My Husband, My Life, My Love, My Family, My Cancer
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@threetree Forgot to respond to your questions… Yes, I experienced mild cramping on Xeloda but no noticeable fluid retention.
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@intolight - I really appreciate your response. I'll see if my cramps get any worse, otherwise maybe they won't be a real problem. The fluid retention is mostly in my legs and feet and I'm beginning to wonder if it isn't possibly related to my sitting up at the computer more often these last couple of weeks. With these things coinciding with starting the drug it's hard to sort out what's causing what - a big ongoing problem with all this cancer treatment. These symptoms are much like what I get when my potassium is low, so maybe I'll make sure to eat some higher potassium food over the next few days. I'll get a routine blood draw at the end of the month, and that should show something.
So sorry about your daughter and granddaughter being sick. I wish them both a speedy recovery. It does sound like a real good set up that you have with your downstairs - perfect.
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Thanks for all your responses to my post. Maybe I am not as social as I thought. Prior to cancer, and when I was younger, I did enjoy being in the buzz of activity. But now, with the cancer, and older, and my mobility issues with the arthritis, I don't really miss going to the "latest" activity. Maybe older and wiser? Who knows. I just do not see myself being in the large crowds that were posted in the pics on Facebook concerning that fundraiser dinner. I don't want to go to activities like that bad enough to put my health at risk. Not worth it. And I will get back to attending church when the illnesses abate. And I can call my friends and go to lunch with them when there is not as much sickness around. I will have a better time if I am not concerned as much about the person sitting at the next table. Oh, don't get me wrong, I do miss some social gatherings. But not enough to risk my health.
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@threetree I do get some muscle cramps on occasion usually while I'm sleeping> No noticeable extremity swelling but I do feel like my week on I have a little chemo belly bloat. Fingers crossed this first week goes well for you.
@candy-678 You we all have our comfort zone and it's fine! I got the flu shot but not covid and I'm probably not as cautious as I should be sometimes. I am a big hand washer and sanitizer gal especially after touching door handle etc in public places.
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@mara51506 I’m so glad you are home and already planning what meal you want to make, I sounds like you are back to your energizer bunny ol’ self🥰I’m sure your kitties are happy too, that you are back home. I am just so happy you are safe at home and having a great recovery. I was so worried about you my girl. Please don’t over do it and try to commit to resting‼️🌷🩵
@xsuzx Did your onc say why he wants a bone or marrow biopsy?. Whatever the procedure, just insist you want to be out for it. My anesthesiologist alwasys says “don’t worry I’ll mak sure. I have a heavey hand, you won’t feel a thing or be aware.” I’ll be in your pocket and sending calming vibes.💗
So tomorrow is scan day at the Cancer hospital. Ugh such a long day. NM Bone Scan & CT. I’ve been so miserable since PT on Friday. it was my first day back since my radiation ad PT for the Radiofrequency ablation to my neck cervical spine. the PT must have stirred up the 8 facet nerve lazer injections that burned my nerves. I’ve been almost immobilized from the gnawing pain down my neck and scapula bones, all night i was awake with stabbing knife like pain in my C-3 C-4 C-5 C-7 where the neurosurgeon cauterized the 8 facet nerves on each vertebrae.. I was so annoyed at myself for telling him haow wonderful I felt and the procedure had worked so well and all I was taking for pain was Motrin & voltarin which has always worked when I get bone pain. but I should have asked him for oxycodone during my followup last Monday. H renewed my PT for my neck and learning how to use a cane properly .i thing the girl PT had me over do it with the neck strengthening exerises and shoulder pulley. She didn’t even give a good massage and traction the way my normal PT does, but he was out on Friday. He’s also aware I have compression fractures in T3 vertebrae between my shoulder blades and my PT has always helped me recover from the procedures in my neck. But Ihave not been in PT since before I went for the 10 day Palliative radiation for the met in my Acetbulum bone in my hip socket.. the last day for Rad was the day after Thanksgiving, The Rad Oncologist now has me in PT for my hip
@candy-678 hey there girl. It’s always good to see you drop in. Yes I remember having to retire from your career took an emotional toll on you. But you could not have kept that pace up dealing with the fog of cancer and all the side effects of treatment. Also dealing with ignorant people who just don’t get it when they treat you like the “identified cancer patient . I remember how you were so sad about retiring.I’m glad your QOL is good and you are doing so fun things that keep up you QOL.. I kind of feel the way. You do. My QOL is ok so far, even with Stage IV for going on 3 years, I was diagnosed in 2009 Stage IIIA and NED all those years until 2022 it shows up as bon Mets. I thought my life was done and over at my age even though I’ve always been active and young at heart and in my mind, I will be 77 in April and I keep thinking I plan to stick around into my 80’s if I can manage that but I don’t know how long my current meds will keep me reasonably stable..
Hi @threetree , I’m thinking of you as you wait to get some answers from your scans. Waiting is frustrating when your mind is going crazy wondering what’s what with this rechid disease. Sending som breath prayers your way. And hello also to @eleanora and @chicagoan and everyone else. Have a blessed evening Of peace and rest, everyone, oh and. @irishlove ….love ya Laurel. Have a peaceful evening with DH,♥️
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@cookie54 - That's really interesting about the cramps you get at night. That's when I notice most of this, so maybe it won't turn out to be anything more than this. Very helpful, thank you so much.
@shanagirl - Oh Shana, are you ever going to get a break with this neck thing? I can't believe how unpleasant (understatement) this has all sounded, and how amazingly you have risen to the challenge. It does sound like you've made some good progress, and this latest issue with the PT and all is hopefully just an unfortunate bump in the road, and things will smooth out again soon. I am "only" 73, and I too always figured I'd make it into my eighties, and I'd still like to, but like you noted, it's hard to see that these drugs can/might carry me that far. Family history and my relatively good health, before the cancer diagnosis all suggested I'd very likely get into my eighties, but ...
I think of you often and really appreciate your comments and support. I'm sending you lots of good wishes and a hug, as you continue to work on your neck problem, and for your scan day tomorrow. I know those very well, and how long and anxiety producing they can be. In your pocket, and here's to a good scan report!
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Good evening all you sweet gals. @shanagirl That saying is you are only as old as you feel, so I lie and say I feel fine. Now lets see what that adds up to in dog years. lol. I do not believe that 77 is anything more then a number. Just wish they could get you pain free so you can enjoy more fun things to do. @mara51506 You have certainly put me to shame with your housework getting done so fast after a serious surgery. We are just so very happy to see you and hear you and know you are going to be just fine! @threetree In your pocket for good results from scans. @intolight My email showed I have a message from you here at breastcancer.org. I'm afraid nothing has shown up. I hope you are doing well with your new treatment.
I have an endoscope Jan. 28th. It's a challenge swallowing fluid or fluid with meds. No problems with food, so far. Some minor acid reflux even though I'm on a proton inhibitor. I feel it's MS related, but neurologist doesn't. So Gastro said we will do the endo but he will also refer me to a speech pathologist. I like this plan. UTI is cleared finally back on Ibrance. It's been 4 months since full scan and I'm getting anxious that it's just too long to wait.
No snow here, but did drop to 30 this morning. Sis said going down to 11 and they had snow again today. Looks like 4-6 inches. Latest weather guy is calling for large storm next Sunday. Sleet, snow, rain across numerous states. I'm so grateful DH no longer walks a police beat up in the mountains of NC.
In pockets for all your needs.
Irishlove
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@irishlove Thank you for saying that, my apartment is small so it is not hard, just have to follow an order, make bed first, floor, box, bathroom. and kitchen. Still soak dishes and make sure they are done as well. Also got some recycling out back to take out tonight as well. Next week, got garbage to take out as well.
I do have laundry as well, what else is new I suppose and I am not upset about that fact, still love it myself. Love washing first, adding some lysol laundry disinfectant and then the softener cycle.
Not sure on food today, I have some beans pulled out, black beans and will probably air fry them, eggs could be on the agenda and definitely yogurt and jello. May try a softer boil, 7 mins on 140 in the shell, get a runny yolk out of them
I do hope everyone has a good day and I am in pockets for everyone.
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@irishlove - In your pocket for sure, for your endoscopy. Also very glad to hear that the UTI is finally gone, and that you are back on track with the cancer meds - so important. I woke up to 30 degrees also, and am enjoying it, because it's been coming with sunshine these last few days, and it makes for great walks; sun and frost together is a real treat in the morning. You are talking about @mara51506 and all of what she does re her housework, well I'm equally impressed with all you do for the "outside", tending to all the wildlife and plants; bringing various ones inside, due to the weather, etc. I couldn't do all that either. Hope you have a wonderful day.
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@irishlove I am impressed with what you get done outside as well. Most I get outside is in back in my container to store stuff til recycle or garbage day.
Everything did get done today and I am happy about that.
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@shanagirl Best wishes for your scans tomorrow. Your neck issues sound so painful. I hope that you get the "good" PT next time.
Stay warm everyone!
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I need a new freaking computer. Four paragraphs lost and boy did I try to recover them. grr.
@shanagirl I hope all your testing went well and quickly, too. That's a lot in one day. I found gabapentin helps with nerve pain that I have due to MS. @mara51506 I'm about routines. Curtains open to welcome the sunshine in and bed made everyday. I can't climb into an unmade bed. @mara51506 I love routines also. When I wake in the morning, open the curtains first and make my bed. I just can't climb into an unmade bed.
Lost half the post again. I wonder if it has anything to do with that solar flare? I'll just say goodnight and thank you everyone for your encouragement that keeps me moving. In pockets for all your needs.
Irishlove
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@irishlove I have been converted to making the bed, even if I get up, use bathroom and feed cats first. My room looks nicer. I cannot make it look magazine worth but it is tidy.
I am still on steroids, not too much longer to take those I do not think, possibly til the end of week. They are not too bad for sleeping, slept some hours on couch last night, went to bed soon after for another 6 hours so that is not bad at all.
No schedule today beyond the usual stuff, laundry, meals, kitchen cleanup and the cat area as well. Kitchen is clean already, got to leave it that way. Got a lot of laundry yesterday, will check my hamper. SIL took one of the big containers and put a label dirty clothes on it which was clever I think. Easier to keep track of stuff in it.
Not sure on meals, have some beans I can have, I will either air fry them whole OR make eggs and beans, microwave for 5 mins, let cool and put into the chopper and add to a fry pan with rice, will see which version I want done.
I hope everyone has a good day and I am in pockets for all.
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@shanagirl in your pocket for your scans today. Hope everything goes as planned and that you get nice technicians who are gentle with you.
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@shanagirl Squeezing in your pocket today hope I'm not too late! Hope it's been a smooth process so far. Hugs💕
@mara51506 Glad to hear steroids are almost finished and haven't been too disruptive. It's bitter cold here today but beautiful sunshine! Just been laying low doing some straightening up and organizing drawers. DH and I are going to brave the cold and go out to dinner tonight. I;ll got out for that to get a break from cooking lol.
Hope everyone is having a good day so far😊
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Thank you all for the well wishes and pocket duty for my scans yesterday. The CT came back today on my chart. All organs are normal, even my lungs are clear. Liver kidneys, spleen pancreas all normal. The only Impression was scattered stable scattered osseous metastases all stable.
So got through another scan without issue on the CT. Just waiting for the nuclear Medicine Bone Scan to show up on MY CHART.😉
went to PT and mentiond to them that my first day back on Friday, I must have done too much, So he lowered the amounts and reps and told me to stop if I was starting to hurt, which I did. the I got some good traction and massage with heat therapy and tenns electro therapy and so fari. I ‘ve been ok. 😌
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@shanagirl - That's a good CT report - congratulations! Fingers crossed🤞 that the bone scan comes back good too.
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@shanagirl Glad to hear things are stable! Hope you rest well tonight after your long day.
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Slept OK last night though forgot to turn on the rain hypnosis most of the night. That is OK. Today is the day my staples can come out, been 14 days since surgery. I have my neighbour's number so will call her around 9 or 10 to come and remove them. I look forward to that.
Got laundry started, will make the bed, sweep and mop floor as well.
Not too sure on food, think I need to open my black beans and make stuff out of those whether I just chop them and do them up in a pan with rice or make them crispy in the air fryer. Many different ways to cook them up, will post if anything interesting comes up.
I do hope everyone has a good day and in pockets for all including my own to get stuff done again.
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Shana - so glad you got a good CT report. Fingers crossed for same with bone scan.
Have finally recovered from the flu. Took 2 weeks. Keep hearing how bad it is out there….. be safe everyone.
Here for pocket duty for all in need.
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@mara51506 - Good luck with the staple removal. I'm assuming you nurse can set up a sterile environment, etc. In your pocket!
@goldensrbest - Good to see you post, and so glad you've recovered from that flu. I was wondering how you were doing. I too have heard about the flu being extra bad this year.
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@goldensrbest 2 weeks of the flu! That must have been miserable. Glad you are feeling better.
@mara51506 Good luck with the staple removal.
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Hi all, here's a frozen forest and a warm cat. It was our anniversary so we went to our fav spot Gold Fork hot springs and that's the Gold fork river.
@shanagirl thanks for thinking of me, haven't posted in a while. Congrats on your ok scan. I've been ok on Trodelvy except a delay and boosters for low white counts. Been feeling down but I try to walk at the park every day. My husband has had two colds and drenched himself in Lysol wiping everything down and somehow I haven't caught it yet. I wear a mask everywhere but don't go out much. Isolating is very boring.
I got a giant stack of paperwork from SSA saying they are reviewing my disability status. I filled out everything online and hopefully all should be ok but it is nerve wracking to be told it's possible to be kicked off disability and Medicare and everything. Like we need extra stress.
@goldensrbest sorry you had the flu ugh.
@mara51506 glad to read your surgery went well. Wish you a smooth recovery.
@cookie54 hi ☺️
I'm afraid to scroll back and lose the post. Hugs to all dealing with so much as best as you can.
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@mkestrel Oh I’m so glad to see those beautiful pictures my artistic friend. Sorry about DH having a bad cold . It seems everyone is complaining of this never ending cough and tiredness, this winter., I try to wash my hands often and wipe things down with those throwaway Clorox wipes, like counters and doorknobs and the Tv remote control. But mostly I’m sticking to the turmeric teas and others that boost immunity. I am not a mask person mostly because of my asthma and the fibers and bacteria inside the mask, but the fresh air is excellent therapy🥰
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@shanagirl Interesting you say that about masks. I hate wearing them even though I don't have asthma. I do have lung damage from cancer. I find it very difficult to breathe while masked and immediately become very congested. I too love the fresh air.
@mkestrel Thanks for the pics. Belated Happy Anniversary!
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@mkestrel Wow, beautiful pics and the kitty…those eyes! Happy belated Anniversary, hope you enjoy your day together.
@mara51506 Hope your staple removal was quick and smooth!
@shanagirl Hi there hope you relaxed and stayed warm today a bit of warmer weather before this possible large snowstorm. I hope to get out and walk tomorrow without having to dodge the icy patches.
@goldensrbest Sheesh sounds like you had it bad! Hope that's it for the season for you.
Thinking of many and hope you all have a peaceful night!❣️
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@threetree The removers are in plastic , not worried about it. If need be, I do have alcohol here to spread out on my head if need be, she's coming at 10 am tomorrow anyway.
@mkestrel Happy Anniversary to you and your husband.
@shanagirl My cold was a PIA before my surgery, productive cough for a while but once I took the mucinex pill once a day, it gradually improved and no coughing while in hospital.
Supper is boring, just going to have some frozen noodles and half english muffin. Put some garlic on top of the english muffin as well and perhaps another yogurt. Ate up the greek yogurt already so got the two good raspberry flavour.
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I slept decently last night, forgot to put on the rain hypnosis on so slept a few hours ahead of putting it on, just woke up after 3 hours of the rain.
At 10am, neighbour is coming to remove my staples. Got the tool from the hospital. Got alcohol if she needs it too. Got some laundry I did not finish, starting over. I still like the three cycles, regular wash, disinfectant cycle and finanally vinegar softener cycle. I usually run each 15 mins. Seems like a lot but gets things clean for me. Bed is made, it looks far neater than usual but would not show up in a decorating magazine. This weekend will have me wash up my blankets which requires the bigger spinner for two of the blankets, rest fit in the bigger one in the bathtub.
I plan to open the beans that I have on the counter, put in container, make those crispy in the air fryer first and then add to either rice or eggs or both, I will see. Probably have another half english muffin with garlic or whatever. I do not think the beefless ground lends itself to the air fryer unless done for a much shorter cycle, it burns easily.
I do hope all have a good day and I am in pockets for all who may need me.
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