Crazy Sexy Cancer in Seattle

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  • ginagina
    ginagina Member Posts: 327
    edited March 2009

    ROFLMAO!! (I just learned this abbreviation yesterday; I am not hip to this stuff). I love IKEA. I mean... Kent is a really nice place. My mom grew up in Kent.

    And here I am thinking everyone on this board is in a swank little bungalo in QueenAnne or Ballard or West Seattle. Or even cooler, with water or mountain views! 

    Jill - woo. Good luck with surgery on Monday!

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

    Jill - good luck with the surgery - I know you will do great.

    Good night Seattle gals!

     Susan

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  • tkone
    tkone Member Posts: 511
    edited March 2009

    Well if we are doing confessions....

    I live in Maple Valley and am actually from Kent.  Graduated from Kent-Meridian High School.

    Don't hold it against me!Cool

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  • swimfan
    swimfan Member Posts: 81
    edited March 2009
    well I won't hold the Maple Valley thing against you but I was a Kentridge Charger...my bro was a Royal.Tongue out
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  • tkone
    tkone Member Posts: 511
    edited March 2009

    Let's try for April 15th.  I am going to put it on my calendar and we can figure out the location and time as we get closer.  I have a couple of friends who are not on these boards that I may invite as well.

    Feel free to do the same.

    I say we do our best to drag our bald, buzzed heads and our chemo'd, radiated, scarred up selves out to scare the daylights out of the public!

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  • TwillNW
    TwillNW Member Posts: 46
    edited March 2009

    OK, so I will de-lurk myself and join this Seattle thread - even though I live in Enumclaw (gasp)... in a Quadrant built home no less.  We do have a mountain view though. 

    Like many of you, I am going to Swedish for treatment - Dr Beatty at the Comprehensive Breast Center is my surgeon, Dr Fehr is my oncologist, and Dr Eulau is my radiation oncologist.  When my family doctor (who I had only seen exactly once a year for the past five years or so) called to tell me I had breast cancer, I asked her where she would go - and that is where she sent me.  I didn't do a lot of research but have been happy with the decision for the most part. 

    I don't think April 15 works for me me for a meet-up - I have my first Taxol treatment that day and my mom will be in town and my daughter has practice for her Confirmation the next night - but I hope you all get together and have a great time.  Maybe I can catch up with you all at the next one!

    Tricia in Enumclaw

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

    TwillNW - welcome!  once again, sorry to see an additional Seattle Breast Cancer member but happy you de-lurked.

    I am fine with delaying the get together or we can plan an additional one.  Starting Taxol, mom visiting and first communion practice make for a busy week!  Life just goes on - which is good but kind of surreal to me.  I rush to chemo, and then make it back home for after school activities like nothing is happening. 

     I wonder when this is over if we will feel like we have SO MUCH free time - I had no idea how time consuming health issues can be.

    Susan

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  • ginagina
    ginagina Member Posts: 327
    edited March 2009

    TwillNW - thanks for delurking. The more participants on these boards, the more interesting the conversation.

    Well,I was reminded by someone on the Feb 2009 Chemo board not to take things for granted and to make sure I realized that any thing could happen from day to day. Boy, was she right!  My Tx #2 did not go as expected today. I had a crazy allergic reaction to the Taxotere and everything got yanked, bendryl/avitan went into my iv and I was watched like a hawk by 4 nurses and my husband as everything returned to normal. Quite surreal. Now I have a new Treatment Plan that does not include taxotere. I am going to try Abraxane and Cyotaxan next Friday 3/27, which will push my whole schedule out. 

    So I think April 15th will work really well for me, all things being equal that is. And like TwillNW, plan anyway based on best numbers. Hopefully whom ever makes it will have a great and there will be subsequent meetings!!

    Susan- your treatment plan has definitely got some advantages. I sill ended up at Swedish from 10 - 4:30 (sleeping off the allergic reaction with benedryl and avitan) and my onco came back at 4pm to say that he wanted me to rest the entire week and we will try again next Friday. Another ALL DAY drill.

    good night seattleites, no matter where you live!

    hugs

    gina

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  • tkone
    tkone Member Posts: 511
    edited March 2009

    Tricia-Hey you are practically my nieghbor!  Must be something in the water out our way...  Maybe if your schedule opens up, you can meet up on the 15th.  But hopefully we will be having many more.  Dr. Beatty was my surgeon as well and you will be happy to know that my scar is quite beautiful!  He did a great job.  I went to Dr. Eulau and really liked him but ended up doing my radiation at Valley Medical instead.

    Gina-Weird on the Taxotere.  I had an allergic reaction on my 2nd one as well and though they slowed things down considerably, I continued on Taxotere with no problems for the remainder of my rounds.  Just loads of Benadryl.  I hope Abraxane doesn't give you any problems.

    Looking forward to April 15th.

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  • TwillNW
    TwillNW Member Posts: 46
    edited March 2009

    Hey neighbor Tracy - I am hoping to go to Valley Medical for rads too - Dr Eulau mentioned that it might be possible - sure would save some driving. 

    Sorry to read about your reaction to Taxotere Gina - I spend some of my time (when I can't divert my mind elsewhere) worrying that will happen to me when I start Taxol as I have had some allergic reactions in the past to weird stuff (shellfish).  But it sounds like I'll be in good hands if anything does happen. 

    Susan, I hear you on the after school activities - most days it seems like life starts when the kids get home.  I've been managaing to work so far during chemo, but work is not as demanding as driving and feeding teen-agers!  Today is Monday so not only will I be driving dear daughter, I'll also be hauling her horse to their weekly riding lesson. 

    Tricia

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

    Hello Seattle friends - we had house guests this weekend, so I have been busy.

    Gina - sorry about your reaction.  That sounds awful, but it sounds like they figured it out fast.

    I have a neighbor three doors down that called me because.....yes, that's right - she has breast cancer.  Another neighbor and good friend (healthy, active 47) started having intermittent chest and left arm pain.  Doctor did some basic tests incl. ekg and everything checked out fine - told she should probably do a stress test as well as "could be anxiety".  Lucky for her she didn't listen to the anxiety diagnosis, moved up the stress test appt after we were power walking and the pain came three times.  Echocargiogram showed one heart artery 95% blocked so she had a stent put in.  

    Blood work shows that she did have a heart attack at some point that day.  So scary.  Now she has a cardiologist and has heart disease, and here I am.  She is doing fine btw.

    It just scares me that these things are happening to those of us who appear to be young, healthy and active.  Just sucks. Not that I wish it upon anyone but this just seems strange. Still.

    Hope all is well with everyone.  Looking forward to the 15th.  I will invite my neighbor who was recently diagnosed with ILC - she is going to Swedish so may be looking for other bc Swedish patients.

    Susan

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  • tkone
    tkone Member Posts: 511
    edited March 2009

    All,

    OK, how about this.  Since we have people coming in on the ferry, why don't we just go to the Red Robin that is on Pier 55 on April 15th.  Here is the address:

    1101 Alaskan Way
    Seattle, WA 98101

    I say we invite anyone we think might benefit from having a friend in Seattle!  Let's say 6:00 so we have a time?

    Hope everyone is doing well.



     

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

    Hi girls

    I soooo wish I were closer to you all.....you ladies will have a great time meeting each other....

    Glad to see all the activity on this site...I tried to start a Washington thread when I was first dx'd but it never really caught on.

    Take care all

    Hugs

    Jule

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  • swimfan
    swimfan Member Posts: 81
    edited March 2009

    Red Robin is perfect...my real name is Robin and I wear red a lot...so this will really help me to remember where I'm going during this chemo brain fog life!

     Sorry you're far away Jule...where are you in relationship to the "town so nice they named it twice"? Maybe you could attend via Cell Phone?

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  • golfer779
    golfer779 Member Posts: 1,378
    edited March 2009

    Susan .... think I found the answer to my question !!!!!  Just quickly snoop the post .... sounds like a great bunch of gals.   Count this gal from Poulsbo in, okay ????

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  • ginagina
    ginagina Member Posts: 327
    edited March 2009

    Hiya - I am looking forward to the 15th - it is on my calendar!

    Susan - thx for the comment. I think my husband was more upset/traumatized than anyone (poor guy). It is not uncommon to have the reaction, I had just hoped for smooth sailing...not learning very fast am I?

    This disease is crazy. I am still the only one of my close and semi-close friends to have it, but now that I am walking around *mostly* bald (I say that * *  because since it has COMPLETELY fallen out, I've chickened out a bit and where a baseball cap...A LOT. Still thinking about the wig shop, but haven't made the effort yet). Anywhoo..what was I saying? Oh, yes, since I have been cruising around the eastside minding my own biziness, I can't tell you how many people stop me to tell me about their personal cancer story. It is really incredible.

    Ok, I digress. Just wanted to say that I was excited about the 15th. Oh, and I am going to Swedish (onco only) and have only wonderful things to say.

    hugs

    gina

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

    Seattle gals- I have it on my calendar too - really looking forward to it!

     Gina - I bet your husband was more upset about your reaction.  As hard as this situation is,  I know it's really hard on my husband as there is nothing he can do to fix it.

    JPann - wish you could come too.  Maybe this summer you will be out this way?

    Susan

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  • Deenah2me
    Deenah2me Member Posts: 3
    edited March 2009

    I was in another group and someone mentioned I 'might try' the Chemo group--Sexy in Seattle.  Here's my situation:

    First time participant on all levels here.  What I'm wondering is whether anyone knows of a good surgeon in Seattle, Washington.  (Duh!....sounds like a dumb questions for this group, but I really do feel pretty stupid with the whole breast cancer subject--all the acronyms and lingo and terms, are still beyond me.)

    After a Stereotactic Core Biopsy Sept 08 (that proved benign) and a very recent followup MRI, indicating change, I have decided to have the florid papillomatosis with sclerosing duct hyperplasia and microcalcifications in ducts removed.  Doctors (3) suggest lumpectomy(sic?), but surgeons where I live are pretty non-existant--out on the Olympic Peninsula, so will most likely go to Seattle for the operation.  I'm looking for a Seattle based doctor.  Or Bremmerton, Silverdale, parts of the sound? And of course, I want someone really good, especially if this leads to more in depth treatment.

    I am in awe of such bravery and perseverance you all have.  Reading all your posts, I feel frozen right now with fear. 

     Feel free to PM me.  Thank you so much for any input you have. 

    Linda

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  • tkone
    tkone Member Posts: 511
    edited March 2009

    Hi Linda,

    I can only speak to my own experience.  I used Dr. Beatty at Swedish and he did a great job.  He only does breast surgery.  Good luck with every thing! 

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

    Swimfan-I live about 20 miles north of Walla Walla....

    April-Yes, I do get that way off and on over the summer as I have a grandson that lives in Issaquah and lots of family in the Port Orchard area.

    Maybe one day I will get to meet all of you, but if any of you are ever in my neck of the woods give me a holler!!!!

    Hugs

    Jule

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  • ck55
    ck55 Member Posts: 346
    edited March 2009

    Linda, my surgeon was Dr. Claire Buchanan at Swedish and I thought she was great. She apparently trained at Sloan Kettering in NY and when I was getting all my scans done before my surgery, whenever anyone found out who my surgeon was they would just go on and on about how great she was!

    Sorry you needed to ask this question. Frown

    Cyndi

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

    Just checking in - how is everyone doing?  We were gone for a few days (spring break) and had to rush back for my chemo appt. 

    We really enjoyed the sun and warmer weather today.  Hope all is well for everyone!

    Susan

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  • hansen
    hansen Member Posts: 2
    edited April 2009

    Hi Gina,

    I'm new to this site. I had my skin sparing mastectomy on Feb. 2nd.  I am scheduled to have a saline inplant expander put in on Monday and am having second thoughts about it.  Dr. Hutter, who has his practice across from Valley Medical in Kent with 3 other plastic surgeons, is my doctor. He trained with Dr. Isik.  He does not do the DIEP procedure, but recommended Dr. Isik if I decided to go that route.  I'm thinking long term it may be the better solution. Saline inplants appear to have more long term problems to deal with.  I did have a C- section years ago - I don't know if that disqualifies me for a DIEP? 

    Maureen

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  • ginagina
    ginagina Member Posts: 327
    edited April 2009

    Hi Maureen - just saw your note and sent you a PM.

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  • ginagina
    ginagina Member Posts: 327
    edited April 2009

    Hi All - I am soooo looking forward to our April 15th date!

    What a roller coaster I have been on. Susan-I may need to pick your brain on your CMF treatment.  I just had another allergic reaction (this time 8 days out from TX #2 of Abraxane/Cyotxan) and now I am a ton of steriods and antihistimes and need to schedule another discussion about a change in regime AGAIN. Probably CMF. 

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

    Gina- I just sent you a PM. So sorry you are having the allergic reactions.  Hope you are feeling better.  CMF is very doable, if that is the regime you go to.

    Hope you and all of the Seattle Sistas are enjoying our wonderful weather - FINALLY!

    Susan

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  • tkone
    tkone Member Posts: 511
    edited April 2009

    Hi all,

    I have been out of town for spring break and thought I would check in as well.  Hope everyone is doing well.  I have recruited 3-4 other friends that are unfortunately in our club to come to our gathering on April 15th.   They are happy to have people to talk to so I am really looking forward to it as well. 

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  • jeanbean
    jeanbean Member Posts: 61
    edited April 2009

    Hello everyone,

    I hope you don't mind if I join this Seattle party even though I may not need chemo. I live on Bainbridge Island and am waiting for the results of my FISH test. My HER-2 was equivocal on my mastectomy tissue but neg on my biopsy. If the FISH is negative they'll run an Oncotype DX. If FISH is positive I'll start chemo pronto.  The waiting is hard!

     I'm going to try to make it to the get-together but may need to stay with my 7 year old and give him extra hugs. Wish I didn't have cancer but so glad to find so many amazing woman to keep me company!!

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  • tkone
    tkone Member Posts: 511
    edited April 2009

    JeanBean,

    So glad you found us!  We are just people in the general Seattle area who have been diagnosed with cancer.  We have all had different treatments/surgeries etc so of course you are welcome.  We would love to have you come visit on April 15th with the rest of the group.  We all wanted to get together for the moral support so if we can offer some to you, please join us.

    I have a 10 and an 11 year old so I know it is hard to deal with their needs as well.  I will say however that my children have proven to be extremely resilient and I think kids take their cues from their parents so stay positive as much as possible.

    Keep in touch and I hope you can meet us in April.

    Tracy

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

    So, tomorrow is the night - what time are we meeting?!  I am very excited to meet you all.  JeanBean - I live on Bainbridge too!  I am doing chemo as my oncotype was high intermediate.  Please join us - I will send you a PM (private message) and give you my phone number.

     Susan

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