Orlando, (and other nearby Florida cities) get together

auroaya200882

I thought of starting this new thread where we can start planning and getting on the same page for a get together. I reviewed the three threads where there has been interest and collected a list of people who have expressed said interest. If you know of anyone else or if you are missing in the list please add your name to it. From what I gather it would be around the beginning of September and there has been two proposals for a site: Winter Park (Orlando) or somewhere around Plant City (so the people further south can attend).

HomMom

Jbokland

Ibrewer

Lee7

Spookiesmom

Fl Warrior

AJ62 – NE Florida

Dreamellis

auroaya

Any one else wants to join let us know so we can keep you posted. I don't work I am on disability and have time in my hands so I can be the go between if you'd like.

Hope those of you still on treatment are having an easy time of it. Take care.

Aurora

auroaya200882

*bump

HomeMom

Thanks for starting this. I think once everyone sees it in the other thread they will come over.

Spookiesmom

I'm here?

auroaya200882

I just picked the names of those who mentioned interest (or I thought so) of course it's voluntarily spookiesmom. I'm sorry if I missinterpreted.

But if you do want to come of course you're welcome.

I am not trying to be the center of attention just thought open this thread to keep us all in the same page.

Aurora

HomeMom

Very true, we were talking on two different threads

Spookiesmom

Sorry, not having a great day. Fl Warrior and I would do a meet up around Plant City, but Orlando is pretty far for us. I'll lurk here, see what you all decide to do. Ok?

auroaya200882

No prob spookie feel free to "lurke" all you want!

Nothing in stone, so we will see.

jbokland

Sounds lovely!   I will look forward to it!

HomeMom

bump - how are things going for everyone? I have two Taxol left - 22nd of Aug and Sept 5th. Can NOT wait!

auroaya200882

Hello HomMom, Great! A light at the end of the tunnel for  you ! I have a PET scan coming up on the 29th and on the 19th I start my 12 week training at the YMCA! My student loans have being discharged because I'm permanently disabled. I no longer owe the government and I got my last payments back so with that money I bought myself plane tickets to Cancun which is where my parents live and I'm going in October! 

I still hope we can all meet sometime in September. Wishing you a pain free week-end and that the chemo is kicking C's butt!

Thanks for keeping in touch.

Aurora

HomeMom

Aurora - wow that's fantastic news! There should be some silver lining all this crapola. I am having to pay my middle son's student loan because he can't and I'm the co signer. UGH. I'll be thinking of you and here's to a clean scan!

Looking forward to meeting up with everyone. Enjoy Cancun - lay in the sun and have a rum cocktail for me  

jbokland

I'm looking forward to meeting y'all!

OceanSky

Hello, 

Wow, another gal on another thread alerted me to this thread and I can't believe it!

I was just dx 6 days ago with IDC, two smallish tumors in my left breast and got the final part of my path report today and am triple positive for estrogen, pro, and Her2.

I live in Winter Park and would love to learn where everyone in Florida went for surgery, treatment, etc...

I'm thinking of Moffitt but would really be interested in hearing where everyone went/did/etc...

So glad to have found this!

Light and Love...

auroaya200882

Hello Ocean, I live not to far from you on East Valencia College Lane and 408. I go to Hematology and Oncology Associates, Dr. Stephani Capone in Winter Park. She started treating me in July of 2013 (dx stage IV) and by February she had me NED (No evidence of Disease). They are a part of the Florida Hospital Cancer Center and have a nice infusion room that they just remodeled. The nurses are really nice and aim to keep you comfortable. I had my original dx in Houston, TX so I can't recommend a surgeon in Orlando, but I'm sure Dr. Capone can recommend one for you if you went to see her or one of her associates.

If there's anything I can do for you don't hesitate to pm me.

Aurora

OceanSky

Am going to PM you Auroaya.  Thanks so much!

HomeMom

I was referred to Dr. Kemp in Winter Park (breast surgeon). She is located next to the hospital. She was awesome! I also go to Hematology and Oncology Associates, but I'm with Dr. Shroff at Florida Hospital on N. Orange. I just finished chemo and I'm looking at two different RO's. I live in Clermont so I'm trying to get closer to where I live since I'll be going every day for 6.5 weeks! 

Hate you have to be here OceanSky - but we are here for you!

jbokland

Hello Ocean and welcome to our little sisterhood. 

I am a patient at Cancer Institute at Florida Hospital with Dr Carlos Alemany. My PS is Cicillione and I went to Orlando Health/ UF for my Radiation. I chase good health care wherever it is!   I am quite active in the Orlando breast cancer community, and a board member of Libbys Legacy. I also work with Dr Diana Robinson at the  Integrative Medicine Department at Orlando Health.  ( they are big proponents of my Sassy Head products). 

Last minute, but I am attending a talk tonight at Florida Hospital. This lady had focused her work on breast cancer.  

It's open to the public if anyone wants to join me!

HomeMom

Ugh this is the one night I have to stay until 6:00 since my partner has off and the sales assistant leaves early. 

OceanSky

Thank you Ladies!  

All very impressive.. 

Want to share a link with you that I found interesting.  I was searching for a surgeon who only does breast surgery and found this doctor.  She has a bit of fame attached to her name as she was very involved in developing a form of breast radiation.  Videos on Youtube, etc...Her name is Dr. Olga Ivanov.  http://www.floridabreasthealthspecialists.com/med...

Have any of you heard of her?

Jbokland, What are Sassy Head products?

I'm thinking of going to Moffitt and am wondering if anyone has had an experience there?

A lot of choices to make.  Of course Florida Hospital doctors would be the 'easiest' for me, but am trying to do my research...

glennie19

Ocean Sky,, I live in Gainesville and not familiar with the doctors down south. However a friend of mine used to work at Moffitt, and she said if I ever wanted/needed another opinion, she would recommend Charles E. Cox.  (813) 793-4272 ext 202

The comprehensive breast cancer program at Univ of South FL was initiated under his direction. He seems to be well known and well thought of.  All the best to you.

SpecialK

Charles Cox (USF Breast Health) was my surgeon and his brother John Cox (Tampa Bay Breast Specialists, but the same office) is also great.

jbokland

ocean- Orlando Health used to be a Moffittand now are UF.  None of the staff have changes but there cancer center is excellent.  I went to Fl Hospital docs because he is a personal friend and my daughter works there. ( very helpful!) I would really consider the travel issues in going to Tampa to go to Moffitt.   I find it comforting to get care close by, especially when you feel like you live there!!

OceanSky

Glennie, I just Googled Dr Cox and he has an amazing reputation!  He only does breast surgery there.  I'm impressed and have already had my reports faxed to Moffitt and their admin people called several times this morning.  He sounds amazing!

Thank you for sharing that.  I used to live in Gainesville when I went to UF and still have friends there.  Great town!

Btw, I like the picture of your dog...A cutie.  Is it a rescue?

jbokland

this is SassyHead.  It's self adhesive art for the head and body.  

SpecialK

oceansky - Dr. Cox is not at Moffitt, he is in private practice.

HomeMom

Oceansky - GO GATORS!! 

OceanSky

Go Gators HomeMom! Me 2 you. Did you go to UF too?

SpecialK, I could see that Dr. Cox is not at Moffitt.  When I Googled him, it's very clear that he has his own practice.  It mentions his past affiliation with Moffitt.

I do have an appt at Moffitt next Wednesday to see another surgeon  but I could see Dr Cox is well liked and has good credentials.  You probably have so many breast only surgeons in Tampa because of Moffitt.  We really only do have one in Orlando.  Pretty odd.

Sassyhead is very cute stuff!  Where did you go wearing it?  Bet it turns some heads.

momaton

Helloooooooo Orlando!

I live in Apopka.

I highly recommend Dr. Minton at Florida Hospital for surgery.  I had nipple sparing double mastectomy back in January of this year. I already had implants....she did a fabulous job. Surgery was to take about 3 1/2 hours but Dr. Minton spent 5 hours to get things right!

 I ended up with 6 tumors on the right side, all invasive. Luckily no nodes and a low oncotype score. I just had an MRI to check a lump....all is clear...no cancer anywhere so I feel free, until my next scan in a year.

Love the Sassyhead jewels.

Y'all take care

Eve

OceanSky

Hi Momaton, 

Am glad you were pleased with your surgery!  I went to Dr. Minton for a consult and she's very nice.  I liked her a lot.  Did you have to have chemotherapy with no node involvement?

Actually, Dr. Minton called me today to follow up on our consult.

I decided to go to Moffitt in Tampa though and will see Dr. Larunga there next Wednesday.  She only does breast cancer surgery and that's what I'm looking for.

Am happy for you though Eve!  Congrats on your good result.  

OceanSky

HomeMom

Hi momaton, welcome! No one has been here in a while I guess. I had Dr. Kemp at Winter Park hospital, I really wish I had had no node involvement, it would have made things a ton easier! I am battling lymphedema somewhat right now, but every doc I've had on this "journey" is optimistic so I have to be too!

I live over on the west side in Clermont. Hope everyone is doing well!