My Husband, My Life, My Love, My Family, My Cancer
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Gracie~ I had to go to bland chicken and pasta for carbs. I tried. Anything that would be mild. But since you mentioned your celiacs. I’m wondering if it’s time to bust out the nutritionist and get some advice about diet supplements or ideas. I am facing the same issue for sure! Hugs my friend ~M~
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Thanks Tanya, Micmel, and Holmes for cheering my results. Even if I don't post, I'm cheering for you and everyone here.
Lynne (Man), I hope your scan on Wed shows no cancer in that node! Also hope the fevers stay down.
Lynn (50's), hoping for good scans for your husband and that you also feel better from se's.
Gracie, I hope you can find something that tastes good to you.
We're not having Thanksgiving. DH and I will have a turkey breast in the crockpot with a couple of vegetables. This letrozole is packing the pounds on me to my great distress. Doctor says don't worry about it and I told him that was easy for him to say since he doesn't have to haul extra weight around. I was already eating very little. So discouraging. I'm feeling a bit whiny about it because I am so thankful to God that I have my tastebuds back and enjoying something tasty is about the only pleasure left. Anyway, I'm trying to psych myself up for a small family Christmas party. Finger food and snacks only. I won't diet that day. Heh. Hard to get everyone together at the same time. They're all over the map!
I hope this week brings peaceful days, clear tests and scans, and successful treatments for all of us.
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Muddling~That's what we are here for. Support. We all need someone to reach out to and feel comfortable letting it out. I also, with anaztrazole gained weight. It's like a yo yo. Up down up down!!!! It's rather annoying and frustrating for sure. I'm jealous of your taste buds. I agree the holidays are not the time to worry about diet. I have learned moderation with everything. Hugs to you sweetheart! 🌷💗~M~
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Muddling, I like your hope that “this week brings peaceful days, clear tests and scans, and successful treatments for all of us.“
Thanksgiving is almost upon us, so I thought I’d share a few photos of some thankfulness in my life.. The first is my new avatar pic, putting it here since its so small to the left of the post you can barely see it. I’m thankful for another Thanksgiving.
Next photo is of dh and I with grandkids this summer. We went to a little pioneer village up river and we took this picture in its very tiny rustic church. There was to be a wedding there later that day!
Lastly, a picture of dh, ds and I earlier this month at Pittsburgh Botanical Garden walking along the trails. Hiking is one of my favorite ways to spend time with those two.
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Divine~Hello lovely lady...I love your new avatar picture! I think you have a really nice smile. I love the rustic look! I am a country girl at heart. Your porch would do just fine! Lol! The last picture I have to tell you is so sweet. Your son is so handsome and your sweet husband standing guard behind you. With that big protective smile of a man and his family!!! The love shines through. You look terrific.... thank you for letting us know what and who you’re thankful for. It is afterall the week to be thankful! Hugs sweet woman! ~M~
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thanks grannax- I just ate pepperoni pizza and it burned so bad! Tomorrow is two weeks after me treatment, I thought it’d heal by now.
I have a question and maybe I should post on liver mets thread. Does anyone pay out of pocket for y90? I though my my insurance said they won’t pay for the beads and they average 16,000.00 so times that by two. You are correct though I shooed get that ball rolling to get into an it.
Thanks
Sarah
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Skitz~ If your insurance doesn't cover this procedure they should be shut down. That's disgusting. Contact your hospital social worker and see if they can find some grants and some of the foundations that assist families. Some are especially structured towards stage four. My social worker has been my angel. In so many ways. From getting me yoga classes to try to release stress and anxiety. They can help so much. I really think starting with your oncologist office and notifying the social worker. May be where to start. The company that supplies the procedure usually has some available financial assistance. I can't really believe saving your life would boil down to money that could never be obtained by a normal average person. It's just disgusting. I would have it done anyway. Then I'd pay $15 monthly if I have to. Your life is well worth more than any monetary figure. Those louses! Insurance. Grrrrr. Deductibles!! Grrr. Hugs to you! ~M~
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Skitz, I second what Micmel said about asking your MO or hospital social worker. My insurance denied the Lynparza & the appeal my MO submitted. She talked to some people in other departments on how to get me this drug since it shows promise for TNBC...anyways they sent me an application for a program that helps cover medicine. Hopefully it’s approved otherwise it’s 3k a month. I don’t k ow how they can get away with the prices they have on this medicine and treatment we need. Who can afford 16k!? When I got Neulasta after AC chemo I remember it being around 11k a pop....thank goodness for insurance that time.
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waving hello to Parry! Hope all is well.
Mae? You ok ? Haven’t seen you.
Supposed to get cold here.... snow before thanksgiving. Patooey!!
Love to all!!
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the insurance is half the cancer battle alone. I think half the time doctors hands are tied because of insurance. It sounds like my insurance would cover the procedure but not the y90 beads.
The day after ac I get a neulesta shot and the first one wasn’t approved. I of course get that letter after the fact and looked up the price. The secondary round I still got the shot just a different form of it.
I used to get Lupron shots once every three months. Wham all of a sudden I have to have it monthly. Tell me now how this makes sense? It’s in my body I can’t not take it. Instead of paying one office visit they are now paying three by making it monthly. It’s such a game.
I’ll find out more when I find a ir close and insurance will approve.
Thanks
Sa
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I personally hate American health insurance companies. One of the reasons why we moved back to Europe. Not only do you have MBC, you also have to deal with insurance crap. Aaah
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Daniel~It does get really old. Dealing with the insurance companies. Makes me ill just thinking about it. The problem is the treatments they have out now are that needed and that desired that they can get away with charging whatever they want. Serious regulation is seriously needed. I agree. Tell Leslie feel better. I know that once you're diagnosed, you never feel better. I just want her to come out of the dark place and realize she's so loved and so not alone. You're a good father and DH! They are both very lucky.
Skitz~Sometimes if the doc gets involved they can get prior authorization, as medically necessary for you to hav this procedure. Get that oncs office involved. That is so ass backwards, the procedure ok but the beads not ok?? That crazy shit there. Bat shit crazy! Dont give up!
Scwilly~ you feeling ok since your Er trip?
To all scanning and it anything today or this week. I have bloodwork, I hate the smells in there. Everything about. It. I'm already nauseous ugh! Why? Us ? Why? Us? 😞🤲 much love ~M~
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since I'm on Medicare I think my I R picked up the balance. He take whatever insurance pays and writes off the rest. Go straight to the top. There should be a SIR Spheres representative in your area. Write to him. I R should know his name.
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since I'm on Medicare I think my I R picked up the balance. He take whatever insurance pays and writes off the rest. Go straight to the top. There should be a SIR Spheres representative in your area. Write to him. I R should know his name.
Guess what? I've been invited to be a model in NYC. Suzanne from Say Yes to Hope called yesterday. They pay my flight and hotel. And I get a new designer gown and jewelry. All because I had mets to liver treated by y90. For a moment in time, it's fun to be a stage IV cancer patient. Go figure. It's February 16.
Now let's hope and pray that new liver mets don't show up in my next scan in late December.💞
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Grannax~That is absolutely fantastic! It seems to me. You found your calling with this awful disease. You are elegant and beautiful. You go girl!!! Congrats. That is something to really look forward to. You should hold your head up high! So awesome. 🍾🍾⭐️🌷💕
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Hi all, I’m here.
Sheila, I’m sorry your dealing with confusing reports on top of distressing new developments.
Divine, love the pics, super cute 😀
Congrats to our fashion model Grannax!
Big hello to everyone here. Been dealing with some minor annoyances and going to the gym for a mental break and physical activity. I joined a silver sneakers class every Thursday, it’s fun and a good workout. Left with DH and friends Saturday night to the cabin, arrived yesterday morning and had a nice afternoon nap after the 10 hour drive. Today we’re just hanging out and enjoying the weather (highs around 60, low 30’s/40’s). Going to the observatory tomorrow for a “star party” viewing and I’ll probably do a little hiking Wednesday. Postponing Thanksgiving until Saturday when we’ll be home.
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Hello Mae~I'm glad you're doing good. I think the silver sneakers program is pretty good. I've heard good things about it. You're always so active and always on the move. Enjoy your time away from home. But when you do get home. I hope your feast is delicious! Ty for checking in! You know how momma duck worries !
Daniel~ I agree the US insurance companies suck. But I'm thankful to be in the country with the cutting edge technologies! I believe universal care should be a given right. We didn't choose to be born. After all. It does suck when insurance is just as difficult to navigate as the damn disease itself ! Hello to Leslie and adorable son!
Runor~ you ok in there ?
Bella ..JKL. Hello lovelies.... GP haven't heard from you. Thinking of you. Delvzy. Hope to see you soon here my friend. Hugs to all. Much love ~M~
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DivineMrsM, I love your photos!
Grannax, can't wait for your NYC pics! Hoping everything works together perfectly.
Hi to everyone.
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oh Melissa, I know, I agree. Trust me I miss the States very much. The people, the opportunities, the food (!!! lol)
Leslie says hi 😀
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Hmmmm...onc put meon a three week chemo break due to side effects. Pet in three weeks then we'll see where we go from there. Tm's did not go either up or down which makes me wonder if the Abraxane is finished. Three weeks to wait
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Gracie-Sorry about the side effects. I hope your Pet scan goes well. I have one on Wed, to see if that one growing lymph node is cancer or not (from CT scan last Mon). I 'll get the results on Fri. Hugs!
Divine-Lovely photos of you and your family.
Mae-Glad you have gotten away! Enjoy!
Well, my fevers lasted all weekend. Each evening. Last night the highest was 101.2. I got it down each night with tylenol and a cool shower. Friday, my blood work was fine. White cells normal. So I wasn't calling the office, just to have them send me to the ER. I would have, if it did not come down. I just think that it's this chemo. It's happened every cycle of it. It starts around 5 and lasts to around 9pm. I mentioned to the PA and she didn't suggest anything. I will mention it again to my oncologist on Friday. Pet scan on Wed, results on Fri, for that growing node.
I hope all of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Lynne
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Hello to Muddling~hope you're doing well. I look forward to our star and her future pictures!! Nice to see you...
Daniel~. Hello to Leslie! Hope she is having a good day. My mother's parents are from Italy. Naples. Actually.. she always wanted to go back. She can't walk now, so I'm guessing that's not going to happen.
Gracie~ hi honey. Abraxane size effects kicked my ass. For sure. Neuropathy got me really bad.....taste buds forget it. A break is good for you. I could only handle 9 of the treatments. It was rough. I'm not sure how effective it was for me. I think the AC worked better for me. I hope you're ok my sweet friend! Much love ~M~
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Lynne(Man)~I don’t like that damn fever sticking around that long. You’re one tough woman. I’d be in the hospital whining like a Lil bitch! (Sorry) lol but I would be. I was hoping it would just vammous. Do they even know that this continually happens to you every time you have this chemo? I just don’t like hearing you’re having such a hard time!
Had bloodwork today..... XGeva shot. So I’m a tad achey and tired. Can’t wait for bed. Tumor markers came back real good so I’m happy about that! Hopefully that will accompany a good scan as well.. which is Monday I drink the hand lotion. Yuck! Nasssstttyyyy!
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Divine thank you for sharing what you are thankful for. The pictures are lovely.
Muddling I hope that you're continuing to enjoy food this week at least. I bought a chocolate pecan pie just because I never heard of it and it is delicious. There's one more piece and I hope my husband eats it. lol
Gracie I hope your side effects have diminished.
How are you Lynne NH. Is the fever gone completely? With all these SE I hope the chemo kills the tumors.
Yesterday I went to a lecture about improving quality of life etc. The speaker was Canadian and boy did he talk about our rotten health care system. He said in America sick people are not treated like they're citizens anymore. He said we live in a country where people's health care access isn't important unless we have money. He asked a rhetorical question, when are Americans' going to rebel against this treatment by the government?
Tanya
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Hello Micmel and everyone. I drop in now and then for a quick read but really there is no quick reading this thread. So much going on in so many directions. Some to cheer over and some to weep over.
Since the beginning of October I have been in some insane limbo when we decided to get new flooring in our house, for which I waited almost 15 years, and I was SO excited and then everything that could go wrong did go wrong and here we are, middle on November and what should have been completed weeks ago is not. My house is in utter turmoil and chaos as everything got moved to make way for the floor layers. All they ended up doing was putting carpet in the living room. I eventually laid the kitchen floor myself and learned I am no longer built for kneeling, squatting, crouching and butt sitting all day. But I did. Much to my physical detriment.
That left the two bedrooms, ours and the kid's old room (now my computer and sewing room) with bare plywood floors, having ripped out the old carpet in preparation for the new carpet. Which never came.
Well, the budget was pretty much blown, I was NOT about to deal with those floor laying goons again so I decided to cover the ratty plywood with paper bag flooring. I have been at it for, well, weeks. This would fall under the heading: Stupid Things To Avoid Doing. What a loony idea this was! It is taking WAY longer than I expected and looks...well...that's a whole other post. The first room, the practice room, my computer/sewing room, looks pretty bad. Hey, I've never done this before! BUu now I've tweaked my technique and moved onto our bedroom. This is not a perfect floor and not for fussy people who like things to look 'just so', But it's almost free. Almost. Except for the WEEKS of literal back breaking time sprawled on the floor. I even glued my hair to the floor at one point. I am skilled.
SO that is why I have been away. I am hellbent to get this job done, over, finished. I want my house back together. I can't stand everything being topsy turvy. I have come so close to a full on freak-out so many times, but I'm holding it together until the floor is finished, the last coat of varathane is dry, my furniture is back in there, my clothes and everything else from the room is back in there, THEN I'm going to have a well deserved breakdown!
Strnegth to you ladies who are in such a terrible battle with this cancer. I am lost for words in the face of it all. Hugs and strength.
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I am serious when I say sometimes things just scare the shit out of you. My son came up to me a little while ago and didn't look too good. He was pale and told me his chest just felt like it had a balloon blow up in chest. He looked terrible and started to get really scared. He was clammy and his hands were sweaty. His left arm hurt and it was just odd. I kept watching him and he wasn't really connecting to well. With what I was saying. He wasn't walking too well. Either.... it scared me. So I took him to the ER which is where is it now. Ekg they are running. And chest X-rays. Bloodwork. I had my shot today and i feel awful. I don't want to be sitting here in such discomfort. But my son is part of my world and my big teddy bear.Ugh! What a month ! Much love ~M~
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Hi gals-haven't posted in some time, but have tried to keep up with reading. I think of everyone a lot. I am doing fine with the exception of sore hands and feet and "splits", which are quite sore. I have them on my thumbs, which makes everything harder. Really a small thing, but such a nuisance.
Joined a gym and liking it-not trying to set any records-just improve my strength and raise endorphins.
Going "Downeast" to my brother-in laws' for Thanksgiving. Looking forward to it as all of DH's siblings will be there. I am bringing Dutch apple pie, butternut squash from my garden, and a sausage-apple-cranberry stuffing.
So happy to hear the news of good scans and labs, and hurting for everyone struggling. I know the axe will fall for me at some point, but I am still riding like the wind and feeling well. The shorter days are having some affect on my mental state; I just ordered a light box.
Made up three flower arrangements today, one for my SIL and two for a close friend who is having a crowd. I bought the flowers at the grocery store and found baskets/containers for a dollar each at Goodwill. I loved doing it-made me feel happy. Pleased with how they turned out.
Micmel- must be so hard to see your Dad not doing well, not to mention the emotions you must experience after not seeing him for so long.
Tanya-thrilled to hear the good news on the scan!
Lynne(Man) - hoping that flipping node is a nothing-and what is up with these fevers? Must make you feel washed out. I don't blame you for avoiding the ER. Could the node be swollen from a low grade infection? which might also cause the fevers?
Grannax- loved your interview! You were so articulate! and another modeling gig? How cool is that?
Lynne(50's) -glad Xeloda is treating you fairly well. The anemia must be such a pain in the neck- I know you are so looking forward to your Thanksgiving with the family...
Mae- a star party sounds amazing and just what the doctor ordered! Thinking of things in a cosmic sense is always calming, tho mind blowing.
Hi to all of my other dear MBC sisters, and to those in the USA, have a lovely Thanksgiving.
Sincerely, Mary Jane
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Melissa, keep us updated on your son! Sending positive vibes your way xo
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I was going out the back steps this morning..looking at the tweety birds and bam....my foot slipped on a thin layer of ice On the stairs. Down two stairs I went, my right leg got scraped by the runner and I don't know what else. So here I sit still ooozing blood 8 hours later, my leg looks like one big bruised mess. Sigh. Nothing is simple anymore. Nothing is broken or sprained except pride. Scared the tar out of me tho.
Lynne with fevers, I had fevers with taxol and they reduced the dose by 10% which made a huge difference. Yes some chemo drugs trigger fevers, apparently it happens b/c your bone marrow is struggling due to the drugs.
Micmel, fingers crossed that all is ok with your son.
Grannax.....yay, congrats on another modelling gig. You do us proud!
Runor, sounds like you’re in Reno hell. My sympathies.
Awesome ladies, be well and stay well.
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Lynne, will be hoping and praying for good results for your scan this week!
Micmel, I remember you telling me about your time on Abraxane. I’m scared things will grow while I’m off of it!
Please let us all know how your son is! Praying for him and you both
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