Illinois ladies facing bc
Comments
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Ann -
Geesh...you made an appearance TWICE IN ONE WEEK! LOL Glad you did! Ex-chemo patients should never have to see an infusion room again! We have dinner plans next week...ON THE 25TH. LOL
Hi Girls -
I hope you're all doing well. This week has been hectic. I got the results of the rest of my blood work back today and everything looks good. But...the MCV AND MCH are both high. I have to start taking Vit B and Folic Acid...whew... But, I almost had a heart attack. They usually will leave a message saying "everything looks good, see you in 3 months". Well today, they left a message, "your blood test results are in, please call the office". I FREAKED and reluctantly called, for what I was convinced was going to be very bad news, or..."Dr. would like you and your husband to come in for a meeting". OMG - But I dodged the bullet once again, and all she said was, "everything looks good". LOL OMG - Do they have NO CLUE!? LOL My niece Sydney, is in a Hospital for pschy probs. I visited her last night. She seems okay, but the hospital was so depressing...really bad neighborhood, really quite a dismal place. It was like a prison. She seemed happy to me, but she has lots of internal issues to deal with. DH and I are looking into private facilities for her. Anyway...please keep her in your prayers...
Hope you all can have a lovely weekend.
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Two appearances for me in one day!
This is for Laura. My mom was in a psychiatrc section in a hospital and yes, it was horrid. Her problem was dementia but she was mixed with terribly ill people of all ages.
I am just hoping your niece is in one just for kids. I am presuming she must be. I teach adolescents and when trouble hits, they generally go to Highland Park hospital or Evanston. Good luck with it.
Susan
Susan
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Hi ladies,
Michele....I love your aviatar!!!
Connie...How did Taxol #5 go and how have you been doing since then? I hope good.
KATS....any news about your niece? I've been thinking about you.
Susan. I'm with you. I always dreaded parent-teacher conferences and open house. It's the same old thing: You can't please everybody no matter how hard you try and usually somebody lets you know it. Like you, it always bothered me. I think it bothers the good teachers who are really trying to help the kids and the teachers who don't really care as much just laugh about it or shrug it off. I always found that the time in the classroom with the kids made up for these parent encounters.
Laura...Thanks for the update on the address list. You're so efficient. I hope things are looking up a bit at your house and that you've been able to enjoy a little of the weekend.
Pat...Don't ever think that you are bringing "doom, gloom, and fear" to this thread. We are here to help you. Vent when you need to vent and definitely keep us updated on your treatment plan. We all come here through both the good and the bad. We Illinois gals stick together and we gather around when one of us needs a hand, encouragement, or some type of boost. You would do the same for us. We have a special bond. Our offers of help still stand. Please let us know what type of help or companionship you need or want!
Smerf....is each day getting a little better at your house with your patient?? LOL Too bad you're not a little closer. You could join Ginny and I for a drink Tuesday night. By now, you probably could use one!! :-)
Well, I'm tired. I've been outside all day enjoying this weather. I'll catch you all later. Enjoy the rest of the weekend.
Rita
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Re: my avatar, for some reason I could not set up my avatar on Friday night. I was trying to use photobucket and it would not work. I was getting very frustrated and gave up, then Saturday morning I was able to do it right away-no idea what happened!
Today is my 1 yr since dx. I'm feeling kind of blah today-already worrying about when I will be due for a followup scan. Does this fear ever go away? I am going with my family to Florida this week, then the following week I will see my onc (& have my herceptin tx), followup with the rad onc and see the PS. What a week that will be!
I will go to FL and enjoy it and not think about the appts. that will follow.
By the way, has anyone else worn a compression sleeve when flying? I was fitted for one, and a gauntlet(?) for my hand. I will wear it as a preventative measure.
Thinking about all the Illinois ladies, and what we are all going through, and how nice it is that we have each other to vent/share.
Thanks,
Michele
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Michele, That one year mark brings back lots of emotions doesn't it? Mine is coming up the end of November and I know it will hit me pretty hard. And the fear..........I suppose we'll get to a point where we're not so afraid but I imagine it takes a long time. Right now there seems to be one thing after the other that pops up at us, but I think it levels out with time. I don't imagine we'll ever get rid of the fear entirely, though.
Enjoy your trip. That sounds like fun. Put the thought of bc and tests to the back of your mind and just have a ball. You can face those tests when you get back and we'll be here if you need to vent.
We'll also be here when the good results come back! :-)
Rita
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Hi Girls...
I hope you all had a good weekend. I had fun at the race track. I didn't race because I have been feeling dizzy/light headed, and just don't feel that good. It's weird...I can't quite explain it, but it's just kind of a "woozy" feeling and when I walk I feel a little like I'm walking towards the right instead of the center. I'm wondering if my thyroid meds need to be adjusted. In the morning I'm going to call my Dr. (GP) and make an appt. It's always something....Arghhhh...
But I HAVE GOOD NEWS!
JanClare called me from the NC walk! She had just finished the 39 miles! I was so happy to hear from her. After I read her last post, I felt so bad for her. She really had a crappy week, but she is awesome! She pushed herself, persevered and finished the walk! She said to let you all know that she's feeling a little better and that she had finished the walk. She won't be home until Tuesday night, but she said to say hi to all of you. It was really a relief to hear from her...she's had a lot of "things" happening not only medically, but with her job too!
Michele -
The fear may never go away, but it does become less intense. I still freak out when I have to have tests, but believe it or not, I freak out less than I used to! And I really think that as time goes by, it will continue to be less intense. Your avatar looks great! Have a FAB time in FL - leave all your worries and concerns back here in IL. Enjoy!
Susan,
She's in a ward for adolescents. But I just can't stomach the fact that she's not in a private facility! I've been looking into alts. - there's so much to consider...thanks for the advice.
Patti, Ginny, Wendy, I hope you girls are feeling okay!
Rita, everyone - Have a great Monday.
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Laura....You're right. There's always something that makes us head back to those doctors! Sorry you didn't get to race, but I think that shows good judgment on your part. Hopefully, it will all get straightened out this week.
Also, thanks for relaying the news from JanClare. I have been thinking about her and wondering how she got along. I'm so glad she finished the race and is feeling a little better.
I'm off to watch my Sunday night shows on TV. Just can't get away from those ladies and from Brothers and Sisters. Have a good Monday!!!
Rita
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Rita - Girls...
I knew you'd feel better "hearing" that JanClare was feeling okay and had completed the walk. I love posting positive things and happy endings.
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One more fashion show "thing"...my dear friend Rena attended the show and made a mini video of the end of the fashion show. She published it on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUTJH_Knir0
...check it out!
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Laura........the mini video is really neat! And there you were with your award-winning smile with JanClare right behind you. :-)
Thanks for sharing! Did you get a chance to meet any of the other models personally where you might start a long-time friendship?
Well, it's errand and work day around here. I'm off to get something accomplished....hopefully!
Rita
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OMG, Laura - I would have FREAKED if I got that message about test results. You are right, they have no clue and probably never will unless they end up in our shoes. Glad to hear that the results were normal. Also, sorry to hear about your niece. I will keep her in my prayers.
Michelle, congrats on the 1 year! I understand the blah feeling, but congrats none the less. I haven't hit the year mark yet, but I am getting nervous about the emotions that will come with finishing treatments. Tests usually don't bother me as I have never had anything major wrong with me until this. Even when I had the intials scans during diagnosis, I wasn't worried in the least. Now, the more I learn about this disease the more freaked I get about those tests. Also, I have flown several times this year and have always worn a compression sleeve. A simple step in prevention, I guess. Have a great trip!
Congrats, JanClare! That's a lot of miles. I'm glad to hear you are feeling better.
One more Taxol for me!!! I had my usual crummy weekend after treatment. Saturday, the taste buds started to go and Sat. night I started getting the Neulasta aches and pains. I always have a hard time sleeping on Sat. night because of that and so I was my usual zombie yesterday. I found myself yelling at my kids which I don't do much and felt bad about. I slept a bit better last night, but I still won't get a really good night's sleep until tonight or tomorrow when the pain goes away. At least most of my taste buds are back today. One more - I can do it!!
Friday I meet my rad onc for the first time to discuss rads. My regular onc said that would probably start about 3 weeks after chemo ends so probably after Thanksgiving.
Happy Monday everyone!
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Connie-Thanks for reassuring me on the compression sleeve. I haven't had any problems with my arm, so I was kind of thinking I don't need to wear the sleeve, but now I will as a prevent. measure.
I hope your last taxol goes smoothly for you.
JanClare-I too am glad to hear that you are feeling better and completed the walk-what an accomplishment!
Laura-Hope you are able to figure out what's wrong soon and that you will be feeling better.
Hello to Rita, Smerf, Pat, Susan,Kater and everyone else I missed.
Also, I forgot to mention that today, for the first time, I did not wear my wig to work (I did wear a baseball cap though). The company I work for is fairly small and assumed everyone knew about my bc and that I wore a wig, but I found out that was not the case. It was kind of weird-or maybe they just did not want to say anything?!
Oh well, I went about my day with my head held high as if nothing was different-it sure felt good to not have to wear my wig.
Michele
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Michele,
Glad your "unveiling" went O.K. It will be lots easier now to walk through the work doors "wigless." That shows pure strength and fortitude. Yeah for you!
On the sleeve issue...when I flew to Vegas my onc told me there was no need for a sleeve since I didn't have actual symptoms in my arm because the cabin of the plane is pressurized. I didn't wear one but I'm not so sure that I wouldn't wear it if I had it just to be sure.
Rita
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Connie -
ONE MO CHE MO! That's great! You've come along way girl! LOL Gawd, how I hated Taxol...I get goose bumps just thinking about it. But you did good, and I can't believe you managed to take care of kids too! Amazing...the strength and determination you girls have demonstrated. Reading posts here by the girls before me, was truly empowering, and it helped me through the toughest of times. Soon you'll be on to Rad Land. Rads for me was not bad...I hope the same for you!
Michele -
Good for you. You had quite the liberating day! Everytime I see a girl in a cap - like the one in your avatar - and like the one I wore throughout the winter months of my chemo - I think of a cabbage patch kid! LOL You're on to the next chapter soon...
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Today I felt less dizzy...my dh is freaked out, worrying about me. But I really think it's just my thyroid. I'm going to give it a couple more days and see how I feel.
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Pat -
Hope you're doing okay...
Everyone -
Hope all is well...
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That's interesting about the sleeve, Rita. I was told on more than one occasion that it needs to be worn on flights to prevent any symptoms. Also, during exercise - which I haven't done much of during chemo.
Glad you made it through your wig-free day Michele. As excited as I am to give up my wig, I am really dreading that first day to work without it. I hate having attention on me and don't like people feeling sorry for me. Like you, I know most people know what I am going through, but I'm sure there are some that don't as I received compliments on my "new haircut" when I first started wearing it.
Looks like fall has officially set it. Have a great day everyone!
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Connie- Woohoo only one more chemo.
I have a Jobst sleeve for flying and for doing any activity (ie gardening/raking, walking my dog) that would involve repetative back and forth pulling pushing type motion. I had one lymph node removed, lumpectomy, chemo and rads and I got mild lymphedema in my arm (mine was mainly in my breast) 17 months post surgery. Mine was brought on by moving furniture and of all other things walking my dog.
Laura- Hope you are feeling better, how scary to be getting dizzy spells. I'm sorry about your niece, I hope she's getting the help she needs.
Michele- Congrats on taking the step to going without your wig.
Rita-Thanks for asking about my niece. News is good and not so good. This is what her e-mail said to me after she received her biopsy results "The biopsy showed "proliferative fibrocystic disease" which in and of itself isn't so bad as well as typical ductal hyperplasia (also not a big deal since it wasn't "atypical"). The problem is that I also had something called a radial scar. That's something that can be seen on mammogram (mine wasn't) and can look just like an invasive cancer. The radial scar is the reason that I need the surgical biopsy and if I'm in the 5-15% of women that are found to have cancer after that procedure, it's likely to be DCIS."
My other niece also got hopeful news from the specialist, he isn't 100% sure she has a tumor on her acoustic nerve as the radiologist who read her MRI said, it maybe an inflammation of her acoustic nerve so right now they are treating her with steroids to see if her problems resolve. If they don't, then there's more testing to be done before they decide on surgery.
To those I missed, hope you are all doing well.
Beautiful crisp fall weather today.....Enjoy!!
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Hmm....Connie, now you gals have me wondering if I shouldn't be investing in a sleeve to use when I think I need it. I'm going in to see my primary physician in two weeks and I will quiz her also since the onc didn't think I need it. You and Michele will have to exchange "first day to work without a wig" stories when you get all done and make the plunge. Just think.........only one more!!!!!!
Kats...I'd say the results of your niece's biopsy are good...compared to what they could be, but there still seems to be a loop-hole in them, doesn't there? It looks like the odds are in her favor and I am so glad that is the case. She is way too young to have to deal with this. (not to mention the fact that you need one less thing to worry about right now!) Thanks for sharing the results with us. I had been wondering about her. Oh and by the way...did our Cubs stink during the post season or not?????? How disappointing!
Laura, are you still experiencing less dizziness? I hope so. Keep us informed.
JanClare....you should be back in the Land of Lincoln by now. Hope you are still feeling better. Be sure to tell us about the walk! You did it!!! You made us proud, gal!!!
Pat, how did your appointment with the new onc turn out yesterday? Have you finalized any more treatment plans? We're thinking about you! Please update us!
Where's N A N C Y??? Has anyone heard anything from her? If she doesn't show up soon I'll be forced to track down Mazy in the chat room at night and see if she has any info on her.
Hello to Susan, Kater, Mazy, Ann, and all the rest of you. I hope things are going well for you this week.
Well, I'm off to walk off that taco I had at lunch! Take care ladies!
Rita
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Rita-Surgeons are slowly but surely catching on about the Lymphedema risk for those patients who have had SNB and lumpectomies. My Surgeon was shocked when I told him I developed Lymphedema. That was back in late 2004 and since then the Surgeons at the Hospital where I had my surgery have attended Lymphedema seminars given by Lymphedema Therapists.
My Surgeons approach with his patients like me who had a SNB and lumpectomy is different now, ALL his BC are given Lymphedema brochures and ALL his BC are told of possible Lymphedema risks not just his patients who had a full axilla dissection and mastectomies.
When I went through Lymphedema massage therapy I was given a Lymphedema brochure that is so informative (it's similar but a little more detailed to the brochure my Surgeon now gives out).
If anyone would like a copy of it I'd be more than happy to mail you one. Great info about the Do's, Don'ts and Risks.
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Hi Girls -
Hope you are all doing well...just wanted to pop in and say hi! The dizziness is almost completely gone...it's so weird. I'm hoping it's just stress or thyroid. Both of which would be welcome culprits. Niece is still in ward. I'm unsure of when she'll be out...still worried about her, but I understand there's not much I can do. My sister is not at all receptive to anything other than what she decides...kinda sad when an un-stable, bi-polar mother is allowed to make decisions of this nature for an un-stable, adolescent who's been dx'd with Social Anxiety Disorder and Depression. I've learned... that's just the way it is. What helps me is knowing I have offered help, and I can never blame myself for not offering.
On a happier note...aren't the fall colors magnificent? Tomorrow, I'm taking an hour out of my hectic schedule to walk a nature trail hearby in Long Grove. I just want to soak up the fall beauty b/4 everything is cold and white! LOL
Be well, girls!
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Haven't been able to check in for a few days, and so much is going on.
Laura I'm so sorry about your niece, but you are right. You let them know that you are there for them, and you can't do more than that! Just knowing you love them is sometimes enough. I hope your dear niece feels better soon, and I will keep her in my prayers. Also glad to know you are somewhat better. Just a thought....could dizziness be a side effect of a med? There are a few that do that to me, causing dizziness or just a foggy feeling.
Kats You are really going through it with your family. Hoping everyone gets better soon!
Michele Congratulations on going wigless! Topless some would say.
Connie One more chemo! It's a wonderful feeling, isn't it?
Pat I'm sending good vibes your way, and hoping you tx plan is in place. Rads are supposed to be the best thing for bones, and I hope you already have some relief. I don't know where you live, but if I can do anything for you, I'm very willing.
It's interesting to hear what you all have learned about lymphedema. My surgical onc told me one mosquito bite ten years from now could start it. Yikes! All my docs say I don't need a sleeve, but now I'm wondering again. I'm going to Hawaii in November, and that is such a long flight. Med onc, surgical onc, and rads onc have all said risk is very low, but I think I might just give someone a call....so many doctors from which to choose!
My dh went back to work part time yesterday. He's only two weeks post op today, and his doc was thinking four to six weeks off would about right. He is only seeing people in the office, and not doing any surgery, and he does seem fine. I think he feels so well he's getting stir crazy at home. I'm four weks post op this coming Thursday, and most stitches are finally out. The last set will come out next week, but after all this time they feel like part of me.
Laura and Jan I loved the video, and you two really made great models.
Hello to everyone else, and enjoy our beautiful weather.
Pat G.
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Just checking in to let you all know I'm still kicking. ha. Even tho my vertbrae is healed, I still take Zometa and it helps with pain from the tumor and it healed that bone..I was so surprised. Hope you all are doing great..Mazy
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Hey Fitzpatti,
Wondering how you are doing. I so hope your pain is getting better. I have no side effects from Zometa and it has helped me so much both with healing and pain..Let me know..Mazy
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smerf -
Glad you checked in. Good news your dh is doing well. You two are a good team, but then again, Nurse & Dr...it kinda makes sense. Thanks, but I don't think the dizziness is from meds because I haven't started any new ones and the ones I take I've been taking for atleast a year. This is so weird. I'm still going to wait a few days b/4 I pursue it.
mazy -
You still have your sense of humor. I'm so happy the Zometa is working. Keep on keepin' on...
Pat -
Hope you're feeling okay.
Rita, Connie, kater, Michele - EVERYONE -
Hope you're all doing well.
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Pat...Hope you doing good. You are in my prayers.
Rita and I went out for drinks and dinner on tuesday. We had a good
time talking and laughing. I don't know if Rita will take me out again as I went into the mens restroom instead of the womens restroom.
I thought it was funny when I walked out of the stall and saw 2 urinals on the wall.. Luckily, no men came in. How emabarrasing.
Everyone else....hope you all are having a great day.
Ginny
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Hi everyone!
I sure hope you are all doing well. We haven't heard from a few of you in awhile. I'm hoping that's just because you are busy and trying to enjoy the last "fall" days.
As Ginny said, we had a great time the other night, but you really just can't take her anywhere! LOL The only thing funnier would have been if some gentleman would have felt the urge to visit her while she was enjoying her brief trip to the men's restroom! LOL Her hair is adorable, gals....short and curly! Also, she's been on Arimidex now for a few weeks and having no problems. When I asked her about insomnia at night, she assured me that she had no problems sleeping and then added, "I bet you hate me, don't you?" LOL
Laura...how are the dizzy spells?
Mazy, glad to hear that things are "holding their own" in your part of the woods. Now we'll concentrate on getting that tumor to shrink.
JanClare....are you home and relaxed now after your trip and the walk? I hope you are feeling better.
Hi smerf.........it sounds like you have the home domain to yourself again. Breathe in, breathe out!!! YEAH!
Michele should be traveling and relaxing this week, too. Glad you could get away, Michele and hope that it's a great trip.
Connie, Kats, Kater, Ann, Susan, Fitzpatti, and everybody else............hope all is going well!
Rita
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Hi all:
The wig story is great! I tossed that bloody wig off the moment I got out of school. I threw it on the car seat next to me. Once I was stopped for speeding and I just left that sucker on the seat. I wanted the cop to see it and feel bad! He never skipped a beat. Wrote out the citation to a bald woman and never even once looked at the wig. Oh, I hated that thing. I think I hated it worse than my baldness. Yet, it served a wonderful purpose in that I was able to return to the classroom even with treatments. It was actually a pretty wig. but it was a WIG all the same. 8th grade kids do not do well with hair do drama, so the wig served me well. We should all mention a good wig/baldness story. I bet we each have one.
We recently had this microburst storm and my friend was out in it. The wind was so fierce that her wig blew off and landed under a car. A gentle stranger witnessed it and offered to use a fallen limb to retrieve it. I wish she had stayed around to get it in, but in fact she went home without it!
Laura, as you know I teach adolescents and we had a woman come from Erica's Lighthouse. It deals with teenagers with mental illness. We actually are now incorporating adolescent mental illness into our curriculum. The speaker asked that we wait a month before viewing the webpage as they are sprucing it up. Your niece may want to
"stop in". Erica was a Winnetka girl who killed herself (do not freak). Her parents developed this program so that kids had a place to go to get help. It is also designed for parents and teachers to read the signs.Rita: always so good to hear from you.
Jan Clare: I am hoping you are are happy.
Mazy: You sound so cool to me.
Ginny:It was only just a room. The urinals only made it different.
Patti: Did you see about those new meds on these boards for women with advanced cancer?
Connie: I warned people that I would be arriving wigless. I found that the less anxious I was with people, the less anxious they were. Sadly, with breast cancer we need to protect THEM just to move along. I do remember that the vote was still out when I showed up without my wig. It was clear some were unsure. Others rallied (even lied) that I looked good. One young teacher combed my new hair with her fingers and said, "You look soooooo hot!" She goes punk, so maybe I did to her.
So many other ladies I have not addressed here. Have a great night.
Susan
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Good morning, ladies. The sun is starting to peek through the clouds but the temperature hasn't zoomed upward! I think my Friday afternoon golf games are about over for the year as I'm a "fair weather golfer" and don't like to freeze while I golf. Time to get that Cubbie golf cart all detailed and winterized until "next year."
Susan, loved your wig story. Now you'd think that cop would have taken pity on you and at least just given you a warning. Too bad it wasn't a female cop. I bet she would have dealt with the situation differently!
Does anyone have any info on Nancy from Quincy or any way to contact her? If so, please PM me as I'd like to check in on her and see how the treatments are going.
I'm off for the shower and then Mall........no not for shopping, darn it but for walking. The wind is whipping around the corners of the house here and being the wimp that I am, I don't want to walk my three miles out in the open in the country so the Mall is second best.
Ginny, after you mentioned the women's lifestyle show in Peoria, one of my friends and I decided we'd ride over tomorrow, too and check it out. Maybe we'll see you. Then I think we're going to the Par-a-dice Riverboat for late lunch.
Hope everyone is doing well today. Enjoy your weekend.
Rita
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Rita,
Call me when you get there maybe we can meet up for a few minutes.
Ginny
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I wanted to let you all know that I have finally got some of the side effects of the Armidex. My whole body aches and have pain in my knees and shoulders at nite. I am feeling tired and like an older woman...It just never ends...
Ginny
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How can you be sure it's Armidex?
I now feel much how you describe, on my last week or so of 33 radiations...when I sit at computer for a few hours I can hardly stand up, bent over like "an old lady" as you write...getting up in the morning, etc. I asked my 87 year old uncle as i groaned, my body aches all over is that how you feel? "That is right", he answered!
They told me radiation would make me sore, but I didnt REALLY get sore till I tried to play volleyball on a Monday, then a WEdnesday, and Thursday I started feeling sore all over and still do, 2 weeks later. I had not played since March and it never bothered me before.
Kater
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I'm also feeling nausea this past week or two, plus headachy, just sporadically, not for long period of time (radiation?). The tech said they are barely touching the lung so he did not think it was radiation cause. But I read somewhere someone saying they were told nausea was not caused by their radiation.
I seem to remember really bad sunburn causing nausea, so couldnt that be a factor?
New thought, I know environment is playing a role they say in BC.
Now with talk of Vitamin D being so important, does it hurt that most of us probably did not sunbathe (vitamin D) our boobs as much as the rest of our body?!!
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