Illinois ladies facing bc
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Laura, the fever would indicate to me you are coming down with something, and when we are coming down with something, we feel every ache and pain. That I must say increases with age. The two week rule works for me. I'll bet you are better in far less time, but do rest and relax and snuggle with that puppy of yours. I LOVE CORNED BEEF. IT is happening here on the 17th~
Donna and Elf, I just wish you the best. You will forever have a place on this thread and you have found your way into our hearts, so there is no escape for you You are just dug in!
The latest birthday party was wonderful. DD turned 28, lovely as ever, and we spent it with family and friends. She gets her Masters in April. She is working an internship right now in Oak Park. Her job-job is with Rush but she relies on Illinois State funds. She works as a liaison between doctor, parent and therapeutic services for high risk newborns. Our trip to New Mexico is our celebration for all her efforts (hopefully she passes her finals. Of course this is a miserable time to be any state employee as so much is going on in terms of cutting back on salaries, benefits, pension, etc. I am not sure if she will be able to remain in the public sector for long. If she cannot, the state is the little loser and the families are the big losers. Well, actually, our country is the big loser. I am sure Wendy's DH is feeling the pinches and the punches in his own school.
Susan
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Laura I hope you feel better soon.
Adey
Did another power walk around the park. I saw crocuses poking up! Spring is coming. ❀ ✿ ❁
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Laura...so sorry you are not feeling well. The weather sure has been strange here...looking forward to spring. Adey I'm going to check out that website for running...not sure I can handle it but I may check it out to see.
Have a good evening all...
Denise
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Dear Ladies,
CiaoVino,
I think it is really important to be comfortable with your Doctors regardless of where they practice. Go with your gut. I was lucky to like both my surgeon and my radiologist at Loyola. I haven't done it yet ... (8 months since surgery) but I may seek out a different oncologist. Right now your comfort level is the most important factor. Sorry to have you here...but as everyone has said, there are some great ladies on this site with lots of info. Good Luck.
Lago,
You really amaze me. Where do you get all of this energy? I wish I had your motivation/stamina/willpower. You rock. Next time I'm coming downtown maybe we can do lunch. No wonder you look so slim and trim in your avatar. By the way, how did you know you had LE? I'm wondering if I have a mild case. Somedays I feel like I have a tennis ball under my arm, but my hand has never swollen. You mentioned that you went to a specialist up North a while back. Can you PM me the name and town of that person?
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laura.. How do you feel today? I am sick too and when I ache like that, a virus of sorts sets in.. especially around neck and shoulder area. IF it is bothersome today, fever being a sign of infection, call your Dr and feel more secure!
adey....nice chatting with you too!!!!
lago.....i saw two robins and know spring is a -coming!!!!
Be well all and enjoy the day. 60's coming this week!!!
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Laura, I hope you're feeling better today. I tend to think along the same lines as Donna. It's probably a virus. If your neck and shoulders are still aching, it would be the perfect excuse for a massage and that massage may just do the trick!
Today is our last day to bowl on my Tuesday morning league. We have a fun type of bowling today and then go to a nice place for our little banquet and business meeting. When bowling ends, golf season is not far away and that does mean SPRING! What a winter we have had! I know I'm ready to get outside, dig in the dirt, and bask in the sunshine!
In the meantime, I hope everybody has a good day.
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Hope you're feeling better Laura!
Off to number 21 rads.
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Valgal I don't think it takes that much energy to walk around the park for 50 minutes… and to be honest I feel working out actually gives me more energy. It is tough to get motivated but I really need to take at least 6 of the 8 lbs I gained from chemo off.
It's not a huge amount but you know what happens if you ignore it… another few lbs will creep on. The strength training takes work. I hate lunges and leg lifts. Squats and crunches aren't too bad once I'm back in shape.
Donna I am going to hate you some winter in the future when you finally move to AZ. I have a friend from high school/jr high I keep in contact with on facebook. Not fun when she whines about 50 degree weather when we are having a blizzard.
Adey you are getting close. 21 is a lucky number.
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Appreciation can make a day - even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary. -Margaret Cousins
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Hi girls. Well thanks for your throughts. Unfortunately, I had a horrible night. Several times I contemplated going to the ER. The pain is in my neck, shoulder and throat/clavical...but not like the typical sore throat. If I take a deep breat, my throat hurts. All night I tried several things: pain patch on shoulder, Darvocet, heat, laying flat, laying sitting up. This morning, needless to say, I'm exhausted. It's weird...if I bend over at all, my neck hurts fairly badly. This is soooooooooooo weird...unlike anything I've ever experienced. I swear, the strangest aches and pains seem to happen to me over the last 5 or so years. Usually all my aches/complaints happen on the left side (bc side)...this time everything's on the right side. Damn! The next thing I will try is a hot bath...if it's not better, I will call my Dr. Although, how would she even begin to figure out what this is? I'm frustrated and disgusted and getting very impatient. Arggggggggggggggggggggh!
Adey - 21! Almost a rad grad...hang in there.
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Laura I do hope it starts to got better soon. As far as things getting strange over the past 5 years… I think it's part of aging that we are just not ready for. I too notice strange changes from year to year… and I can't blame the last few years on chemo, Als or herceptin since I just started with this crap in October. But…
If I had bad pain that wouldn't go away for several days with meds etc. I would call the doc
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Hi Laura - Sorry you're having such annoying aches and pains. Do you think it's possible that you may have strained a muscle somewhere along that area? That whole shoulder/clavicle/neck region is so connected. I know that when my frozen right shoulder is bad (like when I have an extra heavy day using it at work, or I'm on the computer too long) my neck/scapula/shoulder throb like crazy. And lately, I am getting impinged nerve pains through to my elbow and middle finger. I usually take 2 Aleve (or the generic) and I do get some relief eventually. I hope you feel better soon, if not, I know you are well aware of the 2 week rule that we are all way too aware of!
I was talking to another b.c. sister lately about this occasional "choking" sensation I get. I went through a bad spell of it a few months ago and of course I was convinced my thyroid MUST be enlarged with a tumor (of course!). I would sudddenly feel like something was choking me, not hard, but enough to drive me crazy. In hindsight now, because it has eased up to happening only rarely now, I think it was a combination of seasonal post-nasal drip combined with ANXIETY exacerbating what I was feeling. I know that on a personal basis, I've suffered through a lot of crazy physical symptoms throughout the past 5 years, which I do believe were magnified by my immediate (and understandable) fear that they were cancer-related. It's a place that's extremely hard to avoid, mentally, when it is a very real fear that we live with every day. I know that most of you probably know exactly what I'm talking about - which is why this is a wonderful place. Until you are in this position of having had the Big C, you can't grasp the heaviness of this.
BUT, not to sound all doom and gloom, because I've also learned that it DOES get better. I have gotten to a point where I do deal with these physical issues more rationally, even inwardly (which is the much harder part). My brain still considers "cancer" but at the same time I do factor in "stress." And there is always the reason that is sometimes overlooked - normal wear and tear for a woman my age. I look at my friends, same age-no cancer, and I realize that her complaints of aches and pains, menopausal symptoms, and scary absent-mindedness are the same as mine.
Speaking of absent-mindedness (and yes, I sometimes panic and thing, "omg, brain mets!", but then I calm down and think "I'm such a chemo-meno-airheard!").... Yesterday, I went to work and forgot to finish getting dressed. (!) I normally wear scrubs, and in this weather I wear a thin, long-sleeved shirt underneath for warmth, and because I don't wear bras. The advantage of having implants - they defy the normal 50 year old boob-gravity. Anyway, I get to work yesterday, take off my coat, and realize I never put on my scrub top, only the thin, somewhat see-through long-sleeve shirt! Yikes! Not a good look for a medical professional.
Fortunately, we have plenty of lab coats around the office and I just had to wear one of those, buttoned-up! the whole day. Okay, enough rambling.
A quick question for all of you: What brand of calcium and/or Vit.D3 do you buy and where? I had my Calcium blend (with D3) from GNC and an extra D3 from Whole Foods. They have both run out and I thought I'd check the options out there. I do love the big selection at Whole Foods, but their prices seem high. I checked at Osco and all their Ca supplements are pretty low, but mostly I was turned off by how many of them also contain Soy. I don't avoid soy completely, although I am trying to stick to fermented soy products (i.e. soy sauce). I'd ask on the Natural board, but um... I'd rather ask you guys.
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Rene' I bet Wendy S would know. She is excellent at finding bargains with quality.
Jackie
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I'm taking the Vitamin Shoppe Calcium 1200 with Vitamin D, 240 softgels… but they do have soybean oil. They do state "contains soy." I'm not sure if that's a problem. I never thought to look before. My onc never said anything about food to avoid.
The jury is still all over the place about soy and breast cancer.
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lago - USANA is a great brand. As soon as all my existing vits are gone, I'm switching to them.
Thanks again...I have to admit through the years, my cancer-phobia HAS become less frequent. But the weird/unexplainable aches and pains, DO get the best of me at times. I took 2 Tylenol and have finally gotten some much needed relief. I can't help but think the area of my pain - leads me think - Thyroid or Lymph Nodes? I'll give it another day or two...sigh!
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Lago... I am with you. Exercising does give you energy. I have been working out nearly everyday. Have been racking up the miles on the eliptical, swimming a few laps, and playing tennis a couple times a week. Seems that someone told that I would be surprised how energized I would feel six months after PFC. They were right! I am feeling super energized, back to my old self. Now, I just need to get my new (@)(@) later this month and I feel like I can put this behind me a bit though I am sure that there will never be a time when I can go even a day without it on my mind.
Elf.... you will be on the road to a new adventure soon. We will miss you and your sparkly shoes. Don't forget to check in with us often. I must have missed the news about Donna moving. Arizona? We are considering buying something down there to use for the winter months so maybe I will actually meet you there.
Adey... you are nearing the end of rads! Way to go. Hope that your skin is holding up okay. Lots and lots of lotions and potions. It took a couple weeks after finishing rads before my skin completely healed but was not bad. Laura... strange symptoms and hope you get relief soon. I'd say get to the doctor... it will ease your mind.
I passed all my pre-op testing down at NW yesterday so I am good to go for my exchange surgery on March 30th. Ooooo, so wish it was tomorrow and over with. I am headed to Seattle tomorrow to spend a long weekend with daughter and family. The girls (me, daughter and 7-year old granddaughter) are taking a weekend trip on the Victoria Clipper up to Victoria, BC. Wish the weather report looked more like here, but we will have a blast in spite of the rain.
Well, back to work. Hope everyone is enjoying this milder weather.
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Joan March 30th! I be doing my last fill at 9am right around the corner. My BS is on Chicago/Michigan Ave.(Well maybe not but I'm scheduled for one then. When they referenced Barbie boobs on this site I thought it meant no nipples not big foobs!)
You must be so excited.
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I have a question for you girls. Had my d levels tested and they are as follows d1-35 d2-8 d3- 35. Does anyone know what it should be and do I add these together? Asked on the natural thread, no response..yet. Thank you, salty(Kathy)
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Hi,
Quick update. Had repeat catscan this am to look at two 3 mm nodules that appeared in December's. Protocol was to repeat in 3 months...I fudged it a little and had it done a bit early- we are going away this weekend and I was tired of it being on my mind. My cancer-anxiety has, with the passing of two dear friends this past season, just exploded and I felt I just needed to put this last (I hope!) piece behind me so that I can begin some new pathways.
My onc actually called me two hours after the test. Wow- floored me. The nodules remain unchanged. Still recommends following them. But for today, I will take it for what it is and exhale. I think I might have to inhale as well---- french silk pie. (It's kind of a ritual-- I don't indulge too often, but when I do, I like it to be meaningful...)
Oh- and this---My 8 year old overheard his father and I talking....came to his father, worried.
What's wrong with Mom's nostrils! Can she die from that?
did make me laugh.....-julie
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Julie.... glad that your "nostrils" are stable. I recently had to do a repeat scan and it turned out okay also. Lots of anxiety waiting for results so that was really nice that your ONC called so soon. I think that shows some real sensitivity to your emotions. Enjoy that French Silk Pie! 0
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Lago... yeh, stop by NW and check out my new ( )( ) on the 30th. No nips for me yet, my PS says that will come later and I am thinking it may never come.0
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Joan I will if you can have visitors. Seriously even if I don't have a doctor appointment I can stop by. I'm a 10 minute bus ride away! I can walk it in about 40 minutes too. We can compare hair growth progress.0
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Laura - hope you feel better!
Glad you got good news, Julie! Enjoy the weekend!
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I would say it all over but I don't want to let on that redundancy is my strong point. Julie....do have to say that is a scream. Think how many more laughs we could have had if Julie would have let us borrow her kids. Well second-hand on it is not at all bad.....I'm just trying not to now grin so hard that it interferes with typing. Love you gals.....you make my day.
Hugs,
Jackie
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Look what came with FedEx to the office today!! The boss was feeling very guilty for eating the entire bag of Garrett's popcorn that I had brought back for the girls, NOT for him, so he ordered this and had it sent overnight. I know it was not cheap because I decided against getting the cans when they told me what they started at. I hope all you Illinois women are doing well. 0 -
Hi Everyone -- Just popping in to say hi, I've been reading a lot but not posting much. I'm in the home stretch for chemo... 6 treatments behind me, 2 more to go. I am finding Taxol to be difficult, but with less than a month left to go I'm hanging in there.
Hope this finds everyone doing well. We have had a busy season, everyone but me caught a nasty cold, and the stomach flu. Apparently with the Neulasta shot my WBC is great.... it's my RBC that has the onc worried (and me exhausted).
Hi to everyone... very happy that those of you with loved ones in Japan have heard good news.
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Hi girls...
First - JULIE - I am so happy for you. NOSTRILS...too funny! Kids say the darndest things. Now you can have a great weekend. I'm so glad you got in this week...so quickly...WOW! You and I are in the same LUNG NODULE Club...Arghhhh! But please try to remember...many things show up that AREN'T dangerous. I'll never forget this...my ONC said that if he was to ever have a CT or PET...most likely "something" would inevitably show up..."something" not dangerous.
Marybe - NICE BOSS!
lago & Joan - Best luck with the upcoming surgery!
salty - google the Vitamin D council for info.
LisaMom - Wow...you're almost done! Good for you...hang in there for the home stretch.
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I am STILL not feeling great! The pain in my neck is still bad...the pain in my shoulder is controlled with pain meds. Will give it another couple of days...my impatience is not helping!
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YEA Julie! We LIKE good news!!!! Savor that French Silk Pie! I usually treat myself to Krispy Creme donuts after I leave the onc's office...and I usually eat more than one! :-) Some times you just have to celebrate!
Lisa, you are on the downhill slide! I'm sorry you're having trouble with the Taxol. How is it affecting you? As for your RBC......eat red meat! It's the perfect excuse to have a little steak!
Wow Joan! The 30th will be here before you know it! Exciting!
Kathy....good questions about the vitamin D levels. My onc told me that it needed to be 35 or better, but he only showed me one score, so I don't know if you'd add yours all together or not. If so, you're in good shape.
Tomorrow is supposed to be warmer here so I'm actually starting my walking program again. I did buy the High Fiber oatmeal, Wendy so we'll see how I do on that. I bought the Cinnamon Swirl since I don't really like oatmeal. Hopefully I can get it down better.
Laura, a while back, you asked if I was walking in the Spring Susan G. Komen walk in Peoria. I hope to make it again this year. We haven't received any info on it yet but it's always held on Mother's Day weekend.
Well, I need to crash with a good book tonight. It's been a busy day and I must admit I am tired.
Hugs to all of you great ladies.
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Thanks Laura but no surgery date yet. They are still trying to make me a porn star with all these expansions. I'm hoping May.
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Oh cripe, LAGO...I now realize that a "FILL" is NOT considered a surgery! Thanks for letting me know. But anywho...best wishes with your "fill"... ; ) And...we'll anxiously awaiting your debut on the BIG SCREEN! lol lol lol
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