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

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: 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: 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 - 07:34 AM

No. :(

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 10 Apr 11 - 07:02 AM

YAH!!!!!

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: LilyFestre
Date: 19 Mar 11 - 04:21 PM

They have asked me about having the port taken out and I asked to keep it. As long as I have it flushed periodically, they told me it would be fine. I'm keeping it for 2 reasons...first, the obvious. Having the port put in was awful and I don't EVER want to have to repeat that. Second, I still have to go for bloodwork on a regular basis...not just for my CA-125 but for multitudes of other things as well. I've been told that my veins are very small (took 6 tries for my IV) so the port means only 1 stick and they can draw whatever they need easily and relatively pain free....beneficial for both parties. I will call and ask about having it in so long and if it will create any problems like you mentioned. To be honest, I've wondered about that myself but more along the lines of does your body adhere itself to the port? I've heard that it's not bad having it taken out and from others I've heard it's awful. More good stories than bad though.
    The only real reasons I'd like to have it removed are that Jeremiah insists on thumping on it (it's bumpy and sticks out a little bit...YOUCH) and there are some things in yoga I simply can not do because of the angle it moves my chest...other than that, I'm good with it. I can swim and kayak with it...so no problem there.

Bobert....you crack me up. I'll have my oncologists give you a call...they both have a great sense of humor!!! You tell 'em!!!

XOXOXOOXOXO to All!!!

Michelle, Queen of the Ten Thousand!!!!   ;)

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Mar 11 - 02:20 AM

Michelle,

I have a friend here (my boss' wife) who held onto her port for a long time, for fear she'd need it again. They finally removed it last year, and I think she is now wishing she'd had it removed earlier. There was some damage that may have resulted from keeping it so long. She feels light-headed at times, because the jugular vein is blocked on one side now. It seems to be related to the port and chemo process.

If you can get over the fear (yes, please!) and have it removed, I think you'll find that you're more than fine without it.

Take care, and whateever you decide is fine. But this is just to say that someone in a similar situation gives permission to remove the darned thing. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: Bobert
Date: 18 Mar 11 - 08:40 PM

Chocolate???

Just like a woman... lol...

Glad that things are movin' along... 'Bout time to ditch the port... Tell yer doc that ol' hillbilly says yer fine and to take the port out.... No, have him call me....

B~

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: katlaughing
Date: 18 Mar 11 - 07:24 PM

Whoo-Hoo!!!!

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 18 Mar 11 - 11:36 AM

happy dance!

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 17 Mar 11 - 07:01 PM

Hooray for you, dear one! I haven't been around here much lately but it's great to see your good news!

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 17 Mar 11 - 10:16 AM

I am so incredibly pleased to tell you that my bloodwork was excellent!!! They normally don't have the results back in the same day but yesterday was different!!!

My latest CA-125 is 10!!! My oncologist tells me that it probably will not drop much lower and that any flucuation up to the number 20 is nothing to be concerned with.

They did have some trouble getting my port to work properly...it didn't want to let go of my blood. It was easy enough to remedy (coughing hard) but makes me wonder if it's just getting old and soon will need to be removed. I'm keeping it until it they tell me it has to go for medical reasons.

I celebrated with a good piece of chocolate (a rare treat)!!!

Thanks for your ongoing support....it means so much!!!!

XOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXO

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: maeve
Date: 17 Mar 11 - 07:10 AM

Checking in, Michelle.

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 17 Mar 11 - 04:51 AM

refresh

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 16 Mar 11 - 12:16 PM

Your cheering section is ready and willing! Keep your chin up!

SRS

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: maeve
Date: 16 Mar 11 - 09:15 AM

Standing by in Maine, Michelle,

Maeve

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 16 Mar 11 - 06:40 AM

fingers crossed & sending lots of love & hugs!

sandra

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 16 Mar 11 - 05:55 AM

I can hardly believe it but it's time for another check up. I stayed at the House of Care last night as my lab work is scheduled for very early today. Here's hoping and praying for good results.

Michelle

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Jan 11 - 11:09 PM

You do have a unique tool for looking back at your experiences with this thread, online or on paper. You could extract portions of what you wrote and turn it into a book or essay or whatever. And I think you seriously ought to consider doing something with it.

SRS

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 28 Jan 11 - 10:42 PM

Maeve...........Thank you!!!!

SRS............One day I hope to meet Doug in person and will share my treasured pink book! He's seen the video and has asked permission to use it for his organization!

Bobert........((((((((Right back atcha my friend)))))))))))

:) Michelle

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: Bobert
Date: 28 Jan 11 - 10:03 PM

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{Bobert}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Jan 11 - 04:41 PM

Has he seen your videos, or read your Mudcat thread? That's a wonderful letter, it's nice to know that someone else sees the inspiration in this experience.

SRS