My Husband, My Life, My Love, My Family, My Cancer
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Mae - the photos make all of us smile.
gailmary - how devastating to have a new primary. Hope you don’t have to wait long for a treatment protocol. Joining with others for pocket duty.Snowdrop - I would be livid if someone dropped the ball like that! But then again, what would that do - wouldn’t solve the problem and just make my blood pressure go up. At this level of medical care, it is truly inexcusable🤬.
So I’m 10 days post-op. Had follow-up with ortho yesterday, told me jokingly that I was an overachiever. I’m well beyond what most patients are at this point. Stopped pain meds last week. Still have discomfort but more stiffness and soreness. Icing is the best thing for the aches. Doing my PT as ordered (which is why I think I do so well post-op). PT is also happy with my progress, got to use the bike today so I’m cleared for using our recumbent bike at home. Still taking it one day at a time.
Sending healing thoughts to all, especially for all the damn struggles this disease leaves at our front doors.
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Yes I guess it's not uncommon to develop another a 2nd cancer and a breast cancer to boot. When both radiologists said it looked highly suspicious I was concerned it would be TNBC. After all, no estrogen for this poor girl for 7 years. Doctor ordered more stains so he can get the right meds for me. So still waiting to see him. So glad no aches or pains this time. Anxiety isnt even horrible cause of antianxiety meds and I know there are now effective meds available. No idea how he'll treat both cancers at once. He might order pet to check for progression of either. Last ct was end of june I believe. Expecting mastectomy and chemo but truly I know diddly. I am strong. We will get through this. Thank you all for your concern.
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that baby donkey is beautiful! Thanks for the smile. I’m thinking of you all and sending love!
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gailmary ~ in your pocket as you deal with this issue. I hope that the solution is easy. Something should be at done point for us all after all the difficulties we face daily.
Goldens. You’re on my mind also. You go!!!3 -
Goldens, in your pocket as you heal up.
Mel, nice to see you as well looking out for everyone
Snowdrop, I would have had a meltdown at home if someone forgot to send results, in your pocket to get them soon.
Felt lazy so allowed myself a mcdouble and junior chicken, cheapest things on the menu and it has been more than a month since having anything delivered. Was super quick too which was nice.
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@shanagirl I felt exhausted just reading what you all cooked! Holy moly woman! You have every right to throw in the cooking towel for a few days. And your daughter should learn how to do the turkey herself (especially if she's reached that age and never done one - lets face it, its not hard!) but with your guidance. I've found that in handing over something like cooking to others they will be uncertain, even with your/a recipe, because they think you do some sort of magic to make it special. Nope, I read and put things together then adjust to taste like anyone else. Best approach is to try some easy recipes first and be available for questions but dont get up and do it for them if they try the learned helplessness route. 'What does the recipe say?' is my go-to line. Be encouraging with the initial output and maybe make final adjustments explaining what you are doing. Alternatively, order take away lol.
I love cooking and baking and hope I can get back to it soon, its so hard when you hit that pain/exhaustion point and have a little bit of cleaning up or whatever to finish but just want to lie down.
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So I tried a large blanket in the washer, no motor used, at first used a wash wand but it was taking too long to do so just used my hands for each section. Letting it drip out for about an hour and moving it to the larger panda spinner, was not difficult to do. Feed each section hand wash for about a minute and drop it in the spin dryer and electric dryer after that. Should not damage the washer as I did not engage the motor with the big blanket. Letting it drip out did take most of the extra moisture out but the spinner is necessary..
Edit, this method does work and will be getting rid of the big blue fleece blanket due to the fact it is too big even for the panda spin dryer. I will put the first blanket in the dryer as I have spun it. I do swear that things are only made to last a couple of years as the panda is sounding like pieces are flowing around but it is still working, will save some money to get a new one if it dies. Best news, clean bedding with only one that needs so much attention given. No laundromat needed.
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goldens Woop Woop love that your an overachiever! Love that your recovery is going well, keep it going !
Shanagirl Yep can't wait for somebody to take on the big dinners and invite me for a change ! I enjoy having all the family together but it's just all way to much sometimes. Agree with sondraf it's not that hard to cook a turkey especially with your guidance. She may feel intimidated that it won't taste as good as yours.
Thinking of all here hope you have a peaceful night.
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hello lovelies~. I can’t sleep as usual, I keep trying to get out of this funk and something just keeps pulling me back in. I found out someone that I am extremely close to , that I met from here got some very upsetting news and I can’t turn off my mind with worry and heartache. She has literally become one of my best friends. We talk daily and I love her. Dearly love her. I have not much experience in this area of cancers. So I feel helpless. Each day I find new reasons to hate this evil disease and I hate it even more today than I did yesterday. It’s so good to have you ladies to be here. I read your words you make me smile and I cry with you also. I just hope you know how important you all are to me. I have always wanted to have someone from here be locally closer to me so we could actually be in each other’s lives. I hope someday that can still happen with someone. My sweet friend lives far and we both cannot travel. But the bond we have is amazing. I’m lying here hoping against hope things change for all of us. Because this is this pits.
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Mel, hope things change as well, so hard when friends are going through a hard time and they are far away. Glad you are both in contact with each other so you both can lend support to each other as needed. Let me know if you need a bedtime story about my boring days to lull you to sleep.
I did not sleep much but it was just fine, today is blanket day for laundry, doing all blankets by hand , no regular washing on this stuff and not bothering to empty the tub, Found that giving them time to dry out and not be dripping is good, just drape them over the portable washer, thinking after an hour or so, spin in the panda until it dies. Once it does die, get one of those automatic washers and do laundry cycle by cycle in there, they are not much more expensive than the panda spinner which I have had 5 years, just could not run it automatically. Don't mind that part of things though and it would spin them but that would only happen if the panda dies. Like I say, the feeding in section by section into the wash and not washing it normally as that would definitely protect the motor. Clothes and cloths are the only things that go in and run on a normal wash cycle in the portable washer and little spin dryer. Got first blanket for today washing. Getting rid of of the big blue fleece blanket because it would not fit in the panda dryer, the other bedspread is thin and can squish down. They go in the dryer one by one.
Not sure what I want to have today, going to cook up some sausage I got from Walmart the other day, cooking all of it and then storing in fridge to go along with meals, it is the johnsonville sausage in the fridge. I did take some leftovers from the rice and veggies with chicken and fettucine alfredo, frozen variety of both. I am going to finish this today. Added two eggs after sausage was cooked up in frypan, added the leftovers, cheez whiz and taco seasoning with salt. It was really good and I enjoyed the little sausage patties as well. I will need to use it up within 3 to 4 days. That can happen, have one more meal to have with the leftovers of the rice and frozen pasta combo. The smoothie this afternoon will be milk, peanut butter powder and boost and chopped oreos, only 2 of them.
Other than that, hoping everyone has a very good day, in pockets for anyone who needs me as well.
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Oh Mel! I'm just so very sorry for both you and your dear friend. I don't really have any words. I think you said it all so well about just how horrible this disease really is, and how there is just no end to the devastation it brings to so many. I'm sure your friend is really valuing your love, care ,and concern right now, and that it means the world to her. I wish there was some kind of answer, but there just doesn't seem to be one. Wish I was in your real living room right now and that I could give you a real hug. Please accept the virtual love and hugs!
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Hi Mel. I identify with you and your funk and your longing for a true friend closeby. And I join you in realizing how important everyone on this site means to me. My half-sister, newly found as of three years ago, has become my BFF, but she lives two states away. We text everyday and long to live near each other but this disease and her living situation just won't make it work. I can't travel and her ill DH prevents visits. So I join threetree and others sending virtual hugs. This morning I am sitting on my deck drinking my coffee knowing summer is winding down and it will soon be too cold for this joy. Already it is beginning to dip into the 40s at night. I love the beauty of the Rockies but miss the weather of San Diego!
Sweet Mel, I wish I could expand your little apartment and send you a full-size washing machine. Reading how much you struggle with this makes me feel guilty. I admire all your efforts. I sometimes get so lazy, but then I think of you and get off my duff and do something…You inspire me.
My DGD has come home from school with the annual fall cold so we avoid each other. I miss her daily hugs and constant chatter, but know this has to happen. In fact I am giving the state fair a miss this year fearing another outbreak of Covid, and the fact I still feel like crap. This cancer invades every area of our lives. Praying for you all as you post and wishing you in the states a contented Labor Day.
i
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Well, managed to get all bedding that is staying washed, only one required the feeding and handwashing in the portable washer, rest were able to be folded down and washed regularly, bigger ones spun in the panda spin dryer. So great that I don't need to use the bathtub and great that I do not need to travel to a laundromat as well. I would use DB machine but his house has lots of stairs without railings and a big dog and am not going to depend on them as a laundry service. Part of why I stopped visiting their house. I am happy with the way it all works out for me. The pet hair that came out of the dryer lint filter was crazy too but at least not on the bed anymore.
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Good early morning to you. I'm not able to keep track of the comings and goings of all the wonderful gals that share their stories. Forgive me, I do mean that all I want is healing for all of us. So many trials and tribulations. Thoughts and prayers (if accepted) are sent to all.
Thursday finally had Opthalmologist visit. He was all done with the exam and started chatting about MS and optic nerve problems and said he didn't see this after 23 years of MS. Then he said glaucoma is still suspect, he'll be sending me on to other experts. Finally I burst out asking if he saw cancer behind my eyes (I have cancer in the orbital lateral bones). He said NO. And I cried like a baby. It was a such a "win", we don't get too many of those and of course gotta move forward for the next situation or crisis. Still waiting on MRI of brain.
Mel, I'm sorry your best friend has to deal with cancer. Wish you two could sit together and enjoy each others company. Gailmary and Snowdrop in your pockets for the best medical care to take care of you. Sondraf so glad you are healing. Mae, thanks for the uplifting pictures. Mara, I'll try that groundless beef. DH shops Wal-Mart two times a week. He turned 78 earlier today. I sincerely do not know what I would do without him. He truly does take care of me.
In pockets for all your needs.
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Irish - I’m in the same boat when it comes to keeping up with everyone. I think it just gets harder as we get older. Even Candy has stopped her post it note system. So glad the ophthalmologist had good news concerning cancer. What a big relief.
Mel - so heartbreaking about your dear friend. What a crappy disease🤬 this cancer is.
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Intolight, so sorry to hear you are sick along with your DGD, hoping you both recover soon.
Mel, cancer is definitely crappy, hugs to you and your friend as well.
Goldens, I still use the sticky notes on the computer to type on here most of the time as my hand can it something that can delete an entire post at times.
Irish, I am happy to hear the good news from your opthamologist.
Nice day today. Not much on the agenda besides smaller laundry loads which is nice. Like being able to wash everything and that I thought of using my hands in the portable washer on each section of my bedspread. It will be recycling pick up tomorrow so getting my recyclables out in blue bags, not too much as of yet. I love tossing the bags straight down the stairs and picking up after. Use tiny recycle containers to hold boxes that were broken down.
I do hope all have a good Labour Day and in pockets for those who need me.
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Irish - I totally understand the not being able to keep track of all of this thing. I have troubles too. Then there are the days when I really want to post something to someone that I think might be supportive and helpful to them, and I just don't have the energy and/or I hurt too much all over to sit at the computer and type. I like to think that we all understand that about each other and cut ourselves some slack about this stuff. I just hate it though, that I can't be my usual self and stay on things like I used to.
I'm so, so glad to hear about no cancer in your eye and I totally understand the big time crying when you heard the good news! Congratulations.
Mara - Thanks for the nice Labor Day wishes to all us yanks. Is there any equivalent type of holiday in Canada? If so, I don't think I've ever heard of it. Usually, both countries have almost identical holidays, maybe just at different times of the year, etc.
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Getting older. My thoughts exactly. . Expect more grief as more people we know pass away. I'm 68 with most family and friends are 70+. Sucks big time and to know they may be suffering with cancer or such.
Maybe a bit of lack of estrogen or chemo brain is affecting us too. Seems I make less effort to remember stuff anymore. What's the point? OK maybe it's stress!
My annoying sister insists on coming to see me today after sharing my news. Besides her 2 kids, I'm the only family she has. Ugh.
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I did decide to make some proper Kraft Dinner in the microwave, stirred every 3 mins, cooked for 9 mins total. Put in the cheese, milk and added lentils. Put in some ketchup and proceeded to eat 3/4 of the box. Put last little bit in the fridge, it was very good for such a cheap meal and the lentils just bumped up the nutrition of an otherwise not very nutritious meal.
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I usually put a can of tuna and a can of green beans in my Kraft dinners and then season with dried hot pepper. Lentils sound like an interesting addition too.
Happy Labor Day-I will be working later but at least have gotten a 24 hour Sabbath break. In the past 10 days, I preached twice and worked 4 concerts: Pink, Luke Bryan and Pearl Jam (twice). But I did have some relaxing times too. I went to the Chicago Jazz Fest one night-it was great and yesterday attended a fantastic picnic with the pickleball community. Enjoying just lazying at home now until I go to work tonight. The Cubs have been on a nice winning streak so I hope that they can keep it going. At least I get time and a half today. Grateful for all the workers who came before me and fought for better conditions.
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Tuna peas onion and Mac + cheese!
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Gthreetree, yes, it is Labour Day in Canada as well today.
Chicagoan, lentils are hardly noticable in a dish if you just season it the way you like. I did not really notice the lentils in the Kraft dinner this morning. At some points, I want to make crispy lentils to add a healthier crunch to things too.
Tonight, took a tortilla, added pizza sauce and cheez whiz, spread around on the tortilla, added a salad sort of thing, cabbage, kale, lettuce and I am not sure what else. Put shredded cheese over the top, cooking at 375 to start with on a greased baking pan and if in a hurry for it to finish, turn up to 425 for a few minutes.
Another thing that interests me for tomorrow is doing the rice and an egg in a pot but having more beans and lentils together with the cheez whiz. I am addicted to it, don't use crazy amounts but it will be a regular feature of meals for a while. Better than the queso.
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Had to comment— Mac and cheese (shells and cheese kind), mix in a can of tuna when macaroni done, as you are stirring in the cheese. Serve with green beans. That is a meal I have a lot. Cheap. Easy. And, I guess, healthy.
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Mara - Thanks, and Happy Labour Day to you and all our other Canadian friends here!
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Snow-drop, really hoping you're feeling better after your biopsy. How a doctor can forget to send the sample is beyond me...I know they're human but COME ON. They ought to have redundancy plans in place, sheesh.
Gailmary, sending you hugs while you and your MO plan how to treat this new primary. Agree that there are more options for triple negative, and that one of them will knock this out for you.
Threetree, the brightness on my computer is at 25%. I can't handle how bright that thing gets!!
Sending tons of love and support and gentle hugs (and maybe some screaming to relieve stress?) to everyone struggling. Ordered from a fantastic soul food restaurant here in the city for a treat - fried chicken, greens, biscuit with maple butter, and beignet for dessert. My tummy generally doesn't like fried food anymore, but hey, once in a while I'll just deal with it.
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Hello lovely ladies. Hope you are enjoying as pain free of a day as possible. It's strange I've noticed that some days are pretty darn good. Then other days I'm just plain screwed up. I found lidocaine roll on helps with the pain somewhat. I think I have bought 5 different kinds of mastectomy products to help with the truncal lymp and they just don't do the job. I hurt with the seems or they pull up from body movement. A large ace bandage wrapped and a huge safety pin seem to work better. Any thoughts?
Mara, I made cornish game hens for DH's birthday. I stuff them with onion and celery, sprinkle olive oil on each one, salt and pepper and poulty seasoning. Top with parsley and about a cup of water in the corning ware dish. This is the first time I substituted olive oil for butter to try and bring a healthier hen to the table. It was delicious. I made Pennsylvania Dutch potato filling, carrots, cranberry sauce (canned) and homemade gravy. I had a lot of help using the oven and I did the dishes for DH. DD and son-in-law, plus DGD are still living here. One is vegan, one eats junk and finally one enjoyed this healthy meal. Plenty of left overs to make tomorrow easier.
In pockets for all my sweet friends.
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Good morning ladies, wow never even thought of all the combo's for mac and cheese, very creative! My mil puts a can of stewed tomato's in hers. My family always sprinkled some breadcrumbs on top before baking.
Been a rough couple of days here since my DH had his knee surgery. Knee is doing great but this sciatic/hip/ lower back is screaming. He has had issues with his lower back for years but this time a doozy. Hope to get him some PT soon to aid in relief.
Chiagoan Sounds like you have been having a good summer and a busy one. Agree relaxing at home is a great reset too. Love sports, my Phillies are doing well again. Love this time of year for baseball and then football which is my fav begins!
Irish Sorry you're dealing with truncal LE. I don't have any good suggestions, hope someone here does. Wow that dinner sounds delish! Cornish hens always remind me of my mother, they were one of my favorite dinners she made.
sf-cakes Yum sounds like you had a nice dinner too. Hope you had some leftover to enjoy again and not have to cook tonight lol.
Thinking of all you lovely ladies here. Hope this week is full of stable news and minimal issues🌻
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Irish, that meal sounds delicious to me, glad you all had such a good meal with each other and able to satisfy more than one eating plan as well. Enjoy those leftovers.
Candy, the tuna and mac and cheese sounds very good to me as well. I do not have tuna but canned chicken that could fit the bill for sure. You've got me thinking of a mac and cheese vibe that is put with cheese and chips on top and baked to give a crispy top. In my case would make up the normal KD, spoon into a container once cool and just spray the baking pan and a little egg round, add the KD, some chicken and lentils and put the cheese and crushed potato chip on top, thank you for the idea.
I am not doing anything, wimped out of recycling yesterday but it will be here next week. Still got a couple of boxes to breakdown including my paper shredder though am skipping flyers, only chopping up old credit cards and mail that has too much identifying info, will take a while to amount to much and will not try cardboard which was how I killed the last one.
Doing the budget boosting stuff, tv playing music with ads I get paid for, playing mobile games for some money and that is about it. Also planning to take a walk sometime today, now that it is September, humidity has gone by the wayside, more comfortable weather right now. Also got laundry on the go including a throw blanket that was the victim of some of the tortilla pizza last night, at least it can be addressed now.
As far as food, feeling rice, beans, lentils and an egg, cooking the egg with the rice, chopping up the beans, lentils and cheese with croutons for the ground beef texture. Probably season with some garlic, sour cream and onion dry seasoning and salt, bind with a little bid of mayo. Small amounts of each, may also chop in the carrots I bought or some of the bagged kale, cabbage etc, also being chopped up. I will see.
Hoping all have a good day and in pockets for those who need me.
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Was awake this morning (4:30am) when the trash truck came around to pick up the weekly trash. They usually come on Monday mornings, but with Labor Day yesterday they are running a day behind. I got to thinking as I heard the rumble of the truck of those going back to work today after the long weekend. Oh how I wish I was in that group. And not only going back to work but feeling well enough to go to work. I didn't used to feel this way- episodes of hot flashes and severe sweating, the fatigue, the feeling I just plain call "the feeling of unwell". I don't know how to describe that term, just feel "unwell"- waves of something that feels outright wrong.
I got to thinking about my old routine on workdays- getting up and getting ready, my duties at work, the hunger I had at lunchtime from being busy all morning, the busy afternoons, the feeling of tired at the end of a 12-hour shift, but a good tired. Damn, I miss those days. Damn. Living with MBC is hard. The loss of a career. The loss of money. The loss of health. I feel anger. I feel sad.
Thank you for letting me vent.
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For some reason, was unable to edit the food portion of my post, this morning used up black beans, sausage, lentils chopped in with croutons, found some doritos nacho cheese so after I chopped the other stuff, just chopped up the chips. Cooked everything for 3 mins in microwave. Will be adding cheese sauce and sour cream as well. I did also put in a clove of garlic as well. Sour cream and the aforementioned cheese sauce will just stir it up and go to town on it. Put leftovers in a container and later, add chopped egg to it.
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