Weigh in: What are the best and worst gifts for people with breast cancer?
Share with us: What are your proudest moments of 2024 and personal goals for 2025?
Take our poll: How are you feeling as we near the New Year?

My Husband, My Life, My Love, My Family, My Cancer

1…12281229123112331234…1237

Comments

  • threetree
    threetree Member Posts: 1,833

    Illimae - Thank you so much for "dropping in" to say hi. Sounds like you're doing well, just having one of those fall/winter hunker down and cozy in kinds of times - good for you. It all sounds so nice and comfortable. Take care and thanks again!

  • threetree
    threetree Member Posts: 1,833

    Kbl - Many thanks to you. Sure enough, Illimae jumped on. Good to also know that you've seen a recent post from Divine. It was just starting to seem like an abnormal stretch of time since I'd seen anything from either of them. I think all is good now. I really appreciate you taking the time for this.

  • irishlove
    irishlove Member Posts: 600

    Hi all. Good to "see" you Illimae. My goodness that snow machine sure is pouring out the goods in so many areas. I was just watching the cam footage of downtown Boone. It's so pretty to see it snowing, from my warm 37 degree Florida home. haha……I can't believe the feet of snow reported in numerous areas.

    Nothing special going on. Kids are still here as it's too cold in their RV. They weren't gone long enough to miss them and enjoy a quiet home. But you know there's something about a 10 year old playing around a Christmas tree. Brings back such warm memories. We covered plants and rolled the one plant stand under the roof of the lanai and covered those plants, just in case. It would break my heart to lose some of my favorites, clover over 40 yrs. old, night blooming cyrus, christmas cactus (that's blooming) oh and the two plants I'm babysitting. I put extra peanuts out for crows, squirrels, etc. today. Those darn old crows would pick one up and drop it on purpose to try to crack the shell. Sorry crows, but I'm not shelling your peanuts for you, too.

    I better hit the rack. P.T. here at house at 11:30 and nurse visit at 1:00.

    In pockets for all your life needs and this cancer business sucks.

  • kbl
    kbl Member Posts: 3,018

    @threetree Glad I could help. If you ever click on their name when it’s blue, it will bring you to their page and tell you when the last time was they’ve been on this site. It’s a cool feature. Hugs. 🤗

  • threetree
    threetree Member Posts: 1,833

    Kbl - Thanks again. I had not known that about the "blue name thing". I will try to remember that for the future. You're right - that's a pretty nice feature. Hugs back.

  • sondraf
    sondraf Member Posts: 1,701
    edited December 3

    Ah- I escaped Hotel California finally about 7pm with a giant bag of drugs. Smooth fast (cheap) Uber home and we have take away Vietnamese for dinner (fresh noodle salad for me, pho for hubs). I got a hug from the catering woman and the HCA, my best nurse came down to say farewell, and as we were leaving I heard someone say my first and last name and it was down the hallway - the infusion nurses from day unit were just leaving work and saw me and waved - I yelled that I would see them next Monday (this is a super small hospital y'all, no one else was around!). So it made me feel nice that so many people I guess 'see' me. Oh and I got reflexology this afternoon and fell asleep so win for that too. Its tough but it was all pretty good once we left.

    All this drama and the picc decided to bleed back this afternoon last minute and they cant find the source of infection again therefore I think its still the cancer inflammation causing all the problems. I suppose in a way it gives hubs some respite as well, but four nights is about my limit!

    And tomorrow? Tomorrow I finish some of my shopping and work on my garland so its ready to go up end of next week when Hubs is off work for the year and its time to start decorating. He put up the Lego tree last night haha (its about 18 inches tall). It normally goes on our nibbles table, so I need to find a table runner. We have a charity shop in the village, so maybe I will send hubs there (or another during his weekend rambles) to find a jigsaw or two for over the holidays. Big village news in that we are getting an awesome pizzeria (no more delivery! 2 minutes from my house!) next week and the corner shop guys are making/selling hot fresh homemade samosas for Friday night (there is a big event at the Gardens so = tourists stopping if the whole street doesnt get there first). Many good things to look forward to!

    @illimae great to see you - how is life on the mountaintop these days? Sounds pretty chill, but is it cold temperature wise?

    @seeq Apparently the State (re: NHS) has determined that diazepam and the like can be habit forming and therefore have limited its use to certain things only (like if I were to have a back spasm or mental illness requirement). I want to say - and what, all these opiates arent?! I did FINALLY have a chance to sit down for a a proper hour long conversation with a different pain management doctor for review of symptoms and meds and how to take things and that was extremely beneficial. So I feel more confident about how and when (and how much) I am taking at least and how to manage a pain flare better. They are going to transfer the overall management to my hospice palliative team though as they see me in the 'day to day' setting which is good, maybe I can get a muscle relaxer (hell even for times when I just mentally lose it) out of them!

    @chicagoan I always wondered at people hanging laundry out in freezing winter (or like in Little House on the Prairie) and I guess it kinda makes sense. Do you not worry about the extra humidity and moisture in the house? We line dry everything but at least in the conservatory area there is some air flow and I run a dehumidifier anyway in the house. Still takes two days or so to dry everything and its never as great as a tumble dryer would be!

    @rlschaller I think in a way perhaps because we are all facing limited time/mortality and do take the opportunity to take a hot minute and step back and NOTICE and ENJOY things, perhaps that is ever more fulfilling in a life of non stop (and ever increasing) go. Like we found the secret to life and people want to know what it is. Who knew it was advanced cancer! haha - but seriously, I dont know how much further people and institutions can be pushed at such speed by technology. We as humans just aren't wired to move that fast. And I think that pressure (and wealth divide) is driving so much of today's ills.

    cookie54 - your bread is my mission this weekend!

    Those asking about @divinemrsm - I think she has been having quite a bit of pain and issues with spinal mets recently, but she is certainly around. I hope she pops in this thread soon.

    Mel - how are you doing so far through the holiday season, everything ok?

    Alright, off to manage the drug dispensary under my bed and rearrange things and get the toss bag ready for pharmacy on Monday. So glad to be home!

  • cookie54
    cookie54 Member Posts: 875

    @sondraf Happy to hear you're home! Enjoy a good nights sleep in your own bed tonight! Yes let the bread be your inspiration. Made Brookie Bars for the football party on Sunday. Layer of brownie with dollops of chocolate chip cookie dough on top. Yummy! Was asked to bring them to the ugly sweater party this Saturday. Recipe is a keeper.

    https://preppykitchen.com/brookies/?utm_source=pinterest&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=social-pug

    A peaceful night to all.

  • intolight
    intolight Member Posts: 2,429

    @cookie54 Thank you for this luscious recipe. I can't wait to try it!

    @sondraf So happy you are home. It sounds like you make friends easily. Speaks a lot about you.

    I think I am about done with all the Christmas preparations…decorations and presents…just need to finish one scarf and finish wrapping. I need to mail a package and think about whether I can host Christmas dinner this year. Two years ago I ended up in the hospital two weeks before Christmas so I am a little nervous and want to get things done early. I don't want to go through that again. We also moved in January that year so I couldn't even help pack. A horror story I don't want repeated! I love relaxing this time of year. Besides I have too many appointments the next few weeks to let things stack up.

  • chicagoan
    chicagoan Member Posts: 1,088

    @cookie54 Those bars look really good. Maybe I'll try them.

    @sondraf Glad you are home! My experiment was like Little House on the Prairie. The clothespins froze to the clothes. I normally dry my clothes on the radiators-it provides a nice humidity b/c my home can be dry. I don't know if I'll bother with the extra step of freezing them again. It was supposed to speed up the drying and provide a wonderful indoor scent. Did not notice either and it just added another step to completing the laundry.

    Had scans today. We'll see. Digestive upset at the moment from the contrast. If I have progression-we've been watching something for a while in my left breast, I'm considering trying cryoablation. I'll see what my MO thinks about that but there is research to support it for both small new cancers and inoperable Stage 4 tumors. Hope I don't have progression and can just continue on.

  • mara51506
    mara51506 Member Posts: 6,568

    Chicagoan, loved Little House on the Prarie tv series and books as well. Glad your experiment seems to have worked as well.

    Sondra glad you are home, your dinner sounds delicious and enjoy your pizzeria as well.

    I am presently doing two loads of laundry at the same time. I decided I do not wish to send my other portable washer to the dump because it still washes well, there is some water inside the machine itself but but I still have the working pump to send the water back into the bathtub. Today I have blankets being done on the newer washer and cloths in the old one. The wee washer simply cannot handle more than a couple of cloths or bra and undies. Part of the reason I want to keep it is that I only bought it a couple of months before replacing with the new one. I cleaned out and organized the bedroom closet and that is where extra stuff lives and that is where the other washer lives. The good point of it not draining is there are no leaks. Easy enough to use the non draining unit in front of the tub and use both, spin blankets in big Panda spinner and cloths get spun in the new washer. I am also amazed at the new one's speed when washing, it generates a lot of bubbles out of very little soap. I use Tide, just barely cover bottom of the lid and a spray of the oxyclean stain stuff. Oh well, just run an extra short rinse of just water then put in the mostly vinegar softener that has just enough softener in it that is smells really good.

    I will be getting my recycle and garbage sorted, Amazon finally had my smooth peanut butter for sale but made me buy two as their minimum quantity, oh well, I do not mind. I will be throwing out the other as I am not able to keep all stuff and it is dumb not to get rid of it. Lesson learned, don't buy stuff I really would not like. New peanut butter arrives today. No groceries this week, making progress eating through food. I still enjoy the cheeseburger vibe I make with the black beans and beefless ground. I do like having the frozen meals and simply tossing an egg and seasoning in it. Cheese and the beefless ground with prove a good addition to the frozen lasagna as well, sometimes add black beans too. Yum.

    Today, other than the laundry, planning to sweep and vacuum floors, slap a wig on and keep checking the front walk. May just salt it again Thursday morning as it was done BUT I want to clear a space for garbage and a space to access Paratransit. I will keep an eye out whenever I need to leave the house.

    I hope everyone will have a good day, love to mel, Carole and all other readers, we feel you here. I am in anyone's pocket who needs me as well.

    Cookie, those look like really good snacks, I am flying over now! 😁

  • mara51506
    mara51506 Member Posts: 6,568
    edited December 5

    FYI, I did finish the extra wash in old washer, put in new washer to spin and pumped out the wash side. Used a towel to dry out the rest. Washing is not as fast but still works well, not using if not needed but I basically got blankets done in new one and cloths in the other one. I am happy with this.

    Edited, although the washer works well, using it caused more water to be trapped in the machine, if I kept using it, it would get to the point of being difficult to remove so the tubs are dry but more water inside, when weather is better, have older DB take off the back so we can check if there is a giant clog holding things inside. If not, lives in the closet.

  • seeq
    seeq Member Posts: 1,186

    @sondraf - in was thinking the same thing about the opiates, but figured I'd be preaching to the choir. Lucky you with a pizzeria just around the corner! Sometimes, I miss the convenience of nearby restaurants. We do have a little diner within 7-8 minutes. They have good country cooking, but limited hours. It's another 10 minutes into town, where we have 2 Mexican restaurants (one, Americanized, one authentic hole-in-the-wall), one so-so pizzeria, and a brewery with a small, but decent menu. Ah well, we go to bigger towns often enough to get a little more variety. We sure do eat at home a lot more than we used to.

  • mara51506
    mara51506 Member Posts: 6,568

    Well, everyone sounds busy with holiday prep, sorry about the nausea from the contrast @chicagoan , I have to take a deep breath to avoid the same and let it out slow through the mouth. In your pocket.

    We have blowing snow, unable to see out the window in the bedroom. I am a bit disgusted with property managers, no one has come to plow out the driveway. I will be going out an hour or two before the appointment to put salt down for myself. Not worried so much about the snow, just making sure my path is safe, cleats and spikes on cane will be in full force. I get my results from the MRI today. I also have garbage and recycle to put out tonight so there is that. Weather is showing above freezing temps into next week, some of the snow may melt. I should not be such a boob about some snow, we just got spoiled with mild temps last year. I worry about falling but I did not have canes I used that year, especially not spiked canes, need to learn to relax and move about my day, wear cleats and boots with non slip sole and go about my day. Other good thing is that I do not need to wait outside for Paratransit which is lucky too. I am also pulling out the shoe drier I have since I believe that boots may get wet. Edit, just looked out front, does not look bad but I will be putting out my salt on at least the steps, maybe around 11am. I will see, the back door looks bad but leaving it to the other residents to put in a complaint of their own.

    Focusing on chores today vs budget boosting, laundry on the go in newer washer, going to vacuum, litter and dust again, short bits daily make the whole place look better. I am going to have a ham sandwich to start, probably put an egg on top, I pulled out the actual egg mcmuffin maker, makes eggs the right size but still toasting the english muffin in the breville, like the crunch. Not sure what I will have later. If I do not pull out the english muffins now, can always take the leftover ham and add to an egg, beefless ground and cheese mix that will be microwaved in a sprayed bowl. Will still taste like a real cheeseburger, I will see for later what I feel like having.

    I do hope everyone has a good day and in pockets for those who need me. I will post MRI results when I get them later today.

  • mara51506
    mara51506 Member Posts: 6,568

    I decided on a large meat pie and microwaved it. It was filling, put the rest in the fridge for later. I did not use a lot of seasoning, just a small spoonful caesar dressing and salt and mixed together.

  • seeq
    seeq Member Posts: 1,186

    @mara51506 - in your pocket with Ghirardelli chocolates for your MRI results.

  • mara51506
    mara51506 Member Posts: 6,568

    Well, got a call saying my RO was going to call to give Mri results. My thumb hung up by accident so she will call tomorrow morning. Glad the appointment is over the phone, not going to put out garbage this week, I will see how it is in two weeks, we are getting smothered by snow now. Even DB does not want to go out so will stay home and leave garbage til the next time.

  • intolight
    intolight Member Posts: 2,429

    @shanagirl Hope by the time you check this tomorrow you are feeling better. Sorry this month has started out so poorly. Will be praying for you.

    @mara51506 Stay in, warm, and safe. Don't fret about your call tomorrow. Praying for good results.

    Just returned from our bi-annual shopping trip at Sam's. We stock up so we don't need to make the trip too often. Now I need to rest for a couple of days!

  • tougholdcrow
    tougholdcrow Member Posts: 204

    @shanagirl Seems like this is going on too long. I hope you feel much better soon.

    @mara51506 Finger crossed for good MRI report.

  • chicagoan
    chicagoan Member Posts: 1,088

    @shanagirl Hope you feel better soon. Rest and let yourself recover.

    @mara51506 Good luck with that snow. Stay in and be safe.

  • mara51506
    mara51506 Member Posts: 6,568

    Shanagirl, in your pocket for your recovery and feeling better.

    Chicagoan, I will stay in, older DB a little surprised that I salted the front once but that is all I do, still leave up to the neighbours to make their own complaints about the back stairs and parking lot. I did email property managers and tell them we need snow removal from steps and salt left at the building as well so we can also salt as needed. I have no idea if other neighbours have complained but I reminded them of my disability as well and need the area cleared at the front and everyone to have safe entrance and exit. We will see.

  • cookie54
    cookie54 Member Posts: 875

    Mara In your pocket for your results and prayers up. Glad you are staying safe inside with your kitties.

    @shanagirl Wrapping you jersey pal in a big giant hug. Will say an an extra prayer for strength and relief from this pain.❤️

    intolight Feels good to be stocked up and now you can recover!

  • threetree
    threetree Member Posts: 1,833

    Shanagirl - You are in my thoughts. Feel better soon - hugs. Glad you have your tree to look at and enjoy.

    Mara - Wishing you lots of luck re your scan results!

  • irishlove
    irishlove Member Posts: 600

    Hi all my sweet friends. @seeq You made me laugh with the Snow White Analogy. Gosh we had a flock of robins show up at the bird bath. One feathered friend stuck his toes in on his one foot and immediately removed them. No bath today, to darn cold. Actually it was nice today after two nights of freeze/frost. I can't get over the wind and white out conditions in so many states. I knew I moved south for more than one reason. lol @shanagirl I strongly suspect change in temp is hitting you extra hard as it had been pretty mild in your area. I'm sorry you are in such pain and pray it subsides soon.

    Fulvestrant shots this morning. YUCKY. A wonderful RN supervisor made a house visit and came up with two to three alternatives for colitis, so that I may stay on Ibrance. I need to reach MO for approval. Also, time for refill and nervous about Pfizer program for free Ibrance. Use to be 4 pages to apply, now it's 10 pages, they make it so very difficult.

    DH got his flu shot and has been under the weather since. Hope tomorrow he's better. I skipped it this year. Be of good health my friends and may the season brighten each and every day.

  • mara51506
    mara51506 Member Posts: 6,568

    Irish, glad you got shots at home and that the RN suggested some options for the colitis, I hope they can be implemented for you. In your pocket.

    I never got out yesterday, way too much snow, have to get MRI results today as yesterday, thumb disconnected my RO who called. Keeping phone nearby today so I can answer it and get results. Weather is warming slightly, at least above freezing so I can take out garbage etc, will likely be sloppy as well as a couple days of rain. Planning to hold off on more salting until I think I need it.

    Other than that laundry, daily chores and budget boosting on the agenda, working toward the next bag of cat food. I enjoy stuff that is free of course through the tv ads that pay and mobile games that pay a bit. I should attempt surveys as well but don't have enough patience for them. On the laundry front, I did get old washer back in the closet after pumping and wiping out. I do think it is a clog somewhere in side that does not allow water out because both halves work, debating getting a little motorized drill to remove the screws and take a look but will wait on that.

    Not sure what I want, I did make a large meat pie, the other bit that I could not finish is in the fridge, might put in lentils, bacon and an egg as well, just microwave all in a bowl and go from there. Omelet vibe. Later I am not sure what I want later but sure I will figure it out.

    Nice and sunny here today which is nice, I did email property manager about shovelling and leaving ice salt at the building for us if we need to salt. I have mine but not interested in using it all and the back needs doing which I am not presently doing. I also reminded them that I am disabled due to needing a cane so it would be a good idea to clear it.

    Enough about me, hoping everyone has a good day and I am in pockets for everyone, hoping all who have tests, SE or other aches and pains will be healed up soon.

  • threetree
    threetree Member Posts: 1,833

    rlschaller - I imagine you will enjoy the presumably short break from teaching to enjoy some serious holiday time. I think even things we do that we love, i.e. teaching a class, can stand to be "let go" for a time, just to switch our focus out a little bit. Sounds like you are looking forward to getting ready for the holidays and a "focus switch". (I hope that makes sense - I've got some real brain fog going on.)

    Irish - I'd love to see your robins. I live in an apartment in a business district and get out into the nearby residential area for walks, so see more flora and fauna there, but not the same as if you have it all right outside your window. Good luck with your fulvestrant shots, not sure if I'd want a house visit for those - or anything else really at this point. I'd feel like I'd have to clean up for a guest. I got my last ones the day before Thanksgiving and unfortunately have not been the same since - ugh! Re the Pfizer program, does your clinic have a way to help with that? I get Verzenio for free and my clinic does all the paperwork for me, thank goodness.

    Mara - Be sure to let us know when you get your results today. Fingers crossed!

    Shanagirl - I agree with Irish, that the weather might have a lot to do with how badly you've been feeling. I get the same sense re my own troubles lately. I remember last year, this same thing happened, but things did take a notable upturn when spring and summer hit. We've been a bit colder here too, and I've really been feeling it with the aches and pains, brain fog, "general malaise", etc. If it's any help, my PT told me that he has been hearing this all over the place lately (about low feelings and aches and pains) especially with those who have arthritis/osteoarthritis. We are warming up a bit today and over the weekend, but it will bring rain, that is no better than the chill that we've had. It does it's own number on me. I really do sympathize!

    Well, hoping for some sort of energy and mood boost, as I have been low in both departments since my Fulvestrant shots the day before Thankgsgiving. Scans on Monday, so am building that increasing and awful scanxiety now. It was nice to have not worried about that for the last 3 months. More worried now, since I seem to have taken this downturn after the shots. Probably just a side effect problem (hopefully), but this sort of thing always gets me started worrying about progression.

    Have a good week-end everyone!

  • mara51506
    mara51506 Member Posts: 6,568
    edited December 7

    Well, no MRI news this week, after the RO tried Thursday to call and I accidentally disconnected the call, she left a message she would call this morning and never did call. Oh well, I will phone clinic 3, where her office is on Monday as oncs are not on during the weekend and ask for another call. If it was urgent, she would have called multiple times but good to hear results confirmed at the end of the day.

    Finally property managers answered me, rudely BUT they did plow the driveway and shovel stairs. That was fine for me and happy to see and hear them.

Categories

Join Us on Zoom: Upcoming virtual meetups. Read more...
Give your account some personality! Add a profile photo.