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

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  • 50sgirl
    50sgirl Member Posts: 2,071

    Mae, Belated happy birthday. I hope you enjoyed your special day.

    Parry, I hope you feel better tomorrow so you can enjoy your birthday. I must admit that I know very little about skin Mets, but they sound painful. I hope your Onc gets things straightened out quickly so you can get back on treatment. It is frightening to think that you have to delay both chemo and treatment for your Brain Mets due to an oversight in scheduling. You seem to be handling it better than I would. You are in my prayers.

    Muddling, it is shocking to learn how expensive those “arrangements” are. I wish someone could just put my remains on an iceberg and push me out to sea when my time comes. With global warming that iceberg would melt in no time, and I would be fish food and keep the circle of life going. Of course, that is not to be.

    Donnabelle, I haven’t been to a Bruins game in a few years, but I do enjoy them. I am glad you were able to go to a game even if your daughter doesn’t cheer for the right team. Lol.

    Minnie, I am excited for you. Your trip will be so much fun. I am sure your grandchildren will be delighted to spend time with you.

    Rosie, I hope you are pleasantly surprised and feel well for a very long time. It has been more than three and a half years since my de novo diagnosis, and I still feel quite good. I plan to stick around for a long time. My dh does feel like he has to take care of me more than is needed. It makes me feel guilty because I know he worries about me. Sometimes it drives me crazy, and I remind him that i am not an invalid. His heart is in the right place, of course, and I do appreciate him, but I am capable of taking care of myself. Hahaha.

    Micmel, I am glad you were able to see your dad yesterday. I am sure it meant a lot to him, even if it was a short visit.

    My dh and I went to our grandson’s robotics competition last weekend. Some of you might remember that he made it to the World Championships in Louisville last year. My dh went there and had a great time. Unfortunately, he won’t be going this year. His partner had a stomach bug and coukdn’t attend last weekend’s state championship meet. Another child stepped up to take his place, but he wasn’t familiar with the robot my grandson and his teammate had built, and the two had never partnered before, so they didn’t do well. My grandson was diasappointed, but quite frankly, in my opinion, the world championship meet is a once in a lifetime experience. Of course, he quickly got over his disappointment.

    I am posting a picture taken during my recent trip to Florida. Guess who my dh and I met up with- Claudia and her dh!!! My dh and I enjoyed spending time with them.During lunch Claudia remarked that it was nice that we could joke and laugh about mbc. Other people would probably think we were nuts, but as Claudia pointed out, it’s better than crying. It was so nice to talk face-to-face and be able to share thoughts and experiences. If any of you can meet up with others you have met here, I would recommend it. I know that we are spread out and very few of us live close to one another, but if you are near someone, why not have lunch or something.

    image

    I hope you all experience some joy today.

    Hugs and prayers from, Lynne


  • micmel
    micmel Member Posts: 10,055

    I LOVE that so much. Hugs all around. That is what I call special. You could pass for sisters! So amazing to think of all that have met and bonded on a different level. I would like nothing more. I was set to meet BOO BOO but at the last minute she ended up moving to Florida. I’m just glad to see those beautiful smiles from you both. You’re both wonderful ladies. So I am sure your DH’s would be no different ! Thanks for the smile.

    I went to see my Dad again. Got his laundry again. Wow I thought babies made a lot of clothing. It’s so odd. How you’re born right into diapers. And now for some at the end,, you’re going out in them. Somethings are so strange if you really think about it. 🥴🥴.

    Love to all!!

  • Lynnwood1960
    Lynnwood1960 Member Posts: 1,107

    Happy birthday to Mae and Parry!! 🎂🎉🎁🎈🎊.Parry, I hope you feel better soon. I wish I had the magic words to make you feel better, just know that we get it and are here for you. Lots of snow right now here, coming down quickly!

  • MuddlingThrough
    MuddlingThrough Member Posts: 655

    💖 Lynne (50's) and Claudia!!!! 💖 " Pretty as a picture " is a real thing!

  • Rosie24
    Rosie24 Member Posts: 1,026

    Happy birthday, Mae and Parry!

    Parry, I'm so sorry to hear of your painful skin mets. It sucks (my new word after mbc) how this cancer has got its claws into so many here. I second Muddling on pestering your onc for relief.

    Muddling, Good move on getting started with those arrangements. Not the most pleasant topic, but worth dealing with for all of us. My mom had everything in place (and discussed it with us) some time before she passed, and we were happy that we knew what she wanted when the time came.

    Donnabelle, Hello. That's a great family pic. I was a Todd Rundgren fan too. Rang in a couple of New Years at his concerts!

    Micmel, You're so sweet to think of us all in your notes. I'm hoping to learn more about everyone as I go. Helping your dad through his last days is such a great act of love, especially with the difficulties you've had with him and your own health. Sometimes we hear people say they don't know how we do something. It's not like we choose to do them, we just do them.

    As for me, my counts were too low today so I have to recheck in a week before next cycle of Ibrance. Onc said she's not concerned and that it's fairly common. I guess I won't worry either.

    Lynne (50s) and Claudia, how cool thatyou guys got together! Lynne, also glad to hear you're still doing well. I'm hopeful

    (I’ve edited this a bunch of times. Lol.

  • GracieM2007
    GracieM2007 Member Posts: 1,255

    Mae, thinking of you all day today! Happy Birthday and hoping for a clean MRI for you today. Mine is tomorrow. Hugs

  • Donnabelle
    Donnabelle Member Posts: 140

    Happy birthday Parry and Mae!!! 🎂 🎁 birthday

  • illimae
    illimae Member Posts: 5,739

    Thank you all for the birthday wishes! I’m still enjoying leftover pizza, apple pie and ice cream 😀

    Gracie, thank you, the MRI itself went well, the only hiccup was not using the cream for post access, I wasn’t prepared because I thought they’d do an IV. I prefer the port but it did pinch like 🤬. The tech was cheerful and when it was over I mentioned “hopefully nothing new up there”, he said “nope, nope, everything looks good”. I’ll find out Friday if he was right but it was odd, they’re usually so careful not to say a word either way.

  • micmel
    micmel Member Posts: 10,055

    Gracie~ Happy Birthday to you happy birthday to you , happy birthday dear Gracie Happy Birthday to you. Wow lots of birthdays ! 🧁🎂🍰🎈🎊🎉💙! Here is to many many more!

    Hello Rosie, Donna,Grannax,Parry,Mae, Tanya my friend,Minnie,the Lynne's!! Missing Manchester everyday....Blueshine...Runor? Was up girl? Bella, JKL,JFL, Holmes...Bigbhome 😃beautiful ladies in that picture. Loving that! Muddling......dodgers... my friend GP... Sheila Marie? 😩😢 ....egads....Jaycee...southern.....lynnwood.... our resident nurse.

    Today my step mother told me how much she loves that I do his laundry for him. That it's more personal and more of a home touch. I was told today by the head nurse that he was improving, he's off the oxygen and breathing treatments are only as needed. Hes only On two medications now and is not smoking. The nurse said he told her he was happy to have his family back. She thinks the extra stimulations and interactions are actually giving him a reason to fight and improve his attitude and desire to live longer to create more memories. This was incredibly interesting to me, because I had a feeling his coloring was better and he had gained two pounds since he's been there. I can only hope for my time with him to be longer than thought. On the other hand. My brother today was diagnosed with chronic congestive heart failure. Medication everyday for the rest of his life. He needs to really watch everything he does. Stress ,foods. Everything down to his drink intake as well. My family is falling apart. 🥴.

    Love to all ~M~

  • micmel
    micmel Member Posts: 10,055

    imageIs this not the truth or what???? Lol

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  • micmel
    micmel Member Posts: 10,055


    imageThis is a reminder of when I was young. My little niece is between my father and I at the beach we used to go every summer. Before the estrangement... this is what makes my heart smile.... this is why I do the laundry. This is my father, when things were good. They were good. 💔🥺 time Is fleeting

  • Parrynd1
    Parrynd1 Member Posts: 343

    Thank you everyone and I hope you are all doing ok.

    Gracie I’ll be in your pocket tomorrow hoping it’s smooth sailing for your scan.

    Micmel I’m so sorry to hear about your brother, but good news about your dad. At least there is that. Hang in there love

  • 50sgirl
    50sgirl Member Posts: 2,071

    Gracie, Happy birthday.I am with you in spirit today as you have your MRI. I hope the results are stellar.

    Mae, I am surprised that the tech said everything looked good, but it seems like a good sign. I hope the official results are every bit as good.

    Hugs and prayers from, Lynne

  • micmel
    micmel Member Posts: 10,055

    Mae~I had a tech say to me. “I'll see you in six months “ and then she winked at me. Everything was fine. If you go to the same one time after time, they understand the stress we are under. I wish you more than well!

    Lynne~Hello beautiful! I really enjoyed seeing the pic of you and Claudia. I hope you have big hugs for us all!

    Parry~ I guess time has a way of taking things from us doesn't it? I'm am choosing to see this time with my father as giving me time to make it ok. It is ok. Now.

    Step mother (have retired monster out of respect for my dad) I don't want him hearing any gossip.... that I am speaking bad of someone. Not going there. I honestly am tired today and would rather stay home, I am hoping to get My DD to take it with Her to visit him today when she goes to visit with her DH! Hope everyone who is scanning or testing loud pockets you'll have for sure !

    Hugs ~M~

  • illimae
    illimae Member Posts: 5,739

    50’s, I was surprised too. He seemed to be in an especially good mood and perhaps forgot protocol or possibly was referring to good pic, not necessarily results, we’ll see.

    Parry,

    image

  • Lynnwood1960
    Lynnwood1960 Member Posts: 1,107

    Last month I had a bone scan for the first time since having one when I was diagnosed almost 4 years ago. My onc thought for sure that I was having progression in my bones so I was a nervous wreck. The tech went out to have the radiologist see if we needed any extra pictures. She came back and said I didn’t tell you this but the radiologist said that this scan looks a lot better then the last one. Those few words just took a load off of my mind. I didn’t ask any questions just gave her a big hug. She whispered in my ear that she could get in trouble for telling me but she could see that I was stressed. I am forever thankful

  • Grannax2
    Grannax2 Member Posts: 2,387

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  • Grannax2
    Grannax2 Member Posts: 2,387

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  • Grannax2
    Grannax2 Member Posts: 2,387

    I’m back. I haven’t caught up with all of you but I did have a marvelous time, held on very tight to Can’s arm, have hundreds of pics of NYC and the show, realized I had a UTI on the 100 floor of the observatory tower, flew home Sunday in some misery ( and most embarrassing moment on a plane), started X on Monday 🤢, started antibiotic on Tuesday, feeling better on it but worse on X (3000 a day for two weeks on and one week off, haven’t been out of bed much.

    I’m devastated to hear your news Of progression in your liver. We’re in the same boat again. BOO. I hope Doxil will work for you and Madame X for me.

  • 50sgirl
    50sgirl Member Posts: 2,071

    Grannax, You look beautiful. I am glad you had a good time in NY, but it is unfortunate that you developed a UTI. I hope that you find some relief soon. Do you think you feel bad from X or from the antibiotic? Sometimes antibiotics can mess up your digestive system temporarily. If you continue to feel bad on X, be sure to tell your MO. Most oncs are willing to adjust the dosage to lessen the SEs. Also, if you find SEs get worse during your later days of the cycle, maybe your MO would be willing to try 7 days on/7 days off. Studies have found that the 7/7 schedule is just as effective with fewer SEs. I felt good on X, but everyone is different. I hope it works well for you for a long time.

    Hugs and prayers from, Lynne


  • illimae
    illimae Member Posts: 5,739

    Grannax, happy to see you back and tearing up the runway! You look awesome! I hope you feel better soon.

    Lynnwood, It’s great that the tech was willing and able to provide some relief 🙂

    Thinking about all of you, happy a great day!

  • holmes13
    holmes13 Member Posts: 192

    Grannax welcome back!! You looked beautiful!! I'm so sorry that your flight home was miserable with the UTI. Hopefully the antibiotic will do it's job.

    Micmel it's wonderful that your dad has made some improvements and that you may have a little longer with him. And your step mother should be very thankful for you helping with the laundry.

    Happy belated Birthday Parry and Mae!! Hopefully you guys had a wonderful day full of pampering.

  • micmel
    micmel Member Posts: 10,055

    Happy Birthday Gracie!!!!🧁🧁🧁🧁🧁🧁🧁

  • micmel
    micmel Member Posts: 10,055

    Ohhhh Grannax ~Look at your magnificent hair style wow woman you are on fire! Wow. I am sorry to hear that you didn’t feel so good. There is nothing worse. But honestly you wore that dress amazing and you look like a super star! Perfect gems in your hair. Breath taking. Please feel better soon. Rest up now runway model!

  • MJHJAN1014
    MJHJAN1014 Member Posts: 622

    Happiest of birthdays to Parry,Mae and Gracie!!!

    Grannax-you look amazing! So elegant! Very proud of you! Thanks for your comment about my liver progression. It's very likely I will have the Y90 on the left lobe as the right lobe is still OK. Bummer on the UTI-hate those... I think the side effects from Madame X will ease.

    Mae-thanks for all the great pics! What an awesome time you had! Love the marine life at the Nassua resort! Don't they have Chihuli glass sculptures there also?

    Welcome to you, Rosie!

    Micmel-what a roller coaster for you with your Dad and step mom. So much to process for you, love. I'm thinking of you.

    Saw MO today. First step is PET to make sure no new organ involvement and check bone met status. Then Doxil and Y90 to left lobe of liver. Want to wrap all this up before April 9th trip to Disney.

    Sending DH off to New Zealand for month of March, but have plenty of support here for rides, etc. Grandson has been sick this vacation week with ear infection confirmed today. Wanting him well for Scout ice fishing, snowshoeing, etc event on Saturday.

    Love to each! Days are getting longer! MJH

  • MJHJAN1014
    MJHJAN1014 Member Posts: 622

    50's- I was on Taxotere with Stage I and I thought my shin bones would explode after first treatment. Had to use oxycodone, but the following treatments did not cause the leg pain. Other than finger and toenail issues, my SE's did not seem to be cumulative. I'm thinking dose might be lower for MBC, so less SE's? Loved seeing you and Claudia in Florida! Hang in there...love and hugs, Mary Jane

    P.S. Missing Lynne(Man) like crazy and worried....

  • Grannax2
    Grannax2 Member Posts: 2,387

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  • booboo1
    booboo1 Member Posts: 1,196

    Aw, Sweet Micmel,

    I didn’t abandon you! I just got back from a lovely getaway in FL. We try to go every Feb. if we have the funds...Gulf side....Cape Coral. It is such a treat to see a palm tree. Love those things. I think I told you we have decided to move there....well, I’m not there yet, so I’d still love to come and see you, my dear.

    Minnie, a belated happy birthday!

    Tanya, we may be neighbors! We are looking at houses in Palm Harbor. I heard the Moffitt Cancer Center is very good. Is that where you go?

    Anyway, all is well.

    Prayers for all of my MBC sisters to have a good weekend.

    Hugs,

    Boo boo (aka Laurie)


  • GracieM2007
    GracieM2007 Member Posts: 1,255

    Thanks for the birthday wishes but I only meant I was a day behind Mae in having a brain MRI. My birthday isn't until September.

  • Donnabelle
    Donnabelle Member Posts: 140

    Gran you were rocking that dress and loved your hair! You are very glamorous. I’m so sorry about the UTI. They always seem to show up at the worst times, don’t they? I did have some problems with Madame X but adjusting the dose and going from 14/7 to 7/7 took care of it. Don’t hesitate to let the doc know because it’s nice that there is flexibility with X.

    Hi Lynne 50s. Hope you are doing ok with the Taxol and it is not too taxing (haha) on you.

    Lynnewood, loved the story of the compassionate tech. What a relief for you.

    Welcome Rosie, you have joined a very supportive group here!

    Gracie happy UNbirthday lol!

    BooBoo glad you had a great trip to FL. Always nice to hear of our sisters living life and not holding back because of this damn disease.

    Since I am at home so much now, I have been casting my eyes on all the places I think need improvement. My poor DH is going to get a list of estimates for projects I am considering after my trip to Home Depot today! Of course, he looks at things through very different eyes. Maybe if I ask for a lot I will get a little? We will see lol!

    Hope everyone finds a piece of joy today.

    Donna