Help Me Plan For Chicago

[peanut]

Hey friends,

I am going to Chicago in a few weeks, I've never been and I know it's going to be cold. I will be 2 blocks from Lake Michigan, but I won't be outside long. I'm from Seattle so I know how to pack for the cold: long johns, hats, gloves, large cup of Starbucks...

 

but I've always wondered which would be the best to bring?

1. Down

2. Wool

3. Leather

4. Fleece

 

Maybe I'll just pack it all.

 

As some of you know, I'm going to Northwestern Hospital in Chicago to see if I qualify for a stem cell transplant clinical trial. I'm sorta young and my form of sclero is quite progressive and my rheumatologist thinks aggressive forms treatment will help. I’ll tell ya planning all this has made for one crazy adventure and I can’t believe it’s coming up so fast; I’ll be sure to keep you posted.

 

I do hope to visit Michigan Avenue. I hear it’s beautiful.

 

warm hearts,

peanut

[janey]

Peanut,

I can't really help with what to wear in Chicago except for a single experience several years ago. I found out that it's called the windy city for a good reason. So along with bringing layers, take a wind breaker. Of course, if you're like me, you don't go outside much when it's cold and windy. I have always found the warmest combination to be polypropylene under garments under wool or fleece. It's all lightwieght but very warm. However, it doesn't protect from the wind, so another layer as a wind breaker.

 

I really look forward to hearing about your experience at Northwestern. Which trial are you being tested for?

 

Big Hugs,

[peanut]

Hey Janey,

 

I think these are my two clinical trials:

Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (NST) for Patients With Systemic Sclerosis

 

Cyclophosphamide and rATG With Hematopoietic Stem Cell Support in Systemic Scleroderma

 

peanut

[Sheryl]

Tobagan Cap and Scarf are a must for covering ears and face in severe wind. It is very windy this time of year with the lake effects. If you have down it is quite warm and very wind resistant. Wool gets wet and heavy if it happens to be snowing or rainy. A fleece undergarment wouldn't hurt if you thought you might need it. I have fleece lined jeans I wear when its cold out. Good luck with the study process. Keep us up to date on whats happening while you are there. Sheryl

[Vee]

Hi Peanut,

 

Alls I've got to say is layers, layers, layers! You can take some off if it's too much, but if you don't have enough, You'll regret it! Enjoy your trip.

[Clementine]

Keep a warm drink with you when you are outside! It really works.

[peanut]

I'm so silly. I got my snow boots down and I've been tromping around my house in them. The little kid inside me wants to bring my big snow boots and play in the snow. No snow yet in Chicago... yet...

 

Thanks friends for helping me pack,

peanut

[Sheryl]

Jennifer, I really like the new picture. Erin, Vee this is the Jen you two were wondering about the other night in the chat room. She is still here just changing pictures alot. This one is so cute. Love your smile. The girls thought you were missing in action. No worries you are happy with your pets. Sheryl

[Snowbird]

Hi Peanut

 

My vote is fleece and down too.....I agree wool is not so good when it gets wet nor do I think it's as warm either unless it's a wool blanket on my bed that is.......I sure hope this visit provides you with some comfort and good news. Lots of hugs, Ramona