Best Of
Re: My Husband, My Life, My Love, My Family, My Cancer
@intolight I'm so sorry to hear of progression. My heart breaks a little more for everytime I read about our sisters here battling all the time. Wrapping you in a giant tight hug.💔
@goldensrbest Glad hear polyps seem to be benign, fingers crossed. Ugh sorry to hear another joint replacement may be in your future, it just stinks!
@mara51506 Do you sleep with a humidifier in your room? That may help with your cough. Glad MR went well but jeez another wait for dr, so annoying!
@micmel Oh thank God you found an angel to help you! Enough already! Hope you get pain relief soon and still praying for strength for Gabby and your family.
@irishlove I too love the idea of the candle lighting tradition from afar. What a beautiful tradition and memory for your family. Feel better soon. I hear ya on the cooking, many days we just need a break!!
@sf-cakes I can't believe 3 years have passed without your sweet hubby. I love your attitude in honoring your love and relationship which gives you a reason to live on.
@candy-678 Hey there, good to see ya! Glad things are status quo…me too.
@wren44 Feel better soon, as so the winter woes begin….
@eleanora I LOVE your idea for the holidays! As I have about 4 lists going for food even though I am ordering some of it. There is just sooo much that goes into hosting a large group! I miss my old energy and ambition I used to have. I don't know about anyone else but I feel so scatterbrained sometimes when multitasking. Feels like eternal chemo brain although my family says I remember everything. As everyone here I miss and mourn the old Andrea.
Always praying for all, hope I didn't miss anyone. I was off a day or two and missed lots.💕
cookie54
Re: My Husband, My Life, My Love, My Family, My Cancer
@wren44 I am so sorry you are dealing with a sore throat, hoping inflammation recedes for less pain, easier swallowing.
I did not wind up posting yesterday, wound up sleeping a bit on couch then watch IT Welcome to Derry, excellent show. Same people made recent theater movies which were good.
I am at the coughing phase which is bloody annoying if I may be blunt. Still productive with cough so will take expectorant, drink lots of water. Practicing controlled coughing, holding breath and just doing a cough or two, not sure it works, sitting up seems better to avoid the coughs. Worst come to worst, sleep upright on couch. I am focusing on rinsing nose, garlic which I will enjoy
Last piece of puzzle re brain is the consult appointment as the neurosurgeon is travelling soon so I will see what is suggested by him, timelines etc. We will see. Been leaving the phone on so people could call through if need be. Nothing else this week (hopefully) except Herceptin. Going to get in habit of phoning to check appointments as mine were nothing like the print out. Got Paratransit booked, least is an afternoon appointment. Hard to follow with these other appointments at other hospital. My goodness.
Thinking about getting kitchen sink done first, higher priority, then laundry. Got boxes and bags to deal with from Amazon for recycle Thursday.
Meals are a toss up, got beans and beef in the fridge, Might chop up beef, beans and cheese. Add some rice if need be. Also need to pay the extra for extra lean ground beef, am finding the grease a bother to mop up and I do not usually save the grease so mopping up grease on the burgers itself is a PIA. Next shop, shell out the extra for extra lean ground beef, less grease if any to deal with and can stretch further with black beans or lentils even.
I hope everyone has a good day, in pockets for all of us as well. I hope all illness heals up quickly and in pockets for those of us looking after loved ones and sending support to the loved ones as well.
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Re: My Husband, My Life, My Love, My Family, My Cancer
PET scan results show Interval progression of disease with increased number of metastatic liver lesions and osseous metastatic lesions. So it looks like progression. I know nothing else. For now I will wait on an onc message.
intolight
Re: My Husband, My Life, My Love, My Family, My Cancer
DH’s colonoscopy revealed 11 polyps. GI Doc felt pretty sure that they were all benign but they are being sent to pathology. Praying that he is right. Obviously will need to be followed more closely, with more frequent colonoscopies. No more cologuard for him.
Got the results for my MRIs. Lumbar MRI showed torn labrum in left hip and severe arthritis in hip. Probably need a 5th joint replacement….will hold off as long as possible. Kidney MRI shows unresolved cyst. Probably need to see a nephrologist as I only have 1 kidney and need to preserve its function.
Here for pocket duty - sounds like lots of crud is going around. Healing thoughts going out to all……
goldensrbest
Re: How long have you been Stage IV?
@eddiej
A dog is wonderful—especially when it’s seen as a source of good omen—and I believe it can make a big difference in improving one’s psychological well-being.
My daughter has two cats, but cats are different from dogs; they’re more independent and don’t give that warm feeling of sitting in your lap or clinging to you the way dogs do.
I’ve always wanted to have a dog. The last dog I had was in my childhood, and it died tragically, which has left me sad to this day.
I believe that having a pet gives you the feeling that you’re caring for someone, and it helps ease the loneliness that comes with illness.
Re: Stage IV MBC Fitness
I've had more fatigue than usual this month, though I think it may be the struggle with the ice, snow, and relentless dreariness outdoors. I keep thinking I should hop on a plane and go south for a bit of sun. But I keep on keeping on, since I do think that exercise is very protective against cancer spread, at least I hope so. I hope the holiday season is kind to everyone. We are a mixed Jewish/Christian household with some Buddhism thrown in so we get the best of all worlds.
Re: How has normal, day-to-day life changed for you after diagnosis? Share your “different normal.”
@katg Thank you so much for sharing this, katg. Finishing treatment—especially for a second diagnosis—can bring such a mix of relief, exhaustion, and uncertainty, and everything you’re describing is completely valid. That “different different normal” is real, and it takes time to find your footing again- to say the least.
We're lad you have a few steady anchors in your days, and that you’re giving yourself support through therapy and small moments of hope. The bone pain, hot flashes, and deep fatigue are a heavy load to carry, and you’re not alone with any of it.
We’re here with you as you rebuild strength at your own pace. Be gentle with yourself—you’ve come through so much, and your progress truly matters. 💗
@kotchaj Thank you for opening your heart here, kotchaj. Four years out and still navigating brain fog, muscle weakness, and the emotional weight of it all is something so many can relate to, and it takes courage to say it out loud. And… you're not alone!
You’ve carried an incredible amount—major treatment, years on Verzenio, a cross-country move, a demanding job—yet you’re still finding ways to focus on living, even planning a vacation. That’s strength, even on the days when you’re simply tired and getting through however you can.
It makes sense that your perspective on the future has shifted, and you’re not alone in that feeling either. We’re here to walk alongside you as you keep finding moments of meaning, joy, and rest. You deserve gentleness and support every step of the way. Gentle hugs!!
Re: Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?
Wow! A lot of posts!
Harley, what a fantastic cruise!
Temperature got down to -12 Sunday morning. We will be having highs of +39 tomorrow and Thursday.
My throat was sore and dry yesterday morning. Relative humidity was in the high teens. I got a kettle started on the stove. Then my nose ran like tryouts for the Olympics, to the point I broke out a COVID test. Plus a nasty headache. Feeling better now, with humidity at 60.
My housework helper is going to be here at noon to help me put plastic on the windows. I am dedicated to the proposition that natural light is healthier than wasting electricity during the daytime. I did have my sunlight window shade closed the past two days, but rejoiced when I opened it.
I remembered the candles for my Advent wreath this year. My housework helper found the Christmas tree, I didn't throw it away last year after all. I think I need to find my Seasonal Affective Disorder light. Maybe double my vitamin D.
I think Bob would have a hard time adjusting to retirement. Can he cut his hours?
Taco, I have not seen Karen for months. She appears to have fallen off the Internet.
I have six more packages coming. I already have two. I went crazy shopping the sales at Amazon. Even bought a hand-held bidet. No need to feel embarrassed about it, it is only the two of us, and if I used it on Tippy, he would probably be delighted. Looks like they bundled them and are delivering most of them on Wednesday.
I am worried about my naturalized citizen African friends in the Twin Cities.
mcbaker
Re: My Husband, My Life, My Love, My Family, My Cancer
Just letting you know I am still here. I read every day, and Like, Care, comment as needed. Nothing new in my cancer world. Scans and slight med change was in November- I posted on here and updated my profile. Just keep on keeping on. Some days better than others. And the mental aspect of this disease still can be a problem. I miss my old life. But I am grateful for what I do have.