LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Half-way point with chemo! Yippee!
From: jacqui.c
Date: 07 Apr 10 - 07:57 AM

Well, you may not be able to see people but that means more time to spend visiting on here.

The fact that women now are recovering from ovarian cancer (which, from what I understand, used almost to be an automatic death sentence) long enough to have a relapse is an improvement and, in the meantime, and with the strides being made in treatment, gives hope that, at some point, this may be something that can be eradicated totally.

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Half-way point with chemo! Yippee!
From: GUEST,Wys cookie broken
Date: 06 Apr 10 - 08:16 PM

LF this is exactly that time to read the Psalms and watch that DVD I lent you. Rest in His arms, etc. He'll bring you through it and back up to cheery days, too, in due time. Just ride it in His arms.

~Susan

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Half-way point with chemo! Yippee!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 06 Apr 10 - 05:50 PM

Thanks for sharing that Jacqui and thanks to everyone for helping to keep my spirits lifted.

I got to see a graph of my platelet count today and over the last 9 weeks, it looks like a kid taking a nose dive off the high diving board and frankly I'm kind of concerned.

I talked to my Dr. about it last week and he said it was still within ok limits. The thing is, the trend has been very downward and I am concerned about where this is headed. He told me that if it went down more, I'd have to put my treatments off for a week or maybe a transfusion. I did some reading (which my husband had scolded me for) and found that low platelets mean low clotting ability. When the counts get too low, they also put you either in the hospital or on total bedrest so you don't bump yourself and bleed to death. Nice.

I also read that 50% of women with ovarian cancer have a relapse. It did not say what stage the first round of ovarian cancer was but it concerns me greatly.

Add to that that I can't remember stuff....chemo fog they call it...so I don't feel like I'm doing much that is right lately.

My next few days are when my immune system is down and I need to just stay home and not see anyone so I almost feel like I'm in hiding.

It's not been a good day for me.

Michelle

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Half-way point with chemo! Yippee!
From: jacqui.c
Date: 06 Apr 10 - 08:30 AM

Hope you're feeling better today Michelle.

I had cancer of the womb a few years back - didn't know that I had that either, except that I was getting a discharge that I put down to thrush, which I had had before and so just phoned in a request for meds from my doctor. When the second lot of medication didn't work she called me in for an examination and sent me to the gynaecological unit at the local hospital. Three months later I was in and have a total hysterectomy, early enough that I didn't have to have radiation or chemo.

I do wish that there was more publicity of the warning signs of a lot of these cancers. I am just so glad that they found yours in time to do something about it.

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Half-way point with chemo! Yippee!
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 06 Apr 10 - 08:22 AM

lots if good reports to come back to after my week away

sandra

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Half-way point with chemo! Yippee!
From: SINSULL
Date: 06 Apr 10 - 07:57 AM

Give those big wet dogs a snuggly hug and be glad you are alive to hug them. Don't they smell wonderful on a damp day?
SINS, who loves her Seamus.

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Half-way point with chemo! Yippee!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Apr 10 - 01:04 AM

Enjoy the spring day, let the to-do list wait a little longer. Relax and get through this stage after the treatment.

SRS

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Half-way point with chemo! Yippee!
From: GUEST
Date: 05 Apr 10 - 11:05 AM

LOL. Cane. I had my cane in church.

I'm grumpy today, frustrated mostly in that my house is a disaster area (it's mud season and I have 2 big dogs in and out)and am uncomfortable enough to not be able to do much. So, I am doing little bits at a time.

I spent yesterday in my recliner, in and out of a percoset haze. I had wanted to spend part of the day outside as it was BEAUTIFUL. Instead, I dozed in front of the sliding glass door and enjoyed the fresh air. :)

I really need to go grocery shopping but have decided to stay local and get what we REALLY need....not shopping for the week today....maybe by Wednesday I'll have the oomph to do it. No big deal.

My to do list is calling.

Enjoy this spring day!!!!!!

Much love,

Michelle

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Half-way point with chemo! Yippee!
From: SINSULL
Date: 05 Apr 10 - 10:04 AM

OK
I will be the one to ask. Why did you have a can with you at church? Collecting donations? In case of a sudden bout of nausea? Or is this a different kind of can?

Happy Monday.
Mary

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Half-way point with chemo! Yippee!
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 04 Apr 10 - 06:38 PM

Thank you for that Easter gift, Michelle.

I had another gift today: a crocus and some other tiny spring flowers over the septic tank- the first blooms of some bulbs I planted last fall! Proof that after the darkest hour, new life can spring forth!

You go on blooming and radiating life the way you do, my dear!

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Half-way point with chemo! Yippee!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 04 Apr 10 - 05:25 PM

Lately I have had several women ask me how I knew I had ovarian cancer, what were the symptoms? For me, I didn't know I had ovarian cancer. It was found only because I had a biopsy that indicated I had uterine cancer which led to a hysterectomy where my ovarian cancer was also found. Looking back over the list of symptoms, I can tell you that I had most of them but attributed them to other things that I didn't much pay attention to. In that light, I wanted to share the following link with you in hopes that it might help someone else get the medical attention they need in a timely fashion. Early detection is key for ovarian cancer...the absolute key. And, FYI, ovarian cancer can NOT be detected from a Pap test.

Information about Ovarian Cancer

Love and Good Health to You All!

Michelle

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Half-way point with chemo! Yippee!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Apr 10 - 01:48 PM

You're making great progress. A friend here has had to adjust her schedule a little based upon her blood counts and such, also. I think that is to be expected, to make the treatments fit you best.

Stay happy!

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Half-way point with chemo! Yippee!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 04 Apr 10 - 01:20 PM

Happy Easter Mary!!!!

   I went to church this morning....big floppy hat and can in tow. I had to sit through most of the service as standing hurts today but I'm glad I went! :)

I'm pretty sore at the moment....knees, shins, forearms, biceps and hips. It's still a beautiful day! :)

Happy Easter to Everybody!

Michelle

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Half-way point with chemo! Yippee!
From: SINSULL
Date: 04 Apr 10 - 12:49 PM

Happy Easter, Pete and Michelle.

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Half-way point with chemo! Yippee!
From: gnu
Date: 02 Apr 10 - 08:24 PM

PERKULATE!

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Half-way point with chemo! Yippee!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 02 Apr 10 - 08:10 PM

This chemo treatment didn't go as smoothly as the others. They had to access my port twice as the needle wasn't in correctly the first time. Also, my blood numbers are beginning to drop, specifically my platelets and hemoglobin which would account for my being so tired. The oncologist said that if my numbers dropped much more, one of two things will happen. They can postpone my next treatment and wait for the numbers to go up or I can get transfusions...platelets and a blood transfusion. So...here's to hoping the numbers perk up.

I am home. I am happy. And I am tired. Bone pain has stayed away until late today.

:) Thanks for all the well wishes.

Michelle

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Half-way point with chemo! Yippee!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 02 Apr 10 - 07:33 PM

Home!!!!   More soon!!!!

Coming home is one of the best things EVER!!!!

Love you all!

Michelle

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Half-way point with chemo! Yippee!
From: gnu
Date: 02 Apr 10 - 07:06 PM

Keep on truckin!

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Half-way point with chemo! Yippee!
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 02 Apr 10 - 06:00 PM

Holding you in love...

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Half-way point with chemo! Yippee!
From: SINSULL
Date: 02 Apr 10 - 12:05 PM

Hope all is going well. Home for Easter and lots of chocolate!
Mary

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Half-way point with chemo! Yippee!
From: jacqui.c
Date: 31 Mar 10 - 07:21 PM

Still here and thinking of you.

Forget dust - it only comes back, anyway.

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Half-way point with chemo! Yippee!
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 31 Mar 10 - 09:45 AM

Wow! I just sold my soul to my daughter on facebook for a grape flavoured tootsie pop! Now that is cosmic timing.

Great news! Keep up the positiveness, darling.

from Tam the 3rd ray of sunshine from the top and to the left (that's 3 and a bit o'clock).

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Half-way point with chemo! Yippee!
From: GUEST,Neil D
Date: 31 Mar 10 - 09:22 AM

It's all downhill now. Keep up the good work.

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Half-way point with chemo! Yippee!
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 31 Mar 10 - 08:46 AM

Fly, dear one- but we will be here when you come down for a landing!

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Half-way point with chemo! Yippee!
From: GUEST,SINS at work
Date: 31 Mar 10 - 08:23 AM

More than halfway there and a grandchild on the way. WHOO WHOO! Life is good.
A skinny to boot.
Mary

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Port is 'on board' chemo continues
From: LilyFestre
Date: 31 Mar 10 - 07:53 AM

Before my chemo, I have to take 5 steriods the night before. Ok, fine. This morning though, my blood sugar is 499!!!!   Gotta love those steroids! I was a good girl and took 12 units of log. Now I need to have breakfast (which will be strictly all protein) and yet another 5 steriods. At noon, they will give me even MORE steriods. My blood sugar is going to be raging like the overflooded creeks around here. High readings like that make me high and giddy myself....and today? I may just sprout wings and fly off into the universe somewhere!

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Port is 'on board' chemo continues
From: Bobert
Date: 31 Mar 10 - 07:47 AM

Go White Cells!!!

Happy half-time, Michelle... The rest is a piece of cake...

B;~)

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Port is 'on board' chemo continues
From: LilyFestre
Date: 31 Mar 10 - 06:57 AM

Good morning to all you, my rays of sunshine!

Today I begin my 3rd chemo treatment, my halfway point...if you consider the time from my diagnosis, surgeries, follow ups AND the chemo, I am well beyond halfway finished. I am praying for good blood number readings this morning, particulary the white blood cells and my CA-125 (which had dropped from a pre-surgery number of over 500 to my last reading which came in at 14 (anything under 35 is good!).

I'm up early today, going to pack up the car and deliver Easter baskets full of candy to my surgical team and the nurses who took care of me for a few days after my surgery. Then it's on the chemo center to deliver a basket of goodies to my oncologist (chemo Dr.) and another big basket for all the nurses in the back who take such good, kind, care of everyone!!!!

Being that I have a chemo bud who started the same time I did and is receiving the same combination of meds...well, she is celebrating the halfway point too....so....I have a coffee mug for her that reads, "You inspire me" and I am stuffing it full of Tootsie Pops which she always has with her (they help to get the yucky leftover chemo flavor in your mouth) and I have 2 little gold crowns for us to wear today to mark our halfway point!   Gotta have FUN!!!!!

Love to you all!

Michelle

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Port is 'on board' chemo continues
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 30 Mar 10 - 10:30 AM

Well Happy upcoming Birthday!

I agree with the others, pace yourself, don't use all of your energy on the dust. I know looking at it can be annoying and you want to do something about it, but do what I do. Stay seated long enough and that feeling will pass.   ;-D

SRS

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Port is 'on board' chemo continues
From: LilyFestre
Date: 30 Mar 10 - 08:41 AM

Kat...LOL!

KT, GOOD ON ME!!!!   :)

I know you guys are right. I just had in mind to get some other things finished so Pete wouldn't have to do them and so I wouldn't have to look at dust and clutter when I came home. My suitcase is packed and I will be away until Friday. I will only have access to the net until Wednesday afternoon so don't anyone worry!!!! :) Tomorrow will mark the half way point in chemo treatment...HOORAY!!!

One thing on my to do list was to make cupcakes to celebrate my birthday a little early. I decided I will make cupcakes for next time and we will celebrate a little late instead!!! I just ran out of steam.

Ok...onward with my day!!!

Love to you all!!!

Michelle

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Port is 'on board' chemo continues
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 30 Mar 10 - 08:39 AM

tsk tsk tsk.... Rest is the thing you need. I know how good it feels to accomplish everything on a TO DO list. But you need to make the number one TO DO - "Rest before the body gets tired." All that energy that could have been used to help you through chemo and you spent it on dust?

What's the matter wif you?!?!? Hruummph!

How'z that for biotching?

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Port is 'on board' chemo continues
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 30 Mar 10 - 08:27 AM

I think I also need a rest - see you in 6 days when I get back from the National Folk Festival. 800+ posts - what will it be when I get back?

lots of love

sandra

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Port is 'on board' chemo continues
From: SINSULL
Date: 30 Mar 10 - 08:24 AM

I'm tired just reading about it.Get some rest, Superwoman.
SINS

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Port is 'on board' chemo continues
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 30 Mar 10 - 08:17 AM

What maeve said!

Love to you, my dear

Allison

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Port is 'on board' chemo continues
From: maeve
Date: 30 Mar 10 - 07:03 AM

Ummm...Michelle: what you completed is more than many people manage in a day WITHOUT the health challenge. You're making the rest of us look lazy, woman!

Rest easy and move along to something wonderful.

maeve

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Port is 'on board' chemo continues
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 30 Mar 10 - 01:48 AM

what you did today was what you were meant to do (or at least, that's what I always tell myself!)

love from sandra

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Port is 'on board' chemo continues
From: katlaughing
Date: 29 Mar 10 - 09:58 PM

Good lord, sounds to me as if you got a TON of stuff done! Don't beat yourself up, darlin'...part of this lesson, which you are doing really well with, is learning self-love...that includes counting up all that you have done and telling yourself, "great job" the rest can wait. The house, laundry, etc. will be there. Right now, the only real thing that matters is YOU and your body...what it is telling you, i.e. rest now!**bg**

Don't ya just love all of us bossy b***#@&?!:-)

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Port is 'on board' chemo continue
From: KT
Date: 29 Mar 10 - 09:46 PM

Blah, yourself! you got a LOT done!!! Goodonya! Now repeat after me....    good on me!!

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Port is 'on board' chemo continues
From: LilyFestre
Date: 29 Mar 10 - 09:38 PM

Well, I didn't get everything done nor did I go to yoga. I am frustrated with how quickly I get tired. I did get a good chunk of things done (dishes, 4 loads of laundry, swept the entire downstairs, mopped the living room, made meatloaf and chicken divan, talked to someone from NOCC, dusted and got half of my stuff packed). I'm too tired to do anything else...including eating dinner. BLah.

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Port is 'on board' chemo continues
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Mar 10 - 07:14 PM

Very good idea. I vote you try that next time someone asks to help. It really will be help, and it will be on the scale that is easier for your neighbors there.

SRS

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Port is 'on board' chemo continues
From: wysiwyg
Date: 29 Mar 10 - 04:58 PM

LF,

Hey, maybe on the next cycle, you can be all set up to accept help offers for these last few days before travel-- for the really important to-do's that you want to be SURE get done. That might be on the scale that would work for folks who turn out not to feel like Danville is "commuter" range for them. Plus it would happen when you feel well enough to direct, and be clearly in charge, so the peeps can get to know your house and your preferences in case you need them on a less-able day in the cycle.

~S~

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Port is 'on board' chemo continues
From: SINSULL
Date: 29 Mar 10 - 04:38 PM

I can't imagine finishing my To Do list. There is always something else...

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Port is 'on board' chemo continue
From: KT
Date: 29 Mar 10 - 03:05 PM

Michelle, sending good thoughts from way up here, too, for strength, courage, confidence, and well-being. Hope you get your stuff done, today, but if not, that's okay!

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Port is 'on board' chemo continues
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 29 Mar 10 - 02:44 PM

Sending you loving vibes today...

love,
Allison

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Port is 'on board' chemo continues
From: LilyFestre
Date: 29 Mar 10 - 11:46 AM

I went to a cooking class last night, learned how to make some Thai food....the night was fun and the food was incredible! At this very moment, I am having leftover Pad Thai. YUM.
    This morning I have decided to use every last bit of energy I have to get things done around here before I go away tomorrow. And then, yoga. :)
   
    I am determined to get everything done today. I don't care how tired I get....my to do list is going to get DONE!

Michelle

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Port is 'on board' chemo continues
From: SINSULL
Date: 29 Mar 10 - 09:35 AM

Rainy day in Maine. Hope you are enjoying sunshine.
Mary

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Port is 'on board' chemo continues
From: Bobert
Date: 28 Mar 10 - 09:47 AM

Hey, Michelle... No fear of me poppin' in on you other than here...

Yer in my thoughts and prayers... Keep up the good work... This will pass...

Bobert

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Port is 'on board' chemo continues
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 28 Mar 10 - 08:18 AM

Hey! My post about the journal/montage from yesterday blew away. Hrumph? I forgot what I said. Sure it was properly supportive and all that.

So I will just echo what SRS said about the beautiful Veronica and you. Keep working towards wellness, Angel. There are lots of hands, hearts and minds helping you along the way. I am honoured to be one, even if in such a small way.

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Port is 'on board' chemo continues
From: LilyFestre
Date: 28 Mar 10 - 07:35 AM

"Cancer is a word, not a sentence." ~ John Diamond

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Port is 'on board' chemo continues
From: maeve
Date: 27 Mar 10 - 10:56 PM

Sent you a PM, Michelle.

Goodnight.