Illinois ladies facing bc
Comments
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http://www.cancerandcareers.org/women/working/
http://www.cancerlegalresourcecenter.org
Hi all
Hope you are all doing well. Brat, this might be a resource for you:
Prior to Friday's big storm, I attended "Balancing Cancer & Careers" a free seminar held at Loyola Law school. I found this very helpful in terms of understanding my rights under FMLA & ADA. Since I am not a lawyer, I won't attempt to outline this material.
The seminar covered health insurance options, employment rights and protection and government benefits. You can attend the online/teleconference version of it (also free) on Sept 14. In the interim, see the above sites. If you have a specific question, the Cancer Legal Resource may be able to help. Good luck!
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Morning! Last day of spring! I see that it is very dark and cloudy W of me but they are talking about any rain until much later. Tomorrow they are predicting over 2" of rain out here, with the possibility of severe storms. Here we go again! My grass was still "squishy" last night....
Kater....so sorry to hear about your Mom! She has been thru so much. Is she at Delnor? I am going to send you a PM re: your house.....
Ginny....how are you feeling? Are the extra pain meds helping?
Jan...Wow! Things have worked out so well for you, house-wise and everything-wise! Love your little woodland bungalow....
Laura/Marina....how are things up by you? Getting everything cleaned up? We drove into Geneva yesterday for Swedish Days and there were lots and lots of branches down.
Carolyn...sorry that the fatigue has hit you so hard. Maybe try getting up and out, a short walk or two during the day....while it's tempting just to stay in bed most of us agreed it was better to try and get moving. Really helped the fatigue, esp. later in treatment.
I am happy to report that my thumb following the cortisone inj is 95-97% back to normal. yahoooooooo! I do have another appt scheduled for 7/8 for another inj should I need it, but Doc said I probably wouldn't and so far, he is right. Irene.....I went to a pain group 2 years ago for inj's for my back, followed by PT. It was really great and I am still doing fine....as long as I do my back exercises like I am supposed to! I think going to that pain group for you will also be a good thing....will you have to do a short PT course as well?
Happy Father's Day to all!
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Happy Father's Day to all the wonderful men in our lives.!! I hope they all are resting and relaxing today as it is there day to celebrate. Just wanted to pop in for a quick hi and hope everyone is doing well. I sure hope we don't have any more rain. My mil is living with me now as she has no power and water in her basement. A basement FULL of junk that now has to be discarded. Junk man will be coming this week....and now she wants to sell her house and move in with me. I don't think so...temporay yes, permanent no.
Carolyn....sorry to here that the fatigue has set in, but really getting up and walking will help you. Sending you healing hugs your way.
Irene...glad to see that all scans were clear. We like clear. I hope the pain clinic will help. I went to one for my back and it really helped me.
JanC...the pics are so cute of your new retirement home. Now you need to retire soon. lol. The next lunch will be in July after I get back from LV.
Laura / Marina....your poor yards. I hope all gets cleaned up soon.
Kater..sorry to hear about your mom. Sending you healing prayers your way. How are you feeling these days.
Jackie...hope you didn't get bad stroms by you. Maybe rain.
Well I hope everyone has a wonderful Sunday. As for me I am off to my favorite place for some sun and play time. Girls road trip. lol Hoping to win big, proably not but will have fun anyway.
Yes, there is life and fun after bc..so go out and enjoy it.
Remember to be healthy....be happy. Hugs to all. Now my plane is waiting for me...off I go!!!!!!!!
BJ
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Good morning friends. Lots going on.
Kater, My thoughts are with you. You have a lot of stree on you right now, but your a strong person. Its so wonderful that your mother has you there to take care of her.
Wendy..Finally some relief from the pain. It seems like its been hurting a very long time. I am thrilled for you.
English major thanks for the link. I am going to try to makes some sence out of it. I was asked to resign while in treatment from the Public school.
Carolyn Fatigue...Its not fun but its doing its job. Just give in to it and rest.
Rene. Are you saying you got a Mamo and you have a implant? I havent had any screenings done. I just asked the Onc he said maybe a catscan later because I have no breat tissue and I have implants. Well one anyway.. Just wondering if everyone is done this way
Janclare. Nice things happen to nice people. I am happy for you and how things are all working out. You deserve it after all you have been through.
Nothing much new. Its clouding up and getting dark. Here we go again......
Loads of Love Buddy
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Jan I just clicked through the photo's. Its absolutely charming.
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True silence is the rest of the mind; it is to the spirit what sleep is
to the body, nourishment and refreshment.
- Penn, William -0 -
I stopping by to say a quick hello! All is going great with me and I pray with you all as well. I even have some fuzzy hair now... WooHoo And to give a quick reminder that if your new to this site, I'm sorry but I also want you to know that you're not alone. If anyone ever needs to talk PM me! I usually don't post much anymore but I do check in and see what's going on.
Again, I have new pics of my exchange surgery that was back in April, if you're interested.~Marilyn~
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Hi Everyone,
I basically echo the sentiments already expressed for Kater and her mom, Carolyn, and Ginny.
Renee, sounds sort of close there. Glad you made in inside and out of harms' way. Ok, I admit it -- I've forgotten the rules on apostrophe's. Anyway, sounds like you put a rule in place for this fron now on. Good for you.
Wendy -- glad the thumb probably won't be holding you back anymore. Odd how some of the smallest parts of our body can cause almost major disruption. I seldom even think of my thumbs, but I'd hate it if I couldn't do things easily because of them.
Jan, could there be anything more wonderful and fantastic than making a dream come true. I am so happy for you.
As far as storms -- we keep having rain -- often through the night it seems, but no real storms. It is just the somewhat oppressive humidity coming along with the heat. Even that I can tolerate....I just don't like it. I'm wondering what will happen in the next couple of months. Last year it turned rather cool and I don't recall much humidity either.
Happy Dad's day to everyone. I'll be checking in later as this is my relaxation after bouts of work.
Hugs, Jackie
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This rain has got to stop. Just talked to my friend. He cant make Hay and he has to replant all of his soy Beans. They dont like wet feet. Farmers got it rough.
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Uh......Mr Weatherman who said no rain until tonight.......What is that stuff pouring down outside??????
I agree Buddy....the poor farmers! Cold, rain, hot, rain, cold, rain...then...rain, rain, rain!
Have fun BJ!!!!!
Oh well....I have 4 library books! At least you can read in this weather....
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off topic mom moving from icu to regular room
THANKS for all the well wishes. Mom has no idea how critical she was...she has infection in her blood and other complications...but I feel like I've been given a great gift....she is spunky and talking all the time, wow. Thanks for everything.
Did i say my bloodwork was okay for 6 month checkup, ca 2729 in good range 30, last time 29, just mentioning for those who wonder what others do for followup.
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Kater, thanks so much for the update on your Mom. Glad she is coming around so well. Enjoy your gift and give her a hug for me -- even if she does not know me.
Wendy -- I still say weathermen have such great jobs. How can you be faulted when you fail to guess something as un-predictable as the weather. Even I could probably do their job. Glad you are prepared to stay in.
Hugs, everyone.
Jackie
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Jackie, so true what you said about weathermen.. I should guide my son to do THAT job.. :0 It's my DH's first Father's day.. so I have a personalized picture frame ready for him when he wakes up!! My Dad and my Son our out doing a 5K race for the first time together. then all having dinner here.. I'm thinking Chinese so no one has to cook...
Hope everyone enjoys the day as best we can during the rain..and that none of us lose power.. some of my cousins are still out and don't expect to be on until tomorrow!!!
Marina
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Kater, glad mom is doing better! I know it is a terrible worry for you.
English Major, great resource. Since I have experienced this BC, I have become very aware of inequities that can occur with this thing and then the insurance things is a whole other topic! THanks for sharing.
Living with two eight year olds again is wearing. I forgot how they need to be go-going all the time. Went to see Shrek Forever...... and it was actually very entertaining. Hope all is well.
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Hello you gorgeous Illinois ladies!
Took the suggestion of doing probiotics in pill form and seem to be helping. Still not perfect, but at least not running to bathroom every 20 minutes!
Got my head shaved yesterday and found the absolutely cutest wig! The hair started to fall out yesterday (my clean hair brush was just LOADED with hair after I brushed it). If my hair EVER grows back, I'm going to have it styled like the wig. I'll try to post bald/wig pics later. I just love the feel of my head, soft little stubble! I guess this will change to completely bald eventually.
Question for all you bald beauties...I sweat so much in summer that I have sweat pouring into my eyes! Has anyone tried the cotton caps under a wig? Some sort of sweat band? Do they help? My stylist suggests not wearing a wig cap (the nylon ones) as they make your head warmer. I love my new wig, but at the rate that I sweat I'm going to have to wash it at least 2x's a week (which is not recommended).
I bought a 2nd wig from tlc and I bought it a size too big so I have to return it for a smaller size. My stylist said she will trim it for me when it comes in.
Also donated 15" of hair to Locks of Love! At least some poor child with cancer can make good use of it!
My only major problem now seems to be a constantly running nose. My nose is now so sore to the touch. OUCH! And the sytlist told me I'm getting some sores on my head. Any suggestions on how to deal with this new situation? Does it ever stop?
Oh well, to all Happy Father's Day! Going to the cemetary later today to place some flowers and "talk" to Dad.
Also found out that I am eligible for "intermittent" FMLA! This way when I have to go in for chemo I will get paid for the day and for 2 - 3 days afterwards if I need to take the time off! This will also be in effect when I start radiation (5 days week for 7 - 8 weeks). Thank heavens! And, now that I know how chemo affects me I can ask for the meds ahead of time to stave off any side effects.
Have a great day all!
Deb
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Morning! Gloomy but no rain....yet. And now they have predicted it thru Thursday am. If of course...they are right!
Jackie...hey, I'll fight you for the weather job! How's your back by the way? Please be careful with that area as we need our back. And I never thought about my thumbs either.....until I couldn't use my R one! If you ever want to know what it's like, just tape your thumb to your index finger. It's funny tho...I could vacuum, mow, pay bills on the computer, clean house, cook...as long as I had the splint on. I couldn't really do makeup very well or blow dry well....or get the credit card out of the wallet or sign my name. Perfect wife!
Deb....so glad that you got good news on the work front! That sounds really good that you can use FMLA, if you need it. Rads will most probably just be annoying for you in that you have to go every single blasted day. Some of the gals here did it close to work, and went on their lunch hour as it only takes literally minutes. As for sweatyhead...yep...they are warm, but then so is hair! The caps are pretty open-weave so I didn't have any trouble. I had quite a selection of them, so I just switched them around and let them air out.
BJ....win big!
Laura/Marina....hopefully no more storms for you this week! So far it just looks like rain.
Spent an absolutely lovely day yesterday in downtown Naperville. Did the riverwalk, saw the enormous pool ($10/day pass for non-residents), shopped around, went to the
Apple store to play with the iPad and had a long, lovely lunch on the patio at Rosebud. Thankfully they seem to have gone back to their old menu. They have pizza now too! We will def. be back!Gotta scoot...off to the gym and then the doc's for my liver enzyme re-check which will of course be up cuz of the arimidex! Oh well....have a wonderful Monday everyone!
PS: HI GINNY !!!!!!!!!!!! Gentle hugs....;.;
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Good Morning everyone,
Note today before quote. Oh what a day yesterday, but did more ok than I would have thought. It started out so nice, but who'da thought. Needed of course to do ferals, Maggie and her house and animals -- those are always my givens -- but had been working with a woman who is moving here to find a place for her to keep her cats while the very soon move takes place. Almost all was "arranged" and then the friend she had made a couple of years ago took in some boy-friend ( this one who took in the boy-friend is about my age 64 ) and all bets are off. Suddenly Susan has 5 cats and no where to go with them. So last night, we hurriedly got my computer room sort of cleaned out......and they are in here. Oh my !!!!!
Hmmm, we will make it. It will be interesting to say the least. It will not be for too long a time, but still a real challenge. On to other things. My back has settled down -- just took time and some aspirin therapy. I think ( about like you said Wendy though ) there are real limits now and I will have to be "smart" enough to remember them when I am doing things. I know I need to get an exercise program in place as well---time where are you when I need you. I'm not sure I want to become the perfect wife though - I need some imperfection to bounce around to keep others in their toes.
May rain here.....who knows, but I don't think it would be in the form of a storm.....just rain. I'm sure as well it will be hot and muggy again and really --- the heat is ok with me. It's the muggy that makes my discomfort. I can manage, but Eau-De Instant Sweat is really not my thing.
Probably should finish up some more of my computer work --- clean out the kitty litter boxes in here and try not to muck up my day too much. Hoping for a little closer to the "normal" hectic pattern today. See you all later when I get in here and get a chance to check in again.
Hugs, Jackie
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Summer is the time when one sheds one's tensions with one's
clothes, and the right kind of day is jeweled balm for the
battered spirit. A few of those days and you can become drunk
with the belief that all's right with the world.
- Ada Louise Huxtable0 -
I posted this on another board, and it was suggested I post it here too. I am new to the Illinois area, and was hoping some people could offer some help/advice.
I was diagnosed w/ stage IIA breast cancer last year. I completed chemotherapy and radiation and am currently on tamoxifen.
And then I moved states.
I need to set up care in Chicago. I need recommendations for a surgeon and an oncologist, and probably a plastic surgeon. I live in the western suburbs, but will travel for a really great doctor. I developed an infection in my surgical site, so I'm currently seeing some docs out of Northwestern, but am completely unimpressed with the level of care that I am [not] receiving and want to switch doctors ASAP. [Hello? 4.5 HOURS for a breast ultrasound and a mammo. totally ridiculous]
Can anyone help me out with some recommendations based on your own experiences?
Your help and input are very appreciated.
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Hi Heather and welcome to our little corner! You are most welcome. I am out in the western suburbs as well. I have sent you a PM regarding docs I used.
I went to NW for my 2nd opinion but I had to wait 2.5 hours to see the doctor and then it was another almost 2 hours. Yeah...and on top of that it was the drive all the way downtown. yep. not happening.
Hot and sticky out...;just clicked on the AC....
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Hello Heather and welcome!
Wow, that is a terrible wait. Why? What would cause that?
Anyway, I live in a northern suburb and I have wonderful doctors. I too pm'd you with their names.
Susan
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Welcome Heather I'm way far away so don't know Dr's but I know how to cheer for you. Hoping all goes well.
Hugs, Jackie
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"You don't need anyone else's permission to be happy. Your life is magnificent not because someone says it is, but because you choose to see it as such."
Ralph Marston
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Good morning girls! We finally got all the storm damage removed and cleaned up! Yikes...we got socked.
Heather - Welcome to our site and to Illinois. You'll get lots of support as the girls here are great. Best wishes to you.
Jackie - Glad your back is somewhat better. Hope it continues to improve.
----------------------------------------------------
Finally - I am teaching an art class today. Should be fun. Ten kids...ages 4 to 7...HELP! lol
Hope you all have a nice day!
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Heather, are you anywhere near Good Shepherd in Barrington? If so, I have an excellent surgeon for you. Good Shepherd has an EXCELLENT cancer care unit. Highly rated. I can also recommend an oncology practice, they do treatment out of GSH but they just moved their offices to Crystal Lake, so they are now a little farther for regular appointments. I know that LauraGTO also had chemo through them and loves her doc!
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Hi,
Ok- MRI results are in. Turns out this time I'm not a complete hypochondriac. MRI on shoulder revealed a tear in one of the rotator cuff tendons and another one in the cartilage ring around the cuff. I'm not sure I've interpreted the report entirely correctly and am seeking a good ortho doc to do just that. Primary doc thinks arthoscopic (?) surgery might be needed. So- working on that. Have NO idea how I did this....other than constantly picking up kids and heavy bags these last 5 years.
The breast MRI is good-- identified again same small fibroadenoma. No change. This over the phone- waiting to see actual report.
Thanks for all the kind notes. Now back to my regularly scheduled paranoia.
-Julie b
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Hi gals!
Julie B...........glad that the breast mri was normal with no change. Isn't it ffunny how you tore that rotator cuff tendon and didn't even have any trauma to cause it. Strange!
Kater...so glad to hear that Mom is doing better. Also glad to hear that your tumor marker was good. I go on July 2nd for my mammo and to see the surgeon and then have my blood work done in August. I always get that queasy feeling when these tests get near. You'd think I'd get over that strange sensation, wouldn't you? Take care of Mom and yourself. You've been under LOTS of stress lately and need to find a way to unwind. We can't have you getting sick, too.
Wendy....glad that the thumb is getting better. My aches and pains seem to jump around. One week it's my knee. The next it's my elbow. Then it attacks my feet. I'm going to discuss this with my onc when I go in a few weeks.
BJ...I have a new toy! I bought a used pontoon boat. I remember that I once thought pontoon boats were for "old people!" We are really enjoying it! It's good to be back on the water again and I love to fish, too. We spent all our spare time this past weekend at the lake, cruising and fishing. When I got tired of fishing, I just relaxed back and read my book! What a life!!!!
Welcome Heather. I'm not close enough to you to help you with doctor info, but I do want to welcome you to our thread. The ladies in your area are awesome and will give you good advice! Tell us a little more about yourself and come back often!
Jackie....I didn't get all the last posts completely read but see where you're having trouble again with your back. I hope you get some relief quickly!
Ginny.........sending caring thoughts and good vibes your way.........as always! Hang in there!
Well, golf has been cancelled for this evening. The course is too saturated, so I have a night off! I think I'll find me a good book and curl up after dinner!
Hope everyone is doing well!
Rita
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Carolyn, Hate to hear about the rotator cuff but I'm jumping for joy on the rest of it. Let out a huge sigh before you start to figure out the other though. I think Rita is right --- usually I think when you tear a rotator cuff it comes on as you are doing something --- well, maybe you are a bit like me --- don't have time for it till later. Here's hoping that they are able to mend this for you without tons more trauma.
Sm. update on back --- Dr. Herb wanted me to go have X-ray but said whenever I could get up to Marion. So, in the meantime.....viola -- it is basically gone and I'm not doing aspirin therapy anymore either. I think though it is a good warning to be cautious and get a stretching/exercise program etc. Even if I don't really see myself as very old ( wink-wink -- that will take years ) there is still a time to give in and prepare for when you really "wink-wink" are. So, I'm going to practice -- if I ever get around to it. In the mean time I'll try to be careful.
Tons to do yet.....I'll check in later.
Hugs, Jackie
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Forgiveness does not equal forgetting. It is about healing the memory of the harm, not erasing it.
~Ken Hart
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Hi,
Me again. This is off topic, but thought everyone would get a laugh....
My email account was accessed somehow and a message selling Viagra went out to my entire address book. Some of you are in there-- I took corrective action and then tried to reach everyone to explain and apologize... It was hard to know exactly where it went.
Well-- I missed one.
Just received and email from my priest (!!!) asking if I meant to send this to her. aaaarrrggh
Fortunately, she has a great sense of humor.
ugh- of all things!!
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