Illinois ladies facing bc
Comments
-
Ginny - I'm sorry you didn't get them out! I totally understand...but try to hang in there. Have you tried reading a good book or do you like to do craft projects? Hang in there...
Nandy - That's great news! You dodged the bullet...
Connie - Wow...what a thoughtful gesture! That is sooooooo nice. I have a suggestion...how about a spa weekend! There's a great one in CA - called the Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa, but it you don't want to go that far, I'm sure there's plenty to choose from. I think there's a really nice one in Galena, IL. too. Keep us posted...how exciting!
Wendy - I'll call JanClare later today and figure out what we have time for on Tuesday. Algonquin's not that far...hey isn't Lulu's there? I'll let you know what the plan is.
0 -
Ginny, sorry to hear that you didn't get the drains out. But it doesn't pay to rush these things. I had one tube that was still draining quite a bit after 2 weeks and my surgeon went ahead and removed it (afraid of infection, he said)- well, that's the area that has lymphedema issues- still swells and is puffy. I wish he had waited a few more days!
Blackjack- Like Wendy, I also saw my rad oncologist after 3 months and now am scheduled for 6 months after treatment. (I think I go next week- or the week after) AND my rad onc was very clear that breathing problems was one of the things he wants to know about right away. Also, my medical oncologist asks the same thing. So, yes, I would suggest you call his office and ask them to get you in earlier to see the pulm md! You don't have to accept what the scheduler told you on the phone- there are always appointments that are available sooner! Make a stink with your regular doc or any of your oncologists!
Wendy- oops! You are right, I was referring to your post. Got a little confused on the names- but at least the last letter was right! LOL. Anyway, I'm very flexible on Tuesday, so I can go to Algonquin as long as Laura is okay with it!
Connie- Aw, what a sweet gift! Enjoy your cookies- and, I'm with Laura,- look into a spa. There is Heartland Spa in Gilman- http://www.heartlandspa.com/
Oops, going out with the hubby to meet his cousins for dinner. *Sigh*- I like the cousins, but I've already over eaten for the day and I'm not sure the place we are going will have any healthy options.
Have a great Friday, everyone!
0 -
Hi All,
Just got home from work....a bit exhausted but not as bad as I thought. Going out to dinner because I'm too lazy on my work days. You gals brightened my day---even if we didn't have much sun. I will hang in there because I really don't know the meaning of can't or quit too much.
Nandy....that was close wasn't it, but hooray it all came out ok. I can see what lies in the future....lots of apprehension every time it's time to go get a test. That's reasonable as it seems most of all of us were fairly healthy until this dreaded stuff we got showed up.
So sorry your drains are going to be with you for a bit but the minute I read what Jan Clare wrote......it sounded so right.
Also Blackjack.......making an end run around the office staff to see a Dr. about your ashma/chest problems. I think some of those front office staff people get a little too efficient and don't care what your problem is as long as you don't make it theirs.
Hang in there.
Everyone..........have a stunning week-end and I'm hoping and praying for lots of sun for all of us.
Jackie
0 -
Ginny, I told my self the drains were doing a very wonderful job, helping me NOT get lymphedema, if you could just think of it that way!
Wendy: How was lasagna, I'm Always wanting to try new lasagna recipes.?
Nandy: How do they know the fibroid is "okay". Did they do a Ca 125 and what else? Thank heavens, but I'm curious how they know it's okay. I am an ovarian cancer worrier!
After surgery: Oncologist said I healed really well, I went to gyne that did the surgery today but they had not asked me which office, the office was dark...never occurred to me that they'd make apptmt at the wrong (for me) office! The oncologist went from arimidex to femara back to arimidex prescription because there was a study from TX last month that made arimidex sound just a touch better. He says the 3 are still very interchangeable, just dif. companies...you mostly go with what side effects you can't tolerate. The first night I took it at 2 pm and by 9 pm had headaches. 2nd night okay so far...he mentioned calcium, vitamin D and estroven was okay with him for night sweats. I'm having whatever sweats ever since April first chemo..so that's nothing new. No, I haven't devised the pulley yet, I have ideas, but I never seem to get them done..like I would love for a cat litter box over my toilet in the basement! I got one of those 99 dollar things but they wouldnt use it...luckily, they were out in their playhouse for 3 weeks and I put oil dry out in their porch cause of all the mud they drag in through the tunnel (coyotes)...(Please pray for my Tabitha, she is missing)...and NOW they GO out there! I feel that is the most wonderful Christmas gift I could have gotten next to our caregiver having his wife come for 6 weeks and giving me a break!!
Oh my ca 2729 was 28, down from april pre chemo 38, on scale of 38.
I have not had my CA 125 done for a long time.
Take care all and keep up the good work. "Dont worry what you can do nothing about" as my uncle always said (who is now 87).
hugs, kater
0 -
when TO TAKE ARIMIDEX DURING THE DAY?
Does anyone know what time of the day is best? In the samples I had no indication WHEN to take it.
Also, if anyone has to pay for their tamoxifen, I have a few left over. The drs. office said they cant give it to anyone. PM ME!
0 -
tuesday?
a Lu LUs stop sounds fun!
0 -
Hey there! I lost my link to this site and had to rely on my memory (which is non-existant) to find it again. Needless to say, that took a bit of time.
I start radiation next week (probably Wednesday). I got all the markings this past Wednesday (the little disks they put on are falling off - EEKS!). I have been off work since the first week following my first chemotherapy. I work part-time and am not paid when I am off work, so I don't feel guilty for taking this time off. I'm still extremely fatigued and I'm not really looking forward to returning to work.
Rita, I would love to meet you! In fact, when I go to the cancer center I scan the room to see if you might be there (and I recognize you of course). Have you worked with Jolene? She wants me to go to the support group (meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month) - she is trying to build up the numbers. Have you considered attending? Maybe we can meet for lunch sometime. Do any other forum members live in or near Bloomington?
Take care all,
Jan
0 -
Hello Jan,
I am from Illlinois too, but currently in NC. Happy to see Illinois represented out here. :-)
I'm doing my radiation treatments now. I had my 23rd (of 31) treatment today. Here they put tatoos (a dye) in you so they can find their markings during each treatment. Each time I go they put whatever color markers in their pockets on those same spots. Heck, I have so many moles, it takes them a while to figure out what is what as the time moves on. Ha. I'm not familiar with those disks.
All the best to you.
0 -
Morning! Notice I didn't say good...where's the sun? I need some sun!
Kater....if JanClare and Laura can do Algonquin on Tuesday, can you come? Kats? Can you come to Algonquin? You would be able to make it back to Streamwood to p/u at school in time. LuLu's is in Algonquin, but I don't know where exactly.
Which reminds me.....I have a hat with the separate bottom hair thingy in a dark blonde shade which I never wore. Also, I have a VERY cute wig in a cute shorter,layered style in what was supposed to be a medium brown with blonde highlights...ha! Try blonde with blonder highlights! I couldn't return it (didn't read the return policy from Headcovers.com)...still has the tags on in. Kater....interested? The time I met you at the onc's office you were a blonde.
Ginny...sorry about the drains but everthing I have read about LE after the fact, they could have kept my drain in for a month if it would have helped protect me. But...for me...so far, so good. Soon tho, honey...drains will be gone.
Connie....you are moving right along! And you have a wonderful, thoughtful family. You are so lucky (and so are they to have you).
Madsopmom....radiation will go fast. Trust us...I can't believe it was mid-July that I finished. For me, I was extremely lucky both with chemo and rads...no SE's to speak of, except the hair loss. And I do know how lucky I was...if you get tired, rest! Who the heck cares! True...you don't get paid if you don't work...but you can't work effectively if you are asleep at your desk, with your head in the top drawer either!
Hi Lee...I had the tatoos too but they eventually absorbed into my skin. If that happens they use a sharpie marker and stick a clear, very sticky big dot over it so they don't wash off in the shower. There was one lady who actually brought her own markers so the color would coordinate with her outfit (her tatoos kept disappearing so they gave up)...and she was 80 years old! She was a hoot.
Kater...I will e-mail you the recipe for the turkey lasagna...it was so good.
Well...everybody else...hope you are all doing well. I'm off to ahem, "highlight" my hair...as of course, I am much too young to have any gray hair (lol).
Have some fun today with those you hold dear, OK?
0 -
Good Morning,
Looks like we will get up to 50 degrees today and some muted sun is peeking through....hopefully that will get better. Great that you found this site again Jan. I put it in my favorites right away so I can always gets back to it....if you put it in from one of these pages then that is what you will see in your list...Illinois ladies facing bc.
Lee, where did you live in Illinois? I envy you doing your radiation, but then I envy anyone doing it !!!! I'm anxious to have that part all done so I can start on my 5 yr. pill........and then work on the total remission/total cure part. I expect to be CURED and that's all their is to it.
I am going on the 24th. to a cancer group ( first time ) at our local hospital here. Was trying to find out what I could and the gal at the bank ( teller ) just handed me a slip with the date and time on it. How did she know????? She has cancer too and goes there. Hope I learn some more useful things.
Julie, I hope you are doing ok. We are all a little worried. Hope you will let us know you are all right.
Well, off to make breakfast and take pills, or vice versa.
Happy, Happy Sunshine---please stay.
Jackie
0 -
Hi Lee - Hi Jan!
Girls -
LuLu's is a wig place in Algonquin. That's where I went to try on wigs before chemo. So Wendy you would need to pick a place. I'm going to e-mail JanClare now. I'll let you all know.
Have a great Saturday!
0 -
JanClare is available on Tuesday also...Algonquin will work! So...what time is good? And where?
0 -
Hi Laura, Can I meet you and the other ladies for lunch Tuesday too? Please pm me if you would like to meet me. I have friends who live in Algonquin so I know the area. Great shopping out there.
Blackjack
0 -
Unless something else comes up I'm hoping to be caught up enough to go Tuesday, keep us posted! Algonquin sounds great. LULUs is on the main drag somewhere, in the middle of a lot of storefronts.
notes from my oncology apptmt:
Hormone therapy, arimidex, Atex study, JUST CAME OUT LAST MONTH.
(DOES ANYONE KNOW HOW TO FIND THAT STUDY?)
arimidex has the newest data, longest published follow up (he did mention femara would have one soon? so he might change his mind again!)..
Hot flashes, insomnia, dry skin, ...and osteoporosis is the biggest problem
He gave me a femara cd the company collaborated and made with him, i have not looked at it, he said it talks about anti estrogen effects, osetoporosis risks and things to do about menopausal symptoms.
Take calcium 1500 mgs a day, but through the diet is best.
Tums, cirtical, coral calcium, take what's easiest on the stomach.
Can cause gas and sometimes diahrea,
Take 1000 units of Vitamin D per day, he recommends this amount..
government set 400 units for children..but for BC patients units should be higher.
These pills make natural menopause worse.
WATCH FOR CATARACTS, have yearly eye exam.
hair loses shine
bones achy, skin dry, cant take estrogens.
Research is mixed, Asian diets show better statistics against BC....
he thinks soy is a non issue.
1 in 5 women feel better with them, the herbal stuff,
so you can try it, you might be the 1 in 5...to feel better:
Estroven, lat? cohash, red clover.
Insomnia is common, tylenol pm is "very effective" or warm milk at bedtime.
Tamoxifen can cause liver problems and secondary cancer...so arimidex is safer. (I have a friend on it 5 years and she is ok)
Femara is the next largest database. Arimidex is better for the heart (contrary to what I thought I read).
In Sept. there was a study that showed Femara did not show a clinically significant difference in heart matters.
Femara is stronger (what does that mean?)
osteoporosis, bone density, you should have a bone density test every 2 years.
Take vitamin D and calcium.
"be well, make my life better" 8-)
0 -
For the kitten that was urinating in wrong places, here is the sams club product, My uncle's caregiver loves it for bed pads, too...nothing else, ammonia nor vinegar nor santizing hot water wash got smell out until we used this. It has to have enzymes to kill smell.
dont ask me though, i cannot smell! born that way.
OdoBan® Commercial BioOdor Control - 1 Gallon #922469 Odor Digester - Controls malodors such as organic waste, decaying food, garbage, animal waste, etc. 
Delivery: $6.54 Quantity0 -
kater - Speaking of osteoporosis...Last week I had my second annual dexa bone density scan...it showed a 7% bone loss increase in my hips and an 8% bone loss increase in my spine...not good! The first one showed borderline Osteop. But, I'm embarrassed to admit that I have not been very diligent with taking my calcium supplements. But now I will be! Shame on me!
Another VERY effective urine odor killer is URINE OFF...sold at most flooring stores.
0 -
Just jumping up here again. Kater, you do so much research and I need to check the dosage amt. on the bottles, but my V.A. Dr. prescribed my calcium and vitamin D together. He said each makes the other work better and that often doctors will only prescribe calcium......especially after menopause, but won't always make sure that you know to take the Vit.D along with it. ------ so I was not taking any before he did this.
Coral calcium does have some Vit.D in it but probably not enough.
Glad to hear about the Tamoxifen.....I thought I heard it mentioned as "something in my future treatment" which I plan on trying to find out about this next tx time.
Anyway, I'll be checking back later I imagine.
p.s. heard anything of Tabitha yet....I'm still praying.
Jackie
0 -
Gosh I'm so sorry, two days and Tabitha appeared THIS MORNING, thanks for your prayers!!! I cannot figure it out. With Chemo brain, I thought she got out dog door....but...I really thought i had counted all the cats (yes i have to count like "HOME ALONE" lady should have)....this morning she appeared in the basement! So I am going to check the play house for holes...as it is,...I have her upstairs with me with dog doors closed...and I wormed all the basement cats today, that was something I had been putting off for months!
IT could be she was hiding, but I just cant figure it out....she has been known to sneak outside...she is crafty. Her mother was a wild cat that I finally got fixed, and she escaped a WIRE cage and got out the dog door. Very very stubborn and ornery...I feel badly but could do nothing.
kater
0 -
wOW, IT Was right on arimidex page.
Laura, I'm like you, really bad about taking calcium, i was afraid of pain of kidney stones!
Clinical trial results can be confusing. Watch Dr. Lewis Rose, a medical oncologist, explain the results of the ATAC trial, then talk to your doctor about your risk of recurrence.While discussing the results of the ATAC trial in this video, Dr. Rose refers to patients who started and stayed on ARIMIDEX or tamoxifen. Although you should know that it is very important to stay on your treatment as prescribed by your doctor, the results presented include ALL patients entered in the trial.
0 -
hi all:
Thanks for all that information. Good heavens, so much to remember. I am great for buying the supplements, I just forget all the time to take them. That Tylenol PM is kinda risky. It makes me feel hung over in the morning if I need to get up early for work. Then again, I guess inomnia makes you feel awful too. I would just not take it on a regular basis as couldn't it mess up other body parts? What do I know?
Have fun in Algonquin ladies. I am excited for you.
Also a belated thank you for all the cat information. My cat, I am proud to say, has new and improved hygiene and is not goofing up anymore. I am more conscientious about the litter box and have added another to the top floor so she has it very available. Also moved it away from her food area. I also sprayed my cologne all over the "goof up" place so she will have a guilt trip if she dares to you know what.
Hope all are well.
Susan
0 -
Hi..just a quickie....Tuesday it is! I thought we were going to the Biaggio's in Algonquin Commons as that is where JanClare and Laura were going to go in Deer Park. There is also a Red Star Tavern (the BEST burgers) and a Houlihan's and Cheeseburger in Paradise....few others too. I don't care where we eat, just so we can get together. Any and all are welcome! If you can find Algonquin Commons on Randall Road (W side), you will find all these restaurants. Mall is huge, but outdoors so chilly for shopping. Let me know where and when...and I will be there! I doubt seriously that reservations anywhere would be necessary for lunch during the week.
0 -
DH was just laughing and he is so right! If we parked in this one section of the mall, we could actually stand there arguing about where to eat as all the restaurants are in one place. Most places open at 11, and if they don't we could stand in the lot and flip coins until 11:30 to choose a place! Does that work for everyone?
0 -
How about Biaggios at 11:30?
0 -
Sounds good to me, but do you have an address, and what is around it?
country bumpkin
0 -
Wow, I wasn't able to get to the computer for over two days and had two pages of posts to catch up on! Now I won't remember what everyone said! I'll try. I can't claim chemo brain after 13 years, but I'm almost 60 so senior moments are coming more and more frequently!
My appointment with the radiation doctor went fine. I just pretended he was friendly and he actually seemed more that way. (I see him once a year and have all 13 years, to add to the discussion on that topic.) He seemed to think I'm doing fine so that was a relief. I used the opportunity of being in a "city" to hit Target and ShopKo. (I live in a town of 400 so am deprived of shopping options!)
Rita - hope the Kentucky trip is going well. Enjoying the grandsons, I'm sure.
Susan - I'm glad you and your daughter are both well.
Nandy - happy to hear you came out o.k. too.
Connie - sounds like you have a wonderful, supportive family!
All of you that are lunching next week, have a great time!
The kids are all coming over for a son-in-law's birthday dinner so I'd better get off the computer!
Mary Jane
0 -
Hello everone
Just checking in. I am really having trouble keeping up on the posts. I start reading the posts and by the time I get to the end, I have forgotten what I wanted to reply to. My memory is really bad. Oh well! I'll just keep using the post it notes around the house!!!
I really, really wish I could join you for lunch on Tuesday, but I have to work. Can we do it again on a weekend? I'd love to meet those that I have not met yet.
Susan-Glad your cat issues are resolved.
Kater-Glad you found your missing cat-how many do you have?
Michele
0 -
Morning! Biaggios at 11:30 Tuesday is perfect! I am so looking forward to meeting you guys! I will PM Blackjack and Kats...anybody else free?
Kater....Biaggios is in the Algonquin Commons Mall on Randall Road, N of 90. I will see if I can get you the exact address and e-mail it to you but you really can't miss the mall...it is HUGE. Biaggios fronts really kinda sorta on Randall...but you won't miss it. If I can find it, anyone can.
Hi Mich....I wish you could come too! I would love to do a lunch on a Sat or Sun. And I know what you mean about posts....if you need to go back a page while writing a comment, your comment disappears! Ah....chemobrain!
MaryJane....glad your appt with the rad doc was better.
Kater....just reading back thru your posts. I take Arimidex first thing in the morning now. The first 6 weeks or so it caused me so much nausea that I waited until lunchtime so it wouldn't stop me from going to the gym in the am, and I wouldn't wake up from the nausea (which I did) if I took it at bedtime. The nausea for me did go away tho.
Julie...calling Julie? You OK?
And just a thought ladies....if you are having trouble with sleep due to hot flashes and you decide to get a sound machine (you know, with ocean waves), make sure you actually READ the instructions and know what you are doing. Nothing like waking up yourself and DH (well, a very crabby now DH) at 4AM with LOUD...VERY LOUD...crashing ocean waves as you had accidentally set an alarm somehow, with the volume at 12 out of 12. And there you are, the 2 of you, running around, falling out of bed, screaming at each other, thinking the house is falling down, or there has been some kind of terrorist attack(what, here in So. Elgin?) or a hurricane/typhoon bearing down on you. And then I said "oh"...and hit the glowing red button. I am sure later today this will be funny to DH, but right now...not so much.
My cell phone is on the buddy list thingy from Laura...so you guys put it in for Tuesday is case something comes up.
Everybody else...hope you are all well and feeling good. Enjoy the day!
0 -
Biaggi's
1524 Randall Road.
Algonquin, IL 60102
Phone 847.658.5040I can't beleive I'm actually going to get to meet "lazy butt"!
kats - Any chance of joining us?
0 -
Hi again....Blackjack is coming on Tuesday as well...YAY! She asked re: a dress code and altho I have never been to this particular restaurant, we always park right by it and all the people I've seen going in are dressed very casually...ie: jeans, shorts, flipflops...whatever. I'm guessing that most anything will be just fine.
0 -
I can't beleive I'm actually going to get to meet "lazy butt"!
very funny Laura! And I did e-mail/Pm kats as well as Blackjack.
So there. The "lazy butt" actually did something this morning.
0
![[Deleted User]](https://us.v-cdn.net/6037276/uploads/defaultavatar/nF0ALO3I3QJM7.jpg)
