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

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 21 Sep 10 - 06:13 PM

I'm just letting you know that there are folks around the parish to pray for, around now, that you would not know about because the name is mixed into the list without any details, that's all.

~Susan

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 21 Sep 10 - 05:55 PM

Thanks Sins and Sandra!!! The port accessing went well and it was nice to see some familiar faces at the clinic!! :)

And Susan, I have no idea what you are talking about but clearly everyone handles having cancer differently. I choose to share a good deal of it, if others aren't comfortable doing that, that's fine too.

It's been a good day. :)

Michelle

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 21 Sep 10 - 12:56 PM

Noting our parish prayer list, Michelle, please know that from time to time, others there have also worked to overcome ovarian cancer, who want only prayer and privacy.

~Susan

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: SINSULL
Date: 21 Sep 10 - 08:57 AM

How lucky Jeremiah is to have a Mom so wise that she knows exactly what is important. I am not here often but I am with you in spirit.
Hugs, little one.
Auntie SINS

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 21 Sep 10 - 05:09 AM

you have a lot of wisdom to share, Michelle

sandra

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 20 Sep 10 - 11:41 PM

Thanks Bobert!!

About a month ago I was in Ithaca, NY and I was parking my car when I noticed that the car next to me had a teal ovarian cancer ribbon magnet on the back of it. I wrote a note explaining that I had ovarian cancer too and wished her well, leaving my email address. Tonight she contacted me. The owner of the car does not have ovarian cancer but her grandmother does. She was looking for information, practical day to day, how to get through, what to expect, etc. kind of information. I think I spent over an hour writing back. I also shared my phone number and told her that she or her grandmother were welcome to call anytime.

It feels really, REALLY good to be able to share something that might be helpful to someone else....of course you all know that already....but still....my heart feels really good. :)

Sweet dreams my friends,

Michelle

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: Bobert
Date: 20 Sep 10 - 10:05 PM

Still here and still with ya', Michelle... Kinda like relivin' a victory lap... 2nd lap ***ever*** as good as the first one... Keep on truckin'...an' truckin'...an'..........

B~

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 20 Sep 10 - 09:55 PM

Just an update:

Tomorrow I will have my port accessed. It's a short procedure and thankfully they gave me some Lidacaine cream ahead of time so I can numb the spot to make it less painful. On the way home, I'll be stopping at the American Cancer Society to pick up a few new hats. My hair is growing faster than I thought it would but I imagine it will still be plenty short when the colder weather sets in...hence the hats (although I have a pretty nice collection thanks to my friends here at Mudcat!).

No testing tomorrow or anything like that....just a fast needle into my chest....then they suck some blood into the tubing and put it back to make sure all channels of the port are open and working as they should.

Michelle

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 08 Sep 10 - 10:29 AM

Sad news today about Rowan, who was so helpful in LF's journey: http://mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=132000

~Susan

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 14 Aug 10 - 07:49 PM

I'm posting a link to a video that strikes something deep down in me. The father in this video is to his son what my mom has been to me during my cancer diagnosis and ongoing treatment. I LOVE YOU MOM!!!!

Never Ever Give Up

Michelle

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 14 Aug 10 - 01:42 PM

deep exhale..... very good news to hear.

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 13 Aug 10 - 10:14 PM

YAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

how's baby?

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 13 Aug 10 - 10:04 PM

GREAT NEWS!!! My CA-125 test (tumor marker) came back with the lowest numbers yet which is the best possible scenario!!!!!!!!!!!

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I cried for 20 minutes after I got the news....relief, letting go of all the fear.....I am SO THANKFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love, love and Love to every single one of you!

Michelle

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 13 Aug 10 - 02:15 AM

I'll second all that, too

sandra (sending more hugs)

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Aug 10 - 08:46 PM

You know that worry doesn't help anything, so try to relax. Have you been to your yoga class for a while? What exercises or breathing techniques will help you through this? Chin up, kiddo! You're doing fine!

SRS

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 12 Aug 10 - 08:28 PM

Visit with oncologist went well, he said he THINKS everything is good HOWEVER the blood test that gives the absolute answer was not ready to be read when I left. He said he would call me today and leave a message with the results. He did not do that. I am about out of my mind with worry. :(

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Aug 10 - 12:12 PM

You'll be able to keep up with the book by selecting more recent posts and dropping them into a word processor. It's difficult to get just a few late pages to print if you've selected print view, but I suspect if you set up print view and then copy and paste you can capture them.

I'm glad to hear the thyroid readings have indicated adjustment - in the sense that once that is at the correct level the rest of this will be more comfortable to anticipate.

SRS

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: Bobert
Date: 12 Aug 10 - 10:56 AM

Fingers crossed on those numbers...

Forget the hair... It's just friggin' hair... Get a BIC razor and let yer freek flag fly!!!

B~

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 12 Aug 10 - 09:38 AM

Yay for hair, and lots of loving thoughts for your appointment today. When is Jeremiah's court date?

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 11 Aug 10 - 08:55 PM

I'll second all that

sandra

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 11 Aug 10 - 05:45 PM

yes thanks for keeping us informed... more good nergy headed your way.

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: gnu
Date: 11 Aug 10 - 04:24 PM

Hair hair!

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: katlaughing
Date: 11 Aug 10 - 04:14 PM

Thanks for the updates, Michelle. Keep those fears at bay with the knowledge that prayers, thanks-givings, etc. are still here for you and your family. One step at a time, you have done it and ARE doing it, very well.

kat

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 11 Aug 10 - 01:52 PM

Jeremiah turned 5 months old yesterday and he is now a well integrated part of our life! His court date is coming up soon and we'll all breathe a big sigh of relief when everything is final.

In other news, tomorrow I go for my first post-chemo checkup where they will take blood from my port and check the CA-125 levels. I am hoping the numbers have stayed nice and low....any significant rise indicates tumor activity. Any good thoughts and prayers would be more than appreciated! To be honest, it scares the hell out of me.

I've been feeling pretty darn good....still pretty tired but I just found out today (at a local doctor appointment) that my thyroid medication needs to be raised and I need prescription levels of vitamin D...both of which should help my energy levels! YAY! My hair is growing (sorry Bobert) and I have eyebrows and (small) eyelashes again!!! HOORAY! My hair had been coming in almost white and now it's fairly dark and so SOOOOO soft!!! One of my friends says it's like "baby bird fur." :)

The book that was made from this thread sits on my piano and I thumb through it almost daily, opening it to random spots taking in all of your love and support. :)

Michelle

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: katlaughing
Date: 09 Aug 10 - 11:09 PM

Hey, Michelle, how's that head of hair coming? And, that gorgeous little boy...still outgrowing his clothes, I'll bet. It doesn't doesn't stop, btw. I just measured Morgan-the Grandson and he's grown another 1.5 inches since March. He'll be 7 in November!

Hope all is well.

luvyakat

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Jul 10 - 12:45 PM

A Mudelf will be able to fix that: http://watchmyhairgrow.shutterfly.com/

Been out washing dawgs. They each have a new collar (no skunk smell embedded!) and I'll be fixing their Invisible Fence collars later today. I have to drill those and put the receivers on.

SRS

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 26 Jul 10 - 12:44 PM

Well, that link isn't working for some reason but you can see the photo at:

www.watchmyhairgrow.shutterfly.com

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 26 Jul 10 - 12:42 PM

Ok...this album is JUST the start so there isn't much here, but I wanted you to be able to see the sign....

My Survivor Sign Made By Tracy

XOXOXOXO

Michelle

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 26 Jul 10 - 11:34 AM

My package arrived today.

Breakfast was cooking....english muffins in the toaster, eggs on the stove and me ignoring it all to open my package.

I carefully cut through the tape and couldn't believe what I found.....this ENTIRE thread printed out and spiral bound!!! Knowing me like you do, I'm sure it comes as no surprise that I stood and cried. I am overwhelmed with your kindness and seeing the entire story there in front of me....I can't believe it. There's so much there...so many tears went into so many of those posts and so much love.....this is a gift that I will treasure forever and ever. I randomly opened the book to different pages and read....there are things that I remember clearly and other details that I had forgotten already.
    Thank you. Thank you. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Somehow words don't seem adequate but know that I absolutley love that everything was printed out and bound.....something that contains a good deal of my heart and soul as well as all of you....I sometimes wonder if you know just how much you all have helped me through the last 7 months?
    At the Relay for Life, my friend Tracy made 2 signs...one for her and one for me. She had told me she was going to do it, asking me for my favorite colors and then for the names of the people who I couldn't have done without. So..there's my name: Michelle Lawrence, SURVIVOR along with Pete, Mom, Linda, Laurie AND MUDCAT!!!! I will post a photo of it soon.....I hope the message I'm trying to convey is coming across as thank you with all my heart. And I love you. XOXOXOXOOXOX

Michelle

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: GUEST,USPS postal pixie
Date: 26 Jul 10 - 11:27 AM

Check your mail today!

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: Bobert
Date: 26 Jul 10 - 10:05 AM

Yeah, I'm all fir "a trim"... Think razor here... Eeeeowwwww.... Bald womenz is sexy...

Ya'll want yard sales??? Well, there one weekend every year where the entire Route 11 corridor which runs thru the Shenandoah Valley is yard sale weekend so ya end up with a hundred miles of 'um... I mean, thousands and thousands of up up and down the highway... Somethin' to behold... Bring money... Small bills... Bring yer station wagon, too...

B~

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: Ebbie
Date: 25 Jul 10 - 07:45 PM

Oh- Michelle, how is your hair growth coming along? Time for a trim? Don't forget to post pictures.

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: Severn
Date: 24 Jul 10 - 11:35 PM

Best of thoughts, Chemo Sabe, from a fellow survivor. You've inspired us all!

I never had to deal with a port, so good luck with that. And the experience of getting to know your body again and coming to terms with it (as opposed to resigning yourself to it). Keep doing things and finding ways of pleasantly surprising yourself on your path forward.

You seem to have wonderful in-home support. I had Mudcat support helping me get through a few crises, and I'm pleased and proud to be giving some back.

Take care.

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Jul 10 - 04:28 PM

I saw signs for several garage sales this weekend, but it is hot, then it rained. And when I saw the signs it was too late in the day - most of the good stuff was probably gone. How did your garage sale work out, Michelle? They are so much work!

I've decided the best time to have one is on the first weekend of the month, if possible. It's the day right after payday, when people are more likely to have cash in their pockets.

SRS

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 23 Jul 10 - 06:05 PM

Well, twice in the past week I've posted stuff that never showed up! Hmmm..

Hope these good cheers make their way. The docs were right about your transformation, dear one- you are a joy to watch!

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 23 Jul 10 - 02:39 PM

Cancer certainly was a wake up call for me on many levels and I don't think you can go through it without learning to look at things in a new way. Sometimes I find myself thinking the way I used to and then wonder what the heck my problem is!!! I am much more appreciative of each day and for the love and kindness of people in my life....including all of you!!!

And watch my mailbox? *PERK* Now I'm curious and all excited!!! But then again, most of you know that I'm really a 12 year old at heart....how thoughtful of you all!!!!!!!!!!! I can't wait!!

Our multi family yard sale is today and I've been there for most of the morning and afternoon with Baby Jeremiah. It is now upwards of 85 degrees...far too hot for the little one to sleep in his seat and he is now getting fussy so I brought him to Nana's house which is nearby. He's snoozing and I'm taking a break. :)

Love to all,

Michelle

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Jul 10 - 02:04 AM

Michelle, we've all noticed the new confidence. It's a wonderful transformation. Cancer kind of helps you sort out what's really important, doesn't it? I found that to be the case.

SRS

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: GUEST, All Of Us at Mudcat
Date: 22 Jul 10 - 11:18 PM

Michelle, Sweetheart,

Watch Your Mail.

With Love, all of your Mudcat Friends

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 21 Jul 10 - 06:26 AM

Michelle, it has been a honour watching your journey

sandra

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 20 Jul 10 - 11:01 PM

Goodonya!

Speaking scientifically, a large part of that is the tears and the re-evaluation that occurs after the cleansing kind of tears. I have a book for you about it, to pass along to Miss Vee/new mommy. Will bring Sat'day.

~Susan

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 20 Jul 10 - 06:44 PM

Thanks for the good thoughts and prayers...they worked!!! The Dr. said everything looks great! I have to go back in 3 months. He also said that I win the award for the most transformed patient he has ever had...going from a very fearful, tearful, timid person to one that is beaming with confidence. :) I think it has something with all the writing I did, being able to express myself (or at least tried to) and the support I found...which you are all part of! YAY!!!!!

Michelle

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 20 Jul 10 - 04:04 PM

LF, I've been out running around and you have been in my prayers.

~S~

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 20 Jul 10 - 03:12 PM

maybe a bit late but I'm right here doll baby.... positive thoughts at the ready...


ready.... aim.... fire....

zinging across the Atlantic.....

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 20 Jul 10 - 04:26 AM

add some good thoughts from me to the mix

sandra

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 20 Jul 10 - 01:49 AM

Been there, done that. It's nice to leave the oncologists behind and just go back to the normal doctors, if you can. When appropriate. My ob/gyn assisted with the big surgery -- the oncologist said he usually invites the referring surgeon to assist, but they don't always have time. I called Suzanne's nurse and begged with her to talk Suzanne into being there, and she was! She is very good, and does such tidy stitching and was pleased when I remarked later that I never could find the stitch that was supposed to be in my navel. She has a special trick for that, apparently. :)

Anyway, the regular folks are always glad to have you back when you're finished with the specialists!

SRS

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: Bobert
Date: 19 Jul 10 - 10:04 PM

Good thoughts here, as well...

B~

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: jacqui.c
Date: 19 Jul 10 - 09:05 PM

Good luck Michelle - here's hoping that all goes well.

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 19 Jul 10 - 09:04 PM

Tomorrow morning I have my second post-op check up with my surgical oncologist....any good thoughts would be appreciated.

Michelle

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 14 Jul 10 - 09:06 PM

Ah yes. The port flush. It wasn't so bad. I had misplaced the numbing cream so I stopped by the clinic before we went to lunch and they gave me a new tube of it and the plastic covering. I had a new nurse for the port flush which made me kind of nervous...never know how long they have been doing it, etc. She was very good! I talked to her for a minute before parking myself in the big chair and I got kinda teary. She gracefully tried to distract me with chit chat and I let her...it helps. It took all of about 5 minutes to flush the port with saline and heparin and then to remove the needle. It really did go better than I was anticipating.

Next week I have an appointment with my surgeon for a check-up.

After they flushed my port, I walked Jeremiah over to the House of Care where he got to meet the woman who runs the house...she has been looking forward to meeting him so that was fun!!!

Michelle

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 14 Jul 10 - 06:02 PM

I've been without internet again, but now I can say: HOORAY FOR MICHELLE! You've been in my heart all week leading up to the Relay, and you're in my heart today. Let us know how you feel after the port treatment!