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Any Michigan Ladies?

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Comments

  • josieo
    josieo Member Posts: 140
    edited June 2019

    Butterfly,

    Yes...the entire staff there is great. They love Drs. Brown and Gold and do their best for every patient. I’ve always left the office with gratitude and appreciation for the outstanding care I receive

    Best wishes to you.

  • Suz-Q
    Suz-Q Member Posts: 110
    edited June 2019

    Hi Lifeisbeautiful ,

    I used Dr. Edwin Wilkins out of U of M and Ann Arbor. His bedside manner is a little offputting at times however he's an excellent surgeon. He's very detailed and a perfectionist. I had to have my implants taken out because of capsular contracture in February and my surgical results are amazing. I used Dr. Ian Lytle for my reconstruction the first time around. He has the most nicest bedside manner however I ended up getting capsular contracture. He did not diagnose me with cc Dr. Wilkins did. My breasts were two distinct shapes and sizes and Dr. Lytle, said he really couldn't do anything more for me after the revision I had with him. Nice guy but Dr. Wilkins did such an amazing job making me look normal. Amazing results are what you want!

  • redemptivesufferer
    redemptivesufferer Member Posts: 85
    edited July 2019

    Hi, all!

    I don't post on this forum a lot, but thought I'd search to see if there were other ladies in Michigan, and lo and behold, yes, there are! :-)
    We relocated from AL to SE MI 3 wks ago for my husband's job.

    I was part of an amazing BC support group prior to moving, but admit I began finding myself in a strange place. I was 2.5 yrs post diagnosis and doing well and in some ways wanted to distance myself from cancer. And yet, it's always part of your psyche - you can't run from it or pretend it didn't happen. Right now, we're busy looking for a house and then I'll need to get kids in school, but I can't help but to think I'd benefit from finding other women who've walked a similar journey where cancer is concerned. Not to mention I'd love input on recommended oncologists as I'll need on-going check-ups for the next 2.5 yrs.

    Are any of you aware of support groups in SE MI that meet in person? Do any of you near Detroit meet in person? Would be good to connect with someone other than my realtor, lol.

    Blessings,
    ~ Kim

  • josieo
    josieo Member Posts: 140
    edited July 2019

    Hi Redemptive,

    Welcome to MI! I hope your husband’s job and your family life settles in. Summer is a good time to move here.

    As for breast cancer groups that meet, I’m sorry to say that I don’t personally know of any, but would be interested as well. I think some of the hospital systems have them, but I’ve not heard of any that might be an outgrowth of this website. I’m only one year out from diagnosis and treatment, so there might be more experienced members who can help us out.

    As for an oncologist, I can recommend an outstanding one, so please send me a private message and I’ll be happy to share.

    Best wishes,

    Josie

  • redemptivesufferer
    redemptivesufferer Member Posts: 85
    edited July 2019

    Josie,

    Thank you for the reply! My husband is really enjoying his job and we all really like it here so far. I know we'll be much happier once we're in a home - the house hunt continues. This area isn't foreign to me, as my mom was born in Detroit and lived in Mt. Clemens for part of her childhood. I spent years visiting my grandmother in both Detroit and later Warren when she moved. We had other family members here as well when I was young. I also attended Macomb Community College for a semester. I know you didn't ask for all of that, but just letting you and others know I'm not a total "outsider" haha.

    I hope you are doing well now that you're one year out. I'll send you a PM as I really have no idea which cancer centers/oncologists here are good and which ones to avoid - if there are any.
    Thank you!
    ~ Kim

  • butterfly1234
    butterfly1234 Member Posts: 2,038
    edited July 2019

    Redemptive - sent you a PM.

    Not sure where everyone lives. I know Troy Beaumont has support groups. Maybe we should start our own.Hugs all.

  • Stix
    Stix Member Posts: 610
    edited July 2019

    I did not have good luck with my surgeons in Michigan. I was told my breast care surgeon left too much fat in one side and too little in the other making it hard to even things out. I would not use her again. It makes sense though. I can pinch one side and its half the thickness than the other

  • josieo
    josieo Member Posts: 140
    edited July 2019

    Stix,

    Sorry that your experience was not a good one. Although there are a fair number of surgeons among the different hospital systems in the larger cities, it can be hard to get good referrals and especially to compare. When I was diagnosed I did not have family or friends who had experienced breast cancer, so I read everything I could get my hands on, asked a lot of questions, and tried to make the best choice among the professionals I identified. Since my treatments, I try to help others whenever possible, because I know how stressful it is, and yet how important it is to get the correct assistance. May others benefit from what we learned.

    Best wishes to you

  • redemptivesufferer
    redemptivesufferer Member Posts: 85
    edited November 2019

    I realize this isn't the most active thread, but personally I'm just now "waking up" on social media after focusing on our move here, enrolling kids in school, finding doctors, etc... and wanted to pop on to say hello and that I hope all are enjoying fall! Sure, it's chilly, but fall in Michigan is undeniably stunning!

  • josieo
    josieo Member Posts: 140
    edited November 2019

    Hi Redemptive,

    Glad you and your family are settling in. Yes, the colors are great this year, but the cold seems earlier than in the last few years. But on dry and sunny days there is still outdoor enjoyment to be had. Cider mills are still fun until about Thanksgiving.

    Continued best wishes, and hi as well to our fellow MI ladies.

    (Continuing to edit-keep making the same typo!

  • queenmomcat
    queenmomcat Member Posts: 2,020
    edited November 2019

    Redemptive: well, spectacular until the first winter storms come through! (I live in SW Michigan just downwind of Lake Michigan. Still explaining to my relatives elsewhere in the country the difference between system snow and lake-effect snow.)

  • josieo
    josieo Member Posts: 140
    edited November 2019

    Hi queenmomcat,

    You are in a picturesque part of the state, but agree that lake-effect snow can be heavy. Are you getting snow this weekend? Lots of snow around the Midwest. Please staysafe and warm.

  • queenmomcat
    queenmomcat Member Posts: 2,020
    edited November 2019

    We did, though not the snowmageddon predicted; it's pretty much all melted now. Thank deity.

  • pabl48
    pabl48 Member Posts: 24
    edited January 2020

    Hi Ladies,

    I also live in Michigan. I have just been diagnosed again with breast cancer. I am going to U of M in Ann Arbor for to their Breast Care center on Monday. I have oncologist out of Troy and Royal Oak Beaumont.


  • Stix
    Stix Member Posts: 610
    edited February 2020

    how is it going?

  • onlygirlof5
    onlygirlof5 Member Posts: 27
    edited April 2020

    So Michigan ladies, anyone out there? It looks like the last post was in 2014!

    Michigander here. Ann Arbor area to be specific.

  • josieo
    josieo Member Posts: 140
    edited April 2020

    Hi OnlyGirlof5,

    I’m a Michigan gal, just east of you in western Wayne county. No, there were a few posts over the last few years, but not a large orbusy group.

    I see from your profile stats that you recently had surgery-my goodness. I can imagine there was extra stress given the emphasis on treating virus patients. I wish you a safe recovery, and hope that you can get the necessary treatments/tests that you need. I had my surgery and treatment during most of 2018, so right now am taking an AI, trying to replace my normal gym-based exercise at home, and taking care of an elderly parent. Thankful to be able to manage, and trying to stay healthy.

    Please let me know if there is anything I can share. Will answer via PM if appropriate.

    Best wishes for a good recovery.

  • toria1212
    toria1212 Member Posts: 71
    edited April 2020

    I'm in Brighton, Michy. I will receive surgery and treatment in Novi....the virus is still taking up most of our energy. BC thoughts come and go, and I just began the AI this week, every other day, so day 3 was this a.m. I am feeling fine and blessed to have had sunny weather to play some tennis today.

    Hope you are well JosieO!

    OnlyGirlof5, how are you?

    xx

  • onlygirlof5
    onlygirlof5 Member Posts: 27
    edited April 2020

    Hi Toria,

    We met on another thread. I didn't realize you were so close. I'm in "Ann Arbor" but northern side and do 99% of my shopping/errands/entertainment in Brighton.

    I am doing well except for being on hold which is a struggle.

    I had my RO consult on Thursday and am leaning to get a second opinion. RO indicated the risks outweighed the expected benefits. She left it up to me, as some women choose to still have it as a precautionary method. I had a very low oncotype score which is part of the consideration she made in her recommendation. She told me it was essentially more risk than potential benefits (especially to the final reconstruction). I had 1 node "microscopically" positive but with EE. She said it was so minimal, they weren't concerned. If it was not for the EE, I would probably not worry.

    Not even sure how to go about getting a second opinion in this environment.

  • carebearkid4life
    carebearkid4life Member Posts: 5
    edited August 2020

    Hi Ladies,

    I can't believe I am just finding this board! This forum was so helpful to me, just to read and soak up everyone's insight. It helped me to understand my diagnosis last year and ask the right questions about my medical treatment options. Thankfully, I am now cancer free, however, I'm having a few issues with my implant based reconstruction. If you have a recommendation for a PS in metro Detroit, I would love your recommendations. I have been happy with my care to date, but just need to consult with another specialist to see if there are other options available or whether I just need to accept my current state. Thank you!

  • pabl48
    pabl48 Member Posts: 24
    edited September 2020

    Hi I am in Michigan This will be my second time around with BC. Had a BMX in 2004 followed by 4 rounds of AC.

    Back again for 4 rounds of TC FOLLOWED BY 6 weeks of radiation. This is all been surreal for me.




  • maureen1
    maureen1 Member Posts: 87
    edited October 2020

    Hello from another Michigan girl...I haven't been on the Boards for quite some time so I am just catching up on posts. I'm so sorry you are facing chemo again after so many years...I have had several scares and am currently waiting for CT results from my latest issue. The pain has been pretty consistent so my oncologist is concerned. I hope you are doing well and the beast is in retreat, hugs, Maureen1

  • nancyhb
    nancyhb Member Posts: 235
    edited October 2020

    *waving* Hi Maureen! Sorry to hear you’re dealing with pain and worry; sending love your way

    Maybe come spring we can all plan a get-together and meet-up somewhere central?

  • nancyhb
    nancyhb Member Posts: 235
    edited October 2020

    ...obviously I have high hopes for a return to normalcy in the spring, but I’m not holding my breath. One day we’ll make it happen, though!

  • maureen1
    maureen1 Member Posts: 87
    edited October 2020

    Hi Nancy Smile waving back!! So good to hear from you...I hope you're doing well. It would be great to get together. Our lunches at the winery were such a great source of support and FUN so I'm with you, crossing my fingers for that return to normalcy. Take care - (Hugs) Maureen

  • butterfly1234
    butterfly1234 Member Posts: 2,038
    edited February 2022

    Can anyone recommend an oncologist that is associated with Troy Beaumont Hospital? Feel free to send me a PM.

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