Crazy Sexy Cancer in Seattle

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

    Hey Armywife and Mommy,  our last couple of outings have been for visiting and dinner at the Red Robin down on the Seattle waterfront (Pier 56 or 57) I think.   I believe the location has been accomodating some of us who are coming over via the ferry from Bainbridge Island, and we've met in the early eve ... around 5:30ish !!!

     Hoping that you'll be able to join us and that we can gather a good size group for a Dec visit.

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  • libby
    libby Member Posts: 165
    edited November 2009

    Hi all - I'm scheduled for permanent implants December 2, so can't make the get together if it is early in the month.   I know that the next week is getting close to Christmas, so won't work for a lot of people.  I may just have to miss you guys this time.  Looking forward to that last major step in reconstruction - trading in "baseballs" for something softer.

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  • tkone
    tkone Member Posts: 511
    edited November 2009

    All,

    I just wanted to let you know that SWIMFAN (aka Robin Hoof) lost her battle on October 22nd.  I know she posted sometimes in the Stage IV forums and also here in this forum.  Some of us in the Seattle group had the great pleasure to meet Robin just after she had found a lump in her neck that proved to be cancer.  She was a high school teacher who was clearly much loved by her students and families.  When she met with us, she was preparing to take her students to Europe. 

    There is a memorial service celebrating her life on November 8 1:00-3:00 at the Highline High School Performing Arts Center 401 S 152nd in Burien Washington.  There is also a facebook page for her entitled Hope for Robin.  Apparently Robin's favorite color was purple so they are requesting that everyone wear purple to the service.  Maybe those of us who can't be there in person can wear purple on November 8th to honor Robin and her brave fight.

    Thanks to Susan (Aprilgirl1) who was concerned that she hadn't heard from her and hunted down the information. 

    I am incredibly sad to hear that she has passed away, but so honored to have met her. 

    I hate cancer.

    Tracy

    Tracy 

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

    Okay ... I'll say it "Fuck Cancer" ... I'm sick to my stomach after reading about Robin. I will definitely be dressed in purple on the 8th!

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  • armywifenmommy
    armywifenmommy Member Posts: 33
    edited November 2009

    Ditto.  Count me in for purple...

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

    Carol - I so agree.  I am so sad about Robin - it happened way too fast.

    I am SOOOOOO HAPPY that she went to France this summer with her tudents.  She was so excited about that trip.  

    I am contemplating going to the service - I have a friend in town from California this weekend but I think she is leaving on Saturday so maybe I can coordinate that.

    Purple will be worn for sure!

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  • Tina-in-Seattle
    Tina-in-Seattle Member Posts: 100
    edited November 2009

    OMG.  I'm sad for this news.  I second the "Fuck Cancer" line!  I hate this bitch more than I can put into coherent words.  I will be wearing purple on the 8th and if I can't find anything purple I will do something to honor her brave battle.

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  • cheers247
    cheers247 Member Posts: 270
    edited November 2009

    I am so sorry to hear about Robin, I hate cancer!

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

    I just looked back on Robin's last postings from July timeframe .... with a tear in my eye I read nothing but positive words from a strong, strong woman.    RIP Robin, you will be missed by sooooo many !!!!

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  • Madge24
    Madge24 Member Posts: 150
    edited November 2009

    I am so sad to hear about Robin's passing.  From all accounts, she was a trouper.  And it sounds that she was loved by many.  She and her family will be in my prayers.  God bless her.

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  • Colette37
    Colette37 Member Posts: 387
    edited November 2009
    I just wanted to let you know that at the end of August I was able to get the bi-lateral mast with Dr. Lee. I have Dr. Chatal as the PS...I wish that I didn't need rads on my left because then I would have been able to have immediate recon done, but that is Ok because I was able to start on my right recon with a tissue expander put in. Swedish is top notch in my opinion and I am very glad that I went with them. I live in Olympia and I just don't get why the Dr. have a weird look when I tell them that I got a bilateral done. I am 37 and too young toimmediately have to go through this again in 2 years if it had spread to my right side...of course the original Dr. that they wanted me to go to still used staples and took ALL the skin from the very center to well under the arm...which is exactly why I went to Seattle for the surgeries...Although it didn't keep my husband from complaining about the streets, pot holes and one way streets that drove him nuts...but even my husband is happy we went that route because of the result.

    Unfortunately, I am now doing rads because of the size of tumor (10 cm) (the first surgeon in Olympia wanted to do just a lumpectomy!) and the fact that the tumor was .01 mm close to my chest wall and there was a question of an internalmammary node that was enlarged. The positive point to be made is the fact that there was not any invasive ductal carcinoma left, but there was still the DCIS which was left...so the chemo did do what it was intended to do which was to get rid of all of the fast growing cells. I should be finished on November 24 with rads...that is if I don't have any hold-ups with the rads because of the break down of my skin.

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  • Colette37
    Colette37 Member Posts: 387
    edited November 2009

    I didn't know Robin, nor did I read any of her posts, but I am still saddened by the news that this evil has taken away someone who is obviously very loved and a very sweet person by many.  I will keep her in my thoughts on the 8th and those who are mourning her.  Purple is a beautiful color!

    May she rest in peace.

    Colette

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

    Hi Colette - so happy that you went to Swedish and got great care.  I just finished rads a couple of weeks ago, and did get burned but no serious skin issues.

    Hey Sexy Seattle gals - a friend of Robin's posted on the stage IV "goodbye swimfan" thread - they have made the Hope for Robin an actual non profit - for helping breast cancer patients in the Seattle area.  The friend is named "Fanofswimfan" which is so great.  I posted on the Hope for Robin facebook page that many of us had met her last spring, really enjoyed her and are so sad to hear of her passing.  I also mentioned that many of us will be wearing purple on Sunday in her honor, so please - don't forget!!!!!

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  • Colette37
    Colette37 Member Posts: 387
    edited November 2009

    April, I am hoping that is all that I have is just a burn..that I can deal with...the weaping sores are not.  I keep thinking to myself, I can do this, I can do this!  Wish I was going up to Swedish for my rads, but it is too far and too much driving..although I am so happy that I went up there for my mast..they did a great job and couldn't be happier with the result.

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  • jeanbean
    jeanbean Member Posts: 61
    edited November 2009

    I was sickened to hear of Robin's death. I never met her in person but her amazing spirit and outlook shined from her postings. I will be wearing purple on sunday and will check out the non-profit too. Thanks to Susan for finding out what happened.

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  • Madge24
    Madge24 Member Posts: 150
    edited November 2009

    April Girl -- Thanks for posting on our behalf about Robin; I was thinking today that someone should know that we cared about her and we are mourning her passing too.  So I am glad you did it. 

    Colette -- You will get through radiation.  Just slather on the cream they recommend -- I can pm you what I used if you like.  I did not have weeping sores or any problems and I am very fair.  You can do it, I promise.

    Today was my last day of radiation.  It's nice to be done with it.  Onward.

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  • daffodil45
    daffodil45 Member Posts: 76
    edited November 2009

    Hello all. I have finally gathered the courage to stop lurking, and finally post! The Bainbridge girls all know me... funny how I am even more shy online than in person! Just to introduce myself, I had two primary cancers in one breast. One ER/PR + Her-, one triple negative. Bilateral mastectomy, micro met, full lymph node dissection on the right side. I finished TC in January, and had a hell of a trial on Tamoxifen (fevers and nausea for 6 months) the three shots of Lupron (that was unbearable... no sleep at all in between horrid hot flashes) and am now taking a supervised "break" . Don't know what is next, I have an appt. with a gyn at Swedish to discuss a full hysterectomy in a couple of weeks. Bounced around to a few oncologists, and finally found a good fit. I have 2 teenage boys (9th and 12th grade) and a fisherman husband! I am just so comforted with connecting with you all out there... I do need the support! I am considered premenopausal (I'm 45) stopped my period twice (such fun) once during chemo, and now after Lupron. Have a feeling it will come back again, hence the talk of hysterectomy. Anyone out there that has exhausted the tamoxifen, and Lupron??? I just want to "be back!" Especially for my boys; they are about to fly the coop!

    Christl

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

    Christi, first off ... welcome aboard.   Although I am not able to give any tips on the Tamo front ... after chemo induced menopause at 45 as well, I've been put on a AI.  I do know that the hot flashes, funky moods (wanting to cry at the drop of a hat, etc), have subsided two-fold for myself, but it has taken many months. 

    I have the hunch that you'll get some advice, experiences of some of the other gals.  Have you "lurked" on some of the other boards that are targeted towards some of your hormone issues.

    I understand that sometimes these new "norms" can suck ... and we need to do everything and anything we can to make life the most tolerable for ourselves.  Sounds like your moving forth with a good doc.

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  • armywifenmommy
    armywifenmommy Member Posts: 33
    edited November 2009

    welcome Christi!! :)

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

    Hi Christl - when I first saw your post and Bainbridge I thought - omg - not another Bainbridge with BC - but I know you!  Welcome!  So happy you de-lurked!  You will find great support here.

    Tracy - how was the meeting at Swedish?  I really wanted to attend, but we had cub scouts here, and my daughter had a big project due, so....I couldn't make it!  Another island girl with BC made it and I tried to describe you so she could meet you - but don't know if that was possible.  I am interested in hearing about it.

    I have now officially joined FB and am having social anxiety from it.  Too many high school people!  ACK!

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

    Susan, I've had some of the same over the top feelings with the FB gig ... Sorry, but I did delete quite a few from my friends list!!! Decided that I really didn't know or care what many of them we're doing in hs, and I probably still don't. Okay I sai it !!! The site does snowball, but once you kind of figure out what you want to keep up on, it's awesome !!



    Peg, are we doing the "done with rads" dance yet ?!?!? Been thinking of ya!

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  • cheers247
    cheers247 Member Posts: 270
    edited November 2009

    Peg, I'm so happy you are done with rads!!  I have my first on 11/16.

    Welcome Christi, I hope you are doing well.  Dr. Veljovich at Swedish did my total hysterectomy on 10/7.  He was great, he used the Da Vinci Robot, I had NO PAIN, If I didn't have the incisions on my tummy I wouldn't have believed I'd had it done.  The mastectomies and ALND are a totally different story...

    Much Love, Jessica

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

    Peg - woo hoo!!!!  You are done!  I know you feel great - you look wonderful (saw her at the Jr. High band concert tonight!). 

    Jessica - rads will fly by, I am not kidding!  Your robotic surgery sounds like the way to go - amazing.

    Carol - I looked for you on facebook but couldn't find you.  Thanks for your FB support - so I guess after a couple of weeks the panic dies down....or I start blocking old "friends".  

    I have a high school friend coming in tomorrow from San Francisco - so off to clean!

    S

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  • sam1991
    sam1991 Member Posts: 331
    edited November 2009

    (((((((Robin))))))) 

    I hope you all are well. I went to Red Robin with my DH the other day and raised my glass to all the beautiful crazy sexy in Seattle ladies.

    Be safe....Be strong

    Kathie 

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

    Wearing purple for Robin today.   Yesterday was my one year "cancerversary" of my diagnosis. 

    Thank goodness the year is done!

    S

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  • littlebird75
    littlebird75 Member Posts: 120
    edited November 2009

    Hey there - a few of you from this group pointed me this way. My name is Cindy - I live in Arlington. I've just read page one of the posts from the last few days. I think this is a good place to be so thank you tkone for creating this "Seattle" space.

    I'll keep reading and look forward to getting to know the group. 

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  • cheers247
    cheers247 Member Posts: 270
    edited November 2009

    April, one year is a huge milestone!! 

    Cindy, Welcome to the Crazy Sexy thread, I'm glad you came.  I hope you get good news today from your BS re: your path report.  I'll be thinking of you!

    Much Love, Jessica

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  • littlebird75
    littlebird75 Member Posts: 120
    edited November 2009

    Well that was a relief - Pathology came in with no bad news. Clear nodes and clear margines. The tumor was smaller than the surgeon first thought - .2.6 cm X 2.6 cm. Changes me to a stage 2 instead of the stage 3 he mentioned on the last visit.

    My emotions went from dread, to relief, to hope that perhaps chemo and radiation wouldn't be necessary back to resignation of facing that treatment course. Wow - we humans are amazing with the huge array of emotions we can go through from instant to instant. 

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  • tkone
    tkone Member Posts: 511
    edited November 2009

    All,

    I realized it has been awhile since I have posted.  Just getting on with normal life I guess.  Peg and Susan, congrats on finishing radiation.  Carol-how are  you feeling about your upcoming surgery?  I know it is coming up sooner than you had thought.

    Cindy-I'm glad you found us and it is my pleasure to have started the thread.  However, my starting it isn't what has made it successful-it is the great people who come here and share their thoughts and feelings.  I knew there were fabulous people in Seattle!  I just wish we all belonged to some other club instead of the BC club!

    Tracy

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  • cheers247
    cheers247 Member Posts: 270
    edited November 2009

    Cindy, I'm so happy your path results were better than expected. 

    I was doing some reading about rads.  I read that they put "tattoos" on you??  Do they all do this, my rad onc at Swedish didn't say anything about that.  I start rads on Monday 11/16.  I'm not liking this...

    Much Love, Jessica

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