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

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: wysiwyg
Date: 08 Feb 10 - 04:07 PM

There may a few laffs in the following. Or who knows, YMMV....

Sleeping animals? Just need warm skin to wake them up? (Like a kitteh purrs on the radiator?) Becuz as soon as you move they will move too, lively-looking like hair moves as we move? Portable immortal pets, snuggling? Choose one by feel instead of by look? Put it on with eyes closed till it's on?

There are a zillion potential different ways to look at them..... (Pick one for Pete and try it on to be sure it will fit him?)

I know you will find a way to make this fun..... I promise not to bug you about the annual March ladies' guild event..... (I KNOW you will look MUCH BETTER than Fr. C-S looked that day?)

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: SINSULL
Date: 08 Feb 10 - 04:18 PM

Be realistic, Lily. Donald Trump looks like something fell out of the sky and landed on his head. Not a good look.

Was that helpful?

Should I head to the CELLAR!?

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: LilyFestre
Date: 08 Feb 10 - 05:17 PM

LOL. You guys crack me up, THANK YOU!

Donald Trump....yeah...it DOES look like something fell out of the sky and landed on his head!!!

And for Father CootieSniffer, he looked like he was having FUN in his wig.

I've been thinking about the wigs....maybe I will go without one....maybe I'll find a new color I've never tried....maybe I'll go for something like what I have now....I'm liking the caps...they look warm and soft.

Speaking of chemo caps, when the box of stuff came the other day and I opened it and burst into tears, Pete was home. He almost immediately put on one of the caps...a white one with black polka dots and a giant sunflower....I couldn't help but laugh. Maybe I'll try some of the wigs on (that we already have here) tonight.....if he will too.

Still..I kinda have this aversion to touching them.

Freaks me out. Kinda like having to touch a worm or something.

Anyway, I'm sure Mom and I will make the best of it and try to find some laughter in the wigs.

Also? I talked with someone who has been through chemo and she said the actual drip time is pain free. That is good news!   YAY!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: wysiwyg
Date: 08 Feb 10 - 05:32 PM

Oh I get it-- you wanna wear HIS wig-- Fr C-S's. We can do that! (I have no idea where it is, don't worry.)

Practice skull-art with hubby, with clown paint? But then ya gotta have those big floppy clown ruffs to go with..... :~)

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: katlaughing
Date: 08 Feb 10 - 06:08 PM

Maybe it would help to know many wigs for cancer patients are made of real hair donated by folks who really care? Then it can be stroking someone else's hair, braiding it for them, pinning it up, etc.?

Bald can be beautiful: Click.

Also, I have been reading blogs and such about baldness in women. Several of them recommend using some makeup to accentuate your facial features. It draws the eye to your face. And, also wear earrings, dangly ones. One person found chemo caps to which they glued bangs (fringe in the UK) so it looks as though you have your hair tucked up.

The main thing the baldness says is you have chosen to FIGHT and DESTROY the cancer cells...your bald head is a symbol of you choosing LIFE. And, that's a GOOd thing!:-)

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: jacqui.c
Date: 08 Feb 10 - 07:13 PM

When SINSULL and I get together and go shopping it can be a riot. We've nearly been thrown out of a number of shops because we have far too much fun trying on hats.

I hope that when you and your Mom get to see the wigs you can maybe have a bit of fun with them. Pictures would be good!

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: Bobert
Date: 08 Feb 10 - 07:19 PM

No wigs!!!

Bald women are hot!!!

B~

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: LilyFestre
Date: 08 Feb 10 - 07:45 PM

If I am going to be bald, I want to look like Melissa Etheridge when she played at the Grammy's with Joss Stone.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_j3TDhc8vY


She comes in half way through...well worth watching...and Bobert...she is bald and HOT! Agreed!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: katlaughing
Date: 08 Feb 10 - 11:28 PM

Ah, I love Melissa!! That was an awesome performance and she looks beautiful. Good role model for what you are going through! Thanks for the link.

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 09 Feb 10 - 08:01 AM

Michelle-me-love, laugh if you can but DON'T feel you have to wear the wigs if it keeps (forgive me) wiggin' you out. You don't have to wear anything you don't want to (except the port- which you are bravely choosing to wear, and lady, you are gonna be stylin' in that!).

Scarfs, caps, or nothing at all - you are a beautiful woman and nothing can change that!

But yes, laugh as much as you can!



(as I've been typing, Joss and Melissa have been serenading me from your link- keep that kind of energy flowing, dear!)

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: SINSULL
Date: 09 Feb 10 - 08:10 AM

I moved on to Joplin herself. Wasn't she a wonder?
Sorry for the thread drift but it's been years since I listened to Take Another Little Piece Of My Heart.

Just a thought: my neighbor in NYC had Hodgkins Disease and was treated with chemo. She had wigs and hats at the ready but never lost her hair. Maybe...

Then again, every hair represents a cancer cell on its way to perdition. So fall away.

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-
From: Rowan
Date: 09 Feb 10 - 04:49 PM

I've sent you a PM on PortaCath-delivered chemo, Michelle.

All the best!

Cheers, Rowan

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: LilyFestre
Date: 09 Feb 10 - 07:14 PM

My consultation went fine. My chemo Dr. informs me that I have Stage 2A ovarian cancer. My surgeon says Stage 1. Either way, my prognosis is GOOD. I asked a million questions, got to feel how a port will feel (and look) by a model and then what the port actually looks like before they put it in. I had a tour of the treatment rooms and some blood work.

I was in tears in the waiting room, just not wanting to be there, having a hard time believing that I NEED to be there....and this woman who was sitting not too far away asked me if it was my first time there. I said it was. She said she was there for her second treatment. She asked me what stage I was and I told her....she told me she is stage 4.....spread all over her body....she has 6 children. Her husband was with her and she was so calm...almost like she was talking about the weather. I asked her if she had a port and she came over and showed it to me. We started to talk and she was called in for her treatment. Her husband lingered and told me she'd have to do these treatments for the rest of her life. I can't begin to tell you the heartbreak I felt for this family. I don't know her, never saw her before today....but well...I don't know the words to convey the sadness. When I went on my tour of the treatment rooms, she was sitting in a recliner, typing away on her laptop (they have wireless), she smiled and waved to me. I wanted to hug her. Her name is Kristi and I will be looking for her when I go for my first treatment next Tuesday.

My first treatment will be sans the port. That gets put in about 9 days after the treatment...it goes according to when the white blood cell count falls and then starts to increase...they'll put the port in when my numbers are higher.

I am happy to report that I can take one person (at a time) into the treatment room with me. We can play cards, talk, watch tv, eat, whatever...but I do NOT have to be alone. I am blessed to have family to go but also friends who have volunteered to drive me (it's a 3 hour round trip), and to sit with me during my 5 hour infusion.

My mom went with me today and we stopped at the American Cancer Society on the way home to see about a wig. Not only did they give me a wig free of charge but also 2 overstuffed bags of hats/caps/scarves and sleeping caps. I did try on wigs today....cried and laughed too. It got easier after the first few. I think I'm going to be a cap person. I don't like the wig. And like Jacqui pointed out, I don't have to wear a wig!!

Now that I know the chemo start date, I am waiting on my hair dresser....hoping she can get me in the day after my first treatment. This disease has given me so few choices...but *I* will say when my hair comes out....NOT cancer or the chemo.

It's cold and snowing here so I'm making comfort food for dinner.....waffles and sausage.

I'm sleepy and love you all.

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: SINSULL
Date: 09 Feb 10 - 07:19 PM

You are so incredibly strong, Michelle. Thank you for posting about your first visit.
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 10 Feb 10 - 07:55 AM

I'm with Mary. Love flowing you-wards!

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: jacqui.c
Date: 10 Feb 10 - 08:18 AM

One step closer to a full recovery. GOOD!!!!

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: wysiwyg
Date: 10 Feb 10 - 08:20 AM

Michelle, you do not surprise me, but you impress me, so much.

I'm glad you met Kristi.

I have a video item saved on my DVR-- I had planned to copy it to VHS but ydy the ()*(&* VCR ate a tape of Ed's so now....

If I cannot copy the item (I think you will want to see it), or find an online view-whole-episode link, I'll shoot clips on my camera, and put them on a flash key for you. So watch your snail-mail next week-- not good items to leave sitting cold, by the road.

Hardi will want to hear all about this, and not filtered by me or by cc. As you know he's had some conference time, away, this week. Saturday after-service would be fine, if you don't make any other plan with him. I believe he may be in the office tomorrow, if I do not manage to kidnap him while he sleeps. Those Cootiesniffers can get so worn out! Especially "sweet" ones.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 10 Feb 10 - 08:41 AM

an amazing post about an amazing day

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: LilyFestre
Date: 10 Feb 10 - 04:49 PM

GOOD NEWS!!!

My chemo Dr. called this afternoon to let me know the results of yesterday's bloodwork!

Prior to my surgery, my cancer antigen test (aka CA-125) result was over 500. Normal CA-125 is 35. As you can see, mine was ridiculously high. This is NOT used as a diagnostic tool, although sometimes it is an indicator of a malignancy...but more often it is used as a prognostic tool.

Anyway, today the Chemo Dr. called to tell me that my CA-125 is 34!!!!!! That is an amazing and dramatic change that indicates no cancer issues!!!!!!

Also, I've been quite anemic...number required for this test for surgery is 10. My last blood test before I left the hospital showed a result of 7.5. Since that time I've been taking some hefty amounts of prescribed iron pills. As of yesterday's test, my result is 12.5!!!!

All other bloodwork tests came back normal. This means I'm going into the chemo on Tuesday AS STRONG AS POSSIBLE!!!!!!

I told the Dr. that when I got off the phone I was going to do a happy dance and that I loved him!!! He giggled!!!! :)

THIS IS FANTASTIC NEWS!!!! YAHOO!!!!!

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: SINSULL
Date: 10 Feb 10 - 04:52 PM

Dance away!

And keep your fiber intake up - iron supplements can be brutal.

All good news. Congratulations!
SINS

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 10 Feb 10 - 05:31 PM

WAHOO! Dancing with you!

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: katlaughing
Date: 10 Feb 10 - 05:42 PM

That's wonderful, Michelle!! WOW!

Sins is right about the iron tabs and fiber. I was taking them but it was taking forever for them to take effect. My girlfriend told me to get some folic acid tabs and they would help immediately. I did and they did. I quit the iron tabs with the doc's permission. You might not want to do it right now, but keep it in mind. We all have/need folic acid as it is required for production of red blood cells.

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: wysiwyg
Date: 10 Feb 10 - 07:19 PM

But of course you are as strong as you could be!

Rejoice, dance, and LEAN ON THAT.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 11 Feb 10 - 12:56 AM

joining the dancers!

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 11 Feb 10 - 02:01 AM

Congratulations, Michelle! Glad to hear the levels are where they need to be! And I concur about the iron--it can bind you up tight. Keep the roughage going through. I staggered the days I took it, figuring taking it every day meant I wasn't using that much anyway (extra goes through). And folic acid also is a big yes. It's a B vitamin, if you can't use all of it, it passes through (though without the constipation iron causes). Folic acid is inexpensive also.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 11 Feb 10 - 02:49 AM

What a wonderful way for me to face work today. With tears of joy and relief.

Holding you tight in my thoughts, Petal.

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: jacqui.c
Date: 11 Feb 10 - 07:51 AM

What good news! That was a great way to start my day - I'm sitting here with the biggest grin on my face!

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: LilyFestre
Date: 11 Feb 10 - 08:24 AM

I just have to say that that phone call makes me see the world in a whole other way this morning!!!!!   WOO HOOOOO!!!!   I'm thinking of an adventure....ok..an easy on the body adventure....we'll see!!!!   YAY!!!!


GOOD MORNING WORLD!!!!!!!

XOXOXOXOOXOX

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: wysiwyg
Date: 11 Feb 10 - 08:39 AM

Here's to LIFE!

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: SINSULL
Date: 11 Feb 10 - 08:43 AM

Take it easy Lily. You'll pop a stitch. LOL So happy for you.
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: maeve
Date: 11 Feb 10 - 08:46 AM

Wonderful news, Michelle. I believe you have many more triumphs ahead.

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: LilyFestre
Date: 11 Feb 10 - 10:09 PM

I decided to spend the day in Ithaca. I spent 2 hours poking around Kohl's. I was in search of an open neck shirt for easy access to the port for my treatments. I ended up with a scoop neck green shirt with 3/4 sleeves and several new plain, short sleeved shirts for later this spring...the price was right and so were the colors!!! I poked around the home goods section too and picked out some new place mats for springtime.

After the 2 hours, I had had plenty. I met Pete for lunch and spent the rest of the day at Barnes and Noble. I found 3 books with a positive spin on how to take care of yourself with the C diagnosis. Not overly medical in nature but rather how to tend to yourself from diagnosis to end of treatment.....all pointed in the direction of getting through. One of the books is called, There's No Place Like Hope. It's full of quotes and short paragraphs about dealing with this stuff from beginning to end of treatment...very upbeat and positive.

I also spent a decent amount of time in the music section listening to a wide range of CDs. :)

One of the books I read through but did not purchase, had a section on nutrition....which is of huge interest to me. I learned that sugar or any refined flour product not only increases my blood glucose levels (which I know) but that that kind of food increases cell production, including cancer cells. YIKES. I try to limit that kind of stuff anyway but that gives me the incentive to cut it out even more. I am NOT going to feed those cells if I can help it.

The phrase, DIE MOTHER F#@K^R DIE comes to mind. Not nice, but TRUE.

I had coffee today for the first time in over 2 months and I'm a little wound. I found out that coffee without sugar isn't half bad!!! (No time like the present to cut out all the sugar I can!)

Anyway, it was GORGEOUS outside today...bright blue skies, sunny and oh yeah, I had breakfast by Buttermilk Falls...completely frozen over except for one small opening where water was rushing underneath the ice.

It was good to be out!!!!!!!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Feb 10 - 01:24 AM

Sounds like a busy and full day, Michelle. And getting off of the sugar would be good for all of us!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 12 Feb 10 - 09:17 AM

Yeah, I've been hearing about the sugar/cancer connection. Sucks, doesn't it?

Michelle, you are sounding happy and well and ALIVE- keep it up, honey!

(oops- no honey, either? I suppose in moderation...)

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: wysiwyg
Date: 12 Feb 10 - 11:24 AM

LF, re: Ithaca, sugar, and The phrase, DIE MOTHER F#@K^R DIE comes to mind. Not nice, but TRUE.

===

Ithaca:

1. Guitar Works still there? Isn't there a Moosewood Cafe in that building? If so I recall that it had good, healthy eats, not to mention Guitar Works as CD-heaven and they did a GREAT repair or two for us there (non-guitar) as well. Also good amps, priced fairly. (Maybe you already know all this.)

2. Anytime you want something from this place (tho I know Pete works nearby), just let us know to put it on our list: Oriental market with GREAT stuff, on the road into town, near the Tractor Supply, same side of road, across from Sallie's-- maybe you already know this-- much of their staff is bilingual.... store name coming to me.... Winli. Hard to spot it on the way in, easier to see it on the way out. The Red Cargo rice is superb and lo-glyc, as is the brown jasmine rice. Cheeeeep. A great jarred curry powder is there. All the ingred for making Miso Soup, incl a tofu that does not require refridg. till opened. (!!!)

===

Re: Saying "mean" things to cancer. Short version: There are so many ways in which that battle is just like spiritual warfare; any GOOD reference on spir. warfare (SF) will also work on cancer. One of the most powerful tools in SF is to proclaim the positive rather than engaging the negative AT ALL. This can be done in a number of ways (and is one way I pray for you). Hardi or I have good SF texts. His are Angl. classics, mine are ecumenical. I even know where MINE are. :~)

===

Hardi is minimally briefed to make time to hear your great news and will be back at office-sched-mode tomorrow.

===

As you know, Hardi has this thread's URL to check in at his discretion, but does not read my PMs, so thanks for keeping most of our "chats" in here these days. If a new "Chemo" thread starts, you might want to give him that URL.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: LilyFestre
Date: 12 Feb 10 - 08:42 PM

Well, like I said, it's not nice but it IS true. I am NOT going to feed the cancer cells if I can help it and I DO hope they all starve to death.

Today had been a roller coaster for me and I guess that is to be expected.

I had to stop a med that I was taking at night to help me relax so I could sleep (side effect of this med is that it possibly lower white blood cell count...can't have that going into chemo). I haven't slept more than 6 hours in the last 72 hours.
I am TIRED.

Maybe tonight I will be able to sleep.

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 12 Feb 10 - 08:55 PM

wishing you a peaceful rest

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: wysiwyg
Date: 12 Feb 10 - 09:14 PM

LF,

I can promise you that anxiety and sleeplessness will run their course, and your body's rhythms will re-assert themselves. (Details tomorrow if wanted). Ride out the short sleep as best you can-- I promise, it gets better.

At Wegman's in COrning I saw a book on anti-cancer nutruition, "One Boite at a Time," intended for cancer pts and their friends. Did not have time to look inside it-- we were ona major low-su=gar recon mission.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: wysiwyg
Date: 12 Feb 10 - 09:28 PM

One BITE at a time, described at Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/One-Bite-Time-Nourishing-Survivors/dp/1587612194

Descr. from earlier edition (it's also been revised):

Reviews
" Rebecca creates with the intention of nourishing people with cancer, survivors and their caregivers." -- Healing Lifestyles & Spa Magazine

"...Tantalizing recipes that should appeal to just about anybody with taste buds...plenty of useful information and interesting anecdotes." -- House Beautiful: Kitchen And Bath Magazine March,2005.

"A cookbook... with a difference. It educates the reader on how to cook in a healthful manner without sacrificing flavor." -- Knight Ridder/Tribune Book Review, March 07, 2005.

"A gem, especially if you in the diffcult position of caring for a relative or friend who is ill." -- The Baltimore Sun January 14, 2005.


Product Description
Through The Inner Cook, her San Francisco Bay Area practice, chef Rebecca Katz teaches creative culinary solutions to peple navigating the aftereffects of cancer treatments. For those whose appetites have been turned off by illness, Rebecca's ONE BITE AT A TIME is an instant turn-on to good, nourishing food. In this comprehensive cookbook, Rebecca shares delicious, immune-boosting recipes for people living with cancer, their caregivers, and the ever-growing number of cancer survivors.

ONE BITE AT A TIME features more than 85 simple-to-prepare, sumptuous recipes. From little nibbles to satisfying entrees Rebecca's flexible approach is designed for both the individual and the entire family to enjoy. Dishes such as Poached Coconut-Ginger Salmon, Spinach Orzo with Pine Nuts and Feta, Taxicab Yellow Tomato soup and Magic Mineral Broth reinvigorate the appetite with ingredients that help bolster the body's immune system.

To accompany the recipes, Rebecca offers down-to-earth information and helpful advice for those dealing with the culinary ups and downs often experienced during treatment. Learn what friends and family can do to best pitch in; discover easy substitutes for "forbidden" foods; look up "nutrition-at-a-glance" information for each recipe; and see how to wake up taste buds in any dish by using just a few basic staples from the pantry.

Rebecca's caring, humor-filled recipe notes will warm your heart and remind you that, along with a good meal, laughter can truly be the best medicine. Throughout the book's pages, Rebecca's clients attest to this fact, as they share anecdotes of the joyous impact these recipes have had on their lives.

At a time when you may feel that nothing is under your control, something as simple as creating a nutritious, healing dish for yourself or a loved one can be a reaffimation of your humanity and a tangible way to nurture someone you care about.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-
From: Rowan
Date: 12 Feb 10 - 10:03 PM

Good news, Michelle!

All the best, Rowan

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 13 Feb 10 - 07:18 AM

...singing a Lily lullabye...

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: LilyFestre
Date: 13 Feb 10 - 07:26 AM

Allison,

   That did the trick!!! I slept last night for almost 9 hours!!!! YAY!!!!!!!

I feel SO much better this morning!

*******************GROSS ALERT***************

My incision is healed in most places. I still have two small spots just inside the rim of my navel that are healing very slowly....I had antibiotics for them but they are still green....much smaller, but green. The surgeon says they are topical infections and not to worry. And then almost at the top of my incision, there is a spot that did not close and had developed a large, thick black scab. It's been itchy and last night it came off. It's healed underneath, almost 100%! YAY!

*****************************************************

Later Gators!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: LilyFestre
Date: 13 Feb 10 - 07:46 AM

Oh...and more news. My insurance company will only pay 80% of the chemo treatments. ARG. Oh well. I'll be paying for this until I die. No way around it though so I can't worry about it. Better news....they will pay 100% of a "Hair prosthesis" up to $1500.00! That means I'll be able to get myself a nice wig, one fitted for ME, if I want. There's a wig shop near the hospital that I'm going to have to check out. Currently I have 4 wigs, only 1 of which I have tried on (the others were sent to me) and I don't think I'm going to be a wig girl....I'm pretty sure I'm going to be a cap girl!!! They are so much softer and cooler (or warmer depending on the cap) and they don't look like dead animals! YAY!

I also talked to my surgeon's head nurse who really doesn't do any nursing but rather fields questions and soothes nerves. We talked for 20 minutes yesterday. She thinks I 'm a hoot! I told her I found some henna tattoos for bald heads and I might just go ahead and do one...found one of leaves and flowers that I really like!!! Pete said he'd give me $20.00 if I'd do a henna tattoo on my head that says, "This end up!" LOL. It might just be worth it!

Love to all,

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: Bobert
Date: 13 Feb 10 - 08:27 AM

Michelle,

If you talk with the "finance department" at the hospital they can sometimes ***make deals***... Most hospitals have a certain percentage of cost that they finance person is allowed to write off... Of course, the formula is based on income and expenses so if ya'll are million-gazillionaires they probably won't do anythin for you but if yer laike alot of folks with mortgages, bills, etc, they just might help ya'll...

Doesn't hurt to ask...

Heck, I had a colonoscopy and just went in and asked if I could make payment on it and next think ya' know they knocked 25% of the charges off...

Glad yer feelin' better... But 2 hours in a department store worries me... It's a guy thing...*grin*...

B~

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: LilyFestre
Date: 13 Feb 10 - 09:03 AM

One more thing....I've taken to asking bald men how to care for my scalp. Last night the local judge was at yoga and well, he hasn't got any hair...so I asked him what he did to take care of his scalp....shampoo? conditioner? He said he just uses soap, water and some moisturizer. And then he went on to tell me that his wife has had breast cancer twice and also lost her hair and I should call her. He gave me their home number and also told me she would be helping to run the next Look Good Feel Better Program and I should sign up. I'm already signed up...it's next week. Cool beans. It amazes me how many people have had cancer....why is it something that is hush hush? I don't know about you but talking with other people helps calm me down and feel better about the process. You can bet that I will talk with anyone, anywhere about my path when I am through this.

Michelle

PS. Anyone here take care of a bald head differently?

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: LilyFestre
Date: 13 Feb 10 - 09:21 AM

Susan,

   Thanks for the information about the book. It so happens I have an article sitting on my table about cancer-fighting superfoods written by Rebecca Katz. Lots of good information there and I'll look for her cookbook the next time we are at Wegmans which may be later today or tomorrow.
   One of the things she said is that people who are going through chemo recover faster and have more energy when they increase their protein to 80 grams daily. She recommends using whey power (which is easily absorbed and won't add upset to the treatment) in smoothies made with frozen fruit and plain yogurt. I'm going to be adding that to my diet as soon as we get to the store.

   I've been to Guitar Works several times with Pete and the Moosewood is a great place to go...I LOVE the juice bar....best grapefruit juice EVER!!! And I do know about the Oriental market you are talking about....never stopped in but next time I'm in Ithaca I will. I appreciate the information.

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: maeve
Date: 13 Feb 10 - 09:26 AM

Michelle- My husband's scalp was scorched in the fire. It's been wicked itchy; so he just shaved his head. He is using Bert's Bees Thoroughly Therapeutic Honey & Shea Butter Body Butter. Ingredients include honey, shea butter, mango butter, aloe, and Vitamin E.

I use it for dry skin, too. It's pricey for us, but was the first thing we bought for our comfort the week after the fire. We both like its effect on dry, irritated skin, and it smells pleasantly of honey.

Remember to use a good sunscreen and hat.

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: LilyFestre
Date: 13 Feb 10 - 09:59 AM

Maeve,

    OUCH. Can you ask him if he uses shampoo or conditioner in the shower? I like Burt's Bees stuff too...so I'll have to find some of that...I like that it's all natural and those products DO smell good!! Great idea! Thank you!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: maeve
Date: 13 Feb 10 - 10:39 AM

No, Michelle; he only uses very mild soap and avoids overly hot water.

http://www.burtsbees.com/
There is also a store locator link on the site.

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: wysiwyg
Date: 13 Feb 10 - 10:42 AM

LF,

BaldING folks have tips too-- they usually go first for warmth because you will not believe how much heat loss your scalp can generate.

The good news-- you will be burning a boatload of calories due to that. Yep, a weight-loss furnace.

The bad news-- in warmer weather the sensation is kinda neat but in cold weather it's painful-- so you may go hats now, scarves for spring, henna or other art for summer (if chemo goes that long or for the use of others who may read this).

The other bad news-- sugar/insulin adj.

SLEEPING in hats-- oh yes, bedtime can be cooooollllld. Ya wanna loose hat that pulls way down, seams in the right places for your sleeping position; ya want a variety of weights and textures. "Sallies" is our "pilot" source to see what we are going to like enough to pay for retail versions.

===

The book-- I only saw one copy there.

===

In your travels if you see a yellow store bag like the boxy, reusable bags all the stores have-- later tonight you'll see why we've been looking for one or two. Color-coded songbook totes.

~S~