My Husband, My Life, My Love, My Family, My Cancer
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Mae, Oh Happy Day! Toasting you with a cold Canadian brew, eh?
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Mae, so happy to hear your news
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nice to see you ladies here. Every oncein a while Bliss And Jen I see your beautiful smile every now And then. Always smile seeing the love. It’s what it’s all about. Support love and friendship.....
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Mae,
That’s the beauty of this thread. We all accept each other as we are with no judgements. I have a deep relationship with God, and I have directly seen the power of prayer in my life. I am glad you are okay with prayer, because I will continue to remember you in mine.
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gm BooBoo!
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Morning all.
So good to see names that we don't usually see on this thread--- come back all. I say this Thread is going to Mel's Living Room, plopping down on the couch, grabbing a pillow and a snack, and just talking with these wonderful ladies.
I love you all. And, Yes, I pray for you all- I do not want to offend, so hope you do not take it that way.
So... Lynne, Bliss, Minus Two, Jen --you are welcome here.
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Candy, go ahead and pray. I don't think anybody should be offended, it is a kind support
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Thanks, Candy & Mel. I'll try to plop down on Mel's couch more often! Hugs to all.
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Hello to everyone! It's been a while. have been gardening, tending the above ground pool we got and trying to keep things sane inside the house as well. I recently went through two procedures. one was the oral surgery for the damn ONJ. One was the Y90 to the left lobe of my liver. Both went very well. Not a lot of pain and discomfort. had Y90 on Tuesday, so am resting and getting up when I feel like it.I will not know the Y90 results for three months, but tumor markers may give a clue in the meantime. Did get strawberry picking last week and made jam and strawberry shortcake and strawberry rhubarb pie. Good thing i don't have a large appetite right now!
I have been off chemo for a month and will start Gemcitibine on the 6th.Nice break to be off of the poison.
I have been thinking of everyone and hoping you are keeping your heads above water.
Mae-best news I have heard in a long time. Thank goodness!!
Mel- my mother was a seamstress.. A friend of mine and I took sewing lessons at a JoAnn's type place. Then there was the Mandatory A-line skirt we had to sew in home economics in High School. I loved sewing; i did it a lot in my younger days. I still do sew occasionally for the grandkids. You are going to have fun!
Tanya- Florida is getting hammered with covid. You need to continue to "stay safe" as they say. My sister lives in the panhandle. I have my brother in law from Sebastian, Fl. for most of the summer. He is immunocompromised, but took the risk because all his family is up here. We have just successfully completed his 2 week quarantine and we all are well.
I wish you all a happy 4th! And hope the Canadians enjoyed their day!
Love to each, Mary Jane
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MJHJAN1014- Good to hear from you. Glad you are on the mend from your surgeries. Wow, what we have to go thru and keep on going. I admire you and others--- I have been fortunate so far. Take my meds and do my scans, easy compared to others. But I know my time will come. MJHJAN- Come visit us anytime.
So... today I have been thinking. My texting friend texted today that his company is taking today off for the Holiday. And then my friend starts vacation next week--for 1 week. He is staying in town and doing stuff around the house. But...you know the feeling... the first day of vacation!!! The freedom!!! We have that as kids in school and the first day of summer break, or winter break. Then, as adults, we have that feeling the first day of vacation from our job. I could have that feeling every day--being retired. But....alas....I don't feel that freedom, that happiness. I am bored. I am lonely. Everyday is the same. With spattering of doc appts--whoopie. COVID, the heat of summer, the lack of activities to do. I putter around the house. I try to find small things to look forward to but they are few and far between. And I HATE holidays--- others with family, cookouts, fireworks. (Maybe not so much this year) And I am usually alone. My small family never really gets together for the holidays.
Just feeling bored and lonely. Sorry.
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Candy- what an icky feeling. It can be hard to break a mental pattern. Wish I could wave a magic wand for you. My family has been in the same routine for weeks, mostly because of Covid. I decided that tomorrow we would take a drive to our friends lake house just for a change of scene! Do you drive? Have you thought of driving to a pretty place and sitting in your car eating your favorite lunch? It can be so hard to break out of a mold, though. I was there for most of the winter and it was ugly and painful. I am grateful that treatment is simple for you and I hope you never have to face worse things.
Love, Mary Jane
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MJHJAN- It is hard to break the pattern. I do drive. But I have never been the type to just drive around. I have church friends that comment about taking off and driving around the countryside, just because, since the COVID thing is keeping everyone in. But I just don't find that pleasurable.
I was just musing today because of my friends' beginning of vacation. That "Whew" feeling of starting a week of vacation. I just miss it. Retirement is hard. I retired earlier than I thought I ever would-- I am 49 years old---due to the cancer. And so I am trying to adjust to the whole retirement thing of my career being done and the days of going off to work being done. And, without a work schedule, then you don't have the "look forward to vacation" thing.
I will be ok. I have TV, a book, and you guys - plus surfing the Net, to keep me occupied. Just miss the work schedule and the fun feeling of looking forward to stuff.
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Mae your news made my heart sing! Good for you and I hope you are now floating in the pool with an icy drink AND relaxing your mind.
I'm struggling with my back quite a lot. I can't walk very far or stand for very long. I had a cortisone injection last week which doesn't seem to have worked at all. Yesterday my oncologist told me that a lesion in my lumbar spine is pressing a nerve. The cortisone injection seems to have aggravated my back and leg if anything and I'm really upset about it. Anyway - my PCP recommends that I am not taking enough Gabapentin and I should start upping the dose which I have done slowly up to 1200 mg a day now. Nothing seems to work. MO has referred me to radiation to see if they can blast the lesion and let the nerve calm down but radiation can't see me until late August so - what fun. My summer is spent with a heating pad on my back in my living room chair most of the time! I can get out to the porch where I have a reclining chair which is pretty nice. My husband set up a table and chairs out there for visitors. My kids love sitting out there next to the garden when they come to see me. I miss my walks and being able to garden. I can't even play the piano. Life is not being so nice to me right now.
Candy what are you reading? I ordered The Dutch House for book club. And I subbed to Disney Plus specifically to watch Hamilton tonight with DH. Yay! Then I noticed some other movies there that I've never seen like The Lion King.
Candy I struggle with things other people are doing that I can't do and vacation is one of them. For me, it's because of my back but in almost every instance just doing something different makes a big difference. Mary Jane's suggestion of driving to a nice lake or even a forest location and eating lunch in the car is spot on. It breaks up the mental pattern. Last week at this time I was really afraid of how depressed I was getting over my back issues. Seeing people this week, it was my birthday the other day and I had a ton of phone calls and messages, my son and his wife brought me dinner and we sat outside talking - all of this just broke that pattern of sameness. Covid is making things so much harder on everyone. ugh.
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Candy, I have similar issues when it comes to being stuck in a routine without people to get together with. I largely don't pay attention to holidays myself. One way I have found to keep myself occupied and help with paying the bills is filling out surveys. Sounds awfully boring I know but I have probably made about 200 the past month. This helps my budget, allows me to save for particular things I want and this is what fills me with the most purpose I have felt for a long time. I treat it like a job and work on it. It is enjoyable and makes me feel good that even on disability, I don't have to drain my bank account of the funds from my house sale to make ends meet. Exercise is helpful too but this mad need to save for things I want and use the extra money to that end really floats imy boat and makes me happy.
Something will come along and spark your interest. The hardest part is waiting for the right thing to come along. Hugs my friend.
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Moomala- I have been wondering about you. Oh my, I am so sorry to hear of your struggles with your back. How about physical therapy? But, in the day of COVID, I don't know how comfortable you feel about going and getting PT right now. I have chronic back issues--- L5S1 disc issues, bone on bone pretty much. The ortho said I really need a fusion, but with the bone mets they will not do that. Won't even do an epidural. I have done PT in the past, but just don't feel comfortable doing that now with the virus. I have not tried gabapentin, though my PCP recommended it. Have you asked to be put on a cancelation list for the radiation? If they have a cancelation, they could call you. Late August is a while away.
I like to read fiction books about the Amish. I find their way of life fascinating. I am reading a series now from the author Amy Clipston. But I have read some from the authors Wanda Brunstetter and Beverly Lewis.
Happy Belated Birthday. Glad you had a good visit with your son and his wife.
I was thinking if we did not have COVID I could invite my texting friend over during his vacation and we could watch a movie and have dinner. But I just do not feel comfortable doing that with the virus. He has been in the workforce, he goes to church services, he has even been eating in his favorite restaurant (dine in). So he could be carrying the illness asymptomatically. I have been staying indoors for the most part.
Yeah COVID makes things more difficult.
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Hi Mara. I know you have posted about your surveys for money. I have wondered about some sort of employment from home. Mainly to give me something to do, while still having the flexibility for fatigue days and not have to get out in public. Hum.....
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So this evening I talked on the phone to my texting friend I spoke of in my above posts (the one on vacation). I asked how his first day of vacation went- what he did today. We had a good discussion. But then he said "Candy, when are you going to leave your house. When are you going back to church. And we could go out to eat while I am on vacation". I explained the immunocompromised situation, the lack of the public adhering to the guidelines (masks, social distancing) and my fear of the virus with my cancer.
Asking your opinions--- do you still stay in your homes? When do you plan on getting back out into society? Am I being too cautious? What do your friends/family think if you are staying in and not joining in with them? Are we (cancer patients) being too fearful? I feel I am doing the right thing, but then I wonder if I am being a hypochondriac recluse.
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Candy, I do go out with my brother and family, usually on the weekend. We usually go for a walk in a park together. Where we are, places are starting to open outdoor patios with social distancing and plexiglass between tables.
One suggestion for eating out is that you could arrange some takeout from a restaurant that one of you pick up and you meet up at a preordained location. At a park, outside your house or apartment. If parks are not open you could probably set up lawn chairs and a little table and stay distant. Should be no issue there and less of a risk. Obviously bring along hand sanitizer if you can get it but I think there are ways to visit with people that don't put you at unnecessary risk. If you churches are open, a mask obviously would be worn, you can call the church and see, some churches here did like a drivein movie thing in the parking lot when they were closed, you could find out if they allow it.
If you get bored Candy look up Swagbucks, has a lot of surveys and for you in the US offers a lot more opportunities to make a little cash for gift cards and such. That is where I started earning extra cash back when I was working from home. I would do my job and swagbucks in between calls. It would be something fun and easy that would keep you busy if really bored and does not require a lot of time and energy. Helps me a lot to make sure I have enough money for groceries mostly and other supplies. Makes my disability go a lot further than it would normally.
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In my location, the weather is going to be extremely hot and humid, actual temp close to 90 F not including humidex. That will make it feel closer to 100 or more for at least two weeks. I plan to walk outdoors in the morning unless I have an appointment that requires a walk. Hope my new shorts come soon and will go barefoot inside my walking shoes. Much cooler that way. Tomorrow, the UV is projected to be 10 so no way I will walk outside. Have to go out in the morning to shop though. My treadmill will have to do in the meantime. At least I am fortunate to have an air conditioner, not sure I have seen too many air conditioners where I am.
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Candy, I’m sorry you’re feeling so lonely. I don’t suppose getting a pet is an option. I have two dogs, and I walk them a mile every day. It gets my tight hips moving, and they keep me company while my husband works
I have to say I would not give up seeing my daughter and grandchild during this pandemic. It would have ripped my heart out. I was willing to take the chance. I think the idea of picking something up and eating outside with your friend while social distancing would be a great idea if it’s possible.
I have refused to let this pandemic scare me to the point of not going anywhere. I have taken precautions. I used to go out to eat at restaurants with my husband, but now he gets the food and brings it home. I do go grocery shopping, but I do it right when the store opens and wear my mask.
I also finally went and had my hair done. It had been four months. Both the stylist and I wore a mask.
I hope you can get out with your friend. If you’re able to, you could even go for a walk outside while distancing if there is anywhere you can walk.
I hope you can do something. Giving you a virtual hug.
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Happy 4th July to all of you in USA!
Great to see you here MJH and Lynne 50s.
Stay safe everyone x
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Candy, there’s nothing wrong with being cautious as long as you see the signs of depression and fear, if those become issue. Personally, I stay in most days only going to MDA for appointments. I’ve gone grocery shopping with DH but become overheated/nauseous with the mask and have to go sit in the truck. We’ve seen couples we know well just a few times but they’re always careful to not be sick and keep their distance from me. When I can finally eat and speak normally, is when I’ll venture out a bit more, there’s just not much point to it yet.
FYI, I had a 1/4 bagel w/egg & cheese, a celery stick w/peanut butter, tomato soup and a piece of apple today. The celery was so good!
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MJH~Hello mY lovely friend. So happY to see some Og peeps Checking in! As I can tell not much has changed with your superhero status. Busy always moving. I'm wrapping you up in a hug. Great to see you. Glad you're doing ok.
Moomala~Glad to see you as well. We always like to make sure our people are safe AnD sound. Hot one today didn't venture out too much. My sewing machine came yesterday 😃🥰😃😃😉. I'm thrilled I've started my first mask. I'm thrilled. Can you tell ?
Bliss ~ I am always pleased to see you here sweetheart. There has been a chair with your name on it for months. Our happy little support system.
Mara ~ hello sweetheart, hope you're good today !
candy, hi darlin. I'm sorry you're bored. Get a sewing machine. I'm learning and there is a lot to be made I'm Having a blast. Even an older one on Craig's list. ( in public ) because I Know the can be expensive even for a base model.
KBL~ welcome to the thread. I haven't seen your name here before and I wanted To welcome you to our second home. We unconditionally support each other and let outour lives, angers. You name it! Again welcome .
Minnie~ hello sweet woman Always good to hear how things are over in Spain. I find it interesting, you're sleeping as I type this. Wait so should I. Lol
Mae~Hi ya. Sounds like you enjoyed yor snack. Sounds good to me I don't enjoy talking to people just around. I like to get my stuff done and be gone. If I want to see someone, I'll see them when things calm down. It seems every state is back up again with numbers. Rising again. Just stay safe sweetheart! Good to see you!
The rising numbers in most states, Not a good thing for summer. Or the fall for these kids. They need to go back to school. I think it's important. Nothing functions correctly. Middle summer dining outside. Uh no! Bar Closing again. Stores having to shut down again. How can society even make it So many people without jobs. Another wave of sickness as our feet. And another wave of lockdowns. Who knows how long Into the future We are talking about this thing. Really mind bending.
Good night ladies Sleep wel
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Sometimes I am ! Guilty
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Candy-678: I am still staying home due to CoVid19. I leave the house to go to doctors appointments and in June, started going to my dad’s home here and there. I have not been in a store since last week of February. I did stop washing down all mail and groceries about 2 weeks ago. DH is still doing the grocery shopping and bringing home take out occasionally.
I do believe I need to do what’s necessary to avoid being hospitalized by CoVid19. I have too many risk factors. And, there is a report that advises cancer patients don’t do well with the virus
I do feel sad that what could be my last spring/summer is really like being locked up. But I can’t try to stay “safe” AND go about my life as if CoVid19 never happened My choice right now is to try to avoid CoVid19
I do start each day with a short list of tasks or ideas I want to accomplish. Most days I accomplish all or most of the list.
I am home alone much of each day. DH is taking care of my dad (who is home bound) during the day.
I just wanted you to hear from someone who is also staying home. Too many people aren’t wearing masks or social distancing.
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Good morning
Staying home too. I went to a grocery store last week. I only walk in my backyard. No visitors except outside my grandkids by the pool. They’re old enough to stay their distance. They’re also tween twins and teenagers so they don’t come often.
Beaches on the west coast of FL are open. Miami Beach is closed. Make sense?
Candy I would consider going to eat outside since your COVID cases are low. If you don’t feel comfortable you can talk and not eat. I think once you relax you’ll be ok. Hand sanitizer mask social distance. Covid rising like crazy here. 10 grocery stores reported COVID cases this week.
Mara I’m eating black beans with cheese grated on top!
Micmel Mae Dodgers Bev Rosie SondraF Moomala 50’s Minnie Bliss KBL Booboo Jen Runor MJHJan have a careful weekend.
Tany
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Hello to all!
Relatively quiet 4th here right now -- although I am making food for dinner for tonight -- pulled pork is in the slow cooker, just cut up a pineapple to throw on the grill, also found a good recipe to grill broccoli, of all things. Also just made Cole slaw. Taking all over to my son's house where we will eat dinner with my son, his wife and our 15 month granddaughter. He lives less than a mile from us. We have formed our own little bubble -- no one is going out except to the grocery store every couple of weeks, and so we feel we are able to get together, which makes it nice. At least there is someone else to talk to!
Tanya, Florida is just CRAZY. I feel for you. Here in Maryland we are holding steady or with a slight decline, but it's still scary. When we do go to the grocery store, we get in and out as quickly as possible. Gone are the days where we would linger and make our decisions on food in the store -- we go strictly from a list. Every time someone leaves the house and comes back, we immediately take off our shoes and run for the sink to wash our hands.
Hope everyone stays safe this weekend.
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Report from the grocery store: DH went grocery shopping yesterday morning. For the FIRST time since late February, there was Purell on the shelf—lots of it with no limits for purchase. DH came home from the store with a 6 pack of TP, Clorox clothes, and Purell hand sanitizer. Wow....score!!!
Locally, CoVid19 cases are slowly on the increase as people are returning to normal life. A few bar/restaurants have closed for 14 days due to employees testing positive. 2 grocery stores reporting employees testing positive and 1 bankis in the same boat. I don't want to go back to wiping down groceries again but may need to for active new cases continue to increase.
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Tanya, glad you enjoyed the beans and cheese, is delicious for sure.
As far as staying home and going out, it is different as far as covid and restrictions here. Some have been lifted as our cases are declining and there does not seem to be the same panic buying there was when we first shut everything down. I do go to the stores when they open for the most part. I do not shop for other things except online. Our grocery delivery seems to have been sorted out and is now within an hour or two. I still won't feel comfortable eating at a restaurant or go to a movie theater until there is a vaccine. I wear a mask indoors always but do take it off if I am overheating. That is the biggest problem for me, once cooled off, I put it back on. I don't have anyone I am willing to send to do my shopping so I will continue to do it myself. I scored a lot of purell as my local dollar store delivers bulk orders. For now and the near future, I grocery shop, get restaurant take out and that is about it. I am good with that as well. I sanitize hands every time I have touched a surface too.
The heat is keeping me in the house today, since I do not need to prove to myself that I can walk in the heat and humidity, no need to be silly about it. Most I will do outdoors is get rid of my garbage. Taking the day off exercise as well. Just watching movies etc.
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