Any Northern Virginia ladies on this discussion board?

Options
1…457910…59

Comments

  • Monique
    Monique Member Posts: 121
    edited October 2008

    I agree with Dawn - it was so nice to put names with faces yesterday.  I really enjoyed getting together and would like to do it again sometime.

    Monique

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • GramE
    GramE Member Posts: 5,056
    edited October 2008

    I am glad you all enjoyed the meet up.   Sephora had a very loud musical group that gave me a headache, so I went out without even looking at the eyebrow stencils.   So, I sent in a complaint via email and they are supposed to respond in 3-5 days...    

    Pentagon City Mall is also indoors and has 3 floor of shops and a big food court  If you take the metro, you do not even go outside to get to the stores.   Notice a pattern forming ??? food, shopping...   Please make suggestions for a date and place.  

    Have a really good week and keep in touch.  HUGS,  Nancy 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • GramE
    GramE Member Posts: 5,056
    edited October 2008

    Update on Sephora -  a lovely apology email and they are going to send me the stencils FREE of charge...   Sally Beauty Supply had some stencils for $ 2.99, which I bought but not used yet.  

    Next to last chemo today, and it is too COLD  too soon for me -- who says VA has mild winters...!!!!!    Have a good day.    Nancy

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lastminuteD
    lastminuteD Member Posts: 333
    edited October 2008

    Go Nancy!  Amazing sometimes what a "nice" complaint can do!  Let us know how you like the stencils when you get them.  I had ordered some from ........................... wherever the heck I ordered a few scarves from (damn chemo brain!) but found them difficult to use.  Luckily, a few eyebrows remained so I had a line to go by!  I know I ordered mostly from TLC but I swear I can't remember the other place!!!  grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

    Food and shopping sounds good to me!  I think I picked the last date and place so I'll hush till you other ladies get a chance!

    Good luck today Nancy and Bonnie with your treaments!  anyone else?

    Nancy, I think I am looking for an indian summer soon!  (I am so behind with outdoor yard cleanup etc) I love the Fall though.  Especially when it is cold out and I DON"T HAVE TO GET OUT OF BED!!! Laughing

    Have a great weekend everyone!

    Dawn

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • GramE
    GramE Member Posts: 5,056
    edited October 2008

    Hi everyone:  I did not realize or maybe I forgot... that without ANY hair, I feel the cold a LOT more.  There I was, sitting on the potty, looking at my arms and NO hair there.    Solution to a cold bathroom after a shower:   small space heater, plugged in a surge protector strip that runs from the hallway and NOT on the vanity or near any water source.   Crack the door so the cord is not crunched.

    Tx went very well today - 4 hour nap when I got home and here comes the steroid Buzzzzzzzzzzzzz.   Got great pics of our Pah Tee for Bonnie and Christina and me in my pink wig.  One of these days I will figure how to post them or a link to them.

    Have a super duper weekend.  Hugs and Blessings,   Nancy  

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • BrandonMom
    BrandonMom Member Posts: 412
    edited October 2008

    Has anyone been to the breast cancer center in Ashburn?  I'm trying to decide where to have surgery.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • GramE
    GramE Member Posts: 5,056
    edited October 2008

    Saturday afternoon -- marking my spot.  HUGS,   Nancy

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • flyrzfan
    flyrzfan Member Posts: 557
    edited October 2008

    hi ladies...hope everyone had a good weekend! My se's came early and hung on all weekend but so far Monday seems like it's going to be A -OK. Thanks for the PICS Nancy...I'll see if I can play with getting some posted here as well. Thank GOD this phase will soon be over with for all of us...all I can say for those of you still trying to get to the finish line is, hang in there. It may seem like it takes forever but the day does come when it is finally OVER. After this week Nancy and I can start to feel human again! I have classes the next few days so I have to shove off and get ready, hope you all have a great week. See you Thursday Nancy!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • GramE
    GramE Member Posts: 5,056
    edited October 2008

    Bonnie:  I think my firewall settings will not allow pics hee.   I am so looking forward to no more chemo - 2 days to go. My appt is at 10:30  Bonnie.   See ya there.  

     HUGS for everyone,   Nancy 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lastminuteD
    lastminuteD Member Posts: 333
    edited October 2008

    Okay, let's talk about OVER!!!  Saw my onc on Friday, clean ct scan on my chest, clean tumor markers - I CAN GET MY PORT OUT!!! WOO HOO!!

    Unfortunately, I have thoughts in the back of my head - WHEN is next?  After hearing "you have cancer" two times and learning so much I am certainly not jumping up and down like I wish I could.

    December 1st marks my three year "cancerversary" for the first one..................

    Okay, kick my butt into "happy" please!!

    at least I can get my port out!! Smile

    Good luck on Thursday Nancy and Bonnie! 

    Dawn

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Monique
    Monique Member Posts: 121
    edited October 2008

    Congrats Dawn on the port coming out :)    Happy Day!

    I imagine that we all will have those thoughts in the back of our heads - I guess we just need to leave them as far back as we can.  Easier said than done but I'm hoping to get there one day. 

    Bonnie and Nancy - good luck Thursday and hope you feel "human again" really fast :)

    Monique

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • GramE
    GramE Member Posts: 5,056
    edited October 2008

    WHOO HOOOOOO, Dawn.   Congrats - go out and celebrate BIG time.   Question:   did you have to go in regularly to have the port flushed?   

     HUGS,   Nancy 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lastminuteD
    lastminuteD Member Posts: 333
    edited November 2008

    Thanks Monique and Nancy!  I'm sure we can all keep kicking each other into positive thoughts!  My biggest relief is that I can worry more about my mom, father-in-law and grandma for the next three months or so till I have to see my onc again!  (well, except for this hand surgery that is looming!!)

    Monique - you are getting closer every day to where I am right now and without needing herceptin, your hair will come back even faster!!!

    Nancy - I finished my last herceptin on August 5th and was told every 4 to 6 weeks to have my port flushed to keep it from clogging etc.  With all the bloodwork and other tests I've had since then, I've only had to make 1 flush appt - has worked out pretty well.  As long as I can arrange to have the port out by the week of Thanksgiving - I'm good to go!!  I think I'll make the appt today and send an email to get the referral from my gp! 

    Hope everyone is having a good week!

    Dawn

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • GramE
    GramE Member Posts: 5,056
    edited October 2008

    >>>>>> Set clocks back this weekend:

     http://aa.usno.navy.mil/faq/docs/daylight_time.php 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • GramE
    GramE Member Posts: 5,056
    edited October 2008

    I am throwing this out for all to consider:   My chemo buddies and I are planning a road trip to Charlestown for some people watching and/or gambling.   It may not be for a few weeks, but what do you others think?   We can car pool and maybe win a few dollars.   

    I have never been there and will be more than ready for a change of scenery once my surgery is done.   Keep in touch.     

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • GramE
    GramE Member Posts: 5,056
    edited November 2008

     Everyone have a super duper weekend.  Get out there and enjoy the mild weather, but be sure to use plenty of sun screen.   HUGS and Blessings,   Nancy

     PS --- Turn clocks back one hour tonight.    

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • flyrzfan
    flyrzfan Member Posts: 557
    edited November 2008
    Congratulations Dawn! Consider your butt kicked back into Happy mode...there are never any promises for the future but when you have something to celebrate RIGHT NOW....do it! That is great that everything is clean and you can rid of the port! I am so happy for you...the devil went down to Georgia and he ain't comming back Smile
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sharonw
    sharonw Member Posts: 86
    edited November 2008

    BrandonMom-

    I'm a brandon mom too - live in Leesburg - never heard of a BC center in Ashburn - can absolutely recommend Dr. Shawna Willey at Georgetown BC center - fantastic surgeon - great results - just thought you may want to know-

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • BrandonMom
    BrandonMom Member Posts: 412
    edited November 2008

    Sharonw,

    Thanks for the recommendation!  Both she and the plastic surgeon at Georgetown are in my insurance network!!  Thanks again!  Did it take a long time to get into see her or to have surgery?

     Colleen

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lastminuteD
    lastminuteD Member Posts: 333
    edited November 2008

    Thanks Bonnie!  You are done with taxol now right?  On to every 3 week herceptin?  Are you having any radiation?  I have a really bad case of CRS!! (can't remember _ _ _ _ !)

    Hope everyone had a great weekend!  What a difference in weather from Saturday to Sunday!

    I was sweating outside cleaning up my front flower bed - unfortunately I'm not good at doing half one day and half the next - did it all on Saturday, w/breaks (even a nap after lunch!) but I sure paid for it on Sunday - headache and so very wiped out.  Oh well.  I feel like I accomplished something on my list and I got an extra hour of sleep to boot! Wink  and Sunday felt like hide under a blanket day!

    Thanks for the reminders Nancy!

    Have a good week everyone!

    Dawn

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • GramE
    GramE Member Posts: 5,056
    edited November 2008

    http://dc.about.com/od/christmasevents/a/AlexScotWalk.htm

     Check out this link and see if anyone wants to meet for a coffee or meal.   I have gone to the parade the past 2 years and it is awesome with the bagpipes.   

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • GramE
    GramE Member Posts: 5,056
    edited November 2008

    Hi everyone:

     This year I will miss the Scottish parade, since surgery will be Dec 5.   However, I highly recommend it and if you want to buy some heather, it is the time to do it.   The easiest thing is to take the Metro to King Street station and use the free trolley to go down King Street or if you are ambitious, walk 10 blocks and stop in the shops along the way.    

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lastminuteD
    lastminuteD Member Posts: 333
    edited November 2008

    Thanks Nancy!  I'll be praying for your surgery!  WIll your son be available to take you/bring you home or to his house etc?  I can't for the life of me remember what they'll be doing in your surgery, so please remind me? 

    I got my port out yesterday!! Smile  It was quite happy in there, didn't want to let them clip the two stitiches that were holding it or come out without some muscle power from my surgeon!  The PA had to make the incision a bit bigger before it cooperated.  A little sore today but not even enough to bother with tylenol. 

    My mom's ct scan came back from her 2nd chemoembolization for metastatic bile duct cancer - no shrinkage of any tumors and there is a small one in her pancreas now too.  Very discouraging.  The oncologist said to take the next month and get her strength back up and then they'll discuss any other treatments to try.  Unfortunately, this is a rare and very lethal cancer and most people don't make it for more than a year to 15 months.  Mom was diagnosed in January.

    My father-in-law isn't doing much better with his multiple myeloma.  The radiation is helping the pain but apparently one of the doctors told his wife that he has small fractures all over his body.  The doctor did not tell this to my father-in-law.

    So, we will do what we need to do to support both of them - this sucks.

    Hope everyone is having a good week.

    Dawn

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • flyrzfan
    flyrzfan Member Posts: 557
    edited November 2008

    Hi Ladies, I hope everyone is having a good week so far! I am busy enjoying my first Veteran's Day off since I got out of the Navy 16 years ago!

    Nancy, I don't know if we'll run into each other at GUH since I start my 3 week Herceptin rotation this Thursday so, PLEASE let me know if you want me to come help you out the weekend after your surgery. I can give you a hand around the house or just get you out for a meal or something.

    Dawn, so glad to hear the port is out! Not so glad to hear your FIL isn't doing better. I know how draining it is trying to support them and still keep your own life under control...prayers coming your way.

    Monique? How are you?

    Everyone else, good vibes and happy times!

    bz

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • flyrzfan
    flyrzfan Member Posts: 557
    edited November 2008

    Dawn, ps...no radiation ~ I did double mast instead. CRS was an issue before cancer for me so don't feel bad :)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • flyrzfan
    flyrzfan Member Posts: 557
    edited November 2008

    Colleen ~ sorry, I'm doing it backwards today. Posting first, then reading to catch up...just saw your post about Georgetown. Nancy and I both were treated there ~ can't say enough about the breast surgeons, plastic surgeons and if you are doing chemo, the nurses on the chemo ward are the best. I won't go to any other hospital in the area now!

    JUST my humble opinion :)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • flyrzfan
    flyrzfan Member Posts: 557
    edited November 2008

     Colleen ~ sorry, I'm doing it backwards today. Posting first, then reading to catch up...just saw your post about Georgetown. Nancy and I both were treated there ~ can't say enough about the breast surgeons, plastic surgeons and if you are doing chemo, the nurses on the chemo ward are the best. I won't go to any other hospital in the area now!

    JUST my humble opinion :)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • GramE
    GramE Member Posts: 5,056
    edited November 2008

    Hi everyone:

    Unless the MRI shows something new, I will have a lump and sentinel node biopsy (and whatever nodes may need to be removed ) on Dec 5.   My son and his wife will take me there and back and check on me over that weekend.    Thanks for the offers of help.    

    I agree with Bonnie about Georgetown and will have radiation at Alexandria hospital, which is much closer to me for the Monday thru Friday routine for 6 weeks.   I have Dr. Engwong for medical onco and Dr.Cosilovo for surgeon.    Engwong only sees patients on Thursdays.   

    Dawn, what a shame about your family health issues.   Prayers go out for everyone,  HUGS,  Nancy 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lastminuteD
    lastminuteD Member Posts: 333
    edited November 2008

    Thanks for the reminders Bonnie and Nancy!  Not saying I'll remember later though!!! Laughing

    Bonnie - did you or will you be doing reconstruction?  wondering what your thoughts are on all the choices.  I had immediate recon, expander, silicone implant and a lift on the "healthy" boob.  Looked great till I gained weight from thyroid issues and had rads - one went up and one went back down!! Undecided  I have some capsular constricture going on and I figure by the time I lose weight down to where I think I should be, maybe my foob will have softened as much as it's going to and my ps can fix them both!!  My surgeon said yesterday that "most" patients do rads with the expander in - not after the implant, but of course I'm in that 10% of recurrence after mast.  Of course! Yell

    Nancy - 12/5 will be here before you know it!  Please know we are here for you and you have all of our home emails - please don't hesitate to contact all of us if you need something!  I'm sure that one or more will be able to break away and come over for whatever you need!!

    Hope everyone is enjoying the sunshine!

    Dawn

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • BrandonMom
    BrandonMom Member Posts: 412
    edited November 2008
    flyrzfan I tried to go to Georgetown, but they wouldn't make an appt until my onc forwarded the pathology.  I had them forward and Georgetown was supposed to call me back, but they never did.  They were my preference, but I'm getting weary of knocking on doors to find a surgeon either to find they are not in the plan or don't call me back.  Hopkins is farther away than I would like, but they answer my calls and they are in my plan :).
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories