Crazy Sexy Cancer in Seattle

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited August 2008

    Debbie,

    There is also a thread here that someone started that lists agencies that will help with stuff...Im at work this morning and need to clear my desk but as soon as I do that I will try to find the thread so you can take a look.

    Hope everyone is doing ok....I went to Centralia for the last five days and the it was just as hot there as it has been here at home!!!!

    Visit with you all when I get some work done

    Hugs

    Jule

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  • tkone
    tkone Member Posts: 511
    edited August 2008

    I think Jule is right.  I think I had read that besides Susan G. Komen, American Cancer Society might be able to help as well with the medical payments, insurance etc.  Gosh it's hard AND expensive isn't it! So far I have been pretty good with my insurance, they have covered most things except for acupuncture which I wasn't expecting them to pay for anyway.

    A couple of updates:

    Adrienne-your last taxol I think was on 08.13??  How are you feeling?  I hope it went great and you are ready to move on to the next part of the journey.

    Rovergirl-If I have calculated right your last taxol is this week?  You must be so excited to get this part over with.  Good luck with it.

    Pepper-So you go off to Vegas and then you don't even report back if you came back a millionaire?  Just checking to see how your trip was.  I hope you earned yourself a big roller suite!

    Roya-I don't think you had said if you are still undergoing treatment.  If you are, just wondering how the medical is in Europe as compared to the U.S

    Hope everyone is doing well.

    3rd TX (TC) tomorrow-wish me luck!

      

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited August 2008

    Debbie and of course anyone else here who might need it----here is the link that I was talking about earlier.

    http://bb67.wikispaces.com/

    it gives tons and tons of places to check but you will have to weed through them to be sure they help in our state as she put it together for everyone.

    I do know that Modest Needs Foundation is VERY helpful.

    Hugs

    Jule

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  • Rovergirl
    Rovergirl Member Posts: 194
    edited August 2008

    I'm done with taxol - yahoo!!!!  O.K. I still have a long row to hoe with AC, surgery and radiation to follow but I've completed at least the first leg of chemo - yahoo!

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  • footprintsangel
    footprintsangel Member Posts: 43,890
    edited August 2008

    Rovergirl, Good job! I am so happy for you!!!!!!  Hope you have a party or get a surprise for yourself. I am starting my week, I have tests all week, And like I was saying my cancer Dr wants me to get help with my lymphedema and when I told the lady that does it she said, You dont need any help! Why is my body swollen and hurting. She only looks at very heavy people and were my breast cancer surgery was my armpits are boobs. I wish people knew more about the side affects of chemo and cancer. Hurting alot in Washington  Soft hugs, Debbie

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited August 2008

    Rover-Good going girl!!!! Congrads!! its a long row to hoe but we're all here to help if you need......

    Debbie-Im sorry your in so much pain...I wish I had some advice but so far I havent had to deal with this particular issue.

    Tracy-How are things going for you???

    Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. I spent mine in Centralia and left for home just as it was starting to rain yesterday.....my guy there said it rained buckets after I left.

    Hugs

    Jule

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  • Roya
    Roya Member Posts: 346
    edited August 2008

    Tracy, I just started chemo this month and just completed my 2nd treatment last Friday.  I will be getting 4 cycles of A/C and 4 of T.

    Since we are expats living in France, we keep private insurance for the family. However, the French healthcare system is one of the best in Europe. Every legal citizen of France is covered under public health care although they may choose to use private as well. . There is no great difference in the quality of care between public and private hospitals here and there is no great difference in cost.

    I am feeling queezy today.  Seems that no matter what I take for nausea, it still creeps up on me within 24 hours of treatment and just remains for a few days. 

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  • tkone
    tkone Member Posts: 511
    edited August 2008

    All,

    I finished my 3rd round of TC on Wednesday and felt like garbage all weekend.  Also have been having a bit of a pity party unfortunately.  My oldest daughter has strep throat and it just kills me that I can't take care of her.  I am tired of everything being about cancer. 

    We have a trip to Hawaii planned in November and I am trying hard to concentrate on that so I realize that this time in my life is only temporary.  There are things that I am grateful for, friends and family and besides this whole cancer thing, I have pretty good health.  I am thankful as well that I have an outlet here to talk to others who are going through a similar journey.  I wish we weren't all going through it, but if we must, am glad we are doing it together!

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited August 2008

    Tracy-sorry to hear you are feeling down...but let yourself vent here if you need.....as you said, we are all in this together so we are here for you if/when you need.....there really is light at the end of the tunnel!!

    Roya-it sounds like France has great medical coverage for most. Im a state worker so benefits are good....I have NO idea what I would have done without them....yea, I do!!!! I would be in bankrupcty and lost everything Ive worked so hard to get...Im a single girl too but thankfully Im a little older (47) and my kids are both grown and on their own.

    Take care

    Jule

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  • footprintsangel
    footprintsangel Member Posts: 43,890
    edited August 2008

    Dear Friends, I am praying for you all , We must win!  I go in at 8:oo tomorrow and get a biopsy of my thyroid, I have 7 nodules and never been checked! I told my last Dr my Dad died of thyroid cancer and he cat scanned and found 7 not 5 in 6 months. I am praying they find a very little look like cancer so they take them out. With lymphedema it swells it more. May you find peace in every moment of life. Soft Hugs, Debbie

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  • Roya
    Roya Member Posts: 346
    edited August 2008

    Thank you footprintsagel.  I will be thinking of you and praying for you.  I do know that thyroid cancer is highly treatable and survivable when found in time.  My mom had her surgery 38 years ago followed by radiation.  She takes synthroid daily and has had no further issues with it.

    Please keep us posted.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited August 2008

    Debbie,

    Thank you for letting us know about your biopsy tomorrow....I will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers!!!!!!!!

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  • footprintsangel
    footprintsangel Member Posts: 43,890
    edited August 2008

    Dear Friends, I am home and sore, He went in 4 times. I also had and echo for my heart and now am very tired but done. Thanks for your support, Everyday is a gift with friends in this group! Soft hugs Debbie

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  • Rovergirl
    Rovergirl Member Posts: 194
    edited August 2008

    I just came back from Seattle and a grueling two day schedule of imaging tests and doctors appointments.  I had a PET-Scan, MRI, MUGA, Ultra Sound, research blood sample taken (those vampires), EKG, met with two separate doctors, research coordinator and chemo nurse - I'm beat!

    Tracy - Sorry to hear you have a case of the blues.  Every now and then I get into these "funks" as I call them.  They come without warning   - I have a good cry, toast myself at my pity party and in a day or so I usually feel better.  It's just the emotional rollercoaster that comes with BC - fighting cancer is tough but it's tougher when your hormones are scrambled.

    Debbie -  I have my fingers crossed the results are negative.  Sending you good thoughts.

    Roya - I will start AC next week.  I've been warned to expect more nausea and fatigue.  I had very little nausea and fatigue with taxol.  I'm hoping for the best w/ AC.

    Jule - I'm a single girl too - 48 y/o and I work for the federal governtment.  Health care benefits is one thing the federal govt. does right and I feel so fortunate to have them.

    Rover

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  • tkone
    tkone Member Posts: 511
    edited August 2008

    Wow, busy for all of us I guess.  Debbie, hoping for good results for you.  Rover, thanks for the pep talk.  I am feeling better actually.  My husband has been out of town for the last two days and even though I thought it was going to be hard, it has actually helped because my girls and I had to take care of each other.  It made me feel useful and like we were in it together.  Sometimes this is a solitary road.

    I go in tomorrow for my WBC check and also to meet with my radiation oncologist.  I am looking forward to knowing what my plan will be for that so I can start looking forward to being DONE!

    Rover-just out of curiosity, what is a research coordinator?  Sounds interesting, but I haven't ever heard of one.

    Hope everyone has a good week.

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  • Rovergirl
    Rovergirl Member Posts: 194
    edited August 2008

    I am participating in a clincial trial so I meet with the research coordinator on a regular basis.

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  • footprintsangel
    footprintsangel Member Posts: 43,890
    edited August 2008

     Just a little note to remind everyone that we are Seattle fighters and we will win. Rovergirl, Good luck, tkone, My prays are with you, jpann39, Thanks for all the info, Still working on getting help. Roya, Thanks for letting my know about your family member, Make the fight easier. Tracy, Please remember you are never alone. And to the others I forgot, Heres a Hug.....Take care, Sore in Seattle Debbie

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  • rickster
    rickster Member Posts: 35
    edited August 2008

    Hi all! 

    Ms Tkone found me on another thread and invited me to join the Seattle area group.  I was recently dx (7/8/2008), had a lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy (clear margins and no node involvement) on 8/4 and was scheduled to start radiation this week (8/25) UNTIL my oncodx score came in late last Friday at a high 32 (needless to say, that was the equivalent shock of learning of my cancer the first time around!).  Radiation was put on the back burner until I met with my onco on Monday and I now find myself having climbed the hurdle to accepting the fact that I need to / would likely benefit from chemo, which I will start next Thursday (9/4 at Overlake in Bellevue).  I will be doing T/C (taxotere  & cytoxan) every three weeks for four cycles. 

    I am interested in learning about other's experience / coping skills with this regimen and also finding someone to join me for walks (south Seattle, Renton or Eastside locations) and / or mild aerobic workouts in the interim (I belong to LA Fitness, so could join you there) - - - I REALLY need a schedule or commitment for a time to exercise to keep me on track during this difficult time. 

    Please share your experiences, or let me know if you are up and willing for a little aerobic workout (nothing on the scale of major training!). I am USUALLY gone on the weekends, but that could certainly change over the next couple of months.

    Thanks and great health and many hugs to you all!!  Rick

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  • tkone
    tkone Member Posts: 511
    edited August 2008

    All,

    Hope everyone is enjoying the last few days of summer.  Busy getting my girls ready for school.  I am now feeling pretty ok after TX 3.  Only one more to go for me.  Also have an appointment on the 8th with the radiation oncologist office to get my tattoos!  My children are scandalizedSurprised that their mother is going to have tattoos. i hope they don't think that gives them license to do the same (they are 10 and 11). 

    Rickster-i am in Maple Valley, if you consider that east side, I'd be happy to meet you somewhere.  I work downtown so  come home via I-90 through Issaquah and Bellevue so I'm sure we could come up with something.  The issue would be timing with both of us doing treatment at the same time but I try hard to keep up with my walking as well.  Maybe we could do once a week or something?  At least enough to keep us both out of trouble. Wink

    Take care all!

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  • footprintsangel
    footprintsangel Member Posts: 43,890
    edited September 2008

    tkone, You are not to far from Auburn, We are closer then I thought. I am getting ready for my appt Sept 2 PTherapy and 3 Cancer Dr. I wish you all the best and am praying for peace and love for each of you. Take care,Debbie

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  • DottieW
    DottieW Member Posts: 207
    edited September 2008

    Tracy found me on another thread too and I'm also in Maple Valley. May I join your posse as a survivor? I also had IDC, dx'd in July 06, had lumpectomy, then re-excision and finally a mast in Nov. 06. No recon for me. Had four DD of A/C which ended in Jan 07, and exactly six weeks later my hair started growing back, and I've been letting it grow until I can do a real ponytail.... still not there yet.... If I can be of any help to anyone, please let me know. And I love to walk... I've done the Komen one-day twice and Relay for Life for eight years..., so if there is any walking plans, let me know.  It sucks while you are going through the tough days of SE's, but there is light at the end, believe me!  And these boards are a godsend for ALL of us! PM me if you like...   Enjoy today (Labor Day) and let's get a little sunshine back, eh? Hugzz to all of you...

    Dottie

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  • tkone
    tkone Member Posts: 511
    edited September 2008

    Debbie-good luck with your appointments this week.  It sounds like a busy week for you.  This will be my quiet week.  Next week I have my simulation appt for radiation, my 4th and final TC oh and just to keep things interesting, my husband is going in on September 8th for rotator cuff surgery.  We are just a big medical mess right now!

    Dottie-so glad you found us.  It looks like you and I are just on opposite sides of the lake.  Maybe we could meet on the trail at some point to go for a walk.  I know I have seen lots of people on the trail who are clearly training for this years 3 day.  I see them all the time.

    Everyone-hope your first week in September is good and if you have kids like me they have good weeks back in school.

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  • footprintsangel
    footprintsangel Member Posts: 43,890
    edited September 2008

    Dear Friends,Tomorrow I go see my Lymphedema Therapist, She doesnt think I need therapy cause I am not  swollen enough. But I cant put my arm down its so swollen. I pray if she acts that way I can get my cancer Dr to find my some else.  I am trying to feel better and enjoy life more. Welcome Dottie, I am an Auburn, I have IDC stage 3. and am a fighter like you. To all the other special people on this line, Thanks for caring and hugs to all, Debbie

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited September 2008

    Thanks for the invite, Tracy.

    It looks to me like I'm the only actual Seattleite so far...Laughing

    I live two blocks from Swedish, so when you come, give me a ring and I'll meet you for lunch or something.

    I just celebrated one year since surgery. Because I have an autoimmune disease, I'm not a good candidate for radiation so opted to have a bilateral mastectomy. I chose not to do chemo, but am taking Femara and enjoying the wonderful side effects it offers.

    I am older that dirt, or at least older than everyone else around here. (65).  My generation didn't get on the electronic bandwagon soon enough. I, as always, am way ahead of my time and have been a computer geek since Atari. The year 2007 was a bad one...death of three close family members, cancer diagnosis/surgery, son off to school, empty nest, dumped by my life partner of 22 years. All this in 6 months, followed by three moves in the next 6 months. It's going to be a long road to recovery and I get impatient sometimes, but hanging in there.

    I have five children aged 45, 43, 41, 39, and 19. They are all fabulous human beings.

    My youngest headed back to college in Walla Walla (hi Jule!) this morning and I am all alone and blue. Cry It will be better by morning, I'm sure, but sympathy and hugs are always accepted.

    Judie

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited September 2008

    Hi Judie,

    Glad you found this thread too!!!!

    It will be ok....just think when you come to see your son we are going to get together this time for SURE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    To everyone else that is new-Im the lone girl over here in Eastern Washington Cry.....

    Debbie-I hope you get some resolution to your arm issue...

    Tracy-sounds like you are headed into a very busy/interesting next couple of weeks!!!!

    Dottie-our dx's are very similar...its nice to meet someone so close, well, kind of close with similar....I wish I were close enough to join in these walks with you ladies.

    Rickster-glad too meet you!!

    Maybe once we all get done with tx and the after bc life settles in a little we could plan a weekend get together for next spring????

    My best to you all!!!

    Jule

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  • footprintsangel
    footprintsangel Member Posts: 43,890
    edited September 2008

     Dear Friends I went in today for my lymphedema and it is worse. I will have some treatments but I am not covered for anything else, I was told by the Cancerlifeline lady that she is looking for donation and I might have to look too. They cover a Scooter but not garments. Well I am going to get ready for my cancer Dr in the morning, Sending alot of hugs to all, Debbie

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited September 2008

    Dang Debbie

    I was hoping they would have better news for you....there is a place called Modest Needs Foundation that you might be able to get some help from for purchasing the garments....go to their web site and see what you think....every little bit helps!!!!! I sure wish there were more I could do to help you.

    Good luck with the C Doc today...please let us know how it goes.

    Hugs

    Jule

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  • footprintsangel
    footprintsangel Member Posts: 43,890
    edited September 2008

    Dear Friends, My Cancer Dr has got more tests for me, I guess they missed the thyroid tumors, So I have a Thyriod  scan Monday, I wish they were out some-days. I had a migraine when I went in and got a shot. Jule, I will look into more of the info you sent. Thank you! I am going to rest I cant keep my head up. Hurting and tired in Auburn, Hugs,Debbie

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  • familyroks
    familyroks Member Posts: 575
    edited September 2008

    Shame on me...its been a while since I've posted in this thread and I see it has grown.  I need to catch up on the posts.

    Dottie - I understand you are Eddie's Dottie....thank you for being there for Eddie.  She means alot to us in the May group.

    I see a couple of you are from Maple Valley.  Up until 3 years ago, we lived in Maple Valley.  I sure miss it sometimes...I bet it has grown.  We moved to Bremerton to be closer to my DH's place of employment. :(

    I finished my chemo tx 3 weeks ago today.  YAY!  Now I'm waiting to find out what hormone therapy I'll be on.  I'll know in the next couple of days after hormone testing has been completed.

    Looks like Spring has finally arrived!  I hope you can all get out and enjoy a bit of the warm weather before its taken from us yet again!

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited September 2008

    Best wishes Debbie in your search. Sometimes we have to work so hard to get what we truly need. You'll get there!

    Congrats of finishing chemo, Adrienne. Another major hurdle behind you.

    Lovely day in Seattle...hope you are all enjoying it!

    Judie

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