My Husband, My Life, My Love, My Family, My Cancer
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sondraf Enjoy your “clocked out time” abd all the pampering. Its not often that we get a break and someone cooking for us.
Mel Ugh insomnia.. the worst! Hope your able to get some restful sleep tonight. It does take some time for your nail beds to heal and glad they’re looking good. I was never patient enough to get my nails done but always admired others pretty nails. Now my hands are a wreck from Xeloda! When I do paint my nails i use light neutral colors not to draw attention to them . Hope your enjoying the beautiful weather this weekend here in the NE. Eagles season is coming soon!
Irish Gosh your family sure needs a break overe there! Hoping this week is better for you and for all🤞🏻 My heart was sad to hear of your mom’s struggles and your family. She sure sounded like a beautiful soul and a very strong woman just as you are.
We are enjoying this gorgeous boating weather this weekend. Working around my DH and him gimping around with a likely torn meniscus and my SE from Xeloda this week. The season is too short and somehow we just pull it together and go! Our son came down yesterday and we went out to a lovely outdoor dinner by the water and also caught the sunset. I always say to myself keep going now because I don’t know when I won’t be able to do go more!
Hugs to all here struggling, your always in my heart and prayers 💕
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Hey Mel - thanks for the shout out. We've been road tripping out west for the last week and a half. I've been reading along, but it's hard to post while riding in the truck. When we stop, we're on the go until we collapse in bed. I'm going to sleep for three days when I get home, but we're having fun.
Love to all
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Any of us who lost our Mom's can empathize with each other. My Mom married my father, initially he was an alcoholic, never abusive but when she told him to stop drinking, he just stopped. He was a chronic paranoid schizophrenic who was in and out of the mental hospital with lots of electric shock therapy. She left the day he had a knife because the mafia was looking for him, she did not want us to grow up around that. We saw him every week and he lived with his parents, was compliant with his meds as well. Mom was strong but also anxiety ridden, I think I get that anxiety from her though I don't have to look after kids. She was a strong lady who was modest and tended to think less of her ability and talents for cooking, knitting and so on. Always nice, can count on one hand how many times she had to spank. She always took us upstairs. I still miss her so much after 5 years since she died. She died in peace with older brother putting a hand on her chest telling her she could rest now and dying. I got to tell her she was a great mom as well. A stroke left her almost non verbal but she was not in pain. I am glad for that.
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seeq, a road trip sounds marvelous, but there is no way I could do that. I feel like I have lost ground lately with extra fatigue and increased gut issues. My grocery order came this morning and I didn't even last long enough to get it all put away. My DH has been doing more and more housework for me, and it hurts as I was always the caregiver. He does it cheerfully as he is retired and a bit bored, but it still hurts. He refuses to hire a housecleaner so I guess it is on him. I do what I can, but lately that is not much. I still plan dinners and do the "shopping" (online of course,) but he often has to help with the cooking. He likes his smoker so I do the rub, prep, or whatever else I can and he finishes it, but we can't do that every meal. In fact we are about to put a roast in today. I am changing how I cook so it is easier on him. My DD is not any help in the kitchen. She likes to cook breakfast and bake desserts, and will help in the kitchen when I call her up (she lives downstairs) but she is not good with plan and prep. She does do the dishes if she is not going to work (she leaves right after dinner.) That is my woe for the day.
I do miss my mom. She has been gone fore eleven years now. Fortunately she died before my diagnosis so she was spared that news. We were not particularly close. She was in mental institutions (called sanitariums back then) several times as a child and was always a little off-centered, but we never knew why. She was never on medication that I know. We all left home as soon as we graduated high school. My dad was a saint that held us altogether. I loved her, and she tried. I was adopted and owe the good life I did have to her wanting me. (I had two older brothers and one younger adopted brother.) My parents died four months apart, both from cancer, both together in a nursing home.
I plan on discussing my changing symptoms with my MO at my appointment this week. I have a scan scheduled for the 12th so hopefully I will get some answers.
Have a good week everyone. It is supposed to be our hottest week of the summer this week before it begins a steady cooling off after that. Knowing the Rockies it will start snowing on Pikes Peak in September, sometimes the end of August. We follow close after that.
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so I’m saying Hi to everyone but not reading comments today. Ugh it just never ends. I was up all night coughing with a headache. This morning I had the chills so bad and such bad bone pain in ribs spine and hips. I was so weak couldn’t move so in bed all day. I feel a little feverish,took my. Temp it was 99.8 which is high for me. So I guess I have a summer virus🤒
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MKestrel- Are you up in Idaho?! I just got back today from visiting my brother and his partner in Boise, and we were "lucky" that the smoke from Oregon fires was sitting over the town and reducing the temps from 108 to like 95, yikes. I alway hope to get to do some huckleberry picking, but the berries they found were still green! Any good sites to pick berries? I will return next summer, gonna make this happen!!!
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@cure-ious yes I live in the valley of smoke 😫 😷. I grew up in Boise. I just got back from camping in Stanley but it was smoky there too. We played in the lakes. The berries are up no tell em creek lol. Try the first couple weeks of August. It varies. If it stays this hot they're just going to be tiny raisins.
I'm having issues breathing in this smoke and my mouth sores won't heal. I would rather be miserable in the mountains! It was fun. It rained one day and cleared a little.
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Mkestrel - As always, great photos! I'm starting to eye my local blackberries too.
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Well, the less expensive washer has broken down on me, motor gave out which stinks but whatever, found a different way to wash and rinse stuff. Ordered another large salad spinner for 30 dollars, They work like portable washers, same size as my smallest washer and can agitate just as well, no motor to break down either. They do a pre spin dry as well so it does not take so long to dry in my portable spinner. I also decided to see if wand washing blankets in the broken washer will work as well and spin in the panda and it will so that is good. I still feed a bit of the blanket at a time agitate for a few minutes, let sit about 5 mins and bob's your uncle. Works just as well.
Edit, have some pizza from Walmart, thin crust, while waiting for the breville to heat up, added taco seasoning, garlic seasoning and sour cream and onion seasoning and some extra beans and shredded cheese.
Hoping everyone has a good day and in pockets for those who need me.
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mkestrel, beautiful photos!
shanagirl, sorry about the fever. I tend to run low, too. My normal is 97.7 so even 98 is a bit high. I've been running a low fever of 99.6. Not bad, but I can tell when I have a fever when the backs of my arms start hurting. Weird how that works.
mara, sorry about the washer breaking down. How frustrating.
Sending love to all,
Carol
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Mkestrel, Still looks gorgeous even with the smoke- In Boise, you couldn't even see the foothills!
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Knock on wood, over here in the Puget Sound area, we haven't had to deal with any smoke yet this summer. I know there are fires in Idaho and California, and those can usually affect us, along with ones here, in Oregon, and BC, but so far, so good. It's been many summers now since I could say that, and I hope this "smoke free" streak continues!
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I’m so sorry about the fires. How sad for wildlife. Those pictures are beautiful oh my those lovely mountains. So jealous. Enjoy every hike and camping trip you can. I love those mountains.
Mara~I’m very sorry the item broke. It’s always something huh? We had an old old old fridge in our garage it was our drink fridge. It was sucking money from our pocket . So we got this cute little fridge that our dd got through her work and it’s adorable. Just perfect for the spot on the garage. It’s smaller. But so perfect.I hope everyone is doing ok I’m watching the Olympics and enjoying it. I reallly like watching the games. It’s exciting to see alot of the different games that they even have. Today I saw swimming women’s beach volley ball which I love! A 6’4 blocker and a 5’6 server play together for the us. Nuss and Kloth so entertaining to watch that! I watch wresting for women /judo…. Gymnastics…mountain biking … some water polo. It’s been awesome. I have always enjoyed the games. Hope everyone else enjoys them like I do. It takes me away from cancer. My sister got a scan recently and she is stable. !! I’m thrilled. Yay! Hugs to all of you ladies. Good to see you SeeQ. April, hope you’re good. Mallemiss. You too!
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Mkestrel, the pictures are beautiful for sure even with the smoke, yes, it is sad for the wildlife though.
Shana, I am so sorry to read you are ill, in pockets for feeling better soon.
Sunshine, it was frustrating but I will say that the salad spinner for small stuff works pretty well, two hold as much as the one that broke. I did leave stuff in to soak after and just rinsed each off each, transferred to spin dryer and dried as normal. I even did a blanket with the wand washer in the broken washer, feeding bit by bit and it worked quite well so that is good. I no longer feel bad.
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Hi all. Beautiful scenery mkestrel! Just a heads up about checking filters with a smoky environment. They are so easy to forget about. Our AC guy comes next week for yearly service. It's so darn hot daytime that the AC keeps running and we can't get below 79 in the house. @intothelight, I sure understand the complicated relationship with mental health issues. Mom was in Wernersville State Hospital on and off for years. They used electroshock therapy. Horrible treatment. We loved her regardless. I also share the difficulty in being limited in house work. My DH has picked up the slack but I don't know about a roast. lol. He's more of a frozen dinner cooker. @shanagirl, oh I hope you start to feeling better. It would be good to hear improvement. Waiting for cooler weather and I think it will make a difference.
Mel, got the Olympics on TV here. It is a break from feeling so overwhelmed. The kids are so dedicated and their families, supportive. It sure is thrilling watching. Gymnastics, swimming and volleyball are in my wheelhouse. Oh my gosh just watched Paul, team USA, on the pummel horse. WOW. Mara, the pizza sounds wonderful. Darn that machine. Would a duvet work better then blankets? They should be lighter in the machines. Of course you gotta be willing to button all those holes up. Hello to those I may have missed.
In pockets for all your needs.
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mkestrel I love the pictures, what beautiful scenery! Sorry to hear of all who are dealing with fires and smoke. Hope the conditions improve soon.
Shana Hope you had a better day today.
Mara Sorry to hear about the washer but impressed with using the salad spinner!
Mel Yes I also enjoy the olympics. My favorites are gymnastics, diving, swimming and volleyball. Definitely a nice break from reality !
Back to humidity here but was a gorgeous weekend! Before we know it will be sweater weather and pumpkin spice everything lol. Sleep well ladies❤️
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Started my beloved laundry, using the unworking washer with the wash wand, Agitate for a minute or two, wait 10 mins, agitate again, may leave laundry in to soak since I had more soiled items to clean, salad spinners can be used for delicates or clothes not overly soiled. My other washer as I discovered still works, it just stops mid cycle and needs a restart so there is still that one, it has the spinner I use before everything goes in the dryer. My house smells lovely, got a frebreeze air freshener, just sits on the table, not a plug in for a fresh smell near litter but the dryer is going so a fan is blowing that air toward the living room. Very nice.
Not much going on here, I read on the weather network that Toronto and area are in the path of heavy floods, potentially causing flooding again due to the humidity. London where I am is not really in that line of rain according to the radar map but hope Toronto is spared as they were flooded last week.
Yesterday, I ate the whole pizza through 3 meals yesterday, it was very good and had added beans to it. Today, more beans included with another frozen pasta. I open the frozen pasta, usually a fettucine, crack an egg or two right on top and usually add beefless ground though have not defrosted it yet. Season with garlic and sour cream and onion dry seasonings, put in microwave for 4min 30 seconds on high. Comes out and all I have to do is combine. Not pretty but really delicious and depending on beans included in it, pretty nutritious. May chop beans up first to get the ground beef texture. Later may do a bowl of cereal and supper will likely be a bigger pot pie and some lentils if I run out of beans. That way I can add some caesar dressing or mayo and ketchup which I love. I will see where my appetite leads me.
I got a call from the community health even though have an in home appointment tomorrow. I looked over services but not feeling I need them at this current time, housework takes very little time, am able to launder own clothes, take hospital baths and moisturize my skin. Other than not walking during the humid weather, marched yesterday holding two canes. I don't have anything to hold onto for the arm movement with Leslie but the two canes keep me balanced while marching. I think that is enough for now and Walmart is my grocery delivery, do not need anything right now. Earning bit of money for cat food, they need some wet food I think. I like to save money for it.
I do hope everyone has a good day, In pockets for those who need me. I am just going to earn money online today to shift toward other things, like take 10 bucks a month in earnings and keep up on the walmart delivery fee.
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I’ve been reading along but have been neglectful in posting. My heart breaks for all of you suffering - especially Irishlove with a covid house, and Shanagirl. I’m so sorry if I left someone out. Gorgeous photos, mkestrel. Mara, your energy is admirable! Not sure how you do it. I feel like I’m in a funk, though I don’t feel depressed. Just having a hard time focusing. We’re driving to Michigan on Thursday to visit our best friends. Short visit, driving home Monday as I have all my scans on Tuesday. Been trying acupuncture for back pain but after 5 treatments can’t feel any real difference. Just had my pre-op today for my right knee replacement on 8/20. Yes folks, that will be my 4th replacement in just over 2 years🙄🙄. I’m grateful that my orthos will do them! And yes, I love the Olympics. Watch every night. Not sure I liked the opening ceremonies. I love all the competitions, especially when the USA gets to medal. I’ve never been to Paris - has never been on my bucket list. Have any of you been there? Now my bucket list is short - just want to spend time with family. Love to all of you, my dear sisters🥰
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I’ve never been there, I’ve not really wanted to travel there, I’m more of a Caribbean type of person. Or was. I have no idea what I am now. Can’t be in the sun long. Heat wrecks me. Looks like they were dealing with some heat and a the first day rain. I think it runs till the 11 th and I plan to watch everyday as well. I too enjoy when the usa medals. It’s nice that the fans have returned to the stands. Last time covid was more afoot and no one was traveling. Some athletes didn’t even go ! I read an article that the village for the athlete’s was getting some pretty good complaints. I guess that happens every Olympics. But if there is waste running in the halls because it’s ten people to two bathrooms and they showed a pic and it was tiny. The sewage was running into the river that the athletes were to swim the triathlon in the up coming days. Gross me out!
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Hi everyone. Hope you are having a peaceful and painfree night of sleep. I noticed I fall asleep around 3 now, get up 2 or 3 times to piddle and then don't wake up until 2:30 in the afternoon. Those darn medical appts. are always around 1 to 2 and once I'm sleep deprieved, I am a mess for a few days.
We can't find covid test kits as we used all of ours. I believe I am clear, just some minor mucous and cough here and there. DH, he's on "Z" pack, immune supplements and Delsym. He says he feels better but he sounds awful, plus he is hoarse. He resumed walking the girls this morning, so they are happy. DD says she still feels weak. Her spouse finally feels better and returned to work. 10 yr. old GD, hides in her bedroom, says she doesn't feel well and is hardly eating. She's the only one that was vomiting. I open the doors and blast the air purifiers to clean out this sick house. Hopeful it will clear up this week.
I can't lift or do much. I read my MRI and it's not cancer, but severe stenosis, scoliosis and cysts that are causing pressure on spine, legs, sciatica. Hydrocodone isn't helping much. I read up on my situation and it says can cause bowel and bladder problems. That would account for hospital stay with bowel blockage just 1 1/2 weeks ago. It was so very painful. Now I'm using Miralax one to two times daily. Bladder is just plain funky. Stop and go. No UTI though. I will need to address this with GP appt Aug. 11th. It's not recommended to have surgery as it's very high risk, but possible to drain some of the sacs. They will probably refill in time. I've worked so hard to keep my legs going with MS, so this is really upsetting that I am at very high risk of neurological problems from waist down. I think this old gal is gonna keep on going until I keel over. No use worrying so much. In pockets for all my sweet friends.
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Goldens, I can empathize with you on the funk but not the full on depression. I have felt that today and no particular reason for it.
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I never been interested in Paris, I prefer the beach and a tropical drink.
Reading along but nothing to report, just another day relaxing on my mountain.
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Good morning ladies
Sending hugs to those struggling.
Irish love I hope your house is filled with fresh healing air today and everyone is feeling better.
@shanagirl a summer cold thing is terrible. Hopefully bed rest gets you feeling well again. I think the grandkids start school I the14th and then the germs begin.
@mkestrel thanks for the joyous pictures.
Mara too bad about that portable washer. But you said you don’t really need it so more space I guess.
Mel I’m still doing mouth sore regimen. Tia is the longest it has lasted.
I’m at acupuncture this morning but can’t wait to get home to sleep. Insomnia for a few days has me exhausted.
Take care all
Tanya
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Good morning everyone, I'm trying to be grateful that my house is being painted...am sequestered in the downstairs bedroom/bath with the workers having taped plastic over the kitchen cupboards and fridge (so they can paint the ceiling). Am going to have to go out for some tea. I'm such a homebody, I don't like my home all disrupted! But it will be great when done, just want it done NOW.
Still having some diarrhea, my MO thinks it's likely the Ibrance, even though I haven't had this much diarrhea in over three years that I've been on it. Guess it's possible that side effects can change over time? I don't have other symptoms that would concern her. Thank goodness for imodium.
Went to Paris once when I was 18, had no money, stayed in a youth hostel, and remember being impressed that breakfast was a huge mug of hot cocoa, fresh bread and butter with jam.
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@irishlove Praying winds of healing wash over your house today and that you all feel better soon.
@sf-cakes @shanagirl @tanya_djamila Sorry you are also dealing with extra issues too. Seems we can't get a break.
@sunshine99 How are you feeling? Has your fever resolved?
I've never been to Paris but the French Riviera was wonderful! I am happy the Olympics are going well. It is hot, hot, hot and the fires are continuing to rage in so many places including here in Colorado. Praying for the safety of the firefighters. I can't imagine what they do and in this heat!
I saw my PCP yesterday and he saw nothing new of concern and to stay the course. It is what I thought he would say. I am up-to-date on everything except for my Covid booster. I am hesitant to get it but then so many of you here got Covid recently perhaps I should rethink that. I will talk to my MO tomorrow but figure she will have nothing new to say either until my scan on the 12th. I would move the appt but she cancelled last time and it has been 12 weeks since I have been in to see her. I had to run to the bathroom yesterday between the time the nurse got vitals and before the doc came in. He always runs late anyways. I felt so crappy I almost laid down on the table waiting for him. Something has got to change! I guess it is back to the wheelchair for me although I haven't needed it for almost two years. Arghh!
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Tanya~ I am so sorry about your mouth. It won’t get any better I’m sorry to say. I’m coping through that steroid mouthwash. If it wasn’t for that and the Percocet I’d be in the mad house early.
just saw Katie Ledecky win her 12 th gold medal of all time and it looked like it was a breeze for her , what a wonderful thing to have seen!!! Loving these Olympics and so far I’d say that Paris/France is a great host country ! The triathlon was played out today because the water in. The Senne , river wasn’t high with bacteria when they tested. I can’t imagine putting a toe inside that river knowing that the day before it was high with bacteria! Eewweeww!3 -
goldens Sorry your in a funk we all understand that feeling here. Hoping your visit with friends will pull you out of it. Glad your getting your knee replacement but sheesh 4th one!!?? It's hard enough doing that once let alone 4 times! We'll all be in your pocket for quick healing.
Irish Glad to hear you all seem to be slowly turning the corner on Covid. Sorry to hear of the spinal stenosis hoping your doctors will be on that to manage pain.
Tanya Sending more healing thoughts and prayers your way.
sfcakes It will be nice to have a fresh look to your home but agree the interim can be a bit rough. Hoping your bowel calms down sooner than later.
Mel Yep I'm with ya on the nasty river water,yuck! Maybe I 've watched too much of monsters inside me lol. I would definitely have my best recorded swim time that's for sure! I have never been to Paris and really have lost my desire to travel outside the US. Give me a beach and cool drink and I'm there!
DH getting Echo tomorrow to check his heart function. Hoping all is well, he has been very uncomfortable with his knee and hopes to have surgery ASAP. He needs an MRI to confirm tear but has to be coordinated with rep from defibrillator company. Device needs to be deactivated for scan so we are jumping through lots of hoops to get this done. Fingers crossed. He has been doing well since his heart failure diagnosis 2 years ago, hoping he continues that way,
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Mae~ I’ve never really wanted to go to France either. I also agree about the beach and a drink. My DH and I went out to dinner last Saturday and I ordered a pina coloda. It was delicious! Yummy 😋 I’ve always loved the beach and I couldn’t ski. So I wasnt a big winter gal. It’s been soupy like hot here. Gross actually. Don’t want to go out much. Thank goodness for air conditioning!
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knock knock! I'm bringing a bowl of cherries for everyone in the living room 🙂
Hello Mel and everyone
I love this thread. it feels like the perfect place to share, support and have a great conversation with people who understand each other really well. I'll be delighted to join you all wonderful ladies.
hugs
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welcome snowdrop~ welcome to our little place of support and love . We do understand how things are we support the heck out of each other. I’m so happy you’re here!
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