Michigan Girl's

Pam, I grew up in Michigan, graduated from UM (go blue!) and have since moved west for better weather.  A friend's mother was treated at UM a few years ago and had a great experience. She was in her early 70s and had a lumpectomy + rads and did great.

Pam,

I am in metro Detroit but had my surgeries (lumpectomy, BLMX and reconstruction) at U of M.  I did my chemo at Beaumont because I did not like the med onc at U of  M and it was closer - plus they have cold caps onsite so I could keep my hair.  I finished chemo almost a month ago and have my exchange surgery on 6/23 at U of M.  I love my surgeons there...they are really good!  Feel free to PM if you want to compare notes.   I too am Stage I but Grade 2, ER/PR+ and HER2-.....so we have similar stats.

Liz, I don't know what you are getting for chemo but I did taxotere and cytoxan and it was pretty manageable for me.  I hope you are equally blessed!  Try to document the side effects and when they occur (keep a journal) for the first round of chemo especially so you can plan for the next rounds.  I did this...avoided bone pain, heartburn, body aches, constipation and such by knowing it would most likely happen and planning ahead with medications/solutions.   Be kind to yourself....rest when you need to.  Drink TONS of water on chemo day and the days following to flush the chemo out of your body.  If people offer help - accept it so you can focus on taking care of yourself.  I also believe that exercise was key for me.  I exercised 5 days a week through chemo.  It made me feel better and gave me more energy.  On the days I did not exercise, I was more lethargic for sure.  Good luck!