Illinois ladies facing bc
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Nancy, I am so sorry that this happening to you. Thank heavens this cancer has not traveled to what they call distant parts of the body. This goes to show (sadly) we are not totally safe after time with a low stage of cancer. I had the skin manifestation too (pagets) and get freaked with any spot as I worry here we go again. I read your other posts and I appreciate having the information regarding skin. Do know we are here for you and will be as you travel through this journey. Good luck, Nancy. Keep us posted!
Susan
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Nancy - I am so sad and scared for you. Wishing you the care there is and a speedy recovery.
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Nancy I've been reading some of your other posts too. This stinks! So far chemo hasn't been to bad for me granted the hair loss thing ain't great. I've had 2 tx so far. Surgery was also not as bad as I thought. I did get to do skin sparing but I gave up both boobs.
All I can say is in spite of having almost no hair, some TE's for boobs and in the middle of chemo I really feel normal/ great today. You too will get there.
---------------------------Mandy I'm so glad they found your lung cancer early!
----------------------------rajkumari I'll be taking Arimidex too once chemo is over. I'm sure I'll have some tummy growth too. I just keep reminding myself that even without this diagnosis our body changes as we age. I'm not 25 anymore. There is nothing wrong with aging and the changes that come with it. Our tummies would get bigger with or with Arimidex… and if it is truly the drug that is making your tummy larger then after 5 years it might get smaller.
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Mandy, rajk, zogo, hopefor...I am so sorry you are dealing with a dx. We are here and always ready, willing and able to lend support, info, advice and knowledge. Best wishes to each of you...our motto is IL Girls are tough. Hang in there! We have a private e-mailing list...if you'd like to join it, please PM me and I will share the details.
ILLINOIS NANCY - I was shocked and saddened to read of your news. I think about you often...there was time when you "watched my back"... ; O remember those days? If you would like to join our private e-mailing list please PM me...maybe it's about time we all got-together - perhaps at our Dec 4th IL Girl Holiday Party. I am so sorry you're dealing with this. I will send you a PM. Hang in there neighbor!
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Well...sigh...lots going on...some good, some not. Mom was here visiting overnight. Never too old to enjoy the comfort and love of a Mom...I am fortunate she's in my life. Lots of things going on. Dealing with one "thing" at a time.
Hope you're making the most of this weekend. Regardless of which part of the journey you're at. It's no doubt a roller coaster ride...some ups, some downs and some peaceful riding. But we all need to fasten our seat belts and be prepared for every twist and turn. High-highs, low-lows and lots in between.
Hugs to everyone.
AND YES, WHERE'S Connie, Mich, JulieB, LZClare, LisaM, JulieA, Karin, Sharon and many, many others...no pressure - just a gentle POKE!
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Don't you hate it when you write a nice long edited post and it just disappears? Sorry for the complaint, here I go again.
Thank you for checking in in me! I'm doing ok, all things considered, four days out from surgery. Pain is tolerable, I'm down to three pain pills a day, and hopefully I can switch to advil tomorrow, and maybe go for a short walk outside? Path report at least give me some answers I've been anxious for. Very disappointed to find out the day of surgery that one of the four sentinel nodes was positive microscopically. However, ALL of the ancillary nodes were negative, so I am very grateful for that, we felt like having a little party at our house last night. Feels like a giant relief to have the information after weeks of wondering and expecting the worst from the path report.
Welcome to all of the new members, and sorry you find yourself here. IllinoisNancy that just seems too unfair to go through all this and have a recurrence. My cousin was diagnosed at 29, had a recurrence a few years later, has moved beyond it, and is now cancer free, and very busy raising the little girl she adopted last year. I only share that story hoping you find it encouraging.
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LisaMom - The past few days have been a whirl wind! I can't remember if I acknowledged your existance here...If I did...disregard...if I didn't...I apologize... I will look back at the posts...in the meantime...welcome and HUGS!
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Rajkumari, I know all about the bigger tummy and arimidex. Only problem I have is that many women here (like Rita and Wendy) take arimidex and they have great tummies. There are others too.
Elf, I went to a Korean gorcery today and got all these ingredients. DH loves to cook so we are doing Korean for awhile. Question to all: So many Korean recipes call for soy. Now this has been discussed before. Is soy good or bad for breast cancer? Need your input. Also, we drank cold barley water and it was so good when my cold was so horrid and I read that it is a great source of fiber (do not add juices as that takes away with the sugar). It is like a tea but cold and good.
Have a great evening and Sunday.
Susan
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Susan, I recently read an article (that, of course, I can't find now) about soy products and breast cancer. The bottom line that I got from it was that fermented soy products are okay, but unfermented should be avoided.
Fermented would include soy sauce and miso - the two that I do eat on a regular basis and would have a hard time giving up!
Unfermented would include tofu, which I do eat on occasion, but can easily give up.
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Back in August I started this thread: Tofu | ER + is is bad or good
Some links and info there0 -
Affirmations for Daily Living
- I am at peace with the Universe
- I love and accept myself.
- I am unique and loving, loved, and free.
- I am safe and always feel protected.
- I acknowledge all of my feelings because I am in touch with my feelings.
- I am surrounded with loving, caring people in my life.
- I am loving and accepting of others and this creates lasting frienships for me.
- I trust my inner being to lead me in the right path.
- I do all I can every day to make a loving environment for all those around me, including myself.
- I am always connected with the Divine Love in the Universe.
- My inner vision is always clear and focused.
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Beauty of a morning though chilly outside. As far as soy......I use soy milk all the time. It is the only kind I buy. I may get a little backlash for this.......and I really don't want to come off badly toward anyone.......but I think we all have to do what we CAN feel ok about for the most part. There are some things that are a bit more clear cut than others.....and some things get changed after years. So I adopted this policy. I was given by my Creator X amt. of seasons --- no where in the contract do I get an idea that my seasons are contingent upon how much soy I injest, or wine, or pretzels or Cherry pie. If I ever read anything ( and we all have an inner guide for this ) that would bring on strong indicators....I would pay close attention. Most of what I get are it is good to have lots of veggies and fruit, along with exercise and water and be moderate. We all know people who did it all correctly and got what they got anyway. Truthfully, I think that was in the seasons and contract --- else it does not make much sense ---- then we all know the opposite is true.....people who do it all backwards and almost nothing ever happens.
I guess I am #8 most of the time above --- I trust my inner being/voice that moderation with all is the key and that constant worry about everything going into my mouth won't do much but put lines in my forehead and give me a sense of guilt that I might have harmed myself in some way.
My Dad is one of those people that did a whole lot ( in my book anyway ) that was wrong....had at lease two packs of cigarettes with him where ever he went.....even if just across town --- ate tons of chocolate candy all his life, had at least 2 cases of coke at all times, and in-between anything he may have drank as a sweetened drink had double the amt. most people would put in it. Pitcher of Kool-Aid had not one cup as the package states, but 2 cups of sugar. Tea and coffee were done same way He passed away at the age of 83 --- not from heart disease, diabetes, emphysema or any of the things you might think. He had Parkinsons's and that is what got him after about 12 years. of it.
I personally feel ( I gave up table sugar and salt some time back ) and don't cook with it either unless for a few baked goods, that we really do only have so much time here -- period. I think we can improve that time in a lot of ways....and watching your diet is a big one of them --- and I really do think we need to relax those lines around our forehead and spend some joyful time everyday just being glad we are alive. Make good friends with your inner guide -- your spirit and you will be here just about as long as you are meant to be. I hope I have not come off as preachy ( word ? ) but I don't want to make my life harder than it has to be and I hope no one else's is either.
Sunday hugs,
Jackie
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Rene23, we have tradition to have fermented soya. As I don,t know the process I used to buy from others. I like it but after having it my stomach becomes so full. The taste is pungent when it is fermented. If it is good then I will start having it regularly.
Zap, I know bigger tummy is normal at this age. The problem is when body weight increases we are more risk to meet any type of accident inside the house itself, that is why I am too worried. So now I have planning to start regular exercises to balance my weight.
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Several months ago, I started a thread about the low incidence of breast cancer in India. But now I can't find the thread. If anyone sees it here at bco - please post a link. Thanks.
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LauraGTO, I have not find the thread. I have no idea about the low incidence of BC in India but due to changing lifestyle very soon most of the urban women is likely to hit by breastcancer as I heard. But according to me, here in India woman from village areas are not aware about the desease, There are few NGOs who are organizing breastcancer awareness programm sometimes but not the year round. And moreover, they don,t speak out about the desease once diagnosed. I think there might be so many affected by BC in India but due to communication gap or may be family problem or shyness to express , many woman comes out in advanced stages as what I have seen. I am planning to get involve with one of the breast cancer care unit at my place, I think I will be able to count how many woman had diagnosed so far. It would be helpful, if you once again starting the thread, I will surely join with you.
sneh,
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sneh - I will try to find it...I hate when I can't find something! lol
Question for MANDY - Have you ever checked the Radon level in your home? Also, I live in Hawthorn Woods...not far from you - if you ever want to meet in Wauconda, let me know. There's a few other girls in this thread who also live nearby. Maybe we can all meet.
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BLAH - dreary day here in Northern Illinois. Perfect day to get my nails done and do some food shopping.
Have a nice Sunday!
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Jackie - ...but I think we all have to do what we CAN feel ok about for the most part.
I completely agree, Jackie. Everyone has to live our lives in accordance with what works best for us individually. I just don't think there are many black and white answers; there are so many personal variables involved. You are so right that we need to try and relax those lines and enjoy life as much as possible.
I'm enjoying this insanely beautiful weather we're having. My daughter is coming home for the day and we're hopefully going to watch my nephew's football "Superbowl" game. Have a great day, everyone!
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sneh I have read similar things about India and some other undeveloped and developing nations. Those populations with a modern life style have a higher incidence of breast cancer. I am convinced it has nothing to do with where you live, where you come from, race etc.0
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LauraGTO - O that's great you are very close. I'm in Wauconda everyday. I'd LOVE to meet sometime. So odd that you asked about the radon. I have not had it tested yet but we did have our water tested. That was fine. I live in the Pines of Lakemoor on the corner of 120 and Darrell. We are a small subdivision. There are 6 of us on my street that have cancer. Someone suggested that we also have our soil tested.
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Hi gals!
Welcome, snehlata to our thread. I'm so glad you found us. We all understand the fears that you have about this dreaded disease and many of us on Arimidex understand the weight gain and the aches and pains that sometimes accompany it. I have to tell you that my guardian angel was originally from India. She married an American and lived in the states. When I was diagnosed, my primary care physician hooked the two of us up. She was in charge of the office duties at the doctor's office and had breast cancer, too. Her name was Sandy and she met me on night at a little cafe in a local bookstore and helped me get to the right surgeon. She talked me through everything and I called her my guardian angel. She was a gorgeous Indian gal to whom I'll always be grateful. Also, you are so right. Nothing is the same after a breast cancer diagnosis. We are all changed in a variety of ways. We refer to our lives after breast cancer as "the new normal." The new normal can be pretty good!
Mandy, I'm so glad that you joined us too. Come and post often.
LisaMom...Glad that you're recuperating well from your surgery. I'm sorry to hear that one of the sentinel nodes was positive,but please keep in mind that is not always bad. That node was just doing its job. Our lymph nodes collect foreign cells or other foreign and decayed materials and prevent them from entering the blood stream.
Oh, Nancy! I remember you well and my lower jaw sank down to my chest when I read about your recurrence. How I hate this disease! It just doesn't seem possible that you should be facing this again with your original good prognosis.....not possible and certainly not fair. Come back here when you're down and we'll all help you through this. I do so understand your fear of the chemo. It was that same fear that prompted me to start this thread. Remember me? I was the one who made herself sick before I ever got to the chemo room that first time. Don't do that to yourself. I worried and worried and it wasn't nearly as bad as I had anticipated. Most of the side effects are easily treated now and we all have good hints to help you through. My prayers will be with you. You can do whatever you need to do to get through this.
We pulled the pontoon out of the water this week so I guess boating season is officially over at our house. We still haven't put the fishing poles away because we can still fish from a nearby pond or the shoreline. I was a little "bummed" about pulling the boat out as we enjoyed it so much. Being on the water was so peaceful.
I hope everyone is enjoying the weekend. I need to get moving around here and pick up some clutter before fixing us something to eat before Sunday night bowling.
Hugs to all of you...........
Rita
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I'm BAACK!! Fighting I see you found the thread in my absence. I live near Laura and even closer to you.. and go to the same center and DR.. I see a few new faces and welcome to the best thread on BC.org!!
We had an absolutely wonderful trip!! For 7 days I forgot about BC and my life at home, and went condo shopping!! we also enjoyed a few days at an all inclusive.. It was great weather and wonderful time.. missed the kids a ton.. but otherwise it was AWESOME.. and so good to spend time with my DH alone.. without him running around doing chores and taking care of things here..
I'm back to a week of tx and vaccines. I am not immune to chicken pox so need to get that done.. as well as the whooping cough vaccine.. fun stuff.. Still stressing about the leison they found in my ovary, but the scan and my OB think it's just a regular 'functional' syst.. so hoping that's all it is!!
I'll try to catch up on all the posts sometime.. but today is my baby day so only one hour of nap time left.. it's amazing how much there is to do around here only being gone a week!!
Hope everyone is doing well.. looking forward to the Dec lunch!!
Marina
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NANCY.. Glad you came back here but certainly not for the reason,. I know this journey of BC is beyond understanding. You fight to the fullest and keep goin forward. You are not alone here and know this is all pretty surreal for you and wish there were some magical words to make it all better. All i know is, if it reoccurrs, all you have is today and take it one step and one day at a time and do it ALL over again, as you can and WILL!! Something ignites us as true WARRIORS and we will do it, and do whatever it takes! HERE for you !!!
Sister in Pink,
Donna
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Welcome home, Marina. It really does sound like you had a wonderful trip. So happy for you and just what you needed right now. I know about the worry about what is found when you have cancer. For me, it is perhaps more information than I need. When I had all those tests and worked myself into a frenzy and it was only IBS, they found a cyst on the kidney and told me to look at it once a year as it was pre-cancer. Good heavens......something else to worry about. I guess I can thank my IBS for the heads up on the kidney LOL!
Well, Rita, we are now in India. Who would have thought it all possible. What a great thing. And I have to comment on Snelata's insights on BC in India. Paul's mother (she died when he was young) had BC and it was kept a secret for so long and I think it was the culture of the fifties that contributed to that awful state of secrecy. She finally broke a leg (probably bone mets) went to a hospital and never went home. It was only then that they found the mass under her arm and in her breast. How very sad that it is.
Point? We are fortunate to have this thread so we can discuss our concerns freely and exchange information that could prolong our lives.
Well, in keeping with living life, I am planning a trip to New Mexico with my 27 year old daughter. I want to tour the different missions there as I have gotten so interested in them. My daughter is a Georgia O-Keefe fan and there is the Georgia O'Keefe Museum there. I have become enchanted with the Southwest what with my reading of the Turquoise Ledge. Jackie, I wish I could put you in my carry on luggage as I think you would like this trip as well. WE are just in the planning stages and will take this trip in the middle of that long term sub job I am taking as I get a spring vacation.
Love to all!
Susan
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Mandy - Marina - Joan - LZClare - Mich101 - And ANYONE else who wouldn't mind heading up north - want to plan a lunch bunch here up north this week?
How about Wednesday, Thursday or Friday? What time is good? And Mandy since you know Wauconda better than me, can you pick a restaurant? It would be great to get together.
And Mandy - Wait on the soil...a friend of mine had hers done, and I'd like to share her experience with you before you do it. You really should think about having the Radon tested. It's an inexpensive test (kits are sold on line or I think you can get one free from the state of IL-Radon Dept.). We had ours checked and it came back as slightly elevated. We then had a mitigation system installed - I think the system cost about $900. But now the levels are totally safe. I can fill you in on this as well.
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I still can't find the article about the low India bc rates. But the article pointed to the role of the high consumption of fermented Soy AND Turmeric and Courcumin. Just fyi...
Happy Sunday to all!
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I have returned from our weekend getaway. It was much needed and very nice but am very thankful that it was close to home. We ended up in New Buffallo Michigan with a pretty marina view, did some antiquing, walked the small town stores, had some good meals out, spent a few hours at the casino (luckily everyone SEEMED healthy) and all in all it was very very nice. Still have "exit" issues, and am thinking I do NOT want to start taxol on Wednesday. I am so ready to go back to my own self. Did however buy a ridiculous hat with side flaps that kept my head warm. lol.
Joan, Congratulations! I am so happy that you are over the day to day grind. Ok, my friend for those of us who havent started, whats the best and worst of it?
Illinois Nancy, I am too new here to have known you before, but am so very sorry to hear about the new diagnosis.
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Marina and Onward, sounds like you had a great vacation. I'm so happy for you. You both deserved some time off thinking about something other than BC.
Laura, would love to go to lunch with whoever decides to go. I didn't even ask the dr about driving. I just went ahead an am driving. I'm not taking any meds and the drains are not exactly as restrictive as when I had the mastectomy so.......any day but Thursday is good for me, I just need really good directions from Palatine to Wacanda.
Wendy - I have not been working due to the emergency surgery. Dr. has me off workl again. I worked one day and had the emergency surgery the next day. I might be able to go back to work next week if the 2nd drain is taken out this week.
Productive day today. I'm almost done Christmas shopping. I'm still at my sister's house. She and the troops went to see a movie and dinner. I'm home alone so I'm shopping.
Hope everyone is doing well.
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LauraGTO... Lunch any day is good for me this week. This is my first week of NO RADS! I am FREE! I am the boss so I set my own work schedule. Just let me know when and where.
Onward.. sounds like you had a nice weekend break away from home with your DH. The best and the worst of rads??? Truly, the worst part was just being on a very short leash for nearly 6 weeks... the daily grind of driving back and forth. The 11 mile trip took 30 minutes each way for an appointment that lasted maybe 10-15 minutes max. Just to make the trip more worthwhile, I spent 30 minutes doing a fast walk around a trail at the hospital every day. It was a good time for me to get in that daily exercise that is part of my own treatment plan.
My skin reaction has been "normal" according to my rad onc and nurse. From the experiences that I have read on the Oct rad thread, I was probably pretty fortunate there. But I really followed their advice about skin care.
I was also very fortunate to have such a wonderful all-female rad tech team who made the experience so much easier than I expected. I may actually miss seeing them this week. But, I DON'T miss seeing those chemo nurses even though they were all wonderful too. Weird?
Nancy... I am somewhat new here also so we have not met, but you are in my thoughts and I just know that you will do whatever you need to do to kick thing again. You know this wonderful group of ladies will be here for you.
Welcome home Marina. Condo shopping? Did you find one?
Good luck to everyone going still going through treatment. I can still hardly believe that I have reached the end of chemo and rads. You will get there too!
Joan
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Of course we found one..
beautiful glass round balconies in each bedroom and main room.. with ocean and city views.. want it BAD.. just have to figure out HOW.. (of course when there is a will there is a way.. I can and would LOVE to do lunch.. but Wed is my tx day.. I have a Dr on Thur but if lunch is by noon can do that..
Joan congrats on being DONE!! so exciting!!
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Hello Everyone - it's been a while. Welcome to the new ladies, sorry you had to join us here, but it's a wonderful group.
(Laura - I can't make lunch but hope you all have a great time.)
Stay warm everyone!
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Morning.....dark, dreary, drippy and 28 on my deck. Lovely morning to go right back under the covers. Yuck. But need to hit the gym after my pizza last night and then hit the grocery.
Nancy....I am so sorry. You had such a wonderful prognosis. I hate this disease. Only thing I can say is that there are so many girls with recurr. that do wonderfully and I hope you become a stellar member of that group. You have a long road ahead of you but I know you will get thru it...and come out the other side, smiling. We are here....if you need us. Always.
Rita....sniff, sniff. Boating season over. That is so sad. Hey....your anniversary is coming up!
Mandy...seems like a lot of cancers in your neighborhood! Sounds like Laura has some good info for you. I would def. follow up on this....pronto.
Marina....let us know when you get your condo, so we can go and see it! DH and I looked at condos in Fl but what is stopping us is what do we do with it until he retires, which now is looking like....never. That and the mortgage plus taxes plus monthly fee and furniture and, and, and......Oh well. Glad you had a great vacay.
Onward...it's great to get away just the two of you, isn't it! Dh and I are planning a weekend soon too....we really need it. Just time to reconnect....
Jackie....you summed up exactly how I feel. Everything in moderation. And until I hear differently about something specific, I don't limit myself. Did you hear about the Twinkie Diet? This scientist was curious so he ate snack food only, every 3 hours, for a few months...like twinkies, fritos, doritos, oreos etc....and his bad chol. went down, his good chol went up, triglycerides down by 30% and he lost over 30lbs. Really! Just only ate up to 1800 cal, rather than his norm of 2400. So I say....go eat that twinkiie and enjoy it!
Time to scoot.....
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Hi ! every illinois ladies in this thread. Christmas is coming. Lets divert the topic and start posting about your plannings for the celebration. Though I am not a Christian by birth, I enjoy to clebrate the day and treated the day as an auspicious, I do visit nearby church and pray. I dont know how to arrange for the celebration. Joining in this thread I have an inspiration to do so. So lets try to forget the past and see present. I love the carrols.
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