Illinois ladies facing bc
Comments
-
Happy Birthday Ginny!
And Welcome to Lago!
0 -
Marina, that sounds like good news. I get the part about feeling "unprotected" but you are in good hands.
Laura, that pic was two years ago. I had HAIR last year and lost at least 1.5 pounds from the year before!
I hope to do the walk again this year. We have travel plans but I am trying to work them around the walk. Happy Birthday Ginny! Miss hearing from you and hope you are well.
Welcome to Lago. Where abouts in Chicago do you live? I live about 30 minutes directly north of the city.
I attended my writing conference today at Northwestern and I am exhausted! I loved it, but heavens it is draining.
Nighty-night from me!
Susan
.
0 -
Thanks for the warm welcome ladies. As far as the name… It's just some letters from my actual name. I'm a little shy to post my real name because I was laid off 6 months ago. When this crap is done/or when I feel up to it I will be back searching for a job. I don't want this BC thing have employers discriminate against me.
Just got back from talking to my surgeon today. Feeling a lot less scared. He decided to schedule a bone scan & CT (chest/abdomen/pelvis) just to be sure the cancer isn't any where else. He said he usually does this after but if for some reason it does show up he'll postpone surgery and do chemo first.
So here are the details. 1 breast has the 6cm x 4cm tumor. The other has some suspicious areas (MRI results) so we are taking this one too. I have really dense breast tissue (even though I'm 49) and it will be really hard to monitor this breast. The cancer breast tumor stayed hidden for a long time… and I have little boobs too. I may only be double positive: ER+, slightly PR+, HER2+
I'm being treated at Rush University Medical Center. I feel good about both my breast surgeon and plastic surgeon. Haven't met with the oncologist yet. Not sure if I will get a 2nd opinion on oncology when the time comes at University of Chicago Medical Center (#15 in nation for cancer). Did anyone else consider getting a 2nd opinion for oncology?
More personal on me. I'm happily married, no kids, no dog or cat. I'm a creative type. BTW did anyone else find their husbands or partners got more horny once you were diagnosed?
Not that I'm complaining. Just thinking I should have faked sick more often in the past.My humour is dry, sarcastic and a little sick at times. I'm originally from the east cost so I tend to be very direct too. Please don't hate me for that.
Not sure what else you want to know. Oh and if you can't figure out I can't spell and tend to have lots of typos. Sorry about that.
0 -
Welcome Lago! Sorry to hear of your diagnosis but there are a lot of great ladies on this thread that can help.
Marina - sorry to hear about your friend. There are really just no words. I am very happy to hear that you are off of chemo. That is great news. It sounds like your body really responded well. I hope you start feeling back to normal soon and enjoy the rest of your summer. The port removal should be a breeze.
Hopefully, I can do the walk again. My daughter has a really good time every year and wants to come again.
Happy Birthday Ginny! Enjoy your day!
Off to the lake tomorrow - hopefully a nice weekend! Breast MRI next week - tuesday.
Hugs!
0 -
**HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO GINNY** I hope it's wonderful
0 -
Hi All,
I was feeling really good today until I received an email from supervisor. She was keeping me up todate. They promoted a bunch of people. I've been very up beat this whole time but for some reason, my reaction to this email was that I felt life was passing me by. I know this is ridiculous. This is just a detour. It's not like I would've been eligible for the promotions. I don't know why I'm reacting this way. My parents think I'm upset about the promotions. I keep trying to tell them it's not the promotions. I know the people who received the promotions - they really deserve them. I'm happy for them. I don't know. Maybe God has a plan and this is all part of his plan and I just don't get his plan yet. Sorry I'm babbling. I know you guys know what I'm going through...... Thanks for letting me vent.
Carolyn
0 -
Morning...I think the humidity has finally broken a bit, better later. Yay!!!!! Nice tomorrow as well..
iago/lago....no, u don't ever have to use your real name, I think we just don't know if the first letter is an "i" or an "L"!!!! I had to laugh...pretty much most of us got a 2nd opinion...and some a third. I got a third...and luckily for me altho the first two agreed on A and C, the third had just come back from the annual San Antonio bc symposium and he said the new "gold standard" for Her2+'s for my type/size of tumor and my age was gonna be Carboplatin/Taxotere in 6 rounds with Herceptin, then H alone for the rest of the year. So I jumped at that so I could reserve the adriamycin for...well...just in case. It turns out he was exactly right! So you go get that 2nd opinion! Don't worry about typos...there is a spell-checker here (the little abc icon at the top of this box, with the check mark)...or just forget it altogether! Spell anyway you want...we just don't care...we will figure it out!
Marina...No Mo Chemo!!!!! Yay! And don't forget...you are NOT unprotected...you have Herceptin! VERY powerful drug for us Her2+'s! And I do hope the nanny is working out....with time I am sure it will be great, just must be so hard right now.
Juliette....happy for your new job! Sounds like a much better fit for you. How's Buster's leg? And I agree...get him on fosamex!!! LOL
Elf....hear anything about DH?
Connie....good luck on the MRI next week! Miss seeing you....
Mich101...how's the stained glass coming along? What a talent you have....Hey - how are the boys??? You haven't mentioned them in a while...
Some of you girls have been complaining about mosquitos on FB....try one of those clip-on thingies from Off!...they run like a little fan and send out the scent of the stuff the bugs hate, rather than covering yourself with chemicals. DH swears by them...and he walks every night. Just a thought.....
Off to shower up and then to the gym and then home to switch cars and off to find a salt/pepper cellar like Giada uses on her cooking show...I did find hers but at $89. for ONE ...yeah, don't think so. I would break that for sure....Have a great day and a happy one! Smile at a stranger....make them nuts! It's fun!!!!!!
0 -
oops...Carolyn...I would think its normal to feel upset about the promotions. Not that they didn't deserve them, but that life is normal for them and keeps progressing but for you, you are waiting for this to pass so you can recapture your life. Like you are in a holding pattern, circling. Does that make sense? There is a light at the end of the tunnel....are you are FAST approaching it. Pretty soon you will be complaining about work! Hugs....
0 -
Carolyn,
I understand completely what you are feeling about the email. Cancer is so isolating! Those of us with cancer have family and we have friends, but we also have the the cancer and it changes our bottom line (at least for awhile). I felt very lonely in the beginning and so I rushed back into a routine. I am not suggesting that you do that, but that s what helped me overcome my isolation. I don't think there is a person on this thread who does not remember the loneliness and the isolation of cancer when newly diagnosed ....and yes, feeling jealous of good people who didn't have to deal with it. And I think that is why we are ready to jump when we learn of someone with a recurrence or a spread. We just know their feelings of darkness as we have been there and can never forget.
Have a good one. That rain yesterday was weird.....like a monsoon.
Susan
0 -
Hi everyone....will be rushing here at work so I'll say I'm sorry if I miss anyone. Carolyn, the girls are so right....you are different in a big way and not very much in a good way --- and life is going on without the blips you have had to deal with -- over and over. Most of the time...I just wallow in my discouragements for a while -- make them really, really mine --- then mentally put them in a spaceship and send them to the farthest reaches of outer space, wherever that really is -- away from me and anyone else that could be bothered.
Marina --- great news. Hopefully the ambivalent part will drain away as you start regaining some of your life. Enjoy-Enjoy.
Connie and Michele....glad things seem good for both of you right now.
The kitties are doing fine back in their apt. I was glad as was Maggie to get them home. Things can slow a bit for me now. I still have my computer room kitties.....and Alfie -- the Wal-Mart darling. Maybe I'll have hubby take a pic and use it for an avatar.
Hope ( we had thunderstorms thru the night ) you all enjoy the day and that the weather coperates as well. See you all.
Hugs, Jackie
0 -
I believe the future is only the past again, entered through another gate. ~Arthur Wing Pinero
0 -
Oh Marina..........no more chemo! That's so great! I completely understand your "unprotected feeling. I'm sure I'm the only one who cried when I walked out of the chemo room for the last time. I'd waited for that day for 6 months. Then it arrived and I cried when I left. I remember thinking.........what's next? I don't have any more weapons. It's a terrible feeling and it does pass with time. Hugs!
I'll be thinking of you on Tuesday, Connie and hoping for great results on the MRI.
Gee Wendy, I can't believe you didn't grab up that $80 salt/pepper cellar immediately! Wow! What a deal! LOL Personally, if I had one like that, I'd be afraid to use it! LOL
Well, I have to do some laundry. I have a hair appointment later this afternoon and then we're celebrating a friend's birthday at a little Italian restaurant this evening. We NEED to celebrate this birthday because each day is indeed a gift!
Rita
0 -
Wendy-I haven't done any stained glass all summer. It's hard to go down into the gloomy basement when it's so nice outside. I'll probably get back to it in the fall. I'd like to make another heart with the pink awareness ribbon. About my boys, well they will be heading off to school soon. The summer went fast but they are looking forward to their own apartment this year. Hope they continue to do well in their classes
What is a salt/pepper cellar?
Connie- hoping for great results on Tuesday. My MRI is Wednesday. Last time I was unable to move my arm on my mast side after the test. I could not get off the table unassisted from having my arm extended for so long. Eventually the numbness went away - really weird. Hope that doesn't happen again.
0 -
Mich101...Good luck with the MRI on Wednesday. It seems that next week will be MRI week. I'll have my four-year-old grandson that week so I may not be on the thread very much but I wanted you gals to know that I'd be thinking about you. I hope that you don't have numbness problem this time. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!
0 -
Good Morning. I live in the western suburbs of Chicago and had a double mastectomy July 29,10. I have both ductal and lobular carcinoma in what used to be my left breast and my right breast came out clean. My nodes were involved. 24 checked, 20 involved. Going for approx 2-4 weeks chemo and approx 2 rads. Seeing chemo dr next week for informational meeting.
Anyone out this way, I already found one wonderful woman, who would like to get together and talk face to face we would love to talk to you. "mostly cause I cant drive yet, lol".
0 -
Sorry to welcome you onward but glad your treatment has started. I'm am IL newbie too still waiting for my bilateral (Aug 31). Sounds like you are doing ok.
0 -
Hi Onward:
You sound like you are moving onward indeed! I live in the northern suburbs but I have a daughter in Glen Ellyn and could have a short visit with you. My good friend just had a mastectomy and she says short visits are the only way she will visit as she tires. Do you live near Glen Ellyn? Like lago pointed out, no need to give details for privacy sake. The women also meet for lunch , so maybe when you are stronger you can join one. Laura keeps a list of women and their phone numbers and it is no where on this thread if you are interested. Right now heal and enjoy all that wonderful attention you are getting from fam and friends! I personally did not have a mastectomy but I hear from many that drains are the pits. Anyway, feel better!
Zap
0 -
Happy Friday to all. Thought I ck in to see how everyone is doing. Looks like we have some new faces here so welcome to lago and onward. Sorry you had to join this club but glad to found us.
Please tell us about yourself. There are many of us who have had different txs and diagnoses so we maybe able to offer support and suggestions to you both. It is a long journey but you will get through it. Hang in there.
Rita....glad to see that you are soooo busy. Life is good when we are busy. Time with grand kids priceless. Enjoy your week with them.
Mich....good luck next week with your MRI. I asked for a pillow for my arm when I had mine and it was doable. Not to stiff. Maybe that will help. Would love to see your new stain glass pc when it is done. Waiting....
Carolyn....glad to see that you are progressing with tx. Life is returning slowly for you so take each day and enjoy. You are almost done. Hang in there.
Jackie....hope you are slowing down a bit and relaxing. Life is too short not to stop and smell the flowers. I think the lake is calling you. Refresh your soul.
Laura...vac around the corner for you. Enjoy with dh and the pres. lol
Wendy.....missing the beach and ocean view. Me too. Feeling sl. better but still waiting for labs results.
Zap...how did your book interview go. Hope it went well and you will be publishing soon. How is your friend doing.
Smerf....Happy wedding day to you and dd. Need to see pics of the gorgeous bride and groom. Congrats to all of you.
Irene....traveling is so much fun. Sorry to hear about your friend's dad. Life is too short. Isn't your big trip coming up soon. Traveling around the world by boat.! lol
Connie...great weekend for a boat ride. I will be going up soon today as I really need to be on the water. Have a fun weekend ...school is almost here. arrrggg.
As for me, I am still waiting for lab results to come in. I am still very tired but improving everyday.
This bug has got to me big time and I just hate it. So off to the boat and water for a great weekend. Hope everyone has time to go out and enjoy this warm weather.
Remember to be healthy....be happy and enjoy life. Hugs to all.
BJ
0 -
A man should never be ashamed to own he has been in the wrong, which is but saying... that he is wiser today than he was yesterday. ~Alexander Pope
0 -
Good afternoon everyone.. Just got my port out.. Sore as heck, but yeah, nothing like getting it put in.. Now just hoping it's not coming back in for many many many years!! I'm thinking of putting that lidocaine cream on the wound, but afraid to touch it or even look at it.. other than it's tugging.. My surgeon had stiched it in, and they had trouble finding one of the stiches.. OUCH..
Welcome to Onward.. I live in the northwest suburbs. Glad you found this thread. I found it to be a bunch of wonderful and supportive ladies who have gone through this and have helped hold my hand.. mostly cyber-hand.. but I did join an lunch and plan to do that again.. it's very theraputic. I just finished chemo, so happy to help with any questions.. though with my diagnosis I most likely get to keep my boobs.. so no help on that front..
Looks like a very nice day.. my computer is flashing 62 degrees outside, so I am going to try to go outside.. No lifting baby for 3 weeks.. UGH...
0 -
I think some of you know Nicki... http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/8/topic/756401 just saw this.. I thought I saw Laura asking about her..0
-
Hi ladies,
Hope you are all doing well. I am just about done with my 30 rads (woo hoo). Kinda tired some days, but overall, not too bad.
Onward, I am in the Western Burbs. In the small world department, I think we may have met a few weeks ago. I will PM you.
Hope you are on the mend.
0 -
Makmak...I was unable to click on the post about Nicki. Under what forum did you see it. Glad to see that all went will with your port removal. Yeah. How is the new nanny doing??
0 -
bj - Try this one:
http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/8/topic/756401?page=1#idx_11
0 -
lago
i had my surgery at rush and did chemo locally. the oncologist changed his mind on the kind of chemo...so i did get a 2nd opinion. yes, i would advise you to, i would have liked to have gone to univ of chicago due to the ratings (they would have taken longer, too to get in for 2nd opinion at first after my biopsy) but a friend went to rush so i did, too. I liked my surgeon there but he went to loyola. the recovery room nurse was not very nice, she spent more time flirting with the guy next to me and another guy was renting a house as he was leaving rush in 2 weeks....in the background, in the meantime my blood pressure was really high for me...they were ignoring me and i was getting madder by the second, this was my first ever surgery...or recovery room experience.
offtopic (other cancer types)
My Mom is hanging in there...so far so good, feeling grateful for every day she has no pain. She sleeps a lot but is enjoying a visit with a friend of hers she had not seen for up to 20 years....who moved away in the 70s.
0 -
Welcome Onward - I live in the NW suburbs, however, my parents and sister live in Western Suburbs - Woodridge, Darien area. When I have chemo, I go to stay with my sister. I'm frequently out in the Western suburbs. Sorry that you have to join the club. Hope that you are doing well.
Carolyn
0 -
Morning!n Looks to be a beautiful day again today but a bit warmer and then we are back in the heat. But...I will take it gladly...sure beats ice and snow and temps in the single digits. I however will spend most of it either on the floor or complaining....did a few things I shouldn't have and now my back is toast. Oh well....the yard and bushes look fab! I am better this am so on the mend...
Mich101...A salt cellar....picture a little ramekin, filled with prob. sea salt and sometimes with a little spoon! They are also called "pinch bowls" as I found out, but those don't have lids. I watch foodnetwork a lot and Giada de Laurentis' kitchen has these small cellars which looked to be a white glass with wooden lids. She just picks up the lid and pinches up what salt and/or pepper she needs. I couldn't find any like that (lids I don't have to pry off) so I looked on her website...$89. for ONE! Yeah....I actually went ahead and bought 2 for each of you! LOL....Good luck with the MRI next week...sounds like BJ had a good idea with the pillow...look around at home for one that would work, but check for metal of course. They might not have one that "fits" exactly right.
Rita....Hope you have lots of fun next week! Am hoping that the weather behaves for GS's visit.
Onward....I am in the W suburbs, in South Elgin. I had my surgery at CDH in Winfield and all other tx at Delnor in Geneva. If I can answer any ?'s, just PM me...anytime! I "only" had a lumpectomy so can't help with the mx ?'s tho....
BJ....hope you are one with the water this morning! Any results? You need answers, girl! This has been going on waaaaaay too long! Hugs...
Kater...always good to see a post from you! Your Mom sounds peaceful and that is a blessing...she must have had a wonderful visit with her friend. And you....are YOU getting enuf rest?????
Marina/Laura....thx for the note re: Nicki. For those of you who don't know her, she was the very first gal to post to Rita after she started this thread going on FOUR YEARS ago! She doesn't post here anymore but needs a few prayers these days. I hate this disease. Hate it.
Anywhooooooo.....need my 2nd cuppa and then off to a hot shower. I think a library trip is on the agenda today and then just vegging at home and resting....maybe get DH to take me out for dinner! Have a wonderful Saturday all....and get out there and LIVE !!!!!!! Life is in session......
0 -
Kater, also in the small world dept, I my surgeon used to be at Rush before going to Maywood, so probably was yours, too... Very nice guy!
0 -
I think I may have had the same surgeon, but for the melanoma in my leg!
0 -
Good morning everyone -- great temps outside right now, but they are sadly going way up again. In triple digits most of the week -- oh joy. Well, ok if we don't get humidity to go with it. Sure hope not.
Thanks Laura....did find the info on Nicki. I sure hope she does well with this. It has been such a struggle for her. Of course --- I'm now on the next page and can't remember what I read for the most part. Wendy --- hope the back gets better soon. It is so tempting to try and "get it all done" with yard work -- the weather has been so extreme. I've got some un-done things - sigh !! - but maybe soon.
I'm doing ok. Have appts mid month for blood work and a visit to oncologist. I think I see Fosamax questions coming up here. Hoping they will agree to let me put it off and check the levels again in a few months. I did not have a baseline ( unless they will let me call this first test a couple months ago it ) so we will see. My concern is that I'm 64 so no matter why? I'm osteopenic ( I'd go for taking Arimidex ) I need to think about remedies I guess. Just don't want to get into something before I have too.
I believe I did not say hi and welcome to Onward -- so welcome to you, but like the others -- sorry you needed to come.
Bj......always thinking about you and hoping the water does the trick for you. Doesn't the sun make the waves sparkle --- that is a great healing light. I can close my eyes and see it so well.
Still have kitties in my computer room. They had a great time last night. Whole machine turned off at the power strip and keyboard in the floor -- talk about fun, huh!!!!
I am off and running for the day -- hope to check in later. One of these days.....I'll be able to walk in here several times a day like I use to. Thinking about all of you and wishing you well.
Hugs, Jakie
0
