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Illinois ladies facing bc
Comments
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Thanks Rita & Everyone for the nice welcome...I saw the Sterling Oncologist but didn't care much for the environment, although I did like him. I'm going to UofW, Madison, for my doctors and hoping I can take my treatments in Rockford, IL.
I'm doing 4 DD A/C for sure...Madison says this is plenty since I was 1.9 cm, no nodes, Grade 2, however, the sterling ocologist strongly suggested 4 DD Taxol followed by the A/C. Madison says no, since I'm HER2+, Herceptin will be my ticket there and I'm also ER/PR+ so I'll also be doing Tamoxifen. And of course, 36 rads in there as well. I'm just so torn about the Taxol, I'm waiting for a sign :-)
Wendi, I'm also HER2+ and will be on Herceptin, that is the main reason I'm getting the port. I think I'm doing a MUGA instead of an echo. Waiting for the doctor to call back on that. One onc wanted to do every week but Madison says I can do every week, every two weeks or every three. Again, I have a 1-2 hour drive for treatments so I'm hoping the 3 week regime will work for me.
You guys are a great bunch..I already feel I know you because I've been reading your thread for weeks now. And everyone is so very supportive and strong!
Susan0 -
for those of us who mostly read the emails and post intermittently, could you put the get together all together in one post (information) please and tell us who to rsvp to and so forth!
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Hi everyone!
Thinking of you today Laura and hoping all goes well!
Kater, your request to have the outing formalized in one post sounds pretty good. Laura and JanClare have been taking charge of things so we'll let them proceed with a designated place, time, etc. It appears that June 30th is leading the survey. As for the place and time, I think that's up for grabs. I imagine it will be held near the Chicago area since more of us are from that area.
Mazy, I will be taking a carload up from Bloomington so you and anybody else who'd like to come to Bloomington are welcome to ride up with me. It should be a good time for all. For those of you in charge, if it is in the Chicago area, remember that it may take some of us about 4 hours to get there, so perhaps a mid-day (1:00 p.m. approx.) time might be best!
Susan, my Mom, who also had breast cancer, went to the Sterling facility. I was not real impressed with the operation so am glad that you might be able to get things done in Rockford although that will make pretty long days when you start radiation and have to go every day.
Well, I'm mowing today, Wendy so I need to get started. I got lazy this year, though and bought a riding mower since I have about an acre to mow. Actually I know....the push mowing would be good exercise, but personally I'd rather exercise on the golf course.
Hoping to hear how those chemo treatments went this week ladies!
Rita0 -
Hello, sisters!
As of now, I am no longer an Illinois lady. We moved to Indiana the day before mother's Day! Can I still be a member of this group?
Love and prayers, Deb0 -
Hi everyone. Well, I had tx #6 today. 9 more AC to to, 6 Taxol. I'm counting down. I feel good today and should feel fine tomorrow. But, I will probably feel yucky for the weekend. We are headed up to our lake home in Coloma, MI for the weekend. That will keep the kids busy so I can relax and feel better. Hopefully the weather will cooperate.
Sorry, but I won't be able to make the get together. Summers are bad for me as we spend almost every weekend at the lake. And since that weekend is right before the 4th we will be spending that whole week up there. But, I will be there in spirit.
I hope everyone has a great weekend!0 -
I am having my last chemo tomorrow.. Yeah...Glad to have this over. The only bad part is it's a holiday weekend and we won't be able to go anywhere cuz by sunday afternoon I am having some pretty bad bone pain.
I am looking forward to the get-togther.
You all have a great weekend....
Ginny0 -
Deb, We'll definitely keep you here! Come back often. Did you get a job there, too and are you still teaching band and music?
YEAH GINNY! Just think! Tomorrow at this time, you'll be done with the chemo! Wow! Doesn't that sound wonderful?????
Laura, please check in and let us know how things went. JanClare...are the rads getting any easier for you? ((HUGS)))
All of you new gals...just jump right in and tell us where you're at with your treatments and how you're doing!
I'm off to water plants. It's supposed to rain here tonight but my plants can't get by if it doesn't so I'd better get to moving before it's dark.
Everyone have a great Memorial Day Weekend. Does anyone have special plans???
Rita0 -
I had the last of my AC tx on Monday...the Emend is gone..so the nausea has kicked into high gear. I still made it to work this week. I am so hoping the Taxol is easier. I have heard good and bad experiences with it...and I know everyone is different. I am looking forward to fall and having the chemo and rads behind me. I have such a respect for all those who go through this. Plan on some R&R this weekend.
Best Wishes......Pat0 -
Rita, I won't be able to attend but will be there in spirit. I can't travel very far because of my back pain but maybe next time I will be able to.
I've had some bad allergies this week, the onc said it's from these darn gnats we've been having. I hope they go on their merry way soon.
Fitzpatti, congrats on your last chemo. I too had a hard time with chemo. It feels so good as you feel the effects wearing off. I pray you have a swift recovery.
zkacmom, congrats on your last chemo too
connie, nice that you seem to be doing okay with treatments.
I'm slowly trying to get a handle on the Illinois Ladies here. I don't mean to leave anyone out. I think this is a wonderful place and I luv chatting with bc sisters. Take care and God bless u all...Mazy0 -
Good Morning Everyone: Well - I think Im better today. The last cold I had lasted one month, this has been 6 days - so I do believe the Zicam helped.
Last night I did such a stupid thing. I woke up hungry so half asleep was walking into the kitchen and tripped over my dog. Fell flat on my face! My face his the floor and it felt like someone punched me in the cheek. But I didnt get hurt thank goodness. So I get up and Im yelling and screaming at my dog - my DH gave me a riendly reminder that maybe I should have turned the light on so I could see where I was going instead of maneuvering in the dark. Ah a perfect way to end a perfect week!!
Wendy: Oh Im laughing about the under arm hairs. Mine didnt grow back for over one year. Thought to myself I would never have to shave again. The other day I wore a sleeveless blouse and halfway through the day, I realized the Hair is back.
Susan: It seems like treatment for bc changes day to day. I did 4 A/C and 4 taxotere dose dense. Gosh, that ws 2 years ago already - I cant believe it. Seems like yesterday.
Ginny: Congrats on your last chemo. That was a really special day for me.
OK - I have missed many, but my time is up. Gotta go hit the shower. Hope you all have a great day.
Nicki0 -
Morning Girls!
Ginny...congrats on your last chemo! YOU DID IT!!! Mine was 5/9 and the BEST part? When the se's go away...they never come back. I'm feeling almost 100% and I have fuzz all over my head and I had to shave under my R arm yesterday.
Nicki....hope you are OK after your fall (sorry...but I did giggle a little...why or why do we not turn on lights in the middle of night?? Like us falling down stairs or tripping over the dog won't wake someone up!)
Hey JanClare....rads getting easier for you?
Pat....glad you are thru with AC and why can't you get more Emend if you need it? Don't live with the nausea .. you don't have to.
Susan....so you are doing just (just???) the AC and no taxol/taxotere? That's interesting. And I agree...being her2neu+ Herceptin is the important part for you and I. I did Taxotere/Carboplatin every 3 weeks for 6 rounds, the Herceptin was every week. Now that I am done with chemo, he is going to switch me to every 3 weeks. He said it really didn't make any difference.
Well....today I go for the 2nd half of the rads sim and get my 3 tattos...rads starts next Tuesday and I got the time I wanted so I'm happy.
Have a great day everyone!0 -
Good morning everyone! We are getting some much needed rain here. If it continues it's going to interfere with my afternoon golfing but I guess I can handle that since we need the rain so much.
Where's L A U R A??????? It's been a few days since you checked in. Please let us know how things went for you.
Nicki...loved your story about falling over your dog. I wish I could count the number of times I've done the same thing with my cat and to top it off, my cat is black. I have even sat on him when he is curled up sleeping on the black sofa. I've come to the conclusion that I'm a slow learner.
Congrats to everyone who has finished up another phase of their treatment. I finished week five of the radiation today. It took longer because they marked me for the boosts that will begin next week. I'm down to only 8 more times! YEAH! I never did get the actual tattoos....only the stickers and permanent marker lines. These last ones do not protrude above the bra-line so I'll be able to wear whatever I want. It seems so good to be about done with this.
Sorry that you won't be able to join us at the outing, Mazy. I would have loved to meet you in person. If you change your mind, the offer for the ride up still stands.
J A N C L A R E.........Come back! We miss you!
Everyone have a great holiday weekend.
Rita0 -
Hi Girls -
I'm so sorry I haven't checked in...
Everything is FINE! The biopsy is negative and the ultrasound didn't show anything! So, my Dr. said to give it a few months - see what happens, and if necessary, she'll do an out patient procedure called a Hysterscopy(?). whew... It's times like this when I really think it would be great to be a dude! LOL
You're all so sweet...to think of me. Thanks much.
Rita -
I'm so excited for you! YOU'RE ALMOST DONE!
Ginny & Pat -
You're done! That's great!
wendyk -
Good luck with rads on Tuesday. What time are you going to be there on Saturday? I would love to stop by.
Nicki -
Maybe I'll pop up there Saturday night - if nothing else, atleast for a toast to Peggy!
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Hope every one has a safe and happy holiday weekend!0 -
JUST A REMINDER -
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SEPTEMBER 29th is the 5k (3 mile or 1 mile, you can do either) Komen walk. I'll be forming a team in July - so if you want to join us, keep the date open! Our team name will be:
NO SURRENDER.0 -
I'm here! Couldn't get on line yesterday because a tree fell down in our backyard with the wind and knocked out the powerlines- the crash jerked the lines so badly that the powerpole by the front main road snapped in half! The power was out for all our subdivision and, while the power lines were not broken, they could have snapped at any time, so the village cordoned off 2 blocks to keep people away. Took forever for the power company to arrive and fix it. Thank Goodness it's an act of God and we don't have to foot the bill! (Also, five minutes before I was out there with the dog, whew, that was close!)
Rads are rads. What can I say? I dislike the whole process. but I'll muddle through to the end.
As for the get-together, a couple of us, including me, offered our home. I live in Lake Zurich, which is northwest suburbs of Chicago. I have a large home, large yard, across the street from a park and lake beach. No air-conditioning, but it's usually pretty comfortable on my deck and sun porch. I can do an easy-peasy sandwich picnic type spread and others can bring pot luck items to add on, if we want. I would say 1 pm until whenever anyone wants to go home!
Otherwise, I'm willing to drive down to meet anybody half way.
Ginny- WAHOO on finishing chemo! I finished last January, unfortunately I still have numb burning feet from the Taxol and a little bit of chemo brain, but my hair is coming back in all over.
Deb, of course you can still be a member. You didn't have to tell us you moved, who would know?
Nicki- I've done stupid things like that. Just always grateful when I'm not seriously hurt- glad you are okay.
Mazy- sorry to hear about the back pain and the gnats. (What gnats? We don't have them here, I don't think!)
Pat- so on to the Taxol, huh? It was easier for me in that I didn't get sick from infections, but I did have the neuropathy side effects for my hands and feet. Hope they skip you and that your treatments are a breeze.
Wendy- how are rads going for you? It almost the end of your first week, isn't it?
Well, back to work- have all kinds of typing reports for my husband to do.0 -
Gals, I wanted to also mention that I'm really upset and worried that none of us have heard from Cheryl (jodigirl). Last time she checked in was the end of April and she reported that she was having seizures at that time. I did PM her, but I've never heard back. I just sent another, but I'm really convinced that something is terribly wrong.
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Hello to all,
Ginny,cong. last chemo I can hardly wait.
Pat, I`m a month behind you, Congrats
Laura, Glad your feeling a lot better. I would like to do the 5k. But I will be in rds then, not sure how that would affect me. I do love to walk, please keep all of us informed. I know you will.
Rita, Your right the boats are the same. I do so want to me you. Had my #3ac and blood count was a little low. #4 in two weeks then I will have a better idea of a date. However, I am playing golf and it is going well. Hope your golf game is too.
Hugs to all.
Kathy0 -
oops- Wendy, I just saw that you start rads next week! I was confused, thought you started on 5/22 for some reason. LOL!
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The onc requested more Emend from my insurance company--which they denied...I got three days worth each chemo cycle. I try Zofran and it helps some. Can't afford Emend on my own. Dehydration has been a definite problem. I go to the chemo clinic for fluids...I can go every day if I want. I just want to swallow water and keep it down..if you know what I mean. Anyway....this should ease up this weekend.....Pat
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Hi again....
Laura...glad you are OK! If we go up to Dockers we would probably be there around 12 I would think but it looks like it's going to rain tomorrow so what would be the point to drive all the way up there, and then sit inside???
Pat....I got Kytril and NEVER felt sick. Maybe your insurance would pay for that???
JanClare....glad you are adjusting to the rads. I don't think I will mind them and the hosptial is only 15 min. away so that's OK too. And I asked the tech laughingly this am to make my tats as small as possible and he did. They are really tiny. I hope they can see them! Our power was out here too yesterday and almost all of St. Charles, all due to wind.
Rita...when is your last one? It must be soon.
Have a great afternoon...sure is a beautiful day to be alive, isn't it!0 -
Hi everyone!
Laura-so glad your test results came back with good news!
Ginny-Congrats on your last chemo. How long did the bone pain from Taxol last with each treatment? I just finished tx 3 of 12 of taxol/herc. Had a couple of days of just not feeling good (blah, no motivation). No bone pain yet.
Rita-congrats on nearing the end of rads!
To all the other IL ladies, wishing you a wonderful Memorial Day weekend and hope you're feeling good!
Michele0 -
I had chemo 2 with taxotere (Adriamycin and cytoxin)and I'm getting stabbing sporadic pains a week after the chemo 2...in lower back. just maybe 6 times today...
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Have you guys seen this post from Melissa and Tami the moderators?
Quote:
Chicago White Sox vs. New York Yankees
U.S. Cellular Field, Chicago, IL
Mon, Jun 4, 2007 06:08 PM
We are looking for 4-8 volunteers to attend this game, on us, and to help distribute breastcancer.org information. We will most likely need 2 people to man a table, which could be done in shifts while the others watch the game.
If you're interested, please contact Jennifer Snavely, jsnavely@breastcancer.org.
Mary0 -
JanClare -
Wow...lots of action just down the road! Nothing quite as exciting in Hawthorn!0 -
Hi ladies!
Gosh, everyone has been busy posting. This is great!
Laura, I'm so glad that you got good news! What a way to start the holiday weekend!!!!
Connie, Hope you don't feel too badly over the weekend. Your lake home in MI sounds really neat!
Pat, So glad that you're done with the AC. One step down! Is Taxol next or do you go staight to rads?
Wendy ...Good luck with the start of your rads this week. What time do you go? I got early morning times. I wanted that so I didn't have a broken-up day every day for 6 1/2 weeks. This week it's really early. I have to be up there at 7:00 every day but I'm the first one so I'm in and out in no time at all when I go at 7:00. After all the years of working and getting up early, I don't sleep in very often anyway.
JanClare...I share your concern about Cheryl. I also sent her a PM with no response. If I remember correctly, her Dad was also having some health issues about the time she posted last. I wish I knew how to reach her.
Kathy, I've played golf all through the radiation. The past few weeks I'm not as strong so I'm not hitting the ball as far and my score is a little higher. I'm not a good golfer to begin with so I didn't need this but I'm so happy to be able to be out there that I just keep plugging along and having fun. I don't even worry about what I shoot. What do you usually shoot for 18?
Well gals, Tuesday is my last day for regular rads. On Wednesday I begin the boosts and my last rad is on June 7th. I'm peeling a little under my breast and it itches but other than that, I've done just fine. I hope you all fare as well as I have with them.
Michele...How are you doing????
Well, I need to get up early tomorrow and start cooking. We're playing golf early tomorrow afternoon and the crew is coming back to my house for burgers and the trimmings. I love to entertain and my house is just down the lane from the golf course so it's convenient.
JanClare...as for the outing, I think your place sounds wonderful! Thanks for offering to host it. Just give us traveling directions and tell us what you'd like us to bring.
Catch you all later.
Rita0 -
Not sure, I will see the onc on Thursday. This has been a very tough weekend. This last tx knocked me off my feet literally Friday, Sat & Sun...hoping to be able to get up today. The onc has concearns about moving on to Taxol or Taxotere since I have had such a hard time with AC. At this point I think I am ready to move on to rads. I sure wish there were other options for us triple negative girls. I am hoping that those seven negative margins from the lumpectomy hold up. Here's to feeling normal again... Best wishes ...Pat
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Good Morning Everyone: The beginning of this Memorial Day wee-end started out so crumby with rain. But Im not complaining too much cause we needed the rain. But yesterday was gorgeous and today looks like another winner.
We have an above ground pool and to my dismay, its still not opened. This year we need to empty all the water, change the sand in the filter and wash the lining down. I sure hope my husband is in the mood to do that today. I want my pool!! Its great for exercising.
I cant believe my last post was Friday. Time sure flies. I think Im finially over this cold. Still have a cough, but I feel so much better.
Just finished taking a walk around the neighborhood. Sure looks nice. We live sort of near a golf course and walking/bike path, but I didnt realize how close. I walked down a different street and there is was, right before my eyes. When they have fire works this summer I just realized we will be able to walk there to watch them. Go figure, I have lived in this house for 2 years and didnt even know it.
Wendy: After I thought about it and try to tell the story about my fall - I laugh myself. I didnt get hurt - so I figure Im pretty lucky. Now when I get up in the middle of the night Im putting the lights on. Sure dont want that to happen again.
Rita: My goodness, it seems like only yesterday you were starting RADS and now your almost done. Time does seem to fly by with a blink of the eyes. My poor dog, he is black too, and he still doesnt know why I was yelling at him. Used some words, I could never repeat. Cant even believe they were coming from my mouth.
Laura: I am so glad your tests came back ok. Seems likes its never ending sometimes. I never did make it to the pub, was still recovering from the cold and just too tired. I want to be part of your walk in September. 3 miles I can handle.
Jan: Your house sounds delightful for a get together. Lake Zurich is easily accessible. Near the highway. We just have to pick a date.
Pat: Those darn insurance companies make me so angry. They deny more than they approve. I watch a special on 60 minutes and they talked about insurance companies. Their philosophy nowadays is to Deny and Delay. I got Kytril from my onc. He always gave me 3 days worth of samples when I had my chemo. Maybe ask your onc for some samples. Chemo is hard enough - there is medication to help us get through it and we shouldnt have to fight for it.
Wendy: Good luck with your RADS. Because I had a bil. mast. I didnt need them. Hoping you get through them without too much difficulty. Everything about this disease and its treatment is so scary.
Mary: did you sign up for the White Soz game? I sure would like to represent and help getting the word out about bc.org - but the game is in the evening. It starts right around the time Im getting ready for bed! I really do need to change my life style. I never used to go to bed this early. Since diagnosis and treatment, Im out by 7:30am.
Well, my flower garden is calling. Have lots of weeds to pull again. Hope everyone has a nice day.
Nicki0 -
Good morning! Today is supposed to be bright, clear and hot in Illinois.......which is fine with me since I love summer.
Hope all of you had a great holiday weekend. I'm so sorry that you were feeling "icky" Pat. HUGS! Hope you're doing better today. Let us know what you decide about the the Taxol.
I finished my last regular rad treatment today. Tomorrow I start the boosts for 7 days and then I'm done. Then I have the decision of whether to go back and finish the last two chemo treatments or to move on to the Arimidex. I guess I meet with the oncologist the week after the rads to discuss the options. Like you, Connie, I don't want to do them, but if it significantly alters my chances for recurrence, I guess I will. I'm ready to be done with this!
Wendy, how did the rads go today? I'm anxious to hear what you think about them.
Nicki, glad your cold is better and you're doing well. In an attempt to stay ahead of my weeds, I putchased some of that Preen. I think it helps a little, but I have so many flower gardens that I think I'm fighting an uphill battle when it comes to the weed issue.
Hello to all the rest of you.
I'm off to write a few questions, meet the director at the Children's Museum to plan the summer and Fall classes that I will teach, and then tutor my Algebra student this evening for his final exam. It looks like a busy day!
Enjoy the wonderful weather.
Rita0 -
http://www.cbcrp.org/RESEARCH/PageGrant.asp?grant_id=2108
Interesting link: Return to Work after Breast Cancer Surgery study with 2006 results.0 -
Hi ladies -
I hope everyone had a great Memorial day. Ours was nice. It rained in MI all day Saturday (I think it did in IL, too). But, the rest of the weekend couldn't have been nicer - not a cloud in the sky. I relaxed most of the time (only felt a little crummy on Sat. and took a nap) and the kids played with all their friends from morning till night. Now back to the real world.
Congrats on your last rad, Rita. I can't wait until I get to that point, but it seems like lightyears away. good luck on your decision with chemo.
Glad you had great news on your biopsy Laura!
Good luck with your decisions, Pat. Sorry you are having such a tough time.
I'm sure I've missed many, but I am thinking of all of you. Just take it one day at a time!!0
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