Illinois ladies facing bc

WELCOME Joan!!    You are not alone and hope that you wil find the support and good safe place to land as you need it!!! I did  dread it all too.. the chemo part.. but it was doable and you take it one step at a time and you do it. It has been a year for me and cannot beleive how fast time came in getting to here!YOU will BE ok.

Michelle, so happy the mri is good!  It is like get a bonus check (a big one) in the mail.  Maybe better!

Welcome Joan!  So glad you are on the LAST chemo.

 I watched the first of the series and did not like it.  The character just seemed unnatural to me.

Alkaline?  It sounds like something in a car battery.  I know not a thing about this.  Tell me.

 Do any of you ladies who live around me ever go to the Cancer Wellness Center in Northbrook (it is two minutes away from me)?  They offer yoga, tai chi,meditation, etc at no cost.  Now that I am on a fixed income I am watching my money and so the free part works well for me.  Just a little apprehensive about getting into something I know nothing about.  Anyone have any experiences with it?

Edited to add (Connie, we were on at the same time) Congrats to Connie too!

Susan

Hi all --- lets hear it for Joan with only one to go.  Wish you had found us sooner but now that you have -- welcome - welcome.

Connie and Michele -- what great news about your test results.  Connie -- don't know why, but it was always harder for me to "share" the cancer burden with my family.  I really can't imagine having to find ways to talk to a teenager about something so foreboding and threatening.  Glad it is getting easier. 

Hi to Ginger and Lago --- also all the others I have not mentioned --.

I went to Marion today for my oncology check-up.  Yay all way round.  First off --- the Dr. there was fine with staying OFF --- Yep I did say OFF Fosamax or anything like it until I have had at least one more bone density test in about a year to see if there are any changes.  This one I just had was the first one so --- how long was I osteopenic before this test, and how does anyone know that I won't have osteopenia for years before it DOES anything, if it ever does.  I'm fine with taking something -- if I have a problem and you can show me that I truly need to address it medically with pharmaceuticals.  I just could not feel that this was the time with only one test under my belt.  So for now --- my calcium and D-3 are still my best friends.  All my other numbers were fine.  They are still waiting for the cancer marker numbers but I'm sure that will be just fine as well.  In addition, I have lost a couple more pounds and so feel like I've moved from one plateau and working on getting to another -- better one. 

As I look back I find it remarkable to in some ways feel better I think then I did pre-cancer.  Of course, the dichotomy is that you generally feel so well right as you are being diagnosed.  You look up but you can't make out the license of the truck that just hit you --- but seriously....I think the new cells I got are far better than the ones I had. 

Hope you all had a great day. 

Hugs, Jackie

thank you all for your encouraging words!     My boy and I have been on our own for nearly four years now  (minus 6 mo. he lived w/dad)   which is a story in itself ..... Jeremiah moved back in with me, two weeks before my diagnosis.    I was so grateful that God orchestrated it that way!     There is almost a quiet / unspoken closeness between moms and boys I think.    My girl  (21)  and I talk about everything.   She was the first one I called after receiving my cancer call .....but I don't think boys  (or men for that matter)  know how to respond.    Perhaps made even more awkward that it's a breast issue {shrug}.     When I told my son and his girlfriend, the girlfriend cried.   I tried not to look at her, knowing I would too.   Basically I tightened my lip, looked at Jeremiah and said  ". . . but I'll be alright"   to which he quietly responded with a nod and  "I know."

Whew - that was one tough night!    And since then it's been cool to see the process of acceptance.     Like I said,  he didn't think he'd go anywhere w/me (bald).    But I have to believe he was just working through his feelings.   None of us know how we'll respond to any of this.    My reactions  (or lack there of)   aid in his process;   or I'd like to believe they do anyway.    By not being hurt by such comments, by laughing when he calls me baldy, etc.....   I assume he feels more security.    One friend has said by seeing that I'm ok with it,  he can be ok with it.

Well,  as long as I'm feeling all sappy and everything - LOL -   I might as well share my treasured photo.     The photographer who did this, did both of my kids senior portraits and then I worked for them for awhile,  doing lighting and set work.    Anyway,  after my diagnosis, my daughter called to request a session.    She explained that she was moving to Kansas City  (six hours from home)  her brother is going to college and mom's looks are obviously going to be changing . . . .   Before she could finish her sentence they said come on in,  we'll take care of you.    We took several outfits but they suggested we wear pink.    I absolutely love this image!

Wow.. what an amazing photo!!!  I know what you mean about talking to your kids.. though these days I do it all the time.. my situation is quite different, as I can't promise my kids that I'll be all right.. but I tell them I'm doing well and they are very encouraging and supportive with each good test result..

Had my consultation with the Nutritionist from the Block Center. Apparently all my tests were very good and she said I should be proud.. My 'tumor burden' indicators have all come way down and my vitamin levels are all good.. INCLUDING D!!  more than doubled.. still keeping up the same dose but I'm happy enough.. So she added a few more supplements and told me to keep it  up..  

Took my daughter to school for her schedule and went for BLACK rice sushi with my son.. Haven't had Tuna in over a year and a half.. so that was a treat!!  Then made some Kale chips.. my new found night time indulgance..

Susan, that Wellness center looks interesting.. I may have to schedule my Herceptin around one of their classes once I'm up to it!!

Thoroughly enjoying this weather!!

Marina

YEA Joan... One more to go!!!Remevber that feeling and it only gets better after that!!!!

Ginger... Beautiful pic!!!!WOW!!!!Great family and that is what will carrry you thru this jounrey and obviously is!!!

connie....congrad;s on the test!!!Have to be sooo releived!!!

Laura... Laughing at pedi and mani done,, me too.. with all i am paying on dog costs.. i cannot give up this cost as it is way too time consuming to try and do and i could not do it as well. Cannot wait to go back to work as money for these extra things is needed!!!!!

Carolyon... Hallf way there is GREAT!!! It is doable for you and know that each treatment completed is such an accomplishment!!!Keep it goin as you are doin a great job!

Hope today my dog comes home from the vet hospital..lacy is so ready. I have to get her tested though for Cushings disease and it is causing so much of her i distress on her endocrine system. Oh ineed to go back teaching as money is goin out to fast!!!But you love your furkids and do not want to see her suffer.

Talk soon, have a good  day and ALL be well!!

Donna

Start with the cancer society, they offer a free wig with a professional fitter for any cancer patient. Mine is pretty awesome.

Hi all,

I'm not sure if I've posted to this thread before or not but I am an Illinois lady with bc.  I had my surgery Aug. 9, a partial mastectomy that went very well.  My awesome Dr. is Denise Mammolito in Peoria, IL.  I am 59, happily married and have 2 adult children (a married son and a partnered, gay daughter) and 3 grandchildren.  We live on our farm and my husband works at our local State University.  A lot of people have issues with gays but my issue is with breast cancer.  My daughter is brilliant and accomplished and I'm so proud of her.  She lives in Maine with her partner and their 2 adopted children, my beloved James and Anna. 

My incision under my arm where she took the 2 sentinel nodes has hurt more then the incision on the breast.  The one under the arm is hard along it and close around it.  That scares me but I see her Tuesday for a post-op and hopefully it's just scar tissue or something.  The nodes tested negative and my margins were nice and wide.

At my post op, they will make my appointment with the Oncologist.  Because I am Triple Negative, my Dr. tells me I will have to have chemo and radiation both.  I've not had any testing for Oncotype or BRCA 1 or 2 so don't know if the Oncologist will call for those or not.

I hope to get involved with my local Breast Cancer Support Group when they kick off their season on Sept. 20 with a picnic at a local church.  They meet monthly then.  I am a committed Christan woman who loves the Lord and all the blessings He has given me. 

There are so many pages here in the Illinois thread, I'm not sure if I will ever catch up (I have posted to the "Just Diagnosed" and "Calling All TN's") but in the mean time, hugs to all you Illinois women here and God Bless every one of you with long life and no recurrences.

Juanita

Welcome Juanita -- glad you found us.  We sometimes are a bit of a rowdy bunch, but always good at hand holding and understanding.  You sound like you know where you are going in life really well.  I have no issue with gay people either and feel glad that two people can find each other and live the life they desire --  rather than our trying to force them into a mold that does not fit for them.  Sort of like our having to always wear colors that look bad or shoes  a half a size too small. We all have a rightful place in this world. 

Ginger -- I will mimic the pleasant words of the rest -- what a beautiful picture -- a treasure and a tribute to you and your children.  What a wonderful idea coming from your daughter.  How many would have looked at life and wanted such a beautiful memory made. 

Laura -- too funny -- was thinking not when all else fails go shopping --- but go have your toes done.  I am feeling very good today --- good=positive.  I work hard ( when I fail I seem to do so miserably ) at always trying to stay positive and upbeat as it is always easier to solve problems or find answers. 

Hoping for nicer weather -- not so humid as that is what gets to me more than anything else.  I worry about getting dehydrated but probably never would. 

As well, hope you all have a great day. 

Hugs, Jackie

Good morning girls!

Welcome Juanita - Lots of support here...best wishes with your recovery.

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One of my Rocktober sisters is in town...lunch is on this days agenda! HEY...the sun just came out. Good morning sun! lol

Have a great day - especially to those who aren't feeling 100% - YET!

Ginger... love your photo.  Really, really awesome.

Carolyn, good luck with your 4th treatment today!  I will be thinking of you.

Jackie,

Yes, I truly expect the last chemo treatment to be a little rough.  I felt so fortunate to have experienced minimal SES from the first two but have definitely experienced more profound SES with each one.  Oh well, at least I am forewarned and know what to expect.  Feel so fortunate to have a devoted husband who will see me through it!  Bring it on!

A note to all the new girls: Our motto here is - ILLINOIS GIRLS ARE TOUGH!

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Joan - Wow...you have a lot to celebrate! Good for you. Best wishes with your last treatment. Yes...forewarned IS forearmed!

Rita - You are SO welcome! I'm glad the info may help with your research. Knowledge is power!

Buddy, what a lovely comment on how BC taught you something about being non-judgmental.  I appreciate that you wrote that.

Ladies, I just saw Eat, Pray and Loveand I loved it.  I posted this on Facebook as well.  I am on a visual high from this film (food never looked so good as it did in Italy, a wedding in India is brilliant  colorful, and Bali...well Bali looks like heaven). I want to travel,

 I did not like the book (book club book) but the film is quite good. Just wanted to tell you!

 Susan