My Husband, My Life, My Love, My Family, My Cancer
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santabarbarian- great news ref your dad. May things continue down this hopeful path
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Candy~ super news 🌹🌹🌹
thanks ladies. My DD is a sweet girl. She’s growing into a sweet woman. I’m proud of her. I miss seeing her. Ugh!!!!0 -
Thank you Dodgers for the post about the potential virus vaccine. I wonder about the logistics of getting the vaccine to all citizens of the U.S. and the world. I asked my cancer center for an influenza vaccine last fall--they didn't have any. Got one from PCP. When a COVID vaccine comes available it is going to be a logistic nightmare. I hope cancer patients and the elderly get first dibs. Or the 20 something, healthy people will scoop them up. I don't think a vaccine will be ready until late 2021, my opinion.
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Hello ladies
Mel your DD is gorgeous
Santa happy to hear your dad is rallying.
Candy scared and staying indoors with you. I have a PEt scan at the end of April.
Yesterday was our 40th wedding anniversary. I cooked scallops and potato salad bc that’s what we wanted. I wanted chocolate cake but neither of us wanted to risk going out so I think Tuesday is our shopping day. We danced for an hour both of us picking songs that spanned the decades. We did not get dressed up for the occasion but did a comfy come as you are party. It was fun and funny to reminisce and slog off some potato salad calories.
Mara soaking up Vit D in the backyard.
I don’t remember who asked about MM but I had mine delivered. No extra charge bc of MBC. I had to download canpay onto my phone and that was it. Ordered online. My DH was afraid cheech and Chong would show up with a big joint painted on the side of the car. Normal car no markings.
Have a good evening
Tanya
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I do get frustrated with the info that comes out from my government and medical persons in charge. It always changes, wear a mask, don't bother because they don't help etc. I do plan to wear the mask my SIL made me and also bought one off amazon, not medical grade, but just to keep. I just wish the info did not change all the time. I do think everyone should be masked, even if they have to use neck gaiters from a headscarf. Anything that is a barrier would be helpful. I may also add a pocket to the back of my existing mask to put vacuum filter in if it gets really bad here. We just need to stop touching our damn faces until we wash our hands. I plan to use my masks anytime I am feeling ill or around a lot of sick people at the cancer clinic. I may also wear a mask once I reach a store as well. Cannot walk in one as I feel like the heat will make me pass out. Neck gaiter may be a more practical solution. I still am not feeling stressed, just irritated that information is not consistent on our own PPE that we wear. Leave medical grade for nurses or construction workers. Our province has narrowed the list of essential services again which is good. Our projection is for 3000 to up to 15000 dead based on modelling, lots will depend on if people keep up social distancing, including from vulnerable people. We have almost 15 million people here. If more people cooperate, less strain on the health care, and the fewer people sick or dying. If we don't follow guidelines, we will look like Italy too.
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lmao @ Tanya!!!! Cheech and Chong joint. You crack me up!
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Tanya- Cheech and Chong joint mobile? You cracked me up also!!
Wishing safety and peace of mind for all of us just now. My mental health would improve if the flipping sun would come out.
We have lots of birds returning, which has been fun to see.
We're hunkered down here in Maine just like the rest of North America. trying to use stuff up from cupboards and freezer. Groceries to go is difficult as there is a backlog. DH will go to store, but at 73, he shouldn't be going,
Love and best to all, Mary Jane
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LOL - Tanya, that is hilarious about Cheech and Chong. And congrats on your wedding anniversary!
Mel - I am through episode 7 on Ozark and just loving it. My buddy is anxious for me to finish the season so we can talk about it - he said the last two episodes are fantastic.
Candy - I find it disconcerting how a lot of the symptoms of C19 overlap with the side effects! Like is this normal cancer treatment ache and fatigue and hot flash or is it illness? or hayfever? anxiety? exercise-induced asthma?
Exciting times here as my housing situation seems to be resolving itself. Two new options on the table - either a house in a slightly different area (that we aren't familiar with) to the place we are currently waiting on, or a small short term flat in the area we really want to move to, across the street from a friend and near others. The first place would mean one move, but we would have to take it based on a video tour, trusting the landlord would fix any issues (and there are five mid-20s kids living in there and based on the video they don't look to be the cleanest types), total lack of any storage, and its huge and we have little to no furniture (and its not like I can run out and just get some). But it also has nicer bathrooms, an adorable roof terrace and a more manageable yard than the place we have in hand. The temporary option comes semi furnished and buys us some time and has a beautiful garden for the summer, but will involve two moves, albeit a very short second move with most all of our stuff packed already. Its like a real life version of House Huntersl!
Hello to all - Dodgers, Mara, pots, serenity, moth, Philly, Santa, Boo, Mae, and anyone else I may have missed. Have a wonderful weekend and let's hope some positive news starts coming soon!
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LOL Tanya, Cheech and Chong. I am thinking of whether I could get my mom to even consider MMJ for her anxiety, pain, and insomnia.
Sondra, choice #2 sounds better to me because you would be in the same area as your permanent place, a garden would be lovely especially during isolation, and the first place sounds too iffy. If you leave a lot of stuff packed, the second move should be pretty easy. I am so glad my family accomplished our downsizing move a year ago. Now I am starting to plant. I bought roses!
The reason I don’t post more is that the days I spend time on BCO, I don’t seem to accomplish anything else. My life has not changed all that much with staying at home. I miss getting together with friends and family, going to dance class, and going to a few events like plant sales and garden tours. But really, my days are the same: Just try to keep up with cooking and laundry, some housework, some unpacking. Go to medical appointments. People I know who have a normal non-cancer level of energy and have been sent home from work or school are bored. Not me. I am glad I don’t have to drive places or grocery shop, both of which are exhausting to me. I have a friend who has brought me groceries several times.
What scares me more than eventually dying of cancer is dying of Covid-19, because that means dying in a hospital, and alone without my loved ones near me. The idea terrifies me. I have always planned to die at home with hospice and with the people I love around me. I plan to stay more or less isolated until there is a vaccine.
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Shetland, totally agree about dying alone. I would prefer to die with my brother and his wife with me. Just the older brother.
I did go shopping today. Went during senior/disabled/immune suppressed hour. The person looked at me probably thinking yeah, right but I told her I have cancer and am in treatment, she let me in. I always bring my appointment sheet and fever card in case they want to see more. In and out very quickly. Wore a scarf as a neck gaiter in store. Pretty blue one. Made me feel more comfortable.
Not really planning to do anything but laundry and walk after meals. Beautiful and sunny here. Will probably stay out of parks and just walk on the road on the side streets. Less foot traffic and the sun will brighten me.
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Sondra- I know the hot flashes are the chemical menopause due to the Lupron and Letrozole use. Had the hot flashes since starting the meds 2 1/2 years ago. The aches and fatigue are also from the cancer meds- they too have not changed since starting all this cancer stuff. I just worry about having the virus illness stuff--headache, fever, fatigue-- WITH the side effects of the cancer treatment. Double whammy. The reporter with the virus said he lost 13 pounds in a few days. This virus can really kick butt.
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Shetland~I totally agree with you. I didn’t fight this hard to reach NEAD and have covid take me out. I also want to die with my family surrounding me. That’s how my father went. If a death can beautiful, it was all I would have asked for. Except I hope to be home. My days are pretty much the same also except Dh is here with me. Which makes me calm.
Mara~ I wish I had half of your energy. I can’t make my body get up that early. My dh has me spoiled now. He lets me sleep until I wake up. He feeds the dogs and I woke up at 10 a few days last week . It felt good for my body to just sleep as long as I want and naturally wake up. Glad you got out, every day I can picture you trudging with your bags walking taking care of business! You’re an independent woman. You’re amazing!
Tanya~Still smoking lol.
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I too don't do much anyway--virus or not. But what little I do, I cannot right now (or when again). I need a haircut. I go every couple of months. Been 3 months and counting. And with spring here, I would like to go out to a local department store and buy some new clothes. Not much. Just a couple of new shirts and some new shoes. Just to feel good, ya know. Something new for the season. Or I want to go to my Library and stroll around finding a good book to read. I am not too social, but just want to be able to do simple things again. But now, I feel there is an unseen enemy outside my house. Ready to get me. And I don't think I will feel safe until there is a vaccine for the COVID monster.
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Candy~ I agree a good shopping trip would be wonderful. I need some new things myself for clothing. I've been Christmas shopping and organizing the gifts in piles and getting huge start on that, since I'm stuck inside. I take some from every check and buy a few gifts with it. I have all of the women done already in my life. I figure. I have all Of this Time where I can't do a thing. I got a good jump on my shopping. Problem Is, in between I shop for myself also. I love my skin products. I'm Obsessed with this sleeping cream I found that you put onyour hands and chest before you go to sleep. It releases pleasant relaxing smells and relaxation doesn't even begin to describe the feeling. I'm So obsessed with it I ordered two more so I don't run out. I'm turning into a product junkie! But this sleep cocoon is the bomb!!!!
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So I ordered a back up face mask for when I do need to shop. It came today. It came with a couple of charcoal filters and has a pocket. I am going to try those out as well as cutting a spare dryer vent filter that I have. It takes care of any dust lint etc. Obviously, it is not medical grade nor should it be, but I wanted two masks. My intention is to also steam them for sterilization. So I have one SIL gave me and the fabric one with little pocket to insert filter. I feel safer with both of those.
Also called DB and talked with him half an hour. Been missing actually having a good conversation like we would have. It was nice to chat with him and make sure he is doing OK and letting him know I am OK as well. Have enough supplies and frozen my greens so they can be used up before going rotten. I bought rotten spinach that was not outdated but got too much moisture at Walmart and my own spinach outdated. Got plenty of queso, cheese and tortilla chips which combine with so many things as well.
Candy, I agree with you about shopping for other things like clothes or fun things besides groceries and take out. Miss sitting in a restaurant and just being around other people, even if out on my own. I do say hello to everyone I see on a walk and my building neighbours, even if they say nothing to me but it is not the same. When we make it through this, however long this wave or any other wave that could happen or get a vaccine, my first outing wil be a wine bar I went to not long ago.
Sucking up the sunshine this morning after lunch. Had sore feet so got some good insoles to try out. See if compression socks and those keep my feet happy. If not, advil and tylenol will be helpful. My mind would not be able to handle no exercise.
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FYI, the dryer vent covered in material is too bulky and probably not safe. Will stick with the carbon filters that came with with the mask will be it.
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Shetland I was adverse to trying but when I actually had a counseling session with doctor and the experts I found that they shared info about clients in all age groups. I found I can use oil, food grade, inhalant, patch, vape and rolled smoke etc. Also all types of ailments and needs. Just a tiny drop goes a long way for me. I mainly use it at nigh unless I have some bad pain during the day.
Take care all
Tanya
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Mel, the only reason I had the energy to go was that the last of my good greens were almost gone. I am now going to proactively put spinach in the freezer in paper towel. I can then just grab the amount I want and heat it up with dinner without a lot of soggy leaves. My staples are beans and spinach as I am a very picky eater. Glad I found ways to prepare the food that is better for me. I think that food has improved my energy. I was listening to music for a while after and I was actually bouncing to the songs. The sunshine made me feel really happy.
I tried another experiment to beef up the carbon filter in my mask without risk of fiberglass or bulk. Cut out the shape from a paper filter I had left over from my panda dryer as I don't use a paper filter in there. Not bulky and adds an extra layer. Can still breathe well too. I may also take an old pair of jeans and cut the same shape as I have heard denim being touted as being beneficial as an inner layer of face mask. Figure, if I have a couple of layers, less likelihood I could pass the virus and have some blockage of the virus myself. Between that and staying home except for supplies and walking the neighbourhood by myself, I will hopefully make it less likely to get or pass the disease on to others.
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I wish that both US and Canada would cast a wider net on encouraging people to wear masks in public. Not the medical N95 or anything BUT if we wore fabric masks even, we would lower the risk of infecting others greatly. We would make it safer for everyone by containing any droplets if we sneeze of cough. It is fairly easy to make them, even no sew options. That would certainly flatten the curve that is coming. Here is a pattern for a no sew mask for anyone interested.
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I agree, because sometimes sneezes just happen. Even if you’re not sick sneezes happen. It would Prevent accidental transmissions.
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Exactly Mel. If everyone just started to wear or even make a mask like the one above which requires no ability, we contain transmission, we make the curve flatten faster. It also not necessary if you are walking outside, but anytime you are indoors, a mask should be worn.
I am surprised Canada's public health is not pushing for universal mask wearing. Look at how china, taiwan and other countries have managed. Less droplets in the air. Can be made from denim, tea towels, make a pocket, add a filter of some sort. If using furnace filter, should probably have material sewn around to prevent breathing in particles, even if your mask has a pocket. I am looking into all of that. Cant tell me that if I wear 2 or 3 denim pieces in the pocket it does not protect me at all and certainly protects the public from my germs.
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Typically Americans would never think about wearing masks. Even if they were told to wear them, I just think the majority would feel it was too inconvenient for them. It would take extra effort to make sure it’s kept germ free/washed and made sure to be taking the precautions that go into wearing one. My son would get one and he would Wear it 900 days straight or until it fell off his face. I just think that this generation may not fully understand the seriousness because most of them were born around 911 or slightly after so they don’t know what a country struggling with mass death or issues is like. The feel of patriotic behavior has to be taught. Everyone has been told Wear a mask now. Well see how that goes. People never listen. Now we have other cities becoming bigger issues. And nyc isn’t slowing down anytime Soon. The entire thing is so scary like a Stephen King novel. It’s to be like 10 times worse than the flu in severe cases. That scares me. Because I had the flu two times in two years and it was horrible. Don’t know how I would fare. Oh goodness! It’s in 92% of the country now. How do you get rid of it
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I wish I knew Micmel. I do think health organizations need to keep promoting the social distancing which in and of itself is helpful. Obviously, we should wash our hands before touching face as much as possible, all the time if we can manage it. Stay home except for essentials and wear at least a fabric mask to keep anyone from coughing and spewing tons of droplets. That's the key, we should not take up the medical masks to prevent it for ourselves, but lower transmission from asymptomatic people. That is the only thing that will help. We need to save people. Poor people in nursing homes are getting taken out and I have heard a child died in my city from covid. The 6ft rule should be in practice all the time.
We cannot panic about it but just have common sense, take an old tshirt and elastics and make that mask. Would keep some barrier between people.
I still largely feel the same about covid as I do cancer. I am just going day by day, can't spend too much time, just do what I am told, stay home except essentials and walk by myself for boosting immunity. Wearing my mask indoors will help keep workers safe.
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I personally don't know anyone with it. I'm thankful for that. Very. I love your hints and ideas about your masks! Hubby is getting out the sewing machine for us. We have extra fabric. We may makesome extra mastectomy pillows for the infusion center. They always go over well! Keep the ideas rolling. Hugs sweet girl!
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I got some masks for us from a local seamstress selling them on FB. We aren't planning on being out in stores much but hearing that the CDC is now recommending people wear them I thought we should have some we can wash and reuse. Who would have ever thought even half a year ago we'd find ourselves doing these things?? (People here started out trying to sew these for medical staff if their supply ran out but now elastic is hard to find. I hope you and DH can still get some, Mel.)
Tried to attach a pic but it didn’t work. 🙁. I guess everyone has seen homemade masks by now!
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Rosie~Thats smart! I don't do Facebook so I would not be able to see things like that. But I will don't best to make my own covering to root myself. This does scare me. I don't sit and watch new 100 % I listen to the task force and have grown familiar with Dr. Debra Birx and Dr, Fauci.... some reason. Hearing them calms me. I just want to hear that social Distancing is working!!! If we see the data show us it's working we can gain some Steam to keep going. To all the front line people. Thank you!!!
Doctors
Nurses
Fireman
Volunteers
Grocery store workers
Bank workers
Paramedics
Police officers
National guardsmen
Military personnel
Retired healthcare workers that came Out of retirement
Food angels who Deliver to elders and the sick
Trash men and removal service workers
Day care workers? Are they open still?
If there is anyone I've missed. Please chime in !!!
A HUGE THANK YOU AND GRATITUDE. THANK YOU!
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had my 3rd taxol & 2nd atezolizumab on thurs. Yesterday I was flying high due to the iv dexamethasone. Today Im on oral pred and slowly crashing.
Hair really hanging on only with sweat and knots. Last time i really didn't care about losing my hair but this time it's hitting way harder. Everything's hitting harder I guess.
Yesterday I had a glimpse of "normal". Today it's back to lounging around (tho I did do Zumba on zoom in the morning). Now I'm shopping for various propping up pillows for the bed - wedges and the ones for sitting more upright .... seems kinda sad
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Micmel, take heart....where I live in Canada (BC) our CMO is reporting daily that social distancing measures are showing encouraging signs....the numbers of confirmed cases have been going down a bit. It means that what we did 2 weeks ago to stay home is working. We’re still expecting a glut of cases to hit our hospitals in the next week but so far they are able to handle it. I
It’s ironical that the most important people/jobs necessary for our survival now are often the least paid. I hope after this they all get more respect and better pay/benefits....they deserve it. We would be screwed if the truckers or the grocery stock clerks stopped coming out to work, same with the hospital cleaners, nurses
Life for me otherwise is chugging along...the Piqray is still doing it’s job, this month my blood sugars shot up so I had to add Metformin to my drug cocktail and I had a UTI. Never dull. Today I feel pretty good, tomorrow I might even get outside in the garden again.
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Hi everyone.
Ventured out today with Hub to buy chicken food and a few groceries. It was the highlihgt of my week. Been staying home and working around here. BUt the scene in the grocery store made me chuckle a bit as it was a stereotypical Canadian event. Everyone is trying to stay way away from each other, yielding with out carts, not crowding at the checkout. The checkout ladies are now behind plexiglass shields. But all through the store you could hear the same thing, "Oh sorry, go ahead." "Sorry, didn't see you there." "Sorry, didn't mean to crowd you." "Sorry, I"ll be done with the onions in a second." "Sorry I'm taking so long." People have been in their homes for days on end and we feel the need to apologize non-stop when we do have to go out. Everyone had pretty good humour about it except one lady who glared at me when she felt I got too close to her when getting a shopping cart. And I will admit with all honesty that she offended me. Like, get over it. Everyone, and I mean everyone I saw today was going out of thier way to 'do the right thing'. Even at the feed store, we phoned in advance to see if they were open. Stopped at the door and asked if we could come in. We're never sure what the protocl is going to be so we stop and make sure we're not doing something untoward accidentally.
Mara, I am not wearing a mask although I have sewn many of them for people. I probably should wear a mask because I have a cough. Which I have had for weeks and weeks. Because I have a stinking allergy. But the sense of shoot coughing people first and take their temperature later, seems to be the flavour of the day. Coughing in public is akin to shouting' I have a bomb in my purse!' I made some masks using a 400 thread count bed sheet. Thinking the density would provide greater protection. I'm sure it does. It also makes it difficult to breathe! So anyone thinking of sacrificing their 400 thread count Egyptian cotton sheets to face masks, maybe don't.
Micmel, your daughter has your smile!! What a lovely young woman she is. Stay well everyone!0
