Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life! From: LilyFestre Date: 31 Mar 11 - 01:57 PM I have been asked to be the speaker before the Survivor's Lap at Mansfield University's Relay for Life!!!! I am honored beyond words and a little nervous as I've never spoken in front of a large number of people. I'm working on what I should share and have added to my montage which we hopefully will be able to use (tech issues) as well. I always like visuals so hopefully everybody else will too. It's one thing to talk about chemotherapy and going bald but an entirely different to actually see what that means. Lots to think about and remember to get ready!!!! Love to all, Michelle |
Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life! From: olddude Date: 31 Mar 11 - 03:00 PM Michelle In my heart and thoughts and prayers always my dear friend love you |
Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life! From: Bobert Date: 31 Mar 11 - 05:24 PM You be sure to tell 'um that ol' Bobert thinks bald womenz is sexy and also tell 'um that if they shave it off themselves before the chemo gets to it it really pisses the chemo off so it beats up the bad guys twice as hard!!! I wish I could find the picture that Judy had done when she was bald... She went to one of them glamor-pics places... Real hot!!! B~ |
Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life! From: LilyFestre Date: 01 Apr 11 - 01:31 PM I updated my montage to share at the MU Relay For Life. I thought I'd post it here too if anyone is interested! Updated Montage Michelle |
Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life! From: AllisonA(Animaterra) Date: 01 Apr 11 - 04:32 PM Bless you, bless you, bless you beautiful woman. When I saw your curls I cried for joy. |
Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life! From: Sandra in Sydney Date: 01 Apr 11 - 10:00 PM re. speaking in public - ignore the "millions" watching you, look at one person or close your eyes & just see one woman with cancer - and say what you need to say that might help or inspire her. you could wear your pink wig! sandra |
Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life! From: Sandra in Sydney Date: 01 Apr 11 - 10:13 PM you could wear your pink wig! & all your hats & headcoverings - what an inspiration you montage is! what an inspiration you are. love from sandra |
Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life! From: LilyFestre Date: 08 Apr 11 - 10:46 PM Sandra, I love my pink hair....it's so much fun!!!!! :) Tonight I shared my *story* with well over 100 people. WOOOOO HOOOOO!!! It was an AMAZING experience!!!!!!!! I LOVE THE RELAY FOR LIFE!!!!!! Michelle |
Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life! From: Stilly River Sage Date: 08 Apr 11 - 11:25 PM Does Mudcat come into your talk? Just curious. . . we're a sort of ad hoc support group. :) SRS |
Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life! From: LilyFestre Date: 09 Apr 11 - 10:05 AM SRS....ABSOLUTELY!!!!!!! I shared about support and friendships made throughout my journey and you guys are a HUGE part of that!!!! I can't begin to tell you how many times I read through this thread along the way!!!! ((((((((((((((((GROUP HUG))))))))))))))))))))))) Wish you all could have been there!!! I got an email from the director of the Relay For Life for Tioga and Bradford counties this mornig. She said that after I left, many of the students told her I was the best speaker they had heard in 4 years!!! WOOOO!!! Made my day!!! :) :) :) The experience was definitely good for my soul!!! Love to all! Michelle |
Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life! From: LilyFestre Date: 09 Apr 11 - 10:47 AM From the Relay For Life Director: " You were amazing. Many students came up to me and said you were the best speaker they heard in the 4 years they have been here. I cannot thank you enough. Thank you" From the American Cancer Society: "Congratulations to the Mansfield University Relay for Life for surpassing their goal by $3000! Way to go!! And congrats to Michelle Lawrence for sharing her cancer story and giving what I heard was an amazing presentation!" |
Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life! From: Stilly River Sage Date: 09 Apr 11 - 11:16 AM That's great news, that they wrote back to tell you how helpful your talk was. So often people forget to say thanks! Actually, I figured you would mention Mudcat, but when it comes to the point of trying to describe this group and how our declutter threads shifted into a cancer thread - that alone could take a few minutes to try to articulate. :) SRS |
Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life! From: Little Robyn Date: 09 Apr 11 - 05:41 PM (((((((((((((Go Michelle )))))))))))) Robyn |
Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life! From: Sandra in Sydney Date: 10 Apr 11 - 07:02 AM YAH!!!!! |
Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life! From: LilyFestre Date: 17 Apr 11 - 11:39 AM Last time I went for a checkup, my port was clogged. YIKES. I had my port flushed on Friday and had a good blood return which means it's working as it's should! HOORAY!!! I got to visit with some of my favorite nurses and ran into a friend from a local cancer support group who was getting her treatment. We made plans to schedule our appointments on the same days (if possible) so we can carpool. Nice! Love to all, Michelle |
Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life! From: Sandra in Sydney Date: 17 Apr 11 - 11:48 PM more good news. keep up the good work. sandra |
Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life! From: Bobert Date: 18 Apr 11 - 08:12 PM Just how long they gonna keep that port in, Michelle??? I mean, ain't it time for it to go??? But, as per usual, always great to hear that you are doing fine... Make my day... B~ |
Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life! From: LilyFestre Date: 10 May 11 - 07:18 PM A phone call today reminded me that I have an GYN/Oncology appointment on Friday. I knew it was coming up but thought it was next week. That's what I get for not writing it down. I've been having pain on the left side of my abdomen (which is where the initial cyst was found) so I'm feeling a bit rattled. I'm hoping it's adhesion pain and nothing more. I've also been reading about ovarian cancer and the lack of progress over the last 30 years. It's the only cancer that does not have an accurate diagnostic test. The average survival rate of an ovarian cancer survivor is said to be 10 years. I've reached the platinum level which means the carboplatinum drug seems to have worked for me. There are so many recurrences. I can't go there. I just can't. I won't. I won't. I WON'T. "We [survivors] can't be consumed by ovarian cancer. We attend too many funerals. We have to do other things and be with other people." I don't know who said it but I think this is true. For the most part, I do ok with it simmering in the background like a bad, hazy dream but then sometimes, like today, it's in the forefront of my brain. They have taken excellent care of me so far and I have no reason to believe that if there was a recurrence that they wouldn't continue to take excellent care of me. I still have my port because there are timelines as to when most recurrences happen (IF they happen) and I never want to have to have another port put in in my life. It's working just fine and doesn't bother me...it's my safety net. I know I could have treatment immediately, if need be. Sometimes when they access my port, they leave the tubing attached to my chest for just in case. I see the doctor and then they take it out afterwards. I always take my doctors something seasonal (food wise but not sweets). You might remember I used to take them fresh eggs but my hens aren't laying like they used to. Any suggestions? Fresh rhubarb maybe? Chives? Asparagus? Michelle who is trying to maintain a sense of calmness |
Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life! From: Sandra in Sydney Date: 11 May 11 - 02:44 AM I still get pain where my cancer was removed 2 yrs ago - my surgeon isn't worried & my Dr & physio keep reminding me that traumatised muscles/nerves need time to heal. My scar is long & deep & yours is even longer & deeper. Some of the pain in my right groin area relates to a muscle in my lower back, some of it happens cos it is along the top of my leg, the bit that folds when I sit! Pain comes from different causes & places so a pain near the original site could be caused by other things than a recurrance. BIG HUGS & LOTSA' LOVE coming your way sandra |
Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life! From: Little Robyn Date: 11 May 11 - 02:52 AM (((((((((((((((((((())))))))))))))))))) Now breathe in slowly.........and out........ Robyn |
Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life! From: LilyFestre Date: 19 Jun 11 - 09:22 PM Time to have my tumor marker and port accessed again tomorrow. *Deep breath* Prayer said. Michelle |
Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life! From: AllisonA(Animaterra) Date: 19 Jun 11 - 09:25 PM Light and love shining your way, dear one. All shall be well. |
Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life! From: maeve Date: 19 Jun 11 - 09:38 PM I missed this when you posted a week ago, Michelle. For the hens, try an oatmeal mash with groats or rolled oats, yogurt, some apple cider vinegar, and hot water, no salt. You can add flax seed and/or sunflower seeds, too. Once a week or so is a good start. For yourself, continue as you have begun. Remembere you have friends and family who love you, including a feisty young son. You're stuck with us, so you might as well look forward to years of joyous living. Maeve |
Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life! From: katlaughing Date: 19 Jun 11 - 09:49 PM Exactly what maeve said, well...except I don't know beans about the hens.:-) All is well, as Allison said. luvyakat |
Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life! From: Bobert Date: 19 Jun 11 - 10:13 PM Ol' hillbilly still here with as many prayers as it's gonna take to get you thru this, Michelle, and you will get thru this... Lots of prayers, love and full confidence that you're fine and will just get finer... Don't ask me how I know this but I know this... Bobert |
Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life! From: Sandra in Sydney Date: 20 Jun 11 - 02:43 AM adding my good wishes to the mix heading your way also sending lotsa' love! sandra |
Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life! From: GUEST,Tinker Date: 20 Jun 11 - 09:46 AM Blessings and Light to follow you through the day .... sweet lullabies to drift in the night..... |
Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life! From: LilyFestre Date: 20 Jun 11 - 04:19 PM I slept for an entire 25 minutes this morning before I had to leave for my appointments. My port wasn't cooperating but after a few big coughs and a good shove or two, it worked just fine. It's 8 hours later and I'm waiting to hear the results. I keep telling myself that should something not be ok, they will take good care of me...just as they did the first time. Thank you for all the prayers, good thoughts and encouragement....I very much appreciate it!!! Love to Everybody, Michelle |
Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life! From: Sandra in Sydney Date: 21 Jun 11 - 04:48 AM any results yet? |
Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life! From: LilyFestre Date: 21 Jun 11 - 07:34 AM No. :( |
Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life! From: maeve Date: 21 Jun 11 - 07:41 AM You'll get them, Michelle. For now, will you play with the baby first, or go for a walk? Maeve |
Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life! From: LilyFestre Date: 21 Jun 11 - 06:45 PM Maeve, I played with the baby of course!!! My tumor marker test came back, slightly elevated but within range. It is the highest jump I've had but the oncologist says it's ok and to be expected. He's not worried so I'm not going to be either. They would like to test every 6 months but I prefer a little more often (just to ease my mind) and they are good with that. I had some kidney tests as well....there's some cause for concern there but I won't know more until early July. I am thrilled with the tumor marker test and am going to hold that close for a bit!!! XOXOXOOX Love to All, Michelle |
Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life! From: Sandra in Sydney Date: 21 Jun 11 - 07:26 PM now you can get back to playing with Jerimiah! |
Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life! From: Bobert Date: 21 Jun 11 - 08:08 PM Stick with me, baby... Ol' Bobert will get get you old and gray... Just like me... LOL... But seriously, Michelle... This is exactly what I expected... You are doing great and will continue to do so... "Hey" to that little troublemaker (jus kiddin') youngin'... Well, kinda kiddin'... Wait another year... lol... Love ya, B~ |
Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life! From: olddude Date: 21 Jun 11 - 08:16 PM Love you my friend, thank you from my heart for all that you have done for me and my wife ... you are wonderful |
Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life! From: Stilly River Sage Date: 21 Jun 11 - 09:07 PM Michelle, you need to make a trip over to North Carolina and swim with Jeremiah in Bobert's new pool! Keep up the good work, keep up the healthy living, and enjoy the family. That's my Rx! SRS |
Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life! From: maeve Date: 21 Jun 11 - 09:48 PM Michelle- Wise choice! |
Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life! From: AllisonA(Animaterra) Date: 22 Jun 11 - 10:20 AM Well, so then it's just business as usual. By that I mean, celebrate life, be grateful and joyful for each beautiful day, love that baby all up, and laugh a lot! You're doing just fine. |
Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life! From: LilyFestre Date: 02 Sep 11 - 12:12 AM September is National Ovarian Cancer Month. Tomorrow is Wear Teal Day as well. In addition, I have a checkup with my GYN Oncologist. I love him but the exam...well, not so much. In honor of both Ovarian Cancer Month and Wear Teal Day, I'm going to wear my teal boa for my exam. Here's how it goes...the nurse checks me in....leaves me alone to undress and cover up with a sheet, the resident comes in and does a breast exam and then my GYN oncologist comes in and does the full check. And there I'll be in my sheet and boa....can't wait to see his face!!! He has a great sense of humor so I'm actually looking forward to this visit!!! :) Any good thoughts or prayers are always more than appreciated!!! Love to you all. Michelle |
Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life! From: katlaughing Date: 02 Sep 11 - 12:24 AM Love that image, Michelle!! Good to have a doc with a sense of humour and who makes you feel comfortable enough to wear your boa. Thanks givings for continued good health and calmness for you. All is well, luvyakat |
Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life! From: Sandra in Sydney Date: 02 Sep 11 - 04:21 AM wishing you lots of fun & silliness on your life journey |
Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life! From: Stilly River Sage Date: 02 Sep 11 - 11:58 AM The boa is probably a better option than the sparkles and glitter in the old joke - woman heading to her exam doesn't have time for a shower so runs into the bathroom, pickes up a washcloth on the sink and gives the old three-point washup. Her doctor later comments that she didn't need to go to any great lengths for her exam. Back home her daughter is complaining what happened to the washcloth with all of her glitter. (It's a weak premise, but it still makes the rounds.) SRS |
Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life! From: Bobert Date: 02 Sep 11 - 12:04 PM I'm there with ya', Michelle... Tell me when I need to leave the room... *g*... B~ |
Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life! From: ChanteyLass Date: 03 Sep 11 - 12:55 AM I'll bet many of us would love to see a photo of you in that boa--and street clothes. Those sheets are so unflattering! |
Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life! From: olddude Date: 03 Sep 11 - 09:09 AM That will be great ... let us know how the doc reacts my friend Love you Dan |
Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life! From: saulgoldie Date: 03 Sep 11 - 09:49 AM All the best, Michelle. Saul |
Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life! From: LilyFestre Date: 03 Sep 11 - 11:29 AM My oncologist laughed and laughed. He's such a good egg and I love him to bits! My report was EXCELLENT!!! YAY!!!!! He told me that I am the "Poster Child for Ovarian Cancer Survivorship!" Everything looks good, feels good and my heart sounds great!!! HOORAY!!!!! Love to all!! Michelle |
Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life! From: katlaughing Date: 03 Sep 11 - 04:16 PM |
Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life! From: Little Robyn Date: 03 Sep 11 - 09:38 PM Hooray! Luv, Robyn |
Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life! From: ChanteyLass Date: 03 Sep 11 - 11:12 PM Wonderful news! |
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