Illinois ladies facing bc
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IL cancer patient. Live in Grant Park, IL. Triple Positive. 4 out of 6 chemos down, then lumpectomy, then radiation, then continuation of Herceptin, followed by Taxotere. Or at least that's how it's been stated to me in September 2011. Praying it will all work out. Just got into our new modular home and would like to enjoy it!
Moved in 9/3/11, got diagnosis 9/9/11. UGH Yep, my luck. But this year, I'm hoping and praying my luck is going to change. :-)
Anyone else out there that would like to chat, I'm ALWAYS here and I also would enjoy hearing from others too. Settles the mind, that's for sure.
Happy New Year to all of my fellow sisters out there. xoxo to you all.
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Welcome to our little corner of BC. Org. Happy to see another Illinoisan, but wish it didn't have to be this way. Most of us here have been hanging around these parts ( Rita's thread ) since 2007. The majority have Diagnosis lines.
We keep in touch here and if you will go back a few pages you will see pictures from the annual Illinois Girls Christmas party....these gals love to get together, and usually do so about once a month. We answer questions, commiserate with those going through txs. and try to help when we can. We laugh, chat, and sometimes cry together through this journey that is like no other. So again, sorry you have to be here, but glad you found us. Our motto is Illinois Girls Are Tough and we are......
See you again soon.
Hugs, Jackie
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Welcome Jeanne. And Happy New Year to all you. No resolutions here except to try to shed some pounds.... So what else is new? Was trying to catch up on my reading here. Wendy... Was that you that started the bed-making poll? LOL. DH and I have had an agreement for many years.... Last one out of bed has to make the bed. That used to be a good deal for me, but now that usually means ME.
We are still in Arizona but counting down to our last days. Our kids have come and gone. We had so much fun. Some friends showed up today and will be here for a couple days. Then we will start driving home later this weekend. Boooo! Or should I say brrrrrr?
Zap, good story. Can you just imagine the tension at that table?
Wishing and praying that everyone will have a super 2012!0 -
Jeanne, welcome. I need to find out where grant Park is.
Joan, have a nice ride home. When my dad died, DH and I had to bring his car to Illinois to sell. I remember that ride home so well and enjoyed it. We went through New Mexico and I fell in love with that state. We also went through Kansas and I finally understood the concept of FLAT. I love road trips.
Lago, we left before the control freak did and I suspect you are right.....he was paying for this meal. ZooLites was SO COLD! I stayed in the cat house and then the ape house most of the time just to stay warm....and to enjoy these absolutely beautiful creatures.
Wendyty, I am thinking of you and hoping that you are comfortable and feeling well.
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Late today everyone.....had to be at work by 6 a.m. I'm just now sitting down after doing my running around and getting to this.
We got winter with a blast yesterday......and not too thrilling today either. At least we didn't have snow, and today had a lot of sun. I think it will warm back up for a short while. I'm not complaining mind you.....but only a few random snow flakes so far this yr. that you really had to look hard to see. It's off putting but sure wish I could enjoy it. I'm just nervous about when it will come and how bad it might be.
I hope you all had a really super day.......Joan, enjoy the trip home.
Susan.......several times I toyed seriously with the idea of relocating from California to somewhere in New Mexico -- thinking Santa Fe at the time. Obviously -- it didn't happen, and guess I'm glad.
I'll see you all in the morning then. Have a great night. I'll be doing a lot of sleeping later. I'm bushed.
Hugs, Jackie
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Jeanne-Welcome-sorry you have to be here, but this is a special group of great women who will support you, lift your spirits and make you feel like a million bucks.
So cold today, but finally had the ok to drive and wanted to go to a "Mindfulness" class at the Wellness House in Hinsdale. So glad I did, it was great to be a mobile unit again.
Sending warm hugs to all-temps should be going up again soon!
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Welcome Jeanne. Where is Grant Park?
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Welcome Jeanne....sorry to meet you under these terms but very glad you found us!!!

Ok...I'm 3 weeks PFC and my dang taste buds and tongue are acting up again, what gives??? I thought I was in the clear with this side effect and here it comes again.... Anyone???
Spunky....that's great you were able to be mobile again!!! I felt so much more "myself" once I could start doing some normal things again....like driving and running errands alone. Be sure to still take it easy though..... we wear out very quickly after such major surgery!!! Hugs to you!!!0 -
Hi All,
Wishing the best for everyone for 2012.
I know where Grant Park is, we had an attorney at work from there, and I went to her dad's wake there quite a few years ago. I am guessing about 45 minutes to an hour south of me.
Lisa
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I forgot to say Hi to Jeanne. (((waves))) Another triple positive. You are not a "future survivor." You are currently a survivor. As others say the beginning is the worst. It really does eventually get better. You come out of this and realize you're still you. BTW I think you mean Tamoxifen. Taxotere is chemo. I know hard to keep them straight. Us triple P's get everything thrown at us.
Madmom it can take a bit for these SE to go away. You'll start to feel better around week 5. Somethings take a bit longer. Jan 18th will be 1 year PFC. This cold weather had my heel a bit numb (nueropathy). My feet get sore at times too… and lets not discuss my nails. But the important thing is I feel good. You will too.
robo I've been bad this week. Haven't been out power walking since Saturday. At least I do get some walking in to and from the Fullerton train stop. I'll be out tomorrow though. Good luck with Tamox. I know I was scared to take Anastrozole and so far very minimal SE.
Zap I never did make it to Zoo lights this year. When it gets cold by the lake it's brutal because of that wind.
ADEY!!! I know your lurking

Waving to everyone else
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Hi Jeanne! Welcome to this wonderful group! Sorry you have to go through BC too.
Spunky - good for you getting out! That makes things feel a little more normal.
Robo and Mad - we are waiting for the first signs of sprouting! Good for you walking Robo! I am on a no exercise plan as my PS said no more exercise until he sees me again on Thursday (to check my areola graft healing). I am going nuts....just joined a new gym closer to my house and I can't go workout!!!
Zap - Zoolights sounds fun. Maybe next year I will take my DS!
Hi to all! Hope you are all staying warm this week! At least the sun was bright today:)
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One person caring about another represents life's greatest value.
Jim Rohn0 -
Good morning.....I had two quotes and finally made up my mind....so there is now a space to let you wonder what was going on.
Jenn....hope you get your 'permanent' taste back soon. The odd thing is.....once your attention is off of it.....it seems to just move away for good, but there's the rub. How can you not put attention on something that is standing right in front of you.
Sort of the same idea with the hair I think. Guess we get reminded so much that so many things are not on our time so we have to develop some patience......that is another big challenge when you are waiting for it. I think of that little quote that is so big...."Give me patience Lord, but hurry".
Maria -- thinking of you too with the no exercise --- we get to GROW through a lot of challenges here.
I hope you all have a really fantastic day and I'll be back later. See you then.
Hugs, Jackie
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Morning all, hope everyone has a happy hump day.
Question for you ladies, where are your favorite, within 8 hrs driving, summer vacation spots? We are trying to stay local this year for our summer vacation but want to spend 5-7 days somewhere.
Needs: family vacation friendly.
Wants: would like a kids club or some optional kids camp. Would like a family resort, upgraded camping (no tents) or family hotel.
Don't need: golf or water parks.
I was thinking of Mackinac island, but its a bit pricey, and thinking a week might be too long. We go to Lake Geneva all of the time, so this is out. Considering Door County or Traverse City, but don't know anything really about either of these places. Dells is really not calling my name.
I usually have our summer vacation booked by now, and am feeling anxious that I don't have anything in the works.
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Coriine: Traverse City is a great place. The beach is nice. The dunes are fun for the kids. There are tons of hotels and restaurants. Really any of the towns along Lake MI are great....Holland, Grand Haven, etc.... You may also be able to rent a house which is super kid friendly. We did that in Empire MI a few years ago with some friends and their kids. It was a lot of fun.
It is a beautiful but SUNNY day! I hope you all enjoy it!
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What a find this group is! Have been looking for more Stage IV women in my area (McHenry County). Went to one support group that was almost exclusively Stage I and II women, and I scared the crap out of them. I go to Northwestern in Chicago for treatment and live in Woodstock. Anyone else out there interested in connecting?
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Well, wouldn't you just know it? I developed an infection in my radiated breast while here in Arizona. Emailed photos to my PS at NW and he wants to see me ASAP and prescribed an antibiotic in the meantime.
We are thinking of keeping our planned departure here for this Saturday as has been the plan unless this infection does not get better on the antibiotic soon. Not the way I wanted to end my vacation, but whatever. I guess I am just feeling like a ticking time bomb.Welcome amosmom. I am close by to you, but not Stage IV. But I am always available to get together for support.
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Corinne, I agree - love Traverse City, Grand Haven, Saugatuck,etc. Also check out Put-In-Bay, Ohio! Very very fun place.
Welcome amosmom. I agree with you, this group is a fabulous find!
Joan888 - Bummer about the infection. I pray that the antibiotic works very very quickly so you don't have to cut your vacation short.
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Welcome Amosmom. I am stage 1, but you won't frighten me.
I am also out of Northwestern and Evanston NorthShore (plastic surgeon and breast surgeon are out of NWMH, onc is out of Evanston).I will be at NWMH at the end of Jan, but haven't scheduled an appointment yet. When is your next appointment. I would love to meet you at Argo Tea if you are up for it.
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Corinne who is your PS at Northwestern? I am going there for some additional work on recon and would like your feedback on who you are working with and if you like them.
Joan I hope they get on top of the infection. It can be so frustrating all these things!
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Just picked up my prescription for Levoquin. Hope it does the trick. I have appt with my PS on Jan 16 at NW unless this infection does not respond well, I guess we will leave for home sooner rather than later. Have another appt on Jan 19 with my BS at NW. Anybody want to get together around either of those dates downtown, I am always up for lunch or dinner.
Sounds like the weather back at home has not been so bad yet this winter. Hope it stays that way when I get back.
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HI there.. and Hi amosmom.. I'm the stage IV rep on this board.. feel free to PM me.. These girls are great.. Hopefully I haven't frightened them here.. they are very supportive!!
Marina
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Joan, I am so sorry about the infection. It gets discouraging and I would not blame you if you are feeling angry right now! I am hoping the meds kick in right away.
Well, dd is back on the monitor as the babies heart is up there again. She is now with a high risk ob. I was so devastated yesterday but now I feel I must just be optimistic so I can help the family rather than get into a slump. I tend to think the worse...always have...and that is of no help to no one, including myself. Jackie, I half think that all your quotes are beginning to become a part of me as I am deliberately choosing to change the way I tend to think about life matters. Just be strong!
Corinne, we go to Waupaca, Wisconsin (about 3 hours away) on the Chain of Lakes. This would be rental cottages/homes....no camp that I know of...and I do not think there is a hotel on the lake. The rentals range greatly in price. It is like an old-fashioned summer hang out for families.
Welcome Amosmom. This is a great group and except for my personal concern for my pregnant daughter, we don't scare easily. Stay connected!
Susan
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Evening all...loving this weather!
Amosmom....welcome to our little corner. Nothing scares me...not anymore!!!! We would love to have you hang with us! We're a fun group! Strange but always fun! And always here!
Joan....I am so sorry about the infection but I have to tell you...I laughed out loud!!! Did u ever think that there would be a time in your life when you would be emailing pictures of your boobs? Or maybe this is normal for you? Ok....I'm laughing again! Hope the meds kick in immediately!
As for the gals waiting for hair...do you see any white down/fuzz? That comes first then falls out. Then.......HAIR!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's coming.......
Hope you all have a great night!0 -
We go to Door County every summer, and stay at the Alpine. It is a "throwback" vacation. The lodge is very family friendly, has activities that are straight out of Dirty Dancing... Sunday is the concert, Monday night is the dance, Tuesday is the hayride, followed by the marshmallow roast, Wednesday is movie night, Thursday is game night, etc.....
Last year we went bike riding, hiking, did a zip line, took a ghost tour, and went to the drive in! We love it up there, it is very beautiful, and very low key. We spend HOURS on the back porch of the house we rent, just looking at the water......
It is about a five hour drive. It also gets cold at night.... which is refreshing in July.....
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Amosmom-welcome, lots of support here.
Corrine-I've only been to Traverse City in winter, but it looked like a fun summer vaca spot. As a Cheesehead, however, I have to give the nod to Kohler/Door County or the Spring Green area. House on the Rock Inn near Spring Green has a fun pool for the kids complete with submarine.
Zap-good thoughts and prayers for you and your daughter.
Joan-hope the antibiotic kicks that infection's butt and you can enjoy your AZ time.
Lastly, if there's a NW get together let me know. My appts are at Loyola, but I have a train pass and I'm not afraid to use it....

Hugs to all!!!!!!!!!!
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I am at NW too. In fact I am headed there tomorrow to see my PS for follow up from my areola grafts and nipples. I go to Dr. Fine. I like him a lot. I only used him for this surgery as we moved here after I had most of my reconstruction. He was highly recommended by my PS at University of Michigan. I think I am headed back to NW on Jan 30th (I have to check) to meet with my Med Onc. Maybe I can meet up for lunch with some of you downtown gals.
Amosmom: Glad you found this group of wonderful ladies. I just joined in a few months ago when I moved here and they are great!! I am stage 1 but head to NW too.
Joan - don't you just love sending photos of you boobs to your doctor? I did that last week and had to send them to my PS. I never thought I would be emailing photos of my boobs to anyone. BC makes you do some strange things. I hope you get better soon. Keep us posted.
Zap - prayers to your family. It is good that she is being seen by a high risk OB....they will hopefully be on top of everything and be able to offer more comprehensive care. Keep us updated.
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Zap - prayers for you and your family. Waupaca, WI brings back many many summer memories for me!
I'm loving these new vacation ideas!0
