My Husband, My Life, My Love, My Family, My Cancer
Comments
-
@threetree I had an infusion of Taxol today and my labs came back with everythings stable, my liver labs are improved, and my tumor markers have lowered, so it is working well for me. My SE concerns are that it is affecting my eyes especially my left one, and increased fatigue and SOB. I want to stay on it for as long as I can. The nurse indicated I could probably lower the dosage as she has several patients on lower dosage and are doing well. I see my oncology PA next week to discuss all this anyways. This is the first IV chemo I have been on. Thank you for the encouragement.
7 -
@intolight Happy to hear your labs are looking better on Taxol. Ugh the side effects are always the most challenging part! I hope your MO agrees with a dose reduction so you get relief . Happy belated Anniversary 💕
@threetree I’m so glad Xeloda is doing her job and I wish you a very long run with it!
@irishlove Sorry to hear about Pigeon, I hope she is doing a bit better today.🤞🏻Sheesh now your tooth.. ugh, hope it calms down soon. Oh yea dental procedures are so expensive, insurance only pays so much. I was there yesterday and my dry mouth from chemo/ rads is taking a toll on my teeth. So I need to go back and get some preventative things done .. always something!
@shanagirl So sorry to hear you didn’t make it to your appointments. Sending healing vibes and prayers your way for better days ahead🙏🏻❤️
@mara51506 Hey there sounds like your keeping yourself busy as usual our energizer bunny😊Glad things are going ok.
@micmel Hope your stomach bug has subsided and you’re feeling better.
All is ok here, just been enjoying the beautiful weather and getting out as much as possible. We know the summer will fly by so I’m trying to enjoy every moment. Been stalking the seedlings I planted , they’re getting big just waiting for the blooms!
Hi to all here, hope it’s a better week for many❌⭕️3 -
So sleepy but heartache interferes. PIGEON passed yesterday morning. She had been ill 4 days. We do not have any idea from what. SHe had been very healthy the week before. Her Mom, Minnie is looking for her constantly. We let her say goodbye but I think the scent of her be may be drawing Minnie's attention. We plan on replacing her bedding. Sheets and blankets need washing, too. It's what I do when a heartache comes along, I clean and clean some more. sigh
In pockets for all your needs with love.
Irish aka Laurel
6 -
@irishlove I am very sorry to hear about Pigeon passing away. I can definitely see the need to be busy and take the scent off so Minnow will not keep looking.
Slept well, just doing up some laundry, booked trip on Saturday to get a couple things but not at Walmart. Only sucky thing is that I found out cannot book less than a 90 min trip which kind of sucks, was going to cancel but decided not to, just need some queso. My thought is to just traverse the grocery store and then pick up stuff in the last half hour. There is a Dollarama store, suppose can poke around there a bit too. Not getting a whole lot of stuff, need queso and probably some caesar dressing. Enjoy that with a meat pie. I also have 10.00 credit since I buy stuff that gives points.
Not sure what I am eating today, I want to cook up an egg, hashbrown and english muffin in my mini griddle, can use the two I have if I wish. Take maybe 3 mins for egg, 5 mins for the hasbrown etc. I will see. Post as usual too once I have eaten.
EDIT 1 Meal is a bit different will cook up hashbrowns in breville oven preheated to 400 for 7mins, don't like them to well done. Egg will be done in the mini griddle, english muffin will be toasted on the toast function in breville and probably microwave lentils.
I hope all have a good day, in pockets for everyone as well.
3 -
@irishlove Condolences at the passing or your dear Pigeon. It hurts to lose a beloved pet especially so quickly as you were robbed with not being able to say goodbye.
3 -
@irishlove - Irish, I am so very sorry to learn about Pigeon. Sending my condolences and a hug. Take care.
2 -
@irishlove So sorry about Pigeon. Losing a pet is so hard.
3 -
Ah, thank you gals. Babysitting the bearded dragon and Rockstar, persian cat. It sure helps to keep busy. Minnie is nosey about the kitty, so I had to get creative in as my sister calls it, "rotating the crops". One in bedroom #1, one in bedroom #2, then lock dog door so cat can't get out. Then open so dog can get out. LOL. Took Winkie outside for a little shower from the hose and fed her worms. The crows did not know what to make of her. She could care less. She is a sweet reptile, actually watches me with her one eye (other one never developed) and will come to the sound of my voice. DH use to work 2nd job as security at the theatre in Boone, so we could pay for animal expenses. Rescued many, many dogs and cats thru the years. They do take a part of your heart when they leave.
Today I terminated my relationship with a company suppose to provide cancer centered medical support. They just constantly called, texted or emailed me and the services were redundent. Plus the "goals" section I am to complete once again wants me to control my pain and accept behavioral monitoring . I don't know how many times I can say I have a pallative care nurse who monitors me for pain and other needs, closely. She visits once a month. I have a mental health therapist, I simply adore. I do not have the ability to go to their recommended gym to work out. I'm 70 and have MS. All i really wanted was lympadema treatment, and that did not happen despite repeatedly requesting help. I think some of these programs mean well, but it's nice not to have someone constantly questioning hospital visits. I do not nor ever had drug seeking behavior and I resent that accusation. But I will go to the hospital when I have serious break thru pain of unknown origin. Cancer hurts. MS hurts.
In pockets for scans and life's needs in general.
Laurel
9 -
Irishlove, I had a company call me like that. Wanted to know all my appointments, symptoms, and stats. I finally talked to the girl and asked her why they did all that when I never received anything out of it. She admitted it was something that was started with Covid and they don't stop until requested. Of course I stopped it immediately. I don't remember the name or anything…all that is gone with chemo brain.
6 -
Irish - so very sorry to learn about Pigeon. 💔🐾🐾💔
We are heading to Mackinac Island for a short family vacation. Fulfilling a thimble list - staying at the Grand Hotel. Local daughter and family are joining us. Head back home on Sunday.
Here for pocket duty for all in need.
7 -
@irishlove Oh I'm so sorry to hear of Pigeon's passing and so suddenly makes it even tougher….big hugs! Glad you have the other animals to keep you busy and it sounds like you really enjoy it. Ugh well you certainly did the right thing terminating them. Obviously they mean well but not for your situation.
@mara51506 It's nice to have something to look forward to even if it's a short shopping trip.We all need other types of outing other than dr's appointments.
@goldensrbest Lol I never heard the term thimble list.. that's great. Enjoy!
Hi to all here, in your pockets for a peaceful week .❤️
5 -
@goldensrbest I have always wanted to go to Mackinac Island too. Hope you have a very good time.
@irishlove @intolight My current insurance, Humana, used to call me numerous times a day over the course of several months to try to get me to sign up with one of those "cancer management" services. I could see no good coming out of it for me-I prefer to have my cancer treatment managed by an expert oncologist so I refused to answer the phone. I must have gotten hundreds of calls but they seem to have died down now.
5 -
Reading along, although, not totally absorbing all the information, but I Just want to say I’m happy to read the god news. @threetree Yay for stable and I’m glad to read your positive news🥰
@mara51506 I’m glad you had a good night’s sleep. that’s so importaant. I tto have been sleeping well.
@irishlove Sending you all my love and condolences for your sad loss of Pigeon. It’s such a hard pain to endure,Iknow.🙁🩵🌷.
So I saw my Oncologist and Pulmonologist and they were happily shocked to see how good I iwas lookin and recovering. after that horrible Bacterial Pneumonia one week hospitalization. My “baby Pulmonologist howed me how bad my lung xRay looked . there was so much fluid I was literlly drowning in it. No wonder they couldn’t get a pulse on me and I flatlitned twice in the ambulance. So my Pulmonologist is doinga another chest exray in two weeks and he wantsme to stay on the Semphicort inhaler, and it’s making a difference for my breathing and sleeping without coughing. I think it’s a strong steroid inhaler because after 2 puffs I have to rinse and spit out the water, and the after spiting out I have to drink and swallow the water after the second puff.. My Oncologist wants me to stay off the Verzenio until my next followup visit and he also put m back on my Fasoldex and Xgeva injections this week. So I’m relieved there will be no treatment changes. He scheduled me for my scans next month. So Im happy I’m on track with my normal treatment plan.
@chicagoan I am glad your hip is feeling better and you are no in that terrible pain. Also saying a quick hi to some of you other lady friends posting here @cookie54 @intolight @goldensrbest and @mkestrel you are always on my mind ..Wising you all a good day today.♥️‼️🌷
8 -
@goldensrbest Enjoy your trip out with family.
@cookie54 I was going to cancel as I have to be there an hour a half and I thought I could not find something to do but decided to go ahead anyway. Will budget boost with some games to add more and see if there is any inexpensive stuff to have. There is also a dollar store there and a Mcdonalds nearby so we will see how far I get. I could also use some tostitos queso and fresh yogurt.
It is pretty muggy here, still have window open as I like the fresh air. Window AC still coming in clutch for me. Still using a small but strong blower to make sure inside is not full of dust. Use another fan to blow cooler air out here. The split duct AC is OK but prefer the window AC and use split AC as another fan.
Debating meals today. All will include canned lentils and possible cheese and different toppings. I am thinking of preparing the mexican rice by old El Paso first, putting into containers but decided to toast up couple english muffins, regular butter and shredded cheese on top, added lentils, 1/4 cup as well. I will likely. I added queso to the toasted muffins and lentils and added some sour cream crema stuff. It was pretty good. Not sure about later.
Hope all have a good rest of the day and in pockets for all.
5 -
@shanagirl Glad to hear your MO is happy with your recovery and no treatment change! Continued prayers and strength your way💕
4 -
@shanagirl Glad to hear there is no treatment change for you, that is really good.
We are currently very muggy though not overly hot. I have to say bedroom AC comes in clutch to remove that. House is cooler than when heat heat was still on. Bedroom AC boosted by a bedroom fan. I do find the fan cold but downloaded instructions since it is manual and found out how to set it to maintain a warmer temp instead, pinned it to my firefox tab as when it is less humid can run it as a fan and be very comfortable. In daytime, can run as AC and bring out
May wash a couple blankets though the one blanket should be washed by itself as it left bit of fluff on other stuff, I will see. Nothing to wash yet. Nothing on the agenda, was just finding out which entrance of the hospital I can use for a late MRI I am having. I do think another entrance will work for me and that is fine. No need to change appointment.
Using canned lentils for the most part, they did work well with toasted english muffins and cheese yesterday, I am thinking I might finally do up the old elpaso mexican rice first, put in other containers and add to other meals. Will post meals if they are good of course.
EDIT Meal 1. I did start making mexican rice but I added 1/4 cup of dry lentils, another couple of leftover taco seasoning packs, a bit of Kraft dinner cheese and few noodles and some Knorr noodles chicken flavour. Stirred every 2 min 30 seconds. No burns, plopped into a bowl, Really was a vehicle to use up some seasoning and different pasta and noodles and get to mix different flavours. No chicken hotdog used and out of ham. Oh well, it really was very good anyway, I think the core of the mexican rice was still there with just a boost in flavours.
I hope all have a good day, in pockets for everyone.
5 -
Slept decently. Nothing on agenda today. Trip to grocery store yesterday was a bit boring to fill in time but got a couple of things anyway. Also made an order on Amazon, got a jumbo box of the nature valley peanut butter bars, box has 28. Thought that may be a good dessert end of day or use them at cancer clinic. Unfortunately I made a double order so another box is coming today. Oh well. Also have more sock mops on the way, not sure where others went since my SIL reorganzed stuff. I also have a bunch of Knorr sour cream and chives that arrived today
Speaking of dust, I need to actually pick stuff up and wipe the dust off of things and use the blower in stuff like fans etc. It seems such a big bother but is needed. Cannot just blow it out of stuff. Floors need doing, miss a day, they don't look so hot. Oh well, takes maybe 30 seconds. Take the stuff out from under couch and put a sock mop on a broom to get all the fur and dust out and just toss the mop in the wash after.
I am unsure of what I want to eat right now, I do have a lot different types of pasta, meat pies, not too many eggs so thinking get through those, not tossing out black beans, just need to chop them up. May get an order delivered as cheese will run out soon. I will post what I have later.
Hope all do have a good day and in pockets for everyone.
5 -
love to all you ladies….. I’m sorry about pigeon 😔 hugs and love to all
5 -
things have been going ok. The death of my best friends brother has us all flipped upside down. He was only 48. Two young teenagers My best friends only sibling. I’m trying to be supportive of her. Her father died the same way over 20 years ago. Heart attack at age 53. But other than that I’m feeling good trying to battle fatigue and pain. Is my full time job. Seeing my daughter get stronger and stronger makes me thrilled. Happy is not the word. She’s amazing this young lady is !!!
i hope all of you and your families are doing well. Thanks threetree for the hello. 💐🌹 I’ll check in again soon. Love you all7 -
Hi all. @shanagirl What an incredible recovery you are making. Keep it going, we are all rooting for you, thoughts and prayers. I'm so proud of you!
Enjoy Mackinac Island. I visualize my favorite movie "Somewhere In Time" being filmed there. The story touches ones heart.
Another UTI, brutally painful this time. Dentist for tooth in morning and then bloodtests Tuesday. It's so brutally hot here, we prefer not to go anywhere if it can be helped. Both appts. are early so bedtime it is.
Forgive me for a short chat, I promise I'll catch up soon.
Much love and in your pocket for scans and life in general.
Irishlove
5 -
@shanagirl Good news that you can stay on the same treatment. What a battle! You are in my prayers.
@micmel I identify with your daily battle of pain and fatigue. And I am happy your baby girl is doing well.
@irishlove I am battling a UTI also—ughh! This time I used a virtual appointment to get an appointment quickly then I had the meds delivered. I will deal with any oncologist fallout tomorrow when I see her for not calling her office first. I didn't feel well enough, nor did I feel I had enough time inbetween bathroom needs to sit in a car for a trip to travel to a lab and wait for results, etc. Besides, it was a Saturday. I hope it won't affect my infusion but I don't see why not. Anyone here have a chemo refused because of being on antibiotics for a UTI? My virtual doc said it was fine, but she was a very young PA. If I called the nurse it would have majorly delayed things. Anyways, I am feeling a lot better today and feel I can tolerate a chemo day tomorrow better too. The worst it can do is delay the chemo and since I have a MO appointment before the chemo, it won't be a wasted trip.
@mara51506 I added a humidifier to my living area and now I have a fine white dust on everything even with extra filters. It is very dry in Colorado and I was coughing a lot. I will just have to dust and clean my dark wood floors more often.
My DD and DGD are still on their Caribbean cruise and we have the responsibility of the dog. My DD wanted to take my DGD to Universal Studios and Harry Potter World for her eleventh birthday, and then they went on a cruise with her brother, my son. My DH doesn't want the dog to have to stay in her crate for the six hours we will be gone for my appointments tomorrow so he has decided to bring her and sit with her in the car, take her for walks, etc., while I deal with my appointments alone. I think she will be ok but it his extra work. We can't leave her loose as she has a tendency to run outside and bark if not crated. Our usual friends and family who love to watch her are all away. My problem is I will have my purse, my oxygen tank and the cooler with my feet and hand ice mitts so I will need a wheelchair or something to get around and carry things as they are heavy. Fortunately it is all at the hospital so hopefully I can get enough help. Should be an interesting day!
7 -
@micmel I am sorry to hear of the untimely passing of your family and friends. I am glad you seem to be doing well too.
@irishlove In your pocket for your appointments, mouth pain is the worst for me and imagine it is for you. I do not blame you for staying home when hot.
We have cooled some, not humid for the next week which is fine. My split AC says it is only 71 and I studied settings as my window AC in bedroom as they are manual, figured it out and adjust settings to be warmer. Living room window kept open, no fan in there. Did not over heat when it was humid. Window AC coming in clutch and use fan to bring cooler air in. I do not pull in. I did turn off the constant AC since it is not humid and just operating it as a window fan.
I had a less than the best breakfast meal. Made up a Knorr garlic pasta. If I had not decided to season with italian seasoning that fell into the pasta, it did taste awful. Ate some of it then instead of throwing it out, rinsed it in cold water using the strainer to get the italian off of it. Going to eat up the left overs. Will warm up in the microwave with more hotdogs and possibly more lentils. I need to be more careful and use teaspoon measures if seasoning a meal. I will post if the rinsing and adding other stuff will taste better. I will see, thinking one egg, leftovers put on top, lot of garlic spread to make egg taste better and couple of mini pot pies. That will be delicious I am sure, also more lentils.
I hope everyone has had a good day so far and I have been in everyone's pockets.
3 -
@intolight @irishlove Ugh, hope you both starting feel better from these darn UTI’s.. hugs 🤗
4 -
@intolight and @irishlove I am in your pocket to hoping UTIs resolve quickly for you.
Both meals today were not good at all. The first one had too much italian seasoning that spilled onto it, tried to eat, it failed so I tried rinsing leftovers off, latter meal was easier to eat but some did get tossed. I need to find simpler meals to have. Tiring of the frozen pasta variety. I have discovered that Knorr meals need nothing added to them, just use as a side dish. I son't mind a few lentils made up but need to find easier stuff that tastes better. Meat pies or the mini pot pies are perfect. Not loving the frozen meals anymore and the store is out of the stir fry variety.
I did decide to put together an order, this time amount a little more 50.00. I do not mind as that only averages 25 per week. Tried to just get the stuff I enjoy so got some frozen sliced peppers as my store does not have the stir fry I enjoyed. Can take some of the sliced peppers and add those to anything. Did not buy anymore lentils or beans. I can make them last long by using 1/4 cut amounts and remembering I do not need them every meal as well. I did get 12 mini pizzas which is nice, can have those with lentils on top then top with cheese. Also need to remember to fry up some shredded cheese with stuff on top, see how that tastes. I set the delivery for 12pm, no delivery fee and think this will be good, also have burritos coming, I never get tired of those.
3 -
Hi all my dear friends. @micmel I am so very sorry for the loss of your friend. So terribly young. My heart breaks for you and family. Sure is good though to hear how well your Gabby is doing.
@mara51506 @intolight @cookie54 Thanks for the wishes to clear up this UTI. The antibiotic is helping with the infected tooth, also. Dentist said is needs either to be pulled or another root canal. He won't touch it due to the meds I am on. I left a message at MO's office for that Ibrance break. Here's a hint on antibiotics. I get alot of UTI's. Blame it on MS or cancer. I can not empty my bladder properly. I use a manual technique, but it's not always successful. So years ago my Uro left me fill antibiotic and keep for emergency. I talked my Primary Dr. into letting me do this also. I use Azo test strip and wait till second day of symptoms and repeat the test. Then I start Cephalexin 500 mg 4 times daily for 7 days. I stop Ibrance. I noticed the one time I kept taking Ibrance with UTI and it was no cleared in 7 days. Just my observation. I then call Primary for refill and keep it stored in cool place.
@intolight That's sweet that you care for your families pup. We just adopted a mixed St. Bernard and ? He is 7 yrs. old and came from death row at the humane society. He is cheering Minnie and our whole family up. What a mug and sweet boy. We just wanted to give an old dog a place to lay his head. Buddy is doing a good job at that.
Full labs from primary tomorrow. Gotta go early and I am tired. Two infections at one time is two to much. In your pockets for scans and stability and all concerns.
Irishlove
3 -
Slept pretty good, waiting on a grocery order from walmart, full size delivery, spent 35 total got up to 50 with tip and service fee. Got more Caesar bacon salad dressing, I like it with the meat pies, 2 shred cheese, bigger plain mayo, good for binding stuff, doritos I can chop up with things like beans, cooked eggs and stuff and reheat in a pan for a minute or two, more eggs and frozen sliced peppers. Cannot get the frozen stirfry as it is always sold out.
I need to get dressed as order coming around 12pm, more burritos, bigger plain mayo, main binding agent. Not sure if doing rice and lentils with the burrito or whatever. Will post if it is good later whatever I decide to have.
I hope everyone has a good day, in pockets for everyone.
2 -
@irishlove @mara51506 @cookie54 @threetree @intolight and all of your kind words.
Yesterday was my last day with the home visiting Physical Therapist. I told him how frustrated I was with my slow recovery. He had me walk for 3 1/2 minutes around the house and I was so weak and winded and felt like passing out. He told me not to get frustrated. He expects me to take several more weeks if not another month or so after that. He reminded me that what weakened me so much was the hemorrhaging blood vessels in my lungs, calling it hemorrhagic Pneumonia.. they tested me for everything in the hospital SARS Covid -Negative another Covid. Test, Negative, Streptococcal Pneumonia-Negative H1 N1 Flu Virus- Negative, Pulmonary Embolism -.Negative they said the Airborne bacterial infection from all the red tie bacteria from all thr dead manatees and fishe from there red tide algae bloom in South west fluorida got into my lungs and inflamed all the blood vessels to bleed out into my lungs, and causing sepsis in all the fluid it’s no wonder I feel so week with the pre existing bone Mets . Then he had me doing leg ankle and calf strengthening excersises.. I had big plans to clean out my closet after that but never got to it I was so exhausted. tomorrow the Respiratory therapist to check is coming to check my oxygen levels do breathing excersies and check my vitals🙄… Have a good day everyone.
5 -
@shanagirl Wow, that is a lot of possibilities and sepsis is so serious. I know I need to walk more. I have been feeling so tired lately which I am sure is part of the UTI stuff, but your battle is much harder. I hope your respiratory therapist can show improvement in your oxygen levels. Pulling my O2 tubes around all day is getting old!
This is chemo day so I am trying to psych myself up. The nurses are always a big help and put a smile on my face.
4 -
Oh I just wanted to share picture of my Grandaughter and my 2nd great Rand son baby Layne.
7
