Illinois ladies facing bc

Hello Illinois ladies!

My name is Deb and I live in Rolling Meadows (near Schaumburg - NW Suburbs) and was recently diagnosed with BC.  Has breast sparing lumpectomy surgery on 5/10 to have tumor removed and have Oncotype DX test done (score:  27 or 18%) so my MD says I should have Chemo (was really hoping I wouldn't have to!)  and go to see my new Chemo MD on Tuesday 6/2. 

You all seem like such a "up" group that I thought I would join as I live alone with two wonderful kitties for company and a little human companionship never hurt, right? 

I'm quite concerned about a few things, like am I going to be able to do this alone?  Am I going to be able to continue to work (as I live alone, only 1 paycheck coming in with mortgage, utilities and other expenses to pay, I cannot afford to take time off of work).  My employer has been/is wonderful but last year was not a good year for me.

May of 2009 I had a partial knee replacement on my right knee and I was off for 6 weeks for recovery.  The surgeon who did that took a bit too much bone out which left my left hip higher so walking really screwed up my left hip socket and back.  December of 2009 had a total left hip replacement and am still recovering.  Was off work for 12 weeks for recovery.  Walking for any distance is quite difficult and hurts a lot.  Stairs are still a problem and am still on pain killers (1 a day in the a.m.).

If I have to take time off of work to have this completed (the Chemo), I will receive only 1/2 pay due to all the time I missed last year.  Can anyone tell me what to expect?  I've done  A LOT of reading, but I figure ask someone who has gone through this for a better perspective.

Any advice help is GREATLY appreciated! 

Hmmm, need someone to drive me to and from Chemo?    This is going to be difficult.  I might be able to ask my SIL or brother to drive me as they are retired now and have the day time basically free.

How often did you go for Chemo?  Every day?  Once a week?  What is the normal time span?  I guess I can wait until I see the Chemo MD, but very curious to find out ahead of time.

Thanks so much Susan for your advice! 

Already looking at wigs/scarfs etc to cover my soon to be bald head.  That really hurts cause it took me so long to get my hair to the length it is now (mid back, absolutely straight and fine).  I guess I'll start looking up the hairdresser's Cancer.org mentions in the brochures I was given to get my hair cut/shaved when it is time.  BIG SIGH.

 Again, thanks for the info!

Brat,Hi and welcome, welcome although we wish you did not have to be here.  I can't stay long as duty and hungry cats are calling, but this is a wonderful place to be.  I hope you will really consider going to the luncheon.  I'm too far away but these are some of the best friends you will ever have. 

I'll have more to say to everyone when I get my day a little farther along.  It's been raining here.....and the cook-out is in a while ( that I'm ahem' not ready for ) and I'm looking for a spot to duck in and feed those cats and my sweet raccoons. 

I'll be back later. 

Hugs, Jackie

P.S. Brat --I'm the quote lady.

Hi Brat,

As one who is still in the middle of tx, I can chime in and help out when I can.. I personally can not drive myself to tx, but it really depends on what you are getting and how you react.  I get very drowsy from my pre-meds which they give you before each infusion to ensure  you don't get any allergic reactions and to help with nausea and such.  If you can handle those things  you may be fine driving yourself.  I would recommend you go with someone the first time.  I believe American Cancer Society has a service where they drive people to treatments. I saw someone do that at my hospital one day.

Wigs - I now have one each color.. heck may as well have fun.. BUT, it gets very tricky and expensive with insurance.   My first one I didn't get approved.  You need to get a WAIVER most of the time for out of network provider for a specific place. Then you can go there and get in-network coverage.  That's how I ended up with more than one.. when the first one didn't get covered.  There are also some really good ones at http://www.tlcdirect.org/subcategory/WigsandHairpieces.html  which is where I got my first one.  If  you need a place to go let me and the others know and we all have recommendations. 

Good luck.. It's no picnic but it's do-able.  Let me know if you have questions I can answer!

Marina

Hello Deb,

I live downtown Chicago and am also alone with two cats (Henry and Charlotte).  I moved back to Chicago (after ten years) last summer and was diagnosed with BC in Feb.  My Oncotype Score was 20 and I decided to do chemo.  Just finished the 3rd treatment and have one more to go (TC four times, every three weeks) then 3-4 weeks off and then 6.5 weeks of radiation.  Have been able to work so far, just take the day off when I get the chemo.  I have been walking to and from treatment (about a mile one way).  The medicine they give me does make me drowsy while I am there, but once done the drowsiness is gone as well.  Also have been able to take care of the cats.  I asked the onco about that and she said no problem cleaning their litter.  Let me know if I can be of any assistance.

 Jolanta

Ahhhh yes, the Blackhawks.  We are watching as well.  Had a great day.  Big week coming up with an assortment of stuff I have taken on.  I am a "maybe" for Friday's lunch....I am hoping I can be there as it would  be anice way to launch the summer.

Susan

Morning, although it is almost noon.  Turning into a muggy feeling day.  My computer room is quite warm.  We are re-working the alcove once again.  You might know -- the way the doors open -- well, they don't all the way.  So, plan C is now taking place since plan B already proved to not be enough.  I just might end up with an open alcove.  This would not be the worst thing that ever happened, but I rather liked the partial mirrored doors there --- mirrors anywhere increases your space. 

Enjoyed the cook out last night.  Believe it or not, it got a bit cool after the rain was done and night fall arrived.  I hung in until about 9 p.m. but Denny was coming home from work so was time to go anyway.  I was glad. 

Hope you all had a great time yesterday -- whatever activities you chose.

Hugs, Jackie

Hi All! Just a quickie - 

Well I could not put it off any longer.  My sister forced me to schedule my initial chemo today so that she could get her life scheduled since she's going to be taking me.  I would have preferred to have waited until the very last minute  - which would have probably been late Friday afternoon after my PS appoint.  So now I'm scheduled for next week Thursday and then I remembered that I'm supposed to have my washer & dryer delivered on Saturday.  Guess it'll be rescheduled yet again (it was rescheduled before).  LOL

Take Care -

Carolyn

Good morning.  Woke up through the night to crash, boom, bang, and it is wet outside and not the last we will see.  Looks like most of Illinois could see water come from the sky today.  I am not fond of rain, but more than that is the quite sultry humidity we will be enduring later on.  That is the part of summer I can't get into.  In California ( in the foothills of the Sierra's where my folks lived ) the temps would get easily to three digits during the day.  You stayed out of it at mid-day, but there was no humidity.  It is easier to handle when it is just heat. 

Char -- welcome, welcome to our little corner of the world. Great to hear about your cat companions.  Everyone needs someone to run the household while we are gone to work. 

P Juliet,  good to hear from you.  Hopefully all these issues you are having will straighten out.  I'm sure it is troublesome with the menopause which seems to cause problems when it comes naturally much later on to others -- so dealing with it in these conditions --  here's hoping that you ease into a better place soon.  Also hope the implant will be fine.  Another waiting game, huh !!!

Hi Brat, and all the others I've not mentioned by name.  Hope you are all able to red this.  As is my usual......I pushed something wrong and my writing is very small.  See you all later.

Hugs, Jackie

Sorry but I just need to whine a little bit.  I had the third out of fourth chemo last Friday.  Can't complain about the side effects since I feel fine after a treatment until Tue-Wed-Thur - and then it feels like a flu.  But emotionally I am so down - I know I only have one more chemo treatment but it seems to far away and I am so tired of this whole process.  Is this what my life will be like going forward?

Jackie and Rita - thank you - I am trying to deal with one day at a time.

Hi all you beautiful Illinois ladies!

Had first appointment with Oncologist today and I don't think it's as bad as I feared.

I will be given Taxotere and Cytoxen by IV (hooray) in 4 doses once every three weeks.  Then I wait for 3 weeks and start radiation for 6 or 7 weeks and then go on either Femara or Arimidex for 5 years.  I have to call tomorrow cause I lost the little card with my appointment on it.  I think it's for next Wednesday at 8:00 a.m., but not sure.

Dropped off my Rx's for anti-nausea and something else (can't remember), bought all the mouth stuff,  new digital thermometer (didn't have one so I needed it anyway), new soft toothbrushes, baby wipes, imodium, and a few other things I also can't remember.  So I'm getting ready.  RN said I should be okay to drive myself to and from as it is only being done by IV, but I think I'll ask my SIL if she can come with me.

I have to go see my regular MD as my left ear has been RINGING for months now and it's really starting to bug me.  My regular MD said it's related to my allergies, but I'm beginning to think maybe not so much.  Noticed I'm losing some hearing on that side and starting to get small headaches by my temple too.  Please don't let it be anything serious (ya hear that God?)!  And to make matters worse (like they could be?), my back is killing me and I think I have a pinched nerve.  When is this all going to stop?

Well, time to give the kitties their evening snack and then off to bed.  Have a great day tomorrow!

Brat  yay for you.  Not being timid and jumping right in does I think tend to help you feel you can be in charge of this horrible thing that snuck in behind your back and took you over without your consent.  I envy you as I was not only timid about it all but in denial for awhile as well. 

I like the idea of your taking your SIL.  Just to put it out there.......I think to a person we were all very intimidated to whatever degree with our first couple of chemo's.  The un-known tends to be a bit scary and nerve-wracking.  While most people tolerate it well, there can be a little allergic reaction or something -- so having someone with you -- at least at first can bring some comfort.  Also, don't know about you -- but I am always just a tiny little bit braver around someone else.  

If all goes as it did for most of us you will wonder what the big deal was all about when you are through.  I was scared out of my wits almost, but curious too.  It turned out to be very anti-climatic.  I had 8 chemo's, three weeks apart for a total of 6 mos.  Sure glad when I was done.

It's late and need to get settled down so I can get some sleep for work tomorrow.  See you all then.

Hugs, Jackie

Hi ALL... having a garage sale tomm and Sat , so this is just  a drive by!

char and Brat....Seems like you are onj the same protocol and that is something to support each other on as timing is perfect for this! I did the same protocol with Cytoxan and Taxotere, did not have radiation. You will do it and  char... it is tiring emotionally and you are just coming to a big ending to you TX and all i know is.. your life will evolve on its own as you slowly come out of your cocoon you have been in and listen to your body and honor that whatever you need, you do and it is ALL a process. We can help you here as your needs arise!!! Just get thru it and know you being down or tired emotionally is so normal and it does GET  BETTER and BETTER!!

Brat... It is awesome you have your kitties to go thru this time with!!!! I had my 3 senior Goldens and they were always open and ready to nap with MOM!!!! It is simply comforting to have pets at this time!!!!

buddy and Elf...Miss you guys and hope your PT is goin well!!!!

Laura.. where have you been..Miss you too!

Jackie... THANKS for all the great daily reads and perspective that helps everyone daily!!

BE WELL to  all that needs helathy wishes, hugs and good thoughts.

Donna