Illinois ladies facing bc
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Corinne - Oh man... How awful to have crazy people not only breaking into your car, but trying to attack. Be careful out there!
Lemondrop - I'm glad your mom is going with you. I broke down at both of my wig fittings. Not hysterically, but enough that I was glad to have someone there with me. I actually felt a lot better after I got that out of the way. The mental component to all this is just overwhelming sometimes. Never feel bad about releasing some of that built up pressure.
Lisa - Glad to hear things went well for you.
Lunch was a great time as always. Although, I miss having a round table so it's easier to talk with everyone. I feel bad I hardly got to talk to people at the other end of the table. Next time!
At lunch, I mentioned a flyer I saw for silicone strips used for scar reduction that also contained Vitamin E. Since I went right from the luncheon to my PS appointment, I did pick up one of the flyers. I will be ordering a set to try so I can let you guys know how it goes. I did use silicone sheets after a previous surgery because I get hypertrophic scarring. I think it helped. Silicone sheets/strips are expensive, but you can buy cheaper ones online, or even at CVS. I'm going to try these and see if the added Vitamin E actually helps. They are reusable, but not as easily as they claim.
www.newmedical.com
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Lisak - Glad you are home! Now take it easy - rest and let your body heal. And take your pain meds. I am not a big medication fan generally, but if you are in pain, don't suffer.
I actually found a wig that I am happy with - matches my hair pretty well. Have appointment to go back to buzz hair and get wig finalized/styled, etc. on Feb. 3 (hair is supposed to start falling out Feb 2). Today went fine, but I think the hair loss will be very hard. I have alot of hair, and I have never had it even very short.
Off to Target and then Hobby Lobby to buy supplies for the Desert Scene Diorama that my 3rd grader has to make this weekend!
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RitaJean,
I found this post although I see it's from 2007. I have the exact diagnosis as you and I'm scared of having to start chemo.
Can you tell me how it was for you, and any tips to pass on?
I'm 54 and in Arlington hts.0 -
Lemondrop, I'm also in the NW suburbs of Chicago. Do you mind telling me where you went to get a wig? I will need to begin looking into it soon.
Thank you, I'm glad I found this site
Karen0 -
Rene I used vitamin E oil after my BMX per recommended by my 1st PT. It was great for softening and healing but I don't think it does anything to lighten the scars. Currently I'm using coca butter per my PS recommendation (also said Mederna and coconut oil but they all only help 5-10%. It's really time that helps them fade). I wonder if I should switch to the strips. It's been 3 months since the revisions and still much redder than the others scars. 3 months since the nips too but those scars seem to be fading and not red like the revision scar.
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Lago, Forgot to say thank you for posting your series of pics. You looked great pre-chemotherapy, and just as great now with your sassy short hair! Your hair really came in fast once it started growing.
Bogie, I went to Naturally Yours in Willowbrook, which is not at all close to the NW suburbs, but it is somewhat close to where I work, and I had 2 strong personal recommendations for it. My onc's office gave me a list of places, though, and it looks like these might be closer to you: Carol's House of Hair (Arlington Heights), Hair Response (Arlington Heights), Julianne's (Schaumburg), Positive Image Hair Center (Des Plaines). If you don't mind driving down to Wilowbrook though, I had a good experience at Naturally Yours. I'm sure some of the other ladies will have some recommendations as well.0 -
Karen, - welcome to the group! This is a fine group of gals to chat with! I am sorry you had to join us but glad you found us.
Lemondrop - my appointment on Thursday is at 11:15am. I am going to drop my son off at school at 8:30am and start into the city. I am planning on driving.
Rene - it was fun and yes, next time we need a round table for sure!!
LisaK - glad you are done with surgery. I wish you a speedy recovery. Hugs!
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Wow, Corrinne, that's terrible! Some years ago I had several young boys throw large rocks at my car, which I had left outside on my driveway. They broke the windows, and made many small divets all over the car. There were five families involved, and two of them have never said a word about it. The other three marched their kids over here to apologize, and all the parents paid for repairs. One parent asked me to get estimates, and I said no...I'm not spending any of my time on this mess. I took it in, got it repaired, and they were happy to pay as I did not call the police. The boys were all about 10 years old, except one who was younger. I can't imagine having to worry about neighbors being so angry and defensive.
Lunch was great, as usual. Good food, and good conversation with some of the best women I have ever met.
Welcome to ILL ladies, Bogie! There are a lot of us, and we get together for lunch or dinner about once a month. Please join us whenever you feel up to it. Some are just starting tx, and others like me ,are long past it, but there is always someone ready to listen and share. I went to Jerome Krause in Skokie for my wigs, but there may be somewhere closer to you. Also, I have seen some of the wigs from TLC, and they were nice, and less expensive than one's I got. Insurance kicked in about 70% for mine. More ladies will probably chime in soon on this subject. This board can be a little quiet on the weekends.
Zap, thinking good thoughts for your DD and baby. I was a high risk pregnant person, due to my age. All three kids born in my thirties, and I did have some heartbeat issues too. All three wound up doing well after all that monitoring!
Lemondrop, so sorry you have to deal with all this, but Jackie had some good thoughts about hair. I think that was hard because I could no longer be in denial about it all. I did get two wigs, two different styles and colors. My DH was surprised, but I thought I may as well try to have some fun with it as long as I couldn't get out of it. Thinking about the chemo was hard, but once it was started I could just start counting down with an end in sight. Glad you have your mom to go with you. Rene is so right about relieving stress...never feel badly about crying sometimes. We have all been there, and stress relief is healthy. Enjoy lunch with the ladies! Hope I get to meet you, but this Thursday i will be with my DH for his eye procedure. Boy, getting old is not for sissies! At least that's what my mom always said.
Hugs to all, and stay warm.
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Good Evening Ladies;
I have a simple Question..I've been passing gas since late yesterday afternoon. Is this
common for after surgrey? Would a stool softern work or just let it run it's course?
Thans,Lisakl
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lemondrop it looks like my hair came in fast when you scan the photos but it didn't feel that way. I think I'm about average. My hair used to grow faster but I was on Herceptin so it slowed it a bit. Now it's back to normal.
Bogie I went to Naturally Yours too. They are nice but I feel my wig was too big for me. When I went back for a trim I also asked her to adjust it but she said it was fine. Then I saw her leave so I think she was in a rush to go home. Sad to say I only wore my wig twice (one weekend). Maybe the bad fit is why. If you go there be sure it fits. Mine sat way too low on my head because it was too big.The American Cancer Society will get you a wig for free. It took a long time for mine to come in though and it was too itchy for me. I gave it to Robo and she looks just fab in it.
As far as chemo we were all scared of the first one. I remember sitting there with my husband just waiting for something to happen as the chemo went in. Nurse kept speeding it up because nothing happened. No SE. The only thing is the SE after can be challenging because you don't know what you will get. In my case I did get heartburn and the Prilosuc didn't work for me which is not typical. I also got very bad constipation but finally found something to take care of that (metamucil). Bad back pain from Nuelasta but that went away in a few days. The 2nd chemo I started to take the metamucil the night of chemo for 3 days, was on protonix instead of prilosec and the back pain from Nuelasta wasn't so bad but did take something for it just in case. You may or may not have these SE. Not sure what chemo your doing… BTW I never got any nausea on chemo which is unusual but can happen.
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Bogie... Welcome. My wig experience went exactly like Zap's. I took a friend with me to pick it out and she also went back with me to pick it up. I had a very good experience at Kathleen's Creative Expressions south of McHenry, www.kcexpressions.net. Not sure how convenient that would be for you. Kathy was so compassionate and will buzz your hair for no charge when you are ready for that. I didn't see my bald head until I got home and went upstairs for a private unveiling. Surprisingly, I managed to hold it together for another day or two before really breaking down. I only got one wig and really didn't wear it much cause it was the heat of a very hot summer. I mostly wore scarves when I went out, but enjoyed just going bald around home.
My ONC's office received a supply of cute, handmade scarves from a women's sewing club from time to time. They would donate them and leave them in the ONC's office lobby in a big basket and it was always fun to go through and choose a new one at each TX.0 -
Lagos and Joan, thank you for the suggestions for wigs! I don't even like the sound of that...wig. I keep thinking I'm talking about someone else. This whole process has become one fast moving emotional roller coaster I'd love to jump off of! However, I need to jump in and combat this if not for me, then for my family, so forward I shall move and do what I'm told.
It's nice to be able to vent to those who understand and walk in each others shoes.
Hugs to you all for your strength. Xxxx0 -
Lisak - Hope you are feeling ok and resting!
Corinne - Hope all is going a little more smoothly for you this weekend as well.
So, I feel like I am on such a roller coaster these days. This past week, I felt like I had gotten myself together, checking off the boxes getting ready for chemo (dentist appt., echo done, got a wig and some scarfs ordered, etc.). This morning, I woke up full of doubt and anxiety about all the possible side effects of chemo, about working through it, about how my kids will react, about what if the wig doesn't fit/is itchy (I am really bad at tying scarfs around my neck, how am I going to make one look good on my head?!). I know I need to try to take it one step at a time, but my mind gets going and I start feeling overwhelmed.
I am just about to wake my son up to get ready for 7:30 am church (our schedule is so full today, this is the only mass we can make, and he has to turn in a homily report (good ol' Catholic school requirement) for school). Hope to sleep in tomorrow (office is closed and no school!). Thinking of all of you wonderful ladies, and hoping that your day today is good. Lisa
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Lemondrop I've had a problem with itchy since I was a kid. I can not wear wool. I have to rip out all the tags in my clothing. It made sense that some wigs would be itchy but… they do have wig liners if you have the issue. Also if you look at my avatar that is me in my wig. I don't look bad in it I just knew it sat too low. There are plenty of pre-tied scarves you can buy but I would highly recommend going to one of those Looks Good Feel Better programs. They will teach you how to tie scarves. You can also look online and they have directions (scroll down and click on a topic) or look for videos on youtube.
I thought I would get every side effect. Well I didn't. No one does. I bought all this stuff I didn't need: plastic utensils, Imodium, hat for sleeping (my head didn't get cold at night). I wish I had waited. I found the scarfs, hats I bought after my hair fell out were better. So don't worry you'll more than prepared.
Oh and if I had a job I would have worked. Lost mine 5 months prior. BTW did I tell you about this gal I met on her 1st day of chemo when I was doing Herceptin. She did the same cocktail as me… and didn't get any SE, well a little taste chance after her final (6th) treatment. I hope you are like her.
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Morning!
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Lemondrop, your email choked me up. I think we are all feeling what you expressed out loud.
One day at a time. Those that I have seen go through chemo handled it better than I thought and brings me hope that I will too once returning to a demanding job full time. We are all here for you.
We are in the same area, I'm also in the NW burbs of Chicago. Maybe we have the same Physicians. I'm working out of NW Community Hospital in Arliington Hts and had my mastectomy there.
It will be a tough year but it would have been tougher without a successful treatment plan, we will all be ok!! I found it interesting how people come out of the woodwork to help that you never thought would, and I have a sister and brother who haven't been there for me at all. I'm fortunate to have amazing friends who have rallied and a supportive husband and children to love me through this.
Sending love and strength to all the sisters fighting the fight0 -
Morning! Chilly out and really! Dh's Florida relatives freezing???? I do not consider 64 freezing!
RE: hair loss, chemo, wigs..
For me, it was abject fear of the unknown. I had no idea what it would be like, how I would look. Scary times. Once I got a wig weeks before chemo (Wigs.com...I got more than a few! Read the return policy carefully tho) and saw that I "looked" normal, well that helped. Once the first chemo was done I knew even if I stopped, my hair was going to go...I really felt ok about that. When I had no reaction no nausea, I felt better about that too. My hair started to fall out about day 14 and I sat on the bathroom floor and sobbed for 2 hours. Then I picked myself up off the floor, plunked on my wig and I was ok. The worst had happened...yeah...I was a bit stupid back then as I thought going bald was worse than having cancer! My counts dropped and had to have neulasta but they gave it to me in my belly to help with inj site pain and I was told to take Claritin day of inj and for 2-3 days after to help with bone pain. I truly had NO se's from any tx. I know I was lucky but it does happen. Funny thing tho...my fingernails grew long and strong during chemo! Went back to weak and peeling after I was done. Go figure....
This cancer journey is not easy. But....it can be done. You will do it. You have to do it. Your life is waiting for you!!!!!!
Have a wonderful Sunday!!!!!!!!0 -
Hi girls! So sorry I didn't see you girls on Friday. Sounds like you had lots of fun!
So much going on here. Surgery, chemo s/e's, wigs...why, why, why! We need a cure. But in the meantime want to wish all of you the very best. It really breaks my heart to see so many go through all this. Healing thoughts - physically and emotionally - to all of you.
Stay strong, keep warm! Fight makes right...
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The biggest risk you will ever take is not taking one at all.
~ Motivational saying ~Take risks: If you win, you will be happy; if you lose, you will be wise.
~ Inspirational saying ~0 -
For those ladies just starting chemo...you never know how it will be for you. I was petrified and it was easier than I anticipated. I was able to workout 5 days a week through all of chemo. I was back to teaching fitness classes a few weeks after I completed chemo. Some days were easier than others, but I kept moving and exercising. I really believe that helped me feel better. I also drank TONS of water. As far as side effects - constipation (so I took Senakot S), bone pain after first neulasta shot (I took claritin and aleve for the next rounds and had no pain), lost sense of taste for a while (it was not too bad..it passed after a few weeks), a little tired some days, burning in legs (I called that "chemo legs). My worst side effect was a skin rash that was miserable and that lasted a few months but my docs kept trying to treat me with meds/steroids that would give me some relief until it was gone. I can't comment on the hair thing as I used cold caps to keep my hair but it was rather ugly during the chemo months (only could wash it once a week, no hair dryer/curling iron, no hair styling products, and no coloring...yikes!). I did invest in some cute hats though and hid the ugly hair and just let the pony tail hang down in the back. Oh and I never had nausea...I had 3 prescriptions waiting to be used that I threw out (never touched) post chemo. Everyone is different. Chemo was the scariest part of all of this for me and it was not as bad as I imagined it would be. You will get through it......talk to your doctors about side effects so you can be given things to combat any side effects you experience. Hugs! We will be here for you as you go through it!!!
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Good morning everyone.....not sure I have the right quotes for today, but know Lemon and bogie, I am touched by what you are going through right now. ( sorry God ) It's the damn pits, no two ways about that. We are going through life, hoping and wanting to do well, and them bam....here comes the brick wall. So imposing and so easy to see now.....but oh so hard to accept.
Wendy is so right. Your life is waiting for you -- eager to go on, but you must take a time out, do many strange and sometimes frightening things to your body and be a mess for a length of time. I looked at it this way.....I had 61 good yrs. under my belt before my diagnosis. Could I give back less than a yr. of time to become 'healthy and happy again' and the answer was a resounding YES - YES - YES --- especially up against the alternative.
I think you will probably go through a whole huge range of emotions -- the rug has been pulled out from under you....and worse yet, you don't have time for this and it feels all wrong. This is a big loss that has come and you need some mourning time, some way to adjust. That is where we come in........it is not a totally pleasant tree-lined street -- it's a rough road ---- yes, it can be ok for some, pretty rocky for others...we just don't know, but we are here to hold your hand, to understand the days you cry, the days you are irate, the days you may be frustrated, and the days you may be beyond tired, total fatigue. You may lose some friends, but make many more on this journey no one wants to take.
I'm like Laura GTO today though I know everyone on these boards feels the same way.....I'm so frustrated, and find it so upsetting that we are still welcoming so many to this board. Yet, I am thrilled it ( and so many, many wonderful women that I adore ) was here for me. I don't know what I would have done --- but they help make it possible for me to hold on to my resolve to be willing to give up a yr. of my time so I could have my life restored. It is not quite the same...for one thing, I come here every day -- speaking to wonderful friends and looking for new ones --- to paraphrase " God did not say it would be easy -- he said it would be worth it ". Well, we can do hard as well as anyone else. We prove it every day so just know you are not alone. We are going to hold you up and take every step you do.....and give you as much support as you need. There is life
This cancer journey is not easy. But....it can be done. You will do it. You have to do it. Your life is waiting for you!!!!!!
Have a wonderful Sunday!!!!!!!!the above three lines is copied from what Wendy said....and the rest is from me.
Hugs, Jackie
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Lots going on!
DH and I are in Waterloo. A little later we will visit with his brother and his wife (she is now post chemo herself) We have not been close but this cancer thing has brought us closer so at least some good has come of it, although I am sure that she would rather be cancer free and without us.
I have to honestly say that I am beginning to feel distance from my personal experience with cancer. I could not say that even last year. Let's hope it stays that way. I shifted my awareness to others with cancer and not just breast cancer and not to myself. It has been five years so perhaps that is just natural.
Yes, the word "wig" does sound funny. I often will say "I felt wigged out" when I mean I was alarmed. I never loved my wig but I was told I looked fine in it. I think I used it like a "tool" to get through baldness. Some people could care less if you walk around bald, while some people get nervous if you do (people like clients, students and sensitive family members and friends), so you wear the wig to keep them feeling everything is okay. If you see the picture of the young woman on this page (I Give), then I am sure you would agree she looks beautiful with her scarf and probably adorable without it! I looked neither beautiful or adorable sans hair, so out came the tool!
Have a great day!
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I looked crappy without hair or something on my head too. I don't have the greatest shaped head.
I never thought I would be getting a boob job and tattoos. I have now learned to never say never.
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Jackie....that's it! That's the mantra!
"it's not easy, but it's worth it!"0 -
I was terrified before my first chemo.....it was definitely that "unknown" factor. And don't even get me going on my hair..... I'm balder than a baby right now still and miss my hair more and more everyday. I have wigs, scarves, hats, etc and they have definitely gotten me through the hair loss. I started a countdown on my cell phone on day 1 of chemo....it started at 105 days and I made it!!!! You ladies will too. Cancer sucks.... But we are all strong and able to do what we have to do to make it. We all have so many lives to live and get back to!!!
I promise you the anxiety of your first treatment will be most likely the worst part!!! The hair part definitely sucks too but if I made it through anyone can. I was absolutely devastated at the very thought of losing my beautiful hair.....and I made it through that moment and now sit and wait for my new hair to sprout. I never thought I'd accept the hair loss....I even vowed that I would NEVER be "topless", even in my own house.....and yet here I sit with my bald head all out and shining. I vowed NO PICTURES with my fake hair and have taken several pics with friends and family since..... I guess somewhere along the way I made peace with what my life presented to me.
Anyways, my long winded point is you ladies will get through this!!!! And we are all here to help!!!!!
Ps....I went to Naturally Yours for my "nice" wig too..... Look into halos by the way, I have 4 different ones that I wear with different hats..... They make me feel "normal". 0 -
I am dissppointed that I couldn't leave work on Friday to actually meet you all for lunch. I am looking forward to that next month.
I start rx treatments on Thursday. 27 regular and then 9 boosts.zr
Praying for zero SE's for ladies starting chemo. ((HUGS))
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MDG-where did you get the cold packs? I've heard of them, but you are the first person I know who actually used them. I keep referring to them as ice caps-perhaps that's why no one knows what the heck I'm talking about...
Lunch was wonderful. It's so nice to spend time with you ladies. I have appts on the 19th at Loyola, but may be able to make lunch downtown-let me know where/when.
Have a great week everyone. Cyber hugs to all
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Happy Sunday to all of you. Lunch on Friday was wonderful as always. I just love getting together with all of you. Lots of fun and laughter as well as yummy food. You all look so healthy and beautiful!! Welcome the new girls, bogie and hawk. As Jackie said " it is not easy..but it's worth it". Remember to take one day at a time and rest. Yes, there is life after bc tx and we oldies will help you.
Zap... I was off Friday due to parent- teacher conference. Yes, I get to play Monday. No school for me. hey!!!! How is your dd doing and the baby. Keeping her in my prayers for a healthy new grand-baby to be.
Laura /Wendy...we missed you at lunch. how are you doing?? Hope you are staying warm inside.
I have been very busy this weekend trying to pack up my mil to move. She is one for not throwing away anything over the past 60 yrs. Talk about treasures or junk...I think I could open up a used retail store. lol She needs to sell her home and get a ranch / condo type. No stairs as she is really having a hard time getting up and down 3 levels.. I just want her to be well.
I would like to know if anyone is interested in training with me for the Chicago Marathon in Oct here. It is a 26 mile run. I would love to have a partner....so if you think you want to join me email me. I started training next week. This would be the first time for me to run in a race like this. It could be the Illinois Ladies Run....after we are done then lunch downtown. hehe. Lago you can pick a good place!!
Well off to finish my laundry. What happened to that laundry fairy??? Wendy
Have a wonderful evening...stay warm it is really cold out there.
BJ
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BJ at the very least I can cheer you on from my corner but no way are you going to get me to run anywhere. Power walking is as fast as I go. I feel running is abusive to my body. I have felt that way since I was about 19!
Seems I always know at least 1 person running in the Chicago Marathon.
I'm trying to declutter my 2nd bedroom. I'm tossing out stuff but it still doesn't look any different
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Oh, I really feel for all of you getting ready to start chemo... I was a complete wreck last year, leading into my first treatment, Dec 30th last year. When it was all said and done, the anticipation was worse than the reality of the chemo. Losing my hair sucked, but I found the wig fairly comfortable, and when it didn't feel comfortable, I went back for an adjustment and that helped a lot, don't be shy about going back until the wig is just what you want. For those of you working through treatment, I found that I was able to work through treatment just fine... took off treatment days only for A/C, then had to take off two days per cycle with Taxol. Working really helped me feel pretty normal, my boss and I were selective about my assignments so that if I felt sick, it wouldn't have an impact, which was really helpful.
Lago is right, you won't experience every side effect... just don't know which ones you'll experience. Other than bone pain, and issues with my nails falling off, I did OK. Kept up with pretty much everything (except housework, but I will use any excuse to stay away from that, lol).
I turned to the women here for a lot of wonderful support that I am very grateful for!
Hope I can make the next lunch..... I resigned from my job (long story) and my last day is this Friday. I will be looking for another position, but I hope to have a month or two of downtime between positions, so I will try to make the next lunch.
Good luck to everyone in treatment.
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