Illinois ladies facing bc
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Laura....love the cookies....I notice you can match the bottom with the tops, huh ???
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Lago, your white???
Chicago 1958 Just to add, I have had two blood clots with a family history as well. My Onc said NO WAY I could go on tamox. And let me tell you, cumadin is no picnic. I would rather deal with the pain.....
GTO sure you love playing with me...your always300 points ahead.
Joan, praying for you.
Onward
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Oh Zap, I love Beverly too. It has been a great place to raise a family. And St.John Fisher is a nice area. The fact that you identify the parish shows you're the real deal! They probably do that in lago's Boston neighborhoods too...
Laura, I love the cookies and I live with some diehard Sox fans who would love garage parking...
Joan, thank you for the welcome and that's interesting that the Femara bill is so high. I didn't even think about that aspect of treatment yet, duh.
Lisa, I moved to Beverly as an adult but I have nieces who went to MacAuley. And my mother-in-law is in Palos...
Onward, did you take your name from "onward and upward"? One of my favorite things to tell myself!
I wondered if anyone has seen the book The Tres Riche Heures De Mrs. Mole, by Ronald Searle? Here's a description: "In Ronald Searle's most recent book, Les Très Riches Heures De Mrs Mole, published just three months before he died, the author brought to light the 47 drawings he produced for his wife, Monica Searle, as she was treated for a rare and virulent form of cancer over a five-year period in the early 1970s. She survived, and the intimate drawings stand as a moving testimony to love and hope." I read about it and had to order it for myself -- very quirky and sweet -- he drew her a picture before every chemo session. Just lovely.
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Hello. I'm a newbie, living in Buffalo Grove. Lived in Hyde Park for several years before that, but not from Illinois. Guess that's enough history for now. I was diagosed yesterday. Have my first BS appointment on Valentines day (of course). It looks like I have several small lesions, low grade so this is good. I had been Birads 3 for a years, with an architectural abnormality, and at 6 months, these lesions didn't show up. At a year, here they were. That was last week. I'm just getting used to all this and hoping I can slide by without heavy treatment (chemo) but as I'm learning from you all, things tend to unfold slowly. Good to meet you all. Jenelle
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Welcome Jenelle - My follow up BS appointment is on Valentine's Day as well. Not exactly sure what I was thinking for a follow up date! The waiting for me was absolutely the hardest part. Once you have your plan and have done your research, it seems easier to deal with. Ask tons of questions! These Illinois ladies are absolutely fabulous with tons of answers. I wish I had found my way here as early as you.
Laura - love the cookies!
Lisa - hope your class went as good as it could today - thinking of you.
Lemon- hope you are feeling great this weekend.
Joan - yikes is right that is high.
Today, I am officially half way through rads.
Praying for all of you. Stay safe and warm!0 -
Hi, all. I saw this article this morning and part of me was fascinated and excited and part of me thought, wow that would add one more sucky step to cancer treatment. I don't know how to do a link but here it is. It's about fasting and how it may stop cancer and improve chemo treatment. Darn that would be hard. .
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/241454.php
Welcome Chicago and Jenelle. Jenelle I am up in the northern burbs as you are. I think that first 4 to 6 weeks is the worst. Nothing about breast cancer is fun, but the action stage is easier than the worry and decision stage.
Joan, it might help to try to appeal. I have done it on other drugs and won and then it probably brings your co-payment down.
Those cookies are so hilarious..
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Onward I mean Caucasian but I'm pretty white this time of year I'm white too. Guess white sounds like I'm a white supremacists or something. Think they'd let me join
Hi Jenelle
TwoHobbies I know there are a few women on BC.org that have tried this. You might want to do a search. Just remember that they have found a lot of stuff works well in mice but not in humans.
Laura those cookies are so Adey They use the same cookie cutter for both right
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Welcome Jenelle!
We are neighbors! I live in Northbrook! All that is said, that NOW is the hardest time and when a plan is in place, it gets easier. I hope you do not need harsh chemo. You sound like you have knowledge under your belt. I hope you have a very positive BS meeting.
My dearest friend had a biopsy today and I subbed for her in her classroom. I have refrerred to her so often on this thread as she was the one who "cared for me" when I returned to my own classroom after my own surgery. She was the one who brushed away my shedding hair between each parent-teacher conference on that 13th day of chemo. How bittersweet life is......! As you can guess, she is quite a bit younger than I. I feel so sure she will be okay and that it is benign, but we do not know yet.
Have a great weekend.
Susan/Grandmother Zap
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Happy snowy Friday girls....boy those roads out there are very slippery. But the snow does look nice from inside. My mil sold her house!!!! I am jumping up and down that it sold in one weekend. Now the fun begins with her packing up all her treasures and moving. I am happy for her that she will not have to walk up and down all those stairs and that she can get well soon. You know that I have been taking running classes...so I am doing the Chicago Marathon in Oct.!! It sold out in 5 days, but I was able to get a spot with the American Heart Association team. In honor of my mil who just had open heart surgery and for the 2 months that I lived at the hospital taking care of her. I will run for her. Wish me luck.....
Welcome to the new girls Jennelle and Chicago. We are a very supportive group who likes to chat and eat a lot. lol Jennelle were are you having your txs at? I am very close to you too.
Lago... I plan on coming next week too. Question do you know anything Cambridge college in Boston. Is the area nice around there. Maybe taking a few classes out there this summer.
Hawk.. are you still running at McCormick the end of the month. Hope you are feeling well.
Joan...hope your arm is better and the swelling goes down for you.
Laura...love the cookies...I am still waiting for my monster cookies???
Lisa...good to hear from you... hope all is well and you are feeling better soon.
Jackie... loved the quote...how is dh eye doing...better.
Hope everyone is enjoying this snow fall... I know I am inside with a fire going and trying to finish my book. Have a wonderful Valentine's weekend.
Remember to be healthy...be happy and enjoy life.!!
BJ
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Zap.... you and I were posting at the same time....any baby news yet???
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Like-minds, BJ. I realize now I should not sign off as Grandmother Zap as the third munchkin is still unborn; but I have the two others so I am not going to edit.
I sent you a PM outlining the issues. I feel so positive, however, that all will be well. The problems continue, but the doctors are less frenetic about finding out why as all images show one healthy baby.
Great news about the October Marathon (although I have mixed views on the marathon). I asked DD and she said that she may take a pass on this one, but she mentioned that early sign-ups have been amazing. Paul and I go every year, so we will be there to encourage you along with the half-dozen or so friends that take on this incredible challenge.
Susan
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Wow! You really get alot said quickly. It will take me awhile to catch up. I, too, love those cookies. I'm seeing a surgeon at Evanston Northshore Univ, Dr. Katherine Yao. Anyone know her?
It helps to hear you say the first 4-6 weeks are the worst. The great unknown.
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Jannelle...my surgeon is at Skokie hospital. I don't know your md but I am sure someone may know her. I would get a binder to put in copies of all your reports / notes /appt dates. This will help keep you organized as you will have many md's to see over the next few week. Once you have a tx plan in place then things will come together. Educate yourself, ask questions and come here often as many of us have already been through this journey. Take a deep breath.....
Nobody wants to join this club but remember we are here for you as you start this journey.
BJ
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BJ what do you mean next weeK? Dinner plans are the 24th in Chicago. BTW Newbies if you're interested please contact me off list and I can give you details. Let me know soon so I can change the reservation. So far there's almost a dozen if I count a few of the maybe's0
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Ha ha ha ha ....I have so many dinner dates on the calender that I got mixed up on the date.
Thanks for the correct date.
BJ
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Janelle.....Dr. Yao is my BC surgeon and the woman who did my friend's surgery today. All is good.
Susan
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Ladies..I got my Chemo start date of Feb 21..
I was also informed that it will be a 2 day process..1 day chemo and 1 day flushing of the kidneys and other stuff...I have never heard or seen this...
Any input?
LisaK
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Hi all sorry i can not keep up with all of you! Plus al my appts leading up to surgery in two weeks have had me exhausted...
Jenelle- im having my surgery with dr. Yaos partner (i think thats what its called) dr. Winchester in two weeks, i left rush for evanston and have heard great things.... Also i had several tumors, now blown apart by chemo shizzzam! Dr. Fenner is the Ps.. Depending what youre doing i duno if youll need him si ncde yours is low grade. Mine is grade 3 very bad.. So im doing BMX, also im 23.
Mri showed my tumors were blown to smitherines! Im hoping this means no radiation for me since my nodes are neg.
For those of you in treatment i know its rough but its over before you know it.. I still only have head fuzz no hair yet
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KatieP-Great news! Smithereens is a good place for those tumors to be.
BJ-good luck to your co-worker, it's awful she has to go through this, but great that she has you.
Still looking for MO recommendations...
G'night all. It's a god night to snuggle under that down comforter
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Spunky- yes smitherines is wonderful
i cant wait to get everything cut out anyway though. My MO is absolutely wonderful, i met with many and i love love love her. Shes ar RUSH her name is dr. rao. If rush is not in network, dr olapade is also wonderful shes at the university of chicago 0 -
Welcome janelle...Glad you found us but sucks you have to be here too!!! The first weeks of a diagnosis is definitely the worst...it definitely gets easier on your mental state once you start getting a plan together.
Katie...YAY for those tumors getting blown to smithereens!!!! I'm working with only a little fuzz too...I'm starting to get really frustrated.
Lisa...two days? That's definitely a new one to me...what was the reasoning given by your MO? I'm sure there is a good reason? Maybe the type of chemo drugs?
Spunky...a cozy down comforter sounds awesome right now....I feel like I've been freezing for days!!! And tonight the windchill seems really harsh.
Zap...did I miss the baby update? Soon right? My cousin is being induced on Monday with her first, a boy! We are all excited!
Mdg...are u attending the dinner?? I'm thinking I'll take the train?
Lago.... Did u get another i phone to replace the one lost in the cab? I just upgraded to the 4S last week and LOOOOVE it!!!
BJ...still saying my prayers for your co worker. A woman I went to high school with just lost her dh to leukemia this week...he fought for 7 months and left behind 4 young kids. Cancer continues to remind me how precious everyday is. Oh, and cancer sucks!!!
Happy weekend everyone!0 -
KatieP - great news!
BJ - I am still doing the 5k at the McCormick although I will most likely just be walking for this one. Congrats on getting a spot in the marathon!
Madismommy719 - I Love Love Love my iPhone 4s too!0 -
Janelle....welcome, welcome though we'd love it if no one else "HAD" to find us. The beginning is hard and most of the time you'll hate what you have to do, but you'll come to a point where you know your doing this to make the rest of your life go well......and that will take a lot of the sting of fear and denial out of it. Also, we are all here to hold you up when you get tired or frustrated or just don't have any steam............so lean on us. We don't mind.
Jenn...how is the taste thing going....you didn't mention it and I am wondering????
Bj....prayers as always......Dh eye is perfect....for now. Reading glasses for fine print.....he is so happy about that. Dare I say this....I am so used to him with glasses that he sometimes doesn't LOOK right to me. Not going to tell him that though.
Lisa....I haven't heard of 2 day chemo either....interesting,
hawk....yay for you, half-way thru. Doesn't it seem like such a long time when you take that first treatment step.....but even though some of the time "drags' in a couple of spots......you look at all you have come through on your way to the finish line. So close now.
I hope you are all going to have a great week-end. Cold here.....a little bit of winter that I think won't last. I'm afraid to be too glad we haven't really had a winter for fear we finally might.
See you all in the morning.
Hugs, Jackie
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My taste buds have slowly reemerged...just different. I crave chocolate (never good!) all the time and lately its pumpernickel and onion pretzels....weird right?
Hawk...1/2 way done is awesome! Over that hump with the finish line in sight! YAY!!!0 -
Hi all - I am hopelessly behind on reading posts, but wanted to say welcome to Jenelle and Chicago. This board has been a lifeline for me in the 3 months since my diagnosis. I am sorry you are here, but glad you found this group. LisaK - I am still new to all of this, but I have not heard of a 2 day process for the chemo either. How many treatments will you have (sorry if you already posted that and I missed it). I will be doing chemo through the end of April, so we can be chemo buddies! Madismommy - interesting about the different taste buds. I was told I'd be craving carbs during chemo, but I am actually constantly craving French Onion Soup (could be worse things!). Not so bad as long as I lay off on the cheese on top! Joan, Yikes on that co-pay. Zap - keeping that grandbaby in my thoughts and prayers. KatieP - glad you posted, was just thinking about you before I checked in here. Yay for blowing those tumors to bits! It's a great mental image to have in mind.
What a difference a week , makes - I have felt much better the last few days. Thank goodness, as I have a big weekend on tap -- skate, swim, hockey today, more hockey tomorrow and then am hosting a family party for my DH's 44th birthday (tomorrow) and my DD's 6th birthday (Monday). Also have to make cookies for DD to bring to school on Monday as treats for her class. And get valentine cards and treats ready for kids to bring to school on Tuesday. Am taking DS to a charity dinner/sports awards thing on Monday night in Chicago so we will be home too late to do any of the valentine stuff then. Could not have pulled all this off last weekend. Then, will be gearing up to start the tired cycle all over again next week. I am starting to learn that I just need to get though one week at a time. Thinking of all of you - have a great weekend, L
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Katiep I've also heard great things about Dr. Rao. I think I've seen her and said hi to her as well. She's tall with light colored hair? IF that's her I always see her buzzing around her patients.
MadMom I did get a new iphone that weekend. I think the old was was a 4S too. My phone wasn't very old. I'm still on 3g network though.
Lisa I'm not familiar with your 2 day flush but there are so many different treatments. Also you may have some health issues/history/meds that some of us don't have so they might do things a little differently. I know many come back the next day to get a Nuelasta shot. I had my husband give me mine at home. Some insurances don't cover it at home.
Lemondrop I just got tired reading your to-do list!
Katie Suzie mentioned you on Tuesday as "this patent said she was driving your crazy with text messages." I laughed and said "oh you mean Katie?" You weren't driving me crazy at all. She didn't mention your name because of privacy issues so I had to.
Joan I'm paying about $86 for my Anastrozole till we meet our super high deductible. At least our premiums are considerably less. My old plan had a separate prescription plan so the drug was only $10 but the premiums were out of site. <grumble>hate insurance <end grumble>
Keep warm everyone. I'm passing on the power walk through the park today and just doing strength training. Maybe later I'll go to the gym
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These are some quotes/thoughts for our newer ladies.....and since I couldn't decide....its a three for:
Difficulties are meant to rouse, not discourage. The human spirit is to grow strong by conflict. -William Ellery Channing (1780-1842)
Times of great calamity and confusion have been productive for the greatest minds. The purest ore is produced from the hottest furnace. The brightest thunder-bolt is elicited from the darkest storm. -Charles Caleb Colton (1780-1832)
The difficulties which I meet with in order to realize my existence are precisely what awaken and mobilize my activities, my capacities. -Jose Ortega Y Gasset
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Zowie !!!! Going outside this morning was definitely a blast....a big one of frigid air. We are due to go through this cold spell with constant wind according to the report. As has been the case for some time....its either feast or famine. Although it snowed for quite some time yesterday there is only a dusting on the ground. That is something to feel ok about anyhow.
Jenn....glad you are getting back " taste ". I can't recall ( geeze I must be doing well....I'm nearly forgetting some of this stuff ) but think it took me awhile. I was so glad to be through I think I ignored it by only eating what did "taste" good --- BUT I do recall well my impatience and silently being irritated that the last set of se's held on so long.
How good it is to look back and see what you have accomplished -- so many things you weren't sure you could do --- we fight a monster and win....now that is something.
Lago -- interesting about Nuelasta shots not always covered for home use. Wonder how much they cost....and if that had something to do with it. I gave myself Nuepogin shots at home....a total of one perday for 7 days second day after chemo. It was just under $5,000.00 for the series of shots.......I had 8 rds. total of chemo so pretty expensive all together.
Lemon.....I'd bake your cookies for you if I were closer. That is a lot to do, but you are on the right track --- accepting your se's and adjusting. Glad you have some steam to do these things.
Was it here that I read ( sshh -- sometimes I CRS all over ) about buying scratch-off tickets and doing one after each chemo. I love the idea and wish I'd done something like it....I not only would have had a good way to tick the number down, but could have gotten a $100,000.00 for my "troubles" and "woes" at the time.
Lago...glad you are doing to exercise inside -- I always think of Chicago ( windy city with lakes ) as so much worse than here and its ugly out there with the frigid air.
Hope you are all going to have a good Saturday. See you later.
Hugs, Jackie
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Morning! Lots of sun but only 14 on my deck! Brrrrr....
I'm so behind ..... again ..... so won't even try to catch up!
Hmmmm...2 day chemo? Interesting. I did have to go back the next day but that was for the neulasta shot. Kidney flushing? Would love to hear more about that!
Jackie...laughing about DH looking different! We are going thru that now since I switched to astigmatism contact. After about 10 hours they don't sit correctly on my eyeball so my vision is better with glasses...DH is not used to me wearing them....says I look "weird". Not sure how to take that.....
BJ...the marathon. Still think you are NUTS!!!! I am proud of myself tho...once I put my mind to it I'm now easily doing my 3.1 miles every am on the treadmill, now taking about 45 min and I'm happy with that! Can't imagine 26 miles tho.....
Zap....waiting!!!!!!
Smerf.....happy #6!
WendyTY....hope your anniversary was wonderful!
Welcome to the new girls, waiting for hair with the bald girls, celebrating smithereens! Have a great Saturday all!0 -
Jackie I just finished my lower body work out. Might do upper body later today. Yes I do strength training at home. I have some hand weights, a big ball and a matt (and book). I sit/lie on the ball instead of a bench when doing upper body. When it's too cold for walking I just go to the gym and use the elliptical and treadmill. But I will go out in the cold. I have a Kenny down coat with the biggest hood. Yes it is red
I believe my nuelasta was $3000 per shot. First insurance cost me $20 a shot. Last insurance $100 a shot but only my last chemo/shot was on that insurance. I'm on insurance #3 right now.
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