Illinois ladies facing bc
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Hi All,
Life is sweet and has been very busy lately. Hard to believe, but it was 4 years ago today that I was told I had cancer. That means I'm a 4 year survivor. Looking back, I think I believed I would never get to this point, but here I am!
So I want to send a shout out to all those who are going through treatment, facing rough times- Life can again be wonderful, you can make it!
Laura- get yourself into the doctors! If you need me to go with you, I'm more then willing.
Susan/Zap- thank you for your efforts regarding Irina, I hope someone can get some answers soon.
Carolyn- great news about the end of your chemo and the no radiation! So glad that you made it through everything.
Stephanie- I love, love that photo. And I love how upfront you are about the hair loss- I was the same way, used to whip my hat or wig off for anything.
Lago, and all those going through treatment- sounds like you are handling it just like you should. And it's always helpful to have the wonderful suggestions and support from our BC sisters here.
My wig was synthetic and cost 105.00 from a wig shop in Fox River Grove (or Crystal Lake- around that area) Later I found out that the same wig was only 25.00 online, but I figured that it was worth it for the amount of time the shop owner spent with me. People loved my wig and thought it was real-I was always being asked who cut my hair. I used to whip the wig off and hand it to them, saying "$25.00 on line!" Oh,the looks on their faces! LOL.
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Thanks! I got in next week. Honestly, I'm not totally freaking...but yes, concerned. So we shall see!
Stephanie - That photo is a great! Too funny! You ALL look great.
lago - Glad chemo was "uneventful". That's a good start! Best wishes to you.
Adey - Best wishes to you on the 11th. You can do it!
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Hope you're all having a nice evening. A loud HI to everyone.
bj - I will call you tomorrow.
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Don't forget girls: This Friday's get-together!
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Jan -- love the new avatar.
Hugs, Jackie
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Just read through all the posts I missed. Thinking of you Laura. My girlfriend had a swollen stomach back in college - she couldn't understand why her pants were getting tight and she was trying to diet. Turns out she had an ovarian cyst and it was as big as a grapefruit! Had it removed and all is well. Good vibes coming your way.
Good thoughts for everyone else! Sorry I can't make lunch on Friday. I have to work. Have some fun!
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Morning girls.....Looks like there has been a lot of chatter here while I was gone. To all of you in tx I hope you are doing well. Remember that there is life at the end of all of this. Hugs to all. As for me I have been making my rounds with mds and tests. aaarrrggg. Looks like we may be coming to a diagnosis soon or not !. I think the waiting game is what makes us all very anxious and crabby. I know that I am. lol I am looking forward to meet all of you new girls on Friday at the Lunch Bunch at 12:30 pm. Hope to see you there.
Laura... yes, you do need to get things checked out. I hope all is well.
Zap... decorating, painting , new drapes how fun. If you need any ideas in decorating just call. I am decorating school today with a fall theme. Pumpkins, mums, hay bales and scarecrows. We have teacher-parent night this week so we need to look good for them. The pressure is on, just filled my car with 5 bins on holiday stuff. Oh I do need my decorating therapy. lol
Wendy....what happened to this nice weather we had. did you bring out the cold fairies. lol Do you have your fall stuff out yet.
Janclare....loved your portrait!!!!!!!!!
Stephanie.. loved your pics. Thanks for sharing. You look soo happy with your family.
Lago.....hope you are doing well with your chemo.
Carolyn.... No rads for you !! Hope to see you at lunch. Hope you are feeling better soon.
Hi to all that I missed, but I am now running late. Off to the shower. Have a great day everyone.
See you all Friday!!!!!!!
BJ
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BTW Stephanie, regarding your photos… you're still looking hot!0
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Your life is your garden
and your thoughts are your seeds,
so if your life isn't awesome
you've been watering the weeds.
Terry Prince0 -
good quote! We can feed the negative or we can feed the positive ......
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Good morning today. It is warming up here today and will be a glorious Fall day. Wednesdays are always busy for me --- all the same work, but with preparations for going to work tomorrow and a last minute Humane Society meeting tonight......hmm. Good thing Dh is off. I will have a llittle help to keep me on track later on.
Hope everyone has a feel good day today and Lago -- way to go on the chemo. First one is daunting to a degree, and then we become a pro. No matter how nervous, it feels good to finally be doing something to rid ourselves of the monster.
Be checking in later as I can.......
Hugs, Jackie
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Good morning!! On my way to get Herceptin in a bit.. very nervous for my blood work as 3 weeks ago one of my 4 liver numbers was up.. the other 3 were down.. but I'm freaking needless to say.. Crossing all my body parts... Will let you all know when I get back...
Will ask about Irina.. not sure if they will give me any info though with all the privacy laws.. my nurse is very good about keeping those..
Otherwise, looking forward to Friday's lunch.. I too enjoy meeting up and chatting.. and this time meeting a lot of new people!!
Marina
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Good morning!! On my way to get Herceptin in a bit.. very nervous for my blood work as 3 weeks ago one of my 4 liver numbers was up.. the other 3 were down.. but I'm freaking needless to say.. Crossing all my body parts... Will let you all know when I get back...
Will ask about Irina.. not sure if they will give me any info though with all the privacy laws.. my nurse is very good about keeping those..
Otherwise, looking forward to Friday's lunch.. I too enjoy meeting up and chatting.. and this time meeting a lot of new people!!
Marina
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Good luck today Marina. My thoughts are with you!
It is so lovely here that I'm heading for the golf course! Hope you all have a little time to enjoy this marvelous Fall day!
Rita
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I met with the rad oncologist this morning.
!!!!! NO RADS !!!!!
I'm doing the happy dance.
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You are on my mind today, Marina. You go and get the news you want and need!
Susan
Edited at add; Go dance, Lagoi. That is great news! I think I was one of the few on this thread that tolerated chemo better than I did rads!
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Lago.... I am so jealous. No rads!!! Good for you and stay strong during your chemo. I know, easier said than done. I am just taking off for my first rad TX this afternoon.
Joan
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I'm back... my numbers are now ALL up.. so the Dr came to talk to me.. basically each of the 3 is well within the range and the one out is very very slightly up.. 119 vs 123 so he is NOT worried, said if there was a problem he'd see a 400... He says lab tests always vary.. and the CT is in 3 weeks and that is when we'll know... SO, I try not to worry.. TRY as I am not the laid back type.. and do what I do..
On a sad note.. I did get some info about Irina.. she is back at the hospital and 'not good'.. that is all I know.. she is at HP...
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Marina:
I am not the laid back type either. I can just picture our doctor with you. He is so honest, that if he is not concerned, then I believe him. He never did those liver tests for me (well, I did not have liver mets for one reason) because he said they were so sketchy and told him very little unless they were really out of the ballpark (and your's are not). Now we wait with you for the scans. Nobody knows as well as me how hard it is to wait, but try your best to enjoy the baby and the seasons.
I will PM the woman from Wisconsin who has been trying to keep up with Irina. Not being Stage IV, I do not know the ladies there and would not wish to intrude. I know they would want to know that. Would that be Highland Park Hospital?
Take care!
Susan
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I pm'd the lady from California that contacted Laura.. if you PM Lisa from Wisconsin we're covered.. I won't post the news either.. I am not comfortable as I didn't know her.. and don't want it to come off wrong either.. Yes. Highland Park Hospital..
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Hey Lago...wonderful! I'm doing the NO RADS DANCE for you!
Makmak.... I think that sounds like GOOD news. If your onc had been concerned, you would have been doing the CT much sooner than three weeks, so try to relax a bit and enjoy these weeks before the scan. Hugs!
Rita
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I had the day off and I am literally minutes from Highland Park Hospital so I went to see Irina. I gave her some lovely yellow flowers on behalf of all BC.org men and women.
Irina was so calm and in no visible pain. She understood I was was from the Discussion Boards. I met her daughter who was by her side. Irina told me to tell her friends that she is in Hospice and she actually smiled a bit (perhaps relief) when she told me that. She told me that twice. I checked with her daughter to see if it was okay if I gave that message and she said indeed.
She told me that her landlord is caring for her kitties. She was very weak, yet so calm and sweet. That's it!
I think I will post this on stage IV as she knows them far better than she knows most of us.
Susan
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Checking back in. I had to delay chemo again this week. My platelet counts are down again. My usual high spirits kind of wained when I got the news that we had to delay again. The good part is that I am feeling great. I did laundry after work last night. My husband was laughing saying that I must feel good to be doing anything after working. He took off work tomorrow so we could play golf together. 3 couples in my neighborhood are throwing a fundraiser for the cancer center on Saturday. We are going to have a big block party with a band. I'm excited that I will be feeling good and get to enjoy it.
Sorry I don't get out here to post much. If your interested I have a caringbrigdge site under WendyMcCammon where I post updates with what is going on.
Marina, I'm like you. It's hard to sit still and wait. Have you started any new meds or vitamins? That was the first question my onco asked me. Let's just hope it is a variance in the test.
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Thanks for the info about Irina...everything is crossed for her. And thanks to the girls outside of our IL thread who PM'd me and some others. I appreciate the concern you have for an Illinois girl!
WendyTY - I'm sorry about the delay...BUT I am wishing the best golf game of your life tomorrow! Have fun...enjoy...please try to put the "#'s" on the back burner and soak up some Vit D tomorrow with your awesome dh! Hugs! Foooooooooooooooooore! ; )
lago - Fab-u-listic news - no rads!
Marina - Keep up with your great diet/nutritional plan. Hang in there neighbor. As it turns out, I can pick you up on Friday...let me know if you want a ride.
Susan - So nice of you to visit Irina. I have been working "behind the scenes" here to gather as much in and send PM's to inform those who are concerned. Thanks for the update and for your thoughtful visit with her.
JanC - Congrats girl!
Joan - Hope your first rads went well today...most girls sail through it...I have a gut feeling you will too!
bj - A diagnosis...I hope everything turns okay. How are you feeling these days?
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Taught an art class today...geesh - those kids really keep me on my feet! They loved today's project: black paint resist, hand drawn greeting cards!
Hoping the very best for everyone! We're here...24/7!
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Good evening, ladies~!!
Lago- No Rad... what a great news~!!! do the happy dance all night..^^
Marina- I am glad all your numbers are in good range.. Now, trying to relax a little bit.. and see you on Friday...
Susan- You are such thoughtful and kind to visit Irina.. I am sure she was glad to see you..
WendyTY- I am sorry that your chemo got delay but you are feeling good and that is all the matter and the block party with the band, that sounds fun~~ have a great time..
JanClare- Congrats~!!!! 4 year~~~
This is never happens to me before but it looks like I am getting my monthly thing three times within 2 month and it only last two to three days the top... I will see my ob next week but I just don't feel the same since my last surgery.. I am sure it has nothing to do with the recon surgery but somethings just not right here... hmmm... I am not jumping into anything until I see the doctor... until then I will stay clam...
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Sounds like chemopause to me. Surgery can also do strange things to your cycles.
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lago - congrats on no rads.
I'm feeling very fatigued still. Walked to the mailbox and that just about did me in. Am supposed to go to Northwestern tomorrow to see one of my regular doctors. Hopefully I'll have enough energy to make it there and back without a problem.
Take care!
Carolyn
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Yes I'm a little bit of a zombie right now. Granted I walked to old town (spice shop) then on the way home stopped at Walgreens and the grocery store. Took a total of 1.5 hours most of it walking though.
1 pill makes your larger and one pill makes you small:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WANNqr-vcx00 -
Susan - how nice of you to go see Irina. I'm sure you brought a smile to her day. Sorry to hear she is not doing well, but glad that she is peaceful.
Marina - sorry you are worried. I'm with Rita - sounds like good news! Sending good vibes your way.
Glad you don't have to have rads lago!!
Thinking of you WendyTY!
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I'm wishing each and every one of you well. Glad to hear that Irina is peaceful. Their is a loving friend who knows when we need an easier crossing. His name is God. I hope she stays that way.
Lago, way to go. Have to say that rads went well for me --- just so horribly boring, but some are made nervous by them and I'm all for not having more tx than you need to cut down on any possible problems or se's. With my attitude -- I decided in advance not to allow any problems or se's to happen --- and it worked just that way pretty good.
Marina --- I do think everyone is right....your Dr. would have given you that test much sooner had he any miss-giving about your condition. Enjoy this time.
And Elf -- what a good attitude. Nothing to be gained by not being calm and you know and accept that. Way to go.
Carolyn --- hang in there. I would have thought you'd have a bit more energy by now, but as it so often said --- these thing take as long as they take. Wonder if there are any foods you might like or drinks of some kind that would give you a boost in that dept. Anyone know ?????
WendyTY.....rats to not getting your chemo, but at least you can enjoy this unique fund-raiser that won't happen again for some time I assume. Nice to feel that is at least some bonus to get for needing to skip another tx. No more fooling around though - ok. Third time is a charm and you must have it.
Lago -- love your signature line --- if I recall that song at one point they would talk about " Go see Alice, when she's ten feet tall". Loved that song from hippie love in days. Of course, even though the right age.....I was lucky if you could talk me into an aspirin for a headache in those days --- forget all illegal substances.
Another long day today....but I'm happy. That's the important part of today. Hope you all were too.
Hugs, Jackie
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Lago congratulations. Glad you dont have to do another journey. : )
Wendy, my white count was at 1000 yesterday and they gave me a neupregen? shot. Today or rather yesterday my count was up to 13,000 and they were able to give me my 2nd A/C. Glad you are feeling well and enjoy your weekend. Sounds like a good time.
Carolyn, sorry your not feeling better.
Tonight I am going to the wellness house in hindsdale for a seminar on side effects of chemo. I will let you know if they have any good suggestions. Anyone else going?
Praying that on Friday I can get to meet you face to face. No S/E yet except for the back spasms from Tuesdays shot but they have subsided.
Ade: if you drive I still plan on going.....
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Morning! Beautiful weather these days...
Lago.......".and the ones that Mother gives you don't do anything at all....Go ask Alice..." OK...who can fill in the next lines??? Funny...haven't heard this song in 20+years but I can remember this, but not what happened 2 days ago! And doing the happy dance for you for NO RADS!!! I too worried more about rads than chemo and my onc thought I was nuts.
Onward....glad that the shot did exactly what it was supposed to do and you got your chemo!
Caroyln....altho fatigue is almost the norm for our tx, yours has continued much more than I thought it would. Anyone else here feel this tired for this long? I am glad that you will be seeing one of your docs....be sure and ask what you can do. Fingers crossed that this issue resolves soon!
Elf.....you really have such a great attitude, I admire you. You are so calm...but do get it checked out along with your hair loss. Don't forget that stress too can screw up our periods....BIG time! And you and DH have certainly been under stress this past year or two.
Susan.....what can I say? You are truly a sweet lady to go and see Irina. She sounds at peace. Hers has been a struggle to say the least.
WendyTY....how fun with the party this weekend! At least you are getting Herceptin tho! Carbo usually isn't that toxic but Gemzar can be a "killer", both on good and bad cells. Hopefully like Jackie said, third time is the charm!
Jackie...what???? You lived in LA and no illegal drugs???? Only kidding....Yeah, count me in. Truthfully I was always afraid of being caught and going to jail. I didn't even enter a bar until the day of my 21st BD. Wouldn't even drink at a college party before then. Yes....I was a nerd and proud of it!
Laura....glad you got an appt! If you want some company, just ask! Really....
BJ,,,,,you got an answer to your on-going issues? Well....finally! And what's the plan? Does it involve resting on a beach for a few months? I am available for help....
Ginger....forgot to tell you....I loved that picture! All those smiles! Who said you can't have fun bald?
Saw something in the mag "More" when I was at the bs's office...don't know if any of your girls just starting the chemo journey would be interested. Seems Raquel Welch who has a line of wigs has a new line of artificial hair wigs that can be heat-styled! Wow! So you can use a curling iron/hot rollers on it. Sure couldn't do that with mine.
Marina....onc's are funny about the liver enzymes...even just a few points raises their eyebrows but yep...they don't worry until 400. They just want to keep track of which way they are going so I agree with the other girls....sounds good to me! And thank God for Herceptin which sounds like just your ticket! Glad your vacay went well....would be interested in knowing where you went, that it was so empty.
Everyone else I have missed....hope you are doing well. Hope to see my old friends on Friday as well as meet some new ones!
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