's only been at my hospital since Dec 2005 and not yet availbale in all areas of the country.
It's not replacing mammograms (I had my yearly mammogram last month). The BSGI for me is being used as another diagnostic tool to go along with a mammogram. I have dense breasts and had ILC (Invasive Lobular Carcinoma) which is more often than not, not visible on a mammogram.
My ILC was seen on a mammogram, felt by me and was small all three of those not very common with ILC so my Surgeon thought that considering this new imaging techinque is available at my hospital it'd be a good thing for me to have done.
For anyone who's interested here's a link to info on BSGI
http://www.dilon.com/bsgi.php0 -
Welcome Lisa! There is always room for several more on this thread. The more active ladies that we have, the more we will be able to help each other get through this. I'm so sorry that you are going to have at go through this journey, but am so glad that you found us. We have a great group of ladies who will help you every step of the way. What part of Central Illinois are you from?
This is probably the hardest part of the journey....the shock, the emotions, the fear, and especially the unknown. Believe me, although it sounds goofy, you will do better once you have an official treatment plan in effect.
Ask for a copy of your biopsy report if you don't already have one. Then have the onc explain it to you. Things you'll want to know: What was the size of the tumor? What stage are you? Are you Er or Pr positive or negative? Are you Her2 negative or positive? What type of chemo is he or she recommending for you? How many chemo treatments will there be and how often will you go for them? What are the side effects of the chemo? How soon will treatments begin after your mastect.?
I assume that some lymph nodes were removed during your lumpectomy. If they were, how many were involved?
There are so many different things to think about right now...at a time when we are very emotionally handicapped. It seemed so overwhelming to me. Rest assured that it will get easier once you have some answers and come back as often as you want. There are no stupid questions when it comes to breast cancer and we will all try to help you.
Hang in there.
Rita0 -
Mazy,
Welcome! So you're from Quincy. I lived in Macomb for 28 years so I'm well acquainted with your area. In fact, this past week was the scholastic bowl state finals in Bloomington and Quincy Junior High was there. They were an impressive group!
Anyway, I'm glad you found us. It appears that you've had quite a journey with this terrible stuff. How are you doing now on the Aromasin and Zometa? How many rads did you have to have to the spine area and did your skin burn from them?
Hey, you're a pretty young grandma. I bet those grandkids just love having you around! Aren't they great? I have two little grandsons that I spoil every chance I get. Unfortunately they live in northern Minnesota, so I don't get to spoil them as often as I'd like.
Come back and post often, Mazy. It's great to have you join us!
Rita0 -
Hi Mazy and Lisa. Sorry you have to be with us on this journey, but glad you found the Illinois gals!
Lisa- I second what Rita and Kate have said, plus I also recommend Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book. I would say read over your pathology report carefully, then look up everything it says. The info pages here at breastcancer.org are very good- they should help explain your diagnosis and treatment options.
Mazy- hugs to you. I hate to hear about mets, but it sounds like you are a fighter.
Wendy K- I still owe you an email- LOL! I knew I forgot something last night! Yeah, I start next week, so we are rad buddies for sure.
Kats- the local Y-me group has been talking about trying to raise money to buy our local hospital a BSGI machine. I'd love to work on that fund raiser- it sounds like something we need!
Michele- I finished Taxol the end of January. I can't believe that I'm still so awful with the dead feet (my fingers have gotten better), but my onc says that can happen with some people. They are now saying that it could be a year before this gets better!
Laura- when ever you are ready to walk, that's fine with me! Oh, and I loved Dr. Ruffer- what a doll! Any doctor who comes in and knows your entire breast cancer story because he has READ THE CHART (!!) is tops in my book! So grateful not to answer that condescending question, "Now tell me what's been going on."
I started back to work today at Trader Joe's. They wouldn't let me come in for my normal 5 am shift because it takes too much moving of heavy lug stacks for the first hour, so I didn't start until 6 am. Worked until 10 am before coming home to work for my husband. A little worried because if I can't work at 5 am they may not give me enough hours to make up the 20 hours I need for insurance. I think my current captain (manager) is unhappy that I was hired with so little availability (I can only work 5-10 am most days, though I can work 6.5 hours on Thursdays and Sundays) even though the previous captain was thrilled with the work I did. (and that's when he needed me the most) Now with not being able to handle the job at the 5 am spot, he's even more unhappy. I just have to find a way to make sure they give me the 20 hours total. Otherwise no insurance!
We need to plan a get together. I'm more then willing to host something at my house in Lake Zurich- it's a big house opposite the lake and beach, with a big deck and yard. But I have no air conditioning, so if it's a really hot day, the only thing to do is go across the street and jump into the water! I can do any Saturday in June except June 9, can't do any of July, and have any Saturday in August available.
Or we can still try and meet somewhere down towards Normal.
Well, I'm sure I forgot something, but I'm off to see the oncologist for a follow-up.0 -
Welcome to the new girls!
Hey...Philly may be the city of brotherly love, but ILLINOIS is the state of sisterly love. Awww......
I agree...we need to schedule a get together or it will never happen.
So now there's 4 Elite Lob Gals here...Me, kats, connie, Mazy...any others I missed?
Nicki...no Nicki today! Earth calling Nicki...come in Nicki...
For those just diagnosed, those losing your hair, those undergoing treatment, those who will be starting treatment, DON'T FORGET...US ILLINOIS GIRLS ARE TOUGH...
Rita -
You're such a sweetheart! Thanks. But I've told you in the past...you're the glue, girl!
Gotta run for now!0 -
Hello Il. ladies,
Still new to this sorry. The weather was so beautiful got to play golf yesterday, and this last weak started walking again. My second ac is on thursday and my hair will be going around Mothers day. Went to the ACS and got a free wig. It's nice....
Laura, your right, IL. girls are tough!
Mary, Great news, hope we will all have that to look forward to and many, many more.
Michelle, Congts.
JanClare, totoos, I will do the same. Good luck
Rita, Tea souds interesting. I think there are a lot of things the AMA and our Drs. do not tell us. Please let us know how you fell afer a month of tea drinking. My husband and I go to the same boat as you do. We are hooked on .25 poker. When are you going again?
Hugs to all.
Kathy
and this too shall pass0 -
You girls are all so encouraging. I am going to need that. I have a great support system at home and friends, but will need all of your help. I live in O'Fallon, IL.
I got my path report today right before I left for the oncologist. He was seeing it at the same time. He prefers the chemo route before the surgery. He seems to think because of my age (young) that he would prefer to keep the tumor for now so that he can watch it shrink. He says we can control what we can see. They are worried that some cells might have broken off and moved to my lymph system behind the sternum instead of under the arms. He wants to do Epriubcin, Cytosin, Taxotere. Then Herceptin for a full year. Instead of a 3 week cycle he wants to do a 2 week cycle with Herceptin on the odd week. He said 4 cycles of Epriubcin and I can't remember how many of Cytosin and Taxotere. He prefers to do another lumpectomy in 6 months and sentinel node biopsy now. He said if we leave the tumor and it's not shrinking with this combination of chemo then we can change it. It seems to make sense to me.
They want to put my port in Monday and then do the PET Scan, Bone Scan, Mogua Scan etc and then start Chemo right away.
Both tumors were er/pr negative, Her2/neu 2 & 3, Ki-67 Unfavorable 42% & 22%
I have Dr. Love's breast book and am working with it but since I've only had my path report for a few hours I haven't had time to look much up yet.
I think I'm going to put it all away for tonight and start over again in the morning.
Thanks for your advice and keep it coming. Has anyone has this combo of Chemo?0 -
Good Morning Everyone: My goodness, my life has changed so much in the last 2 weeks. Work is keeping me very busy and with this new diet and exercise program I have very little computer time.
Saying hello to everyone. And sending hugs too.
Laura: Earth to Nicki. Your so funny. Big party at the Irish Mill Friday to celebrate Johns birthday. Dang it all. Its so hard for me to go out on a Friday night. The whole gang is gonna be there.
Lisa: Many, many have chemo before surgery. So try not to worry. Just get through this one day at a time and soon it will be over.
OK - see what I mean. Im outta time. Gotta go make breakfast and go for a walk before I get ready for work. Hope everyone has a wonderful day.
Nicki0 -
Lisa -
Right now you're feeling as though you've been hit by a truck! Lots to absorb, sort and decide...you are getting very aggresive treatment...sounds like your Dr. is right on top of it. I had the standard - A/C+T combo, so I can't help you out there. What size do they think the tumor is?Best wishes to you. We'll help you through this chapter. Remember that the next chapter will be much better!
Nicki -
You mentioned Friday night...but you didn't say if you're going. Are you?
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Happy hump day - girls!0 -
Lisa,
I had surgery at RUSH and the surgeon mentioned your two week 8 cycle course. Then when I went to Delnor, the doctor their quoted the other one: Adriamycin, cytoxin and taxotere, every 3 weeks, saying dose dense study in December didn't show clear better results. Just so you are aware, this threw me for a loop, as I was not wanting adriamycin. But I'm doing it now. They typically explain as little as possible, is my take on it. They also may show you adjuvantonline.com with statitistcs with or without therapy, you can check online and make up your own user name and password.0 -
Hi everyone. Just checking in for the day.
Laura - Yes Blarney's Island is still there, the tradition lives on.
Rita and Kats - Thanks, I will see if I get it many more times, I am sort of sick of doctors at the moment.
Wendy - We could do a boating outing with the gang on the board here. But compared to most here I live pretty far north.
Nothing else going on really.0 -
Kater - I never heard of that website. I looked at it and it looks like it is just for docs to use with you - to register you have to click that you are a health professional. Kind of sounded like you used it on your own? I want to check it out, but don't want to get in trouble!!
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Connie -
My dh isn't a Dr. and he goes there all the time for me. Just pretend that you're one! LOL Dr. Connie...that is!0 -
Thanks Laura. I'm not one to break rules so I needed someone to say it was ok! Ha. If I gave it to my DH, he would just do it!
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