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Illinois ladies facing bc
Comments
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OMG Wendy! I'd missed you but just thought you were busy with the usual "end of summer" activities. You've been through a real ordeal, gal! Glad you are doing better. Just take it easy and be a lady of leisure for awhile. You'll heal faster that way and you deserve it. I'm sending good vibes your way for a speedy recovery. Hang in there!
I think Michele was the one with the port removal.
Kate..has your oousin left? I've really missed you! Let us know how you are doing, please.
Happy Monday to everyone.
Rita0 -
Hi All! Hope everyone is having a good Monday!!
When it rains, it pours. It looks like September is going to be a very busy month for me. I won't be able to post much, so I wanted to take a minute to say thanks to everyone -- even if we didn't "talk" directly, having other people's stories out there is so helpful.
Thanks much!
Reader
P.S. I'm thinking of having a "no visitors" surgery -- did anyone else do this? I don't want to offend the friends and family, but I know that when I'm sick, I just want to be quiet. Anyone else?
Take care, everybody.
R.0 -
no visitors great idea if that is the way you feel. because most people just visit cause they think they should.
(I'm going to highlight and copy due to changes in forum that you lose what you write, what is with that?)....anyways i have a big question, Laura to go...take note, i found the neatest thing, i wish i could isnert the jpg, it's a four wheel, 2 persons can pedal, gator like with canopy bicycle! Rita..what do you think, excercise in a golf cart like thing!!!! see http://www.rhoadescar.com/jumplobb.htm
not only that...but...you can get one or 6 or 26 speeds (so you can go all terrain) and there is a pedal assist available....and i'm so excited!! i figure i can walk my 3+ dogs and even carry a couple when they get tired.
4W4P Four Seat Cycle Car0 -
Kate....I love the pedal car. Unfortunately most golf courses have regulations about the type of golf carts (tires, gas or electric, etc) that can be brought on the course and I think they'd outlaw it! But it's perfect for you!
Your posts have been pretty upbeat lately so I take it that you are doing pretty well! Thanks for sharing the car.
Rita0 -
Wendy, are your back problems behind you now? Did you have surgery? I am okay right now but I pulled out the neurosurgeon information just in case it happens again. My insurance (HMO) changed and I needed to see if he is still in the program. It is dreadful to need to research that stuff in the middle of an emergency.
I also think the no-visit policy is good if that is what works for you. Conversation and chitchat are exhausting when one is not feeling well. I do hope you feel well, however!
I had a lumpectomy (a rather large one as the whole nipple and surrounding area needed to be removed). I also had the sentinel node thing. I then had rads. I have this on again off again breast pain. It actually is near the underarm near the scar and it feels more muscle than anything else. Has anyone had sensitivity there (it has been a year since surgery). Of course I am worried the damn thing is there again. I have my one year visit on Thursday and I will ask her, although I am terrified to even bring it up.
Take care.
Susan0 -
(I posted a reply earlier but I don't see it?)Makes me feel like I'm losing my mind
I have only had 1 herceptin treatment since I had my port out since I am having tx every 3 weeks. I'm hoping my veins will cooperate because I don't want the port put back in. Mine too was in the chest and really stuck out. It was uncomfortable to sleep on that side and I'm just glad it's out, not to mention that the swelling in my arm has gone down since it's been out.
Michele0 -
OK Susan....funny! Are my back problems "behind me now"? You are very witty! I have United Health Care and gave up trying to find a neurosurgeon but then I had to go thru ER anyway...he's not in network but they work hard to get UHC to pay up as much as possible. I loved mine...a Dr Brayton out here in Geneva. He was tops in all my onc's books and they all said that was the only one they would go to so that was good enough for me. Whatever it costs, it costs. It was worth it!
I'll be thinking about you on Thurs for your one year anniv...hopefully the pain is just muscle, or maybe just stress, worrying about it. Fingers crossed, fists up!
Kate...glad your cousin had a nice visit.
Regarding visitors....I would rather everyone just stayed home. They all just sit there are stare at you like you are going to blow up or something. I don't even want my dh there...keeps asking me how am I doing until I want to smack him or something. I say...come see me when I am home and clean and wearing something other than a gown. I figure I get fed, I have my own TV and lots of good drugs to keep me amused.
Hope everyone is doing well....nice to have no rain for a few days but boy did the grass grow!0 -
Good morning gals!
I have to share a very touching story with you. Since I am turning the big 6-0 on Thursday, two of my golfing friends asked if they could take me to birthday dinner at the Olive Garden last night. (We couldn't do it on Wednesday night because I'm back to teaching the youth group at church.) Since we all live in different parts of the twin cities, we were just going to meet there at 6:15. When I walked in, they were standing in the lobby waiting for me. I should have smelled a skunk in the woodpile right then because one of them is always late. The hostess immediately took us toward the back to our table. When we turned the final corner I saw them............14 of my friends around a large decorated table with balloons, table decorations, and fancy napkins. I was so surprised and we had a great evening. It was a combined "end of chemo" and birthday celebration. They had a cake and plenty of "60" gag gifts and lots of cards..some funny and some sentimental about the journey I've been through. Some were bowling gals, some golfing friends, and some neighbors. It really choked me up because these ladies have all been there for me the last 10 months, helping me in different ways. I think sometimes we dwell on our fears, pains, and anxieties more than the good things. As I looked around the table, I saw so much good in each of them and realized the major role these gals and their friendships have played in my life. It was so obvious when they were all in the same place at the same time. Pretty touching, isn't it? I feel so blessed.
I hope each of you have a great day. Life is good, even with its speed bumps! They slow us down but can't stop us. We Illinois ladies are tough!
Rita0 -
Hi ladies -
That Taxol kicked my butt over the weekend. I woke up on Sat. with leg pain and by the end of the day, my whole body ached - even my teeth! My doc says the body aches are the Neulasta and the leg pain is the Taxol. In any case, I didn't sleep much Saturday night because nothing helped the pain. By Sunday, the body aches were down, but the leg pains were still really bad. I called the doc and he got me some Vicodin. That helped Sunday night, but I still didn't sleep much because my daughter was up all night throwing up. My first grader missed her first day of first grade
By Monday, the leg pains were much better - but still there. I slept really good last night and so far so good today. So, I guess it will be about 2-3 days of extreme pain each cycle.
Wow, wendy - so sorry to hear about your back troubles. Sounds painful. Glad to hear you are ok now!
Sorry I missed you coming through Aurora, Rita. I haven't been to the Hollywood in a long time. That is a big accomplishment to come off of a boat ahead of the game - even if it is only $2.
I actually didn't mind visitors when I was in the hospital. I felt pretty good and they never let you sleep there so I might as well have visitors. I honestly felt like I didn't want visitors once I got home. That's when I wanted to lay on the couch, watch TV, sleep and not worry about what I or my house looked like if someone came over.
Have a great day everyone!0 -
Michele, you're not crazy! This discussion board system has a way of eating "posts." I don't know how many times the same thing has happened to me!
Connie...so sorry that you've had a few bad days! Believe me, better days are on the way. I guess I was lucky because I had no side effects from the neulasta shots and so many do have the bone pain and aches. Hang in there. It WILL get better. ((HUGS)))
Rita0 -
Rita I loved hearing about your party.
I thought I saw Michele's note, I read all the posts that come---through my email. Maybe it came there but didnt go to the forum? Why is this text box way to the right now, is that some change on purpose, only here at my house or is there a way to set it back to default?
I know that my treo phone lost many contacts (I hate sprint, they are charging me for Internet that I turned off in January)...and took them off my computer, too..so maybe i have a virus that's doing this.0 -
Awwwww Rita....what a lovely party for you and a BIG Happy Birthday!!!!!
Connie...re: pain of the neulasta injs....my onc says the pain is more of an allergic reaction so they tell you to take claritin for 3-4 days, starting the morning you are going to get the shot. I never had any pain, but then I don't know if it was that I didn't have any pain anyway or the claritin worked. Just the plain claritin...generic OK. Just a thought!0 -
Hey Wendy...I wanted to tell you that I had a herniated disc that was compressed into my siatic nerve. I ended up having surgery and that was the best thing I ever did. I did end up with leg pain again but they gave me a steriod and nerve block shot and that did it. I have been pain free for 9 years now. Just thought I would let you know that someone else has gone through this too.
Rita...what a great surprise for you. That was very thoughtful of your friends. I had a great time at lunch with you. I made it to rad's office on time. I have just
one more regular treatment then it's on to the boosts.
I'll be glad when it's done...
Ginny0 -
Sounds like an awesome party, Rita. Happy Birthday!!
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Hi all-
Laura- I saw some of the pictures of your Rock-tober chemo girls gathering. What an awesome thing to be able to do, it looks like you all had a great time.
Rita- What a nice birthday surprise from your girlfriends.
When I was on Arimidex it caused me some insomnia but it was other problems with it that lead me back to Tamoxifen.
Wendy- Hope you're getting better everyday. I can relate to back problems, I've had back problems for years. About 18mos ago my PCP sent me to a Neurologist for EMG/NCV tests for foot problems. Foot problems turned out to be nothing nerve related. Found out later it was a Podiatry problem which I thought it was all along but my PCP thought it was related to my back issues. The foot thing turned out to be a Mortons Neuroma and Plantar Fasciitis.
The Neurologist did say the EMG/NCV tests showed I have a compression of the sciatic nerve probably from a disc, my PCP was already pretty sure that was the problem.
I chose to focus my attention at the time on my foot issues but I know I will have to sooner or later do something about my back.
Connie- Sorry to hear that Taxol is giving you a rough time. Hope you're feeling better.
Mary0 -
Rita: Happy birthday early. I turn 60 (hard to actually write that) in February. Your surprise party sounds so nice, but I am not surprised because you seem so nice yourself.
I am back in school and have a brand new batch of kids. Last year was kinda a nightmare, so I am excited to spend this year healthy.
Connie, I am hoping you are feeling better. I do remember that nasty shot. I called my doctor because I thought my spine was splitting apart. It was scary pain! I remember he said "not to worry" as it was the shot! Good grief.
It is hot here and the whole place is still covered with damaged debris from that storm.
Have a good evening! I do the mri on THURSDAY (yuck).
Susan0 -
Good afternoon everybody!
Kats...so glad that you survived your busy summer and so good to see you posting again here. We missed you!!!
Laura..please post some of your pics on this thread when you get a chance. You had to have had a very exciting weekend! I think it's amazing how far everyone travelled for this get-together and it says alot for your fellowship bonds.
Susan...good luck with your MRI tomorrow. Are you claustrophobic at all? I know now that I need to take something to calm me down before I do the next one. Just think...it will soon be behind you and you'll feel so relieved. I'm sending good vibes your way for excellent results! :-)
Connie, Kate, Michele...hope you're having a good day.
Gina...where are you? We haven't heard from you lately.
Ginny...another rad session is now done and you're closing in on the end of this. Hang in there.
Nicki...hope you've recovered from the pneumonia and are back to work. That's a terrible way to lose weight.
Mazy...if you are lurking please pop on and tell us how it's going. I miss you!
Nancy, hope you are doing well. Please keep us updated, too.
Reader...staying busy is a great way to pass the time between now and your surgery. I say go for the "no surgery visits" if that is how you feel. My son and friend were the only ones that were around when I had my surgery and that was just fine with me.
Take care all you wonderful Illinois gals! I'm crashing this afternoon after I get the oil changed in my car. It's too hot to much else!
Rita0 -
Thanks for all the nice thoughts. I finally feel back to normal today with no leg pain - just a little yesterday. That's interesting about the Claritin, Wendy. But, I already take a daily claritin for other allergy issues, so that won't help. Susan, my onc warned me about the shot. he said some patients thought they were having heart attacks! That was comforting!!
Hope everyone else has a great day!!0 -
Sending you wishes for a great birthday.
Mary0 -
Oh Mary....you are the greatest! Thanks so much for the fantastic birthday surprise!!! I'm off to meet a friend in Peoria for the day and then am meeting a Bloomington friend for tacos and margaritas tonight! I've learned that we need to celebrate every year, regardless of the number! :-)
Thanks again for remembering me and taking the time to add a special touch to my day! You and all the gals on this thread are so special!
Rita0 -
Rita- You're very welcome.
Hope you had a nice time today with your friends. Yum, tacos and margaritas.....sounds good to me.
Mary0 -
Everyone enjoy your Labor Day weekend. It looks like we're going to have good weather!
Rita0 -
We're suppose to have fantastic weather all weekend.
Today we're going to 'September Fest' in Schaumburg and tomorrow we're going to 'The Taste of Melrose' in Melrose Park. DH's brother & wife flew in from St. Louis and uncle & aunt flew in from Florida for 'The Taste of Melrose'.
Enjoy the weekend.
Mary0 -
That sounds like fun, Mary! I'm cleaning today but tomorrow we're heading for Colchester, Illinois for their big flea market and Labor Day Celebration. I love this time of year...even though I know what's eventually coming weatherwise!
Have fun at your activities.
Rita0 -
Have a fun and safe weekend everyone! Enjoy the great weather-
Michele0 -
Rita -
How nice of your friends! Your special day sounds great! Awwww....you're so loved! But I'm not surprised!
kater -
Thanks for the link! That is so funny...I can just picture my and dh cruising around in one of those! LOL
Susan -
I still have quite a bit of pain from my original Mast 2 years ago. I'm convinced it will never fully disappear. I hope yours does.
Connie -
Hang in there. Taxol kicked my butt too! It was really awful. I felt as though I had been hit by a semi after each treatment...Gawd, I just hate to "see" anyone going through this. I hope you're spared some. and then to have to tend to a sick child...OMG - I could hardly take care of myself, let alone little ones!
kats -
EVERYONE -
Yes, our rocktober chemo girl fest was awesome! I still can't believe it actually took place, and I'm still on cloud nine! I miss them already! We had a fantastic time together. I just love each one and they all have a very special place in my heart! My photos didn't turn out very well, but I will post some of the ones the girls took.
Hope you're all having a great weekend.
Wendy -
Have you been up to Dockers lately?0 -
Hi All:
Rita: I took the Spoon River Drive some years ago and loved it. I ended up going to some theatrical performance by Edgar Lee Masters who wrote the Spoon River Anthology. He wrote those cool poems about ordinary people in Lewistown. I am a geek when it comes to Literature and so I was in my glory. My family was in their misery. Such is the life of living with an English teacher. Anyway, when you mentioned Chesterton, Illinois, we remembered it from our Spoon River ride.
Okay, had the one year anniversary vist with the docs and got a clean bill of health. So my mantra now is, "For now, I am clean clear of cancer." Then I started getting bladder pain but no sign of infection in the culture. Evidence of blood, though, so I was then thrown right out of celebratory mode to the what now mode. There is a chance it is an infection that I diluted with gallons of water. I am on antibiodics (I think the doctor felt bad for me and didn't want to send me home empty handed) and the symptoms are diminishing, so I must be hopeful. Odd that I am hoping for an infection!
Back to the BC doctor. She said I was doing well and gave me some statistics and they were ones I could certainly live with (again, another unintended pun). So I am a happy camper.
Laura, she also said my breast pain is "normal" and that it might be wise to forgo the daily self-exam and let the poor thing rest.
It should be a good year. I have reasonable health, hair and zero appoints for rads and chemo. I couldn't resist stepping into the chemo place when I saw the BC doctor. I thought I would be very emotional but I was not. I just looked about at the "new" batch of women waiting for treatments, the magazines, the water cooler and I felt like I was just looking into any ordinary waiting room, and then I turned around and went home! Weird!
I hope all have a great Labor day. We are cycling, although most of our regular paths are under water as they are all near rivers. We have been hit hard here (not me personally, but the area). I spent the day with my two girls, my son-in-law, my husband and my grandbaby, Adeline. She is so wonderful.
Susan0 -
Me again:
Laura, I forgot how to register for the Komen race on your team. I have famiy to add.
Susan0 -
Happy birthday Rita....Hope you enjoyed the tacos and margaritas. Yummy! How is your golf game? Mine not so good. Lost my pitching and distance on drives. Hope to gain some of my muscel back for nesx year. But got lucky at Empress. Played spinner poker and had a brain lasp. I hit max bet(75 nickles) and won $800.00. Wooooo. To bad that does not happen more often. I have not posted in a long time. Taxol was hell for me. Now on to rads{33} 4 daown and 29 to go.
Connie...Taxol is the pits, but it will be over soon and forward with the rest of your life.
Hope all is well with everyone. Hugs to all, you all all the best.
Hugs,
Kathy0 -
Susan -
Congrats...you are dancing with NED! Isn't he the greatest! LOL...I'm so glad you have more people that want to join our team! That's great! I can't wait...it's going to be awsome!
Here's the link:
http://www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=1461550
Ginny -
You're almost done with rads...good for you!
kathy -
Are you new here? If so...welcome aboard.
Smurf -
Where are you?
Nicki -
WHERE ARE YOU? I'm concerned...is the phnuemonia gone? Please check in, dear.0
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