Illinois ladies facing bc

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  • newbe6
    newbe6 Posts: 20
    edited March 2012

    Thanks so much Jackie,

    I think I will repost, since I was at the bottom of a page.  Sorry for the inconvenience, but want to make sure people read the post.

     Hi Illinois Ladies,

    I am new to this thread and am wondering if anyone could recommend someone to do a 3D tattoo in the Chicago metro area?  Or the opposite, if there is anyone to avoid?  Also would you recommend skipping nipple recon due to the tattoo being extremely realistic, or going through with that surg.  I am scheduled soon for nipple recon.  Thanks for any feedback!

    Glad to discover this thread.  You are a very supportive group and there is a lot I can relate to--Pam 

  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Posts: 46,506
    edited March 2012

    Newbe/Pam.....forgot to tell you that it is sometimes slow here on the week-ends so if you don't hear anything tonight....please keep coming back.  This is a great bunch of caring and knowledgeable women who will be more than ready, willing and able to get you some answers. 

    Hugs, Jackie

  • lago
    lago Posts: 11,653
    edited March 2012

    Hi newbe

  • lago
    lago Posts: 11,653
    edited March 2012

    Quick update. I did get an email from the hiring manager. She is out of town… still has a couple more 1st rounders to interview on her return. She said she'll let me know one way or the other regarding 2nd round.

    Guess we have March back for a day. I can handle that. 70 tomorrow!

  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Posts: 46,506
    edited March 2012
    Providence has its appointed hour for everything.
    We cannot command results, we can only strive.
    - Mohandas (Mahatma) Gandhi
  • zap
    zap Posts: 1,850
    edited March 2012

    Good luck with the effexor, Robo.  I just have plain given up on the Lexapro.  It was prescribed for the IBS I get, but I just could never get used to it.  It made me more than flat.  It made me feel so out of it that I could not think straight.  I was cutting up pills to reduce the dosage but just never could get it right.  I kept refilling the prescription when it should have been refilled thinking it would work eventually and so I am so many pills right now.  I also have the IBS :( I am hoping the tamoxin goes down easily for you.  I have no troubles with the arimidex.

    I started my training as a volunteer at the Botanic Garden yesterday.  I get the feeling the training will be very thorough.  There were a number of people in the volunteer pool who are between jobs and want to volunteer to get away from the job search scene.  That sure says something about the stresses of being unemployed.

    I am wondering about MakMak and how she is doing.  Anyone hear from her?

    Susan

  • TwoHobbies
    TwoHobbies Posts: 1,532
    edited March 2012

    Newbe, I haven't done tattoos yet but I can highly recommend the nipples.  I was unsure whether I wanted them or not but now that I have them, I love them.  Plus, my surgeon left enough room to do the nipple, so if I hadn't, I would have a big areola area.  Not sure if your surgery would be the same. 

    Good luck with the job, Lago.  So many people looking for jobs these days that it takes forever to get through the interviews and decide.  

    I'm sorry to hear the reports on effexor.  I've been going back and forth on asking the doctor for a prescription.  About the time I decide I don't need it, then I decide I do!  I really want to avoid it .

    It's so cold today.  Funny how soon we get used to spring and summer weather. 

  • spunkyboobster
    spunkyboobster Posts: 563
    edited March 2012

    Pam-Welcome. I'm not far enough along to have any info on tattoo/nipples, but many will be able to get you info.

    Lago-hang in there, hope it's good news when you hear from her.

    Zap-I'll be starting Arimidex this week.  Do you take generic? If so, do you know the manufacturer and/or where do you get your script filled? Enjoy your new adventure in the tea garden.

    Stay warm everyone and have a great week!

  • zap
    zap Posts: 1,850
    edited March 2012

    Spunkey:  I started out (nearly five years ago) on arimidex and now I take the generic called anastrozole.  I have not had a problem that I can blame on the meds.  Five years  of more life and cancer treatments both change body dynamics so I have had some things (weight gain and random body aches) but I cannot with any certainty blame the medicine for that.  I am due to go off of it in August but I may ask the doctor if I can continue as it gives me confidence.  I get my prescription at Osco where I have to get it due to unsurance. I am finding that drugs are getting so expensive that even the generic is costly.  I think my plan since retirement is very bad as I am paying $40/co pay on most prescriptions even when generic.  I hope you do much better!

  • invisible2
    invisible2 Posts: 70
    edited March 2012

    Hi Everyone!  I thought I would update you on my status since going to Rush on Friday for my second opinion.  Not much changed but they took a great deal of time to review everything and I walked away feeling much more confident.  Rush is reviewing the films and pathology now.  They are also checking to see if the areas not biopsied are close enough to the known cancer to be removed with lumpectomy.  It's all about the geometry.  I knew geometry would come back to haunt me some day! 

    I am going to have the surgery and chemo (if necessary, but from my conversation I gathered it's a real possibility) at Rush.  I will have radiation (if needed) at Central Dupage.  They also recommended genetic testing which is going to be done this week.

     I should probably be posting on the 'just diagnosed' board because I know most of you are well ahead of me in your treatment but there is something very wise and positive about this board that keeps me coming back.   

  • LisaMomOfFour
    LisaMomOfFour Posts: 226
    edited March 2012

    Invisible -- please keep coming here... we are at all stages of treatment and this is a great place for support and freidnship! 

     Robo -- I am completely with you on the Effexor.... I felt flat too. I  stayed on it through the second half of chemo to help with the steroid crashes..... then didn't want to rock the boat while I started tamoxifen.  But after i got used to the tamoxifen, I went off it, and my mood returned to normal.

    Yes, the hot flashes really stink, but I like having my moods back.  Though if I feel the anxiety and stress that I felt during chemo, and the early stages of diagnosis... I would definitely go right back on it!

  • spunkyboobster
    spunkyboobster Posts: 563
    edited March 2012

    Spent three hours on hold today trying to make post-surgical appointment at Rush. Tried online, they just called and put me back in the onhold loop...glad I'm not trying to get a hold of the doc due to a problem!

    Thanks for letting me vent-I'll try again tomorrow.Frown

  • makmak
    makmak Posts: 374
    edited March 2012

    Hi there.. Been a while.. I've been busy with the kids and socializing!! AND... guess what I had today??? My scan...

    My lymph nodes and chest are CLEAR and the one spot in the liver continues to shrink!! So things are going well right now..

    Otherwise spring break for the kids and DD finalizing colleges.. so far she got a FULL scholarship to U of Miami and got into the U of I Business Honors.. waiting on a few more schools before making her decision... BUSY BUSY..

    Keeping up with everyone here.. Welcome to all the new girls!! This is a great place to be!!

    Marina 

  • onward
    onward Posts: 229
    edited March 2012

    Robo I am not going tonight but have been in the past. The women were different each time I have gone. But the hugs are always real. : ) Onward

  • onward
    onward Posts: 229
    edited March 2012

    Spunkybooster, Just spent the last ten minutes looking for my journal to no avail. When I had to go for allmy test there I happened on one lady who did it all for me AND showed up to one of the tests with a b day card for me. I will continue looking. Darn, I know its round here somewhere. :  (   Onward

  • spunkyboobster
    spunkyboobster Posts: 563
    edited March 2012

    Thanks Onward-don't worry about it, if all else fails I'll just show up-that'll teach them.

    Robo-wish I had known you were going tonight, I would have joined you. I'm a "regular" for the pink ribbon fitness and cooking classes.

    MakMak-such good news all around-Yay!SmileSo happy for you and your DD.

  • joan888
    joan888 Posts: 711
    edited March 2012

    Spunky... 3 hours. Yikes! I had a 2pm appt with my PS today and got in finally at 4pm. Have never waited more than half hour before. He had several new patients today and I remember how much time he spent with me on that first visit so tried not to get upset. I did finally mention to the receptionist that I had to get back home for my date with the IV pole.



    So, I have 4 more days on the vancomycin IV's. Can't wait for Friday night. Yeah! I do have to go see PS again this Thursday for a last check before he heads out on vacation. The plan is... That if this infection shows up again, the implant comes out and we will have to decide which type of flap surgery to do. I am not going to worry about that until if/when it happens. I am really hoping that he will let me reschedule my back surgery ASAP.



    Welcome to all the new ladies. You will love this group. We do get together in person once in a while. It helps to put faces on those funny screen names.

  • KristinFro
    KristinFro Posts: 96
    edited March 2012

    Had #9 of 12 Taxol today. Really, really tired tonight. The combo of Ativan and Benadryl (along with everything else) always wipes me out. Robo, the Hinsdale Wellness House sounds a lot like the Living Well organization through Central DuPage Hospital where I go for my treatments. They have a bunch of support groups and classes. I'm having a reiki session through them on Thursday, then going back next week for my 3rd massage with them. They're a wonderful group. Have fun tonight.

  • hawk
    hawk Posts: 255
    edited March 2012

    Welcome Invisible. This is a fabulous thread and support group no matter where you are in the process.



    Makmak- that is fabulous news on the scan! Yay!!!!! Praise the Lord! Your DD's scholarships are so so impressive. You must be so proud!



    I sat outside at a double header today! Was totally missing the 70 degree weather. :-( There is another one tomorrow and it's supposed to get up to 71.

  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Posts: 46,506
    edited March 2012

    Yay Marina.....keep on keeping on when your keeping on that good.  Extending the yay to your DD as well.  Always good to have some choices. 

    Did I say hi to Invisible and Kristen.....just got home from work and my light bulb burned out some time ago......all I can think about is getting a glass of anything wet and my recliner. 

    I think Zap also went to something like you all are describing.

    Spunky....hope it goes better soon...that is a bummer.

    Ok....I'm going to head into the other room.  See you all in the morning.

    Hugs, Jackie

  • wendyk13
    wendyk13 Posts: 1,458
    edited March 2012

    Mak.....GREAT news!!!!!!!!



    Waving at you all, hello to all the newbies. DH off this week so we're up and out early today...glad its gonna be warmer...I was so spoiled!

  • lago
    lago Posts: 11,653
    edited March 2012

    Marina I'm so excited for you. I was hoping we didn't hear from you because the news was all good and you were just busy doing good things. This is the best news.

    Zap you have any good secrets for managing IBS. I do OK with a probiotic  (nutraflora) I mix in with my yogurt. I never eat hamburger and try to stay away from foods high in animal fat or only in moderation (red meat, skin of chicken, some cheeses, butter like cheddar etc.) Sometimes though the bloat is intense. This weekend I looked like I was 4 months pregnant. I swear this bloat is going to give me stretch marks Tongue out

    Newbie I have the nipples and tatts. I'm so glad I did it. The nipples do shrink. I know if I really want to go braless this summer I can get some of those petal thingies. I would really try and see someone's tattoos in person. One gal told me she changed her mind because from the side they really do look flat. Of course that might depend on that tattoo artist.

    Spunky I've never had that problem BUT in general I try not to call or go to places on Monday like insurance company, post office etc. Everyone calls after the weekend. Even if you get in the people are a bit scattered from the busy day.

    Robo There must be something else they can suggest. Do you have certain triggers?

    invisible2 glad your appointment went well. I know us Rush gals can tell you we  were real happy with our care. I think your better off posting here than on the newbies thread. Not all of us are veterans but those of us that are can answer your questions and give you local resources. I started posting hear after being diagnosed and before being treated. I am so glad I did. These ladies are amazing.

    Hawk I pulled out my long puffy coat yesterday. I now hope its in the closet till next winter.

    Waving to twohobbies, KristinFro, onward, LisaMomOfFour, Jackie, spunkyboobster

    Adey 

  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Posts: 46,506
    edited March 2012
    Within my mind, the sun always shines,
    and the sky is always blue.
    - Jonathan Lockwood Huie
  • KristinFro
    KristinFro Posts: 96
    edited March 2012

    Anybody here have a port? Anybody hate it as much as I do? OMG, this thing hurts all the time, and no amount of lidocaine cream before treatment numbs me out. I feel every bit of that needle going in. Does anyone have any advice? Ice it before? I'm really not sure I'll be able to keep this after I have surgery for the year-long Herceptin infusions. I think I'd rather have an IV than have them use this port. Thx!

  • lago
    lago Posts: 11,653
    edited March 2012
    KristinFro I've had my port for 1.5 years now. (Will remove in 1.5 years). It is much less noticeable than it was the first 5-6 months. I still need to get it flushed every 3 months. I found there are some nurses that do a much better job than others. At my treatment center there are 2 nurses that I don't even need the lidocaine…which I agree is not that great. I bet the ice would work.
  • spunkyboobster
    spunkyboobster Posts: 563
    edited March 2012

    Joan- Good luck on Thursday. Hope you can get your back surgery scheduled soon.

  • KristinFro
    KristinFro Posts: 96
    edited March 2012

    lago, I can't imagine having this port for 3 years. I've had it since the end of January, which I realize is not that long, but... It's just one more thing to have an issue with. Everyone told me before I got it how much I'll love it, how it'll be my best friend. I'm waiting... LOL. 

  • Adey
    Adey Posts: 2,413
    edited March 2012

    Ha! Lago!

    Good day everyone.  Drains not so juicy this time, hoping to get them out before Easter.

  • joan888
    joan888 Posts: 711
    edited March 2012

    Makmak... great news!  And she has choices yet.  Wow! How is that other gal, Gabby?

    Spunky. Onward and Robo... wish I lived closer to that Wellness House in Hinsdale.  My PS at NW always has their fliers in his office lobby.  The programs look really interesting and fun. I think there is one closer to me that maybe Zap has been to.  My ONC has their fliers in his lobby.  Will check them out again next time I am in there.

    Brr! I thought it was supposed to get warmer again today.  We have so many flowering trees and bushes in full bloom in our yard today.  Looks so beautiful. 

  • hopefulhealing
    hopefulhealing Posts: 581
    edited March 2012

    MDG I live in St. Charles and go to Dr. Linda Ferris at the CDH cancer center.  She is fabulous!

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