Illinois ladies facing bc
Comments
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Hi Rita,
Just letting you know my onc says it's okay to take shitake mushroom pills, that it won't interfere with any drugs I'm on or hurt me in any way. She said if I wanted to try them it was fine with her. She did not say she knew of anyone using them to treat cancer or anything. Of course most oncs do not endorse such things but she at least tells me what won't hurt me. I only take what she approves and what will not interfere with Aromasin or Zometa. Later Mazy0 -
Hi everyone! Hope you all had a good weekend! I was busy with family and my in-laws who my husband drove up from South Carolina, so not much chance to check in lately.
Yesterday was zap 20 for me. Only 8 more to go! Wahoo! I won't have any boosts because there is no more breast tissue, no tumor to target. My skin between my chest and armpit is starting to look badly bruised, not burned like I expected it to. My rads doc says that the radiation effects works itself from the inside out, so I guess that's why the bruising.
I've been feeling tired in the early evening, but find that a quick walk or exercise will perk me up. So I'm doing fine since the end is in sight!0 -
Hi everyone!
JanClare...good to hear from you and to hear that things are going well. My nipple area also bruised and I was told the same thing, that radiation works from the inside out, just like a microwave. (now isn't that a comforting thought!!!!) Then when they did the boosts they put a pad on my chest that made the waves stay closer to the skin area. Anyway, so glad that you're getting through and only have a handful more to go! There is an end to all of this.
Pat, glad that you're done with the chemo and feeling more like your old self. It sounds like they are getting your rad plan in place and that you'll soon be moving on to the last phase. It's been two months since my last chemo and I feel great, too. I really dread the thought that I might have to go back and do two more chemos.
Laura...what new fun things have you been doing up there????
Connie, we haven't heard from you for awhile. I hope all is going well and that you are just busy. Please check in when you get the chance. Also, has anybody heard anything from Wendy from Champaign???
Off to enjoy another wonderful day!
Rita0 -
Hi everyone,
Just a quick check in as I am off to Taxol/Herc #6 of 12. I have my treatments on Tuesdays and by Thurs/Fri I start to not feel so well, slow moving, blah, not feeling like doing much. Then by Sunday/Monday it gets better and then off to another treatment
Can't wait for this round to be over! Jan Clare-I am noticing a little numbing on the fingertips, with which treatment did yours start?
Michele0 -
I'm on chemo 3 of 6 (thursday), I drank much more water this time and scales at dr. office said i was 8 lbs higher...I am on 6 cycles adriamycin, cytoxin, taxotere. I got water pills from regular doctor. I feel okay, but am taking every pill but the lorazepam, that they subscribed, emend, kytril, and some compazine today and yesterday...I was very tired last night. but feeling okay
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Michelle- yep, it was the Taxol that gave me neuropathy. I didn't do every week, I was dose dense every two weeks, but that stuff was wicked! Joint and bone pain, numb burning hands and feet. Started after my first treatment and just got worse and worse.
Kater- I gained 15 lbs total with the chemo, but I think that was from eating mostly mac and cheese- the only thing that tasted right. Why did your doctor give you water pills? I thought those were supposed to take fluids out of your system? It sounds like you were trying to hydrate more, so why the water pills?0 -
Water pills meaning to flush water out, my legs got kind of huge...I checked with oncologist and they said it would go down auto matically but i could still take the pills other dr. prescribed. I am taking l-glutamine, 3 tsp a day to help with neuropathy (l glutamine is what chemo takes out of you). I asked if i could take 3 tsp all at once cause i usually take only one and then forget...oncologist said it flushes out so that would not be a problem..
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Well, I went to the surgeon today and I will be having surgery on Tuesday the
19th. The incision just isn't healing. I just want to get this healed up and move on to radiation. At least, I will still be able to go on vacation. We are leaving June 27 and coming back July 11. So, as you see I will not be able to make the get-together on the June 30th. Kinda of bummed but we really do need a vacation and this is the only time we can go. Hope you all have fun
without me....
ginny0 -
Hi Girls -
Isn't this weather great? The whole week is supposed to be really nice.
Rita -
Have been trying to keep up with EVERYTHING! House cleaning, gardening, my paying job, etc. Not alot of fun lately, but I love being busy! I just wish I didn't get so overwhelmed. It's weird...pre-bc, I handled everything really well. I was like a machine at multi-tasking, etc. Now, I get over-whelmed quite often. But...like many of us here, I just try to move along and make the best of every day. Hope you're getting in some golfing...
Ginny -
Best wishes to you with your surgery. We'll be thinking about you. You vacation will be extra special, as you so deserve it!
kater, Pat, Michelle, everyone going through treatment...
Hang in there.
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Nicki -
How have you been? How's your dh and Peggy?
Wendyk -
I definately will be checking out Dockers for a sunset/cocktail soon!
6kitties -
Glad your biopsy was B9!
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Has anyone heard from JodiGirl?
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JanClare -
Can't walk today, but how about Friday or Saturday? Your last rad has to be any day now...? Also, did you walk with Ming, and if so, did you tell her you know me? And, I had a manicure and pedicure yesterday at Alicia's. I told them I knew you. I love the french ped., but the gel/french man. looks weird. I'm not sure what to do! 0 -
Hi Illinois girls -
Just checking in - I haven't checked in in awhile. I'm still going through AC - I have my 9th tx tomorrow, then 6 more to go. I'm starting to see the light, but now I'm getting nervous about the Taxol. Overall, I'm feeling ok on the AC, but I had some constipation early on with bleeding. It has still continued so they sent me to a gastroenterologist today. She feels 99% sure it's just hemorroids, but wants to do a colonoscopy just to be sure. Not fun! I'm also having what I think is neuropathy in my feet. I go on Thursdays for my tx and then on Sunday, my feet start burning and hurting when I walk. It started in the heel area and this week it was more in the ball area. It lasts until Tuesday and then it is much better. The nurses and doc have no clue what it is as neuropathy does not usually occur with AC. But, I found another lady on the chemo forum who said she had the same thing happen.
Other than that, everything is good. We are heading out on vacation on Friday. I wasn't sure I would feel up to going as we had this scheduled well before my dx, but I'm feeling pretty good. My dh is a scout leader and we are going to a scout training ranch in New Mexico. He gets to spend the day going through training stuff, and the kids are sent off in their age groups for activities (horseback riding, etc.). They also have activies for the spouses from museum visits to hiking that I can do if I want - or I can just do NOTHING!! So, it should be a fun week.
Hope everyone else is enjoying their day. I hope those in treatment are doing ok!0 -
Connie -
Have a great trip! Overall, it sounds like you are doing really well...I hope the s/e's give you a break soon.
Enjoy your get-away to the fullest! When I was a kid, I loved my Girl Scout Camping Trips!0 -
It's another beautiful Illinois morning! Wow! Temps are supposed to hit the 90's today in Central Illinois! I'd better pamper my flowers. It's so dry here.
JanClare...You're almost done and will soon be a certified nukem' lady graduate! Won't that be nice? My last rad treatment was one week ago today and I'm already healed nicely....just have one extremely tan boob! How are we doing on the count for the outing? Even though Ginny won't be riding up with me, I am still coming. If there is any other Central, Eastern, Western, or Southern Illinois gal who would like to hook up and ride north with me on the 30th, just let me know. I'd love to have the company!
Laura, you sound so busy! I know what you mean about multitasking. I can't do it anymore and it really bothers me. I start something and then get sidetracked. I was really hoping that this was only temporary??????
Pat...what's your first impression of the rads? How'd it go? Keep in mind that they will go faster than you think.
Connie, it sounds like you've had a rough go of it lately. Hang in there and enjoy your vacation. I think the vacation is just what the doctor ordered!
Kater...hope you're doing better.
Also hope that everyone had a good week.
Rita0 -
DH is working from home today so I have a few minutes.
The girls are sure getting a lot of use out of the pool we set up, perfect swimming weather.
We're leaving for Detroit tomorrow, the Race For The Cure in on Saturday. It's suppose to be 87 degrees on race day YIKES!!! I post some pictures when I get back.
Laura I use to be the queen of multi-tasking, not anymore. Sometimes now I get overwhelmed even doing one thing LOL
Connie Have a good trip, sounds like fun.
Rita Glad your skin held up well through rads.
Hope everyone who's in treatment is doing okay.
Mary0 -
kats -
Have a great time at your walk! Drink lots of water though!0 -
I went for my final markings and dry run through today. I start rads Monday. I am so enjoying this little break between chemo and rads........Best wishes.....Pat
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Good Morning Everyone: Its been a rather hectic week and ot getting much computer time. Hope everyone is doing good. Wow, I just looked back and its been 5 days since I posted. A new record for me.
Someone mentioned their ankles being swollen. That happened to me while I was on taxotere. Told it was a combination of the chemo and all that Decadron I was taking. Support stockings are always good to keep the blood flowing. Keep you feet elevated. But dont rub them. Make sure to discuss it with you onc. Mine gave me a mild diuretic.
The weather has been fantastic. I have been enjoying driving about all day. Lots of Cicadas in Deerfield, Evanston, and Highland Park. Couldnt keep my sun roof open cause I was afraid one would come in the car.
So little time and so much to say. Hope I can catch up with everyone this week-end.
Nicki0 -
Mary and Nicki...so glad to see you and your graphics back. We miss you!!! It's a busy time for everyone and the summer sun and longer daylight hours keep us outside longer. Last night I just collapsed in the recliner when I finally called it a day!
I hope all of you are doing well. Where's Kathy....Oh, I bet she's on the golf course!!!!
I'm heading for Tennessee tomorrow to spend Father's Day with my father. It's going to be a fast trip down and back but after I lost my Mom this year, I realized how important it is to make that extra sacrifice for them. If the weather holds, I will just put down the convertible top and cruise along. It will probably take me longer than the usual 8 hours as I tire pretty easily anymore and will probably need to get out more often. That's O.K., though. I might just discover some new attraction or enticing little shop that I just over-looked before.
I am healed up pretty well from the radiation and am enjoying the reprieve from treatments. I have an appointment this coming Friday to see what the last of the regiment involves.
So....enjoy the weekend, gals! Good luck with your first rads on Monday, Pat. They will go quickly!
Rita0 -
Hi:
I have been away for a bit and I see new faces, new messages and some of you who are always with us when we return. It sounds like everyone is doing well.
I am on arimidex and was wondering if other ladies from Illinois are doing the same. So many are slamming it and I am just grateful to put something in my mouth that may keep the cancer at bay. I do have aches and pains, but I rationalize that it beast more chmeo and more cancer.
I read all entries from people enduring chemo and rads. I was an odd lot in that chemo was fine for me. I burnt up so badly with the rads. It kills me when I read that radiation is a piece of cake after chemo. For me, it was a piece of hell. It is so important to remember that each person has his/her own experience and cancerf is so personal.
Nice to stop in with the ladies of Illinois who carry on in spite of breastcancer. I wish you great happiness!'
Susan form Northbrook (the cicadas are at their height here).0 -
Good Morning Everyone. Hoping you all have a great week-end. Have a busy day scheduled today. I cant believe the weather has been so beautiful, but now Im getting worried. No rain! My flowers and grass are very thirsty.
Nicki0 -
Pat -
Best wishes to you with RADS. You'll do fine.
Rita -
Hi there...I slung 4 yards of mulch today. Help me! I am so frickin' tired, I can hardly move. Hope you had a nice time with "Dad"...I know you miss "Mom"...you always will.
zaps -
We are getting together this month...let us know if you are interested.
Nicki -
Hi there...how r u doing? How's Peggy and dh?
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EVERYONE -
Hope you're all doing well!0 -
I just wanted to share a picture of the Komen Race For the Cure Team (Wings of Hope) I was a part of on Saturday in Detroit. We had 50 team members, 16 were Survivors. We were just 3 short of taking the prize for most Survivors on a Team
Mary0 -
Susan, Glad to see you back! I will be starting the Arimidex soon and hope that I handle the aches and pain as well as you. I am also glad that this might possibly keep the cancer at bay and intend to give it a 100% try at least.
Laura....hey! I'd be tired too if I slung that much mulch!!! I'm back from TN and glad to get home. I got tired several times while driving so I just pulled over and got some coffee, got out of the car, and walked a bit. My cat was so glad to see me when I arrived home!!
I go this Friday to see the onc and decide on the next phase of my treatment plan, so I intend to have a fun week and enjoy every day. I also plan to start my walking routine again tomorrow morning. I've sloughed off too long as it is.
Mary...thanks for sharing the picture! That looks like a great group! Wow! 16 Survivors....that's pretty good!
Nicki, the rain is on the way. I drove through so much rain on the way home this afternoon that at times I could barely see the car in front of me. It should hit here early evening and I think our flowers and etc. will get a good drink.
Well I need to unpack but wanted to check in and see how everyone is doing.
Have a great night ladies!
Rita0 -
Another quick fly by post. Hello to everyone. Mary, the pictures of the race are awesome. Maybe next year I will join you all.
Laura: Husband and Peggy are doing fine.
Rita: It rained, oh yes, I never thought I would be so happy to see rain on a summer day. My flowers already look bigger and the grass is turning green again.
OK - gotta go - have a great day.
Nicki0 -
graphics comment. I dont know about others, but i'd prefer they were at end of message. I have half way fast connection, it must be terrible for dial up people to wait for graphic to load before they can read the message. If it matters to anyone I would prefer them small and later, because i prefer text. I know I'm a party pooper saying that, but perhaps just put it at end for some of us grumpy tired people?!!!! have a great day! enjoy the sunshine and growing flowers and veggies.
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Morning Girls....beautiful morning! Thank you God for the rain...finally!
Well...haven't posted for a few days....almost 96-yr old Dad had not been doing well health-wise and was admitted to the hospital last week...my sister and I moved him to a nursing home for rehab and HE LOVES IT!!!! It's been hard to take care of him and my sister has been doing just about everything so this is especially nice for her...a nice break to just breathe. And then my DH needs a little OP surgery so that will be next week..and of all things it is "butt" surgery, [not hemorrhoids tho] so I can hardly wait to take care of the patient next week. And we all know how men are!
Ginny...today is your surgery. Hope your incision heals quickly this time.
Pat...how are rads going for you?
Nicki...you sound well, finally. Long siege with that cold/cough!
Rita...have a GREAT week. If you have to do another 2 rounds, well, you have to do another 2 rounds. But I hope you are DONE, DONE, DONE. Well...except for the pills.
Laura...DH and I took a ride on Sunday afternoon. We went by his old school in Lake Villa (he's a principal) and then we drove by the old Gale Street building (the newer Gale Street is across the street from Diamond Lake and their old building)...well, we were sure surprised...building is torn down and they will be building condos. We were so sad that we drove the extra miles and had fried mushrooms and fried shrimp at Dockers...sorry, but my phone was home and couldn't call you!
kats...great pictures!
Connie....how was that vacation?
JanClare....you're done with rads now,correct? I just had #16 of the 25 reg, then 7-10 boosts, depending. Depending on what I wonder!!!! Skin so far is just a little tanned, ribs a bit sore if I punch them so I don't do that! No fatigue at all.
If I missed anyone....hope you are doing well and feeling great. Well...time to get off my butt. Love having DH home for 7 1/2 weeks every summer...all I hear is "let's go out for lunch!". I hope I don't turn into a lardbutt! Hugs!0 -
Hi everyone! Boy, is it beautiful weather here after the heat of the last couple days!
Wendy, I'm down to my last 3 rads treatments. Will be done on Thursday. Can't believe that this 9 month battle is almost over! Of course I'll continue to fight with watching what I eat and adding in exercise, but that will be it for treatments. No follow-up hormonal treatments like tamoxifin because I'm triple negative. My doctor also said no boosts because they never found my primary tumor, so they have no idea what area to "boost" and I don't have much breast tissue left anyway after the bilateral masts.
My skin is just starting to get sort of bad- red and raw under my armpit and above my collarbone. I also feel like everything is badly bruised. However, with only 3 more to go, I'm hoping that it won't get any worse.
Mary, that's a great photo! It's wonderful to think of all those great people who came out to support the cause.
Rita, glad you got back safe and that you enjoyed being with your Dad.
Okay, so far we have 6 people for our get-together. Is anyone else coming? I think we are going to have a great time. Please PM me, and I will send you my address and phone number, plus directions if you need it. I'm going to serve sandwiches, some munchies and a salad. Others are bringing more munchies, dessert and pasta salad. Are there wine drinkers here? I can make up some Sangria?
Looking forward to meeting fellow BC sisters!0 -
Rads are going just fine so far. I am just getting used to the whole procedure. Getting me on the table just right...they go twice from the right side and then twice on the left side to get the lymph node area. My RBC's were somewhat low on the first CBC so I got a shot to boost them up. I lost a little more weight....probably from being off the decadron. I feel good. I think about everyone still on chemo and wish them better days ahead.
Best wishes........Pat0 -
kats -
Love the photo! You girls have put together quite a team! Maybe all of us Illinois girls can join you next year...that would surely make the first place spot for team with the most survivors!
wendyk -
No problem about not calling...Sounds like you had a good time "toolin" around. I envy that you have your dh full time for the summer! I wish that were the case here. Enjoy every moment.
JanClare -
Thanks for organizing our get-together. Sangria would be great!
If you need any help - please let me know. Tomorrow you're a RAD GRAD! - Yay!
Rita, Nicki, Everyone -
Have a great day!0 -
Good morning, ladies! It sounds like Jan Clare has everything "set up" for our get together! I can hardly wait to meet you gals. If there's anybody else who can make it, please join us! The wine sounds good, Jan Clare and I will bring those appetizers. Is there anything else I can pick up or do to help????
JAN CLARE...........Today's the day! Congrats on finishing the rads! Now you're actually free to enjoy the summer months. You need to celebrate!!!! I know I'm hosting a party when I'm sure that I'm done with everything.
Wendy, it sounds like you are doing well and are busy with your hubby! Hey, I'd do lunch everyday if given the option! It sounds like a plan to me!
WEll I'm off to write a few scholastic bowl questions and to actually clean a few rooms in this house before I hit the golf course this afternoon.
I'm grateful for the rain we got but we really could still use more here.
Catch you later...........
Rita0 -
Rita - OR ANY OF THE ILLINOIS GIRLS
Are you near Byron, IL?0
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