My Husband, My Life, My Love, My Family, My Cancer
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Michmel- I do have three, my oldest is 21 and a senior in college, she will graduate in May...she is an amazing person, who has been given more to deal with in her short life and yet still thrives and is a good person.
Im trying to get caught up after being gone all weekend, also need to start thinking about Christmas...doing lots of shopping on Amazon but will probably put tree up this weekend...0 -
Hi everyone! Yesterday was my first day off from I brance. So tired...I did still manage to water plants and take care of horses. Not really sure how. Crashed last evening. Watched 3 episodes of Heartland. We are already up to saeson 7!
Today is Mayo day, bloodwork, NP and palliative Dr appointments. Between the distance of drive, and appointment times, I wont get home until late this evening. Tomorrow, we leave for NC for the rest of the week. I cant wait to see the grandsons! I need lots of hugs and snuggles with them! I'm going to try to get my car cleaned out this morning before i have to leave. Nothing like a clean car for a roadtrip!
Micmel. Love those pics of grandpuppy! I wanted to share what happened the year I was too tired for Christmas. We did no decorating, not even a tree. I got a couple of toys for grands and gift cards for everyone else. Dh & Idid not exchange gifts. We will NEVER do that again. It was the most depressing Christmas ever! What we decided to do from now on, iiis we toned down the decorationg to the tree, the nativity scene and a strand of lights on the front of the house. That goes fairly rapidly and the tree we can do in evenings when we are both here. As far as gifts, we wait until Dh is off and then we go shopping together for the grands only. I get little stocking stuffers for everyone, including dogs and horses. Ds and dil get something together for their house and gift certificates for either house cleaning services or meal deliveries or spa services. We probably wont do meals again, that was because 1 grand was born right before Christmas and we thought with a toddler and a new baby, a meal or two delivered for a few weeks would be a welcome break. With 2 little ones, and both working full time, they really appreciate things like that. Last Christmas, we bought them a set of organic cotton sheets for their king sized bed, and a house cleaning service for six visits. This year we are giving experiences for them as a family and for them as a couple. We are looking into getting riding lessons for the 4 1/2 year old, and will probably book time at a indoor play place in Durham for the 2 boys together. It is a great place for kids to run and play indoors during the cold winter months!
Keetmom, So happy you are home and your father survived the surgery! I am hoping he gets to go home this week. You will be having a great Thanksgiving this year!
Mae, Always love your posts! Ilove almost all music! From classical, big bands, jazz, ska, funk, rock, alternative rock, some country. Being born in the late fifties, I have gone from Elvis, The Monkees and such, to some of todays music, But I have to say, I love Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Elton John, Eagles. All the 70's stuff! But at the same time, I love Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Tommy Dorsey Band. I used to be hooked on the old musicals, Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers and grace Kelly and so on! I have seen all of them over and over again!
Chelle, Where are you? I'm getting worried! I hope all is well with you and your family.
Some of you other ladies, we have not heard from in awhile. I hope all is well with you and that you have a wonderful Thanksgiving this year! I am finding much to be thankful for, and I hope you are also!
Gotta run, hugs and prayers, everyone,
Claudia
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Mel, my husband went to the grocery store yesterday too, he said it was nuts! My younger daughter is the HR person at another grocery store, and she said they had all the registers open, with extra register people bagging. It was nuts there too. That same daughter said she would do all the cooking (minus the turkey, hubby is going to try deep frying it outside) and she was picking up all the food at her work. I told my older daughter (who is 30, and is currently living with us) that she can help her sister too. I'll make the boys clean up (my husband does that too, got to love him!) ,My husband wasn't up to cooking (he does most of the cooking, always has, I do occasionally), and suggest going out to eat (which we did the year my father died, the grandkids didn't like it then either, it wasn't the same they said). All four of our adult children said no. I will make a couple of pies. The hardest part is peeling the apples. I use the Pillsbury crusts. I used to hand make the crusts before those came out. What a job that was! Love the pic!
Yesterday, I spent the afternoon with my 3 younger sisters. We were planning our mother's 80th birthday party, which is on Dec 2nd (her birthday is the 5th). It's at my youngest sister's house (which is 4 house away from mine, and our mother's is 3 away from her). We planned the food, where we were getting it from, and ordered it. Then we went out to lunch and went to the party store. We got plates and decorations. Her husband has a keg of beer in his bar, and she has lots of wine leftover from her last party. We just have to pick up the food and get water and soda and we'll be done. My husband and I are in charge of getting her there. The story we are giving her is that we are taking her to a nice restaurant (that way she'll dress up). Then we'll take the long way (around the block) to my sister's (we'll make up the excuse that we forgot something). There are about 50 people coming so far (mostly family!). Hopefully we can all fit!
Very windy, but sunny, the past couple of days here. If the wind would stop, it would be perfect!
Enjoy your day everyone!
Lynne
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Good Morning. I avoided the grocery stores this weekend. Decided we would hit the markets very, very, early on Wednesday morning. My DH has that day off so he can drive me around and it gives us the opportunity to enjoy breakfast out. My family lives 1000 miles away so our Thanksgivings are always a very small affair. It will be just DD, DH, and myself. I have decided that this year we would try brining a turkey.Today I will make the cranberry orange relish. House cleaning...ugh. Madame X is giving my hands and feet a run for the money this cycle. My feet are so darn stinking sore and my hands are cracking. Just a quick question for those of you who are using cleaning services. Are you using commercially available cleaning people and if so whom?
Scan results were good and a bit surprising. Just started Xeloda 5 weeks ago and the liver mets have already begun to shrink and bone mets looked stable. Hurray! Now for the surprise, there was mention of a 4mm nodule at the base of the right lung with stabilization of "other" areas on the left. Aaaaaa, hold the door...I want off of this ride. Don't see the MO until Monday the 27th. It may be time to do a bx.
Everyone have a great day.
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NO1~ Have you yet contacted "Cleaning for a reason?" They offer four free house cleanings for free if you are a stage four cancer patient, the organization contacts someone local in your area and they will come four different times. I have one left. It helped tremendously! I can't even tell you how great the service was. I have always used merry maids. Which seems to be everywhere also! I am sending my DD and her significant other to the grocery store, so I am NOT dealing this year. NOt me no way! On the bright side, i have already done a fine job of starting to spend money on Christmas 🎄! Right from my bed! Such fun. I got one present already. It was delivered in one day. Amazing !
I am glad for the good news but the hand and foot thing, I am so very sorry for. I always heard it could be pretty brutal from the boards! I hope the cream constantly being used, it will improve. I also hope there is no further mention of any crappy node! I am thinking of you! I also have to see my onc this Friday 24th. I had great results. So i am not all that worried, but I hate the feeling of waiting there, hearing his computer cart rolling down the hallway to come tell me it's now stage four! I will never ever forget that feeling ! Ugh! Cancer!!! ....
I hate this wind crap. Can't walk my grandpuppy in this wind I don't mind it being chilly. But at least not sooo windy already! Have a nice day ladies. Nice to see you NO1!! Hugs ! ~M~
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Lynne~Hello there ! You're smart and having someone drive you around. I think I'm going to have to steal that one. At least for this holiday anyway, I escaped the grocery store sooo glad! I honestly hate that place. Both of my kids their first jobs were at the grocery store. Giant my DD got a job there at 16, then when my son turned 16, I already knew everyone in the store, so I asked the hiring manager tonout in a good word for my son. They aren't allowed to work at the same branch, some rules company's policy! So gen went to the other Giant, on the other end of town. Then he went into the gas station after bagging a year. He was second in line at the station, but they took advantage of him. So my DD went into another promotion to another branch. Then I knew the managers at the bank where my daughter moved too, so my son took her place. So it has been wonderful. We live in a great town. I've lived here 20 years now. I wish my DH and I could be in one home. We have another house near D.C. His works pays too good to leave it. I will be moving down in that area when his DS graduates!
I hope you enjoyed your lunch with your sisters. How awesome to be planning that for your mother! Such a good family. Mine is so messed up and we live scattered all over the place, some are even estranged!! It warms my heart to know good families still exist! Thank goodness. For me it's my inner circle of family, is all that matters! Happy planning! Sounds like so much fun! Much love ~M~
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Micmel, thank you for the information regarding Cleaning For a Reason. I quickly searched their web site for their services. What a wonderful organization. Unfortunately there are no providers in the city that I live.
I do greatly appreciate the Merry Maids suggestion. I will have to look them up.
Hugs.
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Claudia~Hello sweet woman! I am glad to know that I haven't been the only one that didn't want anything to do with the holidays. It really is exhaustion! I had done everything myself, the tree, the inside decorating, entire outside, everything. My DS always hung the higher lights for me. I found joy in it and I loved it. I really always enjoyed it. Even last year, somehow, right after Abraxane, I managed to put together a huge Christmas, by myself again. They did help more outside. I guess we will see, no one seems to be into it this year. I can't believe that you're off on another adventure again! You're my hero! Much love ~M~
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No1, not sure what your doing about your hands but I found Gold Bond for Ezcema very effective, sometimes my thumb and first finger crack and peel but a little goes a long way and I'm back to normal after 4-5 days use at night.
DH and I aren't religious and chose not to have children, so we don't celebrate the holiday. This time of year is mildly annoying (I can only take so much Christmas music) but so relaxing, no shopping (other than our anniversary gifts (12/24), no fuss and vacation from work!
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NO1~Well that isn't fair!! They need to get moving on that!! Did you call ? Sometimes they tap into a local cleaning agency for you. I really hope you find one that will help you. I think I hate cleaning almost as much as I hate the Holidays! Good luck on your search! ~M~
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Mae~I am also not overally religious. But who doesn't love presents? Lol we are just going to tone it down this year and not too much decorating is going to happen. I need to relax , and so does my DH. My DSS wants to be with us this year for Christmas, but my DH's ex just lost her father, so she really wants her son around this year. But my DSS said he wants to be here Christmas morning. So...... my DH is going to leave here on the 24 which is also my DH's. Birthday. The worst birthdate ever!!! Pick up his son and drive all the way back. That's 5 hours of driving on his birthday, the day before Christmas. He is such a good Dad and always putsthe kids first but that is a lot. His son just got his license last month and early last week had an accident already. Thank god it was a fender bender, so everyone was ok, but his car is already in the shop. 1600.00 later. No collison only liability! Sucks!! So my DH didn't want him driving alone all the way up here on the highways. So he is going to get him. But we do have a lot of fun. We watch Christmas story on television in the morning together and just crack jokes and spend time together. It really is the only thing I care about, is spending time together. Sounds like you have it all figured out my dear. December anniversary! How romantic! How long married ? Congrats! I know you have a keeper! Big hugs! ~M~
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Micmel, we got married in 2000, so the math is pretty easy (17 years in 2017), lol. He proposed the date in honor of his parents who married on that date, I had no preference, so it sounded good to me. Several years later my best friend and her DH wanted the date too, we approved and spent our anniversary attending their wedding that year.
DH has some superstitions, one is that we spend our anniversary together no matter what. He's home most winters but I had to fly to NYC on our 1st, Philadelphia on our 15th and San Jose next month but I enjoy the travel, so yay!
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Good afternoon all,
I went to my follow up radiation appointment with my xrays and at this point we are just waiting for scans since the number went down from 20 to 5 we'll wait until the next scans.
After that anxiety filled appointment I did nothing. I tried to help my daughter with homework but my brain is fuzzy today.
Sorry Micmel I went shopping last night with DH and it wasn't even really crowded but I didn't feel like it.
Keetmom I hope the chemo is going well. Does your chemo ever end? I'm on Ibrance and have to take it until it doesn't work anymore or forever. I don't know if I'll get a chance to get online before the holiday. I hope you all enjoy your families and festivities.
Take Good Care all
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Tanya~ I hope you have a great thanksgiving also. I could never do any math now, I basically use regular calculators and regular math, not this crazy algorithm stuff. The answer is the answer. I know what you mean also about feeling brain fog. I get it especially badl in the morning. Takes me way too long to wake up for my liking. I am like a zombie until my ritilansets in. This morning I took a Claritin thinking it was a ritilan,it was obviously not what I wanted. So I fell right. Back asleep wasted more time!
I got my DD and her significant other to go to the grocery for me. I only have very few things to get tomorrow, which is a very nice thing. A few things, during the day in and out. I can't even believe it's already thanksgiving. Ugh! Enjoy your holiday and be safe until you're back here again. Much love ~M~
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Mae~17 years is impressive. My DH and I have been together 14. The way he acts like a child keeps me laughing and guessing what he will do next. I think it's very romantic that you meet in different places each year and celebrate, I find that very vey romantic. I never knew another man like my DH, who was that romantic, little things that you doset traditions, that become big traditions and that where the beautiful memories are made. We love this Lancaster mansion and it is the most wonderful place on earth. I honestly couldn't believe someone would want to take me to such a romantic lovely place. You and your DH are an example of keeping the flame alive girl !! You go ! Much love ~M~
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Here is my baby looking back at me, before he attacks me. I bought him this lamb chop toy. Like the old show with sherry and lamb chop. He loves it.... now no one can find it. I have to find another ! Brrrr cold out again in the mornings. I already miss weather walking. It was for what, two weeks? Hope all is well! Much love ~M~ Look at hi devilish puffs above his ears! He looks like the heat Meiser. From the old Christmas cartoon " the year without a Santa Claus.! So good! Much love ~M~
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ct scan today...really need prayers!! Going it alone (again!) my tm’s are over 70 and it scares the heck outta me!!
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I am with you dear Gracie~ I am thinking of you of course and am sending many thoughts of strength and love. Love you very much my friend. Much love ~M~ Nothing but good luck.
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I was reading, came across this small paragraph about advanced cancer. I'd like to copy this paragraph and hang it on EVERY fridge in households with women experiencing any type of cancer really. But especially us stage four gals. It's really truthful when we say, we never feel rested. Awful way to have to live. Hugs to you strong amazing ladies ! 0 -
Gracie-sending prayers!
NO1-I use "Udderly Smooth" right after my shower, and "Aquafor" before bed, for my hands and feet. I put socks on (I use old ones for the Aquafor, since it is an ointment) right after I put it on. I also take 100 mg of B6, it helps! I hope they feel better soon. I was on Xeloda for 2 /12 years. I had the peeling only the first couple of times. I'm also having it with the Taxotere I'm on now. It gets less and less the more treatments I have though. I guess the body just gets used to it.
My husband and older daughter did some of the Thanksgiving shopping. Our younger daughter will do the rest today or tomorrow. I won't go to the stores. If I did, I'd go during the day yesterday or today. It's so crowded on the weekends (my husband and daughter went Sunday!) and nights. We are having Thanksgiving here, with our 4 adult children, our son-in-law and our younger son's girlfriend, and our 3 grandkids. My 3 sisters, mother, and their adult kids, will be at my youngest sister's house, which is only 3 houses away, so we will go there to afterwards to see them. Our family is just too big to have a sit down meal, all together. I have Christmas Eve this year, for my husband's family (he's the youngest of 4, and we switch houses every year). There are 32 of us, on that side! My house is a small cape with a family room off the back. It will be squishy. Then I have my family Christmas Day. There are 23 of us.
If I don't get on here tomorrow, have a wonderful Thanksgiving everyone!
Lynne
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Lynne~Holy cow!!! I can't even begin to imagine that many people in a family. That must be what a family without estrangement is. My biggest gathering is like maybe 10'tops and that is including my DH's sister and her fiancé and his aunt and uncle. And sometimes cousins and their baby. It's sounds like you're gong to need a lot of strength, I find even having the slightest bit of company, takes so much of our precious energy. Enjoy every second my friend. Conserve all your energy.
Lately, I have been sitting back and focusing on one thing at a time. Like my DS and his amazing laugh, and the Shape of his face, and how every year, he looks more like me. Or my DD and her long beautiful hair and her sparkle in her eyes when she smiles. She's so beautiful, and she doesn't even realize it. My son, so tall and handsome and funny. My DSS growing leaps and bounds and is turning into someone as wonderful as his father. Smart, funny ,so adorable the girls are flocking! I adore them and love them all so much. I've been so lucky! My DS Picks good friends, that I feel are like my own children. Just like my DD's significant other, he lives with us and is such a wonderful kind young man. So precious to hear them laugh all together. I know that bond will continue when I am gone. I smile at them, I am glad I had two kids, they will always have each other. I watch my DH, and he's still so handsome, he stillMakes my heart thump as if it was yesterday we met. Those are the reasons to live life.
Much love to all ~M~
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Lynne and Mae thank you so much for the recommendations. I have been using Utterly Smooth and O'Keeffe's. This morning when I stepped out of bed ouch! my heels were very sore. My thumbs have cracked and my thumb nails are very sore to the touch. Thank goodness today is the last day of my 7 days on. I have resorted to sitting in the recliner with a roll pillow under my ankles to get my heels up off of the chair.
Lynne, I was so glad to hear that you experienced a decrease in sx after several rounds of the Madame. I am crossing my fingers...oh wait, that hurts...ok, well I am hanging in there and hoping for the same results.
Happy Thanksgiving week to all.
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Today was a really nice fall day!! I did enter the grocery store today! It wasn't that bad. It was busy, but I didn't take that long. I am exhausted though. I went to cvs, that place also can suck up a dollar. Real quick, you end up with 19 coupons for the strangest things. Lol always makes me laugh. It's like a job getting rid of them all, so they don't fly away out of your purse or your hand.
My son is always using My brush, every single day. I can hear him walking into my bathroom. I am the stocking stuffer queen, I pack the stockings with everything and my kids love it. I did say I would do the stocking this year. I've gotten a good amount of shopping done. Money's tight this year, but really when isn't it?? I don't even think I have a bit of wrapping paper, we got the carpets replaced this year and seriously trashed everything that was old and things we really didn't need. I can't believe Thursday is thanksgiving. Time is flying by this year. Although each and everyday mr cancer was on my back! Mthr. Efferr. Much love ladies ~M~ Who does the cooking in your family ???? I'd like to know. Because my DH does the cooking in our house. I usually help clean up!
Thinking of you Gracie~~~ much love. Coming your way
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Nan, and the other ladies we haven't seen in a while. 50's. Chicago, Grannax, Chelle, hope all is well with Mae . Goodnight everyone else I may have forgotten Hugs for Claudia and Lynne and keetmom, NO1! Tanya!
Gracie, thinking of you and your scans!Good vibes and thoughts M~
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busy day for most! Going to get my grand puppy, once I wake up a little. Most mornings, it's takes me forever to feel awake. I hate it. My DH and DSS are both coming after all. I guess he wasn't interested in going away to Florida with his mother. So he chose to be with us instead. He loves the interaction that he has with his brother and step sister ! They are a Joy to watch together, laughing, we usually play pictionary and have a blast. Times likes those you'll never forget! Be safe everyone and Happy Thanksgiving 🍁🍽🦃
Make those memories!!
Much love ~M~
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.......Back from today's visit with my grand puppy. He's getting so big. 16 weeks. I have so much fun with him. Today he just plopped on my lap, during this photo. My DD's significant other came along today for our walk, it was a very nice morning, although I wouldhave liked maybe ten more degrees. I am sure everyone is off making last minute touches for the big dinner. Ugh! I can't really say I am at all anxious to begin the chopping and Dicing and stirring! And then there is that one thing you always forget! Another special day for me, spending time with my grand puppy is very therapeutic! I think I would like to volunteer at an spca or something like that! Hugs to all, to a safe and happy memory filled holiday for everyone ! ~M~0 -
Gracie~ Been thinking about you, and sending good thoughts and vibes on the results we want to be very good. I am realizing how relieved I am this thanksgiving, I can not believe I actually heard the word remission from my onc nurse. Now I see the big guy MO on Friday. He better say it or i am going to smack him lol. Hope you're doing well, when will the results be in ?? hugs to you my sweet friend ~M~
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Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Make some fantastic memories with your families. Stay safe, eat well and laugh!! I know everyone is busy. But just thinking of you all here. Mae~know you had your celebration already, haven't seen you , you ok sweetheart?
Hugs to you all my sisters here that make this thread successful, I have had many comments from people that are amazed at what we have created here. Apparently most threads, fade away or fall away, look what our little family created togther. All of you!! Are like family. So much I cannot explain. There have been days I needed something and it was here I found it. From you sweet, funny, strong amazing ladies. Thank you all.
Happy Thanksgiving 🦃🍁🍽 🦃🦃🦃🦃🍁🤗
Much love ~M~
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One of the biggest lessons mbc has brought to my life is that I prefer meaningful interaction with people and use that as a guide. It's become easy to turn down invites to things I feel do not add to my life. Not that every day has to be filled with Hallmark moments, I don't want heavy, emotional tugging always at the heartstrings. It is that life feels better when I am mindful and when I can connect on a better level than a superficial one.My sister's mother in law passed away last week; she'd had dementia for several years. Many of us know how it can be trying at such a time as this for a daughter in law to deal with all the different aspects of the in-law extended side of the family. There was one morning showing of her MIL followed by a simple service, a trip to the cemetery and then a luncheon. I spent the whole day at the memorial and I could tell how much my sister appreciated that I was there. She knew she had my moral support and it meant a lot to her. It was a quiet way to just be there for her, mingling with everyone,and I was appreciative that I was able to do that. We don't always need bells and whistles to feel we are living a meaningful life.
Wishing all a Good Thanksgiving and best wishes as we start full swing into the Christmas and holiday season.
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Happy Thanksgiving!! Hope you all have a wonderful day
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