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Illinois ladies facing bc

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  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Member Posts: 4,011
    edited September 2007

    HI GIRLS!

    JUST A REMINDER...

    IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ATTEND THE ANN TAYLOR SURVIVOR FASHION SHOW...

    I WILL TRY TO GET YOU TICKETS.

    IT'S FREE! You would just have to pay for parking. 

    It's on Oct 11th - 6:00 - 7:30pm at the Ann Taylor Store - 600 North Michigan Avenue.

    So...let me know.

  • zap
    zap Member Posts: 1,850
    edited September 2007

    Also, I wanted to say hi to Jill.  I see I have been able to post properly and then I saw your posting.  It is nice to meet you and of course, I am sorry for the circumstances.  I have a zillion cousins on the south side.  My parents moved to the north when I was a little girl and left all my aunts, uncles and cousins there.  I actually have a huge family reunion in Palos Hills (it could be Palos Heights) in October. 

    Let us know how you are doing.  I had my surgery one year ago.  It was hard but I had so much support and love in my life.I hope you do as well. Perhaps you will not need chemo.  Even if you do, and I did, you do get through it.  Take care!

    Susan 

  • smerf
    smerf Member Posts: 476
    edited September 2007

    Hello All,

    I'm planning on taking the day off from basement duty and enjoy the spectacular day we have. Mother nature really can show us who's boss when she wants! My next appointment downstairs is with the electrician on Tuesday. Water fried some wires.

    Had three doc appointments this week, and I agree with you Susan, this is never over.  Hope all turns out well for you with your bladder test. Cysto, I think? I know cytoxin is hard on the bladder, but worth it. I'm having breast reduction surgery this Thursday so that I can match again. At least as close as possible. More was removed during the lumpectomy than they thought would be, so I am very lopsided.

    Rita, I'm thinking of you, and hoping you are enjoying those grandkids. I'm 62 and still waiting. I do have a grandcat, however. My daughter sends me pics all the time, but not exactly the same, is it?

    Laura and JanClare, that's so exciting and will be great fun! You'll both be beautiful models for Ann Taylor.

    Michele, my insurance paid for IMRT, but my docs used it for my boosts only. They can show you on your CT scan exactly where the beams are going, and explain why they are choosing the method of delivery. I had seven weeks of radiotherapy, and they used 3D conformal for whole breast, followed by IMRT for boosts. IMRT is way more expensive, but my insurance paid all. Luckily.

    Jill, welcome. The ladies here are terrific, and are always ready to help.

    Kater, hope everything works out for you. I'm amazed at your energy! I wouldn't have been able to think about dating during tx. This basement fiasco has shown me I don't have nearly the stamina I had before bc.

    Have a wonderful weekend all!

  • kater
    kater Member Posts: 447
    edited September 2007

    (Zap) I had a rough time drinking lots of water during chemo. Then when i was downing it a lot during chemo, a nurse said "whoa, you dont want to negate the chemo affects"! I wish they would tell you EXACTLY when and what water to drink!

    Since then I started drinking evamor, too, because of the acidity issue (www.liveacidfree.com) I think I mentioned this earlier.

    Jan  Clare and Smerf: I have not dated YET! And I sleep a lot!

    Not sure if I WILL have energy, but looking doesn't take much energy so far, it keeps my mind off things I hope. 8-)

    At class reunion mixer for another class last night a classmate asked me out...nice, interesting because when he first came to town in 7th grade and he was a freshman we all swooned...but he smokes and I have an idea drinks way too much. But I might just try it once!   And then at the end of the night a drunken person asked me out, Have to watch out on that one because I'm told everyone wants to be on his good side because he steals! He did look like a Marlboro man with long hair and tattoos but...   Always something.

    Saw a person I dated a few times years ago circa 70s, that was fun, and fun seeing the wife he picked. Sounds like he had a lot of blind dates before he met her!!  He mentioned his little sister who has had BC plus other things...and how positive and wonderful attitude she has even with a handicapped child to top it off. "Always something" for everyone!

  • zap
    zap Member Posts: 1,850
    edited September 2007

    Laura:

    Thanks for the invitation.  I would love to see you two promenade down the runway.  I think that is the day of my family reunion and I am becoming a stick in the mud in that I can only have fun once a day now!  More fun than that and I get exhausted......of so sad.  I will be thinking of you.

    I love the story about the grammar school reunion! I went to my grade school reunion and there wasn't anyone fun.....and in terms of "drunks" I discovered that SOOOOOOOOO many are recovering alcoholics.....I am older and so it catches up with you and you either die drinking or you recover!  Just my observation.   Great story!

    Susan 

  • zkacmom
    zkacmom Member Posts: 146
    edited September 2007

    RITA...Hope you are enjoying your weekend with the grandkids.  That should keep your mind off of everything else.  Hope it turns out all okay.  We still have to go out for that drink soon.  Did you get an invitation from the Cancer Center for a dinner at the Eastland Suites and Conference Center?   Did you want to go together???

    Well, I am finally done with radiation.  Actually been done for 2 weeks now.  I had a bone and cat scan done on Thursday.  I will see the oncologist on the 6th of October.  I also had a blood test done last week with the oncologist and found out that I am menopausal.

    So, I will see what he prescribes for me.  The underside of my breast is slowly but surely healing.  It seems to be taking forever.

    I will be going back to work on Monday.  We will see how it goes.  I am still tired at times.

    I will be in Chicago next weekend.  My husband has a conference at the McCormick Place starting Sunday.  So, we are going to take the train on Saturday morning and go do some exploring.  Probably going to the Museum of Science and Industry.  We are staying the night at the hotel my husband will be staying at for the rest of the week.  We are cathching the 5pm train back to Normal.  We are all excited.  The kids havn't been on a train yet so they should have a blast.  I would have loved to join you all on the walk on Saturday but there is always next year. 

    Well, gotta go.....Talk to you all later...

    Ginny

  • conniehar
    conniehar Member Posts: 585
    edited September 2007

    Hi ladies -

    I haven't checked in in awhile.  It has just been so busy with school starting - it seems like something is going on every night!

    I just had Taxol #3 on Thursday.  3 more to go!  My bone/joint pain has been much more tolerable for the last two tx's so I am glad about that.  I am having some neuropathy in my fingers and feet, but it's not that bad.  I feel confident that I will make it through Taxol without anything major.

    Rita, I'm sorry to hear about your scare.  You are in my thoughts.  I think you made the right choice to enjoy your weekend with the grandkids and deal with it on Monday! 

    That's exciting about JanClare also being a model.  You two will look awesome!

    Welcome, Jill.

    I'm sure there is much more that I have missed, so I apologize.  I am going to try to check in more often.

    Take care everyone!

  • ritajean
    ritajean Member Posts: 4,042
    edited September 2007

    Hi ladies!

    Jill, welcome to our Illinois thread.  I don't think it will take you very long to realize that you've just met some of the greatest ladies in our state.  You were diagnosed just about a month before me so we were probably tackling similar problems at similar times.  How are you doing with the expander and implant process?

    Nancy....so glad that you're doing better.  Let us know what chemo regiment you decide to do and remember that we will be here every step of the way with you.

    Susan.......YEAH!!!!!  So glad that the scans were clear!  Can't wait to see you Saturday at the walk.  I'll give you a real live congratulatory hug then.

    Kate...I had to giggle at your online dating encounter.  I've dabbled in that too a few years ago.  In fact, I found my current friend on match.com but only after several interesting encounters.  One guy misrepresented himself so badly and had posted ancient pictures, I guess, that I didn't recognize him when I met him in person.   He was a really nice guy but had a huge weight problem.  He took me to one of the fanciest Italian restaurants in town and I kept hoping that I wouldn't run into any of my friends.  Well...guess what?  I did.  Their first comment that next week was...."as so how did you pair up with tons of fun?"  That was only one of my many experiences.  It was really sad because he had a pretty good personality but didn't do many activities because of the weight.

    Well, my little guys have gone home and I'm exhausted.  They kept me busy for four solid days.  We had fun but the oldest (nearly 4) is quite a challenge and pushes you to your limits at times.  I felt a little guilty having to get after him so many times but I think unfortunately it's pretty common.  Anyway, they are gone and I called the surgeon this morning, who wants me to see the radiation oncologist first to rule out radiation damage.  She said that she would have me see him anyway even if she examined me first for his opinion.  So....I called his office here in town and was told that I couldn't get in to see him before mid November.  I threw a real fit and wasnt' really too nice.  Three hours later his office gal called back and said that he could see me if I could be there by 8:00 on Wednesday.  So I guess Wednesday is the day of reckoning.  One part of me wants to know what I'm dealing with and the other part doesn't want to know.  The surgeon did say that it is possible that cancer has returned but it would be very rare for it to reappear so soon after surgery and radiation.  I'm clinging onto that thread of info until I hear what the radiation oncologist has to say on Wednesday. 

    Connie...glad your hands and feet are doing better.  You can get through the rest with minimal side affects.  You can do it!

    Smerf.......always good to see you posting.  You have so much to share.

    Laura, Michele, Kate, JanClare (who I'm looking forward to seeing again on Saturday)...and all you others,  thanks for the encouragement.  It has helped alot.  I never did tell my son so I'm sorta out here in left field by myself.  I couldn't see alarming him if it was a false alarm and for once in my life, I'm praying for a false alarm!  LOL

    Take care gals.

    Rita

  • kater
    kater Member Posts: 447
    edited September 2007

    Rita, thanks for your amusing account of "i hope my friends dont see me"

    Reminds me of one of my matchmaker.com meetings at a mall....I ran into a high school friend and she said "HI "my name"."

    ...i was thinking, thank heavens she didnt say my whole name...as it was, it wasn't my nickname Kater....as he knew me by....he ended up being somewhat of a stalker so I'm glad I went to other stores, with a hat to put on before I went into the parking lot.... and used someone else's car as well....so at least I didnt have the problem my friend had with the same guy! He acted irritated when I refused to be walked to my car.

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Member Posts: 4,011
    edited September 2007

    Hi Jill -

    Sorry I missed your initial post. Welcome!

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Member Posts: 4,011
    edited September 2007

    Hi Girls -

    Just checking in...hope you're all doing okay.

    Rita -

    Hang in there...I know it's tough...

  • nanc512
    nanc512 Member Posts: 38
    edited September 2007

    I am assembling my chemo shopping list.  My first treatment of AC is Thursday at 11:30.  I am packing a bag with my book, water, crackers, lemon drops and some ribbon headbands I can make while I am there.  I plan on visiting with the other patients and just having an enjoyable time.  My onc called today to let me know he has all the orders written and said he is telling the chemo room nurses that a ray of sunshine will be joining them on Thursday.  He said my positive attitude will not only help me get through this, but the others I make contact with throughout treatment.  I thought that was so nice.  I told him I am working on a list of questions, so he is going to stop in during treatment and answer them. 

    I am kind of anxious to get the first one done and over.  I am so blessed to work at home, I think that is going to make a huge difference.  Hopefully I won't have lots of side effects and I will know how to deal with them!

    Thanks everyone for your great friendship and advice.

    Nancy

  • kater
    kater Member Posts: 447
    edited September 2007

    Nancy,

    I'm wondering _where_ your doctor is! The doctor sounds GREAT! I did not have much time to ask the doctor anything.

    I slept through my chemos...not as ambitious as you, at 49.5....

    I had been with my Mom through many chemos so I was used to the scenario, I used to ask questions for my Mom when she was having chemo....nice for my Mom since she would not read info about ovca...

    "Hydrate" is the most often advice I was given....and keep away from sharp knives (I cut myself cutting fish.... the first chemo a few days later and I was down 10 days) 

    If you dont feel like drinking water, or tea, hot water with a little cold from the chemo room tap goes down easier, I thought (and was advised to try that).

    surgery march 19th...2007, i'm on 2nd week of radiation.

  • ritajean
    ritajean Member Posts: 4,042
    edited September 2007

    Nancy..you will do fine on Thursday!  I was so scared when I walked into the chemo room for the first time and it wasn't bad at all. (kind of sad, though as I looked around at all the different ages of people who were sitting in those recliners)  The chemo nurses will talk with you quite a bit this first time, too and it will go quickly. 

    Laura...sure looking forward to Saturday.  I got the info and have it all printed off.  Also mapquested the route from the Empress to the walk site so I am ready!  Let's keep our fingers crossed for good weather.   Is there anything else in the general that is a must to see when we finish?  We're finished so early that we would probably have some time to explore a bit in the area.

    Hope everybody is doing well this week.  Bowling league started today and we did lunch at the Olive Garden after bowling so I've been pretty busy.

    I hope I have good news to share with all of you tomorrow. 

    Rita

  • kater
    kater Member Posts: 447
    edited September 2007

    Nancy, also the hair thing.

    I bought a ton of hats and just love picking them out each day. I devoted one powder room to hanging my hats and stuff.

    The hot flashes make me have to take them off a lot..but I enjoy being bald in many ways...people in the store come out and tell you their experiences with cancer, some very sad, but it feels good to relate.

    I had a few wigs styled, but have yet to want to wear any of them.

    I'm glad the trend is to not wear wigs, it seems. I got snagged for a U turn even though I thought it was perfectly safe, but the policeman didnt even give me a warning...things like that! (there are still rude people though, but I think they are fewer and farther between!).

    I am glad I tinted my hair at first...I was brown and went blonde, for a few weeks, now it's nice because I have a few hairs on my head but I know they are not new because they are not brown! Well I guess they could be gray but I'm pretty sure they are just blonde that hung on. 8-)

    Kate

    AND OF COURSE RITA I'M THINKING OF YOU! 

  • zap
    zap Member Posts: 1,850
    edited September 2007

    Rita:

    NOVEMBER!   I guess you tackled them as they should be tackled.  Waiting one week has been hard, let alone waiting until November.  I know one lady who was so desperate to get information about something she felt that she threatened to cut it out herself if they didn't "fit" her in within a week.  She is our drama teacher so could pull it off.  They "fit" her in the following week.  I am just feeling so sure that you are going to be fine. 

    Susan 

  • smerf
    smerf Member Posts: 476
    edited September 2007

    Hi Rita    November is unbelievable! I'm glad you were able to convince them you needed to get in earlier, and it doesn't matter if you were a little forceful in manner. I think all docs should leave a little discretionary time in their schedules, because things will come up.

    I can relate to your comments on weight, but not an online dating site. My old high school bf found me online after I registered at Classmates.com. I hadn't seen him for at least 35 years, and the only thing the same was his lovely voice. He had gained 110 pounds! Yikes!

    I'm thinking all good thoughts for you tomorrow, and like Susan , feeling you will be fine.

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Member Posts: 4,011
    edited September 2007

    Nancy -

    My heart is going out to you! Be tough...you will do just fine! Did you know that our motto here is "Illinois Girls Are Tough"...and so are you! I will be thinking of you on Thursday....I remember my very first infusion in October of 2005. At one of my infusions in December of that same year, I addressed, stamped, signed, etc. - 93 X-MAS CARDS! Snooze or use the time during your infusions in any way that works for you. Be tough...we're here for you.

    Rita -

    I know you've been stressed, but you always manage to be right on top of things! You are truly amazing...You may want to visit Millenium Park after the walk or venture over to Navy Pier...I have some coupons for a free Sea Dog ride that I would be happy to give you. It's an incredible boat ride - ....let me know. But...I am still thinking about you tomorrow at your appt!

    EVERYONE -

    Hope you're all well...where's Wendy? I'm worried....

    Those of you walking with us...I can't wait to see you on Saturday. JanClare and I are volunteering time tomorrow at the Komen Hdqts. tomorrow morning....and we have received our marching orders....both of us will be choosing our "wardrobes" next week! Yikes...I'm scared! LOL

    Be well...neighbors!

  • ritajean
    ritajean Member Posts: 4,042
    edited September 2007

    GOOD NEWS (iF TISSUE DAMAGE IS GOOD NEWS!!!)

    I just returned home from the radiation oncologist's office.  After examining me, he assured me that he feels that the lump and thickening is scar tissue and radiation damage.  He said it is very common to feel this hard mass a few months out from radiation, especially in small-breasted women.  (a comment I thanked him for profusely and we both had a good laugh)   He said that I didn't feel it sooner because the lumpectomy cavity was still filled with fluids which hid the developing scar tissue and damage.  The lump is at the upper end of the cavity and the top of the "boost" radiation field.  He said that the tissue outside the boost area was folding over the lumpectomy margin and causing the mass.  He is 99% sure this is the problem and that I should be good to go until my December 4th mammogram and yearly check.  I was so relieved I cried right in his office. 

    How do I thank you all for your concern, compassion, and encouragement?  You helped me get through this past week.  I certainly hope that none of you have to go through a scare like this, but if so, I hope the info that I obtained will help bring you peace of mind as you await the check-up/and or tests.  It has been like a second wake-up call for me.

    God bless each and every one of you.

    Rita

  • conniehar
    conniehar Member Posts: 585
    edited September 2007

    Glad to hear the good news, Rita!!!  Time to celebrate!

  • kater
    kater Member Posts: 447
    edited September 2007

    I am worried because a friend wrote this to me today:

    Well, my wife got a call from her Dr. that she should go see a surgeon regarding some cysts. 

    Radiologist and others have said no problem, let them be.  Dr. thinks they should be removed....

    She is going to discuss with surgeon to let them alone.....  We'll see.  In any event she's not looking forward to seeing surgeon. 

    FROM WHAT I HAVE READ, IF SOMEONE WANTS TO REMOVE SOMETHING, I SAY START RESEARCHING AND GET 2ND OPINIONS!

    ANY INPUT I CAN SEND THEM?

  • kater
    kater Member Posts: 447
    edited September 2007

    RITA THAT IS GREAT NEWS!

  • smerf
    smerf Member Posts: 476
    edited September 2007

    Rita   Wonderful news! So glad to here it, and now you can enjoy this beautiful day.

    Pat

  • smerf
    smerf Member Posts: 476
    edited September 2007

    Kate   I absolutely agree with you about second opinions, and your friend already has two docs opinions, her doc and the radiologist. It is a good idea to get a surgeons opinion, because no one really knows for sure without bx. It sounds like her doc is being very vigilant, and maybe she needs some extra support because being referred to a surgeon is scary!

    Nancy   Hang in there tomorrow. It sounds like you are well prepared for your first chemo. I found thinking about it was worse than doing it. I chewed sugarless gum a lot for the dry mouth. It seemed a little impolite in public at times, but I could only take so many lemon drops!

    Laura and Jan Clare  Sounds like fun! I did it once for a charity event at the hospital. Was a bit nervous because they gave me very high heels to walk in, and very short flapper's dress. All the clothes were vintage, and you couldn't keep them. It turned out to be lots of fun, and I didn't fall, though I felt way too tall.

    I'm having surgery tomorrow morning to become once again symmetrical. No more shoulder pain was the advantage of my original surgery, and now I can have that on both sides. Yes!

    Everyone, have a wonderful day!

  • kater
    kater Member Posts: 447
    edited September 2007

    Thanks Smerf, good luck with your surgery tomorrow!!

  • smerf
    smerf Member Posts: 476
    edited September 2007

    Rita    I'm laughing at myself. I was just mopping up floors, and getting the house ready for a few days of neglect, when it dawned on me that I typed here instead of hear! I really do know the difference hehehe....I wonder if I can blame that on chemo brain?

    Pat

  • ritajean
    ritajean Member Posts: 4,042
    edited September 2007

    Pat (smerf)....I am sending good vibes your way tomorrow for your surgery and will be thinking about you and hoping the problem is corrected.  And as for the here/hear problem.........don't we just blame everything on chemo brain now????  LOL  To tell you the truth, I didn't even catch the error until you pointed it out.....I think it's my chemo brain at work again!  LOL

    Nancy....Your first chemo will be over before you know it and you'll be back home wondering why you worried so much about it in the first place.  How well I understand the need to be prepared and the anxiety that goes with the unknown! You sound much more prepared, both mentally and physically for your first chemo than I ever was!  Your positive attitude will indeed be a plus!!!  Remember to drink lots of water and suck on something cold (ice chips, etc.) during the treatment to ward off the mouth sores.

    Kate,  I'm like you.  I think that it NEVER hurts to get a second opinion, especially if somebody is not completely at ease with the first opinion.  There's always so much to consider before removing anything from the body.

    Wendy...I echo Laura's concern.  Where are you?  Is everything O.K. with you?  Please check in if you are lurking out there.  It's been awhile since we've heard from you!

    Well, I'm off for a nap.  I didn't sleep hardly any at all last night and I have my youth group at the church to tackle this evening so I'm going to try to catch a few "winks."

    Rita

  • nanc512
    nanc512 Member Posts: 38
    edited September 2007

    Hello:

    Illinois girls are not only tough, but compassionate, caring and the best around.

    Rita:  I am so glad to hear your news.  I have been reading the boards waiting to see what you found out. 

    The thing about chemo that is messing with the most is not knowing how I will react.  I like to be in control.  Smile  I feel like I will be on edge not knowing when a side effect will hit me.  I hate to live this time in fear of that, so I need to get a grip on it.

    I will post my updates as I progress.  Thanks to all of you, you are the best.

    Nancy

  • Mich101
    Mich101 Member Posts: 489
    edited September 2007

    Rita-I'm so glad you received good news! (You're going to the casino this weekend? I wish you luck there!!)

    Nancy-Hang in there! We are all here to help. We'll be thinking of you tomorrow.

    Hi to everyone else!

    For me, 3 more rads and then 3 boosts !!!!!! I'll be happy when this part is done. Then I'll be down to the herceptin tx only.

    Michele

  • zap
    zap Member Posts: 1,850
    edited September 2007

    Dear Rita:

    I read your last  post and teared up. I now understand that what happens to one of us, happens to all of us. I knew, perhaps only positively thought, that  you were safe, but I needed to get your post that you were.   I am so proud of you, to be watchful over your grandkids during the weekend, but then move right into your own care. I hope, if faced with such a struggle, I would be able to cope as you did. 

    I will be there on Saturday with my entourage of family.  I am just not an early bird kinda girl!  I am also a working woman so sevenish  in the morning on a Saturday is kinda painful, but I really want to see you, so I will be there.

    Love to all the women in Illinois and elsewhere who are facing  BC.

    Susan 

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