My Husband, My Life, My Love, My Family, My Cancer
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@chicagoan They usually kneel the bus down, I will have to ask the ramp be lowered and live with it. I am supportive of the drivers myself as bus drivers are getting 12 more dollars an hour which is unfair to me as well. If they go on strike, I will selfishly hope they come to a bargain quickly but if not, will need to adjust my budget.
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@wren44 Ugh I'm very sorry to hear you are now dealing with progression. It just plain stinks and we will all be squeezed in your pocket to support you. Sending strength , positive thoughts, hope and hugs your way. May Truqap stabilize progression and fingers crossed that SE are minimal to none.❤️
@mara51506 Can't blame the drivers either! Hope all is resolved quickly and they get an increase they deserve. Fingers crossed that this does not wind up impacting your travel.
Hope everyone has a peaceful day. God Bless the families of the victims of 9/11. May their fond memories of their loved ones get them through today. 💔
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Well, I slept almost 10 hours, crediting an earlier bedtime, got to bed before sleeping on the couch. I feel alright but post Herceptin for a couple of days may have lower energy, I am not too worried. Got the usual stuffy nose as well but that is fine too.
Not sure what today holds, my ususal day out with DB but we have been hit and miss, will wait for contact as I don't need groceries currently. Clearing the space at the end of my couch to make room for either my own treadmill OR any new one I save up for. Would go the same place I got the first since I cannot lift a treadmill myself. No point messaging DB about it til the area is clear anyway.
Laundry, litter and a few dishes leftover are in my immediate future which is good,thorough cleaning of bathroom and that is about it. I must admit, the monkeys are pulling me to the circus with the stuff adding up outside. I know it is not my job. I may take the worst that bugs and bag up and put in my bin outside. Clean up the back for myself not the neighbours. Only reason not calling PM is because I do not want to be told I cannot use the bin I like using. I will put the outdoorstuff on my lowest priority of stuff to do.
For food, may make an egg sandwich to start with using a raw tortilla. Later there may be beans and pasta KD or otherwise and then open new box of white rice.
Walking on the spot has to happen as well somewhere along the way too.
I do hope all have a good day, I am in everyone's pockets too.
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@shanagirl - Thinking of you and just "dropping by" to say hi. Hope everything went well and that you are recuperating and relaxing. Hugs.
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I was reading up on the likely upcoming paratransit strike and heard their side on a news site here in london. Not only are their wages way lower than regular bus, they are told they cannot go to the washroom since riders cannot be left on the bus. Bus drivers in the city have regular rest stops, like when taking a particular route home from the hospital, they circle around to another hospice and long term care place and this is where they can stop for a rest break, sometimes it is also needed if they are ahead of schedule to bring them back on time. We are left on the bus when they take a rest stop. Paratransit needs the increase to properly reflect how hard they work and be allowed to take a rest break to use the bathroom. They will be voting on Sept 21 to ratify or reject and go on strike. I do support them. Hopefully a deal is set soon after if I am being honest but we will see.
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Got my fulvestrant shots on Wednesday - ugh, and getting scans later this morning. Hoping everyone else has a good day!
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@mara51506 How sad that they may have to strike simply to get a reasonable wage and humane working conditions.
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@threetree I am praying your scans go well and that your results are good.
@mara51506 I agree with you. The paratransit riders need better conditions.
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@intolight - Thank you so much for the good wishes. I'm just about to leave and I will take those with me, as they will help for sure!
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@threetree In pocket for your scans and any SE coming from the fulvestrant shots.
Just woke up, slept well too. No dreams but that is also OK.
Been reflecting on my treadmill obsession, deciding to just let it work how it will since it would be years away and not berating DB all the time. I need to get the corner ready anyway by moving the containers over to another part of the room. Need to stop pricing new ones too. Need to pay off all the stuff purchased stupidly first. I am not severely in debt by any stretch but need to pay stuff off first and save money for myself. A good paced step on the spot with arms pumping is enough for me.
Next week we go back hot 30c or 86f. Not humid but definitely hot. Will not complain about that since no humidity. Debating walks but much shorter like around a short block, talking next street over to home. Drink water before during and after. Have a CT scan coming up as well. That will be on Tuesday. Not worried since body has been clear 10 years.
Doing up some laundry, will be, found that my leaving it at different stages of completion has led to stanky stuff and then having to wash it out again. Also want to clean under the bigger washer and do a complete mop of the inside of the tub. I will say that the metal drain cover is doing its job, keeps a lot of stuff out of the drain and the sock I use to cover the drain pipe does its job well. The stuff that is smell can be treated with some of my oxy odour blast first before washing I think. Could also start adding wash soda to the mix as well. I make my own, bake baking soda at 400 in the oven for an hour, easy peasy. I also plan a through cleaning of the lint filter within the washer. Take a mesh bag, pull out the filter and wash up in one of the smallest washers, they are not as rough on things. I do clear it after every wash but no need to keep a smelly filter in there. It never gets to fully dry out so my thought is to pull it out, clean it and let it dry some in the washer or on my heated drying rack.
I am not sure what I want to eat. I did another mini pot pie vibe yesterday on top of some whipped up eggs, put them in the microwave together, whipping keeps the eggs from exploding. With the pot pies, including spoonful of beans usually, sounds unusual but I quite like them. I may do similar today but unsure.
Edit, went into the freezer, pulled out last McD meat patty and some chicken drumsticks I forgot about, will eat up those and leave noodles and beans for later.
I hope all have a good day and in pockets for all.
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Brochoscopy / Bronchoalveolar lavage:
@threetree @eleanora @intolight @cookie54 @chicagoan @wren44 @mara51506 @tanya_djamila @micmel @goldensrbest
Hi my Dear Lady Friends,
Thank you to all of you for your pockets, and your caring concerning you posts. you all mean so much to me.My Pulmonologist🌷
I’m absolutely in love with him. he told me don’t worry about anything. “I have a heavy hand when it comes to anesthesia, and you will sleep through the whole procedure. And I was totally out through the whole thing. It was only one and a 1/2 hour. Left the Hospital at 10:00 am, home by 11:30, and I slept all day went to bed early slept all night and all the next day. my Dear Husband was able to make his bi-annual Cardiologist appointment. At 1:50 Cardiologist told him he’s as healthy as a man in his 40’s. Clean ill of health.
Yet I am still so weak and very tired.
My Lung Dr. took good care of me and everything looked clear and all went well. Final diagnosis:👇
A. Lung, left lower lobe, biopsy:
- Lung parenchyma with solitary non-necrotizing granulomatous inflammation, see comment.
- Negative for malignancy.
Lung, right upper lobe, bronchoalveolar lavage:-Negative for malignant cells.-Alveolar macrophages, bronchial cells, neutrophils, and red blood cells.-No evidence of pneumocystis organisms or fungi on GMS stain. No foamy exudate or viral inclusions.
Rule out pneumocystis pneumonia
LUNGS: No pulmonary consolidation, congestion or effusion. There is no pneumothorax. MEDIASTINUM: Cardiac and mediastinal contours are normal.So my pulmonologist has me on METHYLPREDNISOLONE and I just hope it knocks this horrible cough out of me. I was up with it all last night, but I’m only on the medication for 2 days.
My Oncologist has the absolutely best specialists he works with. I’m very lucky to have him taking good care of me his concern that he would have to take me off Verzenio is ruled out. No pneumocystis pneumonia so I can stay on the Verzenio which haas kept me stable😊
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@shanagirl Wonderful news. Now to get rid of this cough!
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Shanagirl - so happy to hear you had great care for your bronchoscopy with good results. Hope the steroids give you some relief.
Here for pocket duty. Hope everyone is enjoying pleasant weather. We’ve started to see some leaves changing!
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@shanagirl So so happy to hear bronch went well and results are good! It's so comforting to feel you are in expert hands. I hope the steroids start to really knock it back quickly🙏
@threetree Thinking of you and praying for good results.
@mara51506 Sound like a good plan to sit back and let things unfold themselves. In the meantime you have your indoor walking to build your stamina.
Wishing all here a peaceful evening.
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@cookie54 You are completely correct, no need to worry so much anyway, the marching is great for me when I get it done. I did not see DB this week though did mention I had Herceptin so that may have kept them away.
@shanagirl Glad the bronch went well and that your husband is doing well too.
I watched a few things including Peacemaker, a violent but fun show. I also watched a movie called Weapons. Kids go running off in the night and basically disappear and the story goes all over the place but in the end, somwhat gory but interesting plot.
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Hi ladies. I have tried, twice, too get all caught up. It's just not happening; we are prolific bunch.
@threetree -I hope your scans went well, and you get all the information you need to make the big decision on how to move forward on your liver mets.
@goldensrbest- so sorry for the loss of one of your fur babies. - I know what a big part of your family they are.
@shanagirl - I'm always impressed with what a caring team of doctors you have. I how you can shake these cough.
@mara51506 - I think it's great that you're getting your treadmill back. If it makes you happy and it's a good way to safely get exercise, then that's what you should do.
@chicagoan - did I missed that you're considering hip replacement?
@micmel - I'm glad you popped into say hello. I've missed hearing from you. I hope things settle for your daughter - to the extent that they can - soon.
I'm sure there are more, but I think I'm confusing messages from different boards in my head.
I have good news and bad news. Good news first - my scans are completely clear. It's the shortest PET-CT report I've seen! The bad news is the night before we were supposed to leave on our cruise, I fell and dislocated and broke my ankle…in Galveston. I was in surgery when the ship sailed away without us. A couple of plates, screws, pins, and a wire(!) and it will be good(ish) as new in about 9 more weeks (I think/hope.) We also had to cancel the cruise to Alaska that left today. I'm so glad we paid for the insurance. Dh says he's gonna wrap me in bubble wrap before our next cruise. Lol
Waving to everyone in the living room, including the other lurkers like me. Hugs.
Catherine
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@seeq Wow how awesome to have a great PET report!!! I am thrilled for you but bummed at the same time. Oh nooo ugh I can't believe your break/dislocation needed surgery! I can only imagine your disappointment, gosh why is it always something?? Thank God you did pay for the trip insurance and I pray you will reschedule it in the future. Yes and order the large roll of bubble wrap lol.In the meantime I am sending you hugs and strength for recovery❤️
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@seeq Rejoicing with you on your good PET scan results! Wonderful news. But so sorry to hear about your broken ankle and missing your cruise. How disappointing. Good thing you had the insurance.
My right hip has been very painful for about 5 months. I'll have an MRI this week to get better information as to what is going on. The pain has been so bad that now I am accepting that I may need a hip replacement. We'll see. Thanks for asking about it.
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So happy that your ordeal is over with a terrific outcome.
OUCH!!! So sorry for the broken ankle, but admire your attitude in looking forward. Trip insurance is a must - you were very wise to have it.
I am 6 years post hip replacement and every day I wish the rest of me felt as good as that hip does! It's a daunting procedure to contemplate but the outcome is worth it. I had the anterior approach and would strongly recommend it. There was a website called "Bonesmart" where I did lots of reading prior to surgery and it was helpful. Feel free to ask me any questions.
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@shanagirl thanks so much for letting us know. It sounds like you have a great care team. Smiling over those reports!!!
@SeeQ great scan results! I get the trip insurance too. Sorry about your ankle. Sounds like major surgery. Let the healing be complete and you and your heart of a 40year old will set to cruising many times in the future.@chicagoan hopefully the hip replacement is a great idea for you. Thanks @eleanora for sharing your positive experience. That’s so helpful when considering a big surgery like that.
@threetree pocket duty for test results and clear good 👍🏽 outcomes.
@mara51506 maybe the paratransit will be able to settle without the strike. I hate when jobs sound like they forgot they’re dealing with humans.
Take care all
Tanya
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@seeq Great scans for sure, I am so sorry about your fall that broke your ankle and cancelled the cruise plans. In your pocket for speedy healing. Bubble wrap could be the way to go. 🙂 I am hoping to get the treadmill back soon, apparently they use it so we will see if there is any resistance, if so, will have a Paratransit trip booked to purchase another after I save up money toward it. They would handle delivery and set up. Many treadmills on Amazon but that requires me to get it out of the box. I do not want to argue about the other one.
@chicagoan I am sorry about the hip pain but hopeful that if it is replaced, feels as good as others have mentioned.
Nothing too much on the go, I had a mystery stank on laundry yesterday, found out it was my fault, did not keep up with clearing filters in the one and that was causing the stank. I am also going to use the odour blaster oxi powder. I use 1/4 tsp as very tiny amounts of the other stuff clear it up nice and leave fresh. I am washing the stuff that still had some stank. Does not bother me any to have extra laundry to do. I have enough machines. Glad I am not scouring Amazon for that stuff anymore.
Nothing else on the go for me today, rainy out, do some walking on the spot stuff, quick steps, both feet lifted. I could also bring a chair out if want to lift legs higher but that would be later, will see about that.
Not sure what I want to make, no frozen pasta left so could just take some of the KD noodles, 1/4 cup or a ramen, add beans and queso possibly. I enjoy the walmart queso bowl and I realize that I do not need to buy it but can make an at home approximately. Just take some canned chicken and add other stuff and add actual queso. Starting to feel hungry thinking about it. Need some eggs as well, could add to the KD whilst boiling and whisk it around. Add chopped beans and cheese with garlic put in as well, sounds like a busy meal but a good meal.
Adding to yesterday's post that I forgot to post. I did have beans, cheese, garlic and egg heated together with the noodles. I did not care for the egg made with noodles. Better to make eggs in the mini grill chop up with cheese. Can add some peppers that I keep in freezer. I think today will look that way for me.
I did sleep well, waiting on cat food from Amazon, some bits of laundry and that is about that.
I do hope today is going well for people and I am in pocket for all.
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@shanagirl - So glad to hear that things went well and that you are recuperating without any big new serious problems! I'm also real glad that you like your doctors so much. It's so important to be able to feel comfortable with them. Thanks so much for letting us know how things went.
@cookie54 - I really appreciate the good thoughts you sent re my scans. I've got results for 2 of 3 scans back now, and they show essentially a stable situation.
@seeq - Oh, how crappy about your ankle! I sure hope you get to catch up with those cruises at some point - and to miss 2, not just 1. Not fair! Well, I hope you continue to heal real well and glad you had the trip insurance. Love the bubble wrap comment. Also, real glad to read that your scans were clear - that's great news for sure.
@chicagoan - I had thought that your hip was improving now that you had one of your old drugs back again, but maybe not? I'm sorry to hear about how it is hurting so much now. I do know people that have had real success with hip replacement surgery, but it is an initial ordeal from what I understand, but well worth it for many. I hope you have something that temporarily helps, if nothing else.
@tanya_djamila - Thanks so much for the pocket duty and good wishes re my scans. It helps for sure.
I got two of my last three scans back real quickly on Friday, but am still waiting for the third one. The abdomen/pelvis one shows a stable situation (even with the new liver mets, thank goodness), but does note that spots on T-12 and my right hip, that showed up in June are seen more prominently now, so definite for sure. My oncologist briefly noted the T-12 spot last June, but hasn't mentioned it since and didn't seem real alarmed. He mentioned that spots like that could be radiated, allowing me to continue with the Verzenio/Fulvestrant regimen. The bone scan pretty much agreed with the abdomen/pelvis CT and showed nothing new, but a stronger confirmation that those two recent spots are indeed there. I continue to wait for the results of the chest CT, and then the consultation re results with the oncologist. Usually all 3 are in the same ball park, so in that regard, I'm expecting something similar, but on the other hand, it is possible on occasion to have most of it all stable, but then something new and not good somewhere else, so I've still got my fingers crossed and am waiting with lots of anxiety for the remaining results. I'm essentially glad about the ones that have come back, as I'll take stable any day; just no progression please!
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@threetree-My hip was feeling better but then it started to really hurt again to the point where it is difficult to walk even a few blocks. Yesterday I switched myself to Diclofenac instead of Celebrex. It feels much better today. I'm looking forward to getting the MRI to get more info as to what is going on. Thanks for asking.
Having a nice Sunday- we have beautiful weather today.
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So I decided on a quesadilla vibe with garlic spread on both tortillas, couple spoonfuls of beans and some shredded cheese, heated it up, when finished cooking, leaked a bit out of the sides but that was fine. Ate it all with a knife and fork and it was quite good. Good quesadilla maker for 11 bucks from Amazon.
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Oh my gosh I read about 8 pages to try to catch up. We do have a vested group of supporters that is for sure. I don't know what I would do without all of you. Sharing the good, bad and ugly and still we march on.
Tomorrow are fulvestrant shots and lab work. Sept. 18th is the epidural. I've waited almost a year for this treatment. It will be performed by an anasthesiologist. That gives me more confidence that the last pain management doctor. I'll see the neurosurgeon shortly afterwards to discuss the results. Fingers crossed, prayers said.
Just a side note, that the weather has been beautiful. Dh and I went into the yard and worked on gardens, clipping back branches, repotting etc. Now today, I had to stay in bed. Serves me right for over doing things.
I have to come clean about a subject that is just overwhelming me and I imagine others that choose not to discuss it for personal reasons. I am so damn lonely I could cry. Son came down to visit, partied too hard nad wound up in the hospital with pancreatitis. There went his vacation and time with us was about and hour. I had hoped to talk to him about our medical health and the decline of it. Didn't get there. DD comes to do yoga outback. Generally says hi and goodbye to busy to talk. Cancels trips I plan and doesnt' help with the house as she promised. Sister will no longer talk about cancer and MS. . Frankly I heard her say drug addict, but when I gently questioned that, she denied saying it and swears she said "drama addict". Hmm. I hate being on these drugs, but what little they help with pain is needed. I have break thru pain daily. I try to walk as Mara suggested. Can't catch a break with the pain though. I follow the RX and never take more. It's a battle between nerve ending pain caused by MS and the deep bone pain, caused by cancer. Well a chance to break it up with that upcoming epidural. Wish me luck and prayers are greatly accepted. Oh and DGD will not visit me. It breaks my heart. Reasons, who knows?
Enough, I'm in pockets for all you wonderful folks that make me smile.
P.S. Yay for the Phillies to clinch playoff and the Eagles win over KC Chiefs. Good day to be in bed. lol
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Seeq - what a bummer about your ankle but you are one smart cookie to have trip insurance! Those trips can always be rescheduled after you heal. My guess is you will need some kind of PT?
Chicagoan - my first joint replacement was my right hip. First couple days are rough but it is a much easier recovery than knee replacement. Also agree the anterior approach is easier on the patient. Glad the meds are helping with the pain.
Irishlove - I’m so sorry you are feeling lonely. It hurts when we are not validated by family. We’re all here for you. We’re the family you choose❤️ even it’s due to disease. But that makes our connection even stronger.
As always, here for pocket duty.
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Oh April sweetie, wish I lived close enough to visit you. This is a lonely and difficult path we're on, but we are fortunate to have each other. Please know that I'm in your pocket until you evict me!
I know that there are several Zoom groups here. Are you able to join any of them? It might be helpful to see kind and sympathetic faces and hear actual voices instead of just reading our words.
💕
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