Catholics
Comments
-
SANDY..I am so happy to hear from you and to hear all is going well and you are recovering well!!! Amen to that!! prayers will continue for you and you will be in my thoughts!!!! Wonderful news about the first set of pathology reports!!! yippeee for that
Rest and continue to heal
Love Maria
0 -
I am so peaceful for you Sandy, Kay prayers for you as you begin your treatment journey!
Ellie I continue to hold you up and your client and family today!
0 -
Kay - beautiful prayers. I love St. Anthony.
Sandy - so good to hear from you, that you're doing OK, and pathology is looking good! Rest easy.
Theresa - here's to a romantic dinner & happy anniversary!
Lord, bless the children, ease those who suffer and show them hope for the future. Amen.
0 -
I hope you all have a blessed Sunday ! I have started the chemo cream again this week. I am doing better than last time.
I am on two weeks... off two.... on two....etc. Anyway..... I feel pretty ok now... maybe my body just had to get used to it...
Sandy.... good to hear from you!
Praying for all of us.... always.
0 -
Sandy--don;t think we aren't going to keep walking with you now! So happy this step is over!! Amenxo
mmm5--the funeral for the young girl was today. It was very sad--culturally the family is African American so it was very moving with lots of crying out and mournful singing.
No expert here--but my best guess is to keep the lines of communication between our kids as open as we possibly can, stay as involved in their day to day life as possible, let them know that there is nothing that they can't come to us with. And pray, pray pray.
0 -
so sad and tragic... will keep the family in my prayers!
0 -
Sandy,
Wow! To hear from you so soon after surgery, how wonderful! So glad and praying for your speady recovery and keeping you nipples!
0 -
Michelle,
Do you have something special planned for your three year anniversary?
Kay,
SO happy for you, and Kay, we will be here for you. Sounds like you are gearing up, and just know we all know (in our individual ways,) what you are facing, and that you can get to the other side. I didn't know you had so much Irish in you! I have (had) red hair and freckles, a love for Irish music, used to never pass up a night at an Irish pub, and was a big Black and Tan fan (to incorporate both your's and Skips beers.)
oh, and Michelle....you have talked about the length of time it took you to feel better after treatment. Your treatment was certainly longer, but it has helped me to be more forgiving of the fatigue and times I just cannot get up. I am going to try and start exercising, and swimming will start after I am cleared from surgery. I would welcome any more tips you have as well.
I'm still catching up
But you all were in my thoughts as I drifted off last night and you all were in prayers...0 -
Sandy and JV and Kay---please may all the saints be with you and Our Imacculate Heart of Mary. We seek answers and resolution of our problems with the unknown. The unpcoming surgeries/chemo are just one part of the plan to control this beast. Let no cell, change the good outcome that we pray for. Please Mary bless our Sandy & JV & Kay of philly
Namaste I SALUTE THE GOD WITHIN YOU
0 -
Happy Sunday everyone. My mil is coming over for brunch today. We just got a new kitchen in our house. It's absolutely beautiful. I guess it's a good thing we started it before my dx or we might not have done it. Sorry for my ignorance, but what is chemo cream? Whatever it is I'm glad you're doing better with it. So much to do today... have the brunch, get to mass, get my daughter's dance costumes altered before pictures tomorrow, and if I have time finish a project for work. I'm an acct and I have my son's, brother's and sister's, niece's and my taxes to finish too. I have a little more time on that though, and they are mostly done. I guess it's a blessing, I will not have time to think about the chemo tomorrow. I'll remember all of you at mass today. Have a wonderful Sunday. Namaste.
0 -
Kay,
I hope this Mass is special for you today, and it sounds like you are keeping busy! I have to look back (then lose the post,) but I guess you have your port? or is it a one two special?
Laura,
I was reading you post and it sounds like the chemo cream may have lent to you not feeling well? Please let us know how we can support you.
Miss Sheila Helloooooooooo
Tori, Janet Theresa Michelle Paula Betty LMFSM Sandy Kay Tink (wink) Laura Sheila Pat Prayers Jan (it's been a minute)
God Bless you all, and if I forgot anyone....It's not out of lack of love...
oh and PS, I am pretty convinced my severe fatigue belly issues etc... may be related to a med side effect. I will be titrating down, and talking with my MD on Monday. I am fine once a get up, give it my all, it's that I have no reserves. So I want my reserves back, and shall make the changed needed
Plus my gut gives this the thumbs down!May you all have a special Sunday
0 -
Kay--will be thinking about you tomorrow at chemo!
0 -
Good evening sisters!
Skip and I had a lovely anniversary weekend. We met our new neighbors in the condo below us. He is a testecular(Sp?) cancer survivor. There's just something nice and peaceful with that town, especially on off-season. Mass was lovely also. I woke up this morning with my right breast aching where the cavity/fluid is from the SAVI. I did too much lifting last week and probably yesterday, but if it doesn't go away, I'll talk to my doc. They're supposed to do an ultrasound of it in the next couple of months. It's always something!
Laura - I guess I don't know what chemo cream is either.
Sandy - wonderful news - prayers for a speedy recovery!!
Kay - good luck this week - prayers for chemo tolerance and cure!! I do our taxes. :-( I did a run through a few weeks ago and will need to purchase NJ state program too since we moved from NJ to VA last year. What a pain!!
Traci - I hope you're feeling better. A week or so ago, I had severe fatigue and intestinal issues. I'm feeling better and am guessing it was a virus. The meds we have to take for our cancer are so hard on our systems!! I know my tamoxifen is always wearing me out, especially my legs.
God bless everyone ... Miss Lucy is wanting dinner, so I better take care of my fuzzy creature!
0 -
Thanks for all the prayers and encouragement. I am very confident I'll get through this and come out better, but even so fear is beginning to take a grip on me. I've done what I can, so it's out of my hands now. Time to say some more prayers and leave it in His hands. Prayers for everyone this week. Good night everyone. I'll be saying some for you as well.
0 -
Theresa so glad you had a great weekend happy anniversary!
Kay we will continue to pray for you and be here for you!!! God bless you!!! hugs
0 -
Good Morning Sweet Sisters,
I checked our of hospital yesterday 47 hours (yes, forty-seven fours) after checking in for my surgery! Jerry and I are at hotel and I am feeling as well as can be expected, Praise to you Lord, and expect to feel better each day.
Thank ALL of you for your many prayers and well wishes! I am a bit tired today as can be expected but it is good to be out of hospital and have Jerry with me all the time! He is taking care of drains, and everything else and I am so blessed.
I will write more later but wanted to tell you all how much I appreciate you and all your help! I am amazed about the PM's I have received from you ladies - they make me feel so great!
Love to all all you and may the Blessed Mother and Our Lord Bless each of you!!!!
Hugs to All
Sandy
0 -
Theresa , please let us know what the churchs stand on suicide is. I would perhaps be precipitous in saying that we here believe that the despairing of an individual especially a child does not condemn them. I know the churches stance at one time was that it did. There have been many changes that I am not up to date on. For example, the fact that I have Greg's ashes at my bedside. When I left the church in 72, cremation was not consisdered an option. Then it was an option , but they had to be buried in concencrated ground. So, I was pleased to find out I could keep him with me.
I have the belief of a nurse, that anyone committing suicide is not of sound mind at that moment. Despair or whatever adjective you want to put on it. In their mind the person cannot perceive any way forward except for what they are about to do. All around them can see other options, but they aren't the one in despair. The classic church example was Judas. I have always felt so sorry for Judas. Not the betrayal. But that he couldn't seek forgiveness, or see another option.
With what we know of mental illness for all ages. And the difference of adolescent brains, I just can't perceive condemnation for effectively one that is still a child. If you find the church is still in the dark ages----I guess I'd rather not know.
Glad the anniversary went well. How are the tests going?
Sandy, glad you are feeling so right. Ask them when you can start range of motion. I broke all the rules , but I won't say how---because I don't want to lead you into trouble.----nurses are the worst patients.
Kay- hope chemo went well today, port doing good, neulasta or neupogen goes well.
JV you're next up to plate. Hit a homer.
Squid any way you could apply for another job? My instincts tell me that theses people are looking for an excuse.
Namaste sheila
0 -
Sandy,
Best wishes to you, and so glad you have Jerry as your Nurse! There is a lot to be said for the positive impact from loved ones. Take you time and rest when you can.
Theresa,
I do feel better today, and decreased my med, so giving it a one two punch. I also am in line for some extra work related to my job, and through one of the MD's I work with....easy as far as physical requirements, so may have a little extra income in a few months
Something I can do from home weekends/after work. That would certainly take some stress away!! Kay,
Let us know how you are doing, K?
Tori....are you almost done??? Be good to yourself and rest....it is a one two punch going from chemo to rads...I went back too soon, so anything you can do to allow yourself time to recover your will benefit from (and surely deserve.)
So my dear patient does have lymphoma (which I suspected.) I didn't know how many treatments I would "try out" in my lifetime to share with others. Granted, the chemo won't be the same, but we talked for awhile. Makes me wonder how many of OUR MD's Nurses Techs Social Workers Psychiatrists and so on, may receive inspiration from our Journeys?
You never know what you bring to the lives of those who care for you. I encourage you all to share your lives to the extent that you feel comfortable with your team. I just know I have been impacted in so many ways and have marveled at the human spirit in all forms.
and why am I watching Dancing with the Stars?
0 -
Traci - yes nothing good on TV anymore. I miss LOST and 24
:) But if you want to watch a good movie, rent Hunt for Red October. Saw that on BBC last night and had forgotten how good it was.Sheila - you always have such great insight into things. Makes me think. And yes, I'm T minus one more day now. Will be so glad to have this over.
Sandy - hope you're taking advantage of ROOM SERVICE!!!
:) THese nurses will tell you drink plenty of fluid - that increases blood volume and makes your blood pressure steady.Kay - you've probably already read this on other threads. You don't have to be brave, you just have to show up. Hope you are doing OK.
Maria - how are the yo yo emotions going? Hope things have settled down for you.
For all: Lord, look upon me with eyes of mercy, may your healing hand rest upon me, may your lifegiving powers flow into every cell of my body and into the depths of my soul, cleansing, purifying, restoring me to wholeness and strength for service in your Kingdom. Amen & God bless all.
0 -
Beautiful prayer. I am saying it for all of us.
Squid, I don't know your name, but I do know the church has changed its stance on suicide. There was a teenager in our church who committed suicide and did have a Catholic burial and funeral. I am not sure if they gave any reasoning or not. They also changed the stance on babies who were born dead or died before they were baptized. My aunt had a still born baby and the baby was not allowed to be buried in a Catholic cemetary. It was condemned to Limbo (NOT purgatory, but not heaven) and could not be buried on blessed ground. My cousin also had a still born baby 20 years ago and that baby had a Catholic funeral and was buried in a Catholic cemetary. Not sure on the reasoning for the change, but it is good. It is bad enough to have a baby die, but then to be told it couldn't go to heaven, must have just been doubly painful.
Chemo went well today. Feeling fine so far. And of course I wish I felt sick because that would mean the chemo was working. I can't be pleased lately, but I'm counting down the chemo treatments....8.......The neulasta is supposed to be delivered tomorrow. I hope so or I will have to go back to the hospital to get it. I didn't think that was supposed to have any side effects? They all said the port looked good today. I don't know I have a six by 3 inch bruise all around, not sure what it would have to look like to look bad. LOL
Good night everyone. Prayers for all.
0 -
Janet..thank you so much for asking.... but not really.. I am trying sandees 24 hour rule from the other thread
... but I am all over the place... some days I feel like I am dragging myself uphill... Tomorrow will be a year I had my last mammo and this all began even though I wasnt diagnosed until June because of a surgeons mess up... and I go back to the PS on Thurs to sched next surgery and know I will have to come off the Tamoxifen when I THINK... I may be leveling out and start all over again maybe thats not helping.... I appreciate you asking though!!!!All sisters you are all in my thoughts and prayers daily. couldnt do this without your support love and prayers!
Namaste sisters!!!!!
0 -
Sorry, some how I missed that you had to have surgery. So sorry to hear that. It will be a special intention in my prayers.
0 -
KAY.. I am not sure I mentioned it before no worries... it is a revisional surgery from the reconstruction my fourth surgery since the big one in July... I hope t find out the date Thursday... Thank you for your prayers they are always a comfort... How are you feeling?
Maria xo
0 -
Kay-- tonite is good---don't take it for granted. You get neulasta tomorrow. Take it very easy after that.. drink lots of fluids. report any changes. All of us handle these medications differrently. Whatever happens do not let anyone pull the shit statement "well maybe I just can handle it better." Tell them --well let me take out your carotid and see how you feel. -
Lots of anger in my statement---, but there was reason for it. won't tell you unless there is a need to know.
0 -
Sheila - the Church teaches the following on suicide and cremation (Catechism of Catholic Church):
Suicide
2280 Everyone is responsible for his life before God who has given it to him. It is God who remains the sovereign Master of life. We are obliged to accept life gratefully and preserve it for his honor and the salvation of our souls. We are stewards, not owners, of the life God has entrusted to us. It is not ours to dispose of.
2281 Suicide contradicts the natural inclination of the human being to preserve and perpetuate his life. It is gravely contrary to the just love of self. It likewise offends love of neighbor because it unjustly breaks the ties of solidarity with family, nation, and other human societies to which we continue to have obligations. Suicide is contrary to love for the living God.
2282 If suicide is committed with the intention of setting an example, especially to the young, it also takes on the gravity of scandal. Voluntary co-operation in suicide is contrary to the moral law.
Grave psychological disturbances, anguish, or grave fear of hardship, suffering, or torture can diminish the responsibility of the one committing suicide.
2283 We should not despair of the eternal salvation of persons who have taken their own lives. By ways known to him alone, God can provide the opportunity for salutary repentance. The Church prays for persons who have taken their own lives.
Respect for the dead
2299 The dying should be given attention and care to help them live their last moments in dignity and peace. They will be helped by the prayer of their relatives, who must see to it that the sick receive at the proper time the sacraments that prepare them to meet the living God.
2300 The bodies of the dead must be treated with respect and charity, in faith and hope of the Resurrection. The burial of the dead is a corporal work of mercy;92 it honors the children of God, who are temples of the Holy Spirit.
2301 Autopsies can be morally permitted for legal inquests or scientific research. The free gift of organs after death is legitimate and can be meritorious.
The Church permits cremation, provided that it does not demonstrate a denial of faith in the resurrection of the body.
*************************************************************
Pax et bonum! (Hope to share more tonight re: Skip, my BART test and my breast/arm soreness) Prayers for all of you!
0 -
Kay - you sound great ! Positive ! I hope you sail right through. My SEs were delayed a couple of days but it was timed for the weekend. Are you getting them every 2 weeks or every 3 weeks? I was every 2 weeks.
Janet - you have surgery tomorrow, right? I don't remember what type of surgery.
Traci - cutting back on meds is good! I went to my onc today and their website has nursing openings....
Ok, so I went to my onc for the genetic counseling. They took blood for the BART test, apparently it's a relative of BRCA but more ... I need to do some research. But it sounds like there's a slim chance of finding anything. If insurance will pay, then I'm game. But I'm glad I had my sister with me... she's the one who works for our primary care doctors. She was telling them about cancers in our family that I didn't know about! I had no idea that my grandmother (mother's mother) died of leukemia as did my uncle (her son)!!! Jiminy Crickets! So every one of my grandmother's children had some form of cancer, and many of her grandchildren.
I told the nurse that I was having some breast/arm pain/aches since Sunday. I think it's from lifting my new work laptop when I have it packed up in the roller bag. It was very achy Sunday, a little less yesterday and much better today. She did an exam and said she didn't feel anything abnormal, but if it doesn't go away by Friday, then call them back and they will move my ultrasound up. I was concerned about lymphedema... she didn't think I had it, but if I'm concerned, then to call the physical therapist and she'll be able to tell.
So that's me. Skip saw his doctor on Monday and they went over his symptoms and the MRI report. His doctor said it sounded like a classic migraine and explained why he has the starburst in the right eye and the slowness of speech from the left side of his brain. He gave him samples of a migraine med in case. He said to take it as soon as he has a starburst. If he keeps having them, then he's to see a neurologist.
Has anyone experienced hair loss while taking tamoxifen? I think my hair is thinning and it's bothering me. My sister said she didn't notice, but there's more hair in the sink and hair brush. My hair came back very thick, so maybe it's thinning out to normal? Of course, I forgot to ask the nurse today.
I've given up on regular cable TV... except baseball. :-) We get Netflix movies and series. Becky and I are watching Little Dorrit and Lark Rising to Candleford - both BBC Masterpiece Theatre series. Since we have the Wii, we can get Netflix streaming too. If it weren't for Skip, I'd cut the cable down to basic, but he enjoys the Military shows.
Here is a Quaker Quote from Plain Living: A Quaker Path to Simplicity:
This is a healing poem
For when you cannot dance
and cannot work
and cannot walk.
Concentrate on
the things you still can do.
Breathe.
Dream.
Love.
Change.Becky Birtha-1991
0 -
Maria - just be easy on yourself. Emotions are all over the place on this journey.
Theresa & all - yes surgery is tomorrow morning. So say a little prayer for me tomorrow morning. This is a prophy mastectomy of remaining breast. After lot of research, discussion w/surgeon it's the right decision for me. I am evidently "occult" to mammograms. I was lucky the first time around back in Aug. My mammo was clear but gyn felt a thickening and that's how this all began. May not be so lucky if it happens again. I would have done a bi-lat the first time, but had just had 2 surgeries w/general anesthesia within a few weeks (appendectomy and excisional biopsy that wasn't clear). I didn't want to push my luck with another long 3rd surgery - so went for uni originally. Well, I'm going to hit the sack early as I have to be up at 4am. Should be back home Thurs afternoon & will check in then. God bless.
0 -
God bless you tomorrow Janet! xo
0 -
-
0 -
Janet, my prayers are with you tomarrow, may you have a speedy recovery.
0
