New Want To Play A Word Game
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I am so glad for your clear margins, Red! I wasn't sure on the other thread if it was YOUR results or your DD's.... I remember they scheduled her to see a surgeon or something? Now I understand a little better (but don't expect me to remember tomorrow! lol).
Thanks for the input re the feeding tube. Yes, I believe it does go straight into the abdomen, but we have heard there is a big chance of forgetting how to swallow....not sure if because of the rads there or just because of not using those muscles. So many with this type of cancer end up having to keep the feeding tube. The teeth and jaw get ruined from the rads, and she will have them on both sides of her jaw, and the neck. So she has to make sure she doesn't need dental work also, even her dentist said she needs to have everything done before rads. It really sucks. I had written about her on the other thread then had to delete it as I didn't like seeing it there. I may delete it from the prior page too. Just too hard to see it.
Yes, I wish my dad would treat my mom better. Hate it when he is mean to her. Tomorrow we have to pick them up early for both of their appts, then my dad has to have blood work, then we'll take him out for his birthday lunch, since he was in HI last week on his birthday.Hate that you can't use your stove OR your washer yet....hope you can get them to fix the line for the stove without more $$$.
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@wahine, I had the wrong picture in my head from the feeding tube my kitty had when I tried to nurse him after he got out of the boarding kennel. I was thinking about the feeding tube going into the stomach via the esophagus, which is what my cat had. But now that I think about it more, his tube went through an incision in his neck, not his mouth. I can easily imagine that so much radiation might damage the nerves that carry the signal for swallowing. What a pity that your dad gets irate with your mother. It must be really frustrating for him that he can't make her memory come back. Maybe it's time to think about assisted living for your mom. That would be a tough decision, and expensive too, but maybe better for both parents? Your family is really going through some tough times right now. Here's a hug for you! (((wahine))) I just sent up a prayer that you would be given the strength & stamina you need to get through them.
@RedReading, the bathroom is almost finished. There is a bit of finish plumbing that still needs to be done, but the new toilet, shower wall, sink and floor have been in for a few months now.
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no CC, the house is 60 years old, but I have only owned it since last year. Houses cost less here than where I used to live, so I was able to sell my previous home, pay off the remainder of the loan, and have enough left to pay for this house in cash. I was planning to wait until I started to draw Social Security and had some padding in my budget before doing the major kitchen, but when I found out I had stage IV I changed my mind and had it all done at once, or most of it anyway. So, the bathroom is completely new, the kitchen is completely new, and the rest of the house is old but spruced up. The gutters still need to be replaced and the outside of the house
painted, and there is a big spruce tree that is growing into the power
lines and needs to be cut down. Last time I did a major remodel it was in the first house I ever owned
and I had years to think about it before I did it. It would have been nice to have that
luxury on this job too, it might have been possible to avoid some of the glitches that have popped up. Oh well,
it is what it is.Almost all the kitchen cabinets have been installed and this weekend I can start putting the dishes etc in there. Everything was in storage for a year and then in the garage since last summer. Most of the boxes were not sealed, so probably everything is dirty. I'll have a lot of washing to do, but it's worth it. It will be so nice to use my real dishes again.
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Maybe it will CC. I thought I wasn't going to have my stove this weekend, because it's almost 6 PM and the plumbers, who had said they would return by 4:30, didn't come back until just a minute ago. So unless they run into another problem I will be able to use both my range and my washing machine after all! The contractor's crew had already left for the day and I was just about
to take a nap. I'm groggy from getting up so much earlier than my normal
time to let the crew in every morning. I will probably only do t-shirts because the dryer hasn't come yet. Heavy things like jeans and towels would take too long to air-dry. But having in-house cooking and laundry facilities again is a major milestone. Speaking of miles, that reminds me I need to keep my eyes open for a tire sale. Last time I had my oil changed they said there was only enough tread left for a few thousand miles more. I can't complain, the car is a 2006 and still has three of the original tires.0 -
Hi Kat. How's it going sweetie? Still praying for the whole family. {{{huggles}}}
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I don't know if I will be quite up and running by then. I still have lots of unpacking to do before I can bake anything, and there isn't a great deal of time left until Christmas.
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Hi girls, we had our Christmas dinner and celebration today, since my DD2 and family drove over from TX. They drove 13 hrs yesterday through storms, tornado warnings, and flooded interstate. Saw overturned semi, downed power lines, lots of accidents. It usually takes them 9-10 hrs or so. Was so glad when they got here safely! So today we had 13 for dinner and gifts, plus it was my youngest g'daus 9th birthday (her mom is my DD1 with cancer). I cooked SO MUCH, plus my DD2 brought food with her, too. Plus I made so many sweets, we had a tier of them and it looked so pretty, then we had a chocolate fountain later, for my g'daus birthday. If we keep eating like this, our rears are going to be huge (well mine sure will!). Was nice to have a GOOD day, as yesterday and last night I was very down, and teared up a lot. My DD1 broke down today, but she and I were able to talk, and my DD2 joined us, so it was good to get some of her fears talked out. The others weren't aware of what was going on (her crying), thank God. Hope you are all doing well, and thanks so much for the prayers and concern.
Kathy
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@wahine, it sounds like you, your DDs and DGD had a good time. I am glad you were able to put your cares aside, even if only for a short time. Have you and/or DD investigated cancer support groups in your area? You might find it helpful to join one. The people there "get it" because they either have cancer or are/have been caregivers themselves. I really think it would be worth your while to check one out and see if you benefit. The one I go to sometimes is through my health care provider but I think other groups do them too--American Cancer Society and Gilda's Club might also have groups that meet in your/DD's area. I have found it so helpful that I suggest to practically everyone facing cancer or caregiving, that they should at least try going once or twice to see if it's a good fit for them. Talking with a social worker might also prove helpful, they know what kinds of help are available both through whatever health care system they may be part of, and in the community as a whole. You have so much on your plate now with both parents and DD!
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Hey Kathy, sounds like you had good times and sad times on your early Christmas day. I'm so sorry you are going thru this with your DD. Glad to hear that molly is feeling better, only one more month to go and she can play outside with her buddy. DD2 must have been scared during that long drive - 13 hours. Wow.
Finally all the bandages are off but I can't get rid of the adhesive on my SCARS. It's itchy and irritating. I'm going to bed early tonight. My apologies for not saying hi to the rest of the girls, but I am beat.
Hugs'n'kisses to all.
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Hi girls, Took my DD2 out to lunch and then shopping (dumb idea!)....the streets were SO crowded and some drivers acted like they were at the races. They cut in and out, going fast, and we did see a bad accident. But then a lot of stuff hit the fan, and my DD1 had a bad migraine, and now has been puking all night. Plus our tenant-from-hell has given us more stress today, and my dad's skin dr called me to schedule small surgery on his leg to remove some cancer (biopsy was positive, but thankfully its not melanoma). Since we take them to all their appts, and there will be followup on this one, I just am stressing about trying to do everything that my parents and my DD1 will be needing. I am about ready to scream as I feel very overwhelmed and have not had time to schedule my own appts. Sorry to vent, its just that everything seems to be going wrong. About the support groups, I feel too stressed right now, and there doesn't seem to be any ME time as it is. I did go to a grief support group when I lost my DH, and it was a godsend. So I will keep your ideas in mind (and thank you for them), but not sure when it may happen. I do appreciate all your support and concern.
Red, will baby oil help to remove the adhesive left by the bandages? Hope the scars look good, and you are healing well!
I hope you are all having a good night, and will have a really nice Christmas!
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@wahine, one service that's sometimes available through the ACS or
other cancer charities is volunteer drivers who take cancer patients to
& from their appointments. With your DD's lengthy series of
radiation treatments this might be something to consider for her. Maybe
having someone else drive DD to some of her rads appointments would be a
way to squeeze in that "me time" you need, or to schedule your own
appointments. You say you are overwhelmed and with everything you have
going on it's no wonder. I really hope you will consider seeking help
right away with the driving or some other practical aspect of
caregiving, rather than waiting until you are dropping with exhaustion.I hear you about those drivers. I remember once when I was still
going back and forth between here and my mom's house, seeing a bunch of
motorcyclists on the freeway. They were going fast and doing some kind
of stunts. I don't remember what it was, but it was something crazy like
standing on the seats. I was afraid one of them would fall right in
front of my car and couldn't get away from them fast enough. I think I
went off at the next exit and parked for a while to let them get well
ahead of me. It was scary!OK, now it is time for me to wash the dishes and head out to church. Merry Christmas to all!
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MELE KALIKIMAKA to you all! Its cold outside...."Baby its cold outside..", so we have Maverick in the garage and Molly inside in the laundry room, trying to keep them apart since she is supposed to be very calm for 2 months. I think Maverick spied her though when my DH was coming in the door....lol. Really though, although he would rather be in the house, Maverick would have been perfectly happy if we had left a scrap of "people food" in the garage!
Have a good Christmas, Mele Kalikimaka as we say in Hawaii! I am sure you have heard the song too...."Mele Kalikimaka is the thing to say on a bright Hawaiian Christmas day.....".
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Merry Christmas to you all and to your families. Have a great day! Hope Santa was good to you. He was to me, that's for sure.
My DD2 made me a SCARF and a family pendant with all 5 kids birthstones set in a tree of life. My DH got me Lagostino cookware and some new golf shoes. DD1 got me some pj's (3 piece) and my favourite chocolates. My son and dear daughter-in-law gave us lively framed pictures of the grandkids and themselves and a fun game to play after dinner.
All in all, a very happy Christmas morning. Hope all yours were just as happy.
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LOL @ CCFW, for wanting to use "farts"! SO nice you got your DH to play chess again....and he seems to be quite the champ! My DD's and some of the grandkids like to play chess. But for me, I have to face up to actual facts and admit that I would lose every time! The handbell choir sounds so nice! Some of the churches have them here, but I have only heard that a couple of times.
Today is not only Boxing Day, but my youngest DD's birthday! I keep trying to phone her to wish her Happy Birthday (Hauoli La Hanau), but keep missing her. She must be having a great time!
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So, Christmas day, the sequel, is over and the twelve who came to dinner tonight are gone. I put all the dishes in a big STACK where they are waiting for dishwasher load 1 to finish. I might get away with 2 loads tonight. Yesterday it was 4 loads. 1 for brunch, 3 for dinner.
Again, Santa was very kind to me.
I did have something kinda weird happen though. Our Lisa wanted to see how the boob looked, so I took her in the bathroom to show her. First words out of her mouth were 'did they cut your nipple off?' I said no, mine are just pink, she said something like I know that but you've got no nipple on that side. Of course, after they left I had to check it out and am pleased to announce I do, indeed, have a nipple. I think it's the bruising and the blue dye that makes is look like a raisin stuck to my boob.
Isn't it funny though how another person's opinion can make us second guess outselves?
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Awwww Red, sometimes people will say something they think is fine, but it comes across a bit tacky. (Had to come up with a word, sorry!). Funny though that you had to look and make sure you DID have a nipple!!! Both of mine were cut off with my bilat mast and recon, but I had the 3D nip tattoos and they look totally real. I've shown them to some of the bco gals I have met, and one had to touch my tattoos to make sure they weren't real nipples! LOL. Of course, there is NO feeling whatsoever, mostly numb. Now if I could lose some weight...prolly gained about 20 pounds with all the candy I made this Christmas....and of course I had a lot of leftover candy to "get rid of"....lol.
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No, I didn't make any brownies or cakes. Just yummy (and E-Z) candy. I am paying for it now though!!!
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I know what you mean Kathy. I can't believe how many times last night that I looked at my breast last night to make sure I had a nipple. Silly me, cuz I know I have one for heaven's SAKES.
I just find it hard to believe what an idiot I can be about my appearance. That doesn't matter. Who I am inside is what counts.
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Thats funny, Red! And yes, its the inside that counts the most, and I know you are beautiful both INSIDE and OUT. There are some animals and reptiles and bugs that I judge by how they look on the outside, though. Take a snake for instance, I don't like them at all, no matter how nice they might try to be!!! lol
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Well you do have a point there Kat, I don't mind snakes but I wouldn't want one in my house. Ewww
My DD has a little garter snake her son found in the woods in a terrarium, but still, ewww. And I know people who have huge spiders, and deadly fish and a ton of other things that have no earthly reason to be here.
I would bet (and I'm not a betting woman, mainly cuz I have ni STAKE) that all those yucky creatures would be better off in a different planet!
Lol
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Oh yeah, if I think of all possible meats to eat, steak would be at the top of my list....esp ribeye steak!
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I love ribeye but my DH prefers Strip Loin, so that's what we usually have. Doesn't really matter, as long as my love of red meat is SATED.
Went to see a movie tonight. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. It was pretty good, I don't usually like Ben Stiller but this was sweet and fun. Todd from eHarmony was the perfect add on kind of guy. And I want that flip phone. It worked in Iceland, the top of the Himalaya's, everywhere. I sometimes can't get my phone to work from my DD 's or my mom's. Never from the beach.
Tired again. I'm tired of being tired. An early night and hopefully a restful sleep. Good night all. Sleep well.
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