MI Survivors

susieloutoo

The 3 Day is Seot 26th, 27th and 28th - here are the Cheering stations...My team is called  the Pinkerbelles

http://www.the3day.org/site/PageServer?pagename=MI_Experience#cheering

 the closing ceremonies info is in there too - that is really fantastic!!! I went last year and just loved it  - you know that each person is really walking for you!

Would LOVE to see you there!!!

Susieloutoo

sunkistmi

Good morning dear friends!

I have long been away from the boards and don't exactly know why.  I had such a wonderful time at the picnic,, meeting everyone and putting names to faces.  It was a wonderful  day.  My husband said I didn't stop smiling for 2 days.  Somehow I started doing other things and the time flew by.  I couldn't believe it had been so long since I had been on.

I did have the drain pulled out the next day on Monday.  The stitch that was supposed to be holding it in was non-existant so it just pulled out very easily.  Doc said that I should start absorbing the fluid and to wear tight compression shorts.  All sounded good!  Monday thru Thrusday showed not one drop of fluid escaping onto the gauze.  Yipee!!!  Thursday PM, Rick was at a meeting at church so I went to shut the big window in the kitchen.  All of a sudden, fluid was running down my leg.  I turned to take a step toward the papertowels and I was covered in fluid.  I could reach the tissues and was trying to mop up the puddles with them but they kept getting stuck to my feet.  I didn't want to bend down in case it made it worse.  It really was quite funny in hindsight.  Fortunately, a friend in the sub is a nurse so she came over very quickly.  She squeezed that leg for over an hour and we soaked 22 4x4's.  I hadn't really been feeling good since Tuesday so I hadn't realized that my leg had grown to 2 times the size of the other above the knee.  She figuered that between what was on the floor and what she pushed out, there was about 450-500 cc of fluid.  So much for me being so excited that I was absorbing it.  In actuality, the leg was filling up like a bucket, then when faced with the stress of closing the window, it pushed it out.

When my friend came over Sat. AM, the lower leg was quite swollen and hot, so she was quite concerned there may be a bloodclot.  The doc agreed so it was off to the ER.  No clot but they could still see quite a few pockets of fluid.  I could feel them because they were hard so I had to keep working them up to the opening.  This continued until just last Fri. when the opening closed.  Now today, there are hard pockets again and I feel that 'ucky' feeling I get when full of fluid.  We are supposed to be leaving at 3:00 for PA for the weekend and I'm not even sure if I feel good enough to go.  It's really a special trip for Rick and David so I don't want to spoil it for them.  We'll see how it goes.

I hope everyone has had a good summer.  I'm looking forward to seeing all the walkers go by next weekend.  Susie, did Maureen find her hotel room?  I would love to have her stay here.  We are just off 6 mile, between 275 and Haggerty.  I had meant to offer sooner but.......  If she would be interested, please PM me and I can give you my phone number to give to her.  Are you still staying at the park on 6 Mile between Farmington and Merriman?  Where do you go when you leave there?  I couldn't find any directions on the website.  Maybe they don't want people following them.

Well, I should really get going and get packing a few things.  David is supposed to arrive home around 3:00 if he was packed and ready to go before he headed off to classes at 8:00 am.  He is still not in the house he leased back in April.  The fire repairs are going so slowly and the inspections even slower.  He says sleeping on friends couches is getting old.  I'm thankful he has friends that are willing to let him stay with them.  He could have tried to get another house but when they are finally done with this one, it will be almost new.  They would like to stay for the 2 or 3 years they have left, since all three roommates have 5 year degree programs.  There is a possibility it MAY be done next week, although I have heard that before.  I'm hoping he will call me and I can go over to Kalamazoo and help to get him moved in. With 19 credits and practicing for and with 3 music ensembles, as well as preparing for his Junior recital, he has his hands full.  His roommates are also music majors.

Take care and know you are all in my thoughts.

Wendy

sassie62

Dear Sunkistmi:

I have wondered how you were doing.  Haven't heard from you since Aug.  Hope your leg is doing well.  I am eager to hear how you feel about going to Studinger and your results.  Please PM me.

Hugs

Sassie

Linda7411

Hello MI Sisters,

It has been awhile for me since posting.  Been very busy with Komen here in SW Michigan.  We just had a public policy meeting with Detroit, Lansing, and Grand Rapids gals.  Interesting to see what others are doing.  I have a friend here who is walking in the 3 day.  What an inspiration.  Go girls go!  I'm so impressed.

We begin our Pink Saturdays here again in October.  Free mammograms for uninsured and underinsured.  We are covering all of SW Michigan this year and expect to provide 1,400.  Double last year.  We hope this will expand to all of Michigan soon.  I'm also chairing a committee to provide continuing ed to healthcare professionals on management of BC survivors as they return to GP.  So many of us now and not enough onc's.

DH and I are planning to go to SD at Christmas and possibly stay a couple of months.  Good to get away from the snow.  One of these days I WILL make it to see all of you.

 I read through a couple of recent pages here, and it sounds like a lot has been happening.  Deb, I hope your surgery went well and you are doing OK.  Faith, hope Sarah is fine.  Prayers and blessings to all of you!

Linda

winggirl2

I am bummed I will not be able to make the cheer team for the Pinkerbelles. We will be out of town next weekend attending my niece's wedding in Iowa.

Sending a cheer for the team

GO PINKERBELLES!

WingGirl

winggirl2

I am bummed I will not be on the cheer team. We will be out of town next weekend to attend my niece's wedding in Iowa.

Sending a cheer to Susie and Maureen.

GO PINKERBELLES

WingGirl

ICanDoThis

The morning cheering place is near my house. So I Will definitely be there, bleary-eyed, with a sign.

Anyone who wants a cup of coffee before going down to cheer, or who wants to coordinate signs, just PM me.

Winggirl - so sorry to miss you!

rockysmom

I am so bummed. I'm going to miss the 3 day also. My Nephew is getting married up in the thumb on Saturday.

I am going to TRY to get to the 8 mile road area Friday after work. It'll be tough, but I might be able to make it in tome to see the last people through the area.

If I happen to get back into town early enough Sunday I'll go to the 5 mile and Middlebelt location- but somehow I doubt I'll be back in town that early. I grew up right in that area.

I really wanted to meet with some of you and be a cheering section. Ah well, can't miss a family wedding.

neesie

SENDING LOUD CHEERS TO SUSIE AND MAUREEN FOR THE THREE DAY THIS WEEKEND!!!!!!

 TAKE LOTS OF PICS AND SHARE THEM WITH US......................YOU TWO ARE AWESOME FOR DOING THIS!!

If you see a team with the name "Girls Gone Walkin" one of my friends (from Kindergarten on up) is walking...........Tall, cute blonde........her name is Connie.........give her a hug for me and I've told her to do the same if she sees the two of you!

Hugs,

Neesie 

oldgram1

Hi there all Michigan gals,

I've been on this site since being diagnosed a year and a half ago but for some reason I never found all of you.    I'm in Midland but I had my bilateral mastectomy a year ago at Beaumont. Dr. Sherbert of West Bloomfield is my plastic surgeon and it seems like I've been going to see him every two weeks for fills for a long time.    Only one more fill a week from today and then I have the permanent implants on Oct. 24th at Beaumont.    It's been a long drawn out affair because I got infection in one of the tissue expanders last Dec. and had to have it removed and then put back in this May.     Can't wait to have it overwith.   I had several surgeries within a short period of time last year.   

It sounds like you had a nice time together at your picnic.   Glad you have met others who can offer you support.

Gail

wishiwere

Good Luck with that last fill and the surgery on the 24th!  Whoohooo!  Long time is right! I was dx a year ago and can't imagine still being in the position you are currently this long!  Hope it all goes smoothly!

It's been a long time since I've posted to you ladies and someone suggested I try here with my question?

I'm currently looking for a shop that does fittings for mast bras and prothesis as I did not have recon last year for a uni and now need help in this situation.  Is there anyone that knows of a good fitter who is experienced in this line of work?  I'd really appreaciate the suggestions.  If you would rather pm instead of posting here, that's fine too.

Thanks and good luck to the walkers! When is it they are going?  Next weekend?  I need to come in here more often!  Just too many threads and so little time!   Good Luck those who are walking!  Hoping for great fall weather for your activities!  Cool, but not cold, and certainly none of that precip or white stuff (shhhhhhhhh) we won't say it, right?

ICanDoThis

WishIwere

There is a store here in Livonia called the Women's Health Boutique - they specialize in fittings and prostheses. Been there for over 5 years, I know. I stopped by when I was exploring my options, and the lady I spoke with and the stock was amazing. I am thinking on taking my teenager in (she has different size breasts, and is incredibly self-conscious). I also went into the Von Maur lingerie department - they had a fitter with like 25 yrs experience, but a smaller range of options.

I ended up with a lumpectomy, so I didn't go any further.

If you'd like more info, let me know.

ICanDoThis

Stopped by the 3 day for about an hour this afternoon. I didn't see Sue and Maureen - but I'm going back tomorrow morning.

The amount of energy was amazing, and the spectators were amazing.

I've never been to anything like this - I actually got tears in my eyes. Survivors ROCK!

rockysmom

Sue- is that the boutique on Plymouth Road ?? They came to our Breast Cancer meeting at the Union hall last year. They seemed VERY caring and knowledgable. I couldn't remember their name, but I think that's the one.  If that's no it, I'll look it up for Wishiwere.

Nephew's wedding and reception were very nice. Had fun and got to see my entire family   , that doesn't happen very often.

Congrats and thanks to our 3day walkers!  hope to see pictures.

ICanDoThis

Yeah, that's them.

Glad your family is doing well.

Love to all

Not-Me

Congratulations to Maureen and Susie on the 3 day walk...what a super accomplishment!  My sister in law made it thru as well...it was her first year. 

Hope everyone else is okay.  It is really starting to look like fall with the trees turning colors. 

faithandfifty

Can't wait to hear details of the 3 day.

CONGRATS to our very own walkers!!! What an inspiration to all of us.

Thank you............

xx00xx00xx00xx00xx00xx00xx

neesie

Susie and Maureen...........................Where are you????  Waiting to hear how the 3 day went!!!!

Hi to all the Michiganders and adoptees out there!

Neesie 

susieloutoo

Hello ladies!!!

Thank you all for your support!! The walk was really special!! As a survivor 1 yr out it was the best thing I could have done for myself...the exercise and the hope! I have my pics on my facebook. The fountain in Plymouth had pink water in it!!! We walked for you and those that follow - hoping we can wipe BC out!

Did any of you see the Dr Susan Love spot on TV? I joined the "ARMY"....

ICanDoThis

Hey, Susie -

Did you walk along 5 Mile or 6 Mile? I hung out in the parking lot on 5 Mile around 3-4. Saw a lot of really inspiring people (and some of those people cheering were wonderful).

I think I liked the pink and white ambulance with all the signs the most.

Thanks for all your hard work, from me and my daughter, who I pray will never face this disease.

susieloutoo

ICanDoThis-

I am not sure where I walked....but I did the entire thing So I am sure I walked by you! The medics in the ambulance were awesome! They really kept our energy up. When we were in Hine Park they were actulaly stand in the windows danceing outside the car!!!!

It was worth every step    - I raised $3000 towards the cause - the total was $7.2 Million....

neesie

$3000............that's awesome Susie!  The friend I told you was walking just sent a video of the events to me..................how inspiring and (tear jerking) that was!

I thank you Susie, Maureen, My Elementary School Friend and all the people who walked for us...for all of us and our Daughters and sisters and mothers and friends in hopes that they can find a cure for this disease!

Hugs,

Neesie 

dcjoslin56

Greetings from Pinckney, MI.  I have just found this group . . . what's going on in Michigan??

Not-Me

Susie...can you send us your link to facebook?  Thank you so much for walking, and thank you to my sister-in-law and team (one member lost his mother to BC when he was a young age)...and for all of us...especially our daughters.  God bless! 

stronger27

Hi Michigan ladies!  I was referred to this thread because I live in Michigan in oakland county and have been posting under the just DX with DCIS.  I'm 27 years old and just found out on 10/3 that I have stage 0 grade 3 DCIS.  I'm seeing the chief of general surgery today at HVSH through Detroit Medical Center.  (I work there)  I've been asking around the other thread about the general surgeon who comes highly recommended vs. a cancer center like Karmanos. I have an appointment there also this week for a second opinion.  I'm so lost in where to begin and would love any advise you gals may have or could share about options or great experiences in Michigan.

Thanks 

sassie62

Dear Stronger27

I am very sorry that someone as young as you should have to face a decision like this.

There is no perfect decision on anything.  But I wish I had forced them to take both breasts when I had my first breast cancer in 1999.  Maybe I wouldn't have had breast cancer in 2008 in the right remaining breast.

So many times I have read women's stories that 1 to 3 years later they were dealing with the other breast.  And the doctors would then say it was probably there at the time but too small to detect.  I also learned that having cancer in one breast gives you a higher risk of cancer happening in the other breast. Much higher then the percentages the doctors quote.  No one ever told me that.

What advice I can give you is ifyou decide on a mastectomy please check out all the possibilities of reconstruction.  MI is very behind the times of offering several different types of reconstruction beside the implants.  I have seen women who have skin sparing mastectomy and then using their stomach tissue had their breast reconstructed at the same time.  The results look real and natural.  In fact there is a doctor in Houston, TX that is reconnecting the nerves so that you have 70-90% feeling back.  I won't kid you Dieps are a serious operation that takes a while before you can get back to being 100%  You need to have an experienced micro-surgeon perform the surgery.

But you are so young and they will tell you that no implant is for life.  Most have a life expectancy of 10 years. 

I know there is one doctor in Livonia that just starting doing the DIEP but she has only done 12.  The doctor in Houston has done 800.

I hope I have helped.

Sassie

neesie

Oh Stronger............I have no advice for you, just alot of caring thoughts..........I'm so sorry you had to join us, but glad you found us.................were a pretty nice group of ladies and enjoy an occassional lunch get together............lots of laughs and lots of support...........let us know how your meetings go.

I'm just outside of Oakland County in Livingston County..........are you anywhere near there?

Neesie 

rockysmom

welcome to the Michigan thread to Stronger and dcjoslin.

 DC- sorry we missed connecting eith you earlier. We had a get together at Kensington Park whick wouldn't have been too far from you.

 Stronger- That's a very small sized DCIS. I would think a simple lumpectomy would be the recommendation. Maybe Wing girl will be here to talk to you about it. Hers was DCIS also.

Ded Suzie post her facebook addy ? I'd love to see pictures! 

Sphynx

Wow, I can't keep up.  I'm trying to catch up on the reading but see so many new names.  Welcome to the Michigan group. 

 I tried to get out to Livonia to cheer Susie and Maureen but didn't make it.  I hope Susie sends us the link to those pictures.  I'd like to hear more about it.  

DCJoslin - we're practically neighbors. 

I hope everyone is well and think about all of you even if I don't get to post as much. Have a wonderful weekend and enjoy this beautiful weather while it lasts!

xxxooo

Nancy 

faithandfifty

Greetings to my MI friends.

Congrats to Susie on an enormous accomplishment. I LOVE seeing all of your pictures.

(Facebook: request Susie's "friend" status and then you can see her pics there)

Sorry to see so many new faces..... but you've found a wonderfully supportive group here -- they even accept traveling 'Buckeyes'

*****I'm making another journey north...... up to Clare-area this time. I will be driving up on Thurs. Nov. 13th..... probably headed up 23 again? haven't really looked at the map just yet.

Is anyone available for lunch again? That worked out so perfectly before..... come one, come all

Now I've forgotten where we were???? LOL??? Ann Arbor area??? nEEsie will remember, i bet!

will be watching here to see if anyone can get away for a bite to eat together!!

Stronger: my dx was DCIS, as well. Your decisions are very personal. I was directed & ultimately chose to have a lumpectomy due to size etc..... then followed with radiation. My surgeon was able to get good margins -- "so far, so good" (18 months later.) If you'd ever want to PM me for more specifics I can certainly share my experience. And yes, WingGirl walked me thru the whole process, as she was a few months ahead of me. I will pray that you have lots of support as you make your decisions.

edited to add about my daughter Sarah: her initial tests (ultrasound) indicated all 'normal' so she has been referred to a specialist to see what this lump on her C-sec scar is.... so no answers yet. the twins continue to grow like little happy weeds...... her husband is currently flying missions in and out of Afghanistan, so prayers of support are appreciated -- i'm doing all that i can to physically be there for her.

Linda: what great work for you to have taken on -- benefitting so many: congrats, would LOVE to finally meet you. what ya doing on the 13th next month???

Here's a peek from earlier in the week. Can you believe I've figured out how to use Picasa to create these collages? It's sooooooo much fun: