Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?
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Karen, you’re going into the test result appt with support, and we’re in your pocket if you need us too. Sandy, welcome back from NOLA. I could taste those beignets, stepson did his undergrad studies at Tulane and we always hit Cafe Du Monde while there. Good news on your eye too. Jackie, an implant to keep your heart beating ok sounds like a good plan. Cardplayer, the time change messed with me as well. I was awake after 5 hours of sleep. I ate, took meds, read the newspaper and went back to bed for 1.5 hours. I hope I adjust quickly.
I’m halfway thru the Augmentin for the swollen salivary gland. It has gone down some but not a lot. I’m also sucking on lemon drops to see if it helps. Tomorrow is a Twins v Yankee game at 1:05. My lips are finally not in pain from sunburn, I’ll keep 50 spf on them. We should have a great time.
Here’s a funny, not funny moment: drying my hair last night with a styling brush I hit my light up makeup mirror, cracking it! I’ve probably hit it over a dozen time and nothing happened. One thunk with the brush end and I no longer have a regular mirror, but the magnifying side is safe. I put crazy glue all along the cracks just to keep it in place. Do I get 7 years of bad luck or 7 years of bad hair? “Enough” Isay.
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Cindy, too funny! Breaking glass while in doing hair, I think 7 years of both bad luck and bad hair! I’m kidding! It certainly was a funny-not-funny story! Enjoy the game today!
Thinking of Karen today!
Raining today but at least it isn’t snow! I’m feeling so much better, the contact dermatitis is drying up. I had put on a whopping 14 pounds in the four days following my surgery. I lost 10 of those pounds already, without effort, because it was accumulating fluid. I hope to start walking in my neighborhood more. Free exercise that hopefully will be easy on my joints and fresh air!
Illinoislady, too bad you don’t live in my area of the country. We have an abundance of small purebred dogs at our rescue organizations thanks (grrrr) to all the puppy mills! Lots of former mill moms/dads who no longer produce puppies.
In 2019 I fostered a Cavalier King Charles for several days with intent to adopt. She was loaded with issues, both health and learning to be cage free. Such a sweet dog, I fell instantly in love with her. I found breast cancer on her (I was a vet technician) which I reported to the rescue organization. I would have kept her, but it was clear that I didn’t have what she needed most, another dog that could help her learn to be a family dog. There was someone else who already had a cavalier that wanted her and I knew in my heart she would bond with their dog, so I gave up my intention to adopt and continued to foster her a bit longer. You have a dog and would be a perfect fit for a dog like that!
I hopeeveryone has a great day!
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I do not like the time change - and this might be the last one. There is the possibility that we will stay on DST year round. Me personally would prefer standard time. Heard on the news yesterday that standard time is healthier for our bodies - but I don't need daylight till 9 at night in the summer. It always takes me an hour to adjust to the time change.
2.25 hours till check in for my appointment - I go between being numb and being panicked and scared out of my mind. I truly expect to be told that it is cancer again. Okay, if so, just tell me what the plan is going forward. Multiple myeloma is not good being a blood cancer of the plasma - but then no cancer is good, some just worse than others. I scheduled to go into work after my appointment - wonder if that is dumb - but I need to be busy and work has been so understanding. Plus being busy at work is a distraction. I guess I can change my mind if need be depending on the news and what we find out moving forward.
DD#2 texted that she go a 90 on her final yesterday!! She was elated. She has 3 more finals - Thursday, Sunday (her 25th birthday) and the last is the 24th. I think the new semester starts this week. The trip to Italy was her birthday present, but I think I'm going to order some sort of birthday treat to be delivered on her birthday. Also she wants a new swatch, so I'm going to tell her to order it. She is not expecting anything, but it will make me feel better to surprise her.
Not sleeping well - worse than normal. Waking up for a couple hours at night - I come out to the sofa and many nights stuff my face!!! Not really hungry, just nervous energy, frustration, boredom - I don't know what, but it has to stop.
I'll try to come back this evening to post an update.
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Karen, I'm hoping your instincts are wrong and you get a better report than you expect. I'm feeling nervous for you.
Count me in on those who dislike the time change. I don't like getting up in the dark.
The green transformation has happened. The trees are leafed out except for the pecan trees. They're always the last. We need a hard downpour to wash the pollen from the pine trees.
Hope Monday is a good day for everyone.
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Borrowed this from a friend and thought I’d share here this morning. Thinking of you Karen as you head to the doctor this morning. Cindy - hope your infection clears up. Enjoy the game tonight. Mavericksmom - hope your skin infection has improved. Glad you had a nice day Jackie. Best of luck with appointments this week. Carole - wish our spring would return. We had flurries yesterday and this morning. Woke up with blurry vision this morning and will see the doctor at 7am tomorrow. Vision was fine yesterday, although still blurry at times. Setup the family March Madness pool. It’s for bragging rights, not gambling. One year DD won and she hadn’t watched a single game all season.Have a wonderful Monday.
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Today, really look around at your world—your family, your home, your pets, your co-workers, and the strangers on the street. Smile at everyone you meet because you can see them. Never forget that the gift of vision was so important that when God created the world, the first command was for Light in order to see, and after the Great Creator was finished with each day's task, He glanced back on his handiwork and "saw that it was good." We need to see how good it is, too. - Sarah Ban Breathnach
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Oh my -- where to begin. (((Karen))). I too am anxious for you. I as well, like Carole, hope so that things will turn out better than they have seemed so far. We just never know.
I think so far in the "time" question I am the quirky one. I prefer DST. I love light, but I guess having worked so many, many yrs., only retiring when my health put me into the hospital, I treasured having 'extra' time when I got home from work. So, I don't mind if it is dark when I get up. We have windows facing the East and it is a pure delight to see the brilliant orange glow in the morning as I'm enjoying my morning coffee with the news. I usually walk over to the bank of windows (quite tall) and just drink it all in. I watch the day being born and come totally to life as the orange fades to the familiar sky blue that takes over. There is never a day that it doesn't feel special to me.
I'm late here today as I drove Dh to his Dr's check-up appt. today. His blood pressure was still misbehaving so she increased the Lisinopril from the 5 mgs. the Dr. at our hospital prescribed. He will now get 10 mgs. That said, the VA will send 20 mgs. tablets that he will have to cut in half. Someone long ago found out that the VA saved money by purchasing bigger tablets ALL the time so you can always expect that they will UP the size of your tablet. I've raised fusses about it, but it will never change. We never get much of an exact dose ever because it is nearly impossible to pill cut your pills the same size. I've been trying for years. One of the pills I take now has one end of the pill heftier than the other which really has me wondering since it would seem the fat end really gives a wallop, but who knows
I'll be glad to get tomorrow over as I have felt frustrated by having an appt. made for the same day as the Echogram and finding out later that there is some sort of difference in readings. I'm not surprised since it was a more complicated Echo. So, hopefully this time will allow me to really know where I am. No one has been in a rush so it is nothing threatening, and that is good.
I hope you have all had a really good day. Hugs to you again Karen.
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Jackie: On your next trip to Walmart look for a pill cutter in probably the pharmacy area. It is a small plastic lidded container that has a razor blade that will cut your pills in half after you line them up in the V-shaped holder. It also has an area that catches the split pill halves. It is better than you trying to do this with fingers or a sharp knife and they will provide consistent sized halves. It can be washed with soap and water. They are reasonably priced as well costing a little more than $4 in my area. The VA is also saving the taxpayer money as well because 10 mg tablets cost significantly more than 20 mg ones. Hospitals will do the same thing and did until they went to unit dose; then the pharmacy would cut them, place them in a small plastic envelope and label them with the patient's name.
I hope your study goes well and that Karen received good news.
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I met with my hematologist this morning and as I expected, the news is not good. I have multiple myeloma, and he's thinking it's stage 2. We are still waiting on some other test results that will give more information regarding the MM (can't remember how hematologist explained it). It's been a very long stressful two weeks. I have a phone consult with the nurse later this week regarding chemo. I go back on March 27 to start treatment. I'm also waiting for RMCC to call me to schedule a PET scan.
Today, the phlebotomist drew 9 different vials of blood. The CBC was ready before I left, but I just checked the patient portal and there are no labs.
Treatment is 4 different chemo drugs (they are oral and/or injection- no infusion) - Revlimid, Velcade, Daratumumab, Decadron given weekly for 3 weeks then one week off for 4 months. Another bone marrow biopsy at the end of 4 months. I'm confused about next steps after the 4 months. The hematologist says these drugs are not as hard as the ones I had for breast cancer. I guess time will tell.
Our son is up to date on the latest information. Now to tell the girls. Younger daughter has 3 more finals, Friday, Sunday and the 24th. Plus she turns 25 on the 19th. So I want to wait till at least the 24th to tell her. The new semester starts tomorrow or Wednesday. Part of me wonders if its best to wait till I've had my first chemo on the 27th. I'll tell the girls around the same time. I know my son doesn't talk to his sisters often so no worry that he will spill the beans.
Work knows - I shared with the admin at the school I'm covering and they could not be more caring. I've also shared with part of my team there. I still need to tell the rest of the team. I've also shared via email, my 2 managers and the MH manager (who I've worked with since I came to the district in 2009).
I can't believe that I'm going down the cancer road again. So much to absorb.
Thanks for all your love.
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Karen I am so sorry you need to go through this. I think you made a good decision about when to tell your daughters. I would wait until your daughter has had her last final to tell her too!
If they wonder why you didn’t tell them sooner, it is because “worry” doesn’t need company. No point worrying when you had no answers. Mom’s want their children to do well in life and doing well on her finals is groundwork for her future!At least now you know what you are facing. You already know cancer can be a rollercoaster ride, but you can do this! You will survive! You have all of us here in addition to your family and amazing co-workers to support you.
Much love and cyber hugs to you! One day at a time!
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Sorry to hear your news, Karen. But you beat cancer before so I am hopeful for you.
Arizona stays on DST all year round so we are back on west coast time. I hate it only because my family is all on the east coast. We have enough trouble connecting when there are only two hours difference. DD usually calls on Sunday afternoons after she gets home from work but it's hard to catch my sister.
Sounds like spring is coming for you northerners. Enjoy. Summer comes way too soon here.
Marge
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We're so sorry to hear, Karen! Keeping you in our thoughts and here to support you through this.
The Mods
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Karen - sorry to hear about your diagnosis. Keeping you close to my heart as you begin your treatment journey. Sending you a cyber hug.
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Karen, I am so sorry to hear that. Cyber hugs
Betrayal, I am sorry to hear about Smudge. Cyber hugs
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Ooh--Karen. One step at a time, one day at a time. It is still fairly early, and treatment will be easier than the breastly nightmare. Prayers. So good to time the notifications to work people and family. Good that you can continue working.
Sunday night Tippy occasionally barked between nine and ten. Last night he accepted the new schedule. It is not as if I demand that he sleep with me. Aah, well. I am walking him more frequently around the block. The cold and humidity sets off aches everywhere when I get on the bike, although we went downtown for some errands yesterday (four blocks away). But, right now the temp is 2 deg above 0. I will be calling Tippy's foster-mom today to update her on when and if I will have to ask her to board him. My sister and my cousin would love to walk him, but he only allows me and one other person to do it.
CindyNY, I had a salivary gland infection many years ago-- puffed up face but no pain. It was weird. I still say it was a plugged duct, but what do I know? Sandy, glad to know that your eye is doing well. Betrayal, I wish you many consolations with Smudge's passing. Cardplayer, happy to see your eye is recovering.
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Karen, I’m so sorry you received that news. Mary is right, one step at a time. We’re here for you. ((HUGS))
The swollen salivary glad is under my tongue. I thought it was all from the Novocain. I’m thinking the antibiotic may not have been needed, as it hasn’t gone away. I see the oral surgeon for follow up on 3/22, and I’ll go from there.
Upstate NY, Albany area, was getting hit with a possible 1-2 feet of snow. I’ve kept checking on my Ring doorbell and I’d guess 8” or so has fallen. The storm may continue through tomorrow morning. Biggest fears are power outages because it’s a very wet heavy snow.
Baseball game was fun, although I didn’t recognize a Yankee player. The spring training is when a lot of unknowns are given a chance to perform, so I get it. It was a fluke we were able to stay in seats that weren’t ours, under an awning out of the sun.
We were above the bull pen so this old lady (me) asked: Can I get a ball? And they were nice enough to toss one up to me. I think it helped I was wearing a Yankee ball cap.0 -
I won’t complain about our weather here today. It’s cold and 40 mph winds, but at least we have sun shining outside and no snow. Hope those getting snow and cold weather are safe inside. Sorry you’re still dealing with the swollen salivary gland Cindy. Ball game looks fun. Watching the NATs play the Mets on TV this afternoon. Went to the eye doctor at 7am. I’ve been experiencing lots of blurry vision. Turns out, it’s not my corrected eye. My eyes aren’t working well together. The doctor said this could happen. My vision is mostly blurry - near and far. So they moved my next surgery up to next week. I’ll be glad to get the other eye done. Stay safe and warm today.
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Ok, I will try this a third time. Lost my post the first time because I hit the up arrow instead of submitting, and a second time because my iPad is old and decided to delete my post, so here goes for try #3 on my PC.
Cindy, nice photos and happy you got a baseball out of it! I wish you luck on the 22nd and hope you get some answers and hopefully some relief, about your enlarged salivary gland! Also I hope your NY home doesn't lose power! Is there someone you could call if that happens so they can at least turn on the faucets, so your pipes don't freeze? My SIL came home from Florida last spring to find her home had been burglarized by a person and then by racoons, who entered through the window the thief broke to enter! To this day can't understand why she didn't have a security system in her house. She is very intelligent, she is a retired teacher, but what seemed like common sense to me, apparently didn't even cross her mind.
Cardplayer, so sorry for your blurry vision! That can't be fun at all! It makes me thankful all I am dealing with is a tight abdominal compression garment! So great that they moved up your surgery! I also agree about our weather as mine is similar to yours and I am not complaining!
My tight garment is making me think twice about doing anything about my arm lymphedema. I am not sure I really believe it will get worse with time, and I am finding my abdominal garment so annoying, I can't imagine going back to wearing garments on my arm and hand for the rest of my life. Is that really going to add to my quality of life? I am not saying anything to my PS who is also the lymphedema specialist. He wasn't pushing surgery until next year at the earliest.
I made a mistake looking at my insurance site and the claims from the surgery! OMG I hope I am not going to get hit with major bills! It was still processing, and I know I need to wait to get bills before I can do anything about them, but the insurance makes absolutely no sense to me! It is a Medicare Advantage plan through my husband's retirement from a major drug company. The bill from hospital/doctors are huge, the amount the plan pays is low and my co-pay is low. But, there is an explanation of terms and basically states I could be liable for the difference between the plan and original bill! I know it has alway been like this, and always scares me to death, but I never had to pay the difference before. I have had this insurance for over 4 years.
Honestly, I am now thinking of avoiding doctors as much as possible once I have completed my follow up visits. I will continue to see my cardiologist (he writes all my blood pressure scripts) and my breast surgeon and oncologist, both of which will eventually be once a year and likely uneventful. I do need to have a Dexa Scan again, but that shouldn't be a hassle with the insurance company. As for my PS, I will probably avoid seeing him unless there is an issue with the implant once I have my last follow up appointment from my surgery. I haven't seen a gynecologist in 4 years. I will be 70 this summer, do women even need to see a gynecologist at 70? My romance days are LONG gone! I guessing the answer is no.
I think I am blowing off my gastroenterologist too, I am due for a colonoscopy in the summer, as it has been 5 years, but I can't have one because no one at the endoscopy center can access my veins. She said she would set me up for another virtual colonoscopy, but I think NO! Getting older would be great, but I am becoming just like my parents, all my talk seems to be around medical issues and doctors! I HATE THAT!!!!
To top it off, my insurance company is relentless about getting a Medicare wellness visit! Last year I caved and had one of those. It was the most useless appointment I ever went to and humiliating! They had me draw a clock and make it show 9:50! Then showed four shapes, all about the same visual size and asked which one was largest! I wanted to say, "Can you provide me with the radius of the circle, the measurement of a side of the square, the length and width of the rectangle and the height and base of the triangle? Then I will be happy to tell you which one has the biggest area!"
Ok, I am done venting and I apologize for the VERY long rant. Call it total frustration! My other two posts were only two short paragraphs! I am so sorry one of them didn't go through! Yikes!
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Patience is learning how to wait when you really don't want to. It's
discovering things you like to do while you're waiting, and becoming
so happy with. . . what you're doing that you forget you're waiting.
Patience is taking time every day to dream your dreams and develop
the confidence in yourself to change your dreams into reality. Patience
is being good to yourself and having the faith to hold on to your dreams,
even as days go by when you can't see how they will come true.
Patience is loving others even when they disappoint you and you don't
understand them. It's knowing how to let go and accept others as they
are and forgive them for things they have done. Patience is loving
yourself and giving yourself time to grow; it's doing things that keep you
healthy and happy, and it's knowing that you deserve the best in life
and are willing to work for it, no matter how long it takes.
Patience is being willing to face whatever challenges life gives you,
realizing that life has also given you the strength and courage to endure
and deal with each challenge. Patience is the ability to continue to love
and laugh no matter what your circumstances may be, because you
recognize that in time those circumstances will change, and that love
and laughter are what give life deeper meaning, and you the
determination to continue to have patience.
Donna Levine0 -
Oh my -- we have gone over to the next page here. Not sure why I decided we had lots more room. Sigh!!! At least I remember you, Karen. While I know your dx. brought frustration and disappointment, your outlook has much positiveness in it. We here will surround you with love and care and be praying and hoping and here for you all the way. Lots of love and hugs.
Mary, I am thinking of you and Tippy as well. I'll be glad when your surgery is done and warmer more comfy weather comes. Hopefully things will turn around for you.
I was so taken hearing about the baseball cardplayer. Isn't it great sometimes to be a bit older. Sounds like you had a really nice afternoon -- in the shade so you didn't have to worry about the sunscreen so much.
Okay then. I talked to Dr. Panda today and have decided to have the Bi-ventricular device put in. I will have to speak later to his nurse who will set it all up and then call me, so right now, I don't' know for sure when. It is similar to a pacemaker in that it is small and fits in the same area. The difference is that it has three leads. So, it will help my heartbeat in the proper rhythm as well as defib me should my heart stop for any reason. I am at risk (something I didn't totally understand until today) of my heart just stopping -- like during sleep and I just don't wake up. Or just suddenly drop in the street or wherever I am. The thought flashed that I'm in the meat isle at Walmart's and I'm thinking, no way baby. Anyway, the battery for the device can last quite well. Likely over 11 yrs.-- Dr. Panda said as much as 13, but they will check it out and keep up with it so no worry there. Also, I think CT's are possible -- but I'll have to find out more about that.
Mind you, I don't mind dying and I'm not afraid, but I would rather those around me, as well as myself don't get it as a big shock and have time to digest the idea that I'm about to transition to my next wonderful life. Should I myself, or they feel they needed time to make amends, show a bit more love and care, they would not have to feel cheated out of that time. We all are aware that we don't set the time, but sometimes life presents everyone challenges and we do not pay as much attention to each other. Okay, enuf' on that. I'm planning on hanging around yet for some time being an aggravation to someone probably.
Hoping you all had sunshine. We've had it all day today and it has been so welcome and nice.
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(((Betrayal))). Smudge's final days sounded much like Happy's--he was mobile enough to move between levels of the house but towards the end very shaky--he climbed up on to the bed and my chest but lowering himself into the "meatloaf position" was heartbreakingly slow. My doubts were based on the fact that he wanted to eat right up until the euthanasia vet arrived; I realize now that his appetite was partly the transdermal stimulant but mostly to assuage hunger pangs from his inability to keep his stomach filled. But it was definitely time. May your heart fill the space Smudge left behind with loving and pleasant memories of her. Last night I dreamed I saw Happy standing by the water bowl in the kitchen, with his right foreleg sopping wet from using his paw as a water scoop. And I can still feel the delicate softness of his fur when I'd kiss the top of his head--a sense-memory that will forever remain. Now, when I dream of a recently deceased loved one or friend appearing to me, I take it as a sign that they are at peace with having crossed over. So with Happy, I believe that dream means he made it to the Bridge and will wait for me (and chase old Matthew--1996-2015--until then).
Yesterday I made stock from the frame of the Costco chicken, simmering it on the back burner all day. Fed Heidi, who promptly disappeared into one of her usual closets. Drove to the outlet mall to return the Chico's pants (the Off-the-Rack stuff runs smaller and the fabric & notions flimsier than on their frontline clothes) that buttoned on the wrong side (cheap plastic buttons, too-narrow buttonholes, flimsy nylon zipper). Took me forever to get there due to the maze of suburban divided streets---and then 15 minutes to find a parking space in the garage. Natch, it was at the opposite end of the mall from Chico's Outlet, nearly half a mile in either direction. My ankle was screaming by the time I got home--shouldn't have worn UGGs instead of gym shoes.
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(((Karen))), I had posted the foregoing (delayed 2 days due to having to deal with Heidi's quirky demands) after re-logging-in but before I read your post. So sorry you're going down this road again. (Apparently, myeloid cancers & blood dyscrasias are disproportionately more common among us Ashkenazi Jews than in the general population). Two of those chemo drugs are anti-inflammatories, including Decadron which is a steroid (sometimes given for asthma); one's a biologic. From what I've read (and my heme-onc assured me), it's an "easier ride" than that for aggressive bc. You've likely still got a good long run ahead of you: Tom Brokaw's been living with MM for over a decade. Goes without saying to be extra-stringent about masking and hand hygiene. We are all in your pocket for whatever comes next.
Had a good Medicare Annual Wellness Visit yesterday. (My late former PCP used to say they were b.s. for patients who regularly see their docs, but my current one is a stickler for them--and in person, not video). It took about 45 min. to get up to Mt. Prospect (not as bad as I thought, but still a slight delay due to "police action" at a gas station about a mile east of there). He's pleased with my progress, and did not chastise me for the few lbs. I gained in NOLA eating whatever I wanted. (He agreed it's impossible to stay low-carb there eating all meals in restaurants). As to a second bivalent booster, he says to wait for the CDC's advice (though the UK is advising second bivalents 6 months after the first one or 3 months after a subsequent infection). According to him, I've got as strong a hybrid immunity as it can be--given our knowledge thus far. My bivalent shot was in early Sept. and I had COVID the first week in January. I was a year overdue for a Pneumovax booster; but they're giving Prevnar 20 instead now. My arm is finally getting a bit less sore. He wants me to do a HepC titer (though I haven't engaged in any behaviors that would pose a risk, Medicare insists); and says I need to wait till mid-April for another a1c because I had one in Jan. and Medicare won't cover it till then. So before my heme-onc visit in early April, I will tell the lab to hold off on those two tests till I get back from Ireland.
Had a good dental checkup & cleaning today. Always kind of nervous about that, what with being back on Prolia (probably for life).
Jackie, I love those pill-splitters, though you do have to be careful to have the "dividing line" precisely centered below that "V." I formerly didn't use them for my alprazolam, which were oval and always split easily by hand--but CVS changed mfrs. and the new ones are round and too thick to snap by hand, so I need the splitter. Ditto for the Baclofen. As to your DH's lisinopril, Bob's been taking 20 mg. from the get-go. For pill-crushers, I found one of my convex (domed) espresso tampers does as good a job as any.
Heidi has been quirkily picky about her wet food. I can't give her more than a scant Tbsp. at a time, lest she get intimidated by the portion size. When she begs for seconds and I comply, she glares at me as if to say "you expect me to eat the same thing as an entree that I had as my appetizer?" (Sigh--like "mother," like "daughter"). Out of desperation I actually gave in last week and fed her a shred or two of skinless chicken breast, and I think now she's holding out for more. I am throwing away half-opened cans if she turns her nose up at them more than twice. (Fancy Feast, Sheba, ProPlan, Purina One, Fromm, Purrsnickety, Kirkland, and anything with fish). I tried her on IAMS Healthy Senior kibble (she does drink frequently because she loves her fountain), but discovered that she really prefers Fancy Feast kibble, Fruitables (chicken-blueberry) & Greenies (catnip flavor) treats and sometimes the squeeze-ups. So if the kibble & nuggets give her enough calories and she drinks enough, I think she can keep her weight up. I worry that she often nods her head--at 18 there might be some neuro issues--but she constantly wants to cuddle & knead. She even played chase with her new feather toy tonight. She has her "spa day" and OA shot coming up Thursday--hoping we can trick her into getting into her carrier, and that the predicted T-storm doesn't freak her out. Her 6-month checkup & blood draw comes up next month the day after my heme-onc appt. and two days before I leave for Ireland.
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My PET scan is scheduled for next Thursday 03/23. It is not till 3:30 (3pm check in) but nothing but clear water after 9:30am. It's my last day before spring break, but leaning towards taking the whole day off due to fasting. I don't have time to snack at work but I do eat my yogurt, fruit and a muffin for lunch. This Thursday is the phone consult with the chemo nurse. It is at 2:30 and anywhere from 30 minutes to one hour. I was going to do a 3 way call with my DH, but after we wrote down some questions, thinking of leaving work at 2pm.
To be honest, I'm scared beyond scared of the treatment. Hematologist says these chemos are not as hard as the ones for BC, but I had so many side effects, especially horrid nausea - and nausea is a side effect of all 4 drugs. My DH's former PCP is a good friend of ours. He came over this afternoon to talk to DH and he is familiar with all the treatments and was honest saying they are hard. He is a two time cancer survivor so he well understands chemo and radiation. The part that petrifies me is bone marrow transplant following the 4 months of chemo. Hematologist also talked about it, but I'm trying not to go there. Having the PET scan scheduled makes this all the more real.
My son sent me the most beautiful flowers today with the sweetest note. I really have great kids. He was turning17 when I was diagnosed with BC and now he is turning 34. For some reason this strikes me as hard.
Illinoislady - good luck with your surgery.
Mary - good luck with your surgery
Betrayal - hugs on Smudge
Cindy - lots of snow for back east. Thankfully we aren't getting much, though the mountains are. 74 tomorrow and 40s on Thursday with snow!!
Thanks for all your support.
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Karen, in your pocket for the treatments. (Can you get Zofran to combat the nausea)? I guess the aim is to "houseclean" your bones to receive new, healthy marrow. You will get through this, because we'll be with you every step of the way.
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Sandy - Thanks. I will ask for any and all anti-nausea meds. My medial oncologist did not uses Zofran. Among the regular pre-treatment anti-nausea meds, I took Kytrel, went in the next 2-3 days post chemo for IV hydration with Kytrel added as well as BDR suppositories.Thanks. I know I have all of bco freinds support.
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Good morning. It is in the 40's today and overcast. I have my mamo at 1:00, Grief Counselling at 2:00 and a pot luck at church at 4:30. Busy schedule for me. I have already gone to Walmart (I don't care for Walmart, but sometimes needed) and have my crock pot going. I am taking chili mac to the pot luck. Since I have such a busy schedule, I thought that would be the easiest. I am hopeful the mamo shows nothing but the same.
Karen, continued cyber hugs.
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If people only knew the healing power of laughter and joy, many of our find doctors would be out of business. Joy is one of nature's greatest medicines. Joy is always healthy. A pleasant state of mind tends to bring abnormal conditions back to normal. - Catherine Ponder
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Karen, the flowers are so very pretty and the sentiments from a son are just beautiful. You have raised a benevolent soul that knows when to send his mother all the love he has. I'm praying that the things we dread most often can work out far better than we 'dreamed' and it is what I dream (and will project) for you. Let the healer in you come forward.
It is sunny here today and should warm a bit more than yesterday that felt mainly uncomfortable with sun and cold together. I noted our flag really blowing on the deck so the morning hours may not feel too well. Today will be a make-up day for me since having Dr. Appts. usually throws off all the other things I needed to make up and makes the list a bit longer. It's all right though. I generally keep up with the important things first.
Petite, sounds like you do have a full day. The chili-mac sounds really good, but it is a favorite of mine. Fingers crossed for your mammo.
I feel for the coastal people. Dh and I listened to the news on southern California and how difficult things were there. In fact, recalling having looked at a house for sale on the hillside of a little community called La Conchita. There was a little banana plantation there. It was between Ventura and Santa Barbara, Calif. Although, it took two different times, it mainly washed away during a couple of the big storms. I felt so sorry for all there but so relieved that we didn't buy that property. Sometimes your angels warn you off for a reason.
Hoping you allhave a beautiful day.
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Karen, so sorry to hear the news but know with the support here that your journey will not be "alone". Please let us assist you with any issue that you don't want to share with your family: the frustrations, etc. and for the cyber ((hugs)) we all need on occasion.
Mary, is there anyway that you could get Tippy to accept other walkers? If you teamed up with them in walking, would this work towards acceptance? This could give you more options since this seems to be a source of worry for you. It would be one less thing on your mind post-op.
Sandy, there are similarities with the last days of Happy and Smudge. The fact that she did not eat in spite of all medicine interventions (steroids, appetite stimulant and flagyl) was really distressing. I do not regret my decision because it was made in her best interests, but I still feel the acute pain of her loss. We spent the last 3 weeks cuddling on the couch which seemed to be her want/need and it is hard to sit there without her. Calico's are just downright ornery and we had 11 years of her shenanigans including bossing 2 adults, 2 dogs and 2 other cats around on a daily basis, sitting like a meercat as she surveyed her domain, and declaring the largest dog bed as hers. She never met a box she did not like and use as her best toy. It's hard right now. Thanks to everyone for the condolence wishes, they are appreciated.
petite1, you are keeping yourself busy and the chili mac sounds delicious.
Cindy, I just snagged some tickets for a Phillies game in late April. I haven't been to a ball game in ages and am looking forward to this one since DD and DSIL will join us. Tickets include a food credit so we might be able to buy a hot dog (not).
Carole, your weather sounds so good especially since we are now back in winter temps and breezy days. The sun is out so that is very welcome after snow/rain mix yesterday. The daffodils that have bloomed are so cheerful.
Hope everyone has a great day. Next to last class for Regan tonight.
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Betrayed, yes, I am friends with a mother and son duo, and we take walks together several times a week. Hopefully---
I went to the gym this morning. Head trainer and I talked about availability of recumbent stationaries, I'll go between 11 and two, My silver sneakers friends usually use them in the morning. If they are not available, I will use the upper body machines while waiting.
Off to a bike ride with Tippy, then class at church.
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