Illinois ladies facing bc
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Good Morning! Warm again...birds are still chirping...Spring has sprung!
Sherry - Welcome! Hope your appt goes well today!
Rita-WendyTY - Golf! Have fun!
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Edited to add:
Just fyi...Here's some printable coupon sources:
http://www.couponalbum.com/printable-coupons.htm http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/coupons/
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Hi ladies, it's another beautiful day downtown. Yesterday I had plenty of company along the lake--joggers, tourists, families on spring break, dog walkers, some strolling couples, etc. Not to mention the ever present gulls and ducks. The boats are not back yet, so it is just the Columbia Yacht Club headquarters (a massive ship what I pictured the Titantic to look like) which is permantly anchored there.
I am intrigued by the 4-person bicycles you can rent. It looks like a Tin Lizzy with a canopy--two people ride up front and two in the back and they all pedal. There are also many groups of ten or so that have rented Segways--they must make them ride single file because they look like "Make Way for Ducklings" (if Paul Blart, Mall Cop, was a mother duck).
Happy Thursday, hope you can get out and enjoy the fine weather.
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Spring is my favorite season and the lake front is a wonderful place to enjoy it.
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Mariana.. Oh MY!!!What a time that must of been and then some!!!Lets throw some more stress out there as if it is not enough getting tx's!!!! GO figure..it is one thing or something other!!!ENJOY time with your baby and go outside and enjoy the weather!!
Just a drive by. Worked for two days and now need to get house ready for familly and Easter here for dinner. Was just asked to go to a FREE self defense class here in Crete and think i will do that on Saturday.
For all others in tx,appts and tests.. all good thoughts goin!!!
Hugs,
'Donna
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Marina - glad to hear your good news! That is GREAT news! Thinking of you! Stay strong!
Took the kids to Shedd yesterday - it was really nice - hadn't been there in about 7 years. We had a fun time!
Back to work today and very busy - this is our budgeting time.
I hope everyone enjoyed this beautiful day!!
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Donna - Hey there...
Connie - You are a trooper...kids, career...fun...responsibilities...you are a powerhouse IL girl! lol
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Today was gorgeous! Hope you all could enjoy atleast a portion of it! I am heading for a hot bath and then icing my AILING, PAINFUL, arm... Arghhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...
Night, night! Hugs to all of you!
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Welcome to the new Illinois Ladies. Sorry you had to find your way here, but hopefully you'll benefit from all the empathy and support the ladies here have to offer.
English Major - Thanks for sharing your experience with the Zometa. Tomorrow is my 1st infusion and at this point, I just want to get it over with. I'm hoping I have minimal if any SE's. I can't believe that I totally forgot that this weekend was Easter when I scheduled this! We have family plans, and I'm hoping to make them. I will be drinking a LOT of fluids before and after to help flush the system.
I am a little worried about the procedure because this afternoon I finally went to the orthopedic surgeon about my shoulder - which hasn't been right since my mastectomy and all my other surgeries. I know it's totally aggravated by my job (scanning with a lot of backward and downward pressure for 25 years!). My range of motion has become pretty limited and if I happen to forget and move it a certain way.. it's omg PAIN! Anyway, he said I have a Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis) which basically means I have an impinged nerve and scar tissue building up like crazy in there. He gave me a shot of cortisone in it, which I'd done before with minimal discomfort, but today it hurt like hell! Probably because it's so much worse now. I'm also having 3 weeks of physical therapy, 3 times a week.
My concern is the steroid shot I just got and if it increases my risk for osteonecrotic jaw after I have the Zometa. The literature mentions a concern with people being treated with corticosteroids, but it doesn't really define if that's long-term, or just from an single injection. I'll have to talk this over with the onc before I get the zometa. So, I may be putting this off AGAIN!
le sigh.
I hope everyone had a chance to enjoy the sunshine today. I worked most of the day, but I did go out at lunchtime. It was wonderful!
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Hi Ladies,
Glad I found you. I live in Lakeview in Chcago. What a beautiful day today. I'm still at the beginning of this journey. Finishing pre-op testing (mammo, u/s, biopsy, MRI, CT and bone scan). Those last 2 were today so I guess I find out my fate tomorrow. Crazy.
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Char and Sherry- nice to meet you~! Sorry for the reason you are here but glad you found us~!!
Laura- How's the pain in your arm?? don't work too hard..
WendyK- How's your cold??
Susan- I am glad you feel better..
SusieQ- Welcome and nice to meet you and like you said glad you found us... I'm crossing my fingers for you and hoping for the better result, hang in there~!!
Rita, Jackie, Donna, Connie, Rene, Marina, EnglishMajor- Hi~~~~!!!!!
Yesterday, we went to office to sign some papers and office clerk told me his grandmother is two time bc survivor and she is over 80 years old now... He told me sorry to hear what I went through but I looked healthy and very happy and wish for many more years.. He just made my day... What a guy (he was cute too:)) God bless him~!!
It was very warm today but it was nice.. almost felt like summer already... I hope everyone enjoyed today and hopefully we all can enjoy more and more and more...
Smile~!
Goodnight~!~!!!
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What a lovely day yesterday! WendyTY and I golfed 9 holes. She beat the pants off of me but it was so nice to get out there, even with the strong gusts of wind!
See, elfsong, everyone sees you as a happy person............even the office clerk. You just have this pleasant little bubble about you that people notice. I am so glad that you are feeling well!
SusieQ...welcome to the Illinois Ladies thread. I'm glad you found us. The beginning of this journey can be so confusing and stressful...........not to mention EMOTIONAL! One day you're just fine and the next day your world is tilted! The first part is really the worst. There's all the tests and so much is thrown at us all at once. Once the decisions are made and you begin the treatment process, it gets easier. Come back often. The gals on this thread will help you through this as we certainly do understand. Hugs to you!
Rene...thinking good thoughts for you and hope that you get through the infusion well with NO side effects!
Laura, have you been to see anyone about that arm? Ouch! It's sounds so painful!
Donna, I like the idea of the self-defense class! Hey, how is your sleeping pattern doing? Although I'm much better than I used to be, it still takes me forever to get to sleep at night.
Everyone have a great Easter holiday. Enjoy your family and friends. I hope that the weather holds for us!
Rita
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Good morning Ladies. I just wanted to pop in and say Hi. I havent been posting often but....I do read several times a day. My son is sick 103 fever and I take my daughter for a nother ultrasound of her ovaries she keeps having cysts and she is only 15 years old. I am getting a bit down , I think the reality of the damage to my hand and arm are really setting in. The thing I love most to do is garden. I realized yesterday I can no longer do it. Along with quilting. I haver great pain and swelling up thru my chest. I was thinking about talking with a counsler. My sis warned me if I do Mental illness will be on my permanent record. And I shouyld only do it if very necessary. What do you think?
Welcome new Breast Sisters.
Love Buddy
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Laura Any news on your arm?
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Buddy1--I am sure your sister means well, but I think she is giving you a bum steer. I am neither an insurance professional nor a doctor. However, I feel confident in saying you are not "mentally ill" but facing an incredible amount of stress compounded by the physical changes resulting from your illness. Sounds pretty normal to me!
Even if you were "mentally ill" there are laws like the Americanps With Disabilities Act that protect against discrimination. But I digress. I think seeing someone could make you feel better. My treatment center has a counselor that sees only oncology patients (and I have seen her). You could also ask your primary care doctor for a recommendation. You are not signing up for a condo time share--you have no obligation to go back if you don't like the doctor or you didn't feel it helped. Why not give it a try? Your doctor can confirm what I have said about there being no "Permanent Record" repercussions. There are strict privacy laws against releasing ANY medical info. Don't think that you have to stick with the first counselor you see--just as you may liked one of your regular doctors better, you are free to find a someone that's a better fit.
I'd ask your oncologist or PCP for their thoughts. Good luck!
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Hi Ritajean, Just thought I would stop in and say hi. Its been a while. We were in Az. for the winter spending time with our youngest daughter. Did not miss the Il. winter at all. Now I have to get used to the humidity again. Sounds like you had fun golfing. Have a great Easter everyone.
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This one is for you Buddy:
Temporary madness may be necessary in some cases, to cleanse and renovate the mind; just as a fit of illness is to carry off the humours of the body. ~Augustus William Hare and Julius Charles Hare
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This is just a real quickie. Hi to Mary and Susie. Rene,& Elf, great to hear from you too.
Buddy --- we mourn for people we lose. I think you are starting to mourn for what cancer has taken from you. Makes sense to me that this is a loss like any other big one, and no one climbs a hill by starting at the top. So some feelings of loss, depression, anger....whatever you have to go through to reconcile where you are finding yourself at this point. I'm thinking about you and hoping it gets better.
Hugs, Jackie
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Good morning.. Well.. I had a lovely night.. NOT.. I am having stabbing pain in my left breast area.. but more inside my chest. On Wed I told my Onc again, and he said it is NOT treatment related.. but yesterday I had a huge attack during a meeting with my boss where I couldn't talk from the sharp pain.. and then another at 9 at night.. called the Dr's office...and they DID NOT call me back.. left a message this morning.. still nothing.. My DH insists it's stress related.. as all this plus the steroids from Wed-Fri each week are making me batty and the last time I had this was during my divorce... 10 years ago.. Just so annoying to have something else to deal with.. I am off today.. and wanted to get out of the house.. just to go to Target or someplace.. but now i'm scared to drive.. UGH.. there is always something...
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Good Morning To All!
Donna - KUNG FU GIRL...lol kick it up! lol
Irene - Hang in there...waiting stinks...I hope you get your treatment. Good luck.
Susie Q - Welcome! Glad you found us. Fingers are crossed for good results.
Budder - I am so sorry about your arm. Gardening and quilting HAS to win...there's got to be something that can help. Let us know all that you've tried...maybe we can come up with something (all the "residents" here).
Marina - Unexplained pain is soooooooooooooo frustrating. Hope your Onc calls you.
Elf - Was that hottie hitting on you? lol ; )
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Thanks for asking...my arm feels slightly better. I am now taking 2 anti-inflams per day. I want to give it the recommended 10 days before I call a Dr. I'm being stubborn...I know! Part of it is wishful thinking that it's a minor "thing". lol
But...I have a new complaint. DANG! I woke up with a horrible pain in my chest. When I cough, OMG...it feels like I'm being stabbed with a knife. It hurts a little when I breath...but man oh man...I am doing everything possible to NOT cough. I just hate all this cra*! Maybe it's "just" a broken rib? Cripe...what the frick is next? Sorry...but this just stinks! Oh well...
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Warm again today...yay...but quite cloudy. I'm going to start researching a laptop purchase. Since - with my new website - I'll be spending even more time on the computer...then I'll be able to "work" on my deck and soak up some "D".
Have a "Good" Friday!
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Mary,
I'm so excited to see a post from you! I envy you the Arizona winter! What part of Arizona did you go to? You picked a good Illinois winter to escape!
I think of you so often and it's so good to hear from you. It sounds like you're doing just fine...right???
Thanks so much for popping on and checking in! If you ever get up my way, PM me and we'll find a spot to meet for a good gab session!
Happy Easter to you and your family!
Rita
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Hi all....welcome to SusieQ. Like Rita says, you are at the hardest part...the waiting and worrying part. Pretty soon you can put that anxiety into a plan and start in earnest to fight this beast. My daughter lives on Wellington in Lakeview. It is a great neighborhood. I think one of the requirements to living there is that you have a dog! Well not really, but a lot of people do have dogs and I see you have one be too!
Buddy, I went for counseling and I could give a damn if it is on my "permanent" record, although with privacy laws now, it most likely is not. What I had was not mental illness, although my family might beg to differ on occasion. I had extreme stress because the cancer scared the heck out of me. I am calmner now, but I do know what you are talking about when it comes to how cancer never truly leaves you what with its scary ways. Just yesterday I was walking in the woods near my house and I thought that I would probably always carry the cancer scare with me. I think it is because it just shocks you when it happens as most of us had no warning. And then the dx and then we lose our hair, our feeling of good health, and our sense of security. I think many of us lose our sense of security. It is like Rita said, our world gets "tilted" and it never totally self-corrects for many. I hate that I can't forget out it, but I cannot because it happened, was real, and I did lose something besides a chunk of my breast. Please consider seeing a counselor. If a person came back from a battle in war and needed a counselor, we would applaud him or her for doing so. You have been through a battle! Also I hope your daughter and son are feeling better. You are going through a tough time.
Marina, are you sure you are not having something going on with your esophagus? I had acid reflux and it resulted in something called an esophageal spasm which was terrible pain. I ended up in the er and I cannot remember how we figured it out but they told me it was this spasm. I took medicines for the reflux and it went away. Here is how I can tell if it is in the esophagus. If I drink warm water, the pain just goes away. Why? I have no idea, but it does. Of course I am not a doctor.
Laura, hope you are okay.
Passover and Easter wishes to all.
Susan
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Marina, I hope you try Susan's suggestion right away. I wonder if we frustrate Oncologists because so much seems to "fall out of the woodwork" once we start txs. I'd like to think you'd get a call back soon.
Susan, such comforting advice to Buddy and Marina too.
Hugs, Jackie
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Hi Ladies,
Could anyone recommend a good wig shop in or near chicago? I went to one that carried Raquel Welsh brand only and they didn't fit my head well. Any advise for wig shopping or wearing?
I'm also looking for some advise on breast expanders. My doc at Northwestern says OK, no problem the 2nd opinion doc at U of C says not too, that it could get in the way of radiation. Did any of you have this dilemma?
I got good news today, my CT and bone scans were clean, Now to schedule the mastectomy ASAP. Thank you for your support. This is a crazy time.
Buddy, please please see someone. You sound so down.
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Susie -- great news on your CT and bone scans. That is a relief and helps you to feel a bit more positive about your upcoming surgery and treatments.
I can't help you much on the wig question, nor expanders. I sent away and got hats and scarves and wore them mainly. I did though go to a "LookGood--FeelBetter" Seminar put on by the hospital and there they often have free wigs, as well as giving you a large name brands make-up kit and show you how to make the most of being "hairless". It was one of the best things I did and I would highly recommend it.
You also can find a lot of on-line catalogs specializing in wigs. Some are quite reasonable and you could have 3 or 4 and be "several new you's " if you wanted. Just a thought. I'm sure there are some good shops around where you are as well.
Well, time for dinner. See you all later.
Hugs, Jackie
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Many people in the Western burbs speak highly of "Naturally Yours" in Willowbrook. You have to call for an appointment: 630/570-5004. I haven't had chemo, but one thing many who have had said is that their wigs can be hot or otherwise uncomfortable so they often choose to wear just a scarf or hat and only wore the wig for "formal" occasions.
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Naturally yours, i hate them
Mom liked them, her first two wigs were 400 or more from there...they sew and tuck and such..important to her, me, i liked seeing wigs and getting them 1/4 the price from online.
the 2nd time we went, 1. 5 hour drive, the girl said, oh, i have to go pick up my kid from school, we had an apptmt. I felt really ripped off and angry.
the next time i was forced to take my Mom...they charged more like 200, so i think they got the drift not to overcharge so much...... i hate that place. maybe some more people will tell their favorites, i finally found after 6 months my favorite wig, at a place in carol stream, they had a ton to try on, but i doubt they are still there.... i also went to algonquin and they were overpriced, too,....beware! As they say, I didn't get any of mine paid for either...I ended up not wearing any, for my 50 th bday party I wore one for awhile...but it was summer and scarves were nicer and hats...for me...I went blonde first, 2 weeks later took a walk in the wind and brushed it all out and then had blonde stubble for what the next year, it made my blue eyes stand out in pictures, smile. funny what parts we remember. Kater
PS i 'm still not used to combing my hair after that hiatus. smile
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http://www.fantasycostumes.com/
I know someone who got their wig at Fantasy Costumes... I am not making that up!! I was supposed to have chemo (long story) but then didn't. Tho I have yet to lose my hair, I am so glad I didn't run out and get a wig (as I was about to do). Not sure I will get one when I do have to have chemo, but I know now, after hearing from a lot of women, I won't buy the most expensive wig. (I guess I have heard from a lot of women who bought a wig and wore them maybe once or twice.) Good to know about Naturally Yours!
As previously mentioned treatment centers and I think Gilda's Club offer the The Look Good Feel Better class and that might also be a source of ideas.
Good luck!
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Hi all,
EnglishMajor, I just have to chime in and let you know that I had a wonderful experience from Naturally Yours and would recommend them not only for wigs but for hats, bras, etc. The woman who I dealt with was a 5 year survivor and beautician, and I thought she was compassionate, and soooo helpful in choosing a wig. She also styled my wig after I got it so I did not look so "wiggy". I believe Connie on this thread also went there.
Also, I wanted to let you know that I work downtown also. I did the walk on the river every day for 7 weeks while I did radiation, I loved it. I usually do not go near Michigan Avenue, and after radiation was done, I really missed my walk that way. I did radiation from mid august until October 2, and it was beautful that time of year. If you would like to meet for lunch some day, let me know.
Lisa
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Hi Lisa, sure that would be nice to have lunch. Thanks for the wig/supply tips!
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I got my wig at:
in Skokie. They deal with cancer ladies and orthodox Jews. They were GREAT! Shaved my head when the time came to do that. I spent lots of money on my wig due to my hair (gray) and my job (teaching). I was shown wigs of all prices and made my choice on my own (no pressure).
Recently we have learned on this thread that you can get reimbursed by insurance for a wig, but in many cases you need to press, So be prepared to press. My insurance turned me down and I accepted that decision, much to my irritation now.
English Major, I am jealous that you will have lunch with Lisa. Lisa is such a cool person!
Susan
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Thanks gals for your help. I can always count on you. I will give it a shot. I guess its just really setting in. It's been over a year now, I now realize there are things that I will never be able to do again. I am surprised there are not more like me.
Laura Please be carefull and take care of yourself. That sounds serious.
I have no wig help. I went all natural.. I couldnt stand the way they felt on my head. But I couldnt wear scarfs either.
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