Ohio Chemo Sisters

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  • Kelloggs
    Kelloggs Member Posts: 965
    edited February 2013

    Debbie - I miss my hair, too.  My hair was naturally curly and I had tons of it!  It was shoulder length and I loved it.  Don't get me wrong, I am also grateful also but miss my old style.  My new hair is thick but it is growing so slowly thanks to Herceptin.  I keep it trimmed in a short style and have had it colored and highlighted.  Diane - I never used to go to a "salon" and see the same person.  I decided when I was bald that I was going to treat myself when my hair came back.  I saved money on hair cuts and product the 6 months I was bald and I am not going to skimp now. 

    Although my new short style is easy and I get a lot of compliments, I still miss my hair and having choices!

    By the way, when do you girls want to reschedule coffee?  Let me know what your schedules look like!

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  • ReneeinOH
    ReneeinOH Member Posts: 511
    edited February 2013

    Hi Ladies.  I live in Westerville, just north of Columbus.  Will be having surgery Feb. 25 and we'll see what else is in store after that. Nice to connect with other Ohioans.  Lemon68 and I know each other from another thread, but we're relatively new to all of this, have different BC, so we might be asking you guys questions about what the heck is going on, what to expect.

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  • kidsandlabs
    kidsandlabs Member Posts: 138
    edited February 2013

    I really miss my hair, it was really long. BRCA testing back - NEGATIVE!

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  • ohio4me
    ohio4me Member Posts: 491
    edited February 2013

    Renee - glad you found us. Best of everything as you prepare for surgery.

    Kidsandlabs - I was bald all of last winter and my head was cold! I wore knit hats in the house and sometimes to bed. But it was a break from curling irons and blow dryers Smile.

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  • GirlPowerDebbie
    GirlPowerDebbie Member Posts: 213
    edited February 2013

    Renee - welcome to the "I hate this club" !!

    Kidsandlabs - terrific news on the BRCA status!  My sister and 2 of her 3 daughters have/had the gene and had cancer (2 survivors, 1 of the daughters lost the battle).  The third daughter does not have it.  I had every possible variation of the BRCA testing done and came up empty, but I still got cancer even without any mutations.  It's a crap shoot. 

    Diane & Kelly - pick a day next week.  I am so buried at work, but an hour will not make a difference, LOL!  We can whine about our hair!

    Stay warm, be safe. 

    Debbie

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  • ReneeinOH
    ReneeinOH Member Posts: 511
    edited February 2013

    Thanks Debbie! 

    I came up BRCA 1&2-.  Dr. is treating it as if there is no gene link, but I have to wonder for me, that genetics is factoring into this.  I'm 45.  My mom was dx w/BC when she was in her early 70s. Sister w/DCIS when she was 47.  My mom had no other (female siblings).  My grandfather died of colon cancer.  And my dad's side is a freaking disaster.  He had esophogeal cancer.  Five out of his six sisters (my aunts) had cancer of some sort--three of them breast, and one of those three got it in her 40s and died.  The sister who didn't have cancer had a daughter (my cousin) w/ovarian cancer and she died in her 40s. I had been prepared to have a BMX if my gene. test came back positive.  But, now I'm set for a MX, following dr.'s advice. 

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  • jojo69
    jojo69 Member Posts: 26
    edited February 2013

    Hey everyone!  I'm back from Hawaii.  I had such an amazing time & am so happy I decided to go.  It was truly paradise & I didn't want to come back.  I finally have a surgery date, February 22.  It still seems so far away, but it was the first available date both surgeons could work out.  I'm trying really hard to remain positive, but I have to admit it gets harder the longer I have to wait.  I have a great team of doctors that I feel really confident will help me get through this.  I'm anxious to know what I'm dealing with, but terrified of finding out at the same time.  Any advice on how to calm my nerves for the next 2 1/2 weeks???  Melissa

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  • sewingnut
    sewingnut Member Posts: 1,129
    edited February 2013

    JoJo, My motto going thru this journey was "better living thru pharmaceuticals". I asked for an rx for xanax. It was enough to take the edge off and stop my mind so I could sleep. It helped with all the scans as well. I just needed to be calm an rational. It was a big help with the steroids. Glad you had a good time in Hawaii. Prayers for you & your family & team.

    joann

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  • ohio4me
    ohio4me Member Posts: 491
    edited February 2013

    Jojo - it's hard to get your mind off the cancer, the surgery, and the unknown. For me, the best thing was continuing to work and keep my routine as regular as possible. Sometimes it helped, sometimes it didn't. I agree with sewingnut but I called it 'better living through chemistry'. I used generic benadryl to help me sleep until I finally asked the doctor for something else.  Hugs to you as you count the days.

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  • tamiOSU
    tamiOSU Member Posts: 1
    edited February 2013

    Hello Ohio Ladies!

    I’ve been looking around the website for a discussion to join….and came across Ohio Chemo Sisters this morning.  I’m from Dublin Ohio, being treated at the Stephanie Spielman Breast Center and this is my second round with BC.  In Nov after a routine quarterly check-up, my oncologist ordered an MRI that indicated a return of my DCIS.  Subsequent biopsy, and pre-op testing for my scheduled mastectomy/ reconstruction revealed a tumor on my liver.  After numerous tests…the good news…it was the only met…but long story short…all breast activity was put on hold and I started chemo the Thursday of Christmas week.  Not sure how many treatments I will have, they will do scans after #4 to see what the plan is.  I have #3 tomorrow (Taxotere/Herceptin/Perjeta) and have tolerated the first two well.  Yes, I am as bald as bald can be…but if that’s what it takes to kick cancer a$$ then I’m all in!  Looking forward to hanging out with you all in cyber space.

    Tami 

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  • ohio4me
    ohio4me Member Posts: 491
    edited February 2013

    Tami - welcome! Glad you found us even under the circumstances. Glad to hear chemo is going well. I never minded being bald. My friends made me many hats (I was bald last winter) that I don't wear anymore :( because they mess up my hair and cause static!

    Hoping your chemo continues to go well and the next scan brings good news.

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  • ReneeinOH
    ReneeinOH Member Posts: 511
    edited February 2013

    Hi Tami.  I'm being treated at SSCBC too; live in Westerville. Glad you are doing well, but so sorry to hear that dreaded disease showed up again.

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  • TonLee
    TonLee Member Posts: 2,626
    edited February 2013

    Hi Tami and Renee....you both are much closer to me than the Cleveland ladies...ha!

    I'm in Dayton.  Have family in Dublin and Westerville tho :)

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  • GirlPowerDebbie
    GirlPowerDebbie Member Posts: 213
    edited February 2013

    RayRay and Tami - welcome! 

    JoJo - Welcome back from paradise!  I told you you would love Hawaii.  And Ohio4me is right, the Xanax helps.  For me, half of one just takes off the sharp edges.  I still take those as needed, my job is stressful and every day about 3:00 I feel my face getting hot, pink cheeks - and 1/2 a xannie helps with that.  The "hurry up and wait" stuff is killer.  It helped me tremendously to just keep working.  Even thru chemo I worked from home.  I truly think it kept me going every day.  Now I find correspondence in my files, emails to customers, with dates around my chemo dates ... I have no idea how I did that, but I did.  You just keep putting one foot in front of the other, and take each day at a time ... you will get thru it. 

    "A woman is like a tea bag.  You never know how strong she is until she gets in hot water."

    Stay warm!

    Debbie

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  • Kelloggs
    Kelloggs Member Posts: 965
    edited February 2013

    What a great analogy Debbie...never thought I'd enjoy being compared to a tea bag!

    Wow, this thread has been very busy!  Welcome to all the new ladies, sorry you have to join us.  There is strength in numbers and we are here to help.

    Jojo - Jealous!  Glad you had a fabulous time in Hawaii, would love to go there some day.  Since you live in Orrville you're not too far, maybe you'd like to join Debbie, Diane and myself for some Starbucks?  I'd love to hear about your trip!

    Debbie and Diane - I am free any day this coming week or the following.  Maybe we can pick a date before Jojo has surgery so she can join us if she would like to. 

    Stay warm sisters, another wonderful Ohio weather weekend on the way!

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  • ohio4me
    ohio4me Member Posts: 491
    edited February 2013

    I'm available any day next week - would live to meet Jojo prior to surgery.

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  • jojo69
    jojo69 Member Posts: 26
    edited February 2013

    I would love to meet you all before surgery.  I'm free Tuesday day next week.  Unfortunately the rest of my week is pretty busy.  I'm work Monday morning & then am meeting the Mercy nurse navigator at 1:00.  I'm doing a little getaway with a friend Wednesday & Thursday and my kids are off school Friday next week, Monday & Tuesday the following week.  

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  • ohio4me
    ohio4me Member Posts: 491
    edited February 2013

    Tuesday works for me.

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  • Kelloggs
    Kelloggs Member Posts: 965
    edited February 2013

    Tuesday works for me, but not during the day.  Can we clarify a time?

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  • ohio4me
    ohio4me Member Posts: 491
    edited February 2013

    I can be there any time after 5

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  • Kelloggs
    Kelloggs Member Posts: 965
    edited February 2013

    Any time after 5 works for me too!

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  • ohio4me
    ohio4me Member Posts: 491
    edited February 2013

    Let's confirm 5:30 PM at Starbucks at The Strip.

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  • Kelloggs
    Kelloggs Member Posts: 965
    edited February 2013

    I'm in!

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  • jojo69
    jojo69 Member Posts: 26
    edited February 2013

    I'm sorry, but I won't be able to make it tomorrow night.  I'm free all day, but I have to work at 4:00.  I'm bummed I won't be able to meet you guys before my surgery.  Hopefully one day we can make it work.  Have a nice time:)

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  • GirlPowerDebbie
    GirlPowerDebbie Member Posts: 213
    edited March 2013

    Jojo - I have been thinking about you and wondering how you are doing ...

    Debbie

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  • jojo69
    jojo69 Member Posts: 26
    edited March 2013

    Hi, sorry, I've been meaning to post an update on here!  I had my surgery on February 22.  Everything went really well. I was hurting for a while, but I'm feeling much better.  Just in time to start chemo.  The cancer ended up being stage 2b.  I had it in only one node, which was great news in my mind.  I meet with my oncologist this week so I'll know more then.  

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  • raysnbucs
    raysnbucs Member Posts: 74
    edited March 2013

    I am from the Toldeo area, and will be mostly starting chemo this month for my BC. I see the Oncologist for the first time Wednesday, and hope she ill get the ball rolling ASAP. Which means I will not be getting to Cedar Point this year, or if I do it will be late in the season. I am kinda down that it also happens to be my 25 anniversary this June 11th, and not sure how much fun that will be. But my husband is being a champ about it. He could care less about the day, as long as I am ok, or as ok as I can be. 

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  • GirlPowerDebbie
    GirlPowerDebbie Member Posts: 213
    edited March 2013

    JoJo - thanks for the update.  One day at a time.  Don't overdo it!

    Raysnbucs - welcome to the Ohio sisters, so sorry you have to join this club.  We are huge Cedar Point fans so I sympathize.  And they have a new coaster too.  Next summer for sure!

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  • Kelloggs
    Kelloggs Member Posts: 965
    edited April 2013

    Jojo - glad to hear surgery went well.  Chemo may not be a joy ride, but you can do it!  Keep us posted.

    raysnbucs - welcome to our thread although I am sorry you have to join us, too.  I LOVE Cedar Point!  Haven't been there in a couple of years, it's a pretty expensive day but totally worth it.  I am a roller coaster junkie, can't wait to try the Gatekeeper.  You are lucky you live so close.  Congrats on the 25 years, your husband sounds like a good man.  I know it sucks to have your special anniversary ruined but you can still celebrate.  Let us know if we can help you at all during chemo.  We have alot of experience unfortunately..lol

    I haven't been on here too much lately, for good reasons.  I have been feeling great and life has been pretty busy.  I can hardly wait for spring to actually arrive in Ohio so I can get outside and work in my flowerbeds.  Here's hoping the end of the week brings warmer temps and sunshine for all of us!

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  • TonLee
    TonLee Member Posts: 2,626
    edited April 2013

    Kellogs, with you!  Can't wait to get my hands back in the dirt!

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