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

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 25 Feb 10 - 03:57 PM

oohh lovely... I gives you tickles..

So glad to hear everything you have to tell. Even the whimpers. But the grumbles even of frustration are better and the shouts of determination the best. Holler loud honey... it is the hail and healthy that make the most noise.

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 25 Feb 10 - 12:58 AM

one of my mates is a singer/songwriter/comedian who told a very funny story of the time his ultra-short haircut stuck like velcro to upholstery fabrics.

sandra

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 24 Feb 10 - 08:00 PM

Singing another lullabye, dear one. Sleep well tonight!

(I'm glad you got the hats- you're welcome!)

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 24 Feb 10 - 07:35 PM

PS. Sleeping has been an issue and I'm pretty sure it's part of why I had such a hard day...I'm exhausted. They sent up some Ambien. I've had this before a few years back.....I slept but felt kind of drunk with it. I sent out emails before bed that apparently were very strange...I had no recollection of writing them. SO. If any of you get weird email in the next few days, I apologize in advance!!!!!

Michelle

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 24 Feb 10 - 07:27 PM

Wow! First of all, thank you for all the comments about my montage...you guys warm me heart and soul!!!!   :) For me, it helps me keep perspective in where I've been and that I AM moving forward!!!!

Regarding foods. That's a HUGE topic and I appreciate the nod to watch Dr. Oz (when is that on?!?!?) and the list of foods too! My oncologist (in the chemo department) says to eat whatever I want but he suggested whole foods, fresh foods...but that was just his suggestion.

Hm. Well, here's the thing. Most of you know that post here know I've been working on losing weight for a while now and I'm succeeding. Total amount lost so far is 105 pounds....lost it with Weight Watchers, mostly eating whole foods, fresh fruits and veggies, lean meats, etc....very balanced. So. I get it. I get what a healthy diet is. Add chemo to the mix and my concerns turn to how can I keep nausea at bay? How can I keep up my red and white blood cell counts? How about energy? Is there a way I can boost it as much as possible? What about mouth sores...how do I eat then? What about food not being interesting much at all lately? How can I spark at least a normal appetite (OMG, did I REALLY just say that?) What foods support a healthy immune system? Because I fully believe that nutrition plays a HUGE, HUGE, HUGE part in my recovery I made an appointment with the nutritional clinic at the hospital where they have nutritionists who deal with people having chemo all the time. I'm not switching up how I eat healthy. I can work whatever into my WW program...I just need a little help in WHAT foods those will be. I'm pretty sure I'll have to foot the bill for it but I can't imagine going through this and NOT fortifying myself as strongly as possible.

In the meantime, I'm keeping it simple. Dinner tonight? 96% FF lean ground beef/burgers, whole wheat couscous with raisins and walnuts and steamed carrots. Always a bottle of water at my side. Always.

It's not always so balanced.....lunch was Rice Krispies. Tried a banana and it just didn't taste good to me today. And amounts? I'm not hungry anymore....seems that just went away, so I eat what I can. My body tells me when it's enough and people around me are learning that it doesn't mean I'm sick, it's just enough. This is good. Also...still nursing Boost when I think of it...lots of great protein and other good stuff in there.

And PS. I got a BEAUTIFUL package of 3 hats from Allison today....I love them ALL!!! Thank you!!!!!!

And PSS to Tam.....I had your fairy out today and for the first time since my head has been shaved, I put on the beaded headress you sent me. I have no hair to clip it to but the doily part sticks to my fuzz like velcro...the beads swing freely and they TICKLE!!! It's my hat with AC.....sometimes I just need some air on my head!!!! I needed to smile today and between the hats from Allison and the sweet fairy and the tickles...I had some FUN! I took photos and will be adding them next time I update the montage!!!! You guys are the best!!!!

Susan....I'll bring the new hats and beaded head dress next time I see you (which may be Saturday after all)....you are going to love everything! The kindness and talent here never ceases to amaze me.

Much love to all!!!   <3 <3 <3

Michelle

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: GUEST,Eye Lander (not logged in)
Date: 24 Feb 10 - 05:33 PM

Michelle, where have I been all this time. I used to see you on the weight/health andbeing good thread, and admired your dedication. I am so sorry to read this thread. I was lucky enough to be checked 5 years ago when my CA125 was 75 and was taken straight in for surgery and didn't need the chemo etc after. You are being very brave and we are all there for you. I loved your journey as I loved your other photo journey that you sent me a link to. I shall watch this thread regularly now and look forward to your postings.

Take care of yourself, your body will tell you when you have done enough - listen to it.

Jillie

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: SINSULL
Date: 24 Feb 10 - 04:16 PM

Given the nausea, Michelle probably should let her body guide her. If it appeals, go for it.

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Feb 10 - 04:11 PM

That is a list of foods for people who have healthy immune systems and can eat a normal diet. Michelle has a compromised digestive system and has to be very careful what she eats right now. Her intestinal system is sloughing cells so fast that things like broccoli and I'd dare say onions and such will cause real lower GI discomfort and/or diarrhea.

SRS

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target
From: Ebbie
Date: 24 Feb 10 - 12:56 PM

I haven't seen the Dr. Oz how but it is interesting that corn isn't on the list. I have a Polish friend who says that in Poland they warn against eating corn and corn products when there is a cancer present. Has anyone else heard that?

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: maeve
Date: 24 Feb 10 - 12:43 PM

From the Dr. Oz website, for Michelle

The Anti-Cancer Shopping List
• Blueberries
• Yogurt
• Green Tea
• Rainbow chard
• Tomatoes
• Tempeh
• Flaxseed
• Quinoa
• Garlic
• Onions
• Carrots
• Sweet Potatoes
• Squash
• Broccoli
• Beans
• Curry

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 24 Feb 10 - 12:24 PM

LF:

See Dr. Oz's show today on anti-cancer foods. (His website has some info-- I could not get the link to paste).

~S~

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Feb 10 - 12:15 PM

Michelle, how about asking that neighbor over for coffee or tea, and see how much of it you can do yourself, or if they need to give you a hand? And go from there.

I'm so sorry about your uncle. Bone cancer is a nasty one, no way around it. And what is it with doctors saying "it's nothing" when a patient complains of a lump or a pain? Time is of the essence in diagnosis and survivability. My doctor had me in the next day (Wednesday) when I called about bleeding and did an ultrasound that day. I had the D&C on Friday, and when the cancer diagnosis came back I was in ten days later for the second surgery. This is the way it is supposed to be.

SRS

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 24 Feb 10 - 12:01 PM

You are in such a sensitive time, dear Michelle. You don't have to do or be anything but what feels right to you. If your neighbor has offered to help out, if you feel comfortable with that neighbor, all you need to do is say yes. If you call and start to cry, or don't know what to say, I have a feeling your neighbor will understand and will use his/her judgement on how to be there for you. Whatever happens, it's ok.

Remember how you are loved!

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 24 Feb 10 - 10:55 AM

I am overtired, worried, crying in ridiculous amounts and feeling bitchy at myself.

A neighbor has extended a hand and while I want to take hold, I have no idea how to say yes.....I just don't know how and I'm frustrated with myself.

Any ideas?

Michelle

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 24 Feb 10 - 08:50 AM

an amazing video by an amazing woman!

best wishes to your uncle

sandra

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: Bobert
Date: 23 Feb 10 - 07:18 PM

Where's Unc live, Michelle??? Maybe I send him some UPS (United Pot Service)...

Yeah, it *is* a hateful disease...

B~

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 23 Feb 10 - 07:03 PM

Just heard that my 75+ year old uncle was diagnosed with bone cancer.

:(

He's the first person I called when I got my diagnosis....he had prostate cancer and had been clear for years.

He's had a lump on his breastbone for some time that Dr.'s said was nothing.

NOTHING.

I hate this disease. I hate how fast it takes people and just how much it ruins lives.

Bobert....wanna make some brownies for my uncle? He's in A LOT of pain.

:(

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: Bobert
Date: 23 Feb 10 - 06:31 PM

I really shouldn't be sayin' this but I didn't bake 'um... Her 80 year old mom, who moved in with us 6 months before Judy died, baked 'um.... Judy found the recipe on the internet... All I had to do was supply the weed... No problem there...

B~

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 23 Feb 10 - 06:20 PM

What VT said: You look like sunshine personified.

Your beauty shines!

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Feb 10 - 06:06 PM

Michelle, thanks for sharing the video. Very nicely done!

SRS

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: gnu
Date: 23 Feb 10 - 05:59 PM

VT.. I have a recipe... cook brownies, season to taste.

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 23 Feb 10 - 05:35 PM

Bobert you got a recipe? Seems like it may help with rheumatoid arthritis.

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: Bobert
Date: 23 Feb 10 - 04:08 PM

When My late wife Judy was in chemo and suffering from terrible nausia I would give her a brownie... Half an hour later she was feeling much better than anything that the folks at Georgetown University (Limbardi Clinic) ever perscribed for her...

Nuff said...

Hope yer havin' a better day today, Michelle...

B~

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: SINSULL
Date: 23 Feb 10 - 01:41 PM

Frustrating - Barracuda blocked it here at work and my computer is acting up at home.
But I am not surprised at all the positive comments. You are an inspiration, Michelle.

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 23 Feb 10 - 01:33 PM

Sweetiebird... Thank you for posting the link. You look like sunshine personified. It's that wonderful smile. You shouldn't need a hat for warmth, because you radiate it.

A great big grateful hug to your Mom and Pete and others who are taking such good care of you. But the greatest hug of all to you because you are taking such good care of yourself in all ways.

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 23 Feb 10 - 12:00 PM

LF,

I saw this right after my morning devotions (my usual time to look in on Traced threads and BTW this is NOT a BS thread, LOL).

I didn't have sound for your video (tech issue here), so instead I just quietly lingered on the woman it reveals. I see a transformation not from "beauty" to "suffering," but an ongoing increase of Grace and character. I see Bonnie's quirky/wise/wry eyes in your face. I see Pete at his best. I see the photog's eye I've always admired.

I see much more, but I'm distracted from typing by the victory-tears, plus time today is in short supply. Instead I'll just point you to a mini-Scripture "assignment," if you'll help me out: my MIL often quotes "may she go from strength to strength" when she sends me a card. Can ya find that and gimme the citation for it? And can ya hang it over yer mirror, too?

:~)

~Susan

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: GUEST,Neil D
Date: 23 Feb 10 - 11:04 AM

Zofran was the nausea medicine they gave me and it worked pretty well. I also endorse what Bobert said although my worst nausea was while I was in hospital and didn't have access. Besides the nausea it helps control pain and in keeping a serene, positive outlook.
I would also suggest avoiding food that you really like for the time being. There are some foods that I used to enjoy that I no longer have the stomach for because I ate them during chemo and got sick. I doubt I'll ever eat popcorn again.
Keep fighting the good fight.

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: jacqui.c
Date: 23 Feb 10 - 10:47 AM

I love the video - what a great idea!

Your husband looks like a real sweetie and I love your Mom!

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target
From: Ebbie
Date: 23 Feb 10 - 10:35 AM

Lily, you have a nicely shaped head. Not true of everyone. I must say, though, that the cute cap looks warmer!

Hang in there. This too shall pass.

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: katlaughing
Date: 23 Feb 10 - 10:25 AM

Speechless...you are so beautiful and brave and full of grace. Thank you for sharing...the video is awesome just like you!

luvyakat

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 23 Feb 10 - 09:58 AM

Here is a link to my montage. I hope to add more as my treatment moves forward.

My Journey

Much Love,

Michelle

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: SINSULL
Date: 23 Feb 10 - 08:14 AM

bobert is right. If marijuana will help with the nausea and just plain misery, it is worth a try. It was just leagalized in Maine but now they are arguing about how to distribute it. Meantime, the illegal distribution continues as usual. LOL the wonders of government.

Meantime, still here for you, Michelle.

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target
From: Rowan
Date: 22 Feb 10 - 10:06 PM

I'll try find out what our local oncologists use to prevent nausea during chemo; it works well.

All the best, cobber.

Cheers, Rowan

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: Leadfingers
Date: 22 Feb 10 - 05:54 PM

500

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: Leadfingers
Date: 22 Feb 10 - 05:52 PM

Hang in there Michelle - There's a lot of support out here !

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: katlaughing
Date: 22 Feb 10 - 05:27 PM

We have medical outlets for it all over Colorado...in fact there's one at the end of our block and around the corner.

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: jacqui.c
Date: 22 Feb 10 - 05:04 PM

I've heard that you can bake it in cookies and cakes............

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: Bobert
Date: 22 Feb 10 - 03:52 PM

Ummmmmmm, seems every time I bring this up I get "the blast" from the usual blasters but...

...the evil weed ain't all that evil... You don't have to smoke it to get the goodun's outta it either... Plenty of recipes... Combats alot of the side effects from chemo... Not all that hard to find, either...

B~

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 22 Feb 10 - 03:44 PM

Michelle honey

Didn't they give you some anti nausea meds? I echo Sins. You have been phenomenally strong throughout this ordeal.

hugging you gently

tam

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 22 Feb 10 - 03:43 PM

I'm still here, too, dear one. You shine!

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Feb 10 - 01:17 PM

Be very careful in your food choices, and when you share anything, NO DOUBLE DIPPING. I can't tell you what exactly the physicians or nurses tell you about contact and intimacy, but I remember hearing my bosses' wife remind him about not dipping a carrot stick in the ranch dressing again after biting off one end. I think it's a good rule anyway, but one you need to pay special attention to if you want to avoid catching any opportunistic bugs going around out there.

One more day, one more footstep. Reminds me of mountain climbing, how when you get to the steep higher elevations you do what they call the "rest step," a method of stepping, breathing, stepping, breathing, and slowly getting there. One step/day at a time.

SRS

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: SINSULL
Date: 22 Feb 10 - 12:09 PM

Finally, a whimper! I was beginning to think you were SuperWoman. So sorry, Michelle. Even knowing it was coming doesn't help with the disconfort.
Still here for you.
Mary

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 22 Feb 10 - 11:41 AM

Heartburn gone, nausea has set in.

UGH. I wish I could just get sick and get it over with already.

It helps knowing you guys are here and I'll try the head over my heart thing and also will be calling the Dr.

*whimper and heading off to curl up*

Michelle

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: jacqui.c
Date: 22 Feb 10 - 11:19 AM

Still here - not a lot I can say, just hoping that you are OK. Thank goodness for your wonderful man. Give him a big hug from me.

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 22 Feb 10 - 10:21 AM

LF,

This week the office staff at church are "piloting" the process of sending you the recorded service. It's one long warts-and-all MP3 from rehearsal to afterbuzz. We'll also record this week's, and that one may actually arrive before the "pilot" one-- bear with us, LOL.

The web guru also needs to retrain me on church website access.... so I can start putting each week's services ONLINE. Probably not the Wednesday service, weekly-- it's largely the same each week. Might get one recorded and send you that one. (Def one "keeper" online when I get that up and running.)

~Susan

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: GUEST,Neil D
Date: 22 Feb 10 - 09:23 AM

Heartburn definitely is a side effect of chemo but should pass within a week. And it's a particularly pervasive form of heartburn overpowering Tum's, Maalox, even Prilosec. Even the ultimate heartburn relief, baking soda in water drunk straight down, offered only the most temporary relief. What does seem to help some is anti-nausea medication because the two are related, even though for me the heartburn lasted longer than the nausea. If they didn't give you any to take home call your Doctor's office.
Chemotherapy is an ordeal, to say the least, but it can save your life. It takes a warrior's spirit to bear so keep fighting and know were all pulling for you.

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: SINSULL
Date: 22 Feb 10 - 08:49 AM

Heartburn is a thoroughly unpleasant experience. Lying on your left side with pillows raising your head above your heart may give you some relief.

You are doing amazingly well, Michelle. By now I would be flopping around and moaning.

How has the new hairdo been received?
Mary

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 22 Feb 10 - 08:41 AM

Day 6 Post Chemo. I didn't sleep for beans last night even with the Tylenol with Codeine that they gave me. Tylenol never seems to do anything for me. I'll be calling the Dr. to get something different and also to see if heartburn is a side effect of chemo. I'm thinking it is because they gave me Previcet (?) by IV last time. I've had heartburn maybe 2 other times in my life....all I can say is YOUCH.

Overall, I'm feeling pretty good today. It's supposed to be icy out later so I'm going to the grocery store for a few things and then home. Tomorrow is Day 7 which is when my white blood cell count is predicted to drop drastically so I'll spend today cleaning around the house, cloroxing door knobs and such, washing our bedding and just getting things ready for me to flop on our bed for a few days....all as clean as I can get it. I won't be going out on Days 7 -10 for anything.

Gotta get going. Where is that Tums!?!?!? ARG.

Michelle

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Feb 10 - 01:27 PM

Well, darn. I posted last night but it didn't stick.

You've probably been told to choose your foods very carefully. My mother, for example, couldn't touch any of the cruciferous veggies (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower) because they really tear up the inside of the intestines on the way through. You're losing a lot of cells other than just cancer cells, and the digestive system just doesn't like that.

I agree with all of those who advise you to look to the future. Get through one day at a time, past this chronic flu, and you will get well and feel wonderful.

Here's wishing you an ache-free day!

SRS

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: SINSULL
Date: 21 Feb 10 - 12:55 PM

You are very lucky to have a husband who loves you, Michelle. Make sure Pete takes care of himself too.
And for you - one day at a time. That's the best you can do.
Rest well.
Mary