Illinois ladies facing bc

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  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Posts: 46,506
    edited February 2011

    Welcome Mahomet.....sorry you had to find us, but hope you will keep coming back.  This is a wonderful warm, extremely caring group, and you will find answers, great hand holding, and just a place to come to get it all off your shoulders for a bit.  We all seemed to have done better with those who are or have gone through this particular life crisis.  It is like no other. Others will say hello.  Hang in there.

    Hugs, Jackie

  • zap
    zap Posts: 1,850
    edited February 2011

    Laura, I never went to that thread for Angels.  Thank you for posting Carolyn's picture there.  It was chilling for me to see those young faces!

    Hi Mahomet.  I am not sure if any one is in Champagne but you will know soon enough.  As you can tell we just lost a thread friend and so we are a bit solemn right now. Soon you will hear from more women. It sounds like you are in the beginning of stuff and that is the hardest place to be.  It gets easier when you learn exactly what is on the agenda.  I wish you well.

    So, where are we going for a cure, ladies?  Is there anything morewe can do  than walking and raising monies and buying  pink stuff?  I just read this book titled The Tipping Point and it is how iBIG CHANGES (both for the good and the bad) occur when  enough activity happens and enough people start moving that something really big happens( like what is happening in Egypt right now).  This whole discussion board is a great source for communication, but what can we do with it to get attention?  Or should we focus on prevention.  It seems that so many women are getting this disease, or is it that we are diagnosing it earlier.  We have prevention, treatment of early BC, and treatment of later stages.  All these want answers.  Any ideas on how to get a Tipping Point going so fewer families  experience the ravages of cancer?

    I rarely rant, and it will be my last one for awhile, I promise.

    Susan

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 4,011
    edited February 2011

    Good morning girls. I, like many of you are probably shaking off a breast cancer hangover. Let's hope today is a better day than yesterday.

    zap - I need to rant too.

    imo...a cure for cancer is not profitable. And lately, I have become angry about all the companies/orgs out their who are profiting from cancer. Cancer IS a HUGE business. Thousands of companies would go out of business if a cure was found. The stock market would be affected as well as our entire economy.

    There's a book I want to read called The Eden Prescription: The war on cancer is not what you think...  

    What if there was a sophisticated cocktail of nutritional supplements and Chinese herbs, that could cure most, if not all cancers? A cocktail that had no significant side effects, was inexpensive, and dramatically outperformed every pharmaceutical drug on the market? Would the pharmaceutical industry applaud this cure, stop selling cancer drugs, and move on to other things? Or would they use their billions, their lobbyists, their profit-above-all-else mentality to discredit the cure, destroy the recipe, and otherwise lie, cheat, steal, and murder their way back to the front and center of the war on cancer? This not-so-impossible scenario is the core premise of The Eden Prescription, a whirling dervish of a novel that keeps the reader turning the pages with impeccable dialogue, relentless action, believable characters, up-to-date science, great conspiracy theories, and lots of really old money and priceless antiques.

  • lago
    lago Posts: 11,653
    edited February 2011

    Laura I agree that a cure is not profitable on many levels. One being it is expensive to make and drug companies won't recoup their investment because they only have a limited time before it can go generic.

    Now I know you are not going to like what I say here but here goes. Private companies are motivated by profits. That's never going to change. It's how capitalism works. This is where the public/government sector needs to step in. Yes I am willing to pay taxes to a government agency that researches and develops meds. Thank goodness for the NCI and the new Government-Funded Drug Research Center. For all we know they may find that we don't need a drug to cure cancer but need to start eating Kiwi fruit or something weird and natural like that.  Drug companies are not going to fund research on things that can't manufacture.

  • makmak
    makmak Posts: 374
    edited February 2011

    UGH.. this topic of Laura's sure hit home.. as I do agree with it.. Lago, guess who is funding my Clinical Trial.. Dept of Defense..

  • lago
    lago Posts: 11,653
    edited February 2011
    Makmak are you going to be our new secret weapon against terrorism? Wink
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 4,011
    edited February 2011
    mak - Your new nickname is: The Bionic Woman 
  • beetle25
    beetle25 Posts: 26
    edited February 2011

    Thanks for the welcomes.

    Illinoislady - I did not got to Siteman, I actually stayed on this side of the river and went to Illinois Oncology in Swansea, and then for radiation I went to Cancer Treatment Center which is a joint treatment center for both St. Elizabeth and Belleville Memorial Hospitals. 

    The pCR - means pathological complete response.  - basically means that my tumor responded completely to the chemo and when surgery was done there was not sign of a tumor or cancer in the area. 

    I have actually been to Centrailia a few times, for the jr high baseball and softball state tournaments and then the softball travel team I coach in the summer we played tournaments there a couple of times.  I have a player from Centrailia on my travel team.

    Hope all are surviving this wonderful cold snowy weather

    beetle

  • elf_song
    elf_song Posts: 148
    edited February 2011

    OK..   as soon as I logged in Carolyn's post showed up first from last week with bright smile of her picture.. omg...  I got tears..  Well, today is new day and I am sure Carolyn is a better place and watching over us with even bigger smile on her face...  

    Love you all my sisters~!!!

  • gingersfavorite1
    gingersfavorite1 Posts: 134
    edited February 2011

    Hi fellow Illinois ladies!     

    I don't post here much anymore but am doing very well.     I finished chemo the day before Thanksgiving and was "off"  until starting radiation a week ago Monday.   I will have rads through the middle of March, then heal awhile and begin reconstruction surgery.   I can't wait!

    I just had my hair colored earlier this week.   I posted pics in the Hair, Hair, Hair thread (pg. 250)  if you'd like to see them.

    Hope all is well with you,   Stephanie  

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 4,011
    edited February 2011

    For those of you who may not be on the e-mail list, here's the info about Carolyn's wake and funeral (it's being held late next week to accomodate out-of-towners):

    The wake will be held on Thursday, February 10th from 3 until 9pm at Hallowell and James located at 301 75th Street, Downers Grove, IL  60516. 

    On Friday, her funeral mass will be held at 2pm at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish, 8404 Cass Avenue, Darien, IL. The church is right off the Cass Ave - I55 exit.

  • navymom
    navymom Posts: 842
    edited February 2011

    I am planning on going to the wake on Thursday.  Anybody else going? 

  • donnadio
    donnadio Posts: 674
    edited February 2011

    I would like to go to wake, though I work until 4 on thursday. Is there a way to coordinate about the time everyone is goin and is everyone goin on friday?

    the Angel wall was chilling indeed. The part that got me is looking at the stats of there cancer, stage 1-2's and yet it all came back. I always thought the Stage IV level was more of an issue. ALot of the cancers seemed to come back in the 2-3 year time frame.

    Personally, I think now that i am pretty null and void of estrogen and could ignite at a moments notice, let s all go to the Dept.  of Defense or where ever these profit taking Depts mongrels and companies are, and those more concened on profits and give them Holy Heck!!!! I am just so tired of the pain associated to this disease and fighting and not getting the results we all deserve!!Grrrrrr...Mak..set this up and we will all go!!! MY rant is over for now!

    Mahomet... welcome!We hope youfind the support and comfort here and sorry for why you are here!!! It is  agood place to vent by the way!

    ginger...nice to see you again and shows us the HAIR!!!! yeah!!

  • lisamed123
    lisamed123 Posts: 87
    edited February 2011

    Hi,

    I will be attending the wake on Thursday night.  Not sure if I will drive downtown and go from there, or go home and then head out there.  Anyway, I will not be there until at least 6 o'clock or possibly 7 o'clock.

    Donna, if you want to drive to my house, we can drive togther, although I do not get home until about 6:20 or 6:30 these days.  That is an awfully long day for you.  I am right off of 294 at the Cicero exit.

    Lisa

  • Char2010
    Char2010 Posts: 362
    edited February 2011

    I so wish I could be at the wake or funeral but I am going out of town Thursday afternoon for a few days.

  • orange1
    orange1 Posts: 92
    edited February 2011

    Laura -

    Disclosure:  I have spend my entire career in big pharma as a researcher.  If profits go up, I get a bigger bonus.  If profits go down and stay down, my job is in danger.  Do I want my company to make a pile of money?  You betcha.

    I am so grateful, that as an employee of big pharma, that we are issued magic protection shields that protect us and our families from cancer.  Who wants a cure?  Nothing in it for us.

  • orange1
    orange1 Posts: 92
    edited February 2011

    Sorry, I couldn't resist.  

    The truth is there is no magic protection shield for employees of big pharma.  Besides me, my father was diagnosed with both prostate cancer and MDS - a type of bone marrow cancer.  My brother had melonoma.  Many of my extended family also have been diagnosed with cancer. 

    My company does extensive research in cancer treatments because they know that a good treatment will bring in billions of $$.  Also, as individual employees, we vie for the best projects - best being defined as those projects that have the potential to make a meaningful difference in people's lives.  Why?  Because it makes work fulfilling.

    Does my company make some money off of "me too" products that add only marginally to existing treatments.  Yes. But some of the "me too" drugs pay for the cancer research that goes on today.  Also, in the past 10 years or so there has been a shift - now all the drugs that are in development have to have the potential to be significant improvements over existing therapies because otherwise many insurance companies won't cover them.

    Okay, that's my rant for today. 

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 4,011
    edited February 2011

    char - We'll carry you in spirit at the wake. Have a safe trip.

    -----------------------------

    Despite Carolyn's passing - I hope you can all have a nice, peaceful weekend. Hugs...

  • ritajean
    ritajean Posts: 4,042
    edited February 2011

    Mahomet Mom....There is another gal who posts every so often and I do believe she is from Mahomet, too.  I'm not sure where she did her treatments, but if she doesn't post soon, I wll contact her.   I am from Bloomington but I did my treatments at the cancer center there. 

    Where are you at in your treatment plan and journey?  And yes, welcome to our thread.  Come and post often.  There are many awesome ladies on here who will welcome you with open arms.

    Rita

  • Mazy1959
    Mazy1959 Posts: 254
    edited February 2011

    Rita, I am doing ok. No changes in my cancer etc. Cant beleive how fast Carolyns status changed. Its the way it is though. Hugs, Mazy

  • NanaA
    NanaA Posts: 97
    edited February 2011

    MahometMom, I live in Mahomet and was diagnosed 2 years ago in Jan. with BC, had 3 lumpectomies and the did 12 weeks of taxol and a year of herceptin since I was HER2+ and 37 rads.  I had my 2 year check up in Jan. and am cancer free right now.  I did all of my treatments at Christie Clinic but had my second opinion done at Carle.  I would be happy to talk to you any time.  You can send a PM and I will give you e-mail and phone #.  I am 63 years old and had knee replacement surgery done in December and am recovering.  I went back to work last week part time and am allowed to drive again  Still doing PT 3 times a week for another 3 weeks or so.  Annette

  • donnadio
    donnadio Posts: 674
    edited February 2011

    Lisa... i probably would leave around 5ish from here? I appreciate the offer!

  • gingersfavorite1
    gingersfavorite1 Posts: 134
    edited February 2011

    Mahometmom,   I go to Carle and have had / am having a fantastic experience.   My journey has been a good one!

  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Posts: 46,506
    edited February 2011
    This is my wish for you:
    Comfort on difficult days,
    Smiles when sadness intrudes,
    Rainbows to follow the clouds,
    Laughter to kiss your lips,
    Sunsets to warm your heart,
    Hugs when spirits sag,
    Beauty for your eyes to see,
    Friendships to brighten your being,
    Faith so that you can believe,
    Confidence for when you doubt,
    Courage to know yourself,
    Patience to accept the truth,
    Love to complete your life.
    - Anonymous
  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Posts: 46,506
    edited February 2011

    Good morning all.  Fat flakes are falling from the sky -- what we thought we'd see at the end of our ice storm is coming now.  About three or four inches at present and hasn't the look of stopping soon.  There was no ice to speak of left on the roadways so this shouldn't be a problem at all.  There was some ice still clinging to the trees......so I am a bit concerned there.  I do love the picture postcards snows......and as long as it snows the temps will be up.....it is about 34 right now.

    Hope you are all ok and won't get too much of this if any.  I know you have plenty there. 

    Hugs, Jackie

  • Adey
    Adey Posts: 2,413
    edited February 2011

    Laura-- I am feeling my TEs like your description the other day, boo.  I had to call in for pain meds for the first time and it is my last fill.  Oh well!  (c:  Enjoy the weekend all.

  • zap
    zap Posts: 1,850
    edited February 2011

    Dear Friends,

    I begin my longterm teaching job (it will be for 8 weeks) this upcoming week.  I am making a decision (reluctantly and with thought) that I will not be attending services for Carolyn as I am reluctant to be absent the very first week I am transitioning for the woman going on maternity.  I will of course send my condolences in another way.

     I am so grateful to those who will be going from the area and want to thank you in advance for representing me too and I hope you understand.

    Thanks!

    Susan

  • samedaynurseJan
    samedaynurseJan Posts: 162
    edited February 2011

    I am planning on paying my respects at the Wake on Thursday evening and am thinking about giving the prayer blanket that I never got to give to Carolyn to her sister in Carolyns memory and to cuddle with and keep her warm the same as it would have done for Carolyn. The blanket will be a gift from all of us here in the group

    jan

  • navymom
    navymom Posts: 842
    edited February 2011

    Thats sounds like a very nice idea, Jan.  Thanks for doing that.

    Navy

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 4,011
    edited February 2011

    Jan - That is so nice of you! Thank you!

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