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

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Half-way point with chemo! Yippee!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 15 Apr 10 - 06:13 PM

I already look back at some of the things I've written here and wonder how did I get through that....but then I look at what the support and love that has been given both here and in my life and I KNOW that THAT is how I've managed my way through. There's no greater power that love...as cheesy as it sounds, I fully believe it to be true!!!

Michelle

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Half-way point with chemo! Yippee!
From: Micca
Date: 15 Apr 10 - 08:24 PM

Lily, Here is a little bouquet to share with my friends and with you, whose courage and humour and sheer endurance has been a lesson to me these weeks,
from one who admires you much
Micca

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Half-way point with chemo! Yippee!
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 16 Apr 10 - 04:20 AM

wow! spring has sprung

sandra

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Half-way point with chemo! Yippee!
From: Micca
Date: 16 Apr 10 - 05:20 AM

Sandra, An Ausssie friend used to go to Kew when she felt homesick, every year at the beginning of your spring to smell some flowers called Boronia? she said it was "home" . I go evry year for the scent of Frangipani (Plumeria) which reminds me of Hawaii, They wern't in bloom yet, another 4 weeks or so. I hope Ms Lily enjoys the orchids some were as big as your hand!!!

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Half-way point with chemo! Yippee!
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 16 Apr 10 - 06:35 AM

Micca - great disappointment - I no longer have a bottle of
Boronia oil - fooey, as you say it is a beautiful perfume.

I was walking thru fallen frangipani this afternoon as they're everywhere & will probably collect a few tomorrow night on my way to my folk club.

One day when I have a place with a garden (rather than windowsills), I'll have my very own frangipani.

sandra

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Half-way point with chemo! Yippee!
From: maeve
Date: 16 Apr 10 - 06:57 AM

Good morning, Michelle. The frangipani discussion has reminded me of a favorite song Burl Ives used to sing. The chorus is:

Oh how I love that Frangipan!
Sweet like honey, Frangipani.
It makes young men holler, "Hoowee!"
and old men sigh for Frangipani.

maeve

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Half-way point with chemo! Yippee!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 16 Apr 10 - 07:25 AM

Oh Micca!!!!!

   The flowers are BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!   Around here, spring is just beginning to burst with it's colors....I have 3 forsythia that are in full bloom just like your picture.....it's like a bush full of sunshine!!!!!!!!!! And the orchids are stunning!!! WOW!!!!

Good Morning My Friends!!

    Dinner was a lot of fun last night, didn't get home until about 12:30!!! They have this very fun tree house built for adults....we made our way up the spiral staircase using flashlights and sat around a lantern chatting it up for a long time, spent some time just listening to the peepers and frogs too...a wonderful night!

   Today I start getting ready for next week....chemo treatment #4! For me that means some extra cleaning, laundry and cooking to make sure everything is nice for when I get home and a week of not being able to do much.

    Let the day begin!!!!

Love to all,

Michelle

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Half-way point with chemo! Yippee!
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 16 Apr 10 - 10:16 AM

have a great day full of lovely people & enjoyable stuff.

tho I dunno why anyone wants to clean - I avoid it as far as possible.

sandra (heading to bed)

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Half-way point with chemo! Yippee!
From: katlaughing
Date: 16 Apr 10 - 10:44 AM

LOL, maeve and Burl Ives.:-)

Several times my brother ordered a plumeria from a fav. greenhouse and did his best to grow it, but each time he lost it. He is an expert, but I think he never learned the benefits of benign neglect when it comes to houseplants.

My mom brought him back a cutting of white ginger. We both had beautiful plants from that one cutting, for years. I still would love to smell plumeria. I see the boronia essential oil is expensive!:-) I still have some white ginger essential oil given to me over 35 years ago and it is still very lovely smelling.

Micca, the pix are gorgeous. Michelle, your evening sounds wonderful! You are such a Wonder!

kat

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Half-way point with chemo! Yippee!
From: SINSULL
Date: 16 Apr 10 - 11:06 AM

Lily,
You and Maeve are such an inspiration. When I get stressed over what in my life is huge, I remember how petty it is in comparison to your chemo and her lost home. Puts it all in perspective.
Thank you.
Mary

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Half-way point with chemo! Yippee!
From: katlaughing
Date: 16 Apr 10 - 04:52 PM

But, be kind to yourself, too, Sins...it's all relative, to a point.:-)

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Half-way point with chemo! Yippee!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 16 Apr 10 - 05:50 PM

It's weird to me that anybody thinks I'm an inspiration.....

Today has been a normal day. I picked up the last of the wood pellets, went to the store, did some chores, relaxed a bit, talked to a friend on the phone, played with the dog, tried to catch one of my chickens and did some reading. Didn't cry today. Not once. That's SO nice for a change!!!

Oh and SOMEBODY PLEASE remind me on those days that I can't pull myself out of the giant holes that I keep falling into that I have Xanax and I need to take it!!! Sheesh. It's not a med I take daily but it is for panic attacks, high levels of anxiety, etc. For that matter, I can also take Ambien to just check out of reality and rest.....not just for nightime sleeping. I don't know why I don't remember this when I'm so freaked out, but I don't....so a gentle PM reminder would be a Godsend. See? Chemobrain. Chemofog. Forgetfulness rules supreme even to the detrement of my own health. My oncologist says my short term memory will come back slowly...about at the same speed as my hair.

    In the meantime, thank you for my friends who will help me remember.

Love to all!!!

Michelle

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Half-way point with chemo! Yippee!
From: Bobert
Date: 16 Apr 10 - 08:51 PM

Sound like yer doing great, Michelle... Keep up the good work... It's almost over... Then you can get along with yer post-cancer life... Yippee!!!

B~

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Half-way point with chemo! Yippee!
From: katlaughing
Date: 17 Apr 10 - 12:15 AM

Heck, Michelle, I forget I have xanax to take! No problem on the reminder...will do.:-)

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Half-way point with chemo! Yippee
From: Rowan
Date: 17 Apr 10 - 12:54 AM

Thread drift alert!
I see the boronia essential oil is expensive!

Boronia megastigma Ahhhhh!! An aroma to die for. According to those who are seriously into propagating Oz native plants, this species of boronia is particularly tricky to get going and, in the hands of most, becomes an annual rather than a perennial, so I imagine it's not the most common essential oil in the the pharmacopeia.

Years ago, when I was a botany postgrad I demonstrated ("taught") in the Second Year Plant Systematics classes; lots of plants had their private parts dissected and drawn. One class always had everyone in the building skipping along the corridors; it was the one that dealt with Rutaceae (using Boronia megastigma as the sample specimen) and Iridaceae (using Freesias); great bunches were supplied and their aromas went all through the building.

Any left over after the class were hoarded by us postgrads and taken to our desks and our homes.

Ah! Salad Days!

All the best, Michelle!

Cheers, Rowan

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Half-way point with chemo! Yippee!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 19 Apr 10 - 06:15 AM

Today I go for my second post op visit with the surgeon. He'll take a look at the pain that's been bothering me and we'll take it from there.

Also, I like to take him goodies when I go. Last time I took him some candy and he said, "Are you trying to fatten me up?" So today I'm taking him a dozen farm fresh eggs and some chives from the garden. :)

Hope it makes him smile.

Michelle   :)

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Half-way point with chemo! Yippee!
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 19 Apr 10 - 07:23 AM

Blessings today and everyday, dear one!

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Half-way point with chemo! Yippee!
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 19 Apr 10 - 07:25 AM

real eggs! if he doesn't smile ...

In October I'll be heading to festival in an historical Industrial Complex (built 1844) & still in part use. It's the Old Goulburn Brewery where beer is still brewed (in modern tanks etc rather than the original) tho they no longer grind grain & grow tobacco etc. & one of the attractions is the chooks who spend their time scratching around the yard, eating real grasses etc & laying beautiful eggs. The chooks share their patch with geese & I have a goose feather in my Akubra, maybe I'll find a chook feather to wear with it this year.

sandra

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Half-way point with chemo! Yippee!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 19 Apr 10 - 08:55 AM

Petal, I have now TWO great videos for you on our home DVR. Can you coord with Cn CS to set a date for you and Pete to come see them here?

You will want to bring along a vid/sound camera if you have or can borrow one.

~S~

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Half-way point with chemo! Yippee!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Apr 10 - 01:04 PM

If I was that surgeon, I'd cancel the rest of your bill if you kept me supplied in fresh farm eggs!

Sounds like you're moving right along!

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Half-way point with chemo! Yippee!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 19 Apr 10 - 07:50 PM

News from the oncologist: Everything looks great! My CA-125 numbers have stablized early which he says is a great indicator of an excellent prognosis.

No word about what this pain in my side is other than if it gets bad again, let him know and we'll do some imaging. He says there's nothing in there anymore that should hurt....although it still does.

Overall, I'm very pleased with my visit today!!!

Susan....regarding Pete and I coming over...I can but I don't know that he can due to his work hours. What are the videos about?

Michelle

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Half-way point with chemo! Yippee!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 19 Apr 10 - 07:54 PM

Young cancer survivors kicking ASS in a way I think you would like to see. Inspirational.

~S~

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Half-way point with chemo! Yippee!
From: Bobert
Date: 19 Apr 10 - 08:24 PM

Told ya' so... But good news, none the less...

Now lotta folks gotta be learned up on farm eggs if they ain't had 'um so go easy on Doc, will ya, Michelle... I mean, some folks will be grossed out by the yellowness of the yokes... They'll think that means there's something wrong with 'um??? They sho nuff will... So ya' gotta educate these peoples so they don't freak on ya'...

B~

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Half-way point with chemo! Yippee!
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 19 Apr 10 - 09:24 PM

good number, Michelle!

sandra

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Half-way point with chemo! Yippee
From: Rowan
Date: 20 Apr 10 - 12:44 AM

Excellent, Michelle.

And, if the eggs have white shells, you could cast some ideas about Russian Orthodox Easter decorations in his direction.

Cheers, Rowan

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Great oncology numbers!!! Yowza!!!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 20 Apr 10 - 07:43 AM

My oncologist was really pleased with the eggs! He said he hasn't had fresh eggs in about 3 years and even told me who he was with when he had them and the circumstances!! I warned him about the color and also that fresh eggs make great hard boiled eggs but they don't peel well. If I hard boil them, I cut them in half with a knife and scoop out the insides like you would a grapefruit. He really was tickled...gave me an extra hug too.

That's the thing I love about this Dr. (aside from his excellent medical skills), he has a personality that clicks with mine. The first thing he did yesterday when he walked in the office was hug me and tell me that I look beautiful. I asked him if he fell on his head recently. He laughed and said, "Are you kidding? This is what I live for!" He asked me how I was doing and I told him I was nervous and he asked me if it was because I thought something else was growing and I said yes. He said I was fine and let's take a look. And he was right! He also said that all my blood panels from the chemo end of things (different Dr for that) look great. I told him that I was concerned about the low platelet count and he said that was normal and that if the drugs were powerful enough to lower my count so substantially, then the way to look at this is to imagine what it's doing to any cancer cells. I love this man!

So....today I will spend the day getting myself and my house ready to be away for the next 2 days for my 4th chemo treatment, which is on Thursday. Mom and I are planning a little adventure for the drive down tomorrow, a leisurely breakfast on Thursday, my treatment and then dinner out. We'll play games in the evening or watch tv, read or relax if I'm tired. Friday we'll take our time, hit some grocery stores on the way home and then I'll do my best to prepare for the week that follows the treatment.

And OH YEAH....last night on the way home we stopped at the grocery store and I decided the hell with my diet, I had GREAT news and it was time for a celebratory dinner!!   I bought two t-bone steaks from the case (which made me feel like a very rich person), fresh broccoli and.......are you ready for this....a fruit torte....cake on the bottom, cream and then covered with fruit!!! I've had this only once in my life and LOVED IT!!! I look at them every time I'm at this store, in the bakery.....but never would I buy one. Yesterday I did!!!!   Of course, as things go, I was exhausted by the time I got home....went ...bed before 8pm....so we will have that tonight!!! YUM!!!!!!!!!

Love to all...and yes Bobert...ya told me so!!!!!   I'm SO GLAD you were right!!!!!

Michelle

PS. Susan....truck is broken, so Pete is using my car, I have no way to come see the DVD right now although I would LOVE to see it!!!

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Great oncology numbers!!! Yowza!!!
From: maeve
Date: 20 Apr 10 - 07:53 AM

Congratulations, Michelle! And what a good idea it was to take eggs to your excellent doctor. One of the nicest gifts we've been given was three dozen eggs from our own lovely bantams; delivered by the friend who is taking care of them for us.

And good on you for indulging in a celebration that includes good food!

maeve

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Great oncology numbers!!! Yowza!!!
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 20 Apr 10 - 08:08 AM

good news, good company, good food - all leading to good health!

sandra

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Great oncology numbers!!! Yowza!!!
From: SINSULL
Date: 20 Apr 10 - 08:11 AM

All good news, Miss Lily. I too have fresh eggs from chickens who have not been abused - a guilt free breakfast. Good doctor, good numbers, good prognosis.
Always listen to bobert and save yourself some grief. Unless of course your neighbor is shooting at targets towards your house. His advice then may be a bit "iffy".

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Great oncology numbers!!! Yowza!!!
From: kendall
Date: 20 Apr 10 - 08:14 AM

Wonderful! Steady as she goes.

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Great oncology numbers!!! Yowza!!!
From: GUEST,Neil D
Date: 20 Apr 10 - 08:29 AM

Better every day. Keep it up.

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Great oncology numbers!!! Yowza!!!
From: mouldy
Date: 20 Apr 10 - 09:00 AM

Haven't put my two pennorth in for a while - I'm SO pleased to hear you are doing so well!

I suppose it's only natural to worry that other "things" might be growing, but those oncology people know what they are doing. Chemo is a fine art, and is individually tailored for each person's needs.

Love
Andrea

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Great oncology numbers!!! Yowza!!
From: Rowan
Date: 20 Apr 10 - 07:03 PM

Onya! Michelle!

Go for it.

Cheers, Rowan

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Great oncology numbers!!! Yowza!!!
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 21 Apr 10 - 07:32 AM

Marvelous news! And what wisdom you show, dear one. Enjoy your dinner as your doc will enjoy the eggs- fresh eggs, nature's golden gift.

I'm off for 5 musical days, but will be holding you in my heart...

love,

Allison

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Great oncology numbers!!! Yowza!!!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 21 Apr 10 - 07:36 AM

Get your cheese out people because this is a whine alert!

Seriously.

Today I leave for my 4th chemo treatment and I just plain old do NOT want to go. I finally am feeling healthy and now I have to go let someone stick me with a a giant ass needle and put toxins in my body that will make me feel like shit again and make me more tired than I already am. I KNOW it's killing any floating cancer cells and that's why I NEED to go. But I'm tired of being tired. I'm tired of having my bones hurt. I'm tired of my fingers tingling to the point it's hard to write out a check or pull out my debit card. I don't want to sit in that stupid, uncomfortable plastic recliner all day. I just want to be at home, feeling good with the people I love.

I DON'T WANT TO GO!!!!!!!!!!!    ******STOMP************

*********POUT**********   

*****LAYING ON THE FLOOR KICKING TANTRUM*****

Crap. I do HAVE to go in about 20 minutes. Travelling there today, treatment tomorrow. *sigh*

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Great oncology numbers!!! Yowza!!!
From: maeve
Date: 21 Apr 10 - 07:42 AM

Get it over with, Ms Michelle...then look forward to feeling great again. I'll be thinking of you.

maeve

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Great oncology numbers!!! Yowza!!!
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 21 Apr 10 - 08:16 AM

nothing wrong with a good tantrum now & then!

sending love & hugs

sandra


THREAD DRIFT -
I've never had kids, but I've seen a number of good tantrums in public places over the years - shrieking & howling, wet & dry eyed crying, sitting on the ground & not moving, etc., but yesterday I saw a dog throw one! It lay flat on its tummy & the owner moved on with her other dog, pulling it a very short distance until she realised one dog wasn't wasn't moving! Then she squatted down & asked it what was the problem, unfortunately I was getting on the bus so missed the end of the incident.

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Great oncology numbers!!! Yowza!!!
From: Micca
Date: 21 Apr 10 - 09:06 AM

Its the old family stand by (ask Morty)" When in Danger or in Doubt, Run in circles, scream and Shout!!!"

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Great oncology numbers!!! Yowza!!!
From: SINSULL
Date: 21 Apr 10 - 09:33 AM

You could always reenact that scene from The Exorcist and give the attending a good hard twist. Let him know just how you feel.
Whine away.
But get your butt out of the house and into that chair.
Auntie SINS

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Great oncology numbers!!! Yowza!!!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Apr 10 - 10:53 AM

When you get home there will be a nice book there waiting for you, to occupy and entertain while you rest quietly and let the nasty chemicals do their work and move on.

Take care, be patient. You'll get through this and feel better again.

SRS

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Great oncology numbers!!! Yowza!!!
From: katlaughing
Date: 21 Apr 10 - 05:24 PM

Must be why they call us "Patients"...it's a virtue for which we all strive and medicine sorely taxes.:-)

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Great oncology numbers!!! Yowza!!!
From: gnu
Date: 21 Apr 10 - 06:09 PM

Glad to hear the good news. Hope things go well on the morrow and afterward.

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Great oncology numbers!!! Yowza!!!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 21 Apr 10 - 08:07 PM

Thanks for all the well wishes. I'm in a better space than I was this morning! I'm ready for tomorrow, even stopped by the clinic today to pick up some more numbing cream so the port needle won't hurt so much...they gave me 2 tubes....that's the way I like it...nice and numb!!!!

Mom and I stopped at a farmer's market along the way today and really just enjoyed the sunshine and each other's company. We wore ourselves out though. We arrived at the House of Care around 4:00 and she is currently enjoying her second nap!!! I'm going to tuck into bed soon too.

Thanks for being here and letting me vent. :)

Round 4 tomorrow and only 2 to go after that!!!! YAY!!!

Love to all,

Michelle

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Great oncology numbers!!! Yowza!!!
From: maeve
Date: 22 Apr 10 - 04:42 AM

Go get 'em, Michelle. I'm thinking of your upcoming victory.

Michelle

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Great oncology numbers!!! Yowza!!!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 22 Apr 10 - 08:25 AM

Ten steriods in, 5 to go. I can fly....I'm sure of it. Crazy drugs.

Two hour countdown has begun....then all needles will be over for the day.

Praying for a good blood panel report, specifically platelets that have gone up or held steady, hemoglobin counts up, steady white cells and a CA-125 that has dropped a few more points. That would make for an excellent report. Any further dropping of the platelets and they may refuse treatment today and make me come back in another week. We shall see. I'll post from the big chair, if I get that far.

Love to you all.

Michelle

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Great oncology numbers!!! Yowza!!!
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 22 Apr 10 - 09:33 AM

fingers crossed

sandra

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Great oncology numbers!!! Yowza!!!
From: jacqui.c
Date: 22 Apr 10 - 01:38 PM

Hopefully, by now, your treatment is over. Enjoy tonight's meal and tomorrow's road trip home.

You're doing good girl, keep it up.

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Great oncology numbers!!! Yowza!!!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 22 Apr 10 - 04:59 PM

Hi Gang,

   My platelets dropped but remain 13 points above the cutoff point so I am writing to you from the chemo chair. I have about 40 more minutes to go. My chemo pal was here today and we got to sit together despite a very full chemo unit. They also have t-shirts for the relay for life that say Survivor on them...I picked up a few! YAY!

Hemoglobin is up (I've been pusing protein)
White cell count is up (fighting something I hope)
Blood sugars through the roof thanks to the steroids so I've had some insulin

Other than that, I'm just sitting here listening to the delivery machine ticking away.

Tired. Very tire. Doc says that will get worse.

We have plans to go for Thai food but rignt now, I'd settle for a long nap so we shall see.

:) Love to all,

Michelle

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Great oncology numbers!!! Yowza!!!
From: jacqui.c
Date: 23 Apr 10 - 02:25 PM

How's it going dear?

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Great oncology numbers!!! Yowza!!!
From: Cuilionn
Date: 23 Apr 10 - 02:32 PM

Maeve sent greetings from her chickens to my chickens, so our barnyard is feeling inspired:

The cow envisions the day you feel udderly energized and healed.

The chickens applaud your efforts to bite that bug, knowing that eventually the beak will inherit the mirth.

And the piglets are root-root-rooting for you! (Think about that, next time you talk to the oink-ologist!)

Green leafy budding blossoming healing blessings to you!

--Cuilionn