My Husband, My Life, My Love, My Family, My Cancer
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Tanya ~You didn’t have her naked ? Did you! Re read your post lol you crack me up..
it is much easier one week on and one week off Less side effects. I get the hi issues also. But. I thing like it used to be. Once you start the week , it’s already over. I find this the best way to take it They are switching to tablets. Can be taken without food. Maybe that may help. I hope so.
Mara~ gonna have big pockets Mara? Lots of peeps popping in!
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Yup, glass half full is totally me. That’s just how I’m wired. But I still like to read and hear any and all rants. Like you said, Mel, that’s one of the greatest gifts this thread provides.
Tanya, so sorry about the GI issues. That’s really no fun. Hoping you can find a solution soon.
Moomala, I am right there with you in the pain department. I have the name of an orthopedic oncologist, and I need to make an appt. to see him. I am on a very low dose pain med, but I know that my pain will also require surgery to fix. So I’m dragging my feet...need to do something soon....just not feeling ready. Anyway, I hope you can find relief somehow.
BevJen, hugs to you lady. I always enjoy your posts!
Mel, said a special prayer for you to have a really good day today. Love you, woman.
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Mara- In your pocket for your scan.
I need to quit comparing myself, my life, with others. My guy friend that I have posted about, that texts a lot with me, texted this morning. He works a very physical job 6 days a week. He is my age ( 5 months older to be exact). Last night he got together with his like minded car guys and finally ate supper at 9pm and went to bed after 11pm--- after a full days work. And up early today for another full day of work. I compare my life of in my home, bored, in bed at 9pm. And we are the same age. I told him (texted) that he seems much younger than 50. And I seem much older.
You know what it is really---jealousy. I want some of his energy. I want some of the busyness of his life.
I am glad I can post how I feel on here. How I can post about my boring life. Thank you for being there.
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Thanks everyone for being in my pocket!
Walked to the hospital, weather is much more comfortable.
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Thinking of you Mara-glad you had a nice day for walking to the hospital. Hope the scans are easy-breezy. I have brought my new favorite ice cream-lemon blackberry- in individualized containers for no mess or germs!
Candy-I want to share this resource. I highly recommend this book "Cancer as a Turning Point" by Lawrence Lashan. https://www.amazon.com/Cancer-As-Turning-Point-Professionals/dp/0452271371
I know you are a big reader so you might enjoy it. The book contains a lot of written exercises to help each individual figure out "what next" after the shock of a cancer diagnosis. It took me some months to work through them-they are quite challenging because you review your whole life. But it might be interesting for you, especially if you are looking a new project. Now, especially since the Covid restrictions are starting to lift, I honestly feel happy most days. I have found things I enjoy doing, made some new friends to add to my circle and feel like my life is good and definitely worth living. I know this book as been helpful to others too. It is such an individual journey but we each have to figure out who we are now, with this cancer, and how we want to live the rest of the days that we have.
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I'd like to live the rest of my days with my ass on a big ole yacht, sailing and watching the beautiful nature go by with my DH by my side. Always. I do have good days yes. But the bad ones suck pretty much out loud. Those are the funk makers. You ladies help bring me out of my funks.
BooBoo~I just got notification that my qtrly subscription box is being delivered today! Which is like Christmas for me, the things are so lovely. I love opening the box and exploring all the neat products. Some I may re gift to my family and friends. I'm getting the cutest lunchbox for picnics. I chose it to get me out of the house more. I love it! And I got a wireless charger for my Phone, sunglasses, after beach cooling spray. (Great for hot flashes) a satin pillow case to protect my chemo subjected hair (which I'm anal About my hair) coconut hand cream. A make up sponge applicator (DD bound). All of it in one box. It's so much fun. It was a gift from a friend for Christmas! Love it and there is even more in it. So I'll be having a great day. See BooBoo you just knew it...
candy~Of course we are here Darling A big family Who gets what we go through. Hugs my friend.
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Everyone have a good day!0 -
Thanks to everyone being in my pocket.
The MRI was bad and good at the same time. Bad because I get a chest port access so they can send the contrast dye, I have bad veins on the left and won't allow needles on the right side due to risk of lymphadema. No problem, normally I check in at the chemo reception and they send me to the day unit. I went there and when no one was coming to get me, I went in and told them I was there. Turns out the wrong orders were put in. They put me in for an IV, not a chest port access. Two totally different things. It took the clerk at the ODU 45 mins to get the order changed so that I could get my port accessed. It was not the nurses fault but the person who put the orders in did it wrong. I called the MRI people while waiting and let them know the situation. They were very kind. Then I started to cry out of frustration. Got the port accessed, went for my MRI. That went smoothly and then had to go back and wait another hour. I know nurses can look like they are just talking casually but there were no other patients waiting or in the room so I got to feeling teary with frustration. One of the nurses saw me and brought me in to sit in a recliner while waiting. She asked if I was hungry and gave me a couple of cookies and ginger ale. That helped some. Finally got deaccessed and could walk home. I was there almost 4 hours for a test that takes 1 hour. Next time I have chemo and then a test requiring my port, I will ask them to access it for the contrast dye before leaving. It is too much hassle.
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Mara- Sorry you had all the whoopla about your port. Bless you. But it is done now. Maybe you can salvage some of the day and end on a good note.
Chicagoan- The ice cream sounds delicious !!!! I will look for the book---first at my Library since that is free. I do the library first, and if I want to own a copy then I can order it. Thanks.
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Ugh Mara, isn't that messing around just the biggest pain? I have my two scans next Monday morning back to back but I blocked off the whole day in my calendar because either they will be running behind, forget me in the corridor (last time), or if I am really lucky and things run to time, the whole experience is so mentally draining that I can't deal with much else by the time I get home and just need some alone time. I've frustrated cried in the pharmacy line, radiotherapy lounge, the waiting line for blood tests, and the oncologists waiting room
When I was being diagnosed and went in for the 'do I or do I not have cancer' chat I had to wait two hours in a hallway for my appointment. It was only when I stood up and started ranting that I didn't give a s*it if I had cancer or not I was leaving that the nurses and doctors mobilised REAL quick! Just hate that inefficiency.Also, check out pokiepotpie on Insta/FB - adorable kitties!
Chicagoan - that is a great recommendation, I think I will check into it as well. I hit middle age like an 18-wheeler into a brick wall and was trying to figure out whats next even before cancer. Now I've just been faking it for the last 6 months to cope, but its probably time to really think it through.
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Good afternoon all
I’m glad it’s over for you Mara. I think an oncologist office is a place where crying is allowed, like a hospital or funeral home.
Mel I went back and reread my post. Lol yes my naked granddaughter and I baked these cookies 🍪. Spell check is crazy 😜SondraF I’ll be in for pocket duty Monday. It’s an all day affair. I think I’ll bring gyros and lots of napkins with steamy hot crispy French fries. I think Chicagoan is bringing the lemon 🍋 blackberry ice cream 🍨. That ice cream sounds delicious.
Take care all
Tany
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Ah Tanja - I love a hot gyro and fries!! Haven't had one in ages either - so tasty but they really like to linger
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Sondra I will be in your pocket with reese peanut butter cups to add to other food.
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Good Morning. Another day of wondering what I'm going to do lol. Boredom isn't pleasant. Slept good though. I love my blankets.
Tanya~ lol at you and that post!!!
Gm everyone!!!
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Good morning, the simulation went ok, I’m all marked and taped up from radiation, June 23-25. I was a bit annoyed at the nurses who sometimes forget that we’re people, not objects. Sadly, our neighbors wife passed away the other day from brain cancer, she was only diagnosed about 8 months ago. I only met her once but our DH’s had some really difficult and emotional conversations about us and feeling helpless, it’s just hard. Anyway, now it’s coffee time.
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Oh Mae~ I'm sorry about your neighbor. This disease is so very hard. On everyone. I am sending you a virtual hug. I hope that you know how you are loved. I am sorry for that family's loss. I hope they somehow find some strength through this.
Nurses can be. A little rough at times. Like we are pieces to be assembled. On a conveyor belt. I just say hey slow down for me. ! Glad your home for coffee!
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Morning from here.
Mae- Prayers to you for the upcoming radiation.
Hi Mel.
I am trying to be thankful today. I have been voicing what I am thankful for this morning. Kind of a mantra. A peaceful house, food in the fridge, air conditioning (high 80's today), running water and electricity, my best friend my cat. Nothing planned for today. So I am trying to just be in a thankful mood and just live my life. TV on. On computer with you all. Just living.
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I decided to do some shopping online for some clothing Which I never have luck with ever. Two deliveries later and every single thing I ordered fits me great and comfortable! What are the odds. I was just worried about returns which is a pain in the ass, because the malls are closed. H & M have very nice clothing. And I am tricky to dress because of my liver surgery and my breast surgery where they took all my stomach and made my second boob. Now I look like an egg. No fat will go below the belly scar so it puffs out like a muffin top. My waistline is uneven. So it so hard. It makes me sad actually. But today worked good. Now I have something to wear! One more clothing shipment to go! Then I'm good for a while. Just need reasonable fitting and stylish sandals.
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Candy~I've been trying soothing scents of things. At night I spray my bed down with this scent spray for calm and serenity smells. I'm hooked. Last night I smelled it the entire night. I didn't want to get out of bed. I woke up feeling thankful to look forward to the big delivery of my clothing. I'm excited. If only I had the energy to go anywhere. Lol But I'm armed at least! I also got this satin pillow sleeve for my hair and face. It prevents hair from breaking and bunching.keeps face cool and clear Loving that also.
Yesterday I got my fab fit fun box. So yesterday was also awesome. That's always a blast. To open all the goodies inside. I could get used to shopping. But I'm also Christmas shopping early early as well. Less on me later. It's already summer. September will be here before we know it. Sending a hug...
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Good to see Chicagoan here as well Hope all is good for you my friend. 🌹
Hello Mara and Sondra!
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Hi Mel, glad you found some stuff that was comfortable. Always important to be comfortable for sure.
Mae, in your pocket for the radiation and hope everything goes smoothly for you. I am sorry about your neighbour.
Not doing tons today, just exercising here and there for about 15 mins on my treadmill and filling out surveys for money. I am proud of myself because I filed my own tax return for the first time every. Always had my mother doing it for years and then went to accountants to do it when I worked from home. My brother was going to do mine but I decided I should attempt it. I don't work so it is simpler to do and the government website keeps all tax forms that would apply to me. I used the turbotax free software and it of course filled most things out and asked me some questions. I felt good about that, take one less thing my brother feels obligated to help with. He is already my POA and trustee on my trust account from my house sale, I can lighten the load too.
I also discovered that if necessary, I can wash about 1\2 a blanket, wring out in a towel since I cannot spin dry. I used a fan to blow on it for about an hour and tossed it into my dryer. It is a pain to do half of the blanket but it shows me that if there is a stain or mess, I can at least wash part without requiring a bigger spinner. I don't honestly want to buy one just now. Just figured I would save more money to put in my main savings account. I also made up some liquid laundry detergent. Combined two sunlight bars of soap in tap hot water so it would be concentrated. Once they soaked 15 mins, took it out. Put a scoopful of oxiclean white revive and regular oxyclean as well with a small amount of sunlight liquid laundry detergent. Microwaved after I took the laundry soap bars out so the oxyclean would dissolve. My clothes always come out super clean and the laundry soap bars just last and last. Cheap and good cleaning power. This kind of thing could also be used for those people who are sensitive I am sure as well.
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mara have you thought of a duvet and a duvet cover? Much less bulky to wash the cover....?
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Mara,
You should start your own website to educate those of us who need to save a few bucks but stillhave awesome products. I am completely in awe that you make your own laundry soap. That is so cool. You are so resourceful, you put me to shame. I have gotten so lazy. It’s time for me to make a list and get some things done. Your website could be called “Mara’s Moments”!
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Mel,
So glad your new things fit and hopefully make you feel good when you wear them. Could be there’s something to this gratefulness thing afterall (wink, wink).
I love the idea of spraying your sheets. I’m gonna give that a try.
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Santabarbarian, a duvet cover sounds good but I don't have a comforter. I have flannel and fleece blankets. There is a thinner bed cover. The problem is the spinner in my wee little portable washer is tiny. I can wash my pillow case but the blankets are too bulky. For bedsheets and blankets, the steaming to kill dustmites and tossing into the dryer seem to keep them fresh. I will be able to spot clean as needed until I save and decide to get something else in the future.
Booboo, I am always scouring youtube for ways to stretch a buck. I have seen people who go all out, grating laundry bar soap, getting the borax and washing powder to make huge amounts of powdered detergent. I prefer liquid. The laundry bar soap soaked in tap hot water for 15 mins does clean clothes just as well. The oxiclean is my favourite booster so I like to dissolve that and I always add just a touch of liquid sunlight. I don't have storage to make huge amounts of the stuff, otherwise I would. Also, the bar soap does not melt away quickly and i put two in to make it more concentrated. Cheap and easy. For fabric softener in the rinse cycle, I make it up about 750ml at the same time, 1 cup fabric softener of your choice, 1 cup vinegar and 1 cup of water, pour the mixture in the container and shake up. You can also use regular hair conditioner too if you are out of fabric softener. Clothes come out soft, not as overly scented either but very clean smelling.
I also do the hand soap that way. put two bars of hand soap in hot tap water for 15 mins. take them out and put them in a foaming dispenser then I also squeeze a little bit of liquid soap in. Shake it up, nice and foamy. Now that bath and bodyworks stores are open here, I will look for a shower gel or soap which is more intense in smell to try and get a bit of the lovely smells. I love japanese cherry blossom and eucalyptus mint.
I just enjoy trying to save some money because some of the food I enjoy may be a little pricey. I am also a person who enjoys being able to keep my supplies up for longer. The money I save gets put in a bank account so that if I want or need to buy something, it will be there.
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Wow, that's a lot of damage by such a cute little dog. My goodness.
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Dogs can chew through anything. Lol. I am having an insomnia night. Don't know why I have energy all of a sudden now? But my ass drags all day long. I didn't even nap a long time
Today, on purpose. I don't like these nights. Not one bit! Not that anyone would.
Hello Mara!
Hello Santa! 🌹
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Hello!
When I was a little girl my family dog ate my Mom's dashboard when we left him in the car. (Dashboards on the 1970s were made of foam)
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Mara,
I have a friend whose Mother cuts out, saves, and uses coupons. This woman has saved hundreds (maybe thousands?) of dollars every year. She has a very elaborate filing system for her coupons, so saving money has been her thing for a long time. I truly admire her and you for your ways to be thrifty but practical. I’m going to try the bars of soap in hot water idea. Thanks again for sharing your very easy ways to save a few bucks.
Mel, that pic of the dog is hilarious...
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