Take our poll: How are you feeling as we near the New Year?
Illinois ladies facing bc
Comments
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Hey all, hope you are having a good day.
I'm not as tired as I was the last couple of days, so maybe I just was not sleeping properly. Hard to tell, I don't sleep well since I started this whole process! My arm hurts too much to sleep on the right side, my mitral valve prolapse and mediport makes it hard to sleep on my left side, and I can only sleep on my back if I'm propped up. Forget sleeping on my stomach- couldn't do it before and can't do it with my scars now! Ugh.
I'm excited about the get-together. There should be at least 7 of us according to the poll- and I certainly hope that some of our newer sisters come as well! I figured I will just have sandwich fixings and maybe a salad of some sort, so if anyone wants to bring an appetizer, side dish or one dessert, that would be great. Just let me know what. Remember, it's only 7 of us so far, so don't make too much food!
Kathy, I did dose dense Taxol. Hated Taxol, don't know if it made any difference if it was dd or not- but I had terrible joint/muscle pain, plus my feet and hands went dead/numb. My feet are still numb/burning and I finished chemo last January.0 -
Hi Ladies.....
Just a few weeks til we get to finally meet....I'm excited!
Rita....just 2 more, you lucky dog! I just had #6, ONLY 29 to go! I've gotten used to Bill, Brain and Andre...and we laugh and tell silly stories already so I'm OK. REally had them going today about "Camp Nukemboobies" - they hadn't heard that one before!
Susan....hope you are feeling better and that the walk helped...
Nicki....are you better now? Sounds like your cold was a doozy!
I was pretty lucky with chemo and didn't have too many se's but when my tastes got bad I ate a lot of popsicles too and a lot of yogurt and sourdough toast. Crystal Light lemonade was a godsend as water tasted oily.
Everyone else....hope all is well with you, and that you are enjoying our fairly nice weather. Cold today but 92 by Thursday????? Yikes...hope the AC works!0 -
Today, I went in for my last scheduled daily Neupogin shot and my lab test. My white count is down so that means I have to take it 3 more days and then test again on Friday. Is this common to have to take more than just the 7 shots following Chemo?
I'm scheduled to take Chemo again next Tuesday but they won't give it to me if my white count is too low. Is there any way to build up the white count?
Susan-I do walk somewhere everyday. I think it does help. I walk at a much slower pace than I used to and not as far but my oncologist says "just walk somewhere". Thanks for the advice.0 -
Yesterday, I went to the radiologist to schedule my radiation. Looks like I won't be starting til July 26th.
The reason is I still have leakage from the inscision from my lumpectomy. The doctor is worried that it may burst open during radiation then we would have to stop. So to be on the safe side we are going to wait. I had to go to the surgeon to see what he could do to get it to close and heal. He made a cut into where it was round and bulging on my breast where the inscision is. It's in the middle of the inscision(hard to explain). Anyways, he cut that open and used a cotton swab and cleaned it out. There was a bunch of junk in it that he didn't know what it was. So, we are going to wait a week to see if it will heal on it's own. If not then I may have to have surgery, to go in and restitch it. I'll tell ya, if it's not one thing its another.
So, now we are planning our vacation for July 5 til the 18th. We were going to go in August but I think this will work out better for us and for work. I am feeling better and so glad all the chemo side effects are gone. Except for my hair being gone. My eyelashes are still falling out and my eyebrows are thinning out. I can deal with that it's the pain and yucky feeling that I don't miss..
Well, thats my update...Looking forward to seeing you all at the end of the month...
Ginny0 -
Hi Girls -
Hope you're all doing well, and at a minimum...hanging in there! Those of you going through treatment, it really does get better! Life will return to "normal", really it will! JanClare and I walked 3 miles today...after I had already worked out at the Y for 1.5 hours! But I feel great! Jan is quite an inspiration...did you know she ran, I think, 12 Marathons b/4 being dx'd with the beast?
We talked about our get-together, I am going to bring a dessert - not to worry...I'll whip up something healthy!
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Ginny -
Yikes, I hope that wound heals quickly - sending positive healing thoughts your way!
Lisa -
Sorry you have to deal with all this...Neupogen/Neulasta, as far as I know, is the only way to increase the w/blood cells. I hope you can have your chemo on Tuesday..fingers/toes crossed for you.
Nicki -
I know you're crazy busy...hope all is well.
kats -
I know you're catering to the little one.0 -
Hi Ladies,
Thought I'd check in while the kids are at Chuck E Cheese's with a neighbor.
Been busy with the girls and also busy getting things ready for our trip to Detroit to join the MI ladies from the board here for the Race For The Cure on the 16th.
Hope all those who are in treatment are doing well.
Rita you should be almost done with rads now HUH, how's your sking doing?
Laura Are you feeling okay?
Nicki Is that cold of yours finally gone?
Here's a picture of the girls taken last week, we took them to North Avenue Beach & Lincoln Park Zoo.
Mary0 -
Well...I was so happy to be done with AC (still am). Moved on to Taxol...but crashed terribly during my first treatment despite all the premeds. My onc. says no more chemo....she was happy that I finished the AC. Tomorrow I see the radiation onc. I still can't feel much in my hands and feet. Trying some neurontin for that. For someone who did not used to take meds I sure am on a boat load now. Got to go for now.....I'll keep in touch with the rads tx.......... Best wishes....Pat
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Good Morning Everyone: Had to take a step back and was pretty much off the computer since Monday. I hope everyone is doing well.
And of course - this is a flyby post. Gotta get ready for work.
My cold is much better, but still have a yuckapucka cough.
Talk to ya all later.
Nicki0 -
Hi Everyone! I just finished my final Rad treatment. I took Dilly Bars in for the technicians, nurse, etc. and came out with an official certificate, lots of good wishes, and a Celebrate Life pin. Hopefully I've walked into that high radiation area for the last time. My appointment with the oncologist is not until June 22nd so I have a couple of weeks to just enjoy summer and forget bc. Then I'll have to make the decision whether to finish the last two chemos or to go directly to Arimidex. In the meantime, I'm just going to enjoy each day and summer activities.
Kathy..I'm so glad that you might make it to the get-together. I'd love to meet you. Anyone who visits casinos and shoots a 103 for 18 on the golf course has got to be a good person!
Who knows...Ginny and I might hit the Empress on our way home that day! Or is there a Casino that is closer to the Lake Zurich area?
JanClare..I'm so glad that you are feeling less fatigue. That messes up our busy days and we don't have time for that! I'm really excited about our gathering. I would be glad to bring some appetizers...perhaps a cheese ball and crackers and some pickle roll-ups or I could always bring a fruit salad if that would work better. Let me know what works best.
I'm starting another post because I just wrote a long post and it disappeared on me. Guess I had too much to say!
Rita0 -
And so I'm back!
Laura, You're really inspiring me to get back on my daily walking routine. The gal that walked with me has decided that golfing is enough exercise for her and I haven't been self-motivated enough to get out there and walk by myself, which I actually don't mind once I get my body in motion.
Lisa, I only had to have one neulasta shot and it did the trick immediately for me, so I can't really answer your white blood count questions. Hang in there. Sometimes this journey seems so overwhelming but it's very doable if you just go one day at a time. (((HUGS)))))
Ginny..sorry that rads have been postponed but I am glad that you're getting the bulging area corrected. I will call about travel times for the get-together and check in again this next week. I'm so glad you're going to ride up to the gathering with me. In the meantime, call if you need anything or if you want to get out for coffee or a drink.
Nicki, So glad the cold is better. I've missed you this week (but I do understand busy!!!)
Pat..Sorry that you had such a tough time with the Taxol The rads will be much easier.
KATS...SO GOOD TO HEAR FROM YOU! I'VE MISSED YOU!!! Glad that you're enjoying those girls, who are quite adorable!
6 Kitties...tomorrow is results day, isn't it! I have my fingers crossed and am sending good vibes your way. Let us know! We'll be thinking about you.
Tamara..when do you start the Taxol and Herceptin???
Mazy..How are you doing? How's things in Quincy?
Kater, Wendy, Michele, Zaps, Connie and everybody else...I hope all is going well for you. Have a great day, check in often, and I hope to see you at the gathering in a few weeks.
I'm off to enjoy this windy weather.
Rita0 -
In Elgin, IL there is the Victoria Casino...I emailed them when it was mentioned before to get a break on a buffet meeting with our girls, but they never responded! Boo on them, they have an excellent buffet.
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Laura-Thanks for reminding us that are going through treatment that it will get better and that life will return to 'normal'- some days lately it is hard to imagine, so I need that reminder.
Kats-great pictures of the girls, enjoy!
Pat-hoping things are going better for you.
Rita- Congrats on finishing rads! Enjoy your summer!. There is a casino in Elgin (as previously mentioned), let me know if you're going
Michele0 -
Nicki -
Awww...that photo was so sweet!
Rita -
I'm always happy to inspire! Working out and walking is very empowering! And you know what I always say about us Illinois girls...LOL
kats -
Two girls! They are adorable! Are they both your grand-daughters? I thought you picked up just one! That's great that they have each other. My nieces have recently asked if they can bring a friend when they come for the weekend...they're at "that age". Here's ShelbyLaura and Kimberly this past weekend enjoying our newly "built" fire pit and I let them start the fire, I told them is would be a good team work lesson...
Michelle -
No problem...we'll remind you often!
Wendyk -
Any chance of you being at Dockers this weekend?0 -
Laura Your fire pit looks great and the girls look like they are having a good time.
Yep, two granddaughter's ages 8 and 7.
The 8 yr old (short brown hair) lives with my DH & myself, we're her legal guardians. She has ADHD and bipolar so she keeps us very busy. The 7 yr old is the one we picked up in Chattanooga last month.
Here's a picture of the girls in the pool (12' x 36") we put up on our lower deck, no doubt the deck boards will be ruined by end of summer but they are having a blast.
DH took this picture, who's more worn out me or the girls?
Mary0 -
Love these pictures, Mary! Enjoy them!
Rita0 -
Went to the radiation onc today and am scheduled for 33 rads. I look like a bad road map. I am starting to feel a little more human now off chemo. I wish I could join you ladies but other than work and treatments I don't venture out much. Best wishes...Pat
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kats -
Wow...that is so wonderful. How wonderful that you are legal guardians. That is a huge, generous sacrifice. My Mom and I practically raised my nieces...long story. And that's why they are here so often. The photos are great! Bless your heart. (btw-I am feeling great. The Protonix is working really well, thanks.)
Pat -
Maybe next time we get together you can join us. Best wishes to you with rads. It's a breeze compared to chemo! Hang in there.0 -
Hi everyone,
I just wanted to let you know that some of us are in the planning stages of starting some Illinois-based Community Volunteer Groups with the Young Survival Coalition. I know there will be one in the DuPage area, Chicago proper, and Grayslake area, and possibly more. I'll have more info after we meet later this month, but in the meantime you can find more info about YSC at www.youngsurvival.org, and click on Affiliates, then Community Volunteer Groups.
Have a great weekend!0 -
i had marked a tiny lump the PTherapist found in the past two weeks (surgery was march 19th)...and today i realized the lump is exactly touching, when I put my arm down, (it's just under the skin) the underarm drain site for the axillary node dissection! She had been massaging my sore tendon forearm for at least a month or two and just found this lump.
Also, I have four white like pimples on the port, accessed Thursday for chemo 3 of 6 cycles of adriamycin, cytoxin and taxotere.
Dr. oncologist said it was a nothing, a bone something (spur?) but PTherapist said it's not by the bone. It is 1/4 the size of pea sized lump.0 -
Morning Girls! Beautiful morning here in Illinois, isn't it?
Rita....congrats on being done with rads, you lucky stiff. But I will admit it is going fast, already had 9 nukes.
Laura...don't know about Dockers but I did program your #'s in my cell phone just in case! You should take a ride up there and watch sunset and have a cocktail some eveing with the Goat....absolutely beautiful!
Kats and Laura....enjoyed the pictures of the 4 girls, sure are pretty!
Ginny....sorry that you will have to wait for rads, seems like we do a lot of waiting, doesn't it? But it will go fast.
Pat...sorry Taxol caused you problems and may rads be a "walk in the park" for you!
Nicki....your cough gone? Hope so....
JanClare....how are you doing with rads? Tired? Less anxious? I just imagine little pac men going "munch, munch, munch" while the machine buzzes while staring at the pretty sky someone painted on the ceiling.
Hope everyone else is doing great and I wish a side-effect moratorium for everyone this weekend...enjoy the days...I'm just glad I don't have to go to Camp Delnor for 2 days. WooooHoooo!!!0 -
Hello everyone!
Wendy....isn't it just like somebody gave you chocolate when you don't have to go to rads over the weekend?????
You're getting there. How's the skin holding out???
Laura...lovely young ladies that you have!!!! I really like your fire pit.
Hope everyone is doing well this weekend. This weather is fantastic! I think I'll go for a walk.
Rita0 -
Hello to all!!! Great news, the biopsy was benign. It was "sclerosing adenosis" which isn't a problem. Big relief, can hopefully get on with life. Almost can't believe that I don't have any more treatments, just followups.
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Rita,
I am doing good. Been busy with grandkids this weekend. I have appt at onc's on monday and am going to ask her opinion if I can safely try taking shitake mushrooms. I'd really like to try them. I don't know anyone around here who has taken them for BC but I know 1 person who was given 6 months to live with brain tumors of the pituary gland and that was 2 yrs ago. His onc has verifed that 2 of 3 tumors are gone and third one is shrinking. So I figure it can't hurt to ask.
Hope all of you are doing well.0 -
Good Morning Everyone: I am so enjoying this week-end. The weather has been wonderful.
Rita: congratulations on finishing RADS! Its been a long road for you, but your getting there. I have started walking every morning and Im really enjoying it. Half the battle is getting in the right frame of mind and just doing it. I have read 30 minutes a day or 10,000 steps and you will lose weight. I wear a pedometer all day long.
Laura: The pics of your neices is so cute. Sure looks like they were having a great time.
Mary: Same goes for you. Your grandchildren are adorable.
Pat: When I was in treatment, I didnt venture out much either. My home was my safe haven. Hoping you start feeling better real soon and hope the RADS go by quickly.
Kater: Im hoping that lump your feeling is scar tissue. The worry never ends with this disease.
Wendy: Yes it is official. The cold is gone. Im starting to feel human again.
6kitties: Now that was good news.
Mazy: Shitake mushrooms are good for building your immune system, but to treat cancer - ggez I dont know about that.
OK - time for my morning walk. Have a great day.
Nicki0 -
Swollen calves? I'm on chemo 3 of 6 and noticed this morning my lower legs seem swollen, i usually wear short cat socks and there is big indent where they were...seems like i heard that was a side effect, what should i do, keep feet elevated above heart when i can and maybe massage lotion going up?
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Morning Girls!
Just time for a quick reply to Kate....yep...2 weeks past round 4 my ankles swelled and I noticed I was gaining some weight....it was blamed on Taxotere and was told it would go away 1-2 months after chemo and now almost 5 weeks out of chemo, it is mostly gone.
Off to enjoy the beautiful day...with lots of sunblock!
Have a wonderful day!0 -
Just a quick 'pop in' to tell 6 Kitties.........YEAH!!!! That is wonderful news! Now you can enjoy this wonderful day and many more to come with peace of mind. I'm so happy for you.
Mazy, I am interested in hearing what your onc says about the shitake mushrooms. When I am finished with treatment, I am definitely going to try the Flor-Essence (Essiac) tea. The radiation oncologist told me there was nothing in it that could harm me but just preferred I waited to introduce something new into my system until the treatments were done. I have known several people who claim that it's helped them.
Well, Wendy, you are right! It is a lovely day and we are off to Tremont for the turkey festival.......lots of crafts, activities and wonderful turkey sandwiches.
Hope you all enjoy this lovely day.
Rita0 -
Hi Girls -
Quick pop in from me too! It's late, and I have to get to bed...
Hope you all had a great weekend and hope you all have a great week!
Will check in tomorrow.
Sweet dreams neighbors!0 -
I hope everyone is doing well on this bright, sunny Monday. You must all be out enjoying this fantastic weather.
I actually stayed in most of the day and worked on questions to sell and on a synopsis for the next four Museum classes so they can get approved. Grocery shopping was my big thing for the day. Does anyone else wait until there is absolutely nothing that can be put together to make a meal before they go to the grocery store? Gee, I just hate that job, but I like to eat so .......
It is a beautiful evening. I sat outside and read for about an hour but the bugs are beginning to fly in so I finally gave it up.
We haven't heard from some of you gals in treatment for awhile so please send us an update. Hope you all are doing well.
Rita0 -
Was supposed to start 33 rads tomorrow. Someone at the clinic called me at work today and said my treatment plan is not ready yet....maybe next Tuesday. I will call the Dr about this tomorrow. In the mean time I am enjoying not being nauseated every day. Regular bowel movements (woo-hoo)... no diarrhea! Food is beginning to taste good again and not like metal or worse. Less bone pain, more energy. Less mind fog. What do you know...there is a pretty good life after chemo.
Best wishes.........Pat0
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