My Husband, My Life, My Love, My Family, My Cancer

@shanagirl Wow girl, I have been praying for you but had no idea how really rough a week you have had. Please know my prayers will continue that you will be able to enjoy seeing your family. I totally understand restricting travel in the future as I don't travel at all anymore. Hugs!

@shanagirl Hoping today finds you in less pain and having a good family visit hopefully.

I slept like crap last night, not sure why to be honest. I did watch a lot of youtube before going to bed. There are a lot of what if type stories set in the Harry Potter universe I like to watch, like what if the Dursley family loved him or what if Star Wars stories. They are pretty entertaining I have to say. Made it to bed by three but only lightly dozed. Oh well, worse things happen.

Nothing really on the agenda, had to do a quick mop this morning since my cat had a couple of fur balls. It is much easier to clean stuff with resusable pads, that swiffer wet jet find in the hallway near the back door was great. Nice to have free stuff. Putting a box of ramen in the front hall in a box labeled free again, I am not going to eat it again. It is cheap but even so, I find it bitter, even the newer stuff and I did not find another way to disguise that fact. Rather eat the frozen pastas or a regular dried pasta and dress it up myself. Seasonings are pretty inexpensive as well.

Did book a ride for Thursday, just a mall walk, pick up at 230 pm from home and drop off at 4pm from Walmart. The rides confirmed within a few minutes. I was late booking yesterday at 12pm so only one ride booked, other unaccomodated so had to cancel as original plan was go out on Wednesday. I will file that under get up early to ensure rides. I know that I have been spoiled by Paratransit picking me up from home and dropping me off anywhere. The idea of taking the bus is not appealing to me at all.

I am unsure about meals at this point. I do need to eat up some eggs, Easy option is of course whisk up egg in a bowl with non stick spray, add lentils and beefless ground to the mix or a mini pot pie to the top. Option two would still involve an egg, heated in a mini griddle. I am planning to heat up an egg in a mini griddle on one side, put some lentils in as well. On the other side, second minigriddle heats up some of the diced hashbrowns.

EDIT 1 The egg, few lentils and beefless ground were fine and that combo tasted good. The diced hashbrowns did not work for me, they did not become crispy enough. The mixture of the egg combo along with the hashbrowns was good as I wrapped it all in tostitos queso and some of the plain yogurt to boost the protein. I did like it well enough but anything hashbrown needs to go the air fryer route. Eggs are nicely done in the minigriddle though.

EDIT 2 Decided to have a generous amount of salad, a mexican street type salad. I liked the stuff like the dried corn and other ingredients it came with, sampled the dressing but did not like that, put some caesar dressing and ranch as well, small amounts of each.

I may have another edit coming along when I make my last meal, I do have a ton of the pot pies, regular size, counted 6 in the freezer, lots of bean and beef burritos and still have a tube of lean ground beef. Mini pot pies as well. Thinking of skipping skip the dishes and just spending comparable amounts on Walmart instead.

Paying bills on my grocery card because I can get up to 5.00 cash back for doing that and I think that is just fine. Got enough that I may take another Paratransit to see if I can get some free groceries else where.

No more posts other than to say I hope everyone had a really good day and I am in pockets always.

@tanya_djamila It is so hard when a doctor won't fill a needed prescription. There is a reason it was prescribed! Here's hoping you can get a better oncologist. I know it takes several days for my PCP to refill my sleep meds . If I miss a dose I miss a whole night's sleep no matter what I try. Ughh! I wish my oncologist would take over that prescription as her system works quicker.

@cookie54 I will be watching for the wedding pics as well!

I had my annual dermatology appointment today. I was nervous as I thought I had a couple of spots that grew too fast, but the doctor said they look benign and were of no concern to him. (I have a lot of flaky patches from all the oral chemo.) He did freeze three spots under my nose that looked suspicious and he just wanted to not let them cause any problems. The only problem is I am on oxygen 24/7 so they will be bothersome for a while. He also froze a large one on my face that I was concerned about. Mostly he did it to give me peace of mind but also for cosmetic reasons for me. But I was almost in tears of joy as I left because it was better than I thought. Why is it I am more nervous about the dermatologist seeing my (near) nakedness than the oncologist? He is very nice, polite, and gentle. He kept apologizing for causing me pain from the freezes. Oh yeah, he is pretty cute and I don't look very lovely right now. Sigh… I have my infusion tomorrow. Usually they ask me about any open sores so I am curious how they will handle the my skin issues. I did message a week ago and the nurse responded that as long as the dermatologist had a list of my medications it would be fine. Anyone else have this happen while on chemo?

The weather hit 70 today and it is supposed to snow tomorrow. Here we go again!

@shanagirl Oh jersey girl im so sorry you had a fall and been having a rough time. I hope you are able to enjoy your visit with your family.

@goldensrbest Glad you had a wonderful trip.. wow you guys covered a lot! Rest up this week.

@irishlove Glad you made it to Pa. ! Enjoy your family time.

@tanya_djamila Well shame on your new doc! Ummm hello it’s not like you’re asking for narcotics, would love to know their reasoning. Fingers crossed this gets resolved quickly!

@intolight Well I’m happy to hear your skin is in good shape! Ugh I understand how embarrassing it can feel to be in the buff and not feeling like your best self. Glad that’s behind you!

@candy-678 Hope you had a day free of side effects 🤞🏻

@mara51506 Glad you have another bus trip planned this week, enjoy!

Well back to business this week, busy medical month for me! Two appointments each week in May with various docs , scans etc. But it’s ok , I’m hoping to have all good news and be set for summer🙏🏻

Hi to all here , have a peaceful night..

@cookie54 What a beautiful wedding! You look great!

@tanya_djamila Hope you get your medicine soon.

@cookie54 Yes, nice to clean up the seat cover. Trouble is, I am unable to get the cover back on the seat, I sat for half an hour and the cover would not get all the way in. Thinking the foam cushion is an issue. I decided to take a blanket to cover the seat for now and will put aside the cushion for now. I prefer to do that than struggle with the cover. It is a fleece blanket, when it comes to covering the foam cushion, I will simply use one of my 10000 blankets, bonus is I get to clean the blanket more often. I am not fussy enough to worry about the original seat covers. I had never cleaned them so it is no wonder there was dust and it would be a waste of money to buy a carpet shampooer to clean the cushions. EDIT to add that it was not cat fur that caused the pile of lint, it was from the cushion I dried. Oh well, dryer seems clean, will take a bigger look to make sure, anything with lint in it from the dryer will be washed again, lint filter in there is pretty good and would pick up anything I do not catch.

Nothing scheduled today, days out are Thursday and Friday, 230 to 4pm. Walmart Thursday and another grocery store Friday, see how far the 10 dollars earned gets me, perhaps a frozen pizza. I will see. I get points up to 5 bucks reward per month for paying different bills so that is pretty cool, I can redeem the points for different stuff. Not sure what I want to do on Friday, could walk up to the Mcdonalds and have a snack, be interesting to compare prices. Then go to the store, I will have to see.

This morning planning to do basic laundry, got to sew up a hole in my scarf I wear at night, head gets cold. My sleep mask which is brilliant had a part that exposed metal and it caused a hole, I will sew it up at some point. I addressed the sleep mask, I took some yarn I have and wrapped it around the metal and tied it off works well. I also use my wee salad spinner as a washer, spin in my spin dryer and just use the hanging dryer as well, keeps a bit cleaner.

I am debating breakfast. I am thinking of doing up some diced hashbrowns and lentils in the air fryer, get an egg done up in the mini griddle and once those are done, toast up an english muffin to put the egg on. Perhaps butter and one of the billion may flavours I have on deck. I am craving an egg mcmuffin but can do better for myself with my own stuff. Not sure when my lentils kick will run out but they really work for me I must say. Will start that up within the hour I think, I wanted more salad dressing and was going to order from Amazon but I would have to order 3, no thank you.

EDIT 1 on food, I did wind up putting a pile of lentils and diced potatoes in the air fryer, when the were almost done, tossed cheese in and kept on stirring. I am realizing the diced potatoes don't get very crunchy but am not bothered. Once they came out, dumped in a bowl, put a good amount of queso and a spoon of plain yogurt. Good to have more than one source of protein in there between the lentils, cheese and the yogurt. Dry seasonings included sour cream and onion, taco seasoning and a bit of salt. It was delicious and very filling.

EDIT 2 Decided on getting Mcdonalds but changing one of the items to be similar to a big mac. Got the Mcdouble meal with small fries and fruitopia drink but removed ketchup, mustard and pickles. Instead purchased big mac sauce condiments, 3 of them and the mayo style sauce as a condiment as well. You get close to a Big Mac but save 10 dollars. I found a card that had a credit balance on it so it is in effect free.

I do hope everyone has a good day, in pockets for all.

Slept pretty good, got some laundry in. It is not particularly dirty but got a bunch of foam in when put seat cover in dryer, finding it easier to do another wash vs pick each piece off. When I decide to, will take the second seat cover off and cover with another fleece blanket, still planning to wash them a couple times a month.. Already did my first mop of the floor for the day, It looks better each day. Had to fill bottle again, 1/3 vinegar to 2/3 water and a couple drops of dish soap, keeps it smelling fresher and picks up spots I find.

I did manage to take out 4 bags of garbage, mostly cat litter stuff that has been sitting in my bins out back outside. I keep them neat looking so no one has complained or tried to use them. Easier to get out by putting cane under my arm so hand is free to hold the bags and other holds the stair rail. Only 7 steps but like being careful.

I did find a credit on one of my cards, I put minute amounts on and every few weeks, get a credit going allowing for extra groceries or the skip the dishes stuff. Getting an egg mcmuffin meal and extra hashbrown, essentially free as well. Figured I could take care of breakfast earlier. Yesterday's mcdouble disguised as a big mac was good too. Got a few of the big mac sauce condiments and some of the mayo stuff as well. I cannot eat a big mac even on its own so the meal was a good size for me. Getting an egg mcmuffin this morning, will eat up and start to get ready. Got a prescription arriving and then have my trip to walmart between 230 and 4. Got a different trip tomorrow 230 to 4 to the grocery store that gives me some free groceries. I will likely walk the grocery store slowly a couple times as well. Thinking in future, just need to book an hour as I will never be doing a ton of walking there like walmart since there is the mall to visit.

EDIT I am preparing my dinner in a large pot. I put a bunch of rice and a lot of red lentils and beefless ground. Problem is I did not measure the water I put in so I am going to simmller on low, any higher and the stuff will boil over, not in the mood for that. I also added some corn bread mix to thicken it up, the red lentils and rice will be come almost a sauce. It would be akin to a creamy oatmeal, Update, the red lentils beefless ground and rice was gross. I did add cornbread mix to thicken up the meal. The taste itself was fine but so thick, threw out my leftovers and the rest. In future need to follow amounts when making stuff and have already dumped the corn gread stuff. Waste of food.

I will post any food that I do that is later and hope all have a really good day and in pockets for all.

I decided to take the subpeona out of my mind since worrying will not change anything. If I have to testify, I don't remember will likely be my answer. If they prep me before, they will see that beyond bloody clothes observed, no other real details come to mind. All I know it was morning when discovered. Not bothering to fuss anymore.

Slept OK last night, sunny today. To bad I cancelled yesterday's and todays trip out due to stress from subpoena. Oh well.

Doing up well earned laundry, did not complete yesterdays. Got wash done but that was it. Will redo the wash and rinse with the softener, get them spun and in the dryer. Still like the wool balls as well and I am using some bounce sheets but rip them in half since the dryer is about half the size of a regular dryer.

I am sticking with regular food today. Will redo some red lentils on their own today and stick with a 1 part dry red lentil to 3 part water and leave it to simmer longer. It can be combined with a meat pie or something later. Probably one of the larger meat pies. Got a lot of those. Option 2 could be one of the frozen pasta dishes or just do up a small batch of white rice. I could also take half a portion of the frozen pasta to use as a side dish, who knows. I also have a bag of honey nut cheerios but may dispose of those, have not wanted to do anything with those. My pantry is looking less full which is good. I will post if something good to eat is posted. Later on can have a peanut butter and honey english muffin.

Meal update, 1/4 cup of dry lentils as they have already puffed up. Going to include with either a side dish burrito OR just add to the top of a pasta, have to see what I want to do. Used the 1 to 3 ratio suggested when preparing dry red lentils. I think I will add those to one of my meat pies as a side, can easily combine them in the gravy you get along with the delicious crust.ADDITION: The frozen beef and tomato pasta was good as expected, the 1/4 cup dried red lentils expanded quite a bit so it took a long time to eat as I was getting full quickly. I did add some sour cream and onion seasoning, salt, salad dressing ranch and some taco seasoning. It did taste good.

Other than my census which is due 16th of this month, nothing on my agenda.

Hope everyone has been having a good day, I am always in pockets as well.

Thank you both, @candy-678 and @threetree, for sharing how you're feeling with your changes in treatment. Candy, hoping the worst is behind you regarding side effects from this cycle - have you heard if the subsequent cycles are less harsh, as maybe your body gets a bit more used to it? And threetree, it makes sense to me that it feels hard to celebrate good scan results when you feel bad physically.

Sending love and support! ❤️

@candy-678 We are in your pocket as you navigate the new drug and SE. I hope any SE that shows up can be dealt with easy drugs or foods to up your red blood cells. We are in your pocket anyway.

@cookie54 Yeah, I think my cancelling trips due to the subpeona was just my own excuse to skip going out. I am an extreme hermit, always have been honestly. I think I will stick to trying to motivate myself to use the treadmill. I get anxious when I have to be out. I have Herceptin this week so thinking can walk around hospital. As far as the bloody clothes, I initially thought it was a skunk or something. It was not very graphic just weird. I will just go to the courthouse, hopefully like they go over my testimony and when asking me about it, I can explain lack of memory for specific details as it was 7 years ago at least. As far as the going out, will put it to the side.

No agenda, had to change batteries in the wet jet. My cats seem to save furballs and stuff til overnight so a mop is always necessary. I still love it though. Laundry on the go as well. I must say, when it comes to drying stuff, the wool balls I got are good, makes drying time shorter. I use maybe a third of a dryer sheet and between balls and bit of dryer sheet, nothing is staticky anymore.

Not sure what to make, thinking of rice, lentils both dried and from the can and beans. I would make each part separately, does not work well to have each in one pot, make up rice first, some dried lentils next, can do 2 tbsp of the stuff and 1/4 cup water, gives the correct ratio. 1/4 cup white rice and 1/4 beans, would chop them up first. Lots of work but that is what is calling. I can easily see that being good. Use my queso and some plain white yogurt as my two binders, Yogurt supplies protein as well. Will post later on what I decide.

EDIT I actually skipped the rice but did combine the 1\8th cup red lentils, did 10 mins of heating them up and stirring, added some taco seasoning first, added 1/4 cup canned lentils and 1/4 cup black beans to the same pot, I did add queso, couple of spoonful and some plain white yogurt. Heated up again, the pot became very creamy due to the queso and yogurt, let cool and put in a large bowl. Added sour cream and onion, taco seasoning again and finally little bit of salt and garlic butter seasoning. It was really good and I was able to finish the dish.

Have to do my census today, doing online, jail if I do not or at least a fine. Getting that done iEDs top priority. Other priority

I also have to say thank you to whoever suggested the hip fans, got 2 of them because although I never used them, they make wonderful phone chargers, flashlights and of course the fan, the fan can last more than 24 hours as well. I use them nightly to make sure my phone plays the rain sound all night.

I hope days for all are going well, in pockets for all.

u