Illinois ladies facing bc
Comments
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did anyone have an abnormal pap after chemo?
I had anti fungal meds and probably yeast infection from the chemo...last chemo was 8/14...I took monistat 3 just in case the abnormal pap was from lingering yeast.
Now I got a call from the regular doctor, and the doctor NEVER calls, so that is a worry right there!! (about my pap from last week during my 6 month checkup).
The vag culture had turned out normal (supposedly yeast infection check).
Any thoughts?
Kate
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Hi everyone! Last night I actually slept through the whole night! What a relief! Susan, I think you said it all when you said, "What happens to one of us, happens to all of us." For this reason, I think we should all get our contact information to Laura so she can make us a contact sheet. It's just like now. I am concerned about Wendy because she hasn't been on for quite awhile, but I have no way to contact her. If I had her phone number, I would pick up the phone and call or if I had her email or street address I could send a message or a card to let her know that I'm thinking about her and concerned. And then there are birthdays and good yearly check-ups that need to be celebrated! A card from somebody in our group can bring "smiles" and let the others know that we are there for them, not only in the "trying situations" but also in the "good times."
I don't think that anyone on the Illinois thread would misuse the personal information. If you agree with my thoughts, please send a PM to Laura ...giving her your name, street address, email address, phone number, birthday...(any or all of those listed that you feel comfortable with) since she has volunteered to put together a list for us. It will give us all a way to stay in contact with each other. I don't know about all of you, but I feel I have developed a strong bond with many of you and I'm sincerely interested in keeping in touch with you.
Kate....I understand your anxiety about the abnormal pap test, especially after my ordeal the past few weeks. I don't know much about this but would think that the chemo alone changes many things in our body. Your doctor is probably just being extra cautious because he knows about your bc history. You want him to err on the side of caution, but it sure doesn't do much for our nerves and emotions, does it? I will be thinking about you and hoping for the best. Laura assured me that we will now have many scares in our lives, but that the scares get a little easier to handle each time. She's pretty knowledgeable about everything so I'm counting on that! LOL In the meantime, hang in there. Let us know what's going on. We will be there for you. Hopefully your situation will be like mine....a false alarm (second wake-up call) that allows us all to celebrate another hump in the road that one of us has jumped over.
Michele....hey! You can see the end of the journey now. Doesn't it seem good????? How is your skin holding out?
Laura, Susan and JanClare.....I'll see you on Saturday and am looking forward to it!
Rita
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quick note wendy was okay last time she emailed, she mentioned not going to forum much.
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Nancy,
After being a single Mom for many years and a teacher for 33 years, I completely understand your desire to "be in control." Now we're faced with situations and side effects that we cannot control....along with our anxiety about the whole situation. I found that I really had very few side effects and think that part of my success stemmed from the fact that I didn't dwell on them. I just tried to keep my life moving forward "as normal as possible." I still taught my youth group at church, played golf when I was able, bowled, did my housework and rested alot inbetween my normal activities. That kept my mind busy and I didn't dwell on the other aspects of the journey. Oh yah, I had a few pity parties, most often late at night or during the middle of the night and I allowed myself to have them. Then I picked up the pieces and just went on. After you see your reaction to the first chemo, you will be able to find ways to minimize any side effects that you might get. If it goes well for you, you will be able to relax a bit more and forget about the possible side effects. Not everybody gets them. We're all so different. I've been thinking about you today and hoping your treatment went well. Keep us posted about how it's going for you. Also, remember that there are no stupid questions on this thread. We've all walked through those chemo doors and were feeling very similar emotions. We all had questions and we helped each other through. We'll do the same for you.
Good luck, sister.
Rita
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Rita- Oh what a scare you had. Glad it was nothing more than some tissue changes from radiation.
Sounds like you had fun time with your grandbabies, they sure can wear you out, but it's so worth it.
kater- The first PAP I had after chemo came back abnormal, my Gyne ordered an HPV test which was negative. I had a repeat PAP 6 months later and it was normal.
I'm sending wishes for a great time to all who are doing the Chicago Komen Race on Saturday. It looks like you'll have nice weather too.
Mary
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Hi girls.....sorry I haven't been on the boards the last 3 weeks but I had a hard time with the new format and getting my ohsoslow computers up to speed. Time to get new ones but we're trying to wait to see how Vista goes. I could only really get on the board if I had 20-30 minutes to log on. I got an e-mail from Kate that you guys were worried (Rita...hey...I'm fine!) so I figured I'd better get on this. On a sadder note however, my Dad is in Hospice (he is 96) so I really haven't been on the computer, period.
I see I have much to read to try and get caught up so I will do that the next few days. I get to use my dh's computer now and we have hooked that one up to the network so I should be able to read thru the last few weeks and see what everyone is up to.
I'll write more later but I hope everyone is doing great
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Wendy.......I'M SO GLAD TO HEAR FROM YOU and so glad that it was just computer problems and the new forum changes that kept you away. We missed you. YEAH! Wendy's back!!!
Kats...after keeping my two young grandsons for four days, I have all the respect in the world for you! It takes a special grandma to keep two young girls for the summer. Hats off to you!!!!
Rita
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Rita.....yay! You got good news! I had to read thru a bunch of posts as I got so worried when everyone was telling you not to worry and I didn't know what was wrong! I too had that hard area and I had my post-rad mamm first week of Sept and I was good to go...they did an ultrasound on the "good" side tho as at almost 55 I have "young" boobs and they are very dense.
Now why couldn't something else about me be young!
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PAT --
Hope your surgery went well! I had my prophyl done last December - symmetry really is nice! Get well soon.kater -
I don't have any info to share with you re: that...what does your Dr. suggest?
Nancy -
Hope you're getting better everyday.
Michele -
You're almost done! That's great. And yes...you will soon be able to put it all behind you.
Rita -
I am still so relieved for you.
Wendy -
I'm glad you checked in. So sorry about your Dad. He has lived a very long life. I hope he's comfortable.
GIRLS -
I spent time yesterday with JanClare volunteering at the Komen Hdqts - we helped them get things ready for this Saturday's walk. JanClare is going through a tough time...she's had some problems with her digestive system, so she will going for some tests so they can figure out what meds will help. We need to cheer her on...she tries to be upbeat all the time, but I know this is getting her down. Like all of us, she's been through a lot and it's hard to keep up with the punches.
JANCLARE -
I hope you're feeling okay today...I'll see you on Saturday, but I'll call you tomorrow. Hang in there, friend.0 -
Oh my gosh, I can actually help with that pap smear ssue! I was told by my doctor to just forgoe the pap smear during chemo as IT WILL COME BACK ABNORMAL. I am not sure why, but he said it would. So, not to worry.
Susan
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Hey Jan Clare....see from Laura's note that you haven't been feeling well. I hope your docs can straighten this out for you ASAP. If I had a magic pill, I would drive it right up to Lake Zurich!
Hugs....
Hey...where's Nicki been? Is she OK?
And Why is my hula girl not hula-ing? Oh well.....at least the boards now seem much better to me.
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Wendy -
Try importing or saving it as a Direct Link or .gif...I think then maybe she'll be hula-ing her little heart out.
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JanClare....hope you are feeling better today. If it's not one thing, it's another, isn't it? I hope the tests reveal a simple solution to your digestive problems and that you'll soon be back to your "ol' perky self." Can't wait to see you again on Saturday! Hang in there.
Rita
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Smerf, hope you are doing okay.
Re; Paps: thanks for all the comments! I wont worry, especially because ovarian cancer is not usually detected from paps...But....Why did the dr. call, and then not return my call, then when i called, she was standing there, but no time to talk...and etc.
then she didnt call back so i had to call and tell them another number change to reach me, then FINALLY a nurse called (with no advice of course). They claim they emailed me the results but I have not seen them.
"Atypical cells" they said on last two peps.
Jan Clare, You gotta get better SOON, hope you can rest before the weekend.
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kater -
If that's not "getting the run around" - I don't know what is! Keep us posted. Geesh...as if you don't have enough cra* to deal with!
Michele -
Any chance you'll be at Johnsburg High's Homecoming Football game tomorrow night? My niece - the pom-pon princess - is performing. I'll be there for half-time to see her. Let me know.
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Just wanted to say good luck to the walkers tomorrow! Looks like it will be a beautiful day!
kater - I had an abnormal pap in June while going through chemo. Onc said that is very normal. I am supposed to go back in Dec for 6 month check. I would think that it would take awhile for the system to clear itself up - so I'm sure you are fine. I understand the terror though. That stinks that you were given the run around by your doc, but I would take it as a good sign that they don't think it is serious. If they were really concerned they wouldn't mail you the results, they would want you in there asap.
Hope you are feeling better JanClare.
Have a great day, ladies.
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Hi All!
It has taken me weeks but I now feel I can tackle this space better and I now feel when I post, I am remotely in Illinois' (if that is the right word) cyberspace. Now I really want to see that hulu girl MOVE.
A word to the walkers tomorrow. Tonight they close Edens down to one lane; so allow time. It is going to be a nightmare on ordinary, work days for at least a month .
Susan
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Just a quick "stop in" to say hi to everybody and to send good vibes to all of you. We are pulling out about 4 o'clock and heading for Joliet so we don't have such a long trip in the morning. There's a neat place to eat in Dwight and then we have a room at the Empress Casino for the night.
I'm coming armed with lots of energy, my camera, Laura's directions and info sheets, and my walking shoes! I'll see some of you bright and early in the morning and Connie is right.......it looks like we're going to have a great day to walk!
The rest of you...take care and enjoy this mild September weather.
I'll log back in right before we leave in case any of you have any last minute words of wisdom for us! LOL
Rita
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Susan -
THANKS SO MUCH FOR THE EDENS INFO! OMG - Last year they did the same thing. We got on it at 5:45 and didn't get to Grant Park until 7:45. It was really stressful and upsetting for me, as I had wanted so badly to join everyone in the Survivor Tent. Really upsetting. I thought by now they'd be done with construction. I think that I'll take the Kennedy instead, although that has a tendancy to be a nightmare at times too! Thanks again, big time!
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TEAM NO SURRENDER!
Looks as though the weather is going to be FAB! Yeah...this makes things alot easier!
Look forward to seeing/meeting all of you!
Every step we take...is closer to a cure! Our vision: a world without cancer!
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I wish I could be there at the walk. I will be in that area tomorrow but not til 10am or so. We are taking the train to Chicago at 7:30am
and will get there about 10 at the train station. I would have loved to meet you all but you guys will be done by the time I get there...Bummer.
You guys have fun tomorrow.
Ginny
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Ginny -
You'll be close at heart! Hopefully we can plan another get-together soon that you'll be able to attend. Have fun in Chi-Town!
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Hi ladies,
I had my CT and Bone scans but wont have results til the 5th at my onc appt. All went well but I sure wish they'd find a more tastey CT drink..haha. I just hope that the tumor in my back has shrunk alot and that no new ones have popped up. Hope you all are doing well.
Nanc..sure hope that chemo was kind to you.
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I'm about to head out for a 12 mile training walk, but I wanted to see if I could get at least one photo from the Koman walk up! It was awesome!!
By lzclare, shot with KODAK EASYSHARE C743 ZOOM DIGITAL CAMERA at 2007-09-290 -
JanClare:
What a great picture! I loved being inthe walk today with you ladies. It truly was a wonderful morning. My family and I then went to Ann Sather's for lunch.
Rita, your firend is the most flexible soul on earth. The agenda is to "walk" and he walks! Laura, you are just a fireball and as I said today, "I bet you throw a great party." You have every detail in order. Jan Clare,I cannot believe you walked 12 miles after we walked three. Now I know I really need to get myself in shape.
I do hope that we can get that "directory" in order as I do have that article I would like to share with people who have completed treatments as well as those in the midst of it. How shall we handle that?
Have a glorious Sunday. I hope the rest of you also enjoyed a perfectly lovely September morning as well.
Susan
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Great picture and thanks to all those who walked for a cure.
Michele
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Hi gals....
JanClare...you are with it! Thanks for posting the picture so quickly. Wow! We had fun, didn't we? The pictures on my camera are pretty good, too but I still haven't figured out how to insert them in a post. Susan, Jan and Laura...if you PM me your address I will get them printed off this week and send you hard copies of them.
It was a lovely day and I thoroughly enjoyed walking with you ladies. It was great to finally get to meet you, Susan.
We did go explore Navy Pier after the walk and did the Sea Dog architectural tour. It was a great tour. Thanks so much for the $$off coupon, Laura. At the end we got a speedboat ride on the lake. It was great until the "captain" starting weaving one way and then the next. I got drenched........really drenched from my hair to my toes as the water sprayed over the sides of the boat. I didn't mind it but had to walk around all the rest of the afternoon in wet clothes! :-) Besides the extra shower..........it was well worth the ride and tour and I heartily recommend it. Just sit in the inside seats of the boat and not near the sides. LOL
I just love the little pink stocking that they gave us survivors. I think it will be the first thing I put on the Christmas tree each year....a celebration of life! Thanks so much Laura for putting this all together for us. That took some work and I really appreciated it!
Oh yes...and after seeing how good you look, JanClare, I'm eating oatmeal every day this week for breakfast! You look fantastic!!!
Smerf and Nancy.... I hope last Thursday went well for you. Give us an update.
Mazy..thanks for checking in. If I don't hear from you after your appointment this week, I will come looking for you in the chat room!
I've got my fingers crossed for you!!!
Michele, Kate, and all you others.......I wish you could have joined us on the walk, but you were there in our thoughts and there's always next year!!!!!
Amy, the little gal from the walk who touched me so much with the rose for my Mom, if you are reading this, you have found us. Please join our group. You are so special.
Take care, gals.
Rita
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Hi Girls...
YES...THE WALK WAS AWESOME. You were with us in spirit! We felt your presence. I truly hope you will all be able to join us next year. TEAM: NO SURRENDER LIVES ON! It's truly an empowering experience. Our team was awesome...the weather was awesome...everything was awesome... It's an incredible feeling to know that so many people support our cause.
JanClare -
Thanks for posting that pic so soon! I am so glad you were part of our team. We didn't shut up for one second to and from in the car. LOL Let's walk again soon...and I can't wait for Tuesday! Look out ANN TAYLOR here we come!
Susan -
It was great to finally meet you...you are so nice! Your family support is wonderful. Your husband is so nice! And that grand baby....what a doll. Maybe we can meet in Downtown Long Grove some day...they have a great apple pie haus...I'll bring JanClare along!
Rita -
It was great to see you! Dave is a sweetie...You are both troopers...coming all the way to chi-town. I am so happy you two had fun at the pier! Sorry you got wet though!
I hope we can see each other more often and I'm so happy you made it home safely.Mazy -
Hang in there...let us know how your appt goes...my fingers are crossed for you!
EVERYONE -
I am so bummed...I didn't get a TEAM photo of everyone! Definitely will next year though! And, because I was so busy mingling and organizing and corralling...I didn't have any time to take many individual photos either! I am really bummed... :
Me and my dh.
Me and my nieces.
This is my friend Susan and her Mom. She is a 43 YEAR BC SURVIVOR.
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I thought my photos didn't show up here...but they did! Good!
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My first chemo wasn't good. I got nauseated within 3 hours and progressively got worse. I called the doc Friday night (24+ hours after chemo), they sent me to the ER. I was admitted, just got home today. They gave me Aloxi and Decadron as premeds, then sent me home with Compazine. Compazine didn't cut it. I was nauseated, dehydrated and nothing stayed down. They ran fluids through me, Zofran and more Compazine. I was so ready to come home and really feel better, but not 100%.
I saw Mazy's doc, she was on call, she said they will change my anti-nausea meds before the next one. I also saw the PA and she was awesome. She said they will find something that works, now that they know how I reacted, they can make adjustments and this doesn't mean each chemo will be like this.
Other than nausea, no problems with anything else or the Neulesta shots.
The couch is calling my name, I am taking it so easy, my family is in shock!
Thanks everyone!
Nancy
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