Illinois ladies facing bc
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Oh Lisa sorry to hear about your job loss. I hope you are doing ok. Looks like dinner may work for a get together. I can only lunch on off school days....until summer vac.
then I open to play.Lago you don't want to join me...maybe you can power walk it.:) 26 power walk miles you can do it!
BJ
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Spunky: I think you mean the Cold Caps? I used the Penguin Cold Caps (there are a few kinds). I used them in Michigan. I was fortunate that my med onc office had the caps and a freezer on site. PM me if you want more info or to be put in touch with the Cold Cap rep. She is very nice and also used them two years ago as a patient. When do you start chemo? PM me any questions you have. I wish I had known you were wondering about them...I would have talked to you at lunch about it. I am really glad I did it. What you saw is all my hair...I finished chemo the first week of May. I did get several inches cut off - it was much longer, but the length made it look thinner. With my new cut, it feels thicker.
BJ - I am considering a half marathon....not sure I can do a whole marathon. I was running pretty good before my surgery in Dec. I have had healing issues so I had to stop running. I hope to start up again this week. I was running about 5-6 miles a few times a week. I can't imagine doing 26! Maybe you should work on me.....I could use a kick in the butt too!
Lisa - sorry about the job
Hey - I am also in western suburbs....I don't work. Maybe we can meet out this way for lunch? PM if you want to. Maybe we can get Madisonsmommy to join us..or anyone else out this way.My heart is heavy for those of you starting or anticipating chemo. Just know that there is life after chemo. Knowing you have done everything possible to beat this will give you the most peace of mind you can get when dealing with BC. I am praying you all have little side effects....
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Morning! Not too bad this week, some rain, some sleet, some snow.... Nothing horrible.
BJ....26 miles is a VERY long haul, especially for your first. I know it's a way off but it's 26 MILES! I know you run but it's 26 MILES!!!!! And as for lunching after the run I've seen the runners falling at the finish line! BUT...you are always very determined! You might want to train and look around for something much shorter....there's always a run somewhere for something out here, usually just a 2 or 5 K. Oh....and did I mention it's 26 MILES???????? Your poor hips/knees/ankles/shins/feet!
I did see a segment on the news last week about cold caps...accordingly to the segment the caps are not covered by insurance in the US. I had heard about them but after my hair was gone. Does make sense tho, as does putting your fingertips in ice water to protect the nails. Segment did say tho that the caps have not been approved here due to worries about stray cancer cells hiding out in your scalp during tx and then circulating later. Bit of a stretch but then we all know how tricky cancer cells are. I probably would have tried them tho back then. Now? Probably not.
Off to shower, then the gym, then grocery shopping. My oh so exciting life.....0 -
I did know about cold caps but decided it was too $$, too uncomfortable, too much of a PITA to deal with and I wasn't as worried about my hair as I was my eyebrows.
You might post and see if you can borrow or buy used on this site. I have seen people do that here.I think there are places that rent them too. Scan or post on the coldcaps thread for more info. As for icing fingers and toes… not a bad idea but having your nails lift, ooze and hurt is a more rare SE. That said you can tell I had the issue big time. Some of my fingernails are still lifted and a little tender. Couple of my toenails are permanently ruined and all nails still have deep ridges. I'll be 1 year PFC Wednesday. I did try to ice my fingers 1/2 through my treatment but it was either too late, just didn't work for me or I didn't keep them cold enough.
Lisa there are job fairs. I have gone to several. For me they aren't all that great but my husband went to one and ended up with 2 really good job offers from companies he met at the fair. He's now been at that job for over a year and is very happy. Check it the schedule here: linky
Had to bite the bullet and buy a new printer this weekend. The printer head became so clogged that the geek guy said it would cost more to fix then buy a new one, and that fixing it wasn't guaranteed. So now I can print out my business cards again. I have a feeling that it started to clog when I was going through treatment and not using it so much. I got a great deal at Best Buy. 1/3 the price!
BTW I started up strength training yesterday. My legs, one butt cheek and tummy are a little sore. Arms not too bad because I have to take that very slowly (LE issue).
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Everyone who wills can hear the inner voice. It is within everyone. ~~~~ Gandhi
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Good morning from almost not southern Illinois.....I am on the border of it. Wow !!! It is all about the weather this winter. Naturally I know it's worse farther North, but I feel we have yet to really have any. One slight snowfall with scant accumulation. Just looked pretty because it snowed all day...more ice out of it than anything. Will be in the 60's here today....major storm/rain coming overnight. We are already a sea of mud -- I try not to complain but geesh, enough already.
I'll have to "recall" last winter with not only snow but wind and drifts. Also, for most of the time we had arctic air as a constant companion.
Interesting about the cold caps. I would not use them, but don't take that as negative Spunky. The worst has already happened to me with the hair loss. It was a big deal and I didn't like it, but once I was into txs fairly well I just didn't spend much time thinking about it....other things became more mentally prominent. Please don't see that statement as negative either......I will admit I did not have the easier times that many here have --- it was just difficult to have chemo in the middle of winter and drive 75 miles to get it. I spent a lot of time worrying about the weather that winter for sure.
Hmmm....here's wimpy for ya !!!! I didn't want to say yesterday....twenty-six miles, but it does seem like an awful lot ---I think walking 4 or 5 miles can get to you.....can't imagine running. My mother did run lots of 10 K's in her time.....won her last trophy when she was 63. Go figure, she later developed C.O.P.D in her 70's.
Anyway....however many miles you run in whatever race/marathon, I'll be cheering you on Bj.
I hope you are all going to have a good day.....basically only got local weather today....so much focus on Golden Globes and Ricky.
Went to the movie yesterday and saw Joyful Noise......it was not bad....a little smarmy, but down home which is what I can relate to fairly well. My whole life has been somewhat down home.
Hope you are all going to have a great MLK Monday.
Hugs, Jackie
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Hi ladies .. Im now considering NSM because i meet the criteria, and have heard of great success from a surgeon on the northshore, what are your thoughts on this? Any of you ladies at Northwestern for treatment have a good surgeon recommendation? My chemo side effects have been terrible until now.. Will there be another lunch in the future?
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Katie did you miss last Friday's lunch because of chemo SE or are you planning on missing this Thursday's lunch in Chicago because of chemo SE?
I will be planning a dinner get together at the end of February.
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There are a lot of misconceptions about cold caps and most med oncs are not knowledgable about them. They have been used routinely over seas for years. The fda is always the last to approve any drug or medication. Most products are available overseas long before the are approved here. My situation was different with using the caps. I was fortunate that my hospital where I was treated did some of the clinical trials on them so they had caps available and a freezer on site. Because of this the process was much easier. I also had a four year old son that I did not want to educate about cancer and chemo. Also not long before I was diagnosed my sister's ex husband died of renal cancer. I could not imagine telling my neice and nephew that their favorite aunt had cancer too. I had many things to consider in addition I was only stage 1. My doctors office uses them all the time in fact all three med onc offices at that hospital have freezers and caps. For me it was a good experience. I am glad I did it. I wish more doctors were educated about the caps. The studies out there indicate there are no increased occurance of scalp mets with cold caps vs no caps. Like everything we face with BC it is a personal decision. You have to really research and evaluate your options and make the right choice for you personally.
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I was talking about last friday, i didnt know there was one this thursday! We have a family friend flying in to bring me to my last chemo though so i wont be ablento make thursday either, darn it! Last chemo in one week woot! Woot!
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Sorry, Lisa you need to job hunt! Good luck!
On our way home from Waterloo. We had a wonderful visit with family! It turned out to be a good thing to do. My SIL is finished with chemo, has some hair and actually looks wonderful. She gave up smoking and I think that explains why she looks different. Beautiful skin!
Did anyone watch the Golden Globes. Ricky is just too much over the limit. I have a sense of humor and I am not uptight but there is nothing funny about using "racisit" within a joke. I think he aggravates this country's image with his sarcasm and if you know they are going to edit the "F" word, why even use it. Reminds me of some of my more testier adolescents!
Anyway, there are definietly some movies I want to see like War Horse and The Decendents.
Have a great day!
Susan
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BJ, I am interested in training with you. I am looking into joining the Galloway running group, which starts in April on the lakefront. They train for 5Ks, half and marathons. I plan on doing 5K races till May, then will be doing the Solider Field 10 mile in May, possibly half-marathon in June and then if I think I can, will do the marathon in Oct.
Where are you? I am on the Northwest side of the city, and plan on doing a 5 mile this weekend (Sat). I will PM you too.
Also...anyone have any appointments at NWMH next Thursday the 26th? I will be there at 8:30am for an appointment with my PS and would love to meet up for coffee/tea if anyone else is there.
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Corinne I don't but you know I'm close so if I'm not working (and so far it looks like I won't) give me a buzz and I'll meet you. I can powerwalk to NWMH if it's not to bad out. It's less that 3 miles I think.
Katie I can't even meet you at your last chemo because I have an interview in the morning
You sure your friend won't join us for lunch? 0 -
BJ - If I can continute training through RX and make it for the 10 mile race in May that I am planning on running, maybe I will join you!! 26 is such a huge accomlishment!
I am in the Western Suburbs as well if any of you are planning a get together.
Katie P - YAY on your last chemo coming up!
Lisa - good luck on your job hunt.
I know I am going to sound like a huge whimp but I just totally cried almost the entire rad appt this morning. I only had my CT scan and mapping.
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Hawk-thanks! I will for certain do a self contained happy dance!
Lago- its more the house cleaning i have to do before she arrives (my teenage brother was home for break and totally trashed everything) boys
where is the lunch? Ill see what i can do 0 -
Hawk are you doing the Solider Field 10 mile? That is the one that I am doing in May. If so, we need to meet up afterwards.
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Katie...yay for last chemo! Great milestone, and something to celebrate.
Lisa, good luck to you in your search.
BJ, good luck to you, and I know you can do it if you put your mind to it. But lunch, really? I would not be b near finishing until dinner, and then I'd have to be carried to a restaurant.
Hawk, you are not a wimp at all. Some of us can relate...I did seven weeks of rads after chemo, and found the rads much more emtionally draining. On the last day I literally ran out of the place, and never looked back! We often meet in Schaumburg for lunch or dinnere...would that be close enough to you?
Hope everyone is having a good MLK day. Two kids have been visiting this weekend, and now I must clean up as they have both gone home.
Hugs!
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Hawk, just wanted to say that {and I think Jackie said it first and best] we all do what we have to do in this situation. It isn't easy nor fun, but we do it. The women here are a great source of comfort and friendship, so come often and talk to us. I did seven weeks of rads after chemo, and now it will be six years ago in February. Life is good!
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Thank you all so much!
My RO just called and I am starting tomorrow instead of Thursday. I'm actually relieved .. I will have 4 done by Friday night. Whew.
Lunch in Schaumburg is perfect. I actually work downtown but I am working in our Elk Grove office until RX is done.
CorrineM1 - I am going to run the Seven Bridges Seasons Starters in May. If I can keep up the training, maybe I'll do the Soldier Field also!
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Robo...name the 5K and I will walk it with you.
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hawk -- I too thought the first couple of rads sessions were difficult to deal with.... so much time, laying completely still, in a really creepy machine. It gets easier... one of the techs was a real sweetie.... I also took a mindfulness class during rads which focused on meditation, and I did make use of some of those techniques while lying in that awful contraption.
You'll get through it, come here often for support, and think how much closer you are to being done.
Oh, almost forgot, I never play the lottery, but someone suggested getting 28 scratch cards for every radiation treatment, then every day, after a treatment, I could scratch one off, and watch the pile go down. Pretty sure I lost 30 bucks on that little exercise, but it did give me a little ritual and it is nice to see the pile go down.
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Robo / Corinne /Hawk.....do I have walking /running buddies this summer. There are many 5k and10K races this year. I just signed up for a 2 week class: intro to running a marathon in Arlington Hgts. They lady who is doing this has ran 15 marathons and has trained many people who have never run before. I met one today and was in awe with her story. And she finished the race too..So you all can do it.
If you would like to join me/ pm me and I will give the race schedule for this year.
Happy running girls!!!
BJ
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I'm walking or running in the Warm Your Heart - Indoor 5K at the McCormick Place on 2/26. PM if you would like the link for registration! I'd be happy to walk too!
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Hawk I sent you a pm.
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LisaMomofFour - thank you - I like the scratchy lotto ticket idea.
All this chat about running is making me feel so much better!
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Robo-let me know what you find, I'd be up for a walk!
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Bogie - I've done my surgeries and treatments out of NCH too. I work right next to it and already had MD's there that I knew and trusted. Good luck to you in starting your treatments. As far as wigs, like smerf, I went to Jerome Krause in Skokie. I had a custom made human hair wig and my insurance miraculously covered the cost. I went before I lost my hair and they matched my real hair exactly, down to the highlights. I went back to get it and have it cut and styled once again before I lost my hair. After I lost my hair, and was wearing the wig, I went back once more for a fitting/adjustment. I have to say, there were many of my daughter's friends who had no idea I had worn a wig for 7 months until I showed up at a dance team function with them sans wig for the first time. They all complimented me on my new short haircut!
I also got a free wig from the ACS in Palatine. I thought I should have a back-up, just in case. I wore it only once, and it looked like a Cher wig. This reminds me, I have always meant to take that back to them. I think I'll do that tomorrow. It feels like bad luck to give away my good wig though, so that one will stay packed away in my bathroom closet.
I wore my wig to work every day, and almost always when I went out. I wore mine from June through Jan. (2005/6), so it was multi-seasonal, and honestly, I got very used to it. It did come off as soon as I got home though. I ordered a few scarves and a sleep cap from one of the online stores. I tended to wear the same 2 almost all the time once I came home. My onc's office also had handmade ones that were donated by a senior group that you could take if you needed. In hindsight, I kind of wish I had a bit more fun with it and had gotten a red one and a blonde one.
BJ - My DH is going to train for the Chicago Marathon, but not until spring. Right now, he just does his usual 5-7 mile runs every few days. I do NOT run, but I always wish I did. I think I'd be happy if I could just get myself back to a regular workout schedule, or ANY workout schedule.
Katie - Hoo-freakin'-RAY for last chemos!
Susan - I actually expected Ricky to be a lot worse than he was. I think they built that up for ratings. He wasn't even very funny. My DD and I just enjoy seeing all the gowns.
Hawk - No such thing as a wimp in this corner of the world. You do what you have to do and remember there's nothing weak about crying. I think it's less healthy to bury the emotion and let it build-up inside.
It's surprising to me that cold-caps haven't caught on as much, or aren't as widely used when you consider how long they really have been around. The mother of one of my friends (I also considered her a friend) used one back when she was first diagnosed - when I was in college. So we're talking 30 years ago! She was a lovely woman, and one of the first to call me after I was first diagnosed. She told me about the cold cap she used, and how she never lost her hair. I honestly never seriously considered it, but like a lot of treatment options, it's certainly one worth looking into for anyone who is really interested.
Back to work for me tomorrow, which is a good thing. I'm getting a serious couch-potato butt!
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Home again! Home feels good.
I am losing track of walks/runs. I cannot run a marathon.....this I know! I do, however, love 5k walks and would like to join people who would do that. I am wondering if we could list the options in a singular place so we can see what is up and do that. Could anyway with better "executive skills" than my own figure how we could post those options. I see it as a motivation to get in walking mode with another and a 5k works best for me.
Thanks BJ for asking about DD. On our way home from Waterloo today, she called and said the high risk ob doctor (Rene has a better name for that sort of doctor but it escapes me at the moment) suggested an early inducement. She is due 2/14, but he says it would be better to induce two weeks earlier. He remains calm but baby darling's heart is still racing as of even today, so doctor says we should proceed prudently with early inducement and intervention if needed. The good news is that heart, brain, weight and all the other things are looking good on the ultrasound. It nearly broke my heart when my own precious daughter told me that she asked the doctor if a pediatric cardiac doctor would be on hand at the birth if her baby was in distress...such an adult she sounded to me....and he just reassured her that everything is in place and they know what to do.
I hold in my heart all of you facing treatments.
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I just sent out possible dates for Dinner in Chicago next month. If you did not get an email and want info please PM with your email address.
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Hey ladies....For Thursday's lunch, let's meet at noon. I have been trying to figure out where we should meet. None of the restaurants I can find nearby look so great. Can someone help me figure this out? I was trying to go back through the thread to find the restaurant recommendations but I don't know when it was posted. If you are in for lunch downtown at noon this Thursday, PM me so I know who all is coming. I will post and be able to PM you where were are meeting too once I figure it out. Looking forward to Thursday!
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