Illinois ladies facing bc
Comments
-
Madismommy...I didn't go to Living Well....when I found out I was stuck with chemo being her2+, I went home, cried for a few hours, then went online and ordered a wig from wigs.com. Once I got the wig and put it on I knew I would do ok! I never lost all my brows or lashes at the same time so pencil and eyeliner were my best friends! Not shaving was a perk! Oncotyping for u due to a positive node will cone back high and indicate a need for chemo that's why they are telling you not to bother. Due to my her2 status I didn't do it either...I was a high risk and in order to get Herceptin I had to do chemo first.
Yep....LE is scary! Mostly because they just don't know who will get it. I know there was something in the news lately about NOT doing axillary dissection but instead zapping the area with additional radiation...maybe someone here read what I did about that ????0 -
Wigs.com?? You were pretty happy with it? I'm having a really hard time even picking out one I like.... It's all mental I think?
Yeah, that's what I was told...that my positive node is sending me to chemo so there's no need for the Onco test.... I'm terrified of more nodes popping up positive w/ this AND.... The 3 they took at my BMX were tested clean the day of and than a week later I was told "oh well, looks like it was wrong before, here's your new path" I went into surgery being told I had high grade DCIS....would do the BMX and reconstruction and take tamoxifen ..... I definitely approach everything now expecting the worst and hoping for the best, I do better that way. I'd rather be so ecstatic with news than completely crushed again.....0 -
Hi gals and welcome to Illinois Native. You have found a good place to come for info, friendship, and support. It won't take you long to realize that the Illinois ladies on this site are awesome!
Wendy......WELCOME BACK! You will never know how much I've missed you and your posts. I am so glad that the thumb is better. YIPPEE!!!
Joan, you have made a fantastic recovery! It sounds like you're back to doing all those fun things that you do. That's super.
I second your opinions on those ugly boots. The funny thing about it is that they'll probably sell out of them! :-)
Michele...How are you enjoying your pontoon boat? I think about you every time we go out on ours. We don't have any dogs to take along with us....just cats and I don't think they'd appreciate the ride. LOL I hope your enjoying your time on the water. We will get my oldest grandson out on it though when he comes this next week.
Blackjack.....Do you have a cooler of ice sitting by your beach chair so you can keep those drinks cold? It's finally summer and I love it! I went to the library today and came home with several good books to read in my chair on the back deck.
I'm glad to hear that some of your LE symptoms have subsided. We'll keep our fingers crossed that it stays away as the temperatures rise!
Hugs to all of you. I hope you're having a great day!
0 -
Thanks for the welcome, ladies! It's much appreciated.
I live in Elgin but I work in Geneve (doctor's offices attached to Delnor Hospital). I'm currently going through treatment at St. Alexis/Alexian Brothers...and I have an absolute GREAT team. I can't even describe how well they've treated me and the team they put together...breast care coordinator, genetic specialist, social worker, nutritionist, radiation oncologist, breast surgeon, oncologist.
I even have a great wig person in Bloomingdale who has been awesome!!! In fact, I referred her to my childhood friend who was diagnosed (and is having a really tough time...blot clots, infected port, allergy to chemo) and she went to Good Shepherd Hospital and dropped off the wig since she was too sick to pick it up...and her hair was falling out in clumps. What I loved about her (and she's technically a cranial prosthesis provider)...is that she fits you with a style and then color matches the hair to your skin tone. She also walks you through everything including when the hair will fall out, shaving your head ahead of time, telling you to bring friends. Her consultation was very informative - and it was free! And, if you're part of a group insurance plan, they cover the cost of the wig. I never received more compliments on my hair until the wig. What a backhanded compliment...LOL. I almost don't want my real hair to come back. I love getting ready in 20 minutes and walking out the door.
And, Madismommy, don't let them tell you not to do the oncotype dx test. My breast surgeon told me it wasn't necessary because they wanted to do chemo anyway due to the size of my tumor, my age, my grade, etc. but I told him I wanted it anyway and he did it. My insurance paid for it, too. My test ended up confirming my need for chemo (my score was high). But I wanted it for me.
0 -
Morning! 75 on the ole deck, breezy and cloudy....gonna be a hot one today!
Madismommy...wigs.com has great wigs and great prices! Just check the return policy. I have some color samples from 4.5 yrs ago...if you can use them (if they still have these colors) I would be glad to lend them to you. I did love wearing the wigs (yes...wigs! I had shall we say, more than one! Lol). My insurance allowed $250. for a one-time purchase. Losing ur hair is very sucky but you could have a little fun with it as some of us did. Get one wig to look like "normal" so you feel that way. Then...as ur budget will allow...did you always want to be a redhead? Or want to try short, short hair??? Find a new you for when your hair comes back! I had darkish long brown hair and now it has been short, with a short layered back and light brown with many blonde streaks. This is the perfect chance to reinvent yourself!!!!
Illinoisnative...I did my chemo at LaGrange oncology...love Dr Bayer! Truthfully...with a positive node, the oncotyping is considered unnecessary as the positive node is your ticket to chemo. I know studies are being done re this tho! Plus...a lot of ins co still won't pay for the test...crazy as it could save them millions.
Laura...how's the eye? Dreaming of peenk!!!! Lol
BJ...beach chair day?????
Rita/Mich101....boating weekend!!!! Be careful on the water with all the crazy people...
Will try and catch up more this weekend....drink lots of water today!0 -
It's going to be a hot one today! Everyone be careful out there. I'm golfing this afternoon but taking lots of water with me. If it gets too hot, we'll quit and head in for the pool. Everyone have a great day!
0 -
A healthy attitude is contagious but don't wait to catch it from others. Be a carrier.
Tom Stoppard0 -
Love that quote, Jackie!
0 -
GREAT quote, Jacks!!!!!! Thanks!
0 -
Wendy, I guess I should call my insurance and see if I have a hair allowance?? I hope so....all my co-pays are already crazy out of control!!! I definitely think I'm gonna be the multiple personality wig type.... If I can't have fun with it at times than what the crap??? I've heard great things about dr. Bayer, when I had a consult at Lagrange they had me meet with dr. Menini who was very nice, informative,etc.....BUT my family wants me at RUSH downtown. So, im going to have quite the commute.... Hopefully my auxiliary nodes come back clean so I won't need RADS....cuz a 2 hr commute round trip every day does not sound like fun.
0 -
It is soooooooo good to see Wendy again as I missed her. I am glad the thumbs are working again!
The hot is not hot here but delightful breeze.
I am very excited for fourth! One of my favorite holidays (I think they all are ONE OF MY FAVORITE.
Lago, I am glad that this weather is keeping your LE in check. Such a worry!
I too love the quote, Jackie. I need to post that one in big letters so I read it every day.
Stay well and happy!
Susan
0 -
Well... you can get behind on this thread rather quickly. Thanks to everyone so willing to share their experiences. Our new girls are jumping right in too.
Wendy... glad to have you back and will look forward to your weather deck reports again. The sun finally popped out here today and it is going to get HOT now. I got my bike ride in early so can cool it the rest of the day. Our son and his wife flew in late last night from Charlotte, NC. They were looking forward to a little relief from this kind of weather. Think it blew right into town with the.
Laura.... hope the eye is healing up okay. I scratched my cornea once with a simple kleenex. Unfortuantely, I was on a sunny cruise ship and could hardly get my open for at least a few days. Bought some over-priced very dark sunglasses to wear. Rita... I certainly hope that you were able to stay cool on the golf course today. At least these strong breezes maybe helped your ball take flight! I am imagining BJ/Mich lounging in their beach chairs today.
Wigs... I only bought one and it was almost completely covered by insurance. I used it for about 7 months though... too darn hot last summer when I really needed it, but I did appreciate it more in the fall when the weather turned cooler.
Our daughter and family were supposed to fly in today from Seattle, but they have to delay one day because they just got a notice from our grandaughter's elementary school that some children in her class were recently found to have head lice. So they are off to get checked and possibly treated today. I fortunately never had to deal with that with my kids, but seems like it is more prevalent now.
Thanks for the quote today and every day, Jackie. I spent last summer going through chemo and I have really been thinking of everyone having to endure that this summer. What a difference a year makes. I am feeling great again and even have quite a bit of hair on my head. You will get there too. We really need to plan another get-together soon.
0 -
Welcome to the new ladies! I'm in Bartlett, so not too far from some of you. I did my mast. at NCH, and my chemo at my onc's offices in Arl. Hts. and EGV. I did do one of my recon surgeries at Delnor, but then I switched PS docs.
As far as wigs, I got mine from Jerome Krause Fashion Hair in Skokie. I went before my hair fell out and they made a real hair wig that matched my hair exactly. I did get an Rx written from my onc and submitted it with the reciept to my insurance and they paid in full. I was very pleasantly surprised! Prior to that, I had stopped by the American Cancer Society in Palatine because they give out free wigs to cancer patients. They are limited to the supply they have on hand, but they were very nice and we did fine one that was acceptable as a back-up wig for me. Also, I recommend getting a soft little sleep cap. My bald head was always so cold at night, so I wore one pretty much every night. Good luck and welcome to the group!
I want to wish everyone a wonderful holiday weekend! Tomorrow is our 28th anniversary, so between that and the holiday, it's busy, busy! And I have to work a few hours in the morning (bleh!).
0 -
Hey, everyone. I just got a call from my breast care coordinator. My breast surgeon is being interviewed by channel nine news and they asked if I wanted to be interviewed as one of his patients who found my breast cancer on my own. My doctor has also been on Fox news and was interviewed the other day at St. Alexis. I only know this because they had to rearrage my radiaology appt since they needed that rooom. They are suppose to call me with the details. I'm a little camera shy so I'm not sure how it will come out.
On another note, I'm getting red from radiation. It looks sunburned now. I'm on the fast track program of 4 weeks instead of 6. They said I'm right on schedule.
I'm so thrilled it's the weekend (and I get three days off from radiation). Still looks like it's going to rain but it's looked like that all day.
0 -
IllinoisNative.....ah, we will have a celeb in our midst. I'd probably do it...mainly as I'm shy and it would force me to get out of myself for a bit.
Use lots of cream on your rads area. I think if you look burned on the outside.....there is some on the inside too. You need lots of medicated moisture now.
Had a long day....checked in a MinPin today at the Shelter. So sweet and cute though they are a bit hyper. Anyway...didn't eat till 8:30 and I'm sort of done in. I'll see you all in the morning.
Hugs, Jackie
0 -
Morning! Warm and humid this am, was 74 on the deck at 5:30 when I flicked on the sprinkler. Never got that heat yesterday so am hoping you "swell gals" had a good day!
Makmak...how are you doing? I think about you a lot, and how grateful I am for all you went thru with that trial, not just for yourself but for all us Her2's!
Laura...eye doing good?
Lago/Joan...post-surgery days going okay? Don't overdo...Joan, are you listening????
Jackie...you didn't eat until 8:30?? You are smarter than that...please take care of Jackie first!
Mich101/Rita....enjoy that boat this weekend!!! Lucky boat people...
BJ....enjoy the lake! Gonna be a hot one today so hope you do your running early. Wear your sparkle gym shoes!
Susan...enjoy your favorite holiday! Don't forget the next time you are in Geneva to stop at The Little Traveler! And then walk across the street and do some wine tasting at Galena Cellars. If u enjoy a white, try Chardonelle...it's their special blend of chardonnay and a blanc? I think...it's very light and fruity and soooo good!
Well...I have the windows open and I am starting to "dew" so on with the AC! Have a great Saturday!0 -
Hi everybody. Just stopping by to check in. IllinoisNative...Keep us informed as to when you will be on the news. Can't wait to see you!
Wishing everyone a Happy 4th. Remember to thank a Vet or Active service member!
Navy
0 -
Good morning everyone. I'm off and running very shortly here to get my errands done. I actually have to cook this week because Alex, my grandson, arrives tomorrow, so that means a grocery store run is in order, plus some other odds and end errands. I'm going to try to beat the heat. Later this afternoon we're going to Peoria to the Riverboat Casino. We want to check out the river area for a good place to watch the fireworks. We've never been to the Peoria fireworks but they are shooting off 8,000 of them and we thought it might be a special treat to watch.
Everyone enjoy this special weekend, and like Navy says, remember those who are serving our country, or have sacrificed their time in the past to keep America free and safe for all of us!
Have a great day!
Rita
0 -
Happy Saturday and waving to all from the lake. It will be a hot one here. It is already muggy and humid. We had a fire works display last night on the lake that was a amazing and very colorful. Lots of sparkles in the sky. hehe.
Welcome Illinois Native and madismommy to our little group. Sorry you had to join us but glad you found us. You will find that lots of us are at different stages of tx and some of us are far out and living life to the fullest. Ask questions as we are here to help you through this. Illinois native I did my rads at St. Alexis who is your rad onc / bs? For the redness you can ask for the cooling gel pads they have there. I used Alquaphor cream right after I was done w /tx and it helped me.
Wendy...yes I was using my beach chair yesterday and was in heaven. A little warm but lovin it. Going for a boat ride if it doesn't rain.
Zap....Love seeing you again and yes do come up to the lake for treasure hunting. Enjoy the 4th and may you have lots of sparkles this weekend. Enjoy your weekend.
Rene....Happy anniversary to you and many more to come. Busy is good. How did you like the new ps? Any dates yet?
Laura... looking good as always. How is your eye feeling. Remember to rest it.
Rita....enjoy your grand kids this weekend. Are you golfing in this heat. We had golfers last night playing until 8:30 pm. Enjoy the casino and I hope you win. Rose mount casino will be opening up soon and that will be interesting to see how busy it will be. It may take away from the Elgin boat.
Jackie....stay cool from the heat. Really enjoyed the quote this week.
Joan....you look so cute with dh on the Ferris wheel. What is your lake called? I am in Lake Geneva. Do you ever come up here to visit.?
To everyone else I missed I hope you all have a wonderful fun filled weekend. Please remember all the service men and women who have dedicated their lives for us.
God Bless America.......Happy 4th of July to all !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BJ
0 -
If You Were Busy Being Kind
If you were busy being kind,
Before you knew it you would find
You'd soon forget to think 'twas true
That someone was unkind to you.If you were busy being glad
And cheering people who seem sad,
Although your heart might ache a bit,
You'd soon forget to notice it.If you were busy being good,
And doing just the best you could,
You'd not have time to blame some man
Who's doing just the best he can.If you were busy being true
To what you know you ought to do,
You'd be so busy you'd forget
The blunders of the folks you've met.If you were busy being right,
You'd find yourself too busy quite
To criticize your brother long,
Because he's busy being wrong.-R. Foreman
0 -
Morning, girls!
Hope you are all doing well.
Went back to the Opthamalogist...my cornea abrasions are almost completely healed. It's amazing! No more gardening/bush cutting WITHOUT goggles! Whew...I was very fortunate that the scratches were JUST scratches and that the thorns were not lodged in my cornea. Yay!
Today's going to be a scorcher...sleeve and gauntlet for sure...yuck, sticky, sweaty!
Going to my great nieces 2nd b-day party today. They have a pool...thank goodness!
Hugs to all!
btw...I got my wigs @ PaulaYoung.com...loved all 4 of them and they were very inexpensive.
0 -
Laura - someone else told me to check out Paulayoung.com, I think I'm going to put that on my "to do" list this weekend. Glad to hear your eye is already feeling better!!!! :0)
Hi Blackjack - thanks for the welcome! It's great that there's such a diverse group on here with all the different stages and milestones and points in life, refreshing to know that someday (maybe even soon?) cancer will not consume my every thought and move!!!!!! I LOVE Lake Geneva! Such a great town for a weekend trip up there.... So much fun!
Rita- holy cow, 8,000 fireworks? My daughter would be in heaven! you're in Bloomington? My step son leaves for ISU in august....first time away from home!!
Illinoisnative- please let us know if you're gonna be on TV!!! A celebrity walks among us!
Rene- Happy Anniversary!!!!!! enjoy your day, 28 years is awesome! Here's to many many more!
Happy 4th weekend everyone, enjoy!!!!! I'm going to hide indoors as much as possible...me and excessive heat don't get along!0 -
Dear Ladies,
I have just become a resident of Illinois. My breast cancer was discovered last July. Had a course of chemo, then right mastectomy, then more chemo and then radiation. Stage III, not estrogen receptive. I"ve finished all my treatments and will get my port out this month.
I got married 2 weeks ago! to a wonderful man from Marion. I need some advice, please! I need a doctor for follow-up in the Marion area. Do you have any suggestions? You can email them to me at deebieg@yahoo.com or post them here.
Thank you in advance and I look forward to getting to know you all.
Debbie G.
0 -
Thanks guys, I'll keep you informed. I think they want people who discovered their lump through self-exam. I didn't so I may call them back and tell them that just in case. I discovered my in the shower because it was HUGE. I'm under forty so it didn't occur to me to do a self-exam. I didn't even qualify for a mammogram. Maybe that's why they want me for the interview...because the exam should begin before you're forty.
Blackjack - my breast surgeon is Dr. Maganini. He's the absolute BEST. I love him. He gave me his cell number and told me to call him anytime. My oncologist is Dr.Sowray. My radiation oncologist is Dr. Boyer (he's the doctor that Dr. Maganini used to treat his brother who had stage four brain cancer). It really is a good team. It's been a pleasure dealing with all of them. They've made this ordeal relatively effortless for me.
taxitreesdeb - I wish I could help. I'm not familiar with that area. Welcome!
IllinoisLady - love the poem!
0 -
Welcome Taxi---And Congratulations on your marriage! I am not in your area but someone will be along soon to help you. These ladies are all wonderful.
I see that you are a TN (me too) There are a couple of good TN threads here at BCO. One is "Calling all Triple Negatives" Just another place to get help and support.
Navy
0 -
Hi there.. and happy 4th to everyone.. Welcome to all the new ladies.. Wow.. quite a few joining in this week..
Sorry to report.. still struggling with headaches..more like pressure in two spots of the head.. very scared..MRI next week.. as much as I don't want to know.. I need to know and take care of it.. Been reading about it on the boards here and worst case scenario I may still be OK for a while.. at this point, all I want is to be able to take care of Gabs.. My parents are out for next few weeks, so my daughter will be going with to the MRI and then Herceptin.. poor girl.. not what she should be doing as a teenager..
Otherwise, things are OK around here.. got "The Paris Wife" on my Kindle based on recommendations from someone here.. and I am very much enjoying it.. Makes my stepper workout go much much faster!! Not doing much this weekend.. maybe going to go to a bbq on Monday if weather permits..
0 -
Marina:
Send me a PM and tell me what day the mri is. If it is Thursday or Friday, I can drive you. If it is Tuesday, I can do it after noon and if it is Wednesday I can do it am. I have my class at 12:45.
I am not sure which daughter you are referring to. If it is the older daughter, you may be more comfortable with her. If is it Gabe, I can babysit during the same times.
Susan
0 -
Oh, stopping back in to welcome all the new people. I tend to get it all confused but then after a few posts, I get to know you individually so be patient. I could never get onward and adey straight but now that I have met them I know them as individuals.
Also, TOTALLY off topic. Rita, what are "jokers" on out favorite game. I have no clue and they are not explained. That youngster, Connie, is a pro!
0 -
HI Illinois native... I had Dr Boyer as my rad onc. Glad you are doing well with the accelerated rads. Soon you will be all done and then living your life. Glad to hear that you have a great team to help you. It does make your journey a little easier. Enjoy your weekend and welcome to our chatty little group.
Off to the lake now......Wendy my beach chair and umbrella are waiting for you as well as a pitcher of cosmo's....the antioxidant one's. lol
0
