Illinois ladies facing bc
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Kater.....It's so good to see a post from you. I was just thinking about you the other day. We were talking about the Vintage Wine Festival that's coming up in the Starved Rock area and got to talking about the bc gathering at Starved Rock and how we lost you in Utica, your old stomping grounds! LOL I also LOVE your avatar. Very spiffy and quite attractive! So what type of exercise should we be doing to stretch the hamstring? Lifting the leg and flexing the foot? Putting the leg out and bending down? I'm up for anything that helps the back issue.
Buddy, I'm with Jackie. I've never heard of any wet wash cloth during rads. I had a cream that I used faithfully and had no problems luckily. I'd ask about the creams and see what they tell you. It never hurts to ask. There are so many different theories about chemo and rad treatments and there might be a very good reason for the wet cloth and why they think you don't need creams. Hang in there. Most of us found the rads MUCH easier than the chemo.
Well, I need to get moving. I don't want to tempt fate by sitting too long at the computer. We met Mary Jane, her hubby, and another couple for dinner last night and sat for quite a couple of hours on straight chairs and I was hobbling again when I walked out. Moderation is the key, I think.
Thinking of all of you as we start another week. The temps are supposed to be a bit higher around here this week so there will be lots to do outside. All my flower gardens need a facelift!
Have a great day.
Rita
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"Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgement that something else is more important than fear."
- Ambrose Redmoon
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Jackie, it is like you are choosing quotes for my benefit as they all fit, especially today's quote. Had a good talk with DH about my worries with SIL (he is getting many tests) and we both decided that I needed to rise above my worries so I can give family what they need, which is support. Yes, it is hard, but today's quote shows that one can redirect one's thinking for at lest a a little time.
Kater, so good to hear from you. Your mom is such a trooper. It must be hard for you.
Rita, I hope the divertic......(won't even try) is better. I had no idea those foods would cause an issue. Today is the most beautiful day, and I am happy not to be in the classroom. Today would have been the first day with kids.
Wendy, I look forward to you daily weather report on the deck but I missed it today. Hope the back is okay. Funny how the mind sees how it all should go and the body fails to cooperate.
Have fun today!
Susan
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buddy,,..Once the kids are off on bus ..you and your golden will have a day of good things and you will not miss them as much as you think!!!lOLOL;;
Rita...glad the test results are ok! "IT is hard not to worry when goin thru these times as we have had a taste of what it could be. Glad all is ok!
Susan...You should see how i organized by school bad.look like a traveling pen and arts saleswoman.. have it all~!!!!Ready for anything!!!!! I would see how goin full time would of been good.. years ago..and you did it at the right time in your life!!! Trazedone is still working well also!!!!
Elf... You go girl.. fight the fight wherever or whenever. that is right on~~~~!!!!!!
Ginny....Sounds like a great move and change.. that will keep you busy for awhile.!!
Well time for some downtime and hope all others in TX and with Dr appts. are all ok today.
Donna
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Hi,
just quick note regarding creams for Radiation-- I used something called Biafine (sp?) that seemed to work quite well for me. Have since heard of other women having good experiences wit it too. Was given to me in sample tubes- but I think otherwise it can be costly? Not sure anymore--too long ago.
Off to pick up the kiddos-- always flying somewhere. School starts this week!
-julie b
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Hi girls...Just popping in to say hi! Hope you're all doing okay. I know lots of you are busy getting the little ones ready for back-to-school. I personally think they shouldn't have to go back until after Labor Day... August is a huge part of the summer. JMO.
Susan - I think SIL can mean several things... not sure though.
I had lunch recently with a girl from here who lives just past Rockford in WI. Her screen name is saint. One of these days she may join us at a get together. We had a great time talking... and as usual, we didn't shut up for a moment.
So if she pops in here... you'll know who she is:
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It was about this time last summer when I was attacked by bees. So NEEDLESS TO SAY... I am a total fear freak! Everytime I even see one... I scream and hide! lol It sucks!
This weekend was busy... My cousin's 40th surprise party was Friday night. The subdivision across the road had their block party... we are always invited... lots of fun! Lots of dancing... there was a dj. The neighborhood kids were running around like wild indians...
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One of the girls from my 2005 Rocktober Chemo group is stateside - visiting from Israel... she grew up in Oak Park. So... I am having lunch with her tomorrow. Haven't seen her in 3 years.
4 years ago this week - I had the dreaded Mast... yuck...time has flown by! dh and sat on our deck listening to the news about the hurricane in LA as I recooperated. Seems so surreal...
Enjoy the evening...steer clear of the bees! If they attack you... run like he**! lol
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Juliechicago, You are right about the biafine. I am using it and am not even pink after 21tx. I still have 4 more reg and 12 boosts to go. They gave me 2 sample tubes and I bought one and it was $48 with insurance. Not cheap but it works. Annette
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Good Morning Illinois Ladies,
This is my first time on this thread. I am 49 years old. Dx 5/27/09 with triple negative BC. Bilat MX with reconstruction on June 30. Had my first chemo (TAC) on 8/18.
Not sure what else to say but, thank you for being here.
Navy
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Good morning girls, Well school has officially started and I am not a happy camper. Oh where is my summer, the water and boat. I have been sooo busy at school, setting up and having meetings that I have not been posting as you see. I sure do miss all of you. I do try to catch up but I am so tired at night that my bed is calling my name.
Rita...I hope your back is better. No more golf for me until next year or boating for that matter.
Jackie...I love your quotes. I will try to read them when I can.
Wendy.. beach pics and chair for me. I hope your back is better too. Don't over do it. Maybe dinner is in our future. How about it.
Laura...how sweet you look with saint. You are one busy girl picnics, blockparties and lunches. I am soo sad that I can't play too. . How about dinner and a cosmo.
Julieb..school starting for your kiddies too. New clothes and back packs. yea!!
Susan...are you subbing now or still playing.
Navy...welcome to our little corner of the world. You have come to the right place as the women here are amazing. We are all different stages, had different txs but we all give support to one another. So post often..and hugs to you during your tx.
Well I am off to the shower..just wanted to stop by and say hi to all. I hope you all are doing well.
Remember to be healthy...be happy
Hugs to you all,
BJ
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Navy...welcome to the Illinois thread. I am just down the road from you in Bloomington and NanaA (Annette) is REALLLY close to you. We are glad that you found us, but not glad that you're experiencing this journey. How have you done after your first chemo? The gals on this thread are wonderful and they will help you through the chemo experience and any other experiences you care to share! Did you have your surgery and reconstruction done in Champaign? Tell us a little bit more about yourself and your family when you get the time and post often. There will always be somebody around here to respond. HUGS!
Rita
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Hey Navy...I just glanced at your avatar and thought you were from Champaign so I guess I lied to you about Annette and I being close. I need to get out my map and see where Channahon is. I have heard of it before but can't place the location. Anyway, it doesn't matter where you are from........you are still welcome here!
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Hi everybody, Thanks for the nice welcome. My home town is right off of I 55 just south west of Joliet. I am one week post Chemo #1 and really feeling pretty good. My taste buds are off but I only have 2 things that I have stopped. Coffee and Pino Grigio. My Onc gave permission to have an occasional glass of wine so I tried with dinner last night and BLACH!! it tasted weird. oh well, I'll pick a different cocktail next time I'm in the mood for something. I also had fatigue on day 4 and 5 but feel good today and I am going to my exercise class this morning.
I have been married 24 years come Sept 7. My husband is an early retiree from Exelon. So he is home to take care of things. (He is a great cook, but terrible at laundry) I have been an RN for 28 years and quit my job after lumpectomy and DX. It is the first time since the age of 15 that I have not had a job. Whatever, right? I can always find something else after I complete treatment.
We have a 20 year old son in the US Navy since Jan,09 He is currently stationed in Pensacola, FL Come October 14 he will be transferred to Jacksonville, FL. He will have another 6 months of training on the P-3 Orion plane(Radar stuff) and then will probably be deployed shortly after that.
I'm sure I gave you the "short version" of my life. Thanks for listening.
This group sounds like it can be very supportive and even very funny! I wish I didn't have to be here but I am glad that a found you.
Navy
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Welcome Navy --- great that you can join us though of course we'd rather it was for a different reason. Many of us are through the beginning stages of txs and are doing the more routine follow-ups. We certainly haven't forgotten how it goes and will willingly hold your hand and help you through. I can't imagine having to do this alone though I know there are people who have. I'm glad that I had everyone here.
Bj....you sound nearly overwhelmed with it all...hope you get into a little better routine soon. Work makes the world go round but the soul needs some R & R.
Things not bad here....got most of my pantry cleaned out -- what a chore. It's a small walk-in -- not narrow from doorway to back -- wide the other way which gives lots of floor space so more can fit in there, so I empty for some time before I start the shelves that had way too many stale-dated cans that got shoved to the back.
Nana....sounds like you are doing great. I had AloeVera gel which did pretty well until the boosts and then I got a bit of a burn going. Tdbear and Rita both sent me lotions to put on and in a very short while it was just fine. Think the Aloe Vera just wasn't strong enough to handle things.
Laura -- I remember the bees now that you mention it. Hard to be nonchalant for me for any buzzing type insect. Just the buzzing sound alone is enough to "jingle" my nerves. All this and I have not been stung since I was young....going barefoot in the grass when a little honey-bee stung me between my toes. Be watchful.....or is that bee watchful.
Hope you all have a great day.
Hugs, Jackie
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Hi Ladies, The 3rd chemo was really hard on me. I was sick all week no matter what I tried. I kept thinking it would get better like before but yesterday they finally put me on compazine and I have been able to keep a little food down. By the weekend I'll be ready for pizza. I'll be in touch. Have a great day. Christi
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Morning All! This is a pic from vacay, from our lunch table. Sure wish I was there......Blackjack.....care to join me on the beach????? I hope you are still REASONABLY happy that you decided to work full-time!
Susan....yeah, I don't come on the computer first thing anymore...need to hit the floor and do my back exercises first now. And soooo sorry that I got confused about your "what if..."....talk about chemobrain! How's SIL doing? ( I really need to read things more closely!)
Sarah....how did your surgery last Friday go? And you are back at school??? How's that going?
Laura...how's your DS? She goes to the doc soon, correct? And....bzzzzzzzzzzzz...they're coming to get you! (hahahahahahaha...I know, not funny..remember..I got stung 5 times in one leg last fall as well. Sooooo not funny)
Jackie...good one! "bee" watchful! Need to embroider that on a little pillow for Laura...
Annette/Buddy....radiation seems so long ago! I too used Biafine and find it surprising that others with your onc, Buddy, use it but they gave YOU aquaphor. Some swear by that but it was just too goopy for me and the Biafine did the trick anyway. I only got one little sample, and then the ins. paid all but $30. As to the washrag...that's a new one on me.
Kater/Rita....thanks for reminding me about the hamstring stretching. This is one of the exercises I am SUPPOSED to be doing daily and of course I have totally forgotten this one. Rita...yeah that's one. The other is this....stand up by a chair or counter for support and then with knees pressed together, slowly bend the knee back on one leg and then slowly lower it, touching just the toe, and then repeat. Start slow and slowing build up reps AND....the hard part is to NOT let your thigh move forward. Thighs and knees pressed together. You can put one hand on the thigh right above the knee to make sure it does NOT go forward. This is much harder than it looks and if you are doing it correctly, you will feel it in your hamstring from the first one!
Navymom....WELCOME! To a little crazy corner of the breast cancer world where we are all supportive, always caring, always have a shoulder, are filled with much knowledge having been there, done that....and did I say crazy?? Yeah...we can be but I like to think that just makes this whole journey a little bit easier for all of us. Please tell us even more about yourself! There are more than a few nurses here, myself included so keep coming back. If you have any ?'s about what you are going thru at present, please ask!!!! Someone will be along shortly to help
Pat....oh PAAAAAAAT!!!!! Where are you???? Miss you!!!!
I know I've missed a few but I am sitting at the kitchen table and my back is saying "move it, move it, move it". Bossy back....
Have a great day and enjoy the sun...looks kinda rainy here for the next few days and then 68 for a high on the weekend???? HUH??????
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Christi...we were posting at the same time...sorry you are having such a rough time. What anti-nausea drugs besides the compazine are you on?
Try REAL gingerale and dark rye bread, toasted (with or without butter/ oleo)....but not pumpernickel. Both settle the tummy. And a lemon ice from Culvers.
Take care and wishing for you a yummy pizza by the weekend!
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Christi, I took the compazine and it worked well for me. I found that the trick was to take it BEFORE all the symptoms occurred, so I took it as soon as I left the chemo room and had a head start on the nausea instead of playing "catch-up." That seemed to work for me. You might want to try that for the next chemo. It seems to be easier to ward off the symptoms than to get rid of them once they arrive.
Hang in there. You're getting to the end of these treatments and you can do it. Hugs and good vibves coming your way from central Illinois.,
Hey navy....you're still only about an hour and a half from me. We love to come up to the Empress but haven't been up since the fire. I think it's about time that we made that trip again. LOL Thanks for the info! You're going to fit in just fine here! :-)
Wendy, we do that exercise at Yoga class but I didn't realize it was good for the back. How many reps do you work up to with it? I'm ready to try just about anything. I've spent the morning calling chiropractor offices only to discover that it's going to be about a week until you actually get a treatment because of all the consultation programs that they have.
Gotta move! Be back later.
Rita
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Good afternoon girls. Radiation sure does make you sleepy. i went to bed last night at 7:30 and had to force myself up at 6 a.m. Its about noon and I am fighting to stay awake. I hope you are all well. Stay cool. Love, Buddy
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Today was a rough day but we have answers on SIL. He has ulcerative colitis which is serious, chronic and can be debilitating. That is the rotten news. The better news is that a new med just came out this summer which has a very good chance of putting it in remission and hopefully, keeping it there. That new med runs $650/month. Thank heavens they have insurance. Of course I am happy that this is not life threatening and that there is a pill to kick it into remission. O my!
I had my breast cancer surgeon routine (SIL, DD and I were at the hospital at the same time) and my news is good in that all looks good. Interesting comment on the part of the doctor, however. She asked how the arimidex was going. I faltered as I have mixed feelings about bad-mouthing a pill that may keep me from cancer again. She interjected with......Bone pain, I bet! She is the only doctor (of a total of 3) who has mentioned that arimidex is notorious for causing bone pain in some! So ladies, bone pain for some and arimidex is real! Again, I will stay the course on that pill as I believe it may help me and I am far more worried about cancer than I am bone pain! My own onc said it did not cause bone pain (not for him, maybe).
Now off me and onto you:
Navy: Welcome. I remember being so excited for a merlot with my prime rib...oh so excited. It looked lovely but tasted like thick, sick cough medicine. Gross!
Wendy: I miss your deck am weather reports, but I am soooooo proud of you doing those exercises!
BJ: If I were a little kid with a tummy ache, I would feel so secure to know I could visit your office. I think you are just having golf, water and boating withdrawal. No, I am not subbing. The health issues with my family has resulted in a lot of babysitting. Thank heavens I have the availability to do that. These have been trying times.
Ladies in treatment: I read your posts and I know I am in the company of wonderful women who endure. Buddy, just fall into bed whenever the urge to sleep comes over you. I do believe that it is good to give into those urges knowing you are gong through a demanding treatment. Radiation is not in your face like chemo, but I personally was more fatigued with radiation than chemo. Or else, it was the culminating effect of the two.
Donna: I can tell you are the best sub. It is so clear that you genuinely love children. How lucky they are to have you.
I am forgetting so many, but do know I think about all.
Susan
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Hey everybody... I hope all is well. Sorry, haven't written lately. Trying to get into my "new normal." Also, trying to get the kids ready for school. They've also had a bit of a hard time lately. Matt, the boy from 8th grade, died Friday morning. Needless to say, the kids are having a hard time. One, because he was their age and two, because he had cancer. And as much as I try to tell them that it's different cancers. My oldest, has gotten angrier and really doesn't trust doctors now. So, trying to deal with that and was running a fever all weekend.
Laura... I agree on the bee thing. I'm allergic so the little beasts drive me crazy too. Also, how much money does each runner (which is a laughable word for me) have to come up with for the walk?
BJ... Hang in there. You'll just have to plan a sick day. Don't you feel a cough coming on?
Susan... Glad SIL has some answers and the new medication. And I'm so glad that you had good news from the doctor.
Navymom... Welcome to the group, sorry that you had to come here but glad you found us. I just finished with chemo (AC every 3 weeks) so if I can answer any questions just ask.
Well, off I go to help the kids get ready for their first day.
Good night.
Jo
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Hi ALL... Just a drop in.. just a quick note to let it be known..I AM TOPLESS, WIGLESS AND FREE!!!! I am done with the covering of it all.. goin on 2 mos and I HAVE had it!!!Went to excercise class tonight... was nervous but now i feel very empowered. Had to share with all here as you are my main supporters!
Hugs..and Sweet Dreams,
Donna
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You Go Donna! I'm so jealous. I can't wait to catch up with you.
Jo
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All of you mean the world to me but I'm so zonked after all day working....coming home to feed feral cats, then rush home to do my screen room kitties, then wash my filthy car before it got dark. Then in to feed the pups inside, then a couple of calls....and now I find you have all been so busy chatting today.
Donna....good for you. It may be short, but it's your hair and besides...I bet it grows and behaves better if it is not crushed down by a wig ( keeping your scalp way too warm ) or jammed under a hat. You look great to me. Hip-Hip-Hooray for you. You have got it going on now.
Hugs, Jackie
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Lookin' good, Donna! Way to go!
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Good Morning! I have a question. Yesterday, I had terrible back pain and moderal sternal pain. I am thinking that this is from the Neulasta shot that I got on 8/19, (24 hrs after #1 TAC TX) I took Advil and it did help. I read on line that this is common and that some have been helped by taking Claritin befor getting the Neulasta. Thanks in advance for help you can offer.
I am now day #9. Woke up feeling pretty good. Also, any timeline for hairloss for us TAC people?
Navy
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Good Morning to my BF's. Its starting to rain. Donna............You look G R E A T. I am so jealous. How did you get so much hair so quick. I have been topless all along. I just cant wear anything on my head. I have tryed. I cant stand anything over my ears. Hi Ho Hi Ho Its off to Rads I go..........................Love Buddy
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Good morning everyone.....Navy...I think you can get a lot of pains from the Neulasta ( bone pain ) but I don't know about the Claritin. I had Neupogin shots and to keep them from hurting I took a fast acting Tylenol Gel-cap about 20 minutes before I gave myself the shot. One of the differences in these shots is that the Neulasta is just one.....I had five---one each night starting day after chemo. I think most of the gals here had Nuelasta so someone will get on and tell you all about that. I think the hair goes about 17 to 25 days or so after your first treatment. You will know as it will start to feel funny and your hair follicles will hurt somewhat --- no worry, the pain part is not bad -- more interesting.
It is hard to know we are losing our hair but it is just another part of the trip people hate. At this time it's always a good thing to focus on the big picture......hair loss is temporary-losing your life to cancer is permanent -- so whatever it takes. All of this is temporary, really. Donna's hair is back as you read and several of us are " really enjoying " our bad hair days, including me.
Buddy...I am not totally surprised about the radiation sleepiness. I had it happen a time or two and it feels strange. Had a friend who had to have someone come pick her up for her rads.....just to make sure mainly that she got up. Walking or other exercise might help but I had so little that I am not a good judge of it. Surely someone here had that se too. Anyway....it's a great time to catch up on your zzzzzzzzzz's and knowing me I'd be giving in without a moments thought.
Susan....good news on your tests....WHOOPIE. Sorry about your SIL but at least they know what they are dealing with and that alone is a great pressure reliever. Hope they can get a good remission going soon.
Jo....I think it can be hard for children to lose a friend ..... to anything and to have it be cancer while they "worry" about you. I can see why their is some anger. Life is not fair but it's a shame to have to learn this so soon and in this way.
Christie....I had Compazine but I think probably ( and I did not do it well ) the most important thing is to take the meds well beforehand. I hate taking pills so I would try and wait and it is much harder -- especially with chemo I think, to gain control of the nausea when you wait.....not letting it happen at all is the REAL solution.
Wendy....I love that beach picture too. Makes me want to "see" Florida and I have never truly had any desire to go there.
Hope you all are going to have a great day.
P.S. Hmmmm boy does my car look good. I went almost 9 days w/o a wash and it was getting so ugly. I like it again.
Hugs, Jackie
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"There are two primary choices in life: to accept conditions as they exist, or accept the responsibility for changing them."
Denis Waitley
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Vitamin B's are good for hair growth...and put fresh ALoe Vera gel on and massage. The hair will grow as it is different for everyone.Keep up the good rest and for the RAD's Buddy.
Nav.. for me it was around 14-15 days when the hair started to really shed and that is when I had my DH shave it.Started with a GI cut though when chemo started!Good wishes for your #9 treatment.. it is one more step to the end!
Thanks Jackie,Rita and Jo!
Donna
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