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

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Port is "on board" chemo continues
From: wysiwyg
Date: 14 Mar 10 - 12:35 PM

LF, I don't have a directory here either, LOL. We both need to ask Lisa to send one. I'll PM you what I have for Bob and you can let me know if the card comes back as undeliverable! :~)

Will wee see Miss Vee this week, or is that HER call?

~Susan

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Port is "on board" chemo continues
From: SINSULL
Date: 14 Mar 10 - 11:45 AM

You made me smile, Lily.
Veronica must be quite a young lady now. I can't wait to hear how she is doing. She has been in my thought and prayer list for some time now.
Good Moning! Happy Daylight Savings Time!
Mary

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Port is "on board" chemo continues
From: LilyFestre
Date: 14 Mar 10 - 10:35 AM

I woke up this morning felling HAPPY!!!!! It's been awhile since that's happened, I usually have to sit for a minute and focus myself on something outside of my diagnosis. I was thinking about Veronica when I woke up and how soon she will be here!!!! Also, the bone pain has subsided quite a bit...YAY!!! I hope this means that it's about over with for this cycle!!!!!

I went downstairs to find my husband boiling potatoes for home fries and kneading dough for bread. Mmmmm....smells GOOD in here! I spent most of the last hour cleaning out a basket of old catalogs and magazines. The basket also contained a few notebooks and books too.

In one of the notebooks, I found a bunch of poetry I copied by Rumi...stuff that just makes me smile. And on this spring day where the ground is mush, the birds are singing and our bull is joining in with the chorus, I found this....and it made me smile so I'm sharing it with you:

The Music We Are ~ Rumi

Did you hear that winters over?
The basil and the carnations cannot control their laughter.
The nightingale, back from his wandering,
Has been made singing master over all the birds.
The trees reach out their congratulations.

:) Happy Spring Day Everybody!

Michelle

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Port is "on board" chemo continues
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 14 Mar 10 - 09:52 AM

Maybe this will help

TENS machine and pain management

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Port is "on board" chemo continues
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 14 Mar 10 - 08:05 AM

Darling girl, you just keep being real about your feelings- pain, joy, exhaustion, progress- we love all of you and still think of you as a hero!

(I'm now knitting myself a slouch hat, so we will be twins!)

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Port is "on board" chemo continues
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 14 Mar 10 - 01:26 AM

very inspiring

sandra

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Port is "on board" chemo continues
From: LilyFestre
Date: 14 Mar 10 - 12:47 AM

It's good to see that I'm not alone in this. I'm with the chick and the oxycodone.....

Bone Pain


Michelle

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Port is "on board" chemo continues
From: LilyFestre
Date: 14 Mar 10 - 12:19 AM

I think I just have too many meds going on in my body and I can't get myself straightened around today....too much pain and too many meds can do that to a body.

Susan, I'd be more than happy to send Bob (and his GF, is that Linda...I can never remember her name) a card if you could send me his address. I do not have a directory. I love getting cards and know how much they can brighten up a day and equally, I feel good when I send them out too.

Some absolutely EXCELLENT news in my life, Veronica is coming to visit next weekend!!!!!! For those of you who don't know, Veronica is a young lady who spent a few years of her life living with Pete and I. We haven't seen her in at least 4 years and I am SO EXCITED to see her!!! *HAPPY DANCE*

Well, so I'm up after another 2 hours of sleep. I made myself some dinner...yogurt and a Kashi bar and here I am, wide awake.

Humming some of Allison's music..........

Goodnight All,

Michelle

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Port is "on board" chemo continues
From: wysiwyg
Date: 13 Mar 10 - 10:14 PM

... I missed seeing friends....people who I don't get to see much of anymore....

Sorry, didn't record this one, and all you missed was Pete and Sandy coming in wearing bright green Irish wigs. Ed got a photo. Sandy's was shiny foil like an Egyptian hairdo, very cool. She's so shy but she actually rocks.

Bob C was there, and ya know what, he could use a phone call (so could Linda). Or a card.

Sometimes when we lean on the right Person we find we have strength to let others lean, too, and when that happens (when you're ready), you get Strength, too.

Hang in there. You're DOING IT.

~S~

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Port is "on board" chemo continues
From: LilyFestre
Date: 13 Mar 10 - 08:59 PM

I was looking at some online articles about massage for people going through chemotherapy and found that there are lots of opinions about it. Personally, a very gentle massage sounds like heaven to me at the moment. A hot tub with water jets sounds equally wonderful. Anyway, one of the sites I was looking at had pictures of cancer patients receiving various massages. All of the pictures showed people who were pale, bald and looking miserable....so dull that they looked to be fading away. That struck a chord with me tonight as I feel the way they look.

    I took an afternoon nap and let too much time pass between pain meds and as a consequence, I woke up in severe pain. My husband has been wonderful about getting whatever I need, heating up my many corn pads and just hugging me when all I can do is cry. I'm just having a rotten go of it today. I had wanted to go to a 7:00pm church service but at 6:00, I could barely stand up...there was no way I could get myself to church. That bummed me out even more. Not only did I miss church but I missed seeing friends....people who I don't get to see much of anymore. I'm so tired of sitting in this chair or of being in bed. I miss my energy. I miss my friends. I miss making plans and KNOWING I'll be able to follow through. I miss being on top of things...I have gotten very forgetful, especially in the short term area. I miss my hair. I just miss my life today and am feeling weighted down with exhaustion.

    When I read some of your comments about being so up and positive or an inspiration and today I saw the word hero twice....I can't believe it. I am so damn tired and feel like I'm fading off into nothingness.

Tomorrow will be a better day.

Michelle who needs to lean right now

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Port is "on board" chemo continue
From: Ebbie
Date: 13 Mar 10 - 07:46 PM

A few months before he died, I got my brother to use a store scooter one time. His comment:This is kind of fun.

If and when my time comes I don't plan to be noble about it- I'll make use of all tools I come across.

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Port is "on board" chemo continues
From: wysiwyg
Date: 13 Mar 10 - 02:17 PM

PLAY iz scooter!

LF, the portapotti we have does not need emptied till you get strength back, and NO GROSS-- that all stays sealed up. Your call! (Ya oughtta see it, let G know when).

~S~

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Port is "on board" chemo continues
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 13 Mar 10 - 12:17 PM

what SINS said about hero... me too. Wish I had the nerve / whatever to use those scooter thingies. There are plenty of em in Sainsbury's but I just continue to walk/stagger long after my hips seize up. Think I am afraid I will make a fool of myself for not being to operate it properly.

Maybe I should just take on on a joy ride to get some practice.

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Port is "on board" chemo continues
From: SINSULL
Date: 13 Mar 10 - 12:05 PM

Well don't that figure? You get past the pain of losing your hair, start to enjoy the new "look" and it gets infected. This is just not fair.
Honest, Michelle. It is OK to bitch once in a while if you feel like it.
Meantime, you are my hero. Amazing strength through all these insults.
Mary

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Port is "on board" chemo continues
From: jacqui.c
Date: 13 Mar 10 - 10:10 AM

Michelle - those scooters are great. I occasionally get some bursitis in my hip area and that makes it uncomfortable to walk around a big store. I have no compunction about using a scooter when that happens.

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Port is "on board" chemo continues
From: Dharmabum
Date: 13 Mar 10 - 09:32 AM

Sending positive,healing,thoughts your way.

DB.

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Port is "on board" chemo continues
From: LilyFestre
Date: 13 Mar 10 - 08:57 AM

LOL! Now that's a vision for first thing in the morning!

I have a handicapped bedside potty and will ask Pete to set it up if ABSOLUTELY necessary. The hospital sent it home with me initially as I needed handles to stand up and since they didn't have just the handles, they gave me a free-standing potty. It's funny you should mention it because I was thinking about it yesterday....just how much pain do I need to be in before I'm willing to ask Pete to dump such a thing as I am in NO shape to carry much of anything down the stairs. I still think EW.

I finally did fall asleep for 3 straight hours, waking up once to take pain meds that I now cart along with me so I don't need to make added trips. I wish I had thought of the aloe or oatmeal yesterday as we have both of those on hand. This morning we are going to the pharmacy and Walmart for the essentials. I'm either staying in the car or going to use a scooter. There just is NO way I can walk around Walmart today. At the moment, I'm trying to work up the OOMPH to stand long enough to take a shower and may well just do it seated from the side of the tub (we have a shower hose thingyamabob). My head is caked with Benedryl which served it's purpose for the night. EW.

Anyway, I am looking ahead and trying to keep in mind that this pain, although really hard to get through, is only temporary and it should begin to let up by tomorrow night or so. My Dr. told me the only side effect that should increase in duration is the tiredness as my blood counts get knocked down more and more with each chemo treatment.

Ok. Pete has finished his morning outside chores which means I really do need to find that OOMPH to get in the shower.

Love and Hugs to all,

Michelle

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Port is "on board" chemo continues
From: wysiwyg
Date: 13 Mar 10 - 06:35 AM

LF, this may be the time for a pee bucket, or if you prefer to test ours you can borrow our portapotti. You'd be surprised how really nice it is, and it's already got the waste-digesting chems on board. Get it by calling Fr CS's cell to coord. cuz he'll have to load it up, but we could drive up your hill or put it in Bonnie's van for ya. We have source to get you one if you like it. Consider it a tiny composting toidy. It is not gross.

~S~

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Port is "on board" chemo continues
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 13 Mar 10 - 05:32 AM

Maybe oatmeal made up very thick, put on head wrap in soft towel, leave for 1/2 hour rinse with cool water. Also a cold pack on the head, Darlin' Will ease the burning and itching.

hugs

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Port is "on board" chemo continues
From: katlaughing
Date: 13 Mar 10 - 03:10 AM

Some aloe vera gel, chilled in the fridge, might help with the burning sensation or witch hazel. Hope you sleep well despite being uncomfortable.

Lots of {{{{{Michelle}}}}} from Colorado.

luvyakat

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Port is "on board" chemo continues
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 13 Mar 10 - 02:52 AM

wishing you the same, accompanied by contented kitty purrrrrrs

sandra

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Port is "on board" chemo continues
From: LilyFestre
Date: 13 Mar 10 - 01:14 AM

Up listening to the wind howling outside, watching the sky flicker in orange technicolor as a distant well is being flamed off and wishing we had a bathroom on each floor of this house!!!

I very well may get a henna tattoo on my head and would be interested in who you are talking about Susan! It won't be anytime soon though as I have developed an infection on my noggin called feliculitis (sp) which means the hair follicles are infected. The Dr. ordered up some meds today but I was in no shape to stand and wait for it in the pharmacy so I came home without it and am using Benedryl cream on it for the night.....it itches wicked and burns. Good times.

I'm napping on and off, pain meds not really working as well as I'd like....hopefully tomorrow will be better.

Goodnight all.

Sweet Dreams.

Michelle

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Port is "on board" chemo continues
From: wysiwyg
Date: 12 Mar 10 - 07:50 PM

But don't shave the poor kitteh!!!!! :~)

LF, when you want it, I ran across a source today for "local" henna, and a nice Indian man who can probably connect you with real, authentic henna artists, if Pete still plans to shave in tandem with you (or has).

Also numerous vegetarian frozen entrees-- all delish and Indian. You probably already know Indian cuisine has special digestive-aid properties.... the prop. speaks sugar-free lingo too.

And if you already knew this man-- shame on you for holding out, you hussy! :~)

~S~

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Port is "on board" chemo continues
From: katlaughing
Date: 12 Mar 10 - 05:07 PM

Remember that article earlier this year or late last year? It was in Morticia's thread and was about scientists proving that a cat's purr is at a certain vibratory rate which heals up bones. It was really interesting.

Resting up is a good thing. Sleep well and may the pain be fleeting..kat

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Port is "on board" chemo continues
From: SINSULL
Date: 12 Mar 10 - 02:56 PM

I wouldn't share your pain meds with the kitty. But it must be nice to have fuzzy soft company and the occasional purr.
M

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Port is "on board" chemo continues
From: jacqui.c
Date: 12 Mar 10 - 02:53 PM

Lots of good wishes and love coming from Maine melove.

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Port is "on board" chemo continues
From: LilyFestre
Date: 12 Mar 10 - 02:27 PM

The bone pain has intensified today and I overdid a bit this morning. As a result, I am in my jammies, taking my pain meds and have been napping on and off. I think I might just work my way upstairs and call it a day.

I have an injured kitty and he is sitting with me...two peas in a pod we are.

Michelle

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Port is "on board" chemo continues
From: maeve
Date: 12 Mar 10 - 06:44 AM

Good morning, Michelle.

m

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Port is "on board" chemo continues
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 12 Mar 10 - 06:40 AM

Love, love, love, love, love...

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Port is "on board" chemo continues
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 12 Mar 10 - 12:57 AM

sending virtual hugs cos physical hugs might hurt

sandra

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: SINSULL
Date: 11 Mar 10 - 08:07 PM

Michelle,
At least this time you know what to expect. Go with it, lady. The rest of us are by your side.
Mary

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 11 Mar 10 - 05:00 PM

Hmmm. Well, that's something to think about. I imagine it will take me a day or two to do that.

Bone pain started today and am using a cane to get around.

Michelle

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 11 Mar 10 - 11:01 AM

Hey Michelle,

During last night's Lenten service, I was thinking last night that in a weird way, you have graduated from this thread. I would love to see how YOU would start a new one for the next phase of this journey. What is that phase?

Does the laptop have a CD playing drive?

~S~

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: jacqui.c
Date: 10 Mar 10 - 07:15 PM

Michelle - Kendall got home from the hospital today and he agrees with you on the wonder of his own chair and bed.

You are doing so well - it's a pleasure to read your posts.

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 10 Mar 10 - 05:10 PM

Okiebokie!

~S~

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 10 Mar 10 - 05:05 PM

Home! I am finally home!!! The nutritionist was kind of a disappointment but I did learn a few new things so not all was lost.

About the parish dinner, I could go as my blood work came back in FANTASTIC shape but I am just beat. Have something yummy for me and let Ed know I'll be thinking of him.

More soon. I need a nap.

YAY. Nothing like your own chair, bed and snoring critters to lull a body to sleep!!!

XOXOXOXOXO to all!

Michelle

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: gnu
Date: 10 Mar 10 - 02:59 PM

Good on ya darlin! Yer an inspiration!

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 10 Mar 10 - 02:56 PM

CLONE REQUEST

Can we please have a toplink to this thread: http://mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=127396 since it was started for LF and provides a place to stash music for her (and others) up top.

Thank you,

~S~

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 10 Mar 10 - 09:53 AM

...compare Michelle in the first posts with this Michelle!

As someone who has seen her roughly weekly, I can tell you that this is one lady who has done the work.

She has let tears do what tears can do, humor do what humor can do, and prayer what prayer can do. This takes the courage of free will and she has used that WELL.

Because... she knows love when she sees it. Free will, with the discerning eye of love, is POWERFUL.

Plus she's smart as all get-out.


Hi, Michelle. :~) Yeah. Yer a role model now, AND a leader. We talk about our leaders.

BTW, that sugar thing? Guess what the CS's now take to parish suppers (I suppose you'll have to miss tonight's due to immune issues). A pile of apples. A few on the food table and a few on the dsessert table.

I'll try to remember to take a charged player for tonight. If I do, I'll buzz around in my scooter to catch some of the happy sound of supper-buzz in addition to the EP service that follows. After the EP, BTW, Ed and fam are doing a private columbarium thing... I'll have the recorder then, too. I think he would like knowing you might be "there."

I gotta go find and charge a recorder!

~Susan

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 10 Mar 10 - 08:50 AM

compare Michelle in the first posts with this Michelle!

it's a privilege to watch & share your growth.

love from sandra

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: SINSULL
Date: 10 Mar 10 - 08:08 AM

Eating, sleeping and smiling. Sounds as if all is going better than expected. Kendall won't share his Ambien with me, Michelle. How about you?

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 10 Mar 10 - 07:06 AM

Good Morning!

    I made some new friends yesterday from the chemo chair, even with one of the nurses! The port needle didn't hurt a bit when it was taken out and they covered it with gauze and tape. However, they covered my incision from the port insertion and when I took the tape off this morning and the incision opened. So. I have to go over to radiology to have my port checked and I imagine they will put another layer of glue on as the glue is supposed to last 3 to 5 weeks...and I'm sure bleeding isn't a good sign. Not a big deal...just more glue!
    Last night after the chemo was over, we went to a Chinese Buffet and I had lots of crab and shrimp....which I LOVE plus it doesn't increase my blood sugar which got kinda high yesterday from the steroids. Then we did a little shopping, came back to the House of Care, chatted in the dining room with others for a bit and hit the hay. I took an Ambien to help me sleep but I was up a few times during the night and up for good at 5:00am.....courtesy of the steroids...I had 15 of them within 18 hours!!!
    Anyway, this morning brings a trip to Interventional Radiology, a trip to the drug store, an appointment with the oncology nutritionist (which I'm really looking forward to), then a stop at Rita's (for a mango gelati.....WOO HOOOO!) and then home. So far, I'm feeling just fine. YAY.
    OH! I had my hair cut last night....had the taller stuff buzzed right down so it looks a little more neat. AND during dinner, I did NOT wear my hat...it just was TOO HOT.

    Gotta get going. Have a great day everybody!

Michelle

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target
From: Rowan
Date: 09 Mar 10 - 05:36 PM

Another beneficiary of "big chair dreaming".

All the best, Cobber.

Cheers, Rowan

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 Mar 10 - 02:51 PM

A gang nap, eh? Sweet dreams, all!

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 09 Mar 10 - 02:51 PM

she's not bald... now she's flocked... like wallpaper.

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: SINSULL
Date: 09 Mar 10 - 02:20 PM

I have visions of an opium den full of bald people.
Rest, girl. Let someone else do all the work and worrying.
SINS

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 09 Mar 10 - 02:16 PM

Greetings from the chemo chair!

   It's a little after 2:00pm and I am happy to say that today's treatment is going to be over at 4:00 instead of the 7:00ish we had planned on. All my blood work numbers are looking good and I am very pleased!! :) Also, about the port....OMGosh that makes it SO much easier...SO MUCH!! The needle that went in was kind of scary looking...an inch (maybe longer) long, thick and bent. I couldn't believe that it didn't hurt.
   My blood sugar was already 350 about an hour ago and they gave me 8 units of insulin. I have a feeling they are going to need to give me more.
    I'm tired (beneydryl in the IV) and am going to try and snooze. There are 4 people in my cubby and we've been chatting up a storm....we are all kind of settling in and the meds are kicking in...less and less talking as we all begin to feel the sleepy effects.

Michelle

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 09 Mar 10 - 11:19 AM

Michelle,

My particular combination of drugs shoots my blood glucose levels up into the 500s.

Hey! Be kind to yourself about all that boo-hooing. (Pause for EMPHASIS!] Remember how the elevated sugars ramped THAT up for you in the past... not to mention hormones are probably NUTS right now? Do the boohoos if they offer to arrive, but don't beat yourself up for them.

Of COURSE yer hungry after 2 weeks not. Food is your friend!

~The CS's
cc: Hardi

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: SINSULL
Date: 09 Mar 10 - 09:00 AM

Your attitude is just amazing, Michelle. Keep it up. And whine if and when necessary. I will be thinking of you.
Mary

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 09 Mar 10 - 07:31 AM

We'll be with you in our thoughts and prayers, dear one!