Crazy Sexy Cancer in Seattle

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  • swimfan
    swimfan Member Posts: 81
    edited March 2009

    No, I'm at PolyClinic...he usually boosts me when I'm under 2200 I was 2300 at the nadir check ...whew just made it ... those shots sting...its a slow push...oh yeah I was 2900 yesterday and minimally anemic.

    I was  5000 before we started the 1tx.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited March 2009

    Oh - My bad - I was quoting my neutrophil number, which was 1,880 last week.  My WBC is now 3,390 - which started at 6,000.  Sorry to have mislead you guys! Last week the WBC werre 3800.

    Had to get my "cancer book" out to look it up! 

    Susan

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  • swimfan
    swimfan Member Posts: 81
    edited March 2009
    Whew thats a relief!!Smile
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  • katirob
    katirob Member Posts: 42
    edited March 2009

    Hi Tracy,

         Haven't been out here for awhile - but I'm glad I hopped on today so I could wish you Happy Birthday Laughing.  We've been living in Tucson since I early December - we typically 'winter' here but had to delay our trip until my chemo was finished.  Did my radiation down here - finished a month ago.  It sure feels good to be done doesn't it?  I'm on Premara rather than Tamoxifen since I was post-menopausal when I was diagnosed.  Not getting any of the side effects I was told I might - yea!  You still wearing your wig?  I am, especially at work - my hair is coming in but SO slowly - and between the brown and the white, I look like some kind of weird calico cat.

          To everyone else - Tracy's recommendation of Fresh Hair in Bellevue is a good one.  The wig I got from there is so good nobody knows I'm wearing one.  I was talking to someone recently, complaining about something (I forget what) and she said 'at least you've got the good hair going' !!  And it was my wig.  So, while the real hair wigs are expensive, if you can afford it, they're worth it.  I've been wearing one since mid-July and don't expect to be able to go without for at least another couple of months. 

          Re the Komen walk - probably won't be able to,  unless I'm not on a consulting gig - I generally don't get to town until Thurs nighs and have to travel out on Sundays.  Darn

          Good luck to everyone who is still in treatment - there is a light at the end of the tunnel!

     Kati

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  • ginagina
    ginagina Member Posts: 327
    edited March 2009

    Tracy - thanks for the tip on the half wig. I went shopping right after I read your post. As luck would have it,, my hair is falling out now (clippers tomorrow) and all the wig shops are closed Sun/Mon. We will see if I am still up for it on Tue.

    Susan - I spent the day at Snoqualmie Pass with DD who was in a nordic ski class. It snowed continuously. It was a beautiful day!

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  • tkone
    tkone Member Posts: 511
    edited March 2009

    Kati

    Thanks for the birthday wishes and good to hear from you!  I'm glad you are able to get some sunshine and enjoy your time in AZ.  I gave up my wig in December.  We went to Hawaii in November and I didn't wear it the whole time I was there and when I came back, I just didn't want to do it anymore.  I had the buzz cut look going for awhile and now I actually have gotten a hair cut already.  It is short still, but very curly and looks like I meant to do it on purpose.  It was very liberating giving it up.  Everyone loves  my new hair and most days I do too.  It is easy and quick and I even put some color in it to get rid of the general mousiness of the color.  Some days though I see someone with truly great hair and I wish I could have their hair. 

    As far as other hair goes though, the legs etc came back without hesitation, but my eyebrows are definitely still light and my eyelashes are nowhere near the length they used to be.  After falling out once, they have thinned again which is irritating.  Probably not enough that anyone else noticed this time, but I did.  Frustrating. 

    Gina-my girls take ski lessons at Snoqualmie as well.  We are in 6 week lessons and yesterday was their 4th one. 

    We went to the Melting Pot in Bellevue for my birthday and I ate way too much and spent way too much money.  But SOO worth it!!!!

    Thanks to all for the birthday wishes.  I'm glad I made it to 44!

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  • ginagina
    ginagina Member Posts: 327
    edited March 2009

    Tracy - we did a 4 week course with the Summit Nordic Center. It was terrific. Yesterday was their last day and we will defintely be signing up again next year. Not sure if there is an advantage of learning cross country/nordic vs alpine, but this was manageable and my girl had a great time.

    Oh, love the Melting Pot.  I've been there once and really beleive I was NEVER so full as I was when we left that restaurant. I dont think I ate for the rest of that weekend!! 

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited March 2009

    Happy St.Patrick's day - so happt the sun is shining and the snow/wind is gone.

    Ginagina - you look beautiful!  I really need to get with it and figure out how to put a picture on my thingy.  

    Susan

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  • ginagina
    ginagina Member Posts: 327
    edited March 2009

    Susan - yes, put a pic in your thingy! it is easy peasy. want some help or do you just need time?

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  • ginagina
    ginagina Member Posts: 327
    edited March 2009

    And thanks for the compliment. Loving this BEAUTIFULweather today, but my heads is sooo cold, especially around my ears! I keep forgeting to take a hat with me.

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  • swimfan
    swimfan Member Posts: 81
    edited March 2009
        Looks great...I vote no wig...if you can stand the cold...you will appreciate it in the summer...meaning September for us Seattleites!...Cool...I started "shedding" more this weekend...they told me CMF could make it "thin"...didn't think I'd be shedding more than my cat...
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  • JillP-123
    JillP-123 Member Posts: 7
    edited March 2009

    Hi Ladies,

    Thanks to Susan for letting me know about this stream of fellow Puget Sounders. :)

     I wanted to reach out and see if anyone has had PS with Dr Beshlian for the DIEP procedure at Virginia Mason.  Any feedback would be great.

     And Gina I agree with Swimfan You look pretty awesome with no wig.  

    Take care everyone!

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  • ginagina
    ginagina Member Posts: 327
    edited March 2009

    thx everyone. The buzz cut is looking pretty mangy right now. Probably gonna give myself a closer shave tomorrow.

    JillP - no idea about Beshlian at Virginia Mason. I am goig to Isik at Polyclinic. good luck.

    Awww, rain in the forecast. We'll it was nice while it lasted.

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  • ck55
    ck55 Member Posts: 346
    edited March 2009

    Hello all you soggy people,

    I want to thank Susan as well for informing about this thread. I have never seen it before?!

    JillP-I sent you a pm about your experience with Dr Breshlian (sent it before I read here that he was your Dr.)

    Gina  - What did you think about Dr Isik. I have heard he is one of the best, but my insurance won't cover him.

    Cyndi

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  • ginagina
    ginagina Member Posts: 327
    edited March 2009

    Cyndi - Dr Isik - so far so good,I guess. He hasn't done much other than draw on my boobs (before I had my bilat mx). He seems to know what he is talking about and gave us some good options. When I get closer to the end of my chemo, we will go back to schedule reconstruction. Both my BS and onco recommended him. I hear his partner Dr Wells is also very good. Same practice. Is he in your plan?

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  • ck55
    ck55 Member Posts: 346
    edited March 2009

    Gina,

    I don't think either of them take Regence. Frown

    Where are you having treatment? I had all my treatment at Swedish and think everyone there is fantastic.

    Cyndi

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  • swimfan
    swimfan Member Posts: 81
    edited March 2009

    Hi ck55, my BS at Swedish  recommended Wandra Miles @ Swedish along with Isik and I think 1 of the other Seattle gals was going to her...I was Regence at the time (Premera now) you might try.

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  • ginagina
    ginagina Member Posts: 327
    edited March 2009

    Yep, onco/chemo at Swedish (LOVE THEM!)

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  • ck55
    ck55 Member Posts: 346
    edited March 2009

    Swimfan, My BS (Claire Buchanan) recommended Wandra Miles as well. I did go to see her and thought she was very nice, but she doesn't do the DIEP procedure. I really don't want the tram flap.

    Gina, Who is your onc? Mine is Kristine Rinn. Love her.

    Cyndi

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  • ginagina
    ginagina Member Posts: 327
    edited March 2009

    Cyndi - I am seeing Hank Kaplan. LOVE HIM. My ob/gyn recommended Kristine Rinn as well. I've heard she is very good. I feel like I am in good hands.

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  • swimfan
    swimfan Member Posts: 81
    edited March 2009

    Hey Cyndi...Buchanan is my BS too....small world here on the web!

    So Ginagina...did you get some faux hair?

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  • ginagina
    ginagina Member Posts: 327
    edited March 2009

    Swimfan - well....you know how Tracy mentioned the half wig? I bought one online when I saw her post and then buzzed my head on Sunday. It was much easier to leave the house bald-and-all than I realized so I thought I would just wait and see what the half wig looks like.  It arrived today. And um, I can't figure out how to wear it without looking RIDICULOUS!  I seriously think my noggin must be huge because it doesn't cover anything. I have a date with the Look Good Feel Better people next Monday night and maybe they can help.  If I continue to feel phony, I think I will just let it be. It is warming up, right?

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  • tkone
    tkone Member Posts: 511
    edited March 2009

    Welcome Cyndi and Jill!

    I really wish we didn't have to add more people to our Seattle Club and no one else was being diagnosed, but I am glad you found us.   Cancer is a small world.  Wandra Miles is my PS.  I had a lumpectomy only, but will need nipple reconstruction.  She will be doing a reduction for me as well.   Dr. Rinn is my oncologist and I absolutely love her.  I like that I get to be part of the decision making with her.

    I think someone at some point tossed out the idea of all of us Seattle folk trying to get together.  Any interest?  If I toss out a couple of dates, maybe we could narrow it down? 

    Here are two for openers.

    April 2

    April 15

    Maybe we could meet for dinner or drinks either downtown or on the Eastside?

    Hope everyone is hanging in there and taking good care.

    Tracy 

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  • swimfan
    swimfan Member Posts: 81
    edited March 2009

    LOL...on the warming up thing....I was frrrrrrzing all day today...good grief I have a Track Meet on Friday...bbbrrrrrrrrrrr...I may wear my "once was enough wig" as a hat just to keep warm over my thinning chemo curls...oh wait that means I would have to pull it out from under the seat of my car...or is it in the garage on a shelf...oh I know I'll use it as a $179.95 hand muff...I found the receipt. I think the phony feeling is ultimately why I decided not to wear it.

    Try baseball /golf style caps, they are adjustable for us larger headed girls! I had them in all colors for my moods and outfits) and when friends travelled they would bring me new ones as gifts...I have quite the collection...

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited March 2009

    Everyone - 

    I would love to get together.  April 2nd is our spring break.  April 15th would work.   Seattle would be better for me, but I can get to the east side.

    No news here, just a bit tired and for some reason my house is a mess.  Hate that combination.

    I go in on Friday for #11 of 24.  Getting close to half way.

    Gina - I have a big head too - I love your post about the half wig.  

    Take care everyone!

    Susan

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  • swimfan
    swimfan Member Posts: 81
    edited March 2009

    15th for me...I'll be in europe Mar30-April10th...Eastside or Seattle is fine ...let me confess this now...I actually live in....Kent.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited March 2009

    OMG - you are so funny.  Hey - you are closer to IKEA - and I love the southcenter mall - isn' that close to you?  H & M etc.  As I think y'all know, I am on an island, which is why Seattle is easier.  However, I can easily drive on and over to the eastside.

    EUROPE!  WOW!  I think this is with your sister or am I confused?  Sounds like a great time.

    S

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  • JillP-123
    JillP-123 Member Posts: 7
    edited March 2009

    Hey Tracy

    I totally agree it would be great if no one else ever joined the club, but since we are part of it, this site and all the peeps on it sure make it a better place to be.

     I would love to meet up, probably won't be  up to it until April 15, Im having my DIEP Surgery on Mon 3/23.  YIKES 4 days to go.  

    Hey Gina - that's a drag about the half wig hope the appt at the Look good feel better can help - but who knows the weather could become beautiful and your noggin will be nice and warm!! 

    And I am so jealous about europe - have a great time !

    Take care everyone

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  • ginagina
    ginagina Member Posts: 327
    edited March 2009

    Swimfan - HILARIOUS! I just visualized the under the car seat scenario as if it played out in my family. Someone (husband) would probably scream like a girl if he accidentally found it!!

    Tracy - I would love to get together! Either date is doable, though I am more likely to be tentative on the 15th just because of my chemo schedule. I am going in for #2 this Friday and #3 is April 10th. If they are anything like #1, I will be fine. Fingers crossed. And I can do either location. 

    Susan - My house is a disaster. We are making an effort to tidy up but I cant find ANYTHING. Not sure what is worse. Ugh, I just noticed that my keyboard is covered with gina-buzzed-hair. Disgusting. Got to see if I can find a can of compressed air in hub's office.  NOT.

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  • swimfan
    swimfan Member Posts: 81
    edited March 2009

    Actually...with HS students...8 girls and 1 breast cancer "sister" co-worker....so it is a great time but not exactly a relaxing time...

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