Illinois ladies facing bc
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Happy Valentine's Day to Everyone!!!!
Lunch Fest is Friday Feb.22 @ 11:30 am at Magganio's in Schaumburg. Kater posted the address and phone number, I just need a head count to make the reservations. Please let me know by Friday is you are coming. Thanks.
Just got back from the onc appt. and I need to get a breast MRI. Has anyone had one? I have only had mammograms. I need to call the surgeon to have him order it for me. Just a little nervous about it due to the swelling that started near the boost area..other than that I am ok..right
Laura congrats on your promotion..you go girl.
Linda.. if you change your mind please join me for lunch
Wendy..3 hour coffee breaks wow!! I hope you had a nice sister visit.
Sharon.. please join us for lunch next week.. would love to meet you
Kater.. I have a new garmin and it is user friendly..Even my college daughter can use it as she has no directions when driving..pretty scary as she drive to Iowa for school. I can show you mine if you like.
Connie ..glad to see that Magganio's can work into your schedule.
We won't be to chatty...right lol
To everyone else have a wonderful day...spring is almost here
Hugs to all,
Blackjack
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Laura, such cool news! I am excited for you. Change is a good thing and this sounds like it is not a drastic change.
I am glad you are hooked on Free Rice. One of my students, an Asian young lady, of course, is at level 52! That is like unheard of. The younger people have the eye hand coordination to flip to and fro using the online dictionary. I am a level 47 and I am an English teacher! Yes, my student is ahead of me! We have the adult competition next Wednesday.
Susan to Black Jack....The breast mri is interesting. I am up for my second one. You go into the mri machine .....chest down. The base of the mri has these very weird cones and of course you know where the breast, or in my case what is left of it, is inserted. Then they roll you in and your face is facing the side. Keep your eyes closed. Then there is clanking noise and it sounds like being in a submarine, although of course I have never been in a submarine. It takes about 20 minutes. Thanks for asking about it. My doctor says I need to talk about the experience more so I become less afriad of it. Most people, and I repeat most people, have no problem with the breast mri. I just happpen to be the exception.
Have fun at the lunch.
Susan0 -
Happy Valentines Day Illinois Ladies... I see so much activity on this thread. I am not good at responding like some of you are, so I hope you all forgive me. I look forward to meeting you next Friday for lunch.
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Blackjack - I had a breast MRI at diagnosis. It was like Susan describes except my face was down (there was a hole for your face) so you can see the floor I guess! Anyway, I don't know if there are different kinds, but I also had to have an IV because they were running a contrast dye through me while taking the pictures. Just wanted to warn you about that. It is really loud when they take the pictures. They told me to bring a CD, but I couldn't even hear it over the loud clanging noises. But, all in all, it didn't bother me at all. Good luck!
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Really quick- I'm trying to skim read some of the posts.
Put me down for the lunch- I'll be there, but I may be a little late. I work until 11:00 am, and will have to go home and let the dog out, change, before coming.
I had two breast MRIs. Both face down, and there was a little mirror you could look into to allow you to see out to the room. Supposed to help if you are slightly claustrophobic- don't think it would help much if you were severely affected by tight spaces!
Sparker- I don't know if this will help or not, but I got several nice and inexpensive wigs through http://www.ebonyline.com/ . No, I'm not African American, but for some reason these were the styles that looked best on me. They seem to have a good selection of colors and textures. And they do allow returns, though you pay a stocking fee. Actually, if you like short, sassy, and streaky-red, I have two unworn wigs that I would be proud to send you. http://store.ebonyline.com/ch1149w.html (Mattie wig) and http://www.ebonyline.com/ch1147w.html (Ginger wig)
You said you have been waiting for a Prosthesis in the right color. Is this a custom prosthesis? Most prosthesis just fit in the bra and the color does not matter. Just wondering because I'm currently waiting for my custom that was ordered through Benchmark Atlantic. Not their fault, the factory that is making it keeps messing up.
Hugs to everyone. Off to have dinner with my husband!
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Dear Laura:
I just read your response to Linda's e-mail regarding the politics of breast cancer. I really cannot say much about the color pink, but the importance of the fundraising provided by walks, runs or whatever else, cannot be minimized. You said it well, but I have more to add.
These walks bring in the money for women, unlike most of us, who are without insurance. They also provide money for minorities and also deal with the fallout of breast cancer (Y-Me offers incredible emotional support) to all women who simply are fearful and can dial a phone number to receive a listening ear. We get support because of the fundraising! My onc told me about the number of grants that hospitals/universities are losing due to cutbacks. Research monies, he tells me, are in decline just as the economy is in a decline.
These walks are overseed by groups who are watchdogs for the very names that sponsor the walks (Susan Komen). These watchdogs protect the integrity of the name involved (Komen) by carefully watching where these monies go.
No one will argue that we need more money put into research with a focus on prevention. But we are currently losing money in research grants! These walks result in MILLIONS of dollars! These millions are collected throughout the country. Fund walks solidify, energize and actualize people looking for a cure, if not not some relief from the devastating effects of breast cancer. It takes a hell of a lot of money to get to the bottom of breast cancer. If a fund walk brings in MILLIONS of dollars, during a time when research grants are being denied, I AM WALKING!
This got me stirred up. I too appreciate the exchange of ideas, yet I want opinions expressed in a way that is fair and sound. Show me respected literature on how monies are misappropriated in these fund walks. I would like to read about that.
Anyway, have a nice evening!
Susan
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Hey Jan,
good looking out. I will be checking out that site. Thanks for the offers of the wigs. You know I have always worn my hair shoulder length and my hair is thick. I am a all natural woman. I have never worn wigs or hair weave. I don't even like wearing my wig much unless I am going out somewhere special. Which isn't much. I think now I am going to keep it short. But streaky red I don't know. Might get my head swollen and my husband excited and not let me out of the house. And no my prosthesis is not customed made. I went to a medical suppy place that is ordering it through (Amonea). I have been three times for fittings. Every time some one else is there when the order comes in and they think that I should have a different size or style than the other person. I had already ordered bras and they keep having me try on different ones every time. So I don't know whats going on. The color I want is Tawny. I know that know one will be seeing it but it's just nice to have something as normal to me as I can. Nothing like having a white girl/black girl clevage. What would people think???lol...I just don't think this store has had to deal with any black clients. They didn't have many tawny boobs on stock. They have orderes 3 different sizes. I think they are trying to avoid getting too much tawny stock in.
And to the other post of the pink ribbons. I am truely grateful for the walks and the fundraising people are doing in the name of BC. I was recently a receipient of such through the Brenda Mehling Foundation. What a blessing they were to me and my family. I too plan to pay it forward as soon as I can. I want to become an advocate for AA women with Breast Cancer in my community. I do plan to attend the Relay for Life that will be held here in May. I have attended a couple just to be there and now I will be a participant as a survivor. But like with all things in this world you have some good and some bad. But now I just thank God for all the Good and bless those who aren't.
Take care
sparker.
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Hi Girls,
Ah, so much goes on when your away at work. Massive congratulations Laura. I bet you find it wonderful. I would imagine they saw a lot in you....we have sure seem a million good parts to you here. All the best.
I intend by the way to save those Grilled Cheese sandwiches for a special treat this week-end. One of my all time favorites.....along with food.
Tdbear....thanks for the hug.....
Linda and Laura, I think there is a thing in many medical areas going on....with drug companies and a certain amt. of Dr's. In some instances it's drug companies who will or could have a sizable decrease in the old profit margin if too many cures were to be found for too many things. It's human nature.....but I also think Laura is right.....the more exposure that comes---the more conscience coming along with it and if the good Lord gives ( us ) the knowldege to cure-----then he certainly would find a way to get past the greed and avarice of anyone trying to keep a lid on that. All of us has the spark of God within.......and that means we may be slowed down BUT never stopped. There often seems so many more of them---those full of greed and other undesirable characteristics......but our light will shine too bright....and they only exist and flourish in dark.
Ok, I'm coming down from the pulpit now.
I'm so envious that your all getting to meet for lunch--but hey, my head would drop over in the bowl mid-way of the soup course anyhow. I sure will be thinking about you all though.
Made this a wee bit on the long side so I'm going to go get jammies on and try to stay awake long enough to make some pink lemonaide to take to work tomorrow.
Jackie
p.s. Sparkle.......is that not sweet about Mich's two un-used wigs. See these gals really back it up here. I have always known their was a lot of kindness in this world.......but never dreamed I'd see so much concentrated in one place. It's glorious........I just love you gals.
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Oops.....sorry Sparker 38......I said Sparkle up above--just noticed. My brain is on over-load as of 10 a.m. this morning.......and I only started at 9 a.m. Kind of frightening isn't it?????
Jackie
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Hi Illinois Gals -- just checking in tonight. I had tx #3 today and I'm sure hoping this one goes better than 1 and 2 did and my se's are not as severe. Keep the good thoughts coming please!
My onc has changed up some of my meds and wants me to return next Wed for a 2nd infusion of Aloxi for the delayed nausea. I'm really hoping that helps!
Sounds like you all are going to have a nice luncheon next Friday -- on my BIRTHDAY!! Sure wish I was able to join you all! I'll be there in spirit! I'm just hoping I'm feeling well enough by then to actually enjoy some birthday cake!
I hope you all had a very nice Valentine's Day!!
Julie
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NIU
Thank God so far everyone I know at NIU is okay...I live 20 minutes from there. Went to first wallyball game tonight at Dekalb Y and Walmart to get meds and heard a lot from the workers. One of our players is a nurse at Kish and she was still at work, at 6:30 and did not show.
SAD
My nephew graduated in December, classmates had kids there and he sent a satellite map showing how he had just passed through there minutes before..neither here nor there. I've been reading Chicago trib about it.
Old news by the time you see this.
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Hi I'm Heather
I live in Paxton IL, but I recieve my treatment in Bloomington - Normal. At 28yrs old I was dx with IDC, last July. I had a 7cm mass in breast and full masc, 16-17 nodes. By August the disease had spread and become bone mets.
My thoughts are with you. There are some really great ONC's in Bloomington-Normal. I recieve treatment at the Cancer Center and they are great there.
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Heather...bad reason, but nice to meet you. You seem confident and happy with your Dr's and that is a very good thing. You will find all here very supportive.
Julie.........we sure will be sending strong vibes your way that your tx goes much, much better this time and that you have found a satisfactory combination to get you through the trying days. Even with nausea and vomiting handled things can be generally unpleasant for a short while......so sure hope you have a lot more smooth sailing this time.
Happy Birthday a week from today..........and a hundred more.
Hi to all---I'm up very early just to be first ( actually just couldn't sleep ) and get on here before work. Hope you all have a fantastic day.
Jackie
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Morning! DSL is greatly slowed down, so no graphics. I live about 45 minutes from NIU and I have a feeling the lines are just jammed with so much traffic. Cell phone is just busy. I cannot imagine having a child at that school and not being able to reach them. What the heck is going on?? I meant to check back later last night, but was just watching the whole story unfold.
I'll be back later after exercising and errand-running. Cannot believe we will be having another severe winter storm with up to a foot of snow/ice. I think if I don't see some break in this weather, my normally sunny disposition is going to take a HUGE turn. Weather doesn't usually affect me but I am just bloody tired of winter.
Welcome Heather!
Sparker...I have an unused BLONDE wig! You could get JanClare's red one and my blonde one and your DH would never know who'd he be spending the night with! LOL You'd never get out of the house! Wait a minute....maybe I should use them!!!!!! JanClare...you send that red one to me! Only kidding as you guys know I've been out of wigs since mid-December.
Count me in Blackjack for Friday for lunch. Linda....you don't have to stay long at lunch if you don't want to...would love to meet you.
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Oh Normal.....how very awful! Wendy, what is happening in our world!
Julie, I am thinking of you. Just know that it will pass! If I can do anything, let me know.
Everyone else.....have a peaceful day.
Susan
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Good morning ladies. Since I have chimed in here I have been feeling so much better these last few days. Even though you guys aren't right here with me I feel a closeness I have never felt since my journey began. Thanks so much for caring and sharing.
May you all have a blessed day.
Sparker
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Morning all -
NIU - glad to hear that everyone you know there is ok, Kater. One of my DH's best friends has a son there and since he is an eagle scout he was helping some of the wounded until the ambulances arrived. I don't know the whole story yet of whether he was in the class or just nearby to be able to help. How scary! You just never know.
Welcome, Heather. Sorry to hear of your dx, but stay on this thread - it's a great group of ladies. And you have our founder Rita, right in your neck of the woods. I went to ISU, by the way.
Sending good vibes to you Julie! Just keep telling yourself that it will be better this time! I had my 40th b-day during tx and it wasn't fun. I was on Taxol and the bone pain starting on the evening of my birthday. But, I spent a nice day at the zoo with my family and I was so happy to be alive! It was a great birthday.
So, glad you are feeling better, Sparker. This group is so chatty, you just don't have time to feel down!
I hear you about winter, Wendy. It is definitely getting old!
Have a great day, girls!
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Heather - Welcome...sorry about your dx...but you've come to the right place!
kater you wrote - "Went to first wallyball game tonight at Dekalb Y and Walmart" So...you went from wallyball to wallyworld! LOL
Julie - Fingers crossed that you have better luck with the next round!
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HOPE YOU ALL HAD A LOVE-LY VAL DAY!
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Hey Connie
Happy b-Day even if it's late.
Yeah I understand the Taxol. I have two more treatments to go. It sucks worse than the first round of chemo. They told me this one should go easy NOT!!!. Almost 5 days of pain. I am still having spasms and my feet are not back to normal yet. What are you taking for the pain? My dr prescribed be prednisone. That stuff his horrible to the stomach. I quit taking it. Just been relying on aleve. Laying down hurts worse than walking go figure. 6 more days til my next treatment. Even though this will be over soon I still have to monster up some strength to go in there and let them give it to me. But I know it will be over soon.
Have a great day and I pray that it is pain free
sparker
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Blackjack,
Add me to the list for lunch on Feb. 22nd. I have been sitting here wavering back and forth. The weather will be an issue, of course, as it is 2 1/2 hours from my house, and since I will have to come alone (Ginny works on Friday and MaryJane babysits) I'm not quite as adventuresome. I really like that extra set of eyes in the car in the city when I don't know for sure where I am going. I decided that it would probably be better to have one too many chairs at the table instead of having to add another at the last minute. So add me temporarily and hopefully it will work out!
More later...I'm taking my neighbor for lunch and then she is going to help me set up my new laptop so it's ready to go next week. I'll be back if I get everything done around here before we leave.
Rita
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Good Morning,
Well I saw the doctors, I need a boob mri, then hopefully the surgury in the begining of March. That's the good news. While they were looking at my cat scans they think they may have found a new primary cancer in my lung. It really threw me for a loop and I was basically useless for all of yesterday. I was supposed to go the lung clinic and and I coudn't do it. I couldn't stop crying, finally took a lorazapam, thank god she prescribed them and then was able to go see Wicked, with my wonderful boyfriend. I am putting this out of my mind for the next five days. When I get back I'll go see the lung guy and I won't go by myself. I think that's what was scary too. I thought I was losing my mind, I kept driving around getting lost.
Love
Leesa
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Good Morning Illinois Ladies... I hope everyone has a GREAT day!
NIU can you believe it....What is happening to this world??? I am so sad for the families of the students. We have a daughter away at school. I can not even imagine what it must be like for these poor families. Boy, just when I was starting to feel sorry for myself, I look at this tragedy and thank God that I am here to fight.
Leesa I will keep you in my prayers.
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Hezzy, WELCOME....SO SORRY to hear your news and thanks for joining our group. This was my best resource when I was dx'd.
WENDY, 11 AM PRESS CONFERENCE ON WGN i think my jr college wrote.
"WGN has been turned on the televisions in the cafeteria if you would liketo listen to the press conference at 9 a.m. from NIU or the 11 a.m. updatefrom Kishwaukee Community Hospital."in a rush...more next week!
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OMG Leesa, I would have lost it, too. I am so sorry that you were by yourself. Hugs to you, hon. You did say that they MAY HAVE FOUND....that's not a fact right now so keep thinking positive. I'm sending good vibes and prayers your way. Enjoy the time with your family and when you get back, we will be here to help you tackle the rest of this!
Heather, I am glad that your found us and am so sorry that you have to deal with this at such a young age. My heart goes out to you, but you seem to have a "perky" outlook. That is certainly a plus. I did all my treatments at the Community Cancer Center in Bloomington/Normal, too and I agree with you. There are some very good oncs there who are well-versed in the latest techniques. I need to get out my map and see exactly where you are from me. I have heard of Paxton but just can't place it. How far is it into Bloomington for you? What kind of current treatment (if any) are you doing? Feel free to PM me if you'd like to meet for a soda or coffee and a chat sometime. In fact, feel free to PM me about anything. I'm not sure I"ll be able to help, but I'm a great listener.
Sparker...so glad that we've helped brighten your days a bit. It's depressing and scary when you're out there all alone. Post often and remember that we ALL vent at some time or another on here! LOL And as for all these wig offers..........you might just find that you actually LIKE the variety and change! Stranger things have happened!!!!
Laura, thanks for the directions. I have them printed off. They didn't seem TOO threatening! I would really like to see all of you again, but like I said, the weather will probably be the biggest factor for me.
Jackie...hang in there. It will all be over soon as will this weather. The treatments and the weather are both so draining and they don't make a good combination. However, I'm glad I did most of my chemo in the winter so that I was able to enjoy most of the summer.
Julie, good luck with this third treatment. I'm so glad that they are working with you find the cure for the nausea. Let's hope that this mid nausea medication does the trick. I'm so sorry that you've had such a rough time of it. Hang in there. You are counting them down and soon they will be over, hon.
The NIU incident is SO disturbing. Like you Susan, I just don't know what is happening in this world and how people can do such things. I empathize so much with the families of the victims. It's just mind-boggling to me.
Everyone have a great day! Has anybody heard from Kats? I sent her a PM over a week ago and haven't had a response.
Well, I need to get finished up and ready to pick up my neighbor so I'm out of here.
Rita
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Morning Again! OK..I know a bit early for spring but I can dream!Rita's coming for lunch???? YAY!!!!! I get to meet our founder, weather permitting of course.
Leesa - so sorry about your news but try and put it out of your mind for a few days. Probably impossible I'm sure. Can you come to lunch next Friday?
Sparker...glad we are helping you thru this mess! Can you come to lunch next Friday? Rest. is right off the tollway so no driving aimlessly like I do, trying to find addresses.
Jackie...sounds like you have turned the corner and are doing better. I'm so happy for you.
Julie...how are you doing? Did the IV of anti-nausea meds do the trick this time?
Linda...I do know a bit how you feel about the "pink Ribbons". They were even on my campbell's cknnoodle soup cans. But then I have to agree with the rest of the girls...the walks pay for the research that finds drugs like Herceptin for me that can cut my risk of a recurrance by 50%. And it pays for screenings/treatment for those who otherwise cannot afford the $250,000. cost for surgery/chemo/rads/dr's/scans. But sometimes I too get a little tired of seeing pink everywhere but I think I don't like it because it is just another reminder that the bc fairy found me. But I'll keep walking, keep donating...simply because I need to do this.
Interesting morning at the gym as one of my best buddies there has a granddaughter who goes to NIU and who was in Cole Hall on Wednesday at 3pm for her lecture. What a difference 24 hours made there. My friend was just telling us about it...and she completely and utterly broke down, sobbing. I think the enormity of the whole situation just hit her right then and there. We really didn't know what to do, just kept hugging her and saying her granddaughter was just fine. Scary stuff. I guess this is where I wonder if there is a guy upstairs and where in the heck was he yesterday afternoon. But that is where faith lives I guess.
Off to do some laundry/watch Y&R (my guilty pleasure) and see if the "Z" starts and maybe drive it around. It's been sitting in the garage for weeks but the battery is new so we shall see. If it doesn't start, it doesn't. After seeing all that transpired at NIU yesterday, who the heck cares if my sportscar starts. Small stuff indeed.
Wow....I'm philosophical today. I'll stop now.
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Leesa - DAMN! I am so sorry you have to deal with this! It's wonderful you have a boyfriend to help you along the way. And of course...we're here too. Gosh...try to relax. I KNOW that's easier said than done. The meds will help to keep you calm...that's what they're for! Hang in there...
sparker - Sounds like you're having some nasty s/e's. I had a real hard time with my Taxol treatments. But it really does get better. You just have to fight like hell!
Rita - If you head out to join us next Fri...take the addy list with you, just in case you need to call one of us. I will call you on your cell phone around 10ish just to check in with you (at that point you should be about halfway to us).
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Wendy - We were posting at the same time! Hi there...if my Goat wasn't in the "shop" - I'd be cruising in it today too!
Linda - Just one more thing...I do think it's good that there are watchdog groups such as the one you mentioned. Their presence probably keeps more blatant attempts of exploitation at bay.
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Leesa....I'm so sorry you were alone for this news, and so sorry you had to receive it at all. I'm wondering how a cat scan can tell if it's a new primary. So glad your wonderful bf is there for you. Sounds like a good plan to give yourself the next five days to put it out of your mind. Take the medication if you need it, that's why they give it to us, and it does help. We're here for you, and always ready to listen if you need to talk. You have many friends here, and we undersatand.
Julie... I'm so glad you're getting the extra aloxi. I would have badgered my doc if I'd had that much nausea. All my fingers and toes are crossed for you!
Connie... Happy belated b-day!
Heather... Sorry you have to be here at all, but the ladies here are wonderful and supportive. Post often, and let us know how you're doing.
Laura... Congratulations! I would miss working in my jammies, though.
Jackie... Glad you're starting to feel better. I didn't have a breast mri, but I did just have the lumbar spine. I had the contrast given IV, and I closed my eyes at first because I wasn't sure how I'd feel about being in the "tube." It was okay, and technician was very nice.
Wendy... Love the spring graphic. I don't usually complain about weather, but sheesh! Enough is enough already.
Blackjack... It was so great to meet you via cell phone. We have a lot in common even with our different tx and I hope to meet you in person. I'm so sorry I can't make the Maggianos lunch on Friday, but hopefully I'll be enjoying sunny Aspen. It's a little soon after his back surgery for dh to be skiing, but he thinks he can do it. I hope he's right.
Sparker... I had lots of bone pain during taxol, but I also had lots of it during the AC. It was from the neulasta which I didn't get during the taxol. I felt it was a little easier because the bad taste in my mouth and the severe stomach pain was gone. My feet are not back to normal which, on the bright side, causes dh to give me frequent foot rubs! I hope you feel better soon!
I was getting a manicure treat when news od Normal came out. Several women jumped on their cell phones to find kids they know who are there. It's so scary! Now you have to look for a school close to a trauma center when you're checking out colleges.
Sorry I'm talking so long, but I don't have a chance to keep up every day. Now I'm off to Highwood where I have tile to look at. My two previous trips have been during snowstorms, so today looks swell to me.
Everyone...have a wonderful day.
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PS
Kater....Glad everyone you know is safe. It is so sad, and I don't know what we can do about it. I'm thinking we need gun control. My kids were all in grade school during the Laurie Dann incident. Do you remember that? The school bus didn't come, and I had some scary moments until they activated the phone tree to tell us the school was in lockdown because of a shooter on the loose! Not something you ever expect, and my kids were all at different schools in the area. They decided to keep the doors locked after that, but I noticed as time went on they got very lax about it.
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Wow, Rita. That's great that you're planning on making that long drive in. You must really love us!
Hope the weather holds off!Sparker - I am done with tx now, but I took Motrin for the pain during the day and Vicodin at night. The Motrin really didn't help much, but I kept taking it anyway. The Vicodin helped a little, but I agree it felt better to walk than laying down. The one thing I liked about Taxol (did I just say that?) was that when the pain went away after 4 days, I felt pretty much like my normal self. With A/C I had something bothering me every day for the whole tx cycle. I still have some lingering neuropathy in my feet, but it's not that bad.
Leesa - so sorry about your dx. Let us know what we can do to help. We are all here to listen and help you through.
Have a great Friday night everyone. We have a Blue and Gold banquet tonight where my son crosses over from a Cub scout to a Boy scout. He is excited.
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