Northern New Jersey gals!

citykitty

Letlet, it was great to meet you the other evening!  It was so nice to chat in person and swap stories. I hope we can try for another NJ get-together sometime!

Letlet

Hey it was so great to meet you finally!!! I had a wonderful time, we should do it again!

candie1971

omg..I forgot!!! darn!!! ok, next time.....sooo sorry!!!

hugs

Justina

I live in Wayne and wanted to ask if anyone had Dr. Richard Michaelson at St. Barnabas as an oncologist.  Have an appointment with him next week to discuss treatment.  Thanks!

Letlet

Hi Justina, I am not familiar with him but am hoping someone else will come along and answer your question.

(((HUGS!)))

Justina

Me too.  My appointment is this Friday and I'm not sure whether to get a second opinion or just go with Dr. Michaelson.  Too many decisions. 

citykitty

Justina, I can't help with your question, either, but want to send you my best wishes.  Maybe meet with Dr. M. and then decide whether to seek a second opinion?  These are big and scary decisions we have to make.  Unless there is a reason to rush to action immediately, it can be worth it to take an extra week or two (or whatever) to get another opinion and the peace of mind it can bring.  Hugs and best of luck!!!

EWB

I have been w Dr Michaelson since late 2006.I've been VERY happy with him and the whole cancer center. I'd be happy to talk w you or meet up w you if you like. I live in Morris Plains.

Justina

Hi EWB,

I met with Dr. Michaelson and he spent over two hours just discussing treatments.  I was totally impressed.  I start chemo on Thursday and am a nervous wreck.  I am doing four infusions of AC followed by 12 weeks of Taxol, followed by six weeks of radiation and finally five years of Arimidex.  On Monday I have to go for a cardiogram, bone scan and CT body scan.  Did you have to do all of this as well?  Seems like overkill to me, but I have to have faith in the doctor.  I would love to talk with you or PM you whenever you have time.  I hope this is all behind you now!

bdavis

Hi Justina... I don't know your specifics, but it doesn't seem like overkill... sounds like what a lot of women go through... did you have a lumpectomy??

Justina

Hi bdavis - Yes, I had a lumpectomy and SN biopsy where they found 2/3 positive - hence the chemo.  Just got my schedule in the mail and am confused. They have me going in on Thursdays for 3 hours and then on Fridays for a half hour infusion.  Neither my husband nor I remember the doctor saying anything about coming back the next day.  Sigh.  It's so weird - some days I feel strong - like I can do this chemo with no problem - and then on other days I feel like I won't be able to do it.  I am glad for this thread because it reminds me how tough North Jersey girls are!

bdavis

The day after is probably for a Neulasta shot, which boosts your white blood cell count... most women get the shot... It needs to be given between 24 and 72 hours after chemo... And chemo, IMO, is easier than you think... don't fret.

Justina

Has anyone given themselves the Neulasta shot?  I hate to drive all the way back to the hospital for it, but am a little squeamish about sticking myself.

bdavis

I went and had them give it to me.

Letlet

Justina, i had my husband do it for me. Is there anyone who can do it for you? Its a tiny needle and doesnt go really deep

Justina

Let let, took your advice and called a friend who is a nurse and she will give me the shot at home - if my insurance will pay for it. Maybe she can teach me how to do it myself for next time.

Letlet

Justina...i hope your ins will cover. We have so many appointments and to drive to the oncs the next day for a shot is one less trip.

Anonymous

Just chiming in here to say that it makes me so happy to see how much everyone supports another.  I've been on these boards for over 2 years and it still surprises (and thrills) me.  You all are a wonderful bunch!

candie1971

Patoo....yes what a beautiful website this is!

Justina, I go to St. Barnabas. I see Dr Stuart Leitner. I love it there. I just celebrated my 5 year survivorship! I am still on arimidex. I love the whole cancer center as EWB says. We are obviuosly near one another...if you need anything please let me know. I am in Caldwell.

Hugs, Candie

Anonymous

Candie, congrats on the 5 years!

EWB

Candie-Great on the 5 years! I will be at 5 yrs in November. Never thought that would be coming up, seemed soooo far away.

Best to all

Justina

Candie,



Five years, that is wonderful! I plan on following in your footsteps. St. Barnabus cancer center is amazing, the staff is great and they offer a lot of extra help. I go for my second AC on Thursday. Live in Wayne. If you need anything, l am close.

candie1971

ok...gals....let's have a get together....how about planning it for October.....what about a Saturday or Sunday afternoon?

Looking forward to hearing from all of you.

Desny

Hi

Would love to get together - Saturday or Sunday afternoon.  How about Paramus Park?

There is a nice food court or restrauant.  Maybe in a few weeks?

candie1971

Desmny, I guess we can't get a bunch together. Too bad, some areas have a great gathering. San Diego has a wonderful group..I wish we could do one here

bdavis

You guys are just too far north for me... it would take me an hour plus with no traffic... and when is there no traffic??

candie1971

ok...so NJ gals are getting together on sunday May 6th.....tentatively! Hop on over to  NJ gettogether to find out the details. Please join us!

hugs

Anonymous

Ditto - it's coming together.  Join us.

Anonymous

Hi, received a LiveStrong flyer for 3 weekend dates, June 8-10; Sept 14-16 and Oct 26-28 in Claryville NY.  Free to cancer survivors and $99.00 per person for family/friends.  Includes lodging, meals and fun activities (boating, archery, hiking, etc.).  Anyone interested PM me your email addy and I will forward the flyer with more info.

EWB

I see this thread has been awfully quiet. Anyone in New Jersey out there and interested in getting together?