March 2011 chemo-lounge
Comments
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Ks...my friend found the same thing with her iPad, so she bout the small kindle and akes it with her to the pool, etc. she loves it. I am thinking about picking one up. I think they are only $80.
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Fluff, I have read several Baldacci books but nothing recently. It would be fun to meet an author. Last year we went to see David Sedaris, who writes short stories and humorous true reflections of his life. he is hilarious if somewhat of-color. One good one is Me Speak Pretty Someday.
Survived first day of school. Friday will be a full day. Mean principal said nothing today. He just complains behind my back. I guess I won't worry until he decides to confront me directly. Guess what I learned in a 3 1/2 hr staff meeting? Smiling and being nice adds 7 years to your life. Profound, huh?!0 -
So much activity on our thread -- this is fun!!
Kay - Wishing you a magical vacation in San Fran!
Fluff - clear!!! woo hoo!!!
lily - thinking of you andyour Neulasta shot today. BTW, what was "boring like Ohio" - Carmel?! I went there 15 years ago and remember thinking it was idyllic. Maybe I'm remembering wrong!
husker - since the principal didn't say anything directly to you, maybe that'll be his approach for the whole school year. i'm hopng so. (Who gives a rat's butt what he says behind your back?!?!)
Divine - I also loved "The Help" book AND movie -- sometimes the movie disappoints but not this one.
An AMAZING book that hasn't been mentioned yet is "The Story of Edgar Sawtelle". Not sure how to explain it but the main character is mute, some chapters are written from a dog's perspective, it's an odyssey. I remember not being able to leave it home. I was so engrossed that any minute I could find to read another page, I took it. I've decided I'm going to re-read it.
We have a kindle but I'm not crazy about it. I seem to have a strong bias for the book in my hand experience...
Happy weekend and hugs to all. In honor of Kay's trip, I'm putting "Vacation" by the Go-go's on the jukebox.
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Silia-no Carmel was one of the most fabulous places i have ever been-I meant that is hard to believe that a place like boring Ohio is on the same continent as something as beautiful as carmel.
I have not dipped my toe in the e-book reader thing but seems like everybody in the onc office is doing it. I just can;t see myself with one but if someone wants to buy me one for Xmas I won;t say no.
Added the new books to my list. Library called and said they have 2 on my request list available so I am going to run to town in the morning to get them. I am borrowing my little brothers jeep tomorrow to drive for the day and go on a picnic. High of 75 so should be beautiful. Day 3 and still doing OK. last tx I was couchbound with a high fever by now. 2 days of fluids and the Neulasta must be helping.
I just finished the latest Baldacci-it kept me reading it but it was pretty predictable. Hero was an Army CID guy named Puller. Passed it on today. Kind of mad-it was a brand new paperback and when I opened it the spine cracked and the middle pages just fell out in a big section.
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lilylady, as an Ohio gal myself, I still love it here best. Sometimes I wish it were more vibrant and had more culture in the Ohio Valley where I live, but I am so sentimentally attached to this place. I love the small towns and the BEAUTY of Ohio. An orchard overflowing with apples, a beautiful lake with a sandy beach, little river towns, they all speak to my heart. I picked up an Ohio travel guide magazine at a rest stop recently and flipping through all different touristy stuff, I realized I've done quite a lot in my home state. Plus, I know you love to garden, both with vegetables and flowers, and I think we have a pretty nice growing season with beautiful results. Ha, ha, I'm not gonna let ya off the hook. lol
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Ok you made me feel guilty-I do love Ohio except for the gray winters and can't see myself living full time anywhere else. As I head to the farmers market in the morning for my favorite Red Haven peaches, Silver King corn, goat cheese for some pastry I want to make, hearth baked hearty rye bread. We really grow the good stuff here.
Just got back from our samll town Octoberfest. It will go on til late tonight. Entertained by line dancing grannies. They were really kicking their heels up. You have to be 65 to join. The Greman dancing doesn;t start til 9-I will be out like a light by then.
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Lily-just finished "Unbroken" with my book club...what a story !!! We also just read "Stalking Susan" by Julie Kramer..a murder mystery based in Mpls/St. Paul...kind of fun too since I'm a Susan and live in Mpls. suburbs !!!
Kay- we are also on the west coast..in Seattle for one more day, then tomorrow we get on a cruise ship for Alaska...can't wait since we've never been there !!!...Skagway, Ketchican, Juneau and Victoria BC ...lots of adventures I'm sure
Sounds like everyone is doing well...did the Relay for Life again this year....will try to post "our" luminary when I get back !!!
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Hi everyone! Just wondering about eggs...if it says cage free/vegetarian fed, doesn't that mean it was fed soy? Trying to figure out the right thing.
Had a great visit to Orlando last week, kids back in school yesterday. Can't believe the summer is over!
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When they talk about the soy thing they normally refer to high doses. I would not be worried about eating something that was itself fed soy . cage free/vegetarian fed are probably much better for us than cage birds. God knows what they feed them, could be anything. I was reading about the soy thing and most of the literature seems to be about not taking soy supplements rather than normal eating.
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Just checking in to say YAY for week 3 after tx when you can taste things and feel like your self. I get my next 1 on Tuesday. Been spending a lot of time under the shade tree reading and drinking lemonade and telling myself you really should get up and do something. Have also told myself if we get the rain from the hurricane like they say we are going to there is no reason you shouldn;t clean your bedroom. I have these little talks with myself but they don't ever seem to make anything happen.
Having a porch picnic tonight with some girlfriends. Buttermilk fried chicken, broccoli salad(dried cherries, red onion, bacon, cheese, yum yum), corn on the cob and of course the never ending tomatoes from the garden and bread and butter pickles I made last night. Turtle cheesecake for dessert. Thought I would deluxe them-4 of them coming and they said they will do the dishes-and I will let them. I have pretty dishes and silverware out, cloth napkins-the whole shebang. The weather in Ohio has been so beautiful for the last 2 weeks. haven;t had my A/C on in forever-saves money too!!
Having Tx #3 on tuesday and a scan 2 weeks later. Have lots of hope pinned on this stuff-expecting great results. No exact date on the scan but of course I will let you guys know.
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Sounds like a wonderful picnic Lily - and if you entertain people on the porch there is no reason why you have to get up and clean your house! - have fun
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Yum-o is right. I love broccoli salad. Our tomatoes are going crazy too. I bought some feta cheese for the first time ever and have a recipe to use the cheese and alot of tomatoes in simple pasta salad. I love bruchetta and made it for the first time a couple weeks ago with the tomatoes, I see more in my future. My husband grows the veggies, and they are really my very favorite thing about summertime.
You sound in good spirits, lilylady. Enjoy you porch picnic, it sounds '''''divine'''''.
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Lily, I spent a lot of time under the shade tree last year also, reading and napping. It was the first time in decades I could remember doing that. I have tried to keep doing it this summer even if it is only for 30 minutes sometime.
The only difficulty is my new, thinks he belongs on a lap, 30 pound dog, Dirty Harry, believes it is his God given right to nap with me on the lounge chair....preferably on my, not at the bottom....climbing up usually just about the time I have dozed off....lays on my chest and looks in my face.....and sends me into a hot flash.0 -
Morning Lounge Ladies!
Hope everyone is enjoying a relaxing Labor Day. My little Gracie Lu woke me up earlier than I wanted, but otherwise the day looks promosing with a chance of rain. We desperately need RAIN! On the book front, I started reading "Gone Girl". It has been on numerous must-read lists and getting lots of of positive reviews. I was hooked at the first chapter! Hope it continues to be good.
Had my 3-month onc check Thursday. Saw the PA instead of MO and liked her better, so think I will stick with her from now on. MO was fine, but so busy and distracted and just not as attentive as he was when I was in treatment. The PA clearly had read my chart, did a thorough exam, and did not dismiss my claims of breast lymphedema, although all 3 of my other docs did. Bloodwork was good and all looks fine. So can relax a little until mammo in November.
Last night my sister and I went to the Nebraska State Fair, about 25 minutes from me. We rode the aerial tramway, scouted out all the food booths and had Greek gyros. Then we found a booth that had fried Girl Scout cookie Thin Mints. Not as great as it sounded, but not bad. They also had fried peaches (one giant peach coated in batter and powdered sugar-THAT looked really tasty!) and fried peanut butter and jelly. Have been trying to cut back on fried foods, but had to try the cookies. 4 for $4.00. Yikes.
Then we were in the 4th row of Steve Miller Band concert. OMG-he was soooo good! I always worry when I go to these "old guy" concerts that it just won't be the same as I remember, but wow. He really still sounds fabulous and I had forgotten how many songs I knew of his. Big Ol' Jet Airliner, The Joker, Space Cowboy, Take the Money and Run, Keep on Rockin' Me Baby, Take the Money and Run, Jungle Love, and my favorite-Fly Like an Eagle.
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Here's my jukebox contribution for today, "Fly Like an Eagle" by Steve Miller Band:
Time keeps on slippin', slippin', slippin'
Into the future
Time keeps on slippin', slippin', slippin'
Into the future
I want to fly like an eagle
To the sea
Fly like an eagle
Let my spirit carry me
I want to fly like an eagle
Till I'm free
Oh, Lord, through the revolution
Feed the babies
Who don't have enough to eat
Shoe the children
With no shoes on their feet
House the people
Livin' in the street
Oh, oh, there's a solution
I want to fly like an eagle
To the sea
Fly like an eagle
Let my spirit carry me
I want to fly like an eagle
Till I'm free
Fly through the revolution
Time keeps on slippin', slippin', slippin'
Into the future
Time keeps on slippin', slippin', slippin'
Into the future
Time keeps on slippin', slippin', slippin'
Into the future
Time keeps on slippin', slippin', slippin'
Into the future
I want to fly like an eagle
To the sea
Fly like an eagle
Let my spirit carry me
I want to fly like an eagle
Till I'm free
Fly through the revolution
Time keeps on slippin', slippin', slippin'
Into the future
Time keeps on slippin', slippin', slippin'
Into the future0 -
Huskerkkc, good song selection. Glad you enjoyed the Steve Miller Band, I didn't know they were still together and touring.
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Huskerkkc - yeah! for clear checkups. I had not realised how much the Steve Miller band had done till you listed them.
Fried peanut butter and jelly - oh my god I would put on kilos just looking at it, but the fair sounds fun.
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Huskerkkc-I love the Steve Miller Band! I'm glad you had a good time at the concert and the fair. Yay for a good check-up!
Going for 3 month check up with oncologist tomorrow. Very nervous, as I'm sure all of you are when it's appt time. Nothing new to report to him but still....just dreading it.
Does anyone have a protein bar and/or a protein shake they like? I am trying to increase my protein. Sometimes it's hard with very busy kids and their schedules so fitting a snack in while I am running them around might help.
Can't believe it's already September!
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Hi ladies,
Wanted to pop in and see how you ladies are doing. I see there are a lot of activity going on among you all. I've had a hectic summer and haven't been able check in as often as i would like. I had my mammogram last week, everything looked good. My reconstructive surgery needs a little touching up, so I'm schedule for surgery #2 on Sept. 19. My implant is very uncomfortable, so hopefully we get it right this time.
Kay, glad your surgery went well. I am looking forward to getting done with my surgery and my nipple tattoo completed and having this bc stuff behind me.
Lily, I am so glad to know the fluids and Neulasta shots are helping ease your SE. Sorry your hair is coming out, but the good thing is you know what to expect this time. I pray the meds work their magic.
Kay, enjoy your vacation.
All you other gals, take care and I'm thinking of you ALL.
BTW, Happy birthday to all you September babies. My b'day is tomorrow, once again i thank God for allowing me to be here another year.
(((hugs)))
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Dee Dee-Happy Birthday tomorrow...hope it's a good one for you !!!...and the coming year is totally uneventful in the health department !
Colodisney- I am also trying to up my protein intake..I like 100% Whey Protein powder (from GNC) in milk or in smoothies with fruit (started mixing those during chemo)..lots of different flavors but I guess my favorite is plain old vanilla. A lot of the bars I've tried have a funny after taste
Spent the morning with some friends picking raspberries...came home with 8 1/2 pounds !!! Just made some raspberry bars to take to work and my freezer is well stocked...does anyone have any favorite raspberry recipes ???
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Happy Birthday DeeDee - hope you had a great day.
We have decided to get a new pup - we had to put our 17 year old goldie down the day after we got back from the Canning Stock Route, and I have been missing her so much. I hate a house without a dog. Our new baby was born a week ago at a local goldie breeder and we will be going to to see the litter next week. I am number 4 in line for a female so won't get a choice but the mum and dad are lovely so it shouldn't matter.
Trying to work out a name for her.
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Dee dee - happy, happy birthday!
I love hearing about everyone's doggies. We're vacationing right now in Cape May with our 3 rescue dogs - they're loving it!
Penny, let us know what you decide to name your new family addition!
Lily, let us know how you're feeling.
I'm putting Steve miller's Abracadabra on cause I like it and it talks about "I heat up, I can't cool down" which is me with my hot flashes...0 -
It must be in the air Penny.....we are getting a dog too. I have been looking for a border collie from a rescue but have had no luck yet so we are now looking at a puppy. It's nice to have new and happy things to look forward to. Happy Birthday Dee Dee! Husker - good to see an update from you!!! Lily you are always in my thoughts.....I like the music selections!!!
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Hello everyone! Happy Belated Birthday DeeDee! Hope you had fun. I love Steve Miller band too.
Also thinking of you Lily. Hope tx is going well.
Dogs must be in the air. Just adopted a two year old little poodle mix(only 7 pounds) on Friday. She is so shy, we have to get her socialized better. She is very sweet! And our 8 year old 30 pound bichon gets along great with her.
We had the best vacation ever. How was Alaska Stilts? My DH is very hot to trot Togo to Alaska. I am not so sure, I like like to be some place warm. San Francisco was cooler than I was expecting. We really enjoyed it though. Also went to Napa, Muir Woods, Sausalito, and spent two days in Yosemite. It was absolutely gorgeous! I wish everyone would get a chance to go there and see it. We went to the Grand Canyon a few years ago, and Yosemite just blows that away IMO.
I am missising California and have been thinking of list of CA songs to play: Californicaton, Siitting on the dock of the bay, California dreaming, anything by the beach boys, but I am going to play a song by Dawes that WXPN pays a lot and I like, even though it's about LA, nt San Francisco: Time Spent in Los Angeles. I'll post the lyrics in a minute. It fits because of talking about living out of a suitcase and going home. I'll have to think of a song for all the dogs too. Who Let the Dogs Out? LOL0 -
Lyrics to Time Spent In Los Angeles :
these days my friends don't seem to know me
without my suitcase in my hand
where I am standing still
I seem to disappear
but maybe that's how I found you
maybe that's taugh me exactly what I want
maybe meeting you so far away from home
is what makes it all so clear
but you got that special kind of sadness
you got that tragic set of charms [chorus]
that only comes from time spent in Los Angeles
makes me wanna wrap you in my arms
when people ask me where I come from
to see what that says about man
I only end up giving bad directions
that never lead them there at all
it's something written in the head lights
is something swimming in my drink
and if I were the moon
it would be exactly where I fall
cause you got that special kind of sadness
you got that tragic set of charms [chorus]
that only comes from time spent in Los Angeles
makes me wanna wrap you in my arms
I used to think someone would love me
for places I have been
and the dirt I have been gathering
deep beneath my nails
but now I know what I've been missing
and I'm going home to make it mine
and I'll be battening the hatches and pulling in the sails.
but you got that special kind of sadness
you got that tragic set of charms [chorus] x2
that only comes from time spent in Los Angeles
makes me wanna wrap you in my arms
these days my friends don't seem to know me
without my suitcase in my hand
where I am standing still
I seem to disappear
but maybe that's how I found you
maybe that's taugh me exactly what I want
maybe meeting you so far away from home
is what makes it all so clear
but you got that special kind of sadness
you got that tragic set of charms [chorus]
that only comes from time spent in Los Angeles
makes me wanna wrap you in my arms
when people ask me where I come from
to see what that says about man
I only end up giving bad directions
that never lead them there at all
it's something written in the head lights
is something swimming in my drink
and if I were the moon
it would be exactly where I fall
cause you got that special kind of sadness
you got that tragic set of charms [chorus]
that only comes from time spent in Los Angeles
makes me wanna wrap you in my arms
I used to think someone would love me
for places I have been
and the dirt I have been gathering
deep beneath my nails
but now I know what I've been missing
and I'm going home to make it mine
and I'll be battening the hatches and pulling in the sails.
but you got that special kind of sadness
you got that tragic set of charms [chorus] x2
that only comes from time spent in Los Angeles
makes me wanna wrap you in my arms0 -
PS the only thing I liked about chemo last summer is that the Mosquitos were repelled. This year they're making up for lost time!
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Happy birthday DeeDee! Aren't they great? I hope the next surgery gets things straightened out for you. I saw my BS last month and expressed some concern that my implant has moved. He said to see the PS, which I am not schedule to do until January. So, I am just going to deal with it until then. So hard to get everything right.
Penny- I am so sorry to hear about your dog. That is just so hard. But also excited about your new addition. So many new dogs! We got two new kittens in May, and they have been pure delight.
Kay- So glad you had a wonderful vacation. It sounds like you saw a lot of wonderful places. Good for you.
Colodisney- I probably don't get enough protein. I eat very little meat, so I try to supplement with things like Greek yogurt. I will be interested to hear what you learn.
Husker- It sounds like your PA is the one to see. I sometimes get the rush from my docs, which I hate, so it's good to have someone you can rely on for time.
I hate to say it, but I'm glad summer is over. The kids are back in school, and we can settle into a regular routine again. And frankly, cooler weather is VERY welcome after this terribly hot summer. Maybe fewer hot flashes.
It's great to hear good stories from all of you. Lots of fun and joy and activity. Yay us!
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DeeDee-happy happy B-day-belated. Sorry to hear you are facing more surgery but it will be good to get this all behind you.
Kay-so glafyur Vac wasso great. I did the whole Frisco thing years ago. We spent almost 3 weeks out there and saw all that you did plus more. We rented a convertible for the trip and it was fabulous.
Penny-so sorry to hear about you losing your old goldie. That is a very long time for one of those to live. My Mom is on her 5th and 6th ones. They got 2 this time-it was rough getting thru puppy-hood but they keep eachother entertained. I am sure you will come up with a good name. My sis just got a rescue Corgi-mix whixh is the most adorable thing ever. They named her Tinkerbelle and she is called Belle for short. She seems to be really smart and is hilarious. My Mom has a small ornamental creek and waterfall and she thinks it is her private swimming hole. I guess the litter you are getting yours from must have had four girls in it since you said you don;t get to pick-bet you end up with the best one anyway. I like girl dogs better. have had both but the boys are hard on the flower beds!!
MDG-I love a border collie. Our first dog was one when we were very little and we have old movies of it herding all 5 of us kids around the back yard. Not sure I could keep up with the energy level one of those requires now. Me and my shepherd have a nice arrangement worked out. When I am having a bad day she is content to just stay with me but we still play ball and get almost daily walks in.
I just had my 3rd tx this week with a wonderful Neulasta shot too. Bloodwork levels were all good except for the red stuff. I am struggling with the protein myself. I cannot hardly stomach any kind of meat and haven;t found a drink or bar that makes me really want to eat it. The taste bud thing is the worst about this tx. By the time I am ready for the next tx things are just starting to taste good again. I have that all important scan coming up on Sept 17. It would be nice to get good results. It hasn;t been a stellar year for that. Most of themhave been small growth but that last one is the one where the liver stuff showed up huge again. I am very optimisitc-this Perjeta is supposed to be the great savior for now. Of course I will let you guys know as soon as I know. Still no luck getting insurance to pay. They sent me a statement yesterday saying I owe $68,00 for the first 2 tx. Onc's office says don't worry...
bad news from the Stage IV thread. We lost a lady who has been such an inspriration to so many of us. her name was MaryBe and she was a 14 year survivor with liver mets. It was so unexpected and everyone is so down over it. She was in her early 60's and was still working 3 days a week as a dental hygenist-and that was just a couple of weeks ago. She was planning a huge trip to Europe-all this stuff in play and she just went so fast. She was doing weekly Adriamiacin and her ejection fraction kept dropping but they continued to treat her. She was on multiple meds to try to boost BP and keep fluids off but it finally gave her renal failure and congestive heart failure. She passed earlier this week. She was a prolific poster and had so many friends-me included. She was the first one from the Stage IV threads to reach out to me and we PMed often. She went out under her own terms surrounded by family and friends and her little dog Harley.
Nothing makes my smile bigger than to log on and see recent posts on our thread. Glad you are all getting your check-upd in and getting positive news.
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Lily Marybe had connections to the Illinois board I chat on. I never met her but many of the Chicago ladies knew her. Such sad news. We lost two others from the Illinois board in recent months. I hate this horrible disease. I pray every day for a cure. I am doing the Making Strides against Breast Cancer walk in October. So far I have raised $610. I hope to raise $2000. I am walking with the gals from the Illinois board.
Lily I hope tye border collie will become my running partner. I had two border collies in the past and adored them. My son is so excited about getting another dog. He still misses our last one that died 3 years ago.
So glad everyone is sounding so well. Have a good weekend.0 -
Thx ladies for the b'day wishes. I had a great one. It was quite, my fiance and i went to a nice restaurant called Union Park in downtown Dallas. It was nice and the atmosphere was the cool. I have 3 nieces who have b'days in September so my family is planning a big celebration this coming Saturday for all of us.
Penny - Sorry to hear about your dear doggie of 17 years, but congrats to you, Maria and Love to Cook (I love that name) on your new additions.
Stilts - I love raspberry pie, but i don't know how to make it.
Silia - Enjoy your vacation. I saw my gynecologist last week, he confirmed i am menopausal, possible on set by the chemo. Ii's funny, I haven't had the normal symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings so I wasn't sure if i was menopausal but i haven't had a period since the end of March right after i had my first chemo treatment, doc said be grateful and let's hope it stays that way.
MaxineO - I heard the implants shift sometimes. Hopefully it's not to uncomfortable for you.
Lily - How are you feeling after tx 3? I pray the results from your upcoming scans are good and tumors are shrinking. I am sorry to hear about Marybe, she survived 14 years what a lady, I know she is an inspiration to ALL bc sufferers.
Maria - As i recall you have a b'day in September...am I right?
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