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Illinois ladies facing bc

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  • Timbuktu
    Timbuktu Member Posts: 1,423
    edited March 2013

    Jackie, I woke up in a funk as usual and then I heard something.  A cardinal!  In the middle of this snow storm, a cardinal is singing it's song.  So in spite of what it looks like out there, I know spring is almost here.  And my mood improved tremendously.  I can see that spending months in the house may have something to do with my funk!

  • camillegal
    camillegal Member Posts: 15,711
    edited March 2013

    Lago u probably predict better than Doppler--at least u can warn us of what they're screwing up. Hah lotsa of snow.Lots of things are closing here, how about Chicago--remember I'm west of Chgi in the middle of Dupage County.

  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 11,653
    edited March 2013

    I haven't watched any news yet camillegal. I've been putting a new portfolio together since 6:30 for my recruiter and answering a few posts here. The traffic seems a bit thin on Clark & Fullerton so I'm guessing there are some closings or people are working from home. From the looks of it if this snow continues to fall at an increased rate we will get quite a bit.

  • ritajean
    ritajean Member Posts: 4,042
    edited March 2013

    We're getting snow, too but haven't gotten as much as you northern gals.  We've probably got about 4 inches but it's still snowing.  I knew there was a reason that I didn't want to come back.  :-)  Our schools were in session today.  We'll see what develops overnight!  Everyone travel safely if you have to be out in this.

  • camillegal
    camillegal Member Posts: 15,711
    edited March 2013

    Rita u came back just in time for this mess. Actually I don't think it's as bad as they said it would be---but they were closing schools last night before the snow even started--I was laughing cuz some reports said we might be closed, some said use u'r own judgement--never saw those 2 on there. They've kept up with the streets totally and my SIL did the driveway a couple of time with Joey and they did the neighbors cuz they are older. So people were getting out today not like they thought---oh and now they name the snow storms--never did that before

    Well at least u'r home safe and all tucked in and we change the clocks this weekend.

  • ritajean
    ritajean Member Posts: 4,042
    edited March 2013

    cami...we ended up with about 4 to 5 inches.  Some of our rural schools are closed today due to some drifting on the country roads.  I have nothing that I have to do today.  My church youth group has been canceled for this evening so I'm a lady of leisure for the day.  Have a great day!

  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Member Posts: 40,996
    edited March 2013

    The circumstances of your life do not describe and can not constrain the greatness of your soul. ~ Synthia Andrews

  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Member Posts: 40,996
    edited March 2013

    We are sitting here with our snow, but even though it snowed for quite some time and was really pretty ( a fair amt. of the large flakes I love to see come down ) we didn't get all that much.  By Saturday it is to be about 62 degrees here so definitely all of this will be gone....then Sunday 65 and after that rain. 

    Wow  !!!!I hope things settle down.  I am not a great fan of the inconsistencies. I can generally live with what we have but I think people get sick when it goes from one extreme to the other.  I don't suffer from it, but many do.   I am looking forward to the warmer weather though....even if the end result will be rain.  I think our water table will be about normal after all that has gone on.  Hopefully, no drought conditions this year/Spring-Summer season. 

    Have a wonderful day.

    Peace and love,

    Jackie

  • doxie
    doxie Member Posts: 700
    edited March 2013

    I got out my cross country skis and skied a bit this morning.  I knew the snow wouldn't last till  the weekend.  Just cold and windy enough to not get overheated.  Couldn't do this last year because of chemo and rads. Another victory.

  • camillegal
    camillegal Member Posts: 15,711
    edited March 2013

    Yea Doxie.

    Jackie I just hope we don't have a repeat of last summer. Oh please.

  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Member Posts: 40,996
    edited March 2013

    The way is not in the sky.
    The way is in the heart.
    - The Buddha

  • Dea43
    Dea43 Member Posts: 14
    edited March 2013

    Hello Illinois ladies. I was posting on another thread and lago. Invited me over to this Illinois thread. I am up in the far north region. Antioch.



    My story in short. I have six kids. When I was pregnant with my last , I had some issues, ended up diagnosed with breast cancer one wee after he was born. That was December 18, 2012. That Christmas break with the kids... Spent at the hospital every other day to have test, scans, etc.

    Diagnosis: stage 4 IDC. Grade 3, metastasized to liver and bones. Can't tell you how devastating... But I am sure you relate 100% and get it.



    So I started my treatments on January 2nd. I just had my fourth round of chemo yesterday. I go weekly for Herceptin with a ratation of Pertuzemad and Zometa. Chemo is every 3 was, I am only on Carboplatin now. I started with Taxotere, but they dropped me off that. Worried at first I wasn't going to get what I needed I am So glad too, that one is the worst!

    My progress is coming along well. Tumors have shrunk faster than expected.

    I also had one week of radiation treatment to help some pain in my neck. I think it has helped.



    My most recent issue was the presentation of low hemoglobin and offered the Aranesp shot. I have refused it three times. Thinking a blood trans would be better. That is what brought me to this web sight. Seeing what others have done for low hemo.

    Energy in general is okay. Not great, but there are of course the good days, better days and really sucky days.

    I am happy to be past the half way point.

    How do the last two rounds go? My last two chemo weekends were bad. I am trying a new nausea med and started taking ginger too. Hope it all helps.



    Well, I guess that is quite a novel of an introduction.



    Looking forward to meeting you all here.



    Enjoy the snow while it lasts! At least the kids can go out and play in this vs just bitter cold days.

  • camillegal
    camillegal Member Posts: 15,711
    edited March 2013

    DEA U have 6 kids and ababy now--How can u do this all- U are amazing. I hope u have help. U'r attitude is great--that means alot--cancer doesn't like god attitudes so u've got tat going for u. They'll be many more ladies to help u with their knowledge (not me) I just go along don't ask much and just show up for tests. Which is not recommended to do. But I'm older and kids that are adults so it works for me.

    Welcome aboard, but so sorry u'r here.

  • Adey
    Adey Member Posts: 2,413
    edited March 2013

    Dea-  A warm welcome to you.

    Ladies-  A warm hello to you all.

    Cool

  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 11,653
    edited March 2013

    Hi Dea. Glad to see you made it over here. I was one of those strange ones that didn't get any nausea from chemo but I have read that is best to keep food in your tummy. Granted not rich or spicy foods. More bland foods like white meat chicken, fish, white rice, etc. When I did get nausea from other issues pickled ginger (the type they serve at sushi restaurants) helped a lot.               Everyone hats Taxototerrible. I'm sure if you're just doing the Carboplatin/Herceptin it won't be as bad.

  • Adey
    Adey Member Posts: 2,413
    edited March 2013

    Lago!       (still working?)

  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 11,653
    edited March 2013

    !Yeda Not working. I had a gig yesterday that went great. I'm pretty sure he'll call me again in the future. We actually had fun. Blew him away with solutions. More creative concept work. Have an interview for a city job as a designer on Monday… I applied on Oct 31st! Totally forgot about that. It might be a long process for that one. So I have some free time other than Monday and today, again. Visiting a friend getting treatment at Oak Park Rush in a few hours.

  • mdg
    mdg Member Posts: 1,468
    edited March 2013

    Welcome DEA!  I only have 1 kid and that was crazy with a BC diagnosis!  Glad you came to  join our group.  Hugs!

  • joan888
    joan888 Member Posts: 711
    edited March 2013

    Welcome DEA43.... glad that Lago got you over to our Illinois ladies forum.  We are all rooting for you while you go through chemo.  Keep us up to date on your progress!

    Hello to all you ladies!

  • meni33
    meni33 Member Posts: 21
    edited March 2013

    Hello ladies

    I posted here a while ago when I was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer in January. I live in Macomb IL which is a small town so I decided to go to Northwestern for a 2nd opinion. I'm so glad I went there because they found 2 additional lumps which needed to be removed. I had my lumpectomy 2 days ago and am doing well. I have an appt with an oncologist on the 14th. I do have a question for the ladies who live in small towns? Chances are they will recommend chemo and radiation for sure, is it the same thing everywhere or should I go to Northwestern for the chemo and radiation also?

    Also how was chemo for your ladies? I might need a month of chemo and 2 months of radiation. I would love to hear everyones experiences. Also where do I go to buy scarves or hats? How long does it take for hair to fall out?

    Thanks

    Mehnaz                                                

  • ritajean
    ritajean Member Posts: 4,042
    edited March 2013

    Mhnaz,

    Your chemo and rads can be administered in Macomb.  I have several friends who have done their treatments there but their surgeries otherwise.  Once the dosage and type of chemo is decided, it is really just pretty routine to administer it.  Go and check out the facilities to see what you think, but I really do think that they can do this for you without having to commute to a larger city.  There is a very good oncologist in that area as well.

  • C-squared
    C-squared Member Posts: 338
    edited March 2013

    Hi Mhnaz~ Welcome.  I can't tell you about where to go for treatment but I can offer a couple of resources for scarves or hats.  One of the American Cacer Society (ACS) sites offers a catalogue of products for cancer patients.  I found their products to be realtively inexpensive and the quality stood up to my needs.  You can access the catalogue at http://www.tlcdirect.org/ 

    Another good resource may be to reach out to your local ACS and find out about what is offered in your area.  For example, they generally provide a wig, free of charge.  They have a class called "Look Good Feel Better" that I would recommend as well.  Their website is http://www.cancer.org/

    Good Luck Mhnaz!  Of course I'm sorry you have to be here but you've come to a great place here with the IL Ladies.  Smile

  • C-squared
    C-squared Member Posts: 338
    edited March 2013

    Dea43~  Welcome to you also!  I've sent you a PM!  6 kids?  WOW!! What is the age range, if you don't mind me asking?  I have a strong suspicion you will be teaching US some things too! Surprised

  • camillegal
    camillegal Member Posts: 15,711
    edited March 2013

    Hi Meni--sorry u'r back here but I think u know this is a good place to be.  C-squared gave u great advice about hats, scarves, wigs and everything is reasonable if u'r buying them. So check out either sight u won't be sorry about that. For the most part hair falls out about the 2nd chemo-most of us had  our hair cut short so when it started coming out it wasn't all over the place-as soon as my hair came out I had my head shaved. And I do think we've all had the same experiences with chemo except they were all different how our body reacted--so that's a tough one to answer. If u have to have it I would certainly tell u to tell u'r Dr. every feeling u feel--there's usually a med or something if u need it. And drink loads of water to flush it thru.Oh u'll hear plenty of things about it so u'r in good hands here.

  • Timbuktu
    Timbuktu Member Posts: 1,423
    edited March 2013

    ((((Dea))) all I can give is a virtual hug.  And a little prayer.  Hang in there!

  • kjiberty
    kjiberty Member Posts: 687
    edited March 2013

    HI Dea43: Welcome to the best group of ladies.  We are here for you.  Sending hugs your way!  

    Meni: I, too, had a lumpectomy, chemo and radiation. I had taxotere/cytoxan.  No nausea for me either.  Just fatigue and no appetite.  My hair started coming out on day 16.  Had it buzzed on day 17.  Just got my 6th haircut and and am 8 1/2 months PFC.  The hairloss was the worst blow for me...However, it does grow back, and it does very quickly.  

  • C-squared
    C-squared Member Posts: 338
    edited March 2013

    Menhaz~ I forgot to mention about the hair loss..., Initially I had 12 weekly Taxol and it began to fall out about the 6th week.  I had my girlfriend come over and shave it off at that point because I didn't want to watch it fall out.  Bottom line..,  I think it depends upon the type of chemo and the frequency. Just know that in the end it will be okay (I know it's a hard pill to swallow right now).  Embarassed

  • meni33
    meni33 Member Posts: 21
    edited March 2013

    Thank you so much ladies, I will let you know what the oncologists says. In the meantime I will go check out those sites. Thanks again, have a good night.

    Mehnaz

  • Dea43
    Dea43 Member Posts: 14
    edited March 2013

    Menni33, I had one round with Taxotere and carboplatin and my hair started coming out about the third week. My hair was down to my waist. I cut it to a bob, then to a 2 inch pixie, but my hair hurt, head hurt. S I shaved it and it felt great. It was very hard at first, but I invested in some nice scarves.. Tlcdirect.com like csquared suggested. I also went to headcovers.com for so e wraps. The ACS will give you a free wig.

    One thing I learned about the wig.. Make sure the cap size fits. My acs wig lady was not very helpful with that. The wig should fit on your scalp like a good fitting glove. The first one I got was very loose. Then someone gave me their old wig and realized the difference. Called my acs rep and she kindly ordered me the right size. I needed a petite. Makes a big difference!

    I enjoy matching my head wraps with my outfits and will wear the wig when going places and I don't want to be the patient.



    Good luck, but have fun with it! If it is possible to have fun with any cancer aspect

    I don't know about facilities to go to for your treatments. If the northwestern you speak of is the same northwestern Chicago area? I think they are suppose to be quit good there. Good luck.

  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Member Posts: 40,996
    edited March 2013

    To awaken each morning with a smile brightening my face; to greet the day with reverence for the opportunities it contains; to approach my work with a clean mind; to hold ever before me, even in the doing of little things, the Ultimate Purpose toward which I am working; to meet men and women with laughter on my lips and love in my heart; to be gentle, kind, and courteous through all the hours; to approach the night with weariness that ever woos sleep and the joy that comes from work well done—this is how I desire to waste wisely my days.

    Thomas Dekker

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