My Husband, My Life, My Love, My Family, My Cancer
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Hi everyone! It sounds like lots of good news around here - anniversaries, engagements, expected babies. How fun!
Goldens - I hope your surgery went smoothly, and you have good pain meds onboard, especially in the first several days. DH is one year out on one knee and eight months out on the second. It's been getting better gradually, and what I noticed recently is that he's walking faster.
We got back from our cruise on Friday. We had a good time, of course. Our cruises are relaxing. I like having breakfast and dinner in the dining room; we catch some shows, trivia challenges and spend time in the casino - usually with a nap in between there somewhere. :) We didn't go on any excursions in port this time - just a little shopping and then stopped for a beer. We may try another cruise line with fewer kids for our next one. All we did this weekend is pick up a few groceries and catch up on laundry. That was enough. :)
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Goldens, checking in post surgery hoping that you are doing well, I know it will be a while, in pocket for your speedy recovery.
Irishlove, sending healing thoughts and in your pocket for your eye exam and brain MRI Friday. Hoping no brain involvement for you. I can help with questions if you find out there is any brain involvement.
Nothing happening here, laundry first, break down the cat food boxes from Amazon, get it ready for recycling Monday night. May also take a walk as well.
I have to say, not enjoying the cottage cheese stuff so will skip it and dispose of it. Stick with meat pies, battered cod, beans, beefless ground and shredded cheese, I just do not enjoy the weird stuff. I am not keto so making bread out of cottage cheese is not something I need to do. Got to stop jumping on youtube bandwagon all the time.
Today am doing some budget boosting with running videos on my TV and a tablet to get paid with ads, not much but pretty good since it can shrink the cost on Walmart or Amazon.
Planning to make up some Kraft dinner to serve as a side on things like beans, beefless ground etc, it would probably be good, keep in a container. This morning, will eat up last of the pizza I got a couple of days ago, just reheat and go to town as well.
I do hope everyone has a good day and will be in everyone's pocket who needs me, including myself to get some household stuff done today and possibly a walk outside.
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morning all, just found this thread as I wait for my MO visit and next infusion. Love all the happy making sharing and the treatment updates. In your pockets too - what a great way to be here for each other count me on.
imJust back from a work trip to present at a conference in North Carolina from New Jersey ) I’m in Hoboken) . Road trip with two friends/ colleagues . Laughing and driving 12 hours stopping for food along the way. We found an Indian food truck King Tandoori opposite a barbecue place Smileys off of route 81. It was amazing roasted chickpeas snd spinach paneer and garlic naan. As a vegetarian I thought I’d find a salad at Smileys and then there was the truck! Manifested goodness.
First trip since my diagnosis and I admit I was nervous and vulnerable, hilarious really at 65 felt like a teenager first time away from home. Looking forward now to more travel for work snd vacation. Hopefully I can talk my hubby into it as he loves staying home. Lol…Hope everyone has a great day,taking it one positive step at a time as best as you can. Rhonda
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hello Rhonda! Welcome to our little home! We care deeply for each other and make time to give that support only we can understand. Please make yourself at home and become part of the family. Big hugs.
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@seeq That's the way we love to do cruises…minus the beer and the casino. We just like being served and relaxing. If we get off at a port it is for near-by shopping. Glad you had a good time. And I agree with fewer children. My DS and DD want to do a Christmas cruise this year but they chose a rolling amusement park! No way. Flying would be stressful enough. Maybe next time with some ultra relaxation.
@rlschaller Welcome Rhonda! You will find this a friendly and helpful group. Glad you had a great road trip. I miss attending conferences.
@goldensrbest Praying for your recovery. Hope this day is good for you.
My DB had heart surgery yesterday (valve replacement and bypass) and he is up today walking around. It amazes me how quickly they get you up! I am headed for my Pancreatic MRI. Thank you all for caring. Have a great day.
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As I read about surgeries - knee, heart! - I am amazed at what medicine/science can do for us. Including my own spine surgery back in January, when they cut my back open and put screws and rods in my spine, and here I am now, skipping around at landscape supply stores! It's amazing, really.
It also sucks that any of us need these surgeries, of course...
Thinking of Goldens, hope you are feeling okay today. Intolight, in your pocket for your MRI, and you too Irish, for your MRI Friday.
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I wrote a big good morning hello earlier and. I LOST IT ‼️so 😡 🤬……….Anyway..2 nights ago I never slept all night because I was coughing. The next morning DH brought. Me some hot tea. I could not even move. I was so dizzy and Ribs were so soar from coughing and it hurt to take a. Deep breath in. Headache and slight fever.I knew this was a summer coughing virus bad DH tol. Me just give into it. I had such an overpowering tiredness I couldn’t even look at my IPad without closing. My eyes and. Falling asleep. I was like this all day,so I stayed in bed and slept on and off but couldn’t get up without feeling like I would pass out from weakness, and dizziness. I remained in bed all day and my 2 pugs Ollie & Sammy stayed with me… so when I went. To bed last night I slept like I was dead, no coughing at all. I awoke this morning from a deep sleep with DH standing over me itch a cup of coffee in his hand for me. It woke me up a litttle and i felt like I was so much better today,I felt lighter, not weak or dizzy. I went downstairs with the pugs to give them breakfast and let the outside where they like to lay on the back porch in the morning sun. Then DH Water’s the garden and they walk the yard with him and then mosey on over to their spots where they do their business. DH finishes watering and then gets the “pooper scooper’, then the all come back in while I finish up a glass of kefir, then I go back upstairs and I’m here on top of my made bed with my IPad typing to all you lovelies🥰🩵. I’ still so tired and fatigue and know. I’m not fully over this so Here I lay on my made bed with my pugs next to me.
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Oh @goldensrbest congratulations on your anniversary! My parents love St Paul Fish Market so I hope you had a wonderful, relaxing time.
@rlschaller - what fun, an Indian food truck! I bet it was incredible too. So glad you got some confidence during that trip while you are new to all this (I think I read that somewhere?).
I just woke up from a nap so am a little groggy. I guess that dovetails with @candy-678 question about fatigue and all. Lately about 3.30 pm I just kinda grind to a halt. I can be reading a book or a website and just… fall asleep, complete with drooling. So now Ive been taking to sleeping a little, although Im not a fan of big huge naps. Although I had fluids and blood yesterday so hey. Sometimes I think its all physical fatigue but there is certainly a mental fatigue component as well and you just gotta take a break from the reality of this situation.
Doing ok on Enhertu but definitely have nausea still that is annoying enough to need a pill to manage now and again or I would never eat. I went to the hospital yesterday for a rads consult and as predicted they cant do anything for my hip but Im in the pipeline now in case the chest thing needs doing. I dunno has anyone tried the proton beam stuff? There is a machine over at UCL and Im wondering if its super super targeted and that could help. I just cant stand this leg and the nerve pain and swelling anymore and if Enhertu just holds me steady well great but Im still in the same position. Ill chase down a second US read and see what they say for options.
On the plus side my new rollator showed up and its better than I could have hoped for, so light. I can get a travel bag accessory and if folded it would easily fit in a plane cabin overhead. A fantastic sale came up this morning on Lufthansa/Swiss to Asia and we almost booked some (refundable) tickets for January, but its not our alliance and the website was being fiddly etc so I gave up, ive never been able to get that sale to work for me. Its cool, sales come along all the time, hoping this is a sign that some good post-Covid fares start coming around.
Hope everyone is enjoying the end of summer - here it was September-y yesterday with the changing light and rustle of the leaves that are drying out.
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Sondra - I did proton radiation after my mastectomy back in 2019, and yes it is very targeted. There should be some old threads on this site that were devoted to discussions of proton therapy. I'm sure you can find them in the search. The regular radiation was recommended to me, but I wondered about protons, so was told by the regular radiologist to go have a conversation with the proton radiologist, so that I could make "an informed choice". I did have the consultation, decided to go ahead with protons, and I have no regrets. My understanding is that they can target so narrowly that they can get something like a tiny tumor at the back of an eye or on a spine, etc. They can widen or narrow their beam depending on the need. It isn't for everyone though, or every condition that radiation might help, but it is really worth the talk with them about what they might be able to do given your situation. Hope this helps!
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@goldensrbest, congratulations on your anniversary and I hope all went well with your surgery. @mara51506, I am keto and I cannot deal with that cottage cheese bread - I think it is the mouth feel for me, it just doesn't feel right. But then I am allergic to dairy so have a really good excuse for saying I don't do that. @irishlove, I hope the MRI is a good result. In everybody's pockets for support.
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Thanks to all for your kind wishes. I’m home from knee replacement this afternoon. Having significant pain - at least the pain meds help - not under control but I hate to think how bad it would be without them. PT at the hospital was very pleased with my progress. Welcome rischaller, you will love it here!
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This is a cross posting so ignore if you already read this.
I had an MRI scan taken at 10:00 this morning and the results are now in. (They are quick here!) Of course I am not a doctor and don't understand most of it, but there is a little bit in the summary I understand. In summary, there are multiple lesions on both sides of the liver--this we already knew but they are clearly seen on this scan. There are also three lesions on my spine: T11, T12 and a new one on T1. There is a lesion on the pancreatic head (the reason for this scan) that is unchanged from two months ago. So, yes there is some growth. My oncologist has not called yet but I know she will in a day or two. I am relieved that it does not clearly say pancreatic cancer which is my greatest fear, but we shall see. Other than the spine, the lesions have not returned to my other bones which were the sites of my original cancer. I have had liver involvement the entire eight years so this is no surprise either.
I am okay. It provides an explanation as to some of why I am struggling now. I know God is walking with me on this journey and I trust Him. I shall be patient to see whatever treatments are in my future. I love you all and am blessed to have you in my life. Chris12 -
goldens Glad you are home and all went well. Hope with each day your pain decreases and you are on the way to healing .
Shanagirl Sheesh sounds like the virus hit you hard. Sounds like your DH is so caring, I love to hear that. Hope you had a better day and it’s outta here quickly!
Intolight Glad to hear you feel somewhat relieved with the results. Hope your MO calls soon so you can put this scan behind you and breathe a little.
Rhonda welcome to this warm group with fabulous support. Pull up a chair and stay awhile.
Sounds like you had quite the fun road trip !Thinking of all who are struggling and prayers for all appointments this week.
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Hello sweet ladies here at Micmel's front porch. Welcome @rischaller. Everyone here is so loving and caring, that I think you will find great support and comfort. I know I do. As @intolight said "blessed to have all of you in my life". Thinking of you Chris and I know your faith will carry you onward. @mara51506 Thank you for the sweet offer of support should the MRI be scary. Thank you all for your sweet words of support. In pockets for all of you and your needs.
Saw the optometrist today. He sent a referral to my GP for a referral to Opthalmologist, ASAP. Possible glaucoma. I've really tried to get this done and have met nothing but NO's from each office I called. Heck one office hung up on me. Part of it is Humana isn't well liked in this area. Well one good thing is my MRI is at the new hospital. It's beautiful and clean. Plus a tech named Tony is really good at IV's. Take care all.
Laurel
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Rhonda, welcome to this group, so supportive of each other. I will confess that you will learn that while I am always supportive, I am also obsessed with food, saving money on it and post about it on the daily as far as what I am eating. I also obsessed with laundry. I am glad you are here and in your pocket if you ever need support.
Irish, in your pocket if you have not yet had the MRI, both for the test and the results of that as well.
I had an unexpected trip out with DB and SIL, Costco trip for them, I did pick up some tea but that was it. Went nuts at Walmart, got 3 of the breakfast bowls I enjoyed before, a LOT of reese chocolate, I am pretty disciplined so that will last a while and also purchased a broccoli, cauliflour and cabbage mix, not using for salad so much as bumping up some of the bean heavy meals or adding to tortillas. I have many options I think. I was happy to see both my DB and SIL though.
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Got my telephone appointment with my MO. Kind of nice that I need not get dressed for it if I am honest.
The visit last night with DB was nice for the walking portion of it, I did wind up being late to bed due to stimulation, that is OK, I conked out a bit on the couch and then went to bed after, was broken up but still effective. Boosting budget watching ads, some are cooking videos, others are short video game videos. Playing a mobile app to earn enough for more cat food or other stuff I may want, free is always good. Doing the usual laundry, once I have completed the first load, going to wash a towel the same way as blankets were done before, tiny cycles, feeding in a little bit at a time and spinning in larger spin dryer. May even pull out the wand washer instead of tasking the motor to get stuff clean whilst feeding it in. Perhaps can wash blankets at the laundromat if I purchase a laundry bag and wash every couple of weeks, I will see how much it is and maybe do it every couple of weeks. I will see. Easy enough to schedule Paratransit to take me there. If I can do here without bother, I will do it here first and if too much of a pain, do it at a laundromat. Just pick a day of the week and get it done every couple of weeks
Not sure what lies ahead for breakfast, thinking of using my egg steamer, cracking an egg, steaming till firm. Next step would be taking the egg and putting into chopper with some beans, beefless ground, cheese with croutons chopped in. This gives everything the ground beef texture I like, can take all to a frypan on the stove and heat through with some cheese and taco seasoning. So 1 egg, 1/4 cup of beans included with handful of shredded cheese, beefless ground and the. Not hungry yet, but that is what I am thinking. Later, may prepare a tortilla sandwich with some of the broccoli and cabbage slaw mix, use as a sandwich with some beefless ground or another egg to go along with. Still have milk to get through, thinking of premaking Kraft Dinner, letting it cool and using as a side dish with other stuff. Probably going to wait until after the call to eat anyway.
Have a great day, in pockets for tests and whatever else is needed, my own pocket to earn what I would like and to find out what is up with the phone appointment. I also am thinking that the MRI back in July has to be fine as no one has called with changes reported in the internal head bleed or more mets.
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Had visit with MO yesterday. Afinitor's not working, cancer is moving toward 3N, starting Xeloda, stopping Faslodex. I broke down in the treatment room before getting my Zometa infusion. I've never done that. I even cried a bit during the MO appointment. This is getting real. Intake is down to about a cup of rice, split into two portions, and 1/2 bottle of Ensure Clear.
DH went with me to my palliative care appointment. This was my first face to face with her. DH and I really like her. She listened and asked a lot of questions. Filled out the POLST (Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment.)
Will cross post this.
Love to all,
Carol
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Oh Carol, I am so sorry to hear this for you. Of course you broke down when faced with another treatment change and you are likely nervous about not being able to eat as well. I am glad that your POLST is being addressed and that DH is with you. I am in your pocket always sending my love.
Catherine
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Sunshine/Carol, I'm sending you hugs. Makes total sense that you broke down and cried. Hoping that xeloda will work well for you, a couple of my local support group women have been on it for 2+ years. So glad your DH was with you for the palliative care appt, and that you actually like her, that makes a huge difference.
Ugh, stupid sneaky cancer that changes and mutates, and we try to catch it. Hate all this for you, for everyone here.
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Sending you All love 🤗
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Sunshine - So very sorry to hear about what's going on right now. Hey, I have broken down in these medical places a number of times. Sometimes it's all you can do!❤️ I sincerely hope you are able to get some kind of a handle on all of this, and there is something out there that will help you feel and get much better. Hugs and good wishes!
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Welcome Rhonda
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So first mammogramlast week was inconclusive. Second one this morning followed but ultrasound showed lumps behind nipple highly suspicious for cancer. Biopsy tomorrow. Then wait for results 1 to 3 days. If positive wait again for type etc. Can first hope it's negative for cancer. Second that it's the same cancer. I'm good thanks to antianxiety meds.
Never heard of a recurrence in breast after matestisize elsewhere.
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sunshine99 sending hugs and support. I’m grateful your husband went with you. I would’ve been crying with you. That’s the reaction to “it getting real” for sure. Everyone else has shared support and helpful knowledge about treatments. Take it easy.
Tanya
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HI everyone 🩵🥰 I am much better today , but still a residual cough that’s turning into a cold.
@rlschaller Welcome Rhonda! Glad you stopped in. You’ve found a wonderful loving group here. I look forward to seeing you again.
@sunshine99 oh my girl gentle (((hugs))) to you.I broke down once year ago in my breast surgeons office following my mastectomy.I thought Ihad been through th worst already and was so strong thru it all. Then he told me the sentinel node they removed showed cancer cell and he wanted to go back in and remove more nodes. I just broke down. DH was with me. I know he was hurting too. So they reschedule me for a dissection surgery and then removed 18 nodes 2 of which were also positive fo cancer cells. This disease never gives up. (((((((💗))))))) More Gentle hugs
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Gailmary, in your pocket for benign lumps but also that if it is cancerous, is the same cancer you already have, same HR, HER status I mean. I am sorry that came up for you.
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@irishlove Hey there my girl I’ll be in your pocket for your MRI. I hope it goes well for you….hate those darn noisy things. I’m glad you found a nice tech,Tony🥰
@mara51506 Awww I just love you. 🥰 The way you get to all the details about your breakfasts, laundry working on fixing things. You are just so awesome and a blessing to this group. You are so loved here my girl 💕🩵
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sunshine Wrapping you in a giant hug of love and support. I would have definitely broke down also, how much could you possibly take? You have been so strong. I have been on Xeloda for 2 years and holding me pretty steady . I am wishing the same success for you and then some. Will ramp up the prayers for your strength ❌⭕️
Shanagirl So glad you’re feeling better today! Just the weather alone is a wonderful healer. It’s been gorgeous in New Jersey.
Gailmary In your pocket for biopsy, sending strength.
Irish Glad there are some positive points to your mri tomorrow. Thank God for Tony may he get it on the first try🤞🏻
Mara glad you had a nice outing with DB. Agree on MRI, no news is good news.
Goldens Thinking of you and hope your recovery is going smoothly.
Hi to all here today hope everyone is having a pleasant day.
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sunshine ~holding your hand. I would have cried. Am tearing up now actually, Xeloda has been pretty successful for some. I’m hoping it is for you too with little side effects….. hugs for you sweetheart.
Gailmary ~hoping for benign little buggers. You’re in my thoughts of positivity .
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@sunshine99 oh what a coincidence, I also broke down wailing yesterday in a treatment room! No seriously, its ok to be human and raw in front of these folks, they need a barometer of how this is affecting our mental and physical health and our concerns. Dont worry about Afinitor not working - I swear to god Ive yet to see that drug actually work for a long time for anyone and feel like at this point its a 'check box' drug - gotta hit that mTor option before moving on to newer stuff. Im not sure the company that makes it ever really got a good use case study for the drug for breast anyway. So give that Xeloda a try that seems to work for plenty of women, enjoy not getting your butt stabbed, and try and keep the chin up. Also, a thought about intake (as Im having same issues) - we ordered Thai food last night and I saw coconut rice on the menu and thought huh and looked up some recipes and its easy to make (not sticky dessert rice version). Cook some rice in coconut milk and itll bump up the calories a bit and you can put sweet (mango or other fruit) or savory toppings on it too. Every calorie counts at this point am i right? Big hugs and one foot in front of the other!
@cookie54 I forgot to mention congrats in my last post for your daughters engagement! I hope you have a fabulous time planning and enjoying the wedding :)
Having a rough time here being patient waiting for the Enhertu to cook and possibly see some (small) improvement in two weeks. I was in for blood review as I wasnt feeling well and apparently got a lower UTI (my first!) at some point. Great, more drugs to take. I had mentioned occasional pain around my heart (picc hasnt been returning blood easily either) and the locum oncologist (who had the awareness of a cardboard cut out) asked for an ECG to be done. I got upset because that meant the nurses would see this door knocker tumor on my chest. He just stood in the corner while I got super upset, but my favorite nurse came in and gave me a long hug and I just cried on her shoulder about how embarrassed I was by it and my fears. Then the favorite male nurse came in and got a hug from him and hand hold that I can always unload on them and they understand - he made me a cup of tea lol. Anyway, I felt better but I still hate this mass and Im afraid of Enhertu not working at all and getting stuck in a wheelchair. Pain has been up the last few days but I really need a lymph drainage massage to beat back the swelling so contacted someone who can hopefully make a home visit.
Thinking of getting a chaise lounge for the bedroom to rest on that would be better than this chair which is more of an accent and has too shallow a sitting space for my long femurs. Time to get out the measuring tape!
Hope everyone has a nice weekend - its a long Bank Holiday here which means it will rain. Thats ok, time to get some of these lingering house chores done.
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