Illinois ladies facing bc
Comments
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Kats...so sorry to hear about your foot problems and so sorry you won't be able to join us! Hang in there. I would have loved to have met you. I didn't realize until the other day when I was glancing over the early CMF thread messages, that you did CMF, too. Do you ever find yourself worrying about the CMF treatment plan since it's often called the "light chemo"?
Laura, I think your idea of the name and address list is great and I'd love a copy of it. There have been so many times when somebody on the thread was going through a rough time or waiting for test results that I would have like to have been able to send them a card or cyberspace card. I also appreciated the cards from Michele and you and thus know how important those things can be. I hope everyone responds. I'll pm you the rest of my info for this list.
Rita
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I just feel so badly that I am not figuring this place out. I hope this works.
Rita: I will stop by the tent to meet you at the race. My whole family will be with me so I will need to be with them. My sweet baby granddaughter will be there if the weather is okay. I have done several walks in downtown Chicago. My one daughter is a runner, has done the marathon several times, so will run it.
I am doing okay but had the scare with the blood in the urine so had the cat scans. Cytoxan can cause a secondary cancer (bladder or leukemia). They think I just had some sort of irritation. The CAT results are not in yet. I am not worried as the symptoms are gone. As GildaRaydner once said, "It's always something." Before I scare everybody who took or is presently taking cytoxan, the urologist said it is very RARE and that the benefit outweighs the concerns.
Have fun in Galena. I love that place.
I know you were a teacher. My students from last year are coming back to see me and they now see me without the wig (straight hair) while now I have curly locks from thechemo . They appear nervous at first and then just settle in as soon as they see I am still me. My current students just appear oblivious. Going through so many physical changes with 8th graders is not so bad as they are totally into themselves and their own bodies that they don't get too hung up on my changes!
O my goodness, I can do that face! I am improving in my tech skills. This site has frustrated me.
Susan
I too wonder about Wendy. I so hope she is okay. She seems like such a great lady.
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LADIES - LISTEN UP! LOL
I just received word that registration has been extended until tomorrow at midnight...so you still have time to pre-register.
Michelle -
I know EVERYTHING about bc EXCEPT they type of Radiation I had...I'm amazed I don't know this, but I probably did know it at the time. I had 28 sessions - each one lasted about 5-7 minutes (?). Because I had a Mast., I didn't have boosters. Are you concerned about the type you're having? Hope it goes smoothly - you've been through alot...try to remember that this chapter will be over soon. Radiation is tough emotionally...the machines are scary and cold, and because you have to go everyday, it's hard to put it out of your mind. Hang in there...it really does get better.
Susan -
Did you get my e-mail or PM? I answered your questions.
Rita -
We have 34 team members as of today! I think a lot of the girls here are going through treatment, so maybe next year we'll have more Illinois Survivors with us. But It's sure to be a great event. I'll be e-mailing the entire team this weekend with some info, suggestions, etc. I can't wait to see you again!
KATE -
Where are you?
kats -
Geesh...I hope your feet probs get better. I too would do anything to avoid a Cortisone injection! Yikes...you're right - THEY HURT LIKE HE**. I used to get them in my elbow for Tennis Elbow problems until I finally had surgery to repair it. Man - that was ouchy wow wow! Maybe next year you can hit the pavement with us!
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Laura: I did not get any e-mail from you at my yahoo address. I am at Susan8a2002@yahoo.com and perhaps you could try again. If you send it to my yahoo above, I should get it.
One way or the other, we'll get the whole fam registered. I am excited to meet you. I feel I know you!
Susan
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Laura:
Me again. I write a damn good poem but I wouldn't know where or how to get a PM. So the yahoo is the best bet. Thanks for your patience. I do walk better than I blog. I promise!
Susan
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Susan -
I have sent several e-mails to your yahoo addy...are you sure you haven't received them?
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Kate -
I hope you are okay and I hope your Mom is okay too! Hey...if we both get Gators...wanna race? LOL
Wendy -
I echo Rita...how r ya doin?
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Hello gals....This is a quick flyby to check in as I have lots to do to get ready to leave for Galena.
Susan....can't wait to meet you!
Margaret....good luck with your surgery this week. I will be thinking about you and sending healing vibes your way! I'll probably wait to call until I think you're home to check on you.
Hey, Michele...have you ever been to Vegas? If not, I'm sure you'd love it. There are so many different machines to play and in all money denominations.
Ginny...when are you and your family leaving for Chicago? Remember, we still have to have your celebration drink!
Laura...it sounds like we have a good group for the walk. Can't wait to see you and JanClare again!
Hope everyone is doing well today. Enjoy your weekend. Let's take Laura up on getting our personal info to her so we have contact information for each other. She's a jewel for volunteering once again to do it!!!!
Stay tough Illinois ladies.
Rita
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I hate change! I just realized i haven't gotten posts emailed to me for about a week, what gives?
we have to learn this all over again? why didnt they warn us, or did they warn us they would turn the site upside down.
I hope it's worth it!
Would love to race gators but now i'm looking at a bobcat with cab and a/c with all these hot flashes!! 8-)
CAN I STILL GET THESE SENT STRAIGHT TO MY EMAIL? I'LL LOOK IN THE MEANTIME.
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I see under favorite conversations: a place to ask for email notification.
I can't paste the copy into here, that's complicated too! Firefox changes have to be made first. 8-(
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kater -
Your new avatar looks great! Wow - your hair grew fast! LOL ;0
"Would love to race gators but now i'm looking at a bobcat with cab and a/c with all these hot flashes!! 8-)"
LOL
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HI GIRLS -
Hope you all have a great Monday!
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Kate-I agree, your avatar looks great! How are you feeling these days?
Rita-I have not been to Vegas for many years. I know it's changed alot. My sister has been wanting to go, but I won't be able to for a while. I have to settle with the local riverboats for a while:).
Laura-Sorry I'm not walking with you guys.I'll try for next time.
Michele
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Zater: I understand your frustration with the changes. You do look so pretty with your hair. I now understand what an avatar is!
Michele: I look forward to meeting you one day.
Laura: Thanks for getting my kids.me. husband walking/running and registered. One year ago today I had my second surgery (bad margins the week before) and then moved into chemo and rads. What a freakn' year! I was back at work one week later after surgery. It is all like a dream and a bad one at that.
There are times when I am actually glad I have breast cancer if I must have cancer at all. I feel, as a person with BC, I have so much support, while others must be so lonely.
Susan
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Of course I meant Kater...not Zater! Whatever! You look so gentle and pretty.
Susan
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Hi gals!
We had a great time in Galena. The marvelous golf courses at Eagle Ridge are very humbling but extremely beautiful! What a gorgeous area of Illinois this is!
I am busy getting ready for a visit from my little boys again tomorrow. They will be staying with me for four days while Mom and Dad are at Hilton Head for a company retreat. Why didn't we get any of these fringe benefits in education? ????? Anyway, it will be high maintence for several days, but grandma always has fun when they come.
I hope all of you are doing well. Michele, I still don't understand the difference between your radiation treatments and the regular ones I like I had.
Susan, glad that school is going well for you this year. I hope you have a good, easy year with lots of positive experiences. I learned long ago that some years are definitely better than others.
Laura, thanks for the info. on the walk. It's rapidly approaching.
Nancy....how's it going? Are things getting any easier for you?
Kate...I agree. This new system is "for the dogs." Don't give up on it. We would miss you!!!!!
Rita
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Rita - I copied this from another post: "Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)IMRT is another specialized, complex, method of delivering high dose radiation therapy precisely to a target volume while sparing nearby sensitive and critical structures using beams of many different shapes and angles determined with the assistance of computer programs."
The intensity of each beam can be adjusted individually to limit the amount of radiation to healthy tissue.
My doctor had to write a letter to the insurance to get this ok'd, apparantly for breast cancer, many ins. don't cover it.
I want to add that I had 14 of the "regular" rad tx and then switched over to the IMRT. I understand because of the larger area that they are radiating and my shape/size that this tx would be better for me.
It's all so confusing. I am trusting my rad onc-what else can we do?
Michele
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Gee, Michele, that sounds lots better than what I had. How many total rads do you have to do with this?
Well, gals, I may be an Illinois lady but I really haven't been too tough this last week. I've noticed a thickening (lump-like disk) directly above my lumpectomy scar. When I probe (and Susan I know what you've been doing) I can feel also something that is like a tiny B-B. I'm not just scared, I'm pretty petrified, because this is just too soon to go through any more of this. I know I should call the surgeon but my grandsons are coming in tomorrow until Sunday and I don't get to see them very often so I've made up my mind that I will enjoy them and call the surgeon's office on Monday. My lumpectomy (the second time for clean margins) was in late December. Rads were finished in mid-July and the last chemo in early August. I've just had about a month reprieve here. I was so positive about my journey and now this. I found myself in the chat room in the early morning hours last night talking to Mazy, who is a real inspiration to me because she's been through so much and is still smiling, because I just couldn't sleep. I have enough trouble sleeping as it is with the Arimidex without this added complication..........GEEZ!
I hate to be such a wimp about this. I am so afraid that it has returned.
Rita
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Hello:
I am still a puffy rusty color, but I think it's better, it might be going down a little because it's not as uncomfortable, or I am getting used to it. I saw the onc today and we went over the final path, got copies of everything, and he still hasn't decided about my chemo plan. I might be released from the surgeon tomorrow, so I might start next week.
He can't decide between AC followed by T or TAC (Thanks Mazy for helping me get this straight in chat!). He made a comment that TAC might be too tough for me. He is talking with his colleagues and the other doctors I saw to see what they think, but I told him I really don't want tough, I have had it tough enough. He said the TAC would shorten my treatment time, but I can't see how that happens. I am calling the coordinator tomorrow to tell her what the surgeon says, so I am asking again!
He kind of wants the surgeon to try to drain the seroma, but I don't think the surgeon wants to touch it. I need to read more about the chemo drugs now, so I can get educated.
Thanks everyone, I hope you are all doing well.
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RITA -
OMG - I am so sorry, dear! I am so sorry you have to deal with the fear! I would be petrified too...but please try to think positively! Man...this stinks. I hope you are successful at enjoying your grand babies...I'm sorry I am just now seeing your post! Hang in there. Please let us know what the surgeon says when you call on Monday. I'm glad Mazy was there for you...I'm adding you to my "positive thoughts" list. Take care...
Nancy -
Best wishes to you as you enter the next phase. We'll be here for you.
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Hope you're all doing well...isn't this weather great!
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Rita- I too am very sorry to hear what you are going through. Try not to think the worst. Enjoy your grandkids and the beautiful weather this weekend. We will all be thinking only positive thoughts for you. Hang in there-you are one of us tough Illinois ladies!!!
To answer your question, I will have 14 IMRT (total 28 with the other rad tx) and then 3 (I think) boosts. So far my skin is holding up, just a little pink in some areas.
I'll be thinking good thoughts for you.Please keep us posted.
Michele
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Rita, I just saw this. Between the basement and trouble with this new board I haven't been on lately.
You are one tough and beautiful lady, and you will get through this! Hopefully it's just scar tissue. I'm so sorry you're going through this, and I know just what you mean by petrified. We're all here for you just as you are here for us. I miss your cheery picture which really helped me once I found this great Il ladies thread. If there is any upside to having this disease it was meeting lovely women like you! Hang in there, and keep us posted.
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Hi Rita:
You are going to be just fine. It is probably scar tissue. Your breast cancer was so "light" in terms of stage.
I do undertsand your fear, oh boy, girl, do I get your fear. Remember those scans I had one week ago. The doc never called and I never called him. I just wanted a vacation from BC news. It is important for you, however to get to that doctor and find out what it is you are feeling. Your are a gambling girl and I am not. If I were to gamble on you and your
"lump" I will put my money on that it is just scar tissue.
I want to say, "Do not worry," but I know you will. Try to take a vacation from worrying. I am so freakn' tired of worrying about BC. Even worrying about you now, is now helping me to slap this beast in the face AGAIN!
Enjoy the boys!
Susan
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See Rita, we're all cheering you on as you have done for so many here! Hang in there, neighbor!
GIRLS -
Yesterday, JanClare joined me as a volunteer at the Komen Hdqts. I told her that if she did, maybe it would afford her the opportunity to be a model at next year's Ann Taylor Fashion Show (kind of like a "foot in the door" ha-ha). So she did...AND GUESS WHAT (LOL)...it just so happened that one of the models had to cancel and because JanClare was there at the "right moment", they asked her if she wanted to take her place! OMG - what luck! OF COURSE JanClare said YES! So, she and I get to go shopping together at Ann Taylor for the clothes we will model! OMG - this is sooooooo cool! And...I will be less nervous the day of the show - with having a home-town "sister" right there with me! YAY!
Would any of you girls like to attend the fashion show? All of those attending are survivors. It's from 6:00 to 7:30 pm on October 11th. I would imagine they'll have some hors'douvres, etc. It's at the Ann Taylor Store at 600 North Michigan Avenue. If you are interested, please let me know ASAP and I will try to get you a ticket.
So...let me know!
Hi smerf...was hoping you didn't float away!
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Thanks girls. I just had to vent and I have told nobody here yet about this. I didn't want my kids going off to Hilton Head on a working retreat with any worries.
Everyone arrived last night and my son and daughter-in-law have taken off. They flew out of Bloomington this morning. My little boys kept me busy this A.M. and are now napping, which should last about another half hour. I need to be busy. :-)
I'm going to try to put this on the back burner for a few more days. Then I'll attempt to tackle it and see what I'm really facing. Thanks for your encouragement and for serving as a sound board. You are the best! Especially glad to see you back posting smerf!!!! Check in more often!
Rita
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Rita -
Enjoy your weekend...we're all here for you.
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Rita:
I hope you are enjoying those grandkids, what a neat time for you to spend with them. I want to be a great aunt so bad. My nieces and nephews are all in their 20s, except the youngest 2. They keep telling me I am a "great" aunt, just not a "great aunt."
Mazy is an inspiration and the most caring woman. She has been a huge support to me as we compare notes about our local cancer center.
Have a nice time this weekend!
Nancy
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Hello all,
I'm new to this site, and checking in from the southwest suburbs of Chicago- Tinley Park. I was dx Stage 1, ER-/PR-, HER2+ in Oct. of '06. I'm going through expander/implant reconstruction now. It's good to know you all are out there. I'm trying to back up to read through some of the posts here- there's alot! Rita, I'm keeping you in my thoughts- hoping all is well,
Jill
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Topic One, Rita
Rita, I'm so sorry to hear, I was reading posts backwards and was wondering what in the world happened to you!!!
When I finally read what you wrote, I thought from all my reading, that it must be a false alarm, since it's right by the incision. That's my first thought and I hope it sends some comfort.
Opposite sex
You guys would never believe this. Talk about "affair to remember".... I had went online for dating and was emailing strongly with a guy for a week or more?
...finally he suggested the "next level"....the first phone call!
We had that last Wednesday. Well, after we talked 45 minutes and hung up, I figured I had to tell him why I sent him a bald baby picture at one point...and other kinds of foreshadowing photos or topics....(those old English lit classes did that I guess)...so I sent him an email that night about radiation coming on. Last Wednesday.
sigh...well I havent heard from him since!!!
But wait! Today I thought, gee, kind of funny I have not gotten any breast cancer messages..from forum.....etc etc...so I checked yahoo at yahoo site and oh my gosh! I wasn't getting my email! What a shock.
What could that mean? What are the odds that my one of two yahoo accounts just decided not to show up in my mail reader? Too weird!!
And I also was notified someone charged $176 from China on my visa?
You can imagine what I was thinking about this guy when I didn't hear a word from him......
Just too weird, I'm still trying to get my mind right....in the meantime I wrote him to explain but he has not written back yet...
JAN CLARE AND LAURA
YEAH YOU GO MODELS! CUTE STORY!
!!! Rita, I'm thinking of you!
Response to photo
My photo/avatar (what a stupid name for photo)....I just picked that old picture cause I figured it didnt look like me if anyone ever links this with me who is on the online dating level. ha!
besides i couldnt find my bald hat picture i had before...
TTFN kater
zater, i knew what you meant!! I might change to that nickname!!
BC
OH, duh, main subject! I had 3rd radiation today.
I tried to ask what kind of machine they have, after reading the five questions you are supposed to ask the radiation people.
The attendant, whatever said IMRT and "state of the art" and I decided, oh well, it's a little late now!
They had called earlier saying the machine was down..but later they called back saying I could come in as scheduled. I have 32-3=29 to go, Halloween target end date.
Estate planning
Does anyone have any advice on how to set up trust for pets?
I have not done research on this and I can tell my lawyer didn't have many ideas on the topic.
I want to be prepared and have major bookwork done and then enjoy the years I have left!!
LAURA
You copied and pasted it looks like, I wonder why my firefox stopped pasting. bummer. I use that feature a lot.
SMERF welcome back!
Michele: good luck!
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Hi all- hope you are having a good weekend.
Especially you, Rita- I hope you are enjoying those grandbabies and not worrying too much (I know, I know- tough to not worry!) I've praying that everything will be okay. If it helps, I've read the same kind of thing as Kate- that it's not unusual to have scar tissue with those kind of symptoms.
JILL- I'm so sorry that you had to go through this battle, but glad that you found us. Good luck with your reconstruction/ expander!
Kate- You are so brave, girl! Going through treatment and on-line dating at the same time. Sorry to hear about your email problems. Hope things work out with the guy you were talking with. And good luck with the rads!
Zaps- I hope you have gotten the "all clear" from your scans/tests. I know what you mean about wanting to take a break from the beast. I always hope that no news is good news- that if you have to call, it's because it wasn't important! Keeping my fingers crossed for you.
Laura- how did your Koman presentation go today?? I was thinking about you all day.
Yes, girls- Laura is a good luck charm.
Just by being with her (and I think because of her charm and personality), I was in the right place and time to be asked to be in the fashion show. Free clothes from Ann Taylor- too cool!! Of course, now I'm nervous that I won't be able to walk down the runway without tripping!
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Good morning. I have no confidence that this post will land up where I want. If it does, and especially if it doesn't (I want Illinois Women Facing BC), and it is found, please tell me where on this place I can read a tutorial on how to navigate. I lose whole threads.
Anyway, Thanks for asking about my scans. They came back just fine. Now I have to have the doctor "look" into the bladder with something or other. It is never over, it seems. Just about then, I will be due for another scan.
What I can pass onto others so I sound less "all about me" is be sure to drink all that water if you take cytoxan. Cytoxan can be harmful on the bladder, yet the benefits of beating cancer far outweigh the dangers it poses for the bladder.
It is gorgeous today here near the lake. I am feeling so fortunate to be able to enjoy today. Rita, always thinkiing about you. I hope you are able to be at peace today.
Susan
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