Take our poll: How are you feeling as we near the New Year?
Illinois ladies facing bc
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Wanted to say Hi to you all! Boy, it's amazing how life comes back at you when treatments are done. Especially since I'm also doing this training for the Avon walk. It sure takes up more of my time then I thought, but I love it!
I'm working the two jobs, plus, like I said, doing a lot of walking with my training partner Sharon. Last Saturday, we did 12 miles. Took us just over 3 hours, with an average of 15:25 miles. Thank goodness the rain held off until we were done.
I'm also going to physical therapy for the swelling and tightness in my chest and underarm. They are doing a whole series of massages and breaking of adhesions. Though they tell me that my skin/scars are actually quite good, they don't feel that way to me and I'm going to do all I can to the limit of my insurance. The therapist has also put on some kind of weird medical tape that runs from my underarm at an angle down to my navel. It's supposed to have these channels in the tape that help shift the skin, thereby moving the lymph fluid down towards the lymph nodes in the abdominal and groin area. Strange stuff, that's for sure. I also have some kind of clear "gel" 2nd skin stuff across my scars, supposed to soften and loosen them as well. If comes off when I sweat, but I just rinse it off, dry it, and stick it back on. Seems to work well.
I've been wondering if any of you ladies might like to get together on a monthly basis- just to connect and talk? Not necessarily just about bc, but about anything! We could either meet at a restaurant or someone's home. I also thought it would be nice that if someone posts who might need something, even if it is just company, we could get together to visit them or do something for them. I'd like to stay active with other breast cancer sisters. Kind of like getting together with Laura- it's meant a lot to me! Anyway, just something I was thinking and wondering if anyone else might be interested?
I'm really behind on the posts- have to go read now and get caught up with everyone.0 -
Hi everybody!
Margaret...it was wonderful to talk to you. I sincerely believe that you have an excellent surgeon and are in the right place. I will keep in touch and we will connect before your surgery. Hang in there. Some days will be better than others.
Laura...Wow! You have a big group of gals rolling into town. That is so wonderful that so many of your chemo sisters can meet. Have your kleenex ready! I imagine it will be a wonderful but emotional time. I think it is just fantastic that you've stayed in touched!
Welcome back, Paula. We've missed you. Sure hope you can join the team in September. I noticed you were from Wheaton. Have you ever been to the annual all-night flea market that's being held there on August 25th? We spotted it in a travel magazine and wondered if it was really as great as the write-up insinuated.
Michele...so you're a rad gal now! I can honestly say that the first three weeks of rads were pretty easy for me. I am wishing you the best with these. Although not everybody agrees, they were so easy compared to chemo and its after-effects. Keep us informed on how it's going for you. Also...so glad that the swelling in your arm has subsided some. Let's hope that the port removal did the trick and it will continue to decrease in size.
JanClare...you are truly an inspiration to all of us. You get so much accomplished in a day's time. I can't imagine working two jobs. I still can't cook a meal and make lemonade at the same time!
Take care ladies!
Rita0 -
Hey Gals!!!!!!! It's been awhile. I am now on day 22 of rads. I have 4 regular then 7 boosts. I did well the first
3 weeks but now it's awful. I have 3 open sores under my
breast that hurt. My breast is red and my neck is pretty burnt but doesn't hurt. I have been really tired and sleeping alot. I decided to take the next 4-5 weeks off from work. It's just too much for me now. Especially with the kids starting school. My boss is really great about it.
Just thought I let you all know that I havn't fallen off the
face of the earth....
Rita........lets get together this week...
Ginny0 -
Dear Ginny:
I actually am the exception in that rads were much harder than chemo simply I burnt so badly. I actually had black skin under my arm because it was charred, and I know that is gross, but that was my reality. I suffered so UNTIL a wonderful doctor gave me these wonderful blue gel pads that you place in the fridge and then tape under your arm. NO PAIN! They are used on burn patients. I still have some in my freezer. You cut them to size and the relief was miraculous. I am wondering if you can ask the rad. therapists for some. They are blue. If I can send you mine, I will be happy to do so. The nurses here may know if they last through mail. Good luck!
Susan
PS: The underarm became so burnt that I now never need to shave and I never sweat onthat side.0 -
Wow, that all night flea market is this weekend?! I have to go, it's a lot of fun! There's just something about wandering around with a flashlight that you can't beat lol
And, it's right by my house too hehehe.
I am starting classes at the College of DuPage tonight, and I'm really really nervous. I haven't set foot in a classroom in about 25 years due to anxiety problems. Seems kind of silly to be so afraid of it after going thru surgery, chemo, and radiation!
I will be signing up for the walk probably tomorrow, since i expect to be tired when I get home tonight. Over a year and still not a ton of energy..
-Paula0 -
Wow Laura I can't believe how far you October '05 girls are traveling to get together. I was so impressed when Rita traveled as far as she did to meet us! It's also very neat that you have stayed in touch all this time. Have a wonderful get together.
JanClare-I think a monthly get together is a good idea.
Ouch Ginny and Susan, I'm sorry rads were painful. I will come to you if it happens to me for your suggestions. The cool pads sound comforting.
Michele0 -
Susan,
I do have the blue gel pads. It's called Vigalon(spelling).
They work great. I use silvadine(spelling?) for the open sores and then biafine for the rest. I do put the blue gel pads on under my breast and that helps.
Ginny0 -
Peejay...I think we are heading up to the flea market on Saturday. We will be in Sterling for the day for my aunt's birthday party and then will just head for Wheaton. It sounds like fun. Dave (a friend) is going with me to Sterling so I'll have a traveling companion and we both love flea markets. I guess we'll have to dig out the flashlights!
Ginny...looking forward to lunch on Monday.
Margaret, PM me your email address if you have one and I'll just contact you that way about getting together. In the meantime, try to enjoy the weekend and the days before your surgery.
It's supposed to be another hot one today. Stay cool, ladies. I am reduced to walking in the Mall today. I'm such a wimp!!!!
Rita0 -
Hi girls -
Well, I was able to get my Taxol treatment today - yea! No problems, just a looong time. I was there 5 hours. Also, the Benadryl they gave me before hand was really powerful. It really knocked me out. Glad to have 1 down - 5 more to go. The last few days I have been suffering from some sinus pain. It really sucks. I am hoping it goes away soon.
Laura - that is sooo awesome about your get together. I can't believe you have people coming from so far away. What a committed group. Have a great time!
Great slide show, Mary. She's a cutie.
Hope everyone has a great weekend. More storms going through now. It has been a crazy week.0 -
Hello All! I just wanted to introduce myself. I am Gina and I am 37 (soon to be 38) and I was diagnosed 2 days ago with Invasive ductal carcinoma. I plan on using all the resources that are available to me to beat this, hence my joining the boards I have a great husband and 3 children, my youngest is 9 months. I live in unincorporated St. Charles and am scared to death. It was such a relief to find these message boards. I am an information junkie and am trying to find out everything I possibly can. I realize that I don't have my pathology report, so my research has been pretty general so far. I am going to see the oncologist on Monday and have an MRI scheduled for Wed ( my birthday )
Thanks for listening and I am happy to meet all of you ~gina0 -
Welcome, Gina!
I am so sorry that you've had to join us, but the Illinois gals are great! We will help you through this. We will be able to give you more info and help once you get your pathology report....and be sure to ask for a copy of it!
The whole diagnosis is petrifying. I cried for many days before I finally pulled myself together. It just doesn't seem fair, does it?
Getting informed about your particular type of cancer and the different treatment plans is so important and it seems like you already have a handle on this. You will know much more after you see your oncologist. If at all possible, take somebody with you when you go to the oncologist. Emotions are raging at this time and another pair of ears is a pure blessing at the initial consultation. My son went with me and took notes. It was a good thing because I sure didn't remember everything that he had written down.
Your journey will be "doable." We are all proof of that, but it is not a journey any of us wanted to make. Like I said, you can do it and we are here to help you. Please post often and remember that no question is a stupid question on this thread.
Welcome to the Illinois ladies. Laura has a motto for us.
She always says that the Illinois ladies are tough....and she is certainly right.
Hugs to you.....ANd happy birthdy on Wednesday. It's great to meet another Virgo. My birthday is the day after yours. At one time I would have been upset about the big
6-0 but this year it seems like a gift. Hang in there, Gina.
Rita0 -
Hi Gina:
Rita just says it all so well that I feel silly even trying to offer you encouragement. Yet, I do want to say thank you for coming and I know you will find not only information here, but also the warmth of a new friendships with women who get it.
I was diagnosed one year ago (everyone is probably sick of hearing about my own year anniversary) and I too was scared to death. So scared that I never asked any questions. Rita is so right. Ask for a copy of your pathology report and do bring a reliable person to getthe information. It wall happened so quickly that I just asked my daughter (then 25 years old) to come with me when I got the news over the phone. My husband came to later visits. I must have been in some sort of daze as they told me what the doctor said and I had no memory of any of it.
I know you will be fine. Having a great husband sure helps and tending to three wonderful children will keep you focused.
Ginny, I am glad you have those gel pads. Oh my god, how Iloved those gel pads!
All Illinois ladies...that storm today was awesome. I was at school and we had to do the hwole tornado thing. It was the first day of class! Yuck! What a start!
Love to all!
]Susan0 -
Hi everybody!
Wow! You Chicago area gals are getting drenched with all the storms and rain that have been hitting you. Enough is enough, eh????
Hey Susan, your school year started off with a bang! How well I remember those first few weeks of school! I still really miss the kids but not the continuous routine, cafeteria duty, parent-teacher conferences, PTA meetings, and report cards. I wish you a great year to add to your one year anniversary, which I think is a great milestone! I will be one year from diagnosis in November and I'm already feeling a bit apprehensive about the scans, tests, etc. Guess it's something that we'll always have to deal with from now on.
Michele...how's the arm doing and of course the rads?????
Ginny...looking forward to getting caught up with you at lunch on Monday. It's about time we managed to get together again.
Margaret, please PM me your email address so I can contact you that way with possible meeting dates. I can't wait to meet you in person. How are your nerves doing?????
Laura, have fun with your breast cancer reunion. It sounds so fantastic!
Connie..so good to hear from you! Hang in there!
Peejay...we did decide to head for Wheaton on Saturday night for the all night flea market. We just couldn't resist and I've replaced the batteries in the flashlights! It sure sounds like fun!
Everybody have a good weekend. Hopefully it will stay dry. I want to golf this afternoon but it still looks pretty cloudy here this morning.
Take care of yourself ladies!
Rita0 -
Hi to Everyone! I had computer problems last night, but I'm back. I can't check the forum every day, so I'm shooting for every other day.
I hope everyone is having a good day!!
Rita, I know what you mean about the heat! I try to walk outside and come back drenched.
I am hanging in there. My mastectomy date is September 19th, so I've got a month to "get my game on." Sometimes I feel really fierce and strong, and sometimes I wonder if I'm doing the right thing.
Did anyone experience breast hardness after their biopsies? I had three Mammtome biopsies, and that area of my breast feels like a rock. I'm not terribly concerned (because that breast tissue will be gone), but it makes me wonder if I'm one of those people who produces a lot of scar tissue. I'm scheduled for an implant reconstruction, so I really hope to not have a lot of scar tissue/capsular contracture.
My plastic surgeon suggested that I use a tube top after surgery (I'm guessing that he advised me to wear a tube top in order to create compression), but I haven't seen a tube top since the seventies!
All these little details!
Have a nice weekend, Illinois girls.
Reader/Margaret0 -
Just a quick note:
My mother has to wear tube top type thingsas they are easier to get on and off and you can get them at Target in the underwear scetion. They are not the stretchy type from the 70s but flesh-colored and no rumply look.
I willl be thinking of you on th 19th. You sound fierce and strong to me, so you should be okay.
Rita, no school today after the fiasco yesterday. No power and fallen trees are blocking the streets. I was so sad to see these ancient old trees uprooted. I think we had a microburst as it just sped right into the schoolyeard. The poor kids came for their first day, got all the rules for the year and then ended up on the floor with their hands over their heads for close to an hour.
So I have an unexpected three-day weekend.
Susan0 -
Hi everyone. I've read about a twice yearly magazine called *Beyond: Live & Thrive After Breast Cancer*. It looks like it might be good! It comes out in September and March. Has anyone seen it in the bookstores?
I'll check my local Barnes & Noble; if I spot it, I'll let everyone know.
Reader0 -
google!
Meredith Corporation Mediaroom - News Releases
DES MOINES (September 12, 2006) Beyond: Live & Thrive After Breast Cancer, a new semi-annual publication from Meredith Special Interest Media, ...
meredith.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=press_releases&item=212 - 17k - Cached - Similar pages - Note this
[PDF]
For Immediate Release BEYOND: LIVE & THRIVE AFTER BREAST CANCER
File Format: PDF/Adobe Acrobat - View as HTML
for Breast Cancer Survivors. DES MOINES (September 13, 2006) Beyond: Live & Thrive After Breast Cancer, a new semi-annual ...
www.magazine.org/content/Files/beyond091306.pdf - Similar pages - Note this
Bouncing for Breast Cancer
BEYOND: LIVE & THRIVE AFTER BREAST CANCER Meredith Special Interest Media Debuts the First-of-its-Kind Magazine for Breast Cancer Survivors ...
bouncingforboobs.blogspot.com/2006/09/hot-off-press.html - 21k - Cached - Similar pages - Note this
BEYOND breast cancer magazine makes March 20 return - The Cancer Blog
The second issue of the magazine Beyond: Live & Thrive After Breast Cancer will hit newsstands March 20. The magazine, one of many targeting individuals ...
www.thecancerblog.com/2007/03/03/breast-cancer-magazine-makes-march-20-return/ - 61k - Cached - Similar pages - Note this
Reach for BEYOND -- tomorrow - The Cancer Blog0 -
Hi Kater! Looks like you and I saw the same website. I'm hoping to find the September issue in bookstores eventually , because the magazine looks pretty good. Unfortunately, it can't be ordered by mail or web at this time.
If I find it in the stores one of these days, I'll let everyone know.
Take care,
Reader Girl
P.S. Has anyone used the Surgical Support audio series as part of their surgery/healing? I think I may give it a try. Feel free to PM me if you'd rather. R. 0 -
Hi Gina and welcome. As Rita says, we are here for you.
Connie-The benadryl used to knock me out too. I always ended up sleeping thru my chemo-which was a good thing-made the time go faster.
Rita-The swelling in my arm is really going down. I'm so happy! Have had 4 rads-for some reason I felt anxious today. I asked the techs and the doctor some questions about the treatment, which helped to ease my mind.
Michele0 -
Just a reminder, Nancy posted this a while back:
"Our local Maid Rite is going to be on the Food Network August 25. Alton Brown has a special called "Feasting on Asphalt" and they came to Quincy to interview the people at our Maid Rite. I didn't realize there was more than one!"
For those interested!0 -
Thank you for the warm welcome ladies!! I will say that I feel ready for a fight, and am angry as heck. I am hoping to stay this way to keep the fight up. I am so impressed with all of you. I still feel in a fog and can't imagine coming out of it.
I really appreciate the support.
gina0 -
Gina:
One day when we meet, and I do hope one day we will, I will explain to you how "angry as heck" got me through what I needed to get through. The administration at my school was reluctant to place me back into my classroom because of my cancer. I understood immediately what "unfair" and bias and ignorance were all about. I used my anger to get well and to teach people about cancer and learning to live with it and survive. Sheer anger got me through it all at first. Living angry is not healthy, longterm, but any fight without anger is lame. Just focus and funnel that anger in constructive ways and you will win this battle.
Bless you.
Susan0 -
Michele...thanks for the Maid Rite reminder. Yeah! So glad to hear that the swelling in the arm is going down. Just the radiation machinery can cause some anxiety and make one wonder if they're doing the right thing. Hang in there. They will go quickly.
And speaking of Nancy, we haven't heard from her lately. She should have had her surgery by now, shouldn't she?
Reader and Kate...thanks for the info on the magazine. I'm really interested in getting a copy. Margaret, I sent you an email with some possible meeting dates. Hope one of them works for you.
O.K. gals....has anyone on Arimidex been bothered with insomnia? Ever since I started taking these pills, I can't go to sleep at night, no matter how tired I am. It's like I'm super hyper. I've tried everything....hot showers, reading, hot tea, heating pad on low....you name it, I've tried it. Once I finally get to sleep, I'm awake again in about three hours. YIKES!!!! I called the onc about it and he said to keep a log and we'd discuss it when I come in the first week in September. By that time, I'll be a zombie! :-)
I'm wishing everyone a good weekend. Hang tough, gals!
Rita0 -
Welcome Gina. I live in Aurora so we are pretty close. Any pretty close in age too - I am 39 - will be 40 on Sept 22 - another Virgo! If you need anything, just let me know.
I am currently in the second half of chemo (Taxol) so I feel the home stretch coming! You can do it!
Looks like the storms are finally subsiding. We came up to MI last night and luckily we turned on the radio before we started out as our normal route (80/94) was closed. We took the skyway and flew right on by. Other people we know took the other route and spent hours on the road.
Have a great weekend everyone!0 -
Hi:
AAUUUGH! I just wrote Rita about arimidex and then I answered the phone and then it was gone forever.
Arimidex gave me insomnia for about 5 weeks. I was "wired" if is possible for me to be even more wired than I am already. I would awake totally tense and unable to relax enough to slip off to sleep. Spoke to the doctore and he suggested anti-depressant drugs. I decided to wait it out without any more drugs. Now I sleep.
My problem is that I have pain in my legs (muscles) and the they attribute it to Arimidex. It hurts so to walk longer than one mile. When I stand up, it takes me a second to get my legs going. I am a teacher so I never sit down....can't have 8th grade students see their teacher "hobble" even for a second! I am taking a "stretching" class and it helps so. It is called "Yoga" but it is designed for people with back and muscle issues and really does more stretching and meditaion and hardly any twisitng as you think of for yoga. I benefit so much from this class. I wish you well.
Susan0 -
Hi Everyone,
A quick check in. I hope all of you in the greater Chicago area are dry and doing ok. Looked like we were going to have call that guy Noah. The sun is still shining here in Oak Park and hope elsewhere also.
love and best wishes to all,
Cherryl0 -
Hello:
My mastectomy, chemo port and lymph node removal was Monday. It went pretty well, stayed over night, but just didn't feel great after I got home.
I was supposed to see the NP on Thursday to check my drains, I got pretty sick before my appointment and went to the clinic early. I passed out several times and was taken to the ER by ambulance and admitted. I have seen three different doctors and we think we know what happened.
At 7 a.m. that same day, I had horrendous pain for 15 minutes. I had been having that pain since surgery, but not that long. I checked the drain later and there was a huge clot in there, no clue how it got through. When that huge clot went through the drain, the pressure was what caused my severe pain. There must have been some internal blockage causing the knife searing pains prior to that. After that clot passed, I start draining much more, including blood and fluid. At the clinic and ER they couldn't get a bp and I was white. They finally got an IV started for hydration. I was admitted and they were pumping me with fluids and then started blood transfusions. I had nurses at my bed literally every 30 minutes for the first 24 hours. My blood level dropped below 7 and was at 9.7 when they released me today.
I am drinking lots of fluid, have a new prescription for pain meds and am on antibiotic. My drains might come out on Tuesday. The surgeon and the head nurse redid my dressings today. I had so much leakage and problems, she wanted to send me home all fixed up. It feels so much better, she put lots of padding in there and they are much more comfortable. She is a 25 year bc survivor and was an amazing nurse and person to visit with.
I am taking it easy til Tuesday, then taking a day at a time. Please make sure you drink lots after surgery and be aware of what is going on. This really scared me.
Nancy0 -
Nancy,
I am so sorry to hear about all the pain and discomfort you've been through. Stay strong, each day will get a little better. Just rest and take care of yourself.
We are all wishing you the best-
Michele0 -
Hi everyone!
If you've never tried the all-night flea market in Wheaton, you should give it a try at least once. It was so much fun. I didn't really buy too much but it was a very unique experience. :-)
On the way home, we made a pit stop in Aurora, Connie! Any gueses why???? Yep, my car breaks for all casinos! We'd never been to the Hollywood so we shopped and checked it out. It was getting pretty late so we didn't stay for long. I left with $2 more than I started with ..........not vast winnings, but as always, lots of fun.
YIKES SUSAN! 5 weeks of night time insomnia! Like you, I hate to take anything for it but it gets old doesn't it? Still I was glad to hear that I'm not crazy! My onc told me it wasn't one of the "normal" affects of the drug, which is why I should keep a log and we'd talk in a few weeks. I began to wonder if it was just me and if I was blaming Arimidex for everything! :-) Thanks for taking the time to share your experiences with it.
Nancy...OMG! You've had a horrible experience! I am so glad that you're over the major crisis and are on the mend. I had been wondering and thinking about you. I'm sure you'll feel even better when those drains come out. Hang in there and do as Michele says.......take one day at a time and you'll be on to the next phase before you know it.
Michele, I'll keep my toes and fingers crossed that you won't need those gel pads! I feel a little guilty because rads were so easy for me and a few of you are having such a rotten time with them. Hang in there!
Hope you're coping as well as possible Reader! You're certainly doing the right thing by trying to educate yourself on the disease and ways to cope. Hope to see you soon.
Laura..hope you're enjoying your weekend! I imagine it's been non-stop "talking, sharing, laughing, and maybe some crying!"
Well ladies, as much as I hate to do it, my house needs a quick "pick me up" so.............
Talk to you all later.
Rita0 -
Morning girls...haven't been on since I can't remember...had to take a little vacay at Delnor Hospital. Seems my pain changed just a little bit, enuf to call my husband at school and beg him to take me to the ER...seems a bit of the herniated disk broke off and lodged in the nerve. They did try morphine, vicodin, dilaudid, vast amounts of valium, then the epidural inj of steroids, then emergency surgery Friday. Woke up from that and refused the pain pump and all IV drugs and got to go home on Saturday AM. Herniated disks are NO fun. Susan....lady in my room Friday nite had just had her neck done...she couldn't take it anymore. She was amazed at how good it was to get rid of that nerve pain. I always thought I was tough but that pain really sucked it all out of me. Well...'nuf said about me.
Seems like everybody while not perfect, not doing too badly. Rita...sorry about the insomnia and arimidex. I still take mine about 10 am and now have no trouble with it, nausea-wise. Haven't yet started up with any other se's.
Gina...sorry you had to join us BUT....I see you are in St Charles...I am in South Elgin and my onc is at Delnor. If you need anything, once I can drive again, just let me know. Always happy to help out if I can.
Can't find the right posting but I know one of you had to have the port out and will be getting herceptin. Could you let me know how that goes? My port never settled down (or in or whatever) and since I only have until Jan and go every 3 weeks and have great veins I am thinking I would like to have mine out. Surgeon actually wanted to take it out right after chemo was done, or have me gain about 10-15 pounds (yeah...like women gain those 15 right in their chest!)
Sure do admire all you walkers for the cure...I feel like such a schmuck. But all 5 days in the hospital I lectured men and women alike about where my bc was and why everybody missed it and not a single person ever thought to check in the area where mine was so maybe I helped a few people.
Well...bored you guys enuf. Nicki...pneumonia gone?
Hugs to everybody from "ole gimpy"!0
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