Crazy Sexy Cancer in Seattle

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  • Issymom
    Issymom Member Posts: 264
    edited October 2010

    I have a cousin (2nd or 3rd) who is an accupuncturist in Portland.  She said that she used to work with a Breast surgeon and said she has been able to give women lots of relief from the side effects of chemo and also to manage the anxiety.  I spoke to her brother (they share an apartment).  He said that she comes home with amazing stories of how she helped or diagnosed someone that conventional doctors could not.  I was a skeptic before talking to her but I would definately consider it now.

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  • pumela115
    pumela115 Member Posts: 231
    edited October 2010

    Cyntyler, Hi welcome.......I go to swedish cancer inst. They have rooms with the material that they can pull around for privacy and they also have private rooms if you want to wait for one. I have gotten a private room 2 times out of 8, i don't know what determines who gets which room. Both rooms have tv's in them if you like to watch tv :). They also have an open room, but i think they just use it for really quick infusions. If you have to have chemo it's fine. The nurse's are really nice and are happy to pamper you. They have lunch if you want it and lots of different stuff to drink. Who is your Doctor, if you don't mind me asking?  I didn't have TC but i did get neulasta shots the first 4 times and i didn't have a problem with it. Good Luck!!!!                                                                        Pam

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

    SusansGarden - I did see a doctor at Seattle Treatment and Wellness Ctr right before they moved. They used to be in downtown Seattle, near Swedish Hospital.  I saw a Naturopathic Doctor named Dr. Heidi Lucas.  She gave me some great info on supplements, and did some blood tests to test me on a variety of things.    I never considered them for actual treatment because I was and am very happy at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. 

    Have you had an oncotype done on your tumor?  I just read back and see that Jodi asked you the same thing!  My score was in the gray area, so I had CMF chemo like Jodi and Golfer997.  I had mine weekly (the only way SCCA does CMF for some reason).  I also did not have a port - that's right - 24 infusions without a port!  I have really visible, "good veins" so it was not a problem.  

    I have heard of the penguin caps, but didn't look into them for myself.  I have heard that it interferes with chemo, and I have also heard that it is not a problem, so who knows?!  I hate that about the cancer ride - so many decisions, and not all of them really clear......

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  • tkone
    tkone Member Posts: 511
    edited October 2010

    Cindy-I went to Swedish too.  They are fabulous.  If you want a private room, just ask for one.  They  have dvd players, cd players, magazines, lunch, drinks, blankets.  It is about as nice as they can make it.  The people are fabulous too.  I'm glad you will be going there.  I love Swedish and love every doctor I have had contact with there.

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  • cyntyler
    cyntyler Member Posts: 16
    edited October 2010

    pumela115 (Pam) - Thanks  for the info about the chemo treatment area at SCI. My medical oncologist is Dr. Fitzharris. I had wanted to go to one of the oncologists that specialize in bc, but they were scheduled too far out (6-8 wks). So far Dr. Fitzharris has been very nice and informative.

    tkone (Tracy) - Thank you also for the info on Swedish. I also love them! My first contact with Swedish was Mary - a patient coordinator for Dr. Buchannan (BS) and she is fantastic. If I don't get her on the phone immediately, she always calls back the same day and has been such a help even when my issues don't always relate to my surgery.

    Cindy

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  • cyntyler
    cyntyler Member Posts: 16
    edited October 2010

    Hi all,

    Was supposed to have port placement sx today and lst chemo on Friday, but developed staph infection (and some other bug) so delayed for two weeks. I knew something was wrong when my right breast (what is left of it after mastectomy) became red, hot and the pain that had pretty much subsided was back with a vengance. I am okay with waiting since I want to start chemo as healthy as possible. Chemo on 11/11 (TC) and Neulasta on 11/12 so hope that I am feeling well enough to come on 11/16 - I am going to give it my best effort!

    Cindy

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  • pumela115
    pumela115 Member Posts: 231
    edited October 2010

    Hi Cindy,            Feel better soon!!!!    ((((((HUGS))))))

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

    Cindy - a staph infection is no fun. Hope you get mega-antibiotics to give it a hard kick. I had a staph infection in my lumpectomy boob this summer - one whole year after surgery. There's always something going on to keep us on our toes!

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

    Sorry - I just realised this was the Seattle thread. Oh well - I did meet Frosty this summer.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited October 2010
    Question for you Seattle ladies.... did any of you get post surgical cami's at Nordstrom?  And did your insurance cover the cost.  Are the post surgical cami's necessary?  Went last night for a "fitting" and the lady said they are supposed to fit snug..is that correct?  Especially right after surgery?  ....and why do they only come in white or nude? ..... I was hoping for black or a nice leopard print? Kiss
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  • pumela115
    pumela115 Member Posts: 231
    edited October 2010

    Susans,                      So funny you mention this. Just yesterday i went for chemo and mentioned to my Dr about taking a trip to Vegas, anyway he said i needed to buy a sleeve for my arm while flying on the airplane. So long story short i went to the place to get the sleeve. I should also mention i had my surgery on June 9th. The place i went to specializes in breast cancer things. I got 2 sleeves @ 155.00 each 2 bra's @ 60.00 and my ins. covers all of it, she also told me if i come back in a couple months i could get 2 camys also. I wish someone would have told me sooner! But after sugery i just wore sports bras, but i just had a lumpectomy. The sleeve i got fits very snug so i would imagine the camys would also. I bet someone will be along soon to help you with the answer to your questions. I'm sure it also depends on your ins. and any copays, but because i had already met my deductible i didn't have to pay for any of it. I feel like i won the lottery! I guess it's the least they can give us, because i'm sure when all is said and done i could have travelled around the world and back, with the bills i have incurred. I hope this helped a little and  Good Luck!!!!!!!                                                                                                          Pam

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  • pumela115
    pumela115 Member Posts: 231
    edited October 2010

    P.S.   Sorry the colors at this store i went to were also black, white and nude. No fun colors! :(

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

    You just hit one of my pet peeves.  One of the worst moments in this whole experience was when the well-meaning nurse at Group Health showed me "post surgery" garments.  I immediately got the need for counseling.

    I had a lumpectomy and got my garments at Nordstrom.  A nice Donna Karan bra (2) w/o underwires.  I now use them for sports.

    Then I went to Nordstrom Rack and bought two sexy black camis to wear over.  I was able to pin the drain to the seams, and the lace bottom held everything in place.  I also use them for cycling now as cover the gap where I get sunburn.  The were $13 each and wonderful feeling.

    My real pet peeve is that all the fashion designers who claim to support "pink" can't be bothered to come up with post surgery garments that don't compromise our need to feel sexy.

    BTW - Marks & Spencer, a UK chain, gets it.  They have a sexy line, and they coordinate with other garments they sell.  We need to get with the program.

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

    Hi Pumula,

    Bet no sexy lace either.

    Can you pair the black with a sexy zebra or leopard thong???

    Silk if possible. - Claire

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  • pumela115
    pumela115 Member Posts: 231
    edited October 2010

    Hi Claire,    Ha Ha Ha,  you made me smile!!  nope no lace either. I will be shopping for that leopard thong now! Just the picture in my head is cracking me up!  Thanks for the smiles! Take Care!!          Pam

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  • Issymom
    Issymom Member Posts: 264
    edited October 2010

    Susan - I ordered my cami from online site.  It was covered by insurance, however, I didn't wear it much.  I had several tank tops (nice ones) from Chicos. They are made out of silky material (but not silk, they wash well).  They were very soft on the skin and I safety pinned the drains to them.  I wore sweaters, sweatshirts, and/or vests over it and no one knew I had drains.  I am not sure why it would need to be tight, the opposite is what I would say is best for a mastectomy.  I did delayed reconstruction and went FLAT for several months.  I had my surgery in December and so I wore the layered look and no one appeared to notice. 

    Lorrie

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

    Gillyone - you are one of us - you can always post, even if you live a bit east!!!

    Happy Halloween everyone - as much as I love this event (and my kids really love it) I will be happy when it is over!!!!!  I just wish Monday was not a school day - candy hangovers....

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  • Iamstronger
    Iamstronger Member Posts: 378
    edited August 2013

    Susan-i got my cami's at Nordstrom and it wasn't all that tight fitting, but it wasn't super loose either.  Kind of fit me like a regular cami would.  I also go a couple of bras and my prosthetics there.  Insurance covered all of it.  The gal I had at Nordstrom (Bellevue-can't remember her name, but she is the one who works with this type of stuff) was awesome. 

    In addition, If you buy a bras, camis, or swimsuit, they will not charge you any additional costs for alterations.  I had actually bought 3 swim suits 6 months prior to my dx and brought them back in and they made the alterations so that I could put my false prosthetics in for free!  Which, I was very pleased about.  Those suits were not cheap!   I called ahead of time to make an appt, because it took a bit of time.  I was very happy with my experience at Nordstrom. 

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

    Thanks for the tips ladies!  I'm thinking I'm not going to go for the "tighter" ones because I remember my PS talking about not necessarily needing to wear a bra until the exchange (I'm having TE's put in at the time of surgery). I'm thinking something loose to hold the drains should be fine until I get those out.  Anyone have a good suggestion for the online stores that have the loose ones with pockets?

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  • seattle_sister
    seattle_sister Member Posts: 7
    edited October 2010

    Susan - I also got my cami's from Nordstrom and they fit just like normal ones.  They were close to my skin, but not too close.  I had to wear them during the winter months and they kept me warm.  I think I even wore them to bed, so the drains were tucked safely in the pockets.  Nordstrom (Bellevue anyway) was really good to work with.  And I think they had the breast pockets to put the fiberfill "puffs" in if you don't want to look flat.  They were lightweight and didn't hurt my incisions.  Good luck with your surgery! 

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  • libby
    libby Member Posts: 165
    edited November 2010

    For all you ladies actively going through chemo, there is a free housecleaning service provided on a weekly basis.  Here is the website:  cleaningforareason.org.

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

    Thanks guys. :) .... I called my BS about getting a "prescription" for the post surgery garments (so Nordstrom could bill insurance directly) and they said they give the prescription AFTER the surgery?  Like I'm gonna have time to go "shopping" after surgery?  Isn't that odd?  Why couldn't I just get it before?  Hmmmm... maybe I will ask for it at my pre-op appt the week prior to surgery.

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  • cyntyler
    cyntyler Member Posts: 16
    edited November 2010

    SusansGarden: Maybe your BS was mistaken about you wanting a prescription for a post op bra for prosthetics instead of post surgery camisole and/or bra. I got my Rx for my camisole/bra about 10-days before my mastectomy and the ladies at Nordstrom were wonderful. I am a do-it-yourself kind of gal and I was apprehensive about someone helping with such a personal purchase, but the consultant was wonderful and I am actually looking forward to getting the okay to go get my bras and prosthesis.

    I am still waiting for the okay to go back to work, now 4 wks post mastectomy. My staph infection is improving, but my BS had to pack the incision that is still open a little. Hopefully still on for port placement next Wednesday and first chemo on Thursday. This waiting is so frustrating.

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

    I happened to talk to the BC office today and asked if I could get all my prescriptions at the pre-op appt (someone on the forum suggested that) and they said "no problem".  So that's taken care of! :)

    I have already been to Nordstrom for the fitting and know my size and everything.. they had told me to wait and get the prescription so that they could bill the insurance company directly and it wouldn't cost me up front. I thought they were very nice and helpful too! :) ... that day I also went and bought a pretty and comfy robe and some cute super soft button up pajamas so I could relax in comfort and not have to necessarily change when visitors come over, but still look fabulous. Wink

    It's just hard waiting and having all this "time" before my surgery.... but on the other hand it allows me to get a lot of stuff ready and prepared at work and at home.  My mom and a friend are coming over this weekend to help me deep clean the house so that I can enjoy a nice clean home as I recover and celebrate the holidays. Laughing 

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  • Iamstronger
    Iamstronger Member Posts: 378
    edited November 2010

    Hi Ladies,

    What time are we meeting on Nov 16th at the waterfront Red Robin?  Looking forward to seeing everyone.

    V 

      

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  • raincitygirl
    raincitygirl Member Posts: 3,143
    edited November 2010

    Vmarie - I was just thinking about this when I woke up - as I recall it was 6?

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

    I have it down as 6pm :) .... Is the table under a reservation name?  As I recall, the only instructions I got was "look for the table of women filled with laughter".  I can't wait!!! Kiss

    ~ Susan 

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  • raincitygirl
    raincitygirl Member Posts: 3,143
    edited November 2010

    Is anyone interested in doing an eastside carpool from Bellevue?

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  • tkone
    tkone Member Posts: 511
    edited November 2010

    Hi Ladies,

    November 16th is the right day.  6:00pm is the right time.  I generally don't make reservations because I never know for sure how many are going to be there, but I try to get there early and put it under my name (Tracy) 

    I'll try to go through the thread and see who all is coming.  Looking forward to seeing everyone.

    Tracy

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  • tkone
    tkone Member Posts: 511
    edited November 2010

    OK ladies...I just went through the thread to see how many of us there are.  I think this might be the largest group we have ever had if everyone actually comes....so exciting!!  i think there are 12 of us.  Sheesh!  I might actually have to make reservations. 

    Let me just apologize in advance if when we meet I don't remember your real name or where you live etc.  I try really hard to keep up, but my brain sometimes gets too full!  I'll do my best.

    Here are the people who I have as coming out on November 16th to the Red Robin on Pier 55 at 6:00:

    tkone-Tracy (me)

    Issymom

    RaincityGirl

    Pumela115 

    Golfer779

    SusansGarden

    VMarie

    Frosty1

    Aprilgirl

    Madge24

    Seattle Sister

    Cyntyler

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