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

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 28 Feb 10 - 09:30 AM

*big breath*

Moving on because that's all I can do.

Today I am leaving to spend another night at the House of Care. Tomorrow morning at 9:00, I'll be having my port put in.

Michelle

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: jacqui.c
Date: 28 Feb 10 - 09:45 AM

I agree with Allison - that sort of remark can only come from a very poor soul, too bound up with the lower things of life to see past the muck and the mire. Pity them, but do not let them bring you down. A Mudcatter once wished colon cancer on Kendall, when he was part way through his fight with his cancer. That type of behaviour comes only from the very immature.

From all you have posted over the past few weeks you have shown an amazing spirit and, like your New York City friend, are well on the way to being an inspiration to others in similar circumstances, and who are just starting to walk the road you have gone down.

Good luck with the port - I may not post very often but I check this thread on a daily basis.

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 28 Feb 10 - 10:00 AM

I just can't fathom one human being saying that to another, EVER.

My friend and I had words with each other but NOT LIKE THAT.

I know I need to look beyond it and concentrate on healing....that comment just cut me to the core.

So.........looking for the positives in this day:

I am going out to lunch with my mom and husband.
I am spending the next 5 days with my mom (will be missing Pete though)
I am going to hang out with my friend today and we are going to talk cancer stuff....positives...getting through, etc.
I am going to see my nana who I haven't seen in months (she lives far away)
I am going to visit my uncle with bone cancer.
I am going to take lots and lots of pictures of my family
I am feeling (physically) good today.
I've gained a couple pounds (good since I was radically dropping weight)
Tomorrow I am getting my port...while I am NOT looking forward to the procedure, it will make chemo easier on my body and it will mean no more needles.

Ok. It's time for me to pack up the computer and go.

As always, I appreciate your love and support more than you know....

Much love,

Michelle

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 28 Feb 10 - 11:02 AM

Take the 'sniffers.....!!!!!!!!!!!!??

About that old business with your friend... people grow at different rates. You can only deal with your own rate, ya know?

~Susan

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 28 Feb 10 - 04:54 PM

what Susan said... someday that friend and her husband may rethink things they have said to others.

I hope they have learn and they find courage enough from the lesson to make a point to apologise and want to make things right again.

You are going to be all right Sunshine. You've got lots of love to bouy you up in the storms. And that unkind, unthinking comment was a tiny tempest. Let our love carry you over the waves big and small.

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: katlaughing
Date: 28 Feb 10 - 05:24 PM

Say "no thanks!" to that kind of remark and be sure to delete it if you have it on your computer. Some friends we have to let go even after a very long friendship. YOU are growing by leaps and bounds through the grace and honesty with which you have dealt with your health challenge. You will continue, I am sure, to make great strides and there is no room for such negativity in your life. (Think about all of the karmic brownie points they DIDN'T just rack up!*bg*)

In your positives, please be sure to protect your heart a bit, esp. when seeing your nana and uncle. It can get a little poignant, emotional and, while it is good to let out your emotions, it is best to do so in moderation so that you don't tire out.

All will go well, tomorrow, I am sure and know that YOU ARE LOVED.

mamakat:-)

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 28 Feb 10 - 05:37 PM

what everyone said

Ever since I read a comment from Eleanor Roosevelt - No body can make you feel inferior without your consent - I've tried to live by it, tho sometimes my "natural" (ie. imposed by family members when I was growing up) stupidity/uselessness pops up, & I take a second or so (it used to be minutes or hours!) to remember that the comment made only says something about the person making it.

as you said, you day will be a good day, surrounded by loving friends & caring staff (with an occasional ouch)

sending more love & good wishes

sandra

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: katlaughing
Date: 28 Feb 10 - 05:49 PM

Eleanor Roosevelt also said, "A woman is like a teabag. You never know how strong she is until she gets in hot water!" I have that on a small poster on my fridge.:-)

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: maeve
Date: 28 Feb 10 - 05:51 PM

My mom says, "Consider the source!"

m

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: Severn
Date: 28 Feb 10 - 09:56 PM

Michelle,

I will write about baldness issues soon, but if you dredge up the Mudcat Recovery Ward 2008 thread, you can read some of my Chemo Chronicles written at the time I was going through it all.

Some great laughs from an All-Star Mud-cast as well.....

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Feb 10 - 11:27 PM

My Mom would have remarked on the low self-esteem of that powerlessness man, if the only way he can feel stronger is to kick someone when she's down. To be sure his words have power he attacks. And that's what he was doing--he was trying to feel like he had power, even if it was a totally negative hit.

That guy is a boil on the butt of the universe. In the Karma end of things, the man is TOAST. So don't worry about him.

Have a good week getting all of that stuff taken care of.

SRS

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 01 Mar 10 - 09:35 AM

Michelle,

I've been cogitating that man's "contribution" to your mental map, in my daily prayers. What keeps coming back to me is to ask you, what kind of energy is the most healing for you as you continue this "little battle"? Feeling hurt and angry..... or compassion and forgiveness? (I mean the energy you generate, not the energy that comes at you.)

Compassion and forgiveness don't just come automatically, of course... but they can be prayed for and, when they come to you, accepted.

Your priest no doubt will have more to share on this point, but when I think of one colleague's toughest cancer year, what I think she might have most regretted was a narrow area of hardheartedness where she did not completely achieve forgiveness. One person had asked a thoughtless question out of concern, but it struck L like a doubt about her ultimate recovery. She had the idea that ONLY positive thinking aimed her way was helpful, and no one in her immediate circle at the time quite realized that what she probably needed was a reminder that God's positivity is so much more powerful, and always there to be appropriated. I know that later she DID find her way to let it go, but in the meantime the brokenness in L's one relationship with that person multiplied out all around L, as people scrambled to compete over who was helping and who should be shut out.

So... the steps other people take in the grand dance are the steps they take, but you can choose your own, around them. Praying for (and even giving thanks for) the people who hurt us is a powerful route to healing broken relationships.

~Susan
cc: Hardi

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: SINSULL
Date: 01 Mar 10 - 11:00 AM

Michelle,
This has been the weekend from hell for me. No power on Friday. Computer crash on Saturday - actually it works but only brings up really nasty porn sites. No computer = no phone . Then my cell phone ran out of minutes. No computer = no refill on the cell.
Very frustrating but I told myself "At least I have my hair". A recognition of how ridiculous all this crap is in comparison to your battle.
Re: your pathetic friend's husband. Imagine being married to that? Poor lady.
When a Mudcatter trying to hard to be controversial wished colon cancer on Kendall, I confronted him in the Chat. My language was less than ladylike but spot on. He squirmed that it was a joke. He whined that I should stay out of it. He complained that he was being picked on. In short, he showed what a worthless coward he actually was. From that day forward, if I went into the chat, he left. Eventually he was banned from the Cat for a multitude of offences. Like your friend's husband, a pathetic bully trying get attention. Dismiss him and his negative energy. There is no room for him in your life.
Hopefully, your package will arrive soon. With all the nonsense this weekend I managed to jam the after hours machine with your package stuck inside. If I hear from Homeland Security I will let you know. LOL
Hug your Nana and know that you are loved.
Mary

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 01 Mar 10 - 04:52 PM

So.... I'm confused. According to the last post's example, does one battle offenders, or does one rise above them? Does one let it go and let the community evaluate/respond, or does one first mount a little warfare?

(Where's the highest positivity, such as I understand it takes to overcome cancer?)

~Susan

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: jacqui.c
Date: 01 Mar 10 - 07:51 PM

No one is suggesting that Michelle responds to this oaf.

SINSULL responded to an unwarranted attack on someone she loves dearly. From experience I know that bullies, if not taken to task, will just keep on going, hurting others, as was done to both Kendall and Michelle. I also know from experience that they see compassion and forgiveness as weaknesses and no reason for them to change their ways.

Whilst the person being ATTACKED may not be in a position to fight back that doesn't mean that those who care for them cannot make that effort on their behalf, in much the same way as one might attack a physical bully who was injuring another person.

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target
From: Rowan
Date: 01 Mar 10 - 09:01 PM

Anyone heard how LF's port insertion went?

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: maeve
Date: 02 Mar 10 - 06:19 AM

Thanks, Rowan. I have not heard anything regarding how the port insertion has gone. I trust Michelle will let us know how she is when she's ready...and when her thread returns to the light of positive support.

Still here, Michelle!

maeve

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: SINSULL
Date: 02 Mar 10 - 08:42 AM

I think Michelle was getting chemo along with the port. She may be a bit under the weather today.
Patiently waiting for news.
SINS

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

I had the impression she was going to be offline for a few days with the various aspects of the port and the chemo.

SINS, I had a few dustups with Mr. M-G myself. And one remarkable apology--perhaps it should be framed? You've caught the character right. The anonymity of the Internet has allowed such insecure characters feel like they are big and powerful. Susan, a suggestion is fine, but it doesn't constrain the rest of us from examining the peculiarities of such folks or the response they received in their particular communities. And examples of individual confrontations doesn't indicate a continual attack on that particular person, or we'd be no better than they are. The sound "stop this behavior now, you little cretin!" and a flounce stage left and no further communication with them can feel rather satisfying.

SRS

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: SINSULL
Date: 02 Mar 10 - 01:16 PM

Not M-G, SRS. Another charmer.
I hope Michelle has met up with her chemo buddies. She seems to draw such strength and motivation from them.
Still waiting.
SINS

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 02 Mar 10 - 02:19 PM

meeeee toooooo...

waiting and hoping it is all going as smoothly as possible.

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: Micca
Date: 02 Mar 10 - 02:39 PM

Michelle, Burning a candle and sending good thoughts your way since the beginning. As a further gesture of solidarity I will "install a Port" this evening probably a glass of Taylors Late Bottled 2003, and will sip it in quiet contemplation while beaming healing energy to you, The Mudcat healing energy from these sort of threads was very useful and beneficial to me (as well as to MANY others) last year.
Micca

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 02 Mar 10 - 02:46 PM

Thanks SRS, but Jacqui has already understood and responded to my request for clarification-- for Michelle.

~Susan

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: SINSULL
Date: 03 Mar 10 - 08:04 AM

Just checking in, Michelle. Healing energy and Chardonney from Maine. Micca's Port is nasty stuff. LOL
SINS

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 03 Mar 10 - 09:02 AM

Michelle, my morning's lectionary Scripture reading included the item I had been looking for (Strength to Strength), and it's in Psalm 84.

This Psalm presents a fine example of how seeking the higher good can bring us to our goals.

I like the Amplified Bible for personal reading because ...It attempts to take both word meaning and context into account in order to accurately translate the original text from one language into another. The Amplified Bible does this through the use of explanatory alternate readings and amplifications to assist the reader in understanding what Scripture really says. Multiple English word equivalents to each key Hebrew and Greek word clarify and amplify meanings that may otherwise have been concealed by the traditional translation method.

~Susan

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 03 Mar 10 - 01:55 PM

sure wish she would post.... even if to just say... ugh

sigh.

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 03 Mar 10 - 02:18 PM

The annual Lenten series is in full swing here, and tonight is the second week's event, so I may get some word I could share from that.

I *think* we just are not quite up to speed on her schedule-- I recall Monday to have been said to be planned as Port Day but I wasn't thinking it also was chemo week. I'll ask around-- she's been pretty open on all this around the parish, so someone else may have heard something we haven't, or may be in touch so as to be in a position to pass along all the latest good wishes and caring thoughts here.

===

Hey, LF-- I have a new video suggestion for your spirits on the tough low-contact weeks-- what's your hill's channel lineup (link?)?

~Susan

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 03 Mar 10 - 07:26 PM

please add my good wishes to the list, susan

sandra

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 03 Mar 10 - 09:06 PM

No word from tonight's crowd, OR the padre.... "we" know nothing.

I do have her cell number.... he may call her (or her mom) to see whassup.... when it feels right to HIM. He has a finely tuned sense for each person in the parish (or even peripherally connected to it) for that matter, on how long is *too long* for each individual to be off the radar, and he's really good at knowing where and how to run into them-- my dear mentor.

~Susan

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Mar 10 - 05:24 AM

'I once had a very close friend...for years. Something happened between us that led to ugly words from both of us in May. She recently married a man she has known for 4 months. This morning he posted that I deserve to have cancer.
    While I understand that his wife doesn't care for me anymore, that comment......well....NO ONE deserves to have cancer. I am SO upset'.



Humph and Grr. That comment shouldn't be said to your worst enemy!!

Now you take care Michelle, Do as the docs tell you, rest when your body tells you and most of all - Posi thoughts which of course is what we all have for you.

Jillie

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: GUEST,Eyelander
Date: 04 Mar 10 - 05:26 AM

'I once had a very close friend...for years. Something happened between us that led to ugly words from both of us in May. She recently married a man she has known for 4 months. This morning he posted that I deserve to have cancer.
    While I understand that his wife doesn't care for me anymore, that comment......well....NO ONE deserves to have cancer. I am SO upset'.

Humph and Grr. That comment shouldn't be said to your worst enemy!!

Now you take care Michelle, Do as the docs tell you, rest when your body tells you and most of all - Posi thoughts which of course is what we all have for you.

Jillie

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target
From: Janie
Date: 04 Mar 10 - 07:15 AM

Thinking of you, Michelle.

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 04 Mar 10 - 07:52 AM

Sending waves of love....

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: SINSULL
Date: 04 Mar 10 - 08:08 AM

Still no computer at home but you are the first one I greet from my desk at work. Good morning, Michelle. Hope you are enjoying visiting your family.
Mary

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: jacqui.c
Date: 04 Mar 10 - 10:16 AM

Watching the thread and hoping that this week has been good to you.

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 04 Mar 10 - 01:58 PM

Hya Honey

Just me, sending you hugs morning and evening, from over the pond.

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: maeve
Date: 04 Mar 10 - 06:44 PM

Michelle is ok. She has returned home and will post when the dust settles, so to speak.

maeve

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: katlaughing
Date: 04 Mar 10 - 07:05 PM

Thanks for letting us know, maeve. It's good to know.

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 04 Mar 10 - 07:19 PM

Oh man. I just spent 20 minutes posting and the computer ate it. I will post later tonight!

I am ok and home and happy. :)

I can't believe I didn't copy the post before I hit submit.

ARG!!!!


Love to all!!!

Michelle

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 05 Mar 10 - 01:56 AM

bloody computers

sandra

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 05 Mar 10 - 02:44 AM

whew!   I can face the day now with Michelle thoughts back in the "she's gonna be all right field." The Michelle thoughts were hanging out in the "what's happening to her field" which tend to make me feel worried and unsettled.

Gonna be a good weekend. I am determined on it.

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: Bobert
Date: 05 Mar 10 - 07:16 AM

Well, sometimes ya' kinda have to look at chemo with a different eye... When my late wife Judy took the Taxol within a day her efeet were burning so badly that se couldn't walk on them.... We were told that in a small percentage of patients that can occur and we had to treat it with "bag balm"... I'm glad that you are tolerating the Taxol, Michelle, and that you aren't in that small percentage...

BTW, that was the worst of all of the side effects of any of the different chemo drugs that were used...

More warm healing thoughts and prayers from the ol' hillbilly...

B~

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 05 Mar 10 - 07:44 AM

Ok, so I didn't post last night...I just was too tired. Here's how the last few days went:

On Sunday afternoon, Mom and I drove to the House of Care where we would be spending the night as I had an early morning appointment for blood work and the port on Monday. We had a bigger room than last time so that was nice! We were there for maybe an hour before we caught up with my new friend, T....the one I wrote about earlier last week. We sat and gabbed for a few hours and then Mom and I went to dinner. Chinese Buffet....all the crab legs and shrimp I could eat....YUM!!!! That was a BIG treat for me!!! When we got back to the house, T's boyfriend had built a lovely fire in the living room fireplace. He and a staff member moved one of the tables from the dining room area out in front of the fire and we played Mexican Train (dominoes) for a few hours...lots of laughter and great conversation....we had FUN!!!! The next day T would tell us that it was the best time she's had in a LONG time! It definitely was an evening to remember!!!!
    So...Monday morning rolled around and I cried, a lot. I was freaked out and scared, not wanting this tube thing in my neck. I was ok with the idea of the port but I still don't like the idea of an 8 inch plastic tube in my veins. At the breakfast table, T said she was happy for me. I was crying. I told her I wasn't happy about it. She said, well, is it okay if I'm happy for you? I know how much easier this is going to make it for you. I'm going to be happy for you. That made me stop and think.....and it made me feel something good although I can't put words to it.
   We drove over to the hospital and parked in the valet parking. My blood work was scheduled for 8:30 and I was half an hour early. They took me anyway. I cried through that, explaining about the port procedure that was to follow. The nurses there did their best to help me settle and reassure me that they do them all the time and how great it will be to not have to be poked all the time anymore.
    Next we walked to the outpatient radiology department where my procedure would be. It was a large room with lots of chairs and people waiting. I took a number and sat down....trying NOT to cry in front of all those people and failing miserably. There was a man sitting next to me in a wheelchair and he asked me why I was there and told me he had a port put in years ago and it was going to be ok. He cracked some jokes and helped get my mind off of what was coming up.
    They called my name early and Mom was allowed to go to the changing room and then to the pre-op room with me. I spent probably an hour or more in the pre-op room. They took my vitals, went over my current medications and started an IV of antibiotics as a precautionary measure. I cried the entire time. They sent in 2 different people to explain the procedure to me and everyone was very kind. I just was afraid. Scared. Wanting to run away and never look back. They got the IV in on the first try (I asked them to numb it first and they used a spray...didn't work for beans). Eventually I was walked down to the OR (I took a photo of it and returned the camera to my mom) and asked to lay down on a long, narrow bed...really more like a tray with a black vinyl cushion on it. There was a stepping stool to get up there as it was rather high. There also were arm rests along side of the bed, running parallel to the bed. I used those to grip tight. I was surprised that I could stay dressed except for my shirt. I had on the typical hospital gown, black pants and socks....how pretty. Anyway, they asked me to take only my right arm and shoulder out of the gown. Then, with my arms at my side, they used tape around my arm and over my breast, pushing it down hard (to create tight skin above my breast), ran the tape over my breast and around the other side, taping my hand to the armrest on the left. They did a criss cross with the tape. I wasn't going anywhere. The Dr. was late coming in but I did get to meet him and he was very nice as were all the nurses. I was to turn my head to the left and they draped me with a blue cloth. There was a metal bar near my head and they draped the fabric over that bar, leaving me a window of sorts so I could look out from under the cover. A nurse stood on that side the entire time. During the procedure, we talked about what kinds of animals we have and I'm sure we talked about something else but I have no idea what it was.   They gave me a shot of lidacaine in my neck...small needle but it took a long time for them to push the medicine in and that smarted. Meanwhile, they gave me something in my IV to help me relax but not sleep. I was totally awake for the entire procedure. Once the lidacaine was in, they made a nick in my neck. Then they gave me another shot of lidacaine in my chest. As far as I can tell, here's what I *THINK* happened. Once they had the nick cut in my neck, they threaded the 8 inch plastic tubing down through a vein, then they cut a 3 inch (across) pocket in my chest for the actual port and attached the tubing from there. It is my understanding that the port is sewn in place so it can't move around. There was a LOT of pushing, pulling, tapping and thumping. It did not hurt while they were doing it...it was uncomfortable and a few times I jumped because they thumped so hard....just a reflex I suppose.
    When they were finished, I had help to sit up and then I got off the table on my own, slipped on my shoes and walked down the hall to the changing room where Mom was waiting for me. I changed my clothes and wobbled down the hall....walking close to the walls as I really was kinda wobbly but I just wanted to GET OUT OF THE HOSPITAL.
    We went back to the House of Care where T was waiting anxiously for me. Apparently the surgery took a lot longer than normal as she had left a note in my room and was also waiting for me. We talked for about an hour and then Mom and I left (having packed the car before all my medical things) to go downstate to my Nana's. I hadn't seen her in months and she has been worried about me and asking to see me....I was wanting to see her too. Anyway, on Monday night, I was HURTING....not so much where the port went in but my neck....where all the tubing is....it HURT a LOT! I had a soft ice pack to put on it and had been instructed to take Tylenol, so I did. Early in the evening I said goodnight and went to bed. I was just wiped out. I crawled into bed and started to read and noticed all these little hairs falling into my book. Yep. My hair had started to fall out.
   Mom was sitting at the kitchen table and I went out to show her and fell apart. The port. The tubes. The IV. And now my hair falling out...it was too much for one day.
    The rest of the days have been better. I am badly bruised on my chest...about the size of my husband's fist. The bruising doesn't hurt, it's just ugly. The port area is tender and my neck/collarbone area is slowly feeling better. My hair continues to fall out in little clumps. It looks like I have white polka dots on my head. I have threatened to color them all different colors so they look like jelly beans! :)
    After 4 days away, I am finally home and so very happy to be here. I had a nice visit with my nana, aunt and uncle but there's no place like home, especially when you don't feel so great. I will say that Nana, Mom and I had some fun on Wednesday afternoon...I took all my wigs and we had ourselves a little wig party!!! FUN!!!! :)
    I'll be adding photos to the montage in a week or two and will post the link.

Love to all,

Michelle

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 05 Mar 10 - 07:47 AM

Bobert,

   Yep, sometimes you DO have to look at chemo with a different eye. Having my hair come out was something I knew was going to happen but when it did, it was shocking to me....shouldn't have been, but it was. There's something very strange about touching your hair and having wads of it come out in your hands. I've decided that it's just a sign that the chemo is doing it's job which is to kill all fast growing cells. That means hair cells are being destroyed BUT it also means cancer cells are being destroyed too!!! Fine. By. Me.

Michelle the Bald

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: SINSULL
Date: 05 Mar 10 - 08:06 AM

Michell, the Brave and Beautiful.

That description of your surgery was riveting. Now I'm tired. Welcome back, Michelle. The thing you feared the most is done and over. One step closer to a healthy body.

Celebrate the little victories.
Mary

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 05 Mar 10 - 09:21 AM

all I can say is I second that.

you have so much courage.

sandra (crying happy tears)

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: SINSULL
Date: 05 Mar 10 - 10:35 AM

I think our Lily is losing it. She and Kendall are planning a screaming run into the night, clothing optional. Scarborough, ME is just not ready for this. I think I may have to wake up the Lay Abouts At Large for legal help.

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 05 Mar 10 - 01:43 PM

I love the idea of dyeing the patches of hair different colours. Very festive.

Love that you enjoyed that Chinese Buffet with such gusto. Your appetite has been worrying.

Wonderful that you had that friend to hang out with at the House of Care. What is Mexican Train dominoes?

Very good that you could spend time with your Nana and Aunt.

Looking forward to more photos...


Love from Tam who is hoping that the multi colour patches will be among them.

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Mar 10 - 02:01 PM

In my mind's eye I peeked over the green cloth, Michelle, and nearly lost it just sitting here in my computer chair. :-/

I'm glad they had the spot on your shoulder so isolated and kept you distracted. I know it may seem a lot of work that way, but it's good that you didn't have to deal with more general anesthesia. (I was a kid in middle school and had a mole removed from one breast, using a local, and I looked - once - and realized what a mistake THAT was!)

You've come a long way in short time. I'm proud of you!

SRS

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: Bobert
Date: 05 Mar 10 - 05:24 PM

Michelle, the Brave, the Bald and the Beautiful...