Illinois ladies facing bc

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  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Member Posts: 4,011
    edited February 2008

    Well...looks like Schaumburg will work for just about all. 11:30 sounds good too! Do any of the restaurants blackjack listed NOT work for any of you? If not, we'll let blackjack choose and make the reservations (if necessary).

    Is that okay with you all?

    Jackie - How bout trying a nice and crispy/buttery grilled cheese samich!? That was one of my favorite comfort foods during chemo. Hang in there.

    Calyspso - Hey - we're neighbors! I live in Hawthorn Woods!

    kats - How are you doing? Haven't seen you pop in for a while. Hope you can join us!

    All you girls that live far, far, away...perhaps you can car pool and head up here?

    Rita - How are your squares coming along? Any luck with them? Or are you spending all your time at Starbucks flirting with all the cute businessmen! LOL  Wink

  • sparker38
    sparker38 Member Posts: 47
    edited February 2008

    Just wanted to write in and say hello to you all.  Anyone lives close to Freeport that I can talk to about bc?  I was dx in October and have yet to join a support group or meet anyone that has or is going through this.  Sometimes I feel very alone and confused.  I signed up for a reach to recovery partner through the cancer society.  She called me one time and never called me back.  I tried to contact her but she hasn't returned my call.  I tried to get a free wig through the cancer society free wig program but where they sent me to did not have wigs for african american women.  Go figure.  I am still after 3 months of trying to get a breast prosthesis waiting for one to come in in my color.  It's hard enough going through this dredful disease but to go through the aggravation of all the other stuff is a pain.  I don't mean to come in here and vent but I have just been going through so much lately that I just to let it out. 

  • smerf
    smerf Member Posts: 476
    edited February 2008

    Hi Sparker, and welcome to the Illinois thread. I do not live near freeport, but we're all ready to listen when you need to vent. No need to apologize. I'm so sorry you're going through all this, and I sure understand how hard it is, and how much of a pain in the you know what!

    Are you having any tx now, or are you finished? You can ask us anything, and usually someone can pop in with something helpful. I believe there is a thread for African American women, and if you post there someone might be able to help with wig problem.

    Do come back and talk with us often. Someone os always here to listen.

    Hugs to you, and feel better soon.

  • tdbear
    tdbear Member Posts: 286
    edited February 2008

    Sparker,  Sorry you had to go thru so much, You can vent here any time!

    ((((HUGS)))) From us all

  • zap
    zap Member Posts: 1,850
    edited February 2008

    Hi Sparker and other women in Illinois fighing BC.

    First of all, Sparker, welcome and know all of us will "return" your e-mails.  All of us have been through a lot and we are all very kind and caring people.  Stay in touch, please.  Tell us about yourself and mention some of your concerns.  I do not live near Freeport (as far as I know as I am not quite  sure where it isEmbarassed in relation to me) but I do know we can shorten any space between us through this thread.

    Wendy:  You show your intelligence as an aunt when you say you hate Hannah Montana.  I once adored Annette Funicello (sp) on the Mickey Mouse Club.  Do any of you ladies remember her?  She was kinda busty if I recall and probably I had an aunt who thought she was precocious and obnoxious.  I thought she was so cool.

    I am getting very excited to retire because you all get to meet for lunch and I am stuck working.  I know I cannot go, but I vote for Corner Bakery!

    Smerf, your description of your outfit is simply delicious.  I go to a wedding in March at the Peggy Notebart Nature Museum (late March).  I am wondering if I could wear black pants and a tunic as you describe.  Last wedding I went to was my daughter's (3 years ago) and I was the mother of the bride so quite dressed.  I like to hear what you have to say on how women dressed.

    Jackie, I do remember the "bruised" breast and my horrid concern about it.  Then I was told it was "natural" after weeks of worry.  I think out motto here should be that no concern should be a suppressed concern.  So glad smerf made you feel relaxed about that.

    Susan

  • smerf
    smerf Member Posts: 476
    edited February 2008

    Hi to all,

    I had such a busy day that I forgot it was the 13th, and the two year anniversary of my dx. Came home to find a card. Rita...thanks so much for your thoughtfulness. I thank you every day in my heart for starting this thread. You are truly a special lady.

    I even had a mammogram today without realizing what the date is. Where is my head? I guess it's a healthy thing to not be thinking about it all the time.

    Have a great evening!

  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Member Posts: 39,754
    edited February 2008

    Good evening ladiesLaughing

    Thank God for spell checkers.....I couldn't remember how to spell ladies.  Sparker....glad you gave us a chance to try and cheer you up.  Zap as well as all the other ladies are very kind.  I'm amazed that you were paired with someone that couldn't, wouldn't or had no interest in following through.  I thought about the reach to recovery thing but for some reason couldn't get comfortable enough to do it.  I guess it takes real commitment----must be something very different from how we behave here.  Anyway, I was fortunate enough to find these beautiful women and they have made my life fun ( well, not right after txs ) and gave me a sense of joyful expectation each and every day since Dec 1, 2007 when I first arrived.  The one thing they haven't done is keep my spelling from going south, but hey, I forgive them.  That is what the spell checker for....now if I could just remember where it is. 

    I hope you will come back any time you need too........we will be right here willing to share either your pain or progress and do our best to give your spirits a great big lift.  Your quite right....it's a very crummy disease sneaking up on all of us and we don't intend to back down or give up...ever.  If you need us we are here.

    ZAP:  I remember Annette quite well and loved Buffalo Bob and Howdy Doody. 

    When I got older---sigh, I graduated to adoring American Bandstand and Justine Correlli and Bob....who nearly always won the dance contests.  My friends and I would dance for hours on end.........and learned all we could.....I was a good dancer then....but where is Chubby Checker when you need him....remember all that wt. he lost after he came out with " The Twist ".  Ah those were the days.......and it did seem they might never end and that we might never be burdened with real life and growing up and old.  Ah well, all fairy tales end. 

    I'm going to work tomorrow so my mouth better straighten up and dry out or else......

    Jackie

  • wendyk13
    wendyk13 Member Posts: 1,458
    edited February 2008

    Hey there everybody...Yep, I agree...BLACKJACK - YOU PICK, WE SHOW UP!  I think we are all OK with whatever, just need to check with Connie so she makes it back in time for her kids.

    Sparker...no idea where Freeport is but I will mapquest it.  You have no idea how welcome you are...we will help you thru this hell AS WE ARE THE TOUGH ILLINOIS GALS!!!!!  We'll find someone close by you, or give you some ideas.  There is a thread for African-

    American Gals with stuff maybe we can't help with too much...but please stay here!  I've been here almost since our founder Rita (all bow your heads now...pause...OK...moving on) started this thread.  We laugh, we cry, we support...WE LIVE.  Personally...I really don't know what I would have done without you all...like Eric Clapton says.."nobody's weak, til somebody's strong".  You didn't know you might need us, until you found us.  We're here...24/7!!!

    RE: my intelligence as a Great Aunt...did you all know that you can go on Playhouse Disney and go to Bunny Town, and play games so that you can earn carrots so you can go shopping at the BunnyTown market and buy stuff and then go buy a house at BunnyTown Realtors and furnish with all the stuff you bought at the BunnyTown market,only to realize that the little girl that you raised for the first 2.5 years of her life (she is now 6.5, as she likes to point out) has purchased a clawfoot tub which she placed in the bunnytown "townhouse" and then proceeded to put a HUGE disco ball over the tub..and call her "house" retro-cool.

    How old am I???????

    Hope everyone has a great night, and Sparker...hope my last little entry has given you some insight as to why we are an irreverent group, but a tight, supportive one.  I am now off to Disneyfairies.com as I understand from Kelsy that I can make my own fairy.  Cool.

  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Member Posts: 39,754
    edited February 2008

    A beautiful big extra-large life size  congratulations to Smerf.

    Love,

    Jackie

  • wendyk13
    wendyk13 Member Posts: 1,458
    edited February 2008

    Smerf.....

    Yay #2!!!!!!!

  • kater
    kater Member Posts: 447
    edited February 2008

    Karin: My Mom took the brca test finally when we were deciding whether I should have a lumpectomy or masectomy or more...she was negative.

    Her oncologist said there are still genes are out there we dont know about of course...oh and for $1500 they will do it in 7 days or less instead of five weeks. I read some people's insurance paid for that fee, but I was never given an invoice to submit yet...

    Feb. 22nd.

    Count me in,

    Let's try to do the "Aurora side" of Schaumburg or whereever for connie..who has a strict deadline.? If it's Schaumburg I'll finally go visit my friend who died of cancer at age 42 (cervical?) 's daughter, who had her first baby boy in December. 8-)

    But just about ANYWHERE is fine! 

    Kater

  • kater
    kater Member Posts: 447
    edited February 2008

    Sparker 38 they had nice displays for your coloring of wigs in the Barrington Road wig shop...Wig and Beauty Supply 630 837 7964 if you would ever get that way..(near a Sams Club)

    I finally found a wig, after having no hair since april 8-) there...

     and i ordered a 2nd one different color for less than half price on the INternet ..but the other prices were very close, it's just that my style was discontinued.

    $53 online and i forgot wig price, about 160

  • blackjack
    blackjack Member Posts: 771
    edited February 2008

    HI Girls,

    Sparker.. Welcome to our thread and sorry you had to find us here. We are here for all ladies with this disease and you will find comfort and support from all of them. How far are you from Rockford?

    Have you started tx? Let us know how we can help you. Here is a great big hug for you. Hang in there.~

    Smerf..It was great talking with you today.. Have fun on your trips.

    I am sure you will be a really cute snow bunny out in Vail..Be careful not to break anything skiing~

    Jackie..I hope you are feeling better and I am sending you a list of all the book to choose from. I am an avid reader so I don't mine sharing these wonderful authors with you. Kristen Hannah is my favorite..

    Connie..is Schaumburg ok with you for lunch? I was thinking Maggiano's as it is right off Rt 53. Is that ok or do you prefer some were else. Let me know~

    Wendy..any spring pics for us. I think we need a little sunshine.

    Kater.. how are you doing and how is your mom? I hope she is feeling better.

    Laura..what Easter projects are you doing?? I have my house decorated for spring and Easter..Just bought myself beautiful tulips today and placed them all over my house. Now I know it is spring inside  lol

    Rita..You are a very busy girl with bowling, bunco and church. I think when the weather gets warmer maybe a road trip to your neck of the woods is in order..what do you think?? 

    You lunch girls are putting alot of pressure on me to find a great lunch place lol.. I like Magganio's for the the great salads..and they let you sit for hours to chat. You know you are a very chatty, fun group of ladies.. so let me know what you all think..and if its a go I will make the reservations for 11:30 am.

    Good luck to all the Valentine Girls who have onc appointment tomorrow me included.

    Remember we are all sweet, beautiful, sexy, caring, hot Illinois Ladies..Hugs to all of you..

    Have a great day tomorrow and think spring!!

    Blackjack

  • kater
    kater Member Posts: 447
    edited February 2008

    blackjack, mom was tired, monday was chemo, good news chemo seems to be working and she said she didnt feel sick today, 3rd day, just tired.

     thanks for asking. she tried 2 days of anzamet this time.

    see you soon! i couldnt find your email so here i am.

    kater

  • sparker38
    sparker38 Member Posts: 47
    edited February 2008

    Oh my what a welcome...This has truly made my day.  Just been going through so much lately.  Needed to relax...relate...release... to someone who understood what I am feeling.  I started treatment in November 4 tx of AC/C now I am on Taxol.  And it is kicking my butt.  I think that is why I am feeling like this.  Two tx down and two to go.  I don't know if I can take another one.  I am in so much pain.  This bone and joint pain is no joke.  I have not slept in two nights.  Pain pills are not helping.  I can barely walk.  Abdominal pain feels like someone is yanking out my insides.  And the hot flashes, thank God for all of this cold and snow.  I just want to lay outside sometimes.  But anyway thanks for listening and coming to my aid.

    I live in Freeport around 20+ miles from Rockford Il and 20 from Monroe Wis.  Monroe is where I am having my tx's.  We have a cancer center here but used to work for FHN and didn't care to much for the care they give their pts.  So went out of town.  I like my Dr. and the nurses but it seems as though they would have given me a little more help with what I am going through some kind of direction.  Just told me you have cancer, we need to take it out, tx starts in November followed by 5 years hormone therapy.  and a pamphlet for Reach to Recovery.  OK...now what.  It wasn't until I found this site that I started getting some answers.  I love the chat room.  But everyone always seems so far away so I thought I'de check in here to find someone close to home that I could link up with.  Thanks for the warm welcome.  I will definitely be back here often.

    Take care all

    and Happy Valentines Day!!!

    sparker

  • sparker38
    sparker38 Member Posts: 47
    edited February 2008

    Oh my what a welcome...This has truly made my day.  Just been going through so much lately.  Needed to relax...relate...release... to someone who understood what I am feeling.  I started treatment in November 4 tx of AC/C now I am on Taxol.  And it is kicking my butt.  I think that is why I am feeling like this.  Two tx down and two to go.  I don't know if I can take another one.  I am in so much pain.  This bone and joint pain is no joke.  I have not slept in two nights.  Pain pills are not helping.  I can barely walk.  Abdominal pain feels like someone is yanking out my insides.  And the hot flashes, thank God for all of this cold and snow.  I just want to lay outside sometimes.  But anyway thanks for listening and coming to my aid.

    I live in Freeport around 20+ miles from Rockford Il and 20 from Monroe Wis.  Monroe is where I am having my tx's.  We have a cancer center here but used to work for FHN and didn't care to much for the care they give their pts.  So went out of town.  I like my Dr. and the nurses but it seems as though they would have given me a little more help with what I am going through some kind of direction.  Just told me you have cancer, we need to take it out, tx starts in November followed by 5 years hormone therapy.  and a pamphlet for Reach to Recovery.  OK...now what.  It wasn't until I found this site that I started getting some answers.  I love the chat room.  But everyone always seems so far away so I thought I'de check in here to find someone close to home that I could link up with.  Thanks for the warm welcome.  I will definitely be back here often.

    Take care all

    and Happy Valentines Day!!!

    sparker

  • wendyk13
    wendyk13 Member Posts: 1,458
    edited February 2008

    Morning!  Will search for spring graphics later...just wanted to tell Sparker that she is more than welcome to come to lunch next Friday...a ride I know, but sounds like you are right off 90.

    Nobody gets bc unless you've had bc...last time we had lunch we talked about bc for almost 4 hours and believe it or not, it was not depressing....just the opposite.  You can talk and talk and talk, and you go home feeling uplifted and positive.  Strange!!!!

    Hugs, Sparker!  Everybody else...will check back later.  Maggiano'a is fine with me....Connie???

  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Member Posts: 39,754
    edited February 2008

    A bright and happy, happy good morning to everyone.  Don't have long---just wanted to say hi.  Looking forward to going to work today...for the normalcy.  A week of laying around in pjs is about all I can handle I think.

    Due to get to 50 today.....then back down tomorrow...same ole' weather game going on. 

    I'll talk to ya'll later when I get home from work--exhausted but happy.

    Jackie

  • motheroffoursons
    motheroffoursons Member Posts: 80
    edited February 2008

    Hi all,

    I am in the states until March.  Can I crash the party on the 22nd? I believe lunch at 11:30.  Anywhere in Schaumburg is fine.

    I have not been posting much on the board, but I have been reading it.  It will really help me if I can attach a name to a face.

    Sharon in Wheeling

  • FEB
    FEB Member Posts: 13
    edited February 2008

    Hi Everyone

    I have been out of the loop, busy trying to get my life back to normal after finishing rads 3 weeks ago. It is great to see the support you are giving Sparker in Freeport. I echo your caring spirit. My grandparents settled there when they imigrated from Italy, so I actually know where it is!

    I never had all the problems that many of you have had because my tumor was caught before it had spread, so I have had it pretty easy next to the rest of you. So I can't offer you any help in getting through all the physical stuff. However, I totally understand the emotional stress, because I it was really hard for me.

    My heart goes out to all of you. It is great how you keep supporting each other. Sorry I can't join you for lunch. I've never really been one for long lunches, but I am up for a walk or bike ride(if we ever see the pavement again!).

    Anyway, the main reason I am chiming in today is because I caught a forum about the whole pink ribbon campaign, which has been a source of annoyance for me. I am disturbed by how it seems companies are using it so much now to sell products. This is the reason I will not participate in any of the walks. I am just not sure where all that money is going to, and I would rather see it go to more education on prevention, that just to drug companies to find the next drug. So maybe you might all want to check out more info before you committ to the next walk. Here is the link they were talking about that sort of goes along with my mindset on the issue: http://www.bcaction.org/.  Just as heart disease and diabetes, I do believe breast cancer is preventable. I just wish someone would research it more and tell us what to do before we get it. However, I don't suppose that will happen because there is no money in prevention.

    I would like to meet all you wonderful ladies someday, so if you are ever up for a day in Naperville, walking the riverwalk and the labrynth, or maybe welcoming spring at the Arboretum, keep me in mind.

    Happy heart day to all you sweathearts from the heartland!

    Linda

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Member Posts: 4,011
    edited February 2008

    Hi girls!

    Welcome Sparker...here's a link for wigs for you. I bought all of mine there - the prices are great. They have African Amer ones...really cute ones!

    http://www.paulayoung.com/catalog/dept.asp?dept_id=1000&mscssid=&adsrc=paula-young-wigs

    Corner Bakery gets very crowded. I used to meet a friend there, but switched to Maggianos because we couldn't get a table.

    Maggianos will let us hang out as long as we want.

    Susan - I AM HOOKED on freerice.com! LOL

    When I get back from vacation I'm starting a new gig. The company that I have free-lanced for - for the past 6 years asked me to head up their art dept (4 d-ziners). But they are really far from me - Lemont - so I will be going to the office 3 days a week - work from home 1 day and have Fridays off. I'm wavering as to whether or not I'm looking forward to it. The $ is great though...and a challenge is probably good. My title will be Creative Director/New Product Development. Here's their website: http://www.personalizationmall.com/

    Out of the top 14 internet sites for personalized gift items, they have 30% of the market. I have d-zined a huge portion of their products. Most have been very successful/profitable. So...no more jammies til noon for me! I'm happy and sad though...hope the sad goes away. Buddy is going to be soooooooooooooo depressed! Oh well...it's always something!

    Congrats smerf...

    Have a lovely day!

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Member Posts: 4,011
    edited February 2008

    Linda - We were posting at the same time. I love reading/hearing different opinions. Thank goodness we live in a country/time when we can voice them. I happen to think "pink" has gotten a bad wrap. Komen.org has a tab called Grants Program...it's impressive how much money goes toward research for a cure and programs for those who cannot afford screening. It was at last year's Komen walk that I stopped by a booth offering info pertaining to the Sister's Study. http://www.sisterstudy.org/English/index1.htm I didn't know about it until then. It's a rather large study that's underway to determine the cause of bc: environmental, genetic, etc. The study follows sisters of women w/bc. My sister signed up. Perhaps the research gained through this study will help prevent her daughters and generations after them from getting bc.

    Also...my brother's ex-girlfriend was dx'd with bc. She didn't have health insurance at the time. Komen paid for ALL her treatment and surgeries, etc. She would have lost her home had they not helped her. She participates in the 3-day - to give back.

    If nothing else, I truly believe awareness is everything. And the squeaky wheel - gets oiled. If any cure is to be had, I think the first will be bc...because of the awareness that all the "pink" has provided... I'm all for anything that raises awareness of our disease. JMO

    Also...Illinois (in conjunction with Komen) just recently became one of 2 states that has a program in which no woman will ever be denied bc screening...mammos, us's, etc. Funding has been set aside and already many women have benefited.

  • ritajean
    ritajean Member Posts: 4,042
    edited February 2008

    Morning gals!

    Welcome to the Illinois thread, Sparker.  I was raised in the Sterling/Rock Falls area so I know where Freeport is.  There haven't been too many people from your immediate area pop on this thread yet, but more are finding us each day so keep coming back and you might just discover somebody "next door to you."  In the meantime, the ladies here will help you get through anything.  They are amazing!

    Laura...Congrats on the promotion!  It sounds like you will really be busy but what an accomplishment and advancement to your career.  I still love new challenges.  I bet you'll really get more excited as you begin to dig into this new job.  That's wonderful!    As for the squares....I have two done.  I got really excited right before I went south and haven't done much since I got back.  I need to get focused again on them and make a few more.

    Oh Susan!  Annette Funicello....how I loved her, too!  I even had paper dolls of her, and of course I can't think of her without thinking about Frankie Avalon..........ooh, ooh, ooh!!!  I think every generation goes through their celebrity phase.  I can still remember how terrible my Dad thought Elvis was when he appeared on the Ed Sullivan show that first time!

    I hope you have a good day at work, Jackie and that you're not too tired when you get home.

    Sharon, I'm so glad to hear from you.  Although I'm sure you'll catch up with all the "area" girls next week, please let the rest of us know what's been happening and how you're doing.

    Good luck to everyone tomorrow with your appointments.

    I am off today to get my hair done finally.  We're going out tonight for dinner so I don't even have to cook.  What a treat!!!

    Everyone have a great day!  I'm in a hurry and don't have time to mention everyone personally but I'm sure thinking about all of you!  Take care.

    Rita

  • conniehar
    conniehar Member Posts: 585
    edited February 2008

    Hi everyone!

    Maggiano's is just fine with me!  Let's do it!

    Just got back from my 3 month with the onc.  Everything looks good.  My only complaint continues to be the hot flashes and sleeping issues.  He is just continuing me on sleeping pills.  He offered me something else (neutronin or something like that) but said as long as the sleeping pills are working, I should just stick with that.  He seems to think these flashes will go away for me - I did get him to say months rather than years.  He was pleased with my sunny disposition Cool and said that those who complain more seem to have the flashes last longer. Don't know if that's true but I like my positive attitude!  I have warmed him up to ordering MRI's for me and said he will alternate with mammo's every 6 months and MRI's every six months.  Sounds good to me.

    Welcome Sparker.  Sorry you are having such a rough time.  That burns me up that your reach to recovery partner wouldn't call you back!  As everyone has said, we are here for you 24/7.  Chemo sucks the big one, but you will make it through.  I had the horrible bone/joint pain too.

    Jackie- I loved those italian ices - that helped me make it through the yucky taste of chemo.  Taxol was better for the taste part (it only lasted a day or two) and then I felt back to normal.

    Happy Valentine's day girls!

  • kater
    kater Member Posts: 447
    edited February 2008

    Feb. 22nd

    Maggiano's Little Italy

    www.maggianos.com

    1901 E Woodfield Rd
    Schaumburg, IL 60173
    (847) 240-5600

    is this the place? Even though my present gps is the worst i've ever had, i dont go anywhere without it, like my cell phone.

    I presently have the $200 magellan and i always have to watch how long it says it takes to get somewhere, if it says double the time, i know it's mixed up. I dont know why it's so bad, the three i had before it were almost perfect! Garmin was not user friendly...the laptop one is too hard to take laptop all the time and i lost the parts to my treo palm gps!

    someday, organization!!

  • wendyk13
    wendyk13 Member Posts: 1,458
    edited February 2008

    Hi again....so it's Maggiano's next Friday 2/22 at 11:30, correct?

    I just got home from coffee with my sister that turned into a 3 hour gab fest so I need to get going...I'll be back later.

    Laura...congrats on the promotion!

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Member Posts: 4,011
    edited February 2008

    I'm so excited to be seeing you girls again! Yum...Maggianos has great food!

    Rita - Have a nice time tonight!

    Connie - I'm so glad you're alternating with MRI and mammo - especially since yours was ILC.

    kater - MS. TECHNOLOGY! LOL

    Wendy/girls - thanks...I hope I get excited about it when it gets closer! Yikes...what have I done! LOL

  • tdbear
    tdbear Member Posts: 286
    edited February 2008

    HAPPY VALENTINES DAY TO ALL!!

    Everyone have you dh ( or whom ever!) give you an extra big HUG from me!!!

  • conniehar
    conniehar Member Posts: 585
    edited February 2008

    Yea, Laura congrats!  I think you will like it - it sounds right up your alley.  That is kind of the work schedule I have.  I work from home Mondays and Fridays, but only if needed (checking email, etc.) and in the office Tues-Thurs.  It works out great and it enabled me to keep working during treatment which I think saved my sanity by keeping my mind elsewhere! 

  • tdbear
    tdbear Member Posts: 286
    edited February 2008

    Congrats Laura!!

    I would have loved to work from home during chemo....On second thought, stay home w/ a 15 yr old (Who I think has permanent PMS) or go to work.......Work won !