Ohio Chemo Sisters

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  • kidsandlabs
    kidsandlabs Member Posts: 138
    edited August 2012

    I have a business trip up coming, can or should I travel while on chemo?

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  • Lumpynme
    Lumpynme Member Posts: 747
    edited August 2012

    depends on how you feel and how you are travelling.

    have you had any surgery? air travel can be an issue.

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  • kidsandlabs
    kidsandlabs Member Posts: 138
    edited August 2012

    I will be having a thyroid surgery and then just chemo. It will be air travel.

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  • TonLee
    TonLee Member Posts: 2,626
    edited August 2012

    Here's hoping we get some rain this weekend!

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  • Kelloggs
    Kelloggs Member Posts: 965
    edited August 2012

    Amen Tonlee, I do believe it's in the forecast for NE Ohio anyway!

    kidsandlabs - the issue with surgery and flying is if you have had axillary lymph nodes removed.  Flying can cause or aggravate lymphedema.  If you haven't had lymph nodes removed there shouldn't be an issue with flying.  I would say as long as you feel good enough, go for it!

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  • Lumpynme
    Lumpynme Member Posts: 747
    edited September 2012

    kelloggs..thx for expanding on the flying thing- was not trying to upset kidsandlabs...guess my "shorthand" answers aren't always at the right time!

    gals...i had the most awesome "date nite" with my 32 year old son last nite! we had dinner and then toured the Lorain Lighthouse...he was raised in Lorain(as was his dad) so it's historicly part of our lives and the whole experience was refreshing for my soul!!!

    so what does everyone have planned for this holiday weekend? i'll be helping my daughter clean out her former townhouse- she was to have closed on a house she is buying but the lender screwed up big time so she is staying at her dad and stepmom's for a bit...

    some grocery shopping and then i dunno what we're doing!

    i've had 5 of 34 RADS....so far no SE's ...the tired i feel is more emotional/mental due to scheduling and hubby's brother's cancer and etc etc etc.....

    have a great weekend!

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited September 2012

    My husband is working today, so I'm doing some cleaning in between reading some Bible, being on this site, and cooking pinto beans, fried taters, & cornbread.

    We go to church on Sunday, then go to lunch afterwards with a group of 4 others from church. We take turns choosing the restaurant.



    Monday is the Johnstown Swappers Day. We go every year, and I've been looking forward to this for months, so I'm praying that Monday's rain holds off til evening. It's so ironic. We have the hottest, driest summer I can remember in my 61 years, and then it rains all weekend when I have big plans.



    May you all have a Very Joyful weekend!



    Blessings

    Paula

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  • GirlPowerDebbie
    GirlPowerDebbie Member Posts: 213
    edited September 2012

    Hellooooo beautiful strong women! 

    The last couple weeks have been a blur (in a good way) so I have not even checked in here, for weeks!  My oldest son has been home on leave from the Navy, and we have been cramming lots of stuff in.  He heads back to Japan early Tuesday morning.  Hard to see him leave again. 

    I had my port out in July, nice to have that gone.  Another milestone.  See my onc this coming Friday.  Scared myself last week, had a pain in my armpit but I think it was just the scar tissue from my lymph node biopsy.  Another little pain in my left (the cancer one) boob, but I had a new bra on, and it stopped when I took the bra off.  My RO said the breast would "remodel" for 6 months after I finished radiation, and I think that is what is contributing to it.  I just saw my surgeon a month ago and everything was good, but believe me I will have my onc do a breast exam too.  I second-guess every little ache & pain.  Oh, and the fact that now I bruise easily and it takes weeks to go away.  I hope it is just the baby aspirin I take 3x a week.

    My niece with ovarian cancer completed her chemo, and her CT scan came back clean - YAY!  Her onc (same as mine) is putting her on "maintenance" chemo - 1 round of taxol each month for a year.  Just keeping the wolf at bay. 

    I am still taking Tamoxifen and am having no side effects.  My legs & feet are still a little shaky at times but getting better.  Blame the taxotere for that, ugh.  But as I always say, the alternative is worse, LOL!

    So do you think it is possible to pack for a 5-day trip to Germany with just a carry-on?  I am going to try it.  Have a business trip in October and I am determined to not check a bag.  Not having to pack much in the way of hair styling appliances or products gives me more room in my suitcase!  My hair is still super short and CURLY!  I hate the curls.  I want my straight hair back.  The curls are finally beginning to tame down in the back at my hairline where I have trimmed it more often, but the crown is another story.  And the grey, ugh!  Oh well, a new look for me.  Except for it being dark brown/silver now, it reminds me of years ago when I got the top permed - aack!

    All the best.  Take joy in the day wherever you can find it. 

    Debbie

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  • sewingnut
    sewingnut Member Posts: 1,129
    edited September 2012

    Girlpower, When I travel I roll everything. That way you dont get fold marks. I put any meds I take in my purse along with my glasses and contact lense stuff. I ususally pack in a carryon and havent had any problems.

    Congrats on the "deportation". I still get twinges where mine was.

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  • kidsandlabs
    kidsandlabs Member Posts: 138
    edited September 2012

    Well everything is still crazy, having another thyroid surgery and then they are starting my chemo. So I got a second haircut and now it's really short and I added pink highlights to it.

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  • TonLee
    TonLee Member Posts: 2,626
    edited September 2012

    Love the pink idea Kids!

    So our corn crop is decimated.  A second case of West Nile death in Ohio.  Wow.  Paper is full of nothing but bad news today.

    On a positive note.  My yard LOVED the rain.

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  • GirlPowerDebbie
    GirlPowerDebbie Member Posts: 213
    edited September 2012

    Tonlee, sorry to hear about the crops.  It was a bad summer for farmers.  The biblical rains here Friday brought part of a very dead tree down behind our house.  Some landed on our garage.  The tree is NOT on our property, so tomorrow I get to go to the business on whose property the tree is to fight the battle of getting the rest of the tree taken down and removed. 

    Everyone enjoy the green from the rain, and the cooler temps.  Good sleeping weather.

    Debbie

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  • Kelloggs
    Kelloggs Member Posts: 965
    edited September 2012

    Hi ladies!  Wow, the weather certainly has taken a "fall" turn in Ohio and I love it!  I haven't been on alot lately, life is just busy.  My DH's band has been playing out alot on the weekends keeping me busy. 

    Debbie - sorry to hear about the tree.  We have alot of old trees on our property and it's a miracle none came down.  Seems like every time we get a good storm we lose some.  I hope you don't have to fight that business too hard to take the rest of it down.  Did you have much damage to your garage?  So glad you had a wonderful time with your son!

    Tonlee - I know what you mean, seems like every morning on my way to work the news on the radio is full of shootings and arson and such.  Very discouraging at times.  The corn I've had this year has been excellent!!  My lawn loved the rain too.....much to my DH's disappointment as he now has to cut it!

    Sorry if I missed anyone...hugs to all!

    Kids - wish I had the guts to go pink while growing it out.  I bet it's awesome!

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  • ohio4me
    ohio4me Member Posts: 491
    edited September 2012

    Good News! Aultman Hospital (Canton) now has a Lymphedema Clinic. Actually there are two, one to focus on breast cancer related LE and one to focus on primary LE.

    LE Clinic is located in Breast Center. Their schedule is currently full but at least it is there. They have two CLT therapists and one more going for training. Not LANA yet as there is a one year practical to complete.

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  • roadwarrior28
    roadwarrior28 Member Posts: 301
    edited September 2012

    Thanks Ohio4me! If anyone is looking for lymphedema management/treatment and just general physical therapy after a mastectomy, Diane Galvin at Cleveland Clinic is great. She is at the Beachwood Sports Clinic location. 

    I had a large scar in my armpit from lymph node removal that was painful and was pulling on the skin around it. She massaged it out for me and taught me how to do it myself as well, and now it's barely noticeable.  

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  • kidsandlabs
    kidsandlabs Member Posts: 138
    edited September 2012

    Surgery was yesterday and I got to come home today. Calcium levels dropped a little taking a supplement. Go see my oncologist on the 24th to set up my chemo. She wants me to heal a bit from the surgery before starting the chemo.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited September 2012

    Kidsandlabs~how are you feeling? Is that pretty quick? I'm supposed to start chemo 4-6 weeks after surgery, but I guess every doctor is different.

    Do you have help at home? I hope you get all the help you need, lots of rest, and a speedy recovery.



    Blessings

    Paula

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  • kidsandlabs
    kidsandlabs Member Posts: 138
    edited September 2012

    Hi Soteria, surgery went fine, I was back home Tuesday, i am still sore. Then today, I had to run back to the hospital, my calcium levels dropped. I have an appt on the 24th to set up my chemo. It prob won't be until the 2nd week of Oct. I have a business trip the first week in Oct.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited October 2012

    Kidsandlabs

    I'm glad surgery went so well. Looks like no one has posted here for a few weeks.

    So, have you started chemo yet? My surgery is 2 weeks from tomorrow and I'm starting to dread it.



    So far, with my only treatment being arimidex, and no symptoms or side effects of medicine it's been easy to pretend this doesn't exist, but its almost time to face reality.



    Isn't the Ohio landscape beautiful this year? Seems like we were cheated out of all this brilliance on the trees the last couple of years. We are hoping we don't get a storm that blows them all away before next Sunday, when we can take a long drive after church into the Hocking Hills. Another couple from church are going with us and we'll. stop for church along the way.



    Well I'd better get myself dressed. We leave for worship service at 10am.



    Blessings

    Paula

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  • kidsandlabs
    kidsandlabs Member Posts: 138
    edited October 2012

    Hi Paula, I started chemo last week. I had some SE, they are better now. I just got back from Duluth, MN Friday for work.



    We are planning a trip to Hocking Hills next weekend. Love the fall colors, MN is already peaked out and leaves are on the ground.

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  • Kelloggs
    Kelloggs Member Posts: 965
    edited October 2012

    kidsandlabs - I love Hocking Hills!  My DH and I spent our honeymoon in a cabin there.  I imagine it is beautiful this time of year....have fun!

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  • sewingnut
    sewingnut Member Posts: 1,129
    edited October 2012

    Kelly,

    At your suggestion I just finished "So That's what I'm here for, The Chris and Stephanie Spielman story". OMG that is the best love story I have ever read!! Stephanie was a true warrier for the metastatic breast cancer patient. I didn't realize she was the first women ever to have a baby while on Herceptin. She can truly be known as a pioneer for stage IV women.  I am also impressed the foundation they established has recieved over $9 million and they have dedicated researchers involved.  I wasn't prepared for the watershed of tears I had though, so if any others plan to read it, keep a box of tissues near :)

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited October 2012

    Wow Girls! I'm being treated at the Stephanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center in Columbus! All my doctors are there, as is testing and treatments.



    I love the Spielmans. She was such a warrior, and Chris is every woman's Dream Partner. I'm going to see if our library system has that book.



    Blessings

    Paula

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  • Kelloggs
    Kelloggs Member Posts: 965
    edited October 2012

    I'm glad you enjoyed it sewingnut.  The Spielman's are really an example of the perfect couple.  I knew them when Stefanie was still in high school, when they first started dating.  He was a celebrity even then because he was such a big football star at Massillon so we were all in awe when she started dating him to find out that he was such a great, grounded guy.  He continues his work for Stefanie....what a man!

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  • sewingnut
    sewingnut Member Posts: 1,129
    edited October 2012

    Kelly,

    We lived in Massillon when he was paying football. We would walk to the stadium. Had season tickets on the 50 yd line. Loved it. I was impressed at the soulful dedication he has. I am also impressed that 100% of the money given to the research fund is used for research. Maybe Komen should see how they do it!! Stephanie was truly the pioneer for metastatic bc.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited October 2012

    I'm home from the hospital. Everything went as planned. Dr said they didn't find any surprises. I'm tired after just taking my medicine an hour or so ago. Going to take a nap in my recliner.



    No pain at all in the incision area, but lots of pain where they dug for the nodes.

    Oh btw I'm reading the Chris & Stephanie story. Thanks for telling us about it.



    Blessings

    Paula

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  • Kelloggs
    Kelloggs Member Posts: 965
    edited October 2012

    Glad surgery went well Paula...here's hoping you have a speedy and easy recovery!

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  • kidsandlabs
    kidsandlabs Member Posts: 138
    edited October 2012

    Hi Paula, Glad it went well!

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  • Kelloggs
    Kelloggs Member Posts: 965
    edited October 2012

    So I was one of the brave ones who did the ACS Making Strides walk this past Sunday.  It was cold and rained the whole time but what an experience!   I can't for the life of me figure out how to post a photo, and I thought I was pretty tech savvy.  Unless by some miracle it works when I hit the submit button.....at least I tried!  Hope everyone in Ohio is safe after Sandy!

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  • Kelloggs
    Kelloggs Member Posts: 965
    edited December 2012

    Just checking in to say hello to all my Ohio sisters!  Hope everything is going well for everyone and life is returning to the new normal.  I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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