Crazy Sexy Cancer in Seattle

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited July 2010

    I haven't been here in forever, but it seems the best place to ask. I've finally decided I don't have to deal with my crappy relationship with my oncologist and her staff just because I feel responsible to make it work. It's never been a good match, and my appointment yesterday made me feel like an unpleasant interruption in their day.

    Please PM me if you know of an oncologist who respects you, listens, offers guidance, and makes you feel like you matter in some way. I know this is routine to them, but it is not routine for us. It's the little things. I've dealt with this for going on three years, thinking it's just me. Time to move on. I did such careful research before choosing, but sometimes brains alone just don't make the grade.

    I need someone within walking distance of First Hill.

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  • daffodil45
    daffodil45 Member Posts: 76
    edited July 2010

    Towhee... can't figure out the PM thing (pms+chemo brain) but this is certainly not private info from my end. I see Dr. Henry "Hank" Kaplan at Swedish. I started out with Dr. Pinder at VM. She moved to Florida. I then saw Dr. Julie Gralowe at SCCA.Worst experience with a physician in my life. Ended up with Dr. K.....he always runs late. He will spend an hour with you, if you need it. He will call with test results on a Sunday, at 8pm., he responds to ALL of his messages personally ( a nurse is always available and will talk to you first....), he will respond to the most innane, anxiety based questions with genuine empathy. I recently had a medical "emergency" (ruptured cyst on the old ovary) and I was in my internist's office, with Dr. K on the speakerphone. They both decided what my next step was. And he checked on me that night, and 2 days later. I hope he is taking new patients, for your sake.

    Best of luck... you can pm me... I do have the respnse button figured out!

    Hello to everyone else!!!! 

    Daff

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  • frosty1
    frosty1 Member Posts: 420
    edited July 2010

    Hair report!  Peach fuzz on top.  Chin hairs.  Need to pluck stray hairs on my eye brows.  And feels like I need to shave my legs.  Okay.  TMI.  But it is exciting!

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited July 2010

    Brenda - you crack me up!!!  Just wait if you start femara - those chin hairs might just multiply!!!!  I am very happy for you!

    So sorry I mised you all in June - my dd was in a dance performance that evening.

    Towhee - sent you a pm.

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  • Claire_in_Seattle
    Claire_in_Seattle Member Posts: 4,570
    edited July 2010

    I am gearing up for the Seattle-to-Portland.  Got my flat fixed (from last Saturday's Lake Washington Loop ride) and anti-bonk potions this afternoon.

    Also got to call my radiation oncologist a "weenie" for not doing this as he is a cyclist.  They were thrilled at how well I am doing during last visit today.

    Love those cool temps.  Last year was the same average temp, but roasted the first day and froze the second.

    I am now rocking ultra short with hair color to cover "pelt of deceased rodent".  Donated wigs today, so am moving beyond.

    Hope everyone else is enjoying the cool summer. - Claire

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  • Issymom
    Issymom Member Posts: 264
    edited July 2010

    Claire - Good luck this weekend on the ride.  That is an amazing feat.  I imagine you will be loving the short doo for trip!  When it was hot last week, I really appreciated the ultra short doo.  It making training for the 3-Day much easier.

     Lorrie

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited July 2010

    Claire - you are amazing!!!!  I LOVE the description of your hair.  Must feel great to donate the wigs.

    Enjoy your ride this weekend - should be perfect weather for the event.

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  • tkone
    tkone Member Posts: 511
    edited July 2010

    Towhee-so great to "see" you here!  I'm sorry you are having issues with your oncologist.  I see Kristine Rinn at Swedish and I absolutely love her.  She listens, she empathizes, she lets me be part of the decision making, her nurse is fabulous.  Love all of them.  Good luck.  I know you will find someone who is the right fit for you.

    Claire-Rock the bike ride!  You'll do great. 

    Hair reports-Yay!!!  It is a great feeling to actually be able to ditch those wigs, scarves and hats.  Of course the chin hairs are the first to return....and it sucks to have to shave again, but a small price to pay for the luxury of having hair again.

    Aprilgirl-sorry we missed you at the get together.  It is nice to see that we are starting to move on with our lives again though.

    Take care all.  Going out to enjoy the sunshine.

    Tracy

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  • 3monstmama
    3monstmama Member Posts: 1,447
    edited July 2010

    Towhee

    I also see Kristine Rinn at Swedish and I love her.  I will caution you that she is oft as not late  but that is because she takes as long as you need to talk about your situation and help you thorugh the decisions and when you do that with every patient, you tend to get behind. That said, her staff will happily tell you how late she is running before you come over so you don't wait too long.

    Sunshine is definitely a good thing...................

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  • gillyone
    gillyone Member Posts: 1,727
    edited July 2010

    Hello ladies - I live in Moscow, Idaho and will be visiting your general area later this month. A friend and I are attending a workshop in Bothell. I was hoping to be able to meet up with anyone in your group. If anyone is interested in a little get-together on Tuesday, July 27 please PM me. Perhaps dinner somewhere in/around Bothell?

    Thanks ladies.

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  • frosty1
    frosty1 Member Posts: 420
    edited July 2010

    I'm open ... we could meet at Canyons.  Anyone else?

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  • Issymom
    Issymom Member Posts: 264
    edited July 2010

    Gillyone I would love to meet you but I will be at Lake Chelan on the 27th.  I hope you have a great visit to our neck of the woods!

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  • gillyone
    gillyone Member Posts: 1,727
    edited July 2010

    Another time perhaps, Lorrie.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited July 2010

    Gillyone - I would love to meet you - we have friends coming for a visit, but I think they leave that day. If so, I can make it.  We have a great, fun group of women here in the Seattle area.  I will check with them, and let you know!

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  • gillyone
    gillyone Member Posts: 1,727
    edited July 2010

    That would be great aprilgirl. Frosty/Brenda is in!

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  • frosty1
    frosty1 Member Posts: 420
    edited July 2010

    I'm thinking maybe we want to go to Kirkland waterfront?  Let Gilly enjoy the view?  It's about 20 minutes at the most from downtown Bothell (you'll be going against traffic. 

    Let me know who all is interested and I'll check out some spots.

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  • gillyone
    gillyone Member Posts: 1,727
    edited July 2010

    The Kirkland waterfront with workshop friend and Brenda/frosty sounds wonderful if anyone else is around on Tuesday July 27?

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  • frosty1
    frosty1 Member Posts: 420
    edited July 2010

    Let's plan on Tuesday July 27, 6pm, Yarrow Bay Beach Cafe at Carillon Point.  I'll get there a bit before 6, put it under my name (I'll use Frosty), and see who can make it.  If you can give me an idea before then if you think you can make it, I will be sure to have a space large enough.

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  • frosty1
    frosty1 Member Posts: 420
    edited July 2010

    Here are the details for next Tuesday July 27.  See you there around 6pm:

    Beach Cafe at the Woodmark Hotel at Carillon Point
    1170 Carillon Point
    Kirkland, WA 98033

    ph. 425.889.0303 or 800.822.3700

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  • tkone
    tkone Member Posts: 511
    edited July 2010

    I wish I could make it on Tuesday, but I will be in a class.  Have a drink for me!

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  • Iamstronger
    Iamstronger Member Posts: 378
    edited July 2010

    Hi ladies,

    Just had to share that I am finally done with my 33 rads.  Just finished today!!  So glad to be done with chemo and rads.  I have to do herceptin until Feb, but the side effects on that are mild.  I never thought that I would get to this place!  So Happy!! 

    Hope all of you are doing well,

    V 

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited July 2010

    Congrats V!!!

    Well, I'm not allowed to transfer to Dr. Rinn and Kaplan's practice is closed. I had a bone scan and cat scan Tuesday and see my onc on Monday. I'm trying to think positive thoughts but sure wish I was seeing someone I felt comfortable with. I love my breast surgeon and plastic surgeon, so I don't think it's just me. Sometimes personalities don't click. I'm pretty discouraged right now.

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  • Claire_in_Seattle
    Claire_in_Seattle Member Posts: 4,570
    edited July 2010

    I am thrilled to report that I did the Seattle-to-Portland.  Yes, we took the full two days, but had a blast in Centralia, staying at the Olympic Club, a converted "gentlemen's club" to use the term "gentlemen" loosely.

    My really exciting news is that I went for a ride last night and couldn't believe how much stronger I am than one week ago!!!!! 

    I had thought this during the Seattle-to-Portland when I sailed through the last 50 miles.  However, we had a tailwind and I was full of anti-bonk potions so couldn't be sure.  But everything was different last night from even last week: stronger legs, better balance, more zip up the short hills, taking corners with a lot more confidence.  I was amazed.

    I plan to do the Seattle Century in 10 days, but the 50 mile route.  A couple of friends are doing the Tour de Fat, but I need a bit more "distance" and less beer.  The one main bummer with the STP is that they ran out of beer....promise to make that one up though.

    Going ou now to enjoy the sunshine!

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  • frosty1
    frosty1 Member Posts: 420
    edited July 2010

    Congrats Claire!  That is an amazing feat!

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited July 2010

    Congrats V on finishing rads and congrats Claire on the STP!

    Brenda and Gilly - we have house guests thru Wednesday,. so I can not meet you in Kirkland :(

    Have a great time - such a beautiful time to be in the Seattle area!

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  • tkone
    tkone Member Posts: 511
    edited July 2010

    V-Yippee!!  Nice to hit milestones isn't it??

    Claire-Congratulations!  I had friends who did the STP as well.  That is fantastic and glad you continue to feel stronger.

    Hope everyone is enjoying the sunshine!

    Tracy

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  • Issymom
    Issymom Member Posts: 264
    edited July 2010

    Verene - Congrats on finishing rads.  I have thought of you many times in the past week but I am in Chelan and didn't open my laptop until yesterday.  Have a great vacation with your family.  It has been an awful 6 months and now you are done (sort of).

    Claire- Congrats on the STP.  That is an amazing accomplishment!

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  • Claire_in_Seattle
    Claire_in_Seattle Member Posts: 4,570
    edited July 2010

    Thx everyone.  Believe it or not, I am "cycled out" and don't think it has ONE THING to do with BC.  My body said "I quit" in Fremont yesterday.

    I did sign up for the Seattle Century on Saturday.  Can't wait for the grilled salmon feed at the end.  Plus, ENOUGH BEER!!!

    More great news is that the blackberries are out.  So got my fill along the trail cycling to Golden Gardens yesterday.  So pie in my future????   Hmmmmmmm.

    And just the most glorious sunset tonight.  Life is good.

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  • frosty1
    frosty1 Member Posts: 420
    edited July 2010

    Lovely dinner last night on the outside deck at Beach Cafe in Kirkland.  Really enjoyed meeting Gillian and her friend, Laura.

    Looking forward to our next dinner with the gang.

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  • Iamstronger
    Iamstronger Member Posts: 378
    edited August 2010

    Hi Ladies,

    Looking at reconstructive surgery.  My rad onc recommended Kevin Beshlian at VM.  Anyone use him?  Were you happy with him?  Any input is helpful.

    Thanks,

    V

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