Illinois ladies facing bc
Comments
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Morning everyone. Still sitting here hoping for some rain. Maybe tomorrow they say. Else wise, it is a beautiful Sunday outside. Dh is working so I'll get to do lots of projects today. Never a shortage here of things needed to be completed or changed in some way.
Hope you are all going to have a gorgeous day. Waving hi to all.....Bj -- today's your day.
Hugs, Jackie
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Jackie~ I LIKE that one (by Cy Eberhart). I am so hopeful that my numbers will begin to climb so I can break free of the hospital gown, the heart monitor (why?), the IV's, the transfusions - I know I cannot escape nor control!
In addition to the above, I'm waiting on consults from ENT (thrush not resolving) and Infectious Disease (for the rash). I have to laugh at myself because I was in such a state of denial that I didn't bring anything with me to read. When my neighbor brought me my laptop I was still in denial that I would be here for so long. Thank goodness for good friends and family!
Have a great Sunday everyone! I hear it's warm out there!
CC
PS. kjiberty- I will let you know what they say about the rash/hives.
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C-Squared: Thanks. They are almost like welts I can't explain
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Hope you gals in treatment are healing and relaxing.
Yesterday we were looking at this huge necklace with another gal (Old Town Art Fair) wondering who could wear something like that. For sure they needed to be very tall. The jewelery designer says to me "you have to be flat chested to wear that." I almost looked at her strangely till I remembered I'm a big girl now
My husband and I took a lovely walk around North Pond last night and saw a heron. I've seen him before but it's always a treat to see him.
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C-squared....glad you have the lap-top. At least you can read for yourself that we are all concerns and hoping for good health and great answers for you. Thrush.....sounding like it wants to hang on. I'm assuming they are giving yo magic mouthwash for it. I had ( only once ) a case of thrush. It was esophageal thrush.....apparently started way down and worked its way up to the back of my throat. For a week or more......I couldn't eat much, and was miserable......when along about 4 in the afternoon.....all the day long irritation would cause me to throw up stomach bile.....just lousy.
I spent the night overnight in the V.A. hospital....got diagnosed....sent home with magic mouthwash which I had to keep taking for many, many weeks -- not because it remained so bad ---- I actually felt quite well from that part, just that it is hard to totally eliminate. Our sweet nurse Smerf ( I'll never forget this ) put on the thread......think new toothbrush. You want to eliminate things that harbor germs from before you started tx.
From your description.....they ( oh how I hope ) are going to have you so full of good answers....you'll be nearly better than you've ever been. I continue to wish you well in all ways.
Hugs, Jackie
foot-note on this:
the type of thrush I had.....probably totally un-like yours.....but I guess part of my idea was don't be surprised much if the thrush hangs with you for awhile.
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Hello ladies, I hope everyone is staying cool today. I had my 3 tx of TCH on Thursday. Friday I was fine for most of the day. But yesterday I woke up and felt like I had been hit by a bus (more than once). My body ached and I was nauseous, and I vomited four times! So I can safely say Zofran does not work for me.
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Oh no, Roula! I hear you as far as the symptoms, except I have been spared the vomitting. I am sooo tired. Usually Sunday is my worst day, but yesterday was pretty bad Just felt like I got hit by a Mac truck.
Feel better soon!
Lago: I was at the Old Town Art Fair last year. My DH and future DIL were there. I was sad to have missed it. First things first, right?
C-Squared: Hope you're feeling a little better.
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Lago - I almost went to the Old Town Art Fair yesterday, was sooo tempted, but we waited to long and opted for Riverfest in St. Charles instead. It was nice walking around by the river, but I do wish we'd been able to make the one downtown.
Interesting about the mushrooms. I did look to see if there were final study results out there and HERE is a basic summary of what that particular study found. Bottom-line seems to be that they do show a lot of promise, but the actual dose needed is higher than what they tested with. So, eat LOTS and eat often?
It's funny, but mushrooms were truly one of my very favorite foods for most of my life. Then, for some mysterious reason, my body (actually, colon) suddenly would not tolerate them anymore. It took me a while to figure it out, but it was particularly bad when I had them with anything remotely creamy (i.e., cream of mushroom soup, cream sauces) that they basically melt my insides. (sorry for the graphic. LOL). It was so bad that I just stopped eating them in any form for the past 7 or so years. I miss them terribly, so I decided to try them again - plain and uncooked, and voila! So far, so good - although I will still avoid having them with too many other ingredients. My DH grills up balsamic portabellos on the grill for me now and YUM. It's like welcoming back an old friend to my life.
Beata and Kelly - Welcome to this group of very special ladies. I hope I didn't miss welcoming any of the other new ladies.
Lisa - Hope you're having fun in Boston. What an incredible story about your group of family survivors. It is always inspiring to be reminded of how many life-long survivors there really are out there.
Kristin and Roula - Hang in there with the treatment woes. You WILL get through this. Roula - I also found Zofran to be totally ineffective for me. In fact, I felt it made me feel worse. I stopped it and felt a lot better with the other stuff they were giving me. I wish I could tell you what it was, but it's been so long, I don't remember.
Lynn - Hoping you are doing well post-op. Gentle hugs to you.
Spunky - I luuuuv NOLA. I'd seriously consider a mini-trip there to get my 3D tattoo. I have a friend who is a native there and also a big foodie. She knows ALL the restaurant folks and could steer us to a few great dinner spots. PM me if you have some dates in mind. Anyone else?
C-Squared - You poor thing! I hope they're keeping you comfortable and you get some relief from the hives and thrush soon. Thank goodness you finally got a laptop to keep you occupied.
Invisible - Yay for being drain-free!
I still feel like my energy levels are lower than normal. Going to work is fine, but when I'm home, I feel like a sloth - and I am sort of acting like one. I know my bloodwork is all fine, seeing the Onc on Tues for my regular check-up so will chat with him about it. I'm not worried about it being anything Ca related, but I have felt different since finishing my AI's. Maybe my expectations of feeling better and losing weight were too unrealistic. Maybe I'm just being a lazy couch potato. Maybe I'm just getting OLD and need to force myself to be more active. I vote for all of the above.
Stay cool out there today, ladies!
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So sorry you're feeling sick, Roula. Hope you contacted your onc for a different med. there are many, and something should work for you. Hugs!
Also so sorry about your se's C-squared. Seems like you got the boat load and more. Each of us responds differently to the chemo and support drugs, and there is nothing you or your doc could have done to prevent all your se's. Sometimes people don't even respond to Neulasta. I had a red blood cell drop too, but back then they gave a drug called Aranesp. It builds red cells like Neulasta builds wbc's. I could not believe the cost of those two drugs, but luckily they did the trick. With low rbc's I was extremely short of breath, and could hardly walk around. My DH is a doctor, so they kept telling me doctor's wives get the worst se's just to make them look bad. I think you have me beat! Hope your numbers are up soon, and you can break loose from the hospital and all their lovely, breezy gowns and equipment. Heart monitor may be routine, or maybe because of low potassium, rbc's, etc. Sounds like they are taking good care of you, and that's what we want, right? good luck with your consults, and I'll be sending healing thoughts your way.
Jackie, I love the quotes. I think it's great to send some again, because they're all good, and we have new people all the time. I remember you had the grandaddy of all thrush, and we all breated a sigh of relief when it got under control.
Invisible Yay for no drains.
Love the recipes. They sound delish, and can't wait to try them.
Lago, the Old town Art Fair is my fave....never missed while we were in the city, but lazy now. Last year I saw, {for the first time} a blue heron in my backyard. Beautiful sight!
Have a great day, all you wonderful ladies!
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Hi all~What an exciting day! I found out that my numbers are beginning to climb back up! I got the heart monitor d/c'ed and I may even be going home tomorrow (Monday). Woohoo! Just a waltz of a happy dance this time.., i don't want to be a frequent flyer in this program!
The ENT didn't see any indication of thrush in my throat so now we need to identify the culprit of the coughing attacks! She thinks that the laryngitis is caused by all of the coughing and not the other way around. Now that I am a full-fledged cancer patient, my mind immediately jumps to "lung mets"
I know I shouldn't do this to myself but it's hard not to, especially after they tell you they found a pneumonia on the the lung. But the lung spot disappeared on follow up x-ray it was all clear so can't be a met, right??? After the coughing fit that I had earlier, you would think it IS lung mets. I'm quite frightened and trying to take it one day at a time! I think my onc will be ordering a follow up CT and a PET scan. What tests have you ladies found is able to best identify mets? kjiberty- As for the hives/rash, the ID MD did not think it was a systemic issue but a drug reaction to the Adriamyacin (though he used the generic term for it). We have been using Fluocinonide Cream and it has gotten a little better. It is beginning to "shed" for a new layer of skin. The ID doc warned that although the medication is not being used anymore that the rash may still present itself in cycles and could take 4-6 weeks to resolve. He also stated that it can reoccur with radiation..., thank goodness I won't be having radiation!
Overall, good news I'm happy to share with all of you! Sounds like most had a pleasant weekend even with the heat. I used to love the Old Town Art Fair- have friends that live in the building at North & Wells so it was easy parking. Maybe next year again!
Thanks again for all of your support and kind words, thoughts, and prayers. I truly enjoy all of you and I look forward to meeting some of you one day!
CC
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c-squared I lost my voice and had a cough when I had reall bad acid reflux years before chemo. Don't jump to assumptions. Lots of things can cause you to cough that aren't chemo.
kjiberty The Old Town Art Fair has been going on for 63 years. You'll go next year. I missed the 2010 African American Festival for the arts. Actually I asked the nurse if I could go. She said if I felt up to it but said I might get too tired. I decided I best not. It was 4 days after my BMX. What was I thinking! I would have passed out after the first hour.
I actually went to the fair again today for a few hours because another friend of mine wanted to go. I went for the company. 0 -
Lago: You are too funny!
C-Squared: Thanks for the info on the rash and I am doing a happy dance for you! I was worried I might be headed to the E/R myself as I had a fever of 101.9, but thank God it came down with tylenol.
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Rene-I'll let you know if/when I make a decision.
C-squared-I'm happy for your good news, but I'm sorry you're burdened with worry. I know it's difficult, but try not to get ahead of yourself and worry about things that aren't there. When I was diagnosed, someone I met kept asking me if I was worried about chemo. I said I wasn't because I hadn't been told I needed it and I wasn't going to worry about something I wasn't even sure I was going to experience-she kept insisting that I had to be worried. I wasn't, I didn't and in the end my oncotype score was such that I didn't need chemo.
Lago-I was at Old Town Art Fair yesterday. We've been going so long we actually see artists we've purchased from in the past (and of course buy more...). Guessing it was a scorcher today.
Hope everyone found something enjoyable this weekend. Here's to a positive Monday.
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I have to know what the Old Town Art Fair is. I am an art teacher and am curious????
Kelly
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Kelly it's a juried art fair with some of the top artisits. It's in the Old Town Triangle neighborhood. The block off several streets. My 3 favorite art fairs in Chicago are Old Town, Bucktown and 57th street. The Bucktown one has more craft and has performances/kid friendly. The Gold Coast is a little better since the moved it to Grant Park. A for several years it wasn't that great.
You missed the Old Town and 57th St. but Gold Coast is coming up. Bucktown is in August.
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I attain Inner Peace by Intending my future, and never Expecting it.
- Jonathan Lockwood Huie0 -
Wish I lived closer, Lago. I love art and craft shows. The Spoon River Drive is the biggest one around here but there is also a good one in Gordyville right around Thanksgiving time. All of the small towns are starting their festivals now and I love going to them.
C-square....I hope each day is getting a little bit better for you. Hang in there! Hugs! Did they let you go home today?
Kelly, do you teach art classes independently or are you a teacher in the public schools? I'm a former teacher and also interested in hearing about the experiences of other teachers.
I hope everyone enjoyed this weekend. Rain is predicted for here and we really need it. One minute it looks like it will just pour and then the sun peaks back out. Hopefully we'll get a good shower this afternoon or evening.
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C squared so sorry you are having to go through all of this! I am glad you are getting good care. Thinking of you!
Spunky boobs I will go to see Vinnie with you but you will probably want to go before I get to go. I won't be ready for that until probably sometime in January, maybe December.
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Lots going on here as usual. I was trying to keep up over the weekend, but crazy here with hosting a girls weekend for two of my high school friends. Dropped them at the airport this afternoon and I am headed to bed early tonight. Had a blast... hope I didn't wear them out. We did the Belmont Stakes thing at Arlington Race Track on Saturday and spent Sunday in the city mainly because I wanted them to do the Architecture Foundation's tour on the Chicago River. It was a bit of a challenge dragging my booted foot around, but I am getting really good at running around with the darn boot.
CC.... hope that you are feeling better and get some answers soon, but try not to jump ahead with your own diagnosis. I know, I know.... that is hard. Hope that kjiberty and Roula are recovering from chemo SE's. Invisible... no drains. Yeah! And where is Lynn? Home from the hospital yet? I need an update, but maybe I missed it over the weekend?
I hope I can be included in the visit to Vinnie, but not sure when I will be ready. I don't see my PS again until September and see how that goes. I am sort of assuming that I may be in for some little touch-ups by then... fat grafting, etc. Too early to tell though. Maybe by November or December.
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Hello everyone!
I'm posting on behalf of my mother, who had her double mastectomy and free tissue reconstruction surgery for DCIS on Friday. She wanted me to tell everyone that she is doing very well and her nodes are clean! She's out of the ICU and hopes to be home by Friday. The doctors and nurses are all pleased by the surgeries and her recovery.
She has been telling me about this site a lot lately. I'm so glad that she has had you as part of her support system the last few weeks.
Thank you everyone. I wish you all the best!
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evening everyone-
lago- thanks for the info on the fair!!!! haven't had much chance to do many fairs/festivals etc. in the past few years-too busy with my girls, but would like to find some good ones.
ritajean- i am currently a high school art teacher in the public schools but started in the elementary art position 17 years ago. i have taught all levels PreK through 12th at some point. i love what I do and can honestly say it is NEVER boring!!
glad to hear Lynn is doing well and no + nodes!!
Kelly
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Lynn's Daughter-Thanks for the update, good to hear your mom's doing well.
Good Morning All!
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The ideals which have lighted my way, and time after time have given me new courage to face life cheerfully have been kindness, beauty, and truth. -Albert Einstein
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Thanks Lynn's daughter for the update on your mom..... So glad to hear she's doing well and on the road to recovery!!!!!
CC....hope you are feeling better!!! I'm 6 months out of chemo (tomorrow actually) and it took quite a little while to start feeling myself again..... Feel better soon.
When's our next outing? I don't think my AT&T email is listed right, I haven't gotten a group email for awhile?????
Anyone heard anything about WendyTY? I still think and pray for her daily!!!
Robo....hair? It's gotta be coming in like crazy now? Mine looks like a carpet football helmet.... It's super thick and wavy in the back.... It used to be thin and bone straight.... I'm hoping it will grow out enough to not look so "bed head crazy" all the time.
I'm approaching my BMX anniversary date (6/14) I can't believe it's almost been a year??
Happy days to all of you!!!!!!0 -
I'm adding my wishes to Lynn's speedy recovery and like the rest of you......thanking daughter for letting us know. To Lynn's daughter : we all wish we didn't have to be in this boat....but since we do we try hard to make it a helpful, loving, place for anyone who needs it to come. We are glad Lynn found us.
Had quite a rain yesterday, but sun it out again today. We had major dust settling going on and I am sure glad. I'm not much for the "heat of August" dust so early so feeling good about being bright and clean. Back to that pretty 'spring' green now.
Joan..are you recovered? Glad you had a great week-end.
Hope you all have a fantastic day full of love and sunshine and smooth-sailing.
Hugs, Jackie
hi to Bj.
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Home Sweet Home! I was released yesterday. I am feeling much, much better. Thank you all for your kind thoughts and well wishes!
So glad to hear that Lynn's surgery went well. And NO nodes!!! {{{Lynn}}}
I'm off to O'hare to pick up my sister. We're not leaving me alone anymore!!!
Have a great day all! and thanks again!
CC
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Good morning ladies - I hope everyone has a wonderful day. And those receiving txs this week have no SEs!
I am on day 6 from tx #3. Still feel very weak and achy. I had a neulasta shot yesterday and am waiting for that pain to arrive.
Does anyone else feel very depressed for a few days after chemo?0 -
RoulaG: I am on the same tx schedule as you. I, too, like you am very weak. Not too achy. Are you taking claritan the day before, the day of, and 4-5 days after your injection? I don't know if it works, but I didn't have any pain with the first neulasta shot, and am hoping for the same with this one. I had my injection, though, on Friday. I would day the way I feel the first 4--7 days of chemo isn't really depressed, it's just a lack of energy--more physical, but it can lead to emotional lack of energy. Today I am a little (note the word little) better. I just lie around and do nothing.
C-Squared: So glad you are home! Happy Dance for you!
Lynn's Daughter: Thanks for the update and glad your mom is out of ICU.
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Good morning all!
So glad to hear that Lynn's surgery went well. Thanks to her daughter for updating us.
C-Squared - I am really happy you are home and feeling better. Pamper yourself - you've had such a tough road.
Joan - how is your foot? I hope you are on the mend.
Without drains I can "almost" lay on my side...back sleeping is killing me. i sleep no longer than 4-5 hours at a stretch. I know I must be feeling better because boredom is setting in. I see the BS today and will hopefully get my onco test results today. I see the MO for the first time next week. I have not taken pain meds for a long time but I am really really tired. The fatigue can be overwhelming at times.
Lago - I haven't been to the 57th Street Art Fair in years. Since I moved to the 'burbs the fairs in Geneva, St Charles, are more than enough for me.
I hope everyone is well. I am approaching my 4th week as a prisoner and can't wait for more freedom. I have a very tough warden! I long for the simple things...like long walks with my dogs.0 -
I believe that everything happens for a reason.
People change so that you can learn to let go,
things go wrong so that you appreciate them when they're right,
you believe lies so you eventually learn to trust no one but yourself,
and sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.
- Marilyn Monroe0
