Crazy Sexy Cancer in Seattle

Happy Groundhog Day to the Seattle crew!  It sure doesn't look like 6 more weeks of winter out here.  I'm heading out for a walk to enjoy the beautiful, dry morning.

Vmarie -- I start chemo on 3/3.  Had my surgery on 1/11, so right behind you!

I get the same as you ... minus radiation and the Beth project.  I'm on the biphosphonate study that I will start after chemo.  I started out DCIS and after MX they found 2 small tumors that bumped me into the invasive group with all the positives.  Are you doing 6x over 3 months?

Hello Vmarie, I'm glad you found the Seattle thread!  It sounds like you're recovering ok from surgery.  I hope you are doing well otherwise too.

I got the news last week that I'm NED!!  I know that my recurrance rate is high, but I'm going to enjoy it while I can!! XOXO

www.caringbridge.org/visit/jessicam

Just for fun my daughter and I hit the Party City store in Issaquah -- they have a fun selection of silly wigs.  Debating on the purple bob or the pink and black spike.  After finally growing my hair out for the last 4 years, I'm going in this week to get it short.  Thought I might as well get started.  And celebrated International Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast yesterday at Molly Moons in Capital Hill.  Vanilla honey lavender ice cream on warm oatmeal was heavenly!

It would be great to meet people that have been through/going through the same thing!  I start my chemo on 3/3, so the week after (March 10,11,15,16,17,18) would probably be best.

It is scary and not what I had originally planned.  But obviously someone else had other ideas.  Now I'm 'embracing' my soon to be bald head.  I found a pattern for a chemo beanie and some fleece and cotton remnants at JoAnn's yesterday, so thought I'd make a few -- I can always give away what I don't need.  I'm at VM downtown ... Dr Malpass is my onc and he is great.  I'm in to see Dr Wechter for my 4 week check-up this week.  I can't believe it has been a month.  I appreciate all the advice and comments from all you ladies that have been through this.  It definitely makes it easier knowing what's coming.

The 16th or 18th would work for me.  It would be nice to meet some other local women going (or who have gone through) this.  I will be a little more than 1/2 way through my chemo then.

Tkone - My sister and I are going to do it but haven't signed up yet.  We are both BRCA1+, so this is an important cause to keep up.  It looks like a great event.  I need to get walking more (especially now that the weather is getting better).

Tracy and Issy .... chiming in ..... I'm sign up (Carol Salo)  for the 3 Day hook, line and sinker.   Issy, your sister and you will not regret a moment of this inspiring event.    The beni's of signing up with a team is to take the experiences of the veteran walkers and sponge up all the info you can.   Can't wait to meet you !!!!!

Tracy .... I'm good for probably any date in March .... I'll let the others start piping in !!!!!

Hi all,

Just found this thread, I am in Seattle and had a bilat MX 1/21, at UWMC. I am on my second go-round, after DCIS and a lumpectomy in 2003. Found an enlarged node on my screening mammo last June, which was then biopsied and found to have IDC. So I did my chemo first, at SCCA. Good to find you other NW folks, even though none of us wants to be meeting for this particular reason. 

Tkone-thanks for the tips regarding Chemo.  I will check out the Feb Thread.

Verene 

I love this weather.  It makes it nice to get outside and be active.  Had my 4-week check-up with my BS yesterday and she mentioned Anton's Hair Company in Bellevue that makes wigs from your own hair.  Anybody try that?  I plan on mostly hats and scarves, but want a wig for job interviews and special occasions. 

Frosty - I have a wig made by Anton.  When I found out that I had to have Chemo, I was so sad and worried about how I would look.  I went to Anton's to find out about the process.  I was reassuring that I could get this wig if I wanted it.  As part of the consulation, Anton's son measured my head (I told him I had a big head and he said everyone thinks that).  Well, after measuring he said "oh my, you do have a big head".  I would have a VERY hard time to find a wig that would fit so the decision was made.  It cost $1500 (including tax).  My insurance paid $300.  I have a lot of gray and so I got it cut and colored every 5 weeks.  My hairdresser didn't charge me for my last 2 appointments (there's another $260+).  It will be quite some time before I have to go back for the cut and color (maybe I will be one of those whose hair comes back with no gray, fingers crossed), so in the end the cost is a wash.

My avatar is me at the Anton's just before getting shaved.  I looked a lot happier than I was.  I think it was shock.  Below is my wig the next day (after a little more styling).  I have done a little more work to it and like it more now.  People say things like "it looks like your old hair" (it is), "did you get your haircut", etc.. I still wish it was attached to my head but I feel good when I go out. I wear it when I going out to something social, a meeting, showing clients homes, etc... but most of the time I wear my knit caps or scarves as they are more comfortable.