My Husband, My Life, My Love, My Family, My Cancer
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@threetree well this trip was easy because my sister did all the cooking lol I only packed lunch. There was a lot of hammock and lounge chair time, bird watching. Here's some more pics
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Mel, Theo is adorable as ever!
SondraF - yay for you insisting on a little common sense. I hope things have sorted themselves out and you are home and comfortable.
Mkestral- I love your nature pics. I'm so glad you had the opportunity to get out and enjoy. My DSD really wanted to get out and kayak on the lake today, but couldn't get anyone to go with her. Two years ago, she and I went out, but this year, I just didn't feel like it was something I could physically do. How the heck did that happen?!
Irish - Happy anniversary!
I know there are more that I wanted to respond to...but that was on the last page...
We've had a busy weekend here with all the (grown up) kids visiting. Lots of fun, sun, and food! We got quite a bit of rain on Friday, but it brought our temps from 104° to 64° in less than 24 hours. I can't tell you how wonderful that felt, rain or not. Warmer today, but still comfortable. The daughters are leaving tomorrow, and my son will stay one more day before he heads back. It's been so much fun!
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Hi all the lovely ladies here on Mel's porch. Oh gosh the pictures are beautiful @mkestrel The kids are leaving here next week for 3 day camping trip. It sure will be quiet without the 10 yr. old. Might find milk and ice cream still left over after a day. lol. Some idiots were shooting guns in the ai r and a bullet struck DS and his wife's car. They were 6 feet away with Goose. Filed a police and insurance report but it's probably a waste of time. Hasn't the word gotten out that what goes up must come down?
Had Xgeva shot Monday and Fluvestrant shots Friday. I spent today in bed. Not sleepy, just weary. It was 98 here today. I wait for the sun to go down and then head outside to water potted plants and fresh water for critters.
In pockets for scans and life in general and doing a rain dance as we need it desperately and to hopefully cool the day down.
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I love those pictures! Sounds like a very nice time. I’m so happy you’re able to spend time like that. Sounds like nature could be what the doctor ordered. I haven’t been camping in over 15 years. Hope you’ll forever remember your memories!
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Beautiful nature photos, mkestrel!
Happy anniversary Irishlove! 46 for us next month. Where does the time go?
Sondra - man, what a cluster f—k for you. I can feel your frustration.
Our DD & SIL are visiting from Philly. Staying a week. Have had a wonderful time so far. Family is all I need.
Saw my pain management PA back in May for my horrible osteoarthritis. Started me on gabapentin. My only side effect is horrible dry mouth. She is slowly increasing my dose so will see what happens. Also am trying acupuncture which is covered by Medicare for back pain. First session I could feel a difference. 2nd and 3rd not so much😕. I can go for up to 12 visits. Will see what happens.
Hope everyone has wonderful Sunday and for those struggling, a more peaceful, comfortable day. Hugs to all🤗🤗🤗🤗
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Goldens, enjoy your visit. In you pocket for the meds and acupuncture relieving the pain as well.
Irish, sorry the heat his such a bother, I cannot handle heat myself at far less than 98 degrees. After Thursday's walk at the mall, I felt pretty good. Next time I book a ride to the hospital, I may walk around the halls or even walk around after my usual MRI which is coming up soon before I call for the walk home.
Getting boxes ready along with garbage. I have not put out garbage for 4 weeks, I will soon run out of space to keep it. Also getting rid of hot dogs that were in the fridge, still got some frozen ones and may try those out with other meats, pot pies or whatever. Do not appreciate the taste any more. If I need meat, will take it from a meat pie type meal or stick to beans and lentils. Today, going to chop up cereal and beans, add some lentils as well. Later have some fish and rice. Waiting for more Amazon, got my new Vileda mop with a hopefully working spray. It took a while to get the new mop together, after much frustration, seems to be attached as it should be. Still keeping old mop as well, not sure why, may just use it as a duster. I have hangers over the bathroom door anyway.
Did a Walmart shop, lots of pasta, more hotdogs that are fresh, silly that I would assume I could not season hotdogs or incorporate into a meal. Plenty of Reese cups and a couple of chicken nutribowls as well, sounded good to me. No beans, milk or eggs since milk was purchased on Thursday. Going to have cereal for breakfast today while waiting for the grocery order which is almost free thanks to my budget boosting activities.
Edited, managed to take out two bags of garbage but almost fell on the first one. Was sort of tossing it up on the sidewalk and just about lost my balance. Second one, took a cane out with me, first carried in the garbage bag hand until I got down the stairs then put the cane in the other hand, tossed it up the curb and did not lose balance. I have another bag that could go but no energy to take it so will leave it in the bedroom container, no food or stinky stuff so not a problem to do that and think I will make lighter bags for myself.
I hope everyone has a good Sunday and in pockets for anyone who needs me.
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Mkestrel - Thanks so much for posting the additional photos. They are wonderful. You are so lucky!
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@irishlove Happy happy Anniversary to you and DH. That’s wonderful !!!!♥️
@sondraf gentle hugs sweet one.🩵
@mkestrel I am definitely not a camper. Give me air conditioning, a lovely room with a view, a great bar downstairs, and a pool and a beach 🏝️ 🏖️ 🌊. But Eve that is just too much for me lately with the way I’ve been feeling…..
Hi everyone here! Going to bed now.
So on Tuesday last week,I had my oncologist follow up with lab work and the Fasoldex and Xgeva injection.. I felt ok and I surprised myself and attended the annual Neighborhood Christmas in July party and barbecue for the 4th of July. I didn’t eat much,but everyone was so glad to see me and happy that I “look great”.😊 I have to admit, It felt really nice to put a pretty summer outfit on and do my hair and makeup. It did me good to get out and sit in the beautiful breeze on the Barnegat Bay and watch the 4h of July fireworks 💥. It’s always a. Celebratory event here watching the Boats all lit up and chatting with some of the young neighbors with their children in carriages there to see the fireworks that a lot of neighbors shoot over the water. Also we can see the Seaside Heights and other beach towns like Ortly Beach and Lavalette, and Oceangate all shooting theirs off too.. It was a long hot day and I said my goodbyes and walked home with DH. I got all comfy, got into bed with my pugs and IPad and TV and was glad to be home.
Since Wednesday I’ve felt so horrible with bone pain, headaches, coughing all night and feeling exhausted all day. I can barely get out of bed and walk with leg and pelvic pain. Forget the stairs. I am so slow going up and down I feel like a 95 yr old. Woman.🙄
I’m thinking it’s those injection SE’s and the bone mets in my spine and sacrum and also arthritis all combined together. Ah well, back to reality again. I need to go to bed early. 🩵5 -
Thanks everyone - I did make it home that night but I can feel the mouth sores and tender gums starting up already from that darn antibiotic.
@sunshine99 I lost 15lbs on Afinitor, mostly due to lack of appetite, but that wasn't until like month three. Just keep an eye on it, but its known to cause weight loss.
@shanagirl oh I feel those pains too for sure - I hope you got a good rest in and they finally subsided!
Think Ill go make myself a small Coke float. Weve had huge downpours here the last few days and two big booms of thunder this afternoon. I feel sorry for those folks at Wimbledon who have to put the covers on and off because half the time its sun then you turn around and its pouring rain again!
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Can I rant here? I know some of you still work, but I can't anymore and besides, I'm retired now, but I miss shopping for clothes. I just don't have the energy. I used to go clothes shopping and enjoyed trying on new things even if I didn't intend to buy much. I shop online when I just need the shopping therapy, but it is not the same. My DD takes me out shopping every couple of months when I ask, but I don't last long. Anyone else feel this way? I don't really go out much anymore to even wear nice clothes, but I get tired of wearing the same tops and stretch pants even if it is at home or to the doctor's. And now I need to wear something convenient for labs or port access. Ugh. Something else this stupid disease has taken away from me!
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@mkestrel Thank you so much for the camping photos. I'm a backpacker and love the remote lands. I'm not sure I have enough strength these days to carry 40 pounds anywhere, but these are the kinds of places I love, the banks of the flowing waters, the trees that will outlive us as we outlive the summer flowers. Here on the island, the rain is coming and going.
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Intolight- Yes! you can rant. I seem to do a lot of that on here. I cannot commiserate with you on the clothes shopping, as I have never enjoyed that. I always had trouble buying clothes that fit me (short and skinny), and I got frustrated with seeing cute clothes that looked not so cute on me ( I was also a nerd). Currently- not working and not getting out too much anymore- I go for comfort. I wear longer shorts and t-shirts around the house. When I attend church (we are a casual church) I wear a good pair of jeans and a pull over top. I have had my current clothes for a few years now- I kept some different sizes of jeans, as I have changed my weight in the last few years.
But, I too, do not have the energy to deal with much anymore.
Something that frustrated me yesterday- - during the church sermon my Pastor mentioned something about how he had gone to a cookout and had hamburgers, hot dogs, etc during the lunch time hour, then he was invited to an evening event with a buffet meal. He could not pass up the evening event, of course, lol, so he stuffed himself again that evening. Anyway, it frustrated me because I can eat a sandwich and immediately have to make a trip to the bathroom. I get frustrated that I cannot "gorge" myself like he did- not really gorge myself, but just eat good foods and socialize with people at a fun event without feeling sick over 1 sandwich.
Cancer/the treatments has taken so much from us.
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I sometimes shop with db and SIL for clothes when we are out mall walking but most clothes are from Amazon believe it or not. I have purchased some cute tops and capris. I am not big instore shopper myself but not missing out on it.
Doing some laundry with new mesh bags so I can wash clothes and delicates at a lower temp with less damage. Got my budget boosting going on
Not sure what I am having for breakfast as of yet. Thinking of using an english muffin, just regular butter, lentils that are crushed into a paste so they can be spread, toasting it and then letting it all cool off. Mix peanut butter and a bit of reese dry cookie mix with it, spread on the muffin and eat that since the lentils will just blend into the taste of the butter and peanut butter might have eggs and noodles later on. I will see what I want to have.
Hoping everyone has a good day and in pockets for those who need me. Keep spamming with Nature or Theo pictures since we all love them.
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I completely agree about the clothes shopping. I do not last out in public long. I can barely sit through a dinner with out extreme pain and discomfort. It is completely depressing. I feel like if the sun hits my skin, I’m going to melt away in a matter of seconds. I also breathe on one lung and the heat isn’t my friend. I miss the go whenever you want to do whatever you want to do feeling. When I think back about two years before diagnosis, I started having extreme fatigue and I had no idea why. I thought it was aging. I was like 43. We’ve come to determine l, I had cancer at least a few years before diagnosis. Was the only symptom. Makes me so mad. Cut down in my prime. We all have been in ways. I’m sorry for all of us. I truly am.
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micmel, I had the same thing happen. I didn't even realize I was unusually fatigued, but my husband noticed it, and was worrying about me. I mean, lots of things can make you tired, right? So you don't automatically think that some terrible serial killer is sneaking in through the unlocked door.
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Intolight, I used to love clothes shopping as well. Now I look at myself in the multi-mirrors (ugh) and see my sunken in left chest (I opted to not do reconstruction), massive scar on my back from spine surgery, thin gray hair... it's no longer enjoyable. I've always loved blazers, and I found one on-line from a brand I like, that's fitted in the shoulders but loose and comfy everywhere else. It's now my go-to to wear with jeans, pants, a dress (and finding dresses that aren't low cut/show cleavage, which I don't have, is hilarious).
I've been having more GI problems lately, particularly with digesting protein and dairy. I want to try a probiotic supplement to see if that helps - I think others might be taking one? If you have any suggestions, feel free to let me know, and thank you!
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Fatigue was my first and only symptom too. We just bought new bikes so we could ride the boardwalk by the beach. The first long trip out I got so dizzy I had to pull over and my DD ran inside to buy me some water. I barely made it back. After that, walking up the hill to my office at work would tire me out so badly I had to stop along the way. Yeah, the killer was sneaking up on me fast!
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exactly, but in December of 2015 we were in Maryland we had two houses then. I was visiting him and my kids were home taking care of the house. They were 18 and 17, I woke up and I couldn’t even raise my hand , I was so tired I felt heavily drugged. But hadn’t taken a thing. Then the lump appeared. It started to make sense. I was at the gym the day of my appointment for the mammogram and I ran 6 miles in an hour. I looked around the place I had grown to love and knew you’re never coming back here again. Sure enough I didn’t. I was thrown into a stage four world , just didn’t know it had spread already to my liver and nodes. Was on the move and doc said stage three definitely, even four is possible. I remember walking down the hall holding onto DH’s hand like I was falling and he was the only thing connected to the old life I had before I walked into the building that day. A simple close of the door. Entering as someone who had a chance, then opening to a world of cancer and not a lot of hope surrounding me. I’ll never forget the sinking feeling that all along in my mind I could never see myself as an old woman. No matter how hard I tried. The vision just wasn’t there. Now I know why.
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My first symptom was fatigue also. I was diagnosed in 2018, but around 2016 I started feeling exhausted when I'd get out of the shower, and was also getting some odd rashes on my arms, and then some weird feelings running down my legs from time to time (likely part of the exhaustion). I only connected that to the cancer after getting diagnosed those couple of years later. Until then, I had chalked it up to aging. Oh Mel, age 43! Just not fair! I was 65 when diagnosed.
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sfcakes Sorry GI issues are still hanging around . I have taken probiotics here and there… bought this off Amazon..Renew Life Extra Care Digestive Probiotic Capsules, Daily Supplement Supports Immune, Digestive and Respiratory Health, L. Rhamnosus GG, Dairy, Soy and gluten-free, 30 Billion CFU, 30 Count. Had success with it, hope you find something that works for you.
Ladies it makes me so sad to hear all the stories of the simple things in life that each of us has been robbed of. Cancer is certainly cruel and life is so unfair!
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SF-Cakes- I started taking Wal-Mart's Dairy Digestive when I'm having more that just a small amount of dairy, and that has helped. Just about 2 weeks ago, I started taking Culturelle Women's 4-in-1 to help me get over the aftereffects of two weeks of antibiotics. I'm pretty happy with the results, so far.
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Ladies I take "Culturelle" probiotics, with 200 mg prebiotic inulin all in one. The directions suggest taking one daily for regular use and one daily during antibiotics use. I have been doing that for awhile and it helps. My DH suggested I take one in the morning and one in the evening since I have been struggling lately. The directions say that is the norm when travelling so I may try it.
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ahh yes all the things we used to do. I used to live next to 2 Malls. I was always running in and out shopping or things. Clothes and things for me and always picking up outfits for the kids, like for back to school,holidays and vacations, and school events. Oh my goodness. Even when my youngest was in 1/2 day kindergarten I would pick her up for lunch and we would go to the mall at Sbarro’s or Chuckie Cheese. It was our special time together. Whe she was a baby I would wheel her in the carriage at the mall and walk around and browse while she slept, or take her to the Disney Store, which was always a happy place to look around. All the energy I had back then. And about a year before I was diagnosed with cancer, the Extreme tiredness started to set in.but I just always attributed it to the hemorrhagic stroke i had in 2005, but then during Christmas 2008 I noticed a lump and leaking from my left Breast. Went right to my OBGYN, she was so concerned and sent me right the hospital for a diagnostic mammogram. They kept me for hours doing stereotactic biopsy, needle biopsy of my lymph node and they diagnosed a 4.8 cm tumor which was even bigger whe they went in for the Mastectomy. It was a 5.2 tumor hiding in dense breast. Thank. God I went to her so fast. The breast surgeon did the surgery a month later and removed the tumor and 18 nodes, 2 were positive for cancer cells. So I. Guess that’s why the constant fatigue before being diagnosed.. Now the tiredness is so much worse with bone mets injections and Verzenio chemo pills. I’m typing here now and exhausted again…..Cancer Sucks. Good night everyone.
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In 2001 I lost the sight in my left eye with so many auras and then it crossed to my right eye. I have had migraines with auras for years, so at first I chalked it up to that until it crossed to the right eye. I immediately went to the hospital (thinking brain tumor, stroke, ?). Fortunately the eye Dr. that I worked with came to the hospital and talked to me about the ct scan and lesions on the brain. It didn't take long after that for a MS diagnosis. Lots of folks have to wait years for a diagnosis. I did have 3 opinions and 2 said MS. The next MS flare cemented the diagnosis and the exhaustion was overwhelming.
Last year I was sitting on a rocking chair and thought I was allergic to the material as it burned the back of my legs. I went into the pool and held my legs at the jets and realized this isn't right. But chalked it up to MS. Surprise Stage 4 diagnosis last March when I went to the hospital for what we thought was a bowel blockage. I think I was in shock for a month. The cancer hit my femurs, lungs, bones and some nodes. I always thought I'd die from MS, such as kidney infection, etc. I guess cancer is gonna win that title. Too tired to do much of anything, so boy do I understand.
Love to all and in your pockets for scans and all of life's challenges.
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I turn 69 today. Feel like I’m 90. Like the rest of you, the fatigue is unending. It’s the price we pay to hopefully live longer.
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Mel, I will only speak for myself. My body is quite exhausted, mind is as well. Main thing I tell myself when my brain says it is tired is not tired, just waiting for the day to be done. I feel exhausted doing the smallest thing and yet if I do not do it, who will? I am sure SIL would help out but that is not her job, she looks after her own house and dog. I do small things at a time, eventually they are complete, even if I take several breaks in between. My DB often thinks I sound short of breath, and I say I can breathe but that it is more effort while walking.
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Using a wand washer to complete some laundry, portable one is dying. Just purchased a smaller model to use with the wand wash, will still spin as the spinner works just fine. Smaller one was only 109.00 and used before but I killed the last one having on the tub floor, there is a wee stool it will sit on this time so water avoids the motor. Will pay by not purchasing any skip the dishes.
Planning fish and lentils today, they are appealing to me for breakfast. Later will do something with the hotdogs in the fridge, read that if stored in fridge the are good for two weeks if unopened. Planning to do a floor mop with the new mop after a floor vacuum with the robot vacuum, running TV to get paid for TV ads.
The split AC even running at 75F or near 24C is really good at maintaining a comfortable temperature. Running bedroom AC at the same temp and using one fan to blow it in this way. They are both on eco so shutting off when temperature is reached which is good.
In pockets for everyone as needed and hoping everyone has a good day.
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Goldens, I wish you a Happy Birthday. I am sorry you feel 90 but still want to observe your birthday.
My breakfast turned into frozen alfredo and chicken cooked with 2 eggs on top, going to season with sour cream and onion seasoning and bind with sour cream. Later going to try peanut butter lentils and a couple of hotdogs rolled in the last tortillas, saw online they taste pretty good. I will try it.
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Happy birthday, goldens! I hope it's a nice quiet, restful day.
Funny about the fatigue. My DH also noticed it and my DS commented that she could tell before my most recent progression that something was different.
Quiet day planned. Ordered some food (staples) from Amazon so I need to put that stuff away. I like the mini-saltines and get them in a pack of six. They're nice for my you-never-know-how-this-is-going-to-go-down stomach. I also ordered some precooked organic Jasmine rice. 60 seconds in the microwave and it's ready to eat.
My mouth has that mild feeling it gets when I eat too much fresh pineapple. I think it's the new med, Afinitor, but the dexamethasone mouthwash seems to help.
Carol
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Happy birthday Goldens 🎉
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