MI Survivors

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  • Not_Me
    Not_Me Member Posts: 180
    edited July 2006
    Dawn-Welcome to the MI gals. We have members from all over MI but mostly concentrated around the Detroit area.

    ArmyNavyMom-Dr.Stender out of the same group is pretty good if you can get by his love of talking. His mother is a breast cancer survivior so he is empathatic. He is about 43 if that helps. I also heard the main guy (Dr. Decker) is fabulous. I once saw him when I screwed up an apointment (right time, wrong place) and I liked him. You need to feel 100% comfortable as you are spending alot of money for these folks and this is your treatment. The good thing about Beaumont is that your tests are accessible to any doctor within the system. I got rid of my gyn because...1...he left me a message in my voice mail about me havign cancer and 2...he treated me differently after cancer (no kidding). By the way, I am curious about your name.

    I am getting ready to head up to the lighthouse...Bret and I are volunteer weekend keepers in Cheboygan. I hope all is well with everyone.
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  • ArmyNavyMom
    ArmyNavyMom Member Posts: 303
    edited July 2006
    Quote:

    I got rid of my gyn because...1...he left me a message in my voice mail about me havign cancer...

    By the way, I am curious about your name.




    I cannot believe a doc would be that callous!! How awful for you! I'll see Dr. H. again on the 4th - we'll see how I feel after that one. It's entirely possible it was my mood that day as much as anything.

    Thanks to all who wished me well on the surgery. I'm now much flatter (if a little lumpy at the moment!) and happy to be home. They kept me overnight due to an arhythmia during the surgery - hospitals are definitely NOT conducive to a good nights sleep! But I'm home now and doing pretty well all things considered!

    NotMe - my name is Anne Stephens. Whats yours and why are you wondering? Now you've got me curious.
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  • mayqueen
    mayqueen Member Posts: 7
    edited July 2006
    Welcome Dawn - I live in Battle Creek. It's only about a 40 minute drive, so I'm not too far away.

    For no particular reason it's been a long week. I hated myself yesterday, I was being such a bitch and there really was no reason for me to be. I tried to stay away from everyone but they kept following me around. I fianlly put on some headphones and listened to music, It helped some. How do the rest of you handle it when you are just having one of those days?

    God bless you all,
    Kristy
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  • Sphynx
    Sphynx Member Posts: 611
    edited July 2006
    Hi everyone! I am so far behind on posts because I had a very NASTY computer virus on my home computer. This is a computer with a router, firewall, anti-virus software but it doesn’t prevent my DH from clicking “yes” to some web page download and pretty much saying … come on in and wreak havoc to my computer!

    Anyway, I missed the Art Fair and meeting sweet Tonya and doing anything good on my day off! It is all clean now after updating everything but I may need to get a new computer just to have disk space. Thanks for THAT idea Tonya!

    Mary – everyone loves the movie! You are so talented. My friends who are not on this board said thank you. I haven’t been to Holland in many years. You really should go when the tulips are in bloom but I think it is nice any time. Maybe you can make a jaunt down to see us again? Let us know if you are in the area and we will plan a get-together around you.

    Welcome newbies. We are all spread out in Michigan it seems. I am more on the West side but I think most are East. We really should plan another lunch. The picnic idea always sounded nice but I think many have plans lined up through August. Maybe we could plan something the beginning of September?

    Maybe there was a full moon, mayqueen? I have those days and had one the other day when I was so edgy I wanted to beat the poor young boy who is supposed to un-jam the returnable machines at the grocery store. All the bins were messed up and I was ready to take an empty plastic bottle and whack someone with it. Maybe I’d better get a grip and try listening to some soothing music. I guess that was misplaced anger about the computer virus. Anything that wastes my time seems to put me in a bad place. I don’t have much advice on how to handle those days. Maybe take the dog for a walk or go for a walk would work? Didn’t you just have chemo? You can blame the decadron for being a bitch. That is some nasty stuff but it works.

    Chris – have fun at the light house.

    Irene – get those walking shoes ready. We will have to go to the zoo when it is cooler and you are up to walking. I’ll bring my camera but don’t hold a candle to your talent!

    Geri – where have you been? You haven't checked-in - in a while.

    Take care everyone!
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  • kats
    kats Member Posts: 509
    edited July 2006
    I was wondering where you've been!!!!!!

    Thanks for the compliment on the slide show. I sent Pat (pconn03) one and so far she hasn't been able to get it to play. She going to try updating Windows Media Player to see if that takes care of the problem, if it doesn't, then I'm going to send her another copy.

    Mary
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  • gmr52
    gmr52 Member Posts: 74
    edited July 2006
    Hi Nancy and all,
    I haven't gotten on in a while but have lurked a bit. I'd love to get together soon and meet some of the new Michigan posters. I'd consider plannng it closer to the middle of the state if it would help get more participation.
    Gerri
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  • SEI
    SEI Member Posts: 191
    edited July 2006
    Kats – I haven’t been to Holland, but after checking out their website, I think I’ll put it on the list of places to go. Especially in the spring when the tulips are blooming. Let us know if you go and if you like it if you do.

    Chris – How cool about the lighthouse! How did you get involved in that? How often do you go?

    Nancy – Sorry to hear about the virus. My DH gets them now and then and it makes his life miserable. I’ve been lucky so far (knocking on wood). So glad we each have our own computers.

    Maybe the early fall for the zoo? I should have no problem walking by then and it’ll be cooler. I get my, hopefully, last set of x-rays on my foot next week. I’m hoping he’ll give me the go ahead to start working out again, before I gain even more weight. And you take great photos!

    Anyone else interested in going?

    Kristy – I’ve found that it’s more important for other people to learn how to handle it when I’m having one of those days! Seriously, though, everyone has those days. Mostly everyone has learned to just leave me alone when I’m being a “cranky pants”. (That’s the name we call one of our cats when she’s cranky.)

    Gerri – Good to hear from you. Hope all is well. I’m up for a get together any time.

    ArmyNavyMom – How are you feeling? Recuperating okay?

    Irene
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  • ArmyNavyMom
    ArmyNavyMom Member Posts: 303
    edited July 2006
    I think a trip to the zoo would be fun, SEI!

    Drains out yesterday - yipee!! Doing pretty good all in all.

    Picked up one son for leave yesterday, and the other one comes home tomorrow. So I'll be focusing on something other than B/C for a couple weeks.
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  • mayqueen
    mayqueen Member Posts: 7
    edited July 2006
    I had my 2nd treatment today. It went pretty well. I'm expecting it to go the same as last time, so I'm prepared for the bad days. I also found out today that I am HER2/neo postive. I can't say I was thrilled about it but at least now we know what kind of treatment I need.
    I'm so tired but can't sleep its 1:30 AM and I've even taken a melatonin. Maybe when I'm done on here I sleep will find me.

    Sphynx - your full moon theory works for me! music DOES work. As long as you enjoy it, it doesn't matter what kind.

    gmr52- Im with Irene - up for a get together any time

    Irene - I'm hoping they learn when I'm having one of those days. I've been trying with subtle hints, only because I don't want to hurt their feelings. LOL.. cranky pants.. that's the same name my kids gave to my dad when they go on vacations with him and my mom.. and he DOES live up to it!

    ArmyNavyMom -I hope you have a fabulous time with your boys!

    Everyone else - God bless and I hope you are feeling and doing spectacularly.

    Kristy
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  • 2up
    2up Member Posts: 1,358
    edited August 2006
    hi girls..........just a note to say that i got mary's dvd's they're great and that i received 100 dollars in gift certificates to the pink ribbon store in troy from the komen foundation.

    too bad i'm not much of a "pink" chick..........i have a bit of a hard time with pink ribbon stuff so i doubt i'll use the certificate (unless i can get something really inconspicuos).

    anyhow........hi all!
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  • kats
    kats Member Posts: 509
    edited August 2006
    shel38,
    Glad you liked the slide show.

    The Komen Foundation sent me a commemorative Detroit Race For The Cure baseball type cap for my fundraising. It's black with the Detroit Race For The Cure Logo emblem on the front. I'm not a hat/cap person but it's a nice momento.

    Wow, a $100.00 gift certificate. I think I read you're a chemo angel or something like that, you could always use the gift certificate & get a gift for your chemo buddy. It'd be a shame to waste the certificate.

    kats/Mary
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  • 2up
    2up Member Posts: 1,358
    edited August 2006

    great idea mary but my chemo girl is ovarian not breast.....however i got online and they carry really cool purses and backpacks and things and they're pretty subtle so i think i'll shoot over next week.

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  • kats
    kats Member Posts: 509
    edited August 2006

    Oops, didn't know she was an Ovarian Survivor. Glad you're going to take a look at the store, I'm sure you'll find something.

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  • iamDawn
    iamDawn Member Posts: 6
    edited August 2006
    Hi gmr52, I'm in the middle of the state, Jackson area. Would love to try to meet some of you if you decide to have a get together. I have been chatting for about 1 1/2 yrs now, but the boards are rather new to me. It's been awhile since I have been to Holland but I loved it when I was there.
    Hugs,
    Dawn
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  • kats
    kats Member Posts: 509
    edited August 2006
    Nancy,
    Your mailbox is full, I tried to send you a pm.

    Mary
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  • Cagey87
    Cagey87 Member Posts: 5
    edited August 2006

    Hi ladies--I have been reading and posting (a little) on these boards since only spring, and I just found this section! Wanted to drop my name in the hat in case there are any walks, etc. to participate in. I live in Algonac and just finished rads at the end of June. Just had my first check-up today and have been treated at St. John in Detroit, so it's been quite a hike. It's nice meeting everyone from Michigan (and maybe Chicago, one of my favorite places)!

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  • ArmyNavyMom
    ArmyNavyMom Member Posts: 303
    edited August 2006
    Good Morning All,

    I'm starting to think about wig shopping, and was wondering where you gals had gone, and if anybody found a place they particularly liked. (I'm in Utica.)

    Thanks!
    Anne
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  • fancy2
    fancy2 Member Posts: 162
    edited August 2006
    Quote:

    I was wondering where you've been!!!!!!

    Thanks for the compliment on the slide show. I sent Pat (pconn03) one and so far she hasn't been able to get it to play. She going to try updating Windows Media Player to see if that takes care of the problem, if it doesn't, then I'm going to send her another copy.

    Mary



    Hi, Mary. Got MY slideshow, and I can't play it either. What program is supposed to run it? I have lots--I just didn't know which one to choose.
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  • kats
    kats Member Posts: 509
    edited August 2006
    Kay,
    It plays on Windows Media Player if you have a CD drive in your PC. You might have to download the latest version of Windows Media Player in order to play it.

    It also plays in 'newer' DVD players to watch it on your TV.

    Mary
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  • Sphynx
    Sphynx Member Posts: 611
    edited August 2006
    Kats - Oops sorry - I hate to get rid of any private messages. Ok, should have room for more now.

    I was able to play the movie on my DVD player.

    Ann - this is my info on wigs:

    Ok - this is going to sound devious but will save you a bundle of money. I went to Wendy's Wigs in Livonia and tried on several wigs (mono top are the best and most natural). I found the style, color and size that I wanted and wrote everything down. They were nice but I told them I wanted to shop around. (Bring someone with you). Then I went to annswigs.com and found the brand but not the exact style number. I was able to give the gentleman all the information and he ordered the 350.00 wig for 100.00 including shipping. He was extremely nice and I always recommend everyone to him. If they don't have something listed online in their catalog, they can still usually get what you want.

    Few tips:
    Monotop are nice unless you already have really thick hair. The thick hair wigs look like bubbles on my head.
    Synthetic wigs are fine for as long as I planned on wearing it.
    Two is better if you wash it often and have to wear it. They are easy to wash but take a long time to dry.
    They eventually get ratty looking and you will be glad to ditch it with even the shortest of hair.
    Stay away from any heat because they melt. This is especially true of blow dryers and opening the oven door!
    Some insurance's cover a wig. Mine didn't.
    Some places like hospitals and ACS have free wigs.
    There are cheaper wigs from Paula Young but I wasn't crazy about the selection.


    Have a great summer everyone!
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  • SEI
    SEI Member Posts: 191
    edited August 2006
    ArmyNavyMom – How did your sons’ leaves go? Are they still home? How are you feeling?

    I went to Susan’s Special Needs in Ferndale. They also sell other cancer-related products (including hot flash pj’s). I liked the people, and when I got my wig they were able to thin it out a bit (a lot of wigs have a little too much hair), trim it a little…kind of customized it for me. They have a web site www.susansspecialneeds.com .

    There is also a place in Auburn Hills http://www.advancedhairsolutions.com/ . I stopped in there to pick up some wig shampoo and they were very nice, too.

    You should probably call and make an appointment for a consultation, wherever you go. Definitely, as Nancy said, bring a friend you can trust to tell you the truth about how they look. Monofilament (sp?) wigs are definitely worth any extra money, especially if you plan to wear your wig a lot. Much lighter, more natural and cooler. Synthetic for sure since you don’t have to style it.

    The women at Susan’s recommended cleaning the wig every week or two, which was easy to do. However, when I stopped for the shampoo at Advanced they told me that I really shouldn’t wash my wig as it would cause it to get ratty looking a lot sooner. I’m not sure which is correct. I’m sure it didn’t get real dirty since it’s not like I was out working in the hot sun all summer or anything, but I can’t imagine not washing it AT ALL.

    Kristy – How are you feeling? How are the treatments going?

    Cagey – Welcome to MI thread! Hope your check up went well.

    Nancy – Good to “see” you! Hope you’re doing well and enjoying your summer.
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  • ArmyNavyMom
    ArmyNavyMom Member Posts: 303
    edited August 2006
    SEI - Thanks for asking about the boys. I could probably bore the heck out of everyone babbling about them, but will leave it at that they are wonderful, we had a lovely time, and it's nice to know some things don't change (ie-their messy room and that my grocery bill tripled!)

    Thanks for the thoughts on wigs and shops. SSN was the shop my onco suggested. I'm making arrangements with a friend (who has great taste) now to go on Saturday. I'm sure my DH would go, but he's a guy and would say, "That looks great, hon." even if I was wearing a Raggedy Ann wig.

    Anybody planning on going down to the Dream Cruise?
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  • Cagey87
    Cagey87 Member Posts: 5
    edited August 2006

    Hi SEI, and thanks for the warm wishes. My check-up went ok, but the oncologist said that I have a cyst or something on the lining of my heart, so I have to go for a comparison catscan next week. Has anyone heard of this? Hopefully, they are just being cautious. Also, I have to go off the pill, so I have to find an alternative method. I guess I'm going for a tubal. Anyone have any experience with this? If there are any gatherings on the east side, please let me know! Thanks for any advice!

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  • sharalou
    sharalou Member Posts: 223
    edited August 2006
    Hi. Been a while since I have been to this board. My name is Shari, from Southfield area, 48, married, two children. Went through left mastectomy, chemo, reconstruction(at time of mastectomy), rads, and reconst. removed (rads kinda messed it up). Went through Royal Oak Beaumont, Dr. Paas(who has moved to N.Y.), Dr. Margolis (THE BEST IN THE WORLD), and Dr. Vicinni (love him too). Finished everything 7-05. On arimidex, don't like side effects. Still have Mri's on rt. breast. Would love to chat with someone in similar situation, or if anyone has questions, would love to help!

    SHARI
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  • Not_Me
    Not_Me Member Posts: 180
    edited August 2006
    Hey all...just got back from nine days of vacation...backpacking at Isle Royale, camping at Interlochen, and finally dropping daughter off at Maritime Academy. Had a blast!

    Cagney...I had the tubal 7 months before bc dx...it was a piece of cake and I even had poison ivy at the time!

    Everyone else...so glad to hear about the txs going well. I think I would like to do the zoo as well...it would be fun! And how about that get together?

    Wishing all of you well!
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  • ArmyNavyMom
    ArmyNavyMom Member Posts: 303
    edited August 2006
    I've received the start date for my chemo - Thursday the 24th. I find I'm dreading and looking forward to it all at once.

    Anybody braving the rain to go to the Dream Cruise this weekend?

    Not Me - I'm jealous. I've been a Boy Scout leader for 15 years and have wanted to go to Isle Royal and never quite made it. And Interlochen is great, too.
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  • Not_Me
    Not_Me Member Posts: 180
    edited August 2006
    Isle Royale was awesome...we even saw a moose. It was my second time...the first time I spent in a cabin and this time I backpacked...30.7 miles in four days!

    ArmyNavyMom...I thought about you as I sent my duaghter off to the Maritime Academy last weekend! Good luck on your chemo...it seems like a common reaction.

    How about that get together...any weekends in September bad or good?
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  • kats
    kats Member Posts: 509
    edited August 2006
    Okay Chris, I'm jealous!!! First your lighthouse thing, then your trip to Isle Royale I don't even know what that is but it sounds nice so I'm jealous.

    Does your daughter like the Maritime Academy so far?

    Mary
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  • JanHere
    JanHere Member Posts: 31
    edited August 2006
    Hi everyone I'm from MI also. Grew up in Farmington got married had two son's moved to OakPark for over 20 years got divorced raised my son's there then moved to Milford 7 years ago and love it.

    I was DX in May started Chemo on Wed. Aug. 16. For me it was almost a relief after all the testing and surgeries and waiting. I have been knocked out now 4 times first to remove tumors in both breast second to remove lymph nodes, third a colonoscopy what fun that was. lol Then they put the port in my chest for the chemo, I named her Grace lol and we are going to get along just fine. Did you ever see the movie the Metrix? Well, they had ports and when connected they could do remarkable things and were very strong. Well, my port Grace is going to make me strong also

    I finally feel like it is the beginning of the end 1 down 11 to go then the radiation. At least I feel like now I can see a light at the end of the tunnel. The three different meds are all chemo meds A.C.T. Adriamy, Cytaxan, and Taxol, and you have to do each one the Adriamy first four times every two weeks. The Cytaxan next 4 times every two weeks then the Taxol 4 times etc. Is anyone else doing this treatment? My next chemo is Aug.30.

    I have Stage 2 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, sentinel node removal,with no lymph glands showing positive, thank you God, plus positives hormone receptive.

    I think I'm older then most of you I turned 58 in May same day I found out for sure I had cancer. I am really enjoying reading your posts and hope to get to know you all better. Take care Jan
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  • Not_Me
    Not_Me Member Posts: 180
    edited August 2006
    Jan-Welcome and good luck with your chemo treatments. We are all different ages here...so don't worry bout that.

    Mary-Maritime daughter loves the academy.

    How is everyone?
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