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

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 09 Mar 10 - 06:11 AM

Good Morning!

I'm not sure I could make one that fits as well as the one Mary sent me....it's absolutely PERFECT in that it doesn't slide off my head AND it's nice and cool for warmer weather or hot flashes...whatever the case may be!!! I've packed a few of the very lovely hats that I've received in the mail for today and tomorrow but I've also packed the Nepali cap for use in the House of Care as sometimes it's rather warm in there.
   My bald spots are now covered with a very fine, soft and very light blonde hair...not sure what that's about!!! It's kinda funny though as the bald spots are low and soft and the hair that remains is (obviously) taller and darker...it reminds me of old fashioned velveteen wallpaper....kinda textured...anyone remember that?
    Today I am off for my second chemo treatment. They will access the port for the first time to gather blood for a CBC, liver panels and kidney check for the creatin (sp?) which will determine the strength of the carboplatin (one of the chemo drugs). Apparently they mix it up right there in the building.
    I have a numbing cream to rub on the port about an hour before my appointment so I shouldn't feel any pain, just pressure.
    I'm all packed (we're staying over tonight and home tomorrow) and have made myself a healthy lunch that is very low in sugar. My particular combination of drugs shoots my blood glucose levels up into the 500s. They will check my blood sugars and give me insulin as needed...anyway, I packed a good lunch that won't shoot my sugar levels any higher (whole wheat wrap with red pepper hummus, tomatoes, cucumbers, feta and an itty bitty amount of fat free Italian. Then for snacks I have low fat string cheese, cucumber slices and carrot sticks and Greek yogurt. Not bad, huh? I overpacked the food, I always do but I can always share or bring it home. I'd rather have too much than to be attached to the IV pole and starving!!! I have appointments from 10:45 and won't be out of the chemo chair until 7:00ish or so...it's going to be a long day, especially when you add on the 2 hour drive. I have a list of questions for my Dr., mainly concerns about the bone pain. I talked to his nurse yesterday about it and she said he will do something to prevent it or make sure I have something to take for when it begins. YAY.
    Overall, I think I've done ok. I have some nausea but the meds I have (Zofran and another to add to it if that doesn't work in the first hour...never have had to take the second med) very well. I noticed that I don't want much food for the first 2 weeks but during the 3rd week..LOOKOUT! If it isn't tied down or on your plate, chances are, I'm going to find it and eat it. Constant hunger. Why? I have no idea. Good thing this house is full of healthy stuff or I'd be in serious trouble!
    I'll be taking photos today and maybe while I'm in the chair I can figure out how to use SnapFish or Flickr so you can have access to the pics before I add to the montage. I'll just have to see how the day goes!!!
    My turtle and shawl are packed (They go along each time) and now there are worry cats (love the black ears!!!) packed too! I know they are for under your pillow but I'm taking them in my pocket today!! I also have a pair of cutie reminders from church that will be in my room as a reminder...thanks Hardi and Susan!!!...that my church community is with me too.
   Ok. I need to get myself in the shower and pack up my backpack for the day (my bag of self entertainment).

Love to all,

Michelle

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 09 Mar 10 - 04:16 AM

I bet there is a pattern for those hats.... I bet Michelle could quilt fabric for them....

~S~

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: maeve
Date: 08 Mar 10 - 09:54 PM

Michelle- Like you, my friend Mary Anne looked beautiful with her well-shaped head held high, just as it was. I loved to see the way both lamplight and sunlight showed her inner and outer loveliness.

m

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Mar 10 - 06:46 PM

I'd worked out the link and then found Virginia had the whole page (I'd just picked up the photo). I love that site (and I'm a sucker for some of those earrings!).

Those scarf hats look good--for more than just folks with no hair on their heads. I'll be sure to bookmark this organization.

SRS

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: katlaughing
Date: 08 Mar 10 - 06:22 PM

Love those Nepalese hats, Sins. Think I might get one, too.:-) I thought you meant the chemo scarves they also have. I think Michelle, you said there were a bunch of different ways to wear it...is that the chemo scarf or the hat?

It can be exhausting...be sure you are not taking too much energy to do such when your bod is still kicking out the riff-raff. Ya need to *recharge* your batteries often.:-)

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: Bobert
Date: 08 Mar 10 - 05:27 PM

Scarf v. hat???

Neither... Like you said, Michelle, folks stare... No big deal... They're just jealous... So I say, all natural, if it's warm...

Keep up the good work... This will one day be just a memory...

Pattin' the itch also works... No scratchin... just gentle pats...

B~

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target
From: Rowan
Date: 08 Mar 10 - 05:14 PM

All the best for the first port in the storm, LF.

Cheers, Rowan

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: gnu
Date: 08 Mar 10 - 03:46 PM

Rest is gooood for the blooood. (Bugs Bunny cartoon)

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 08 Mar 10 - 03:41 PM

Good girl. Rest up, keep smiling!

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 08 Mar 10 - 03:33 PM

is this the scarf headband thing? Uberkewl!

Hey Michelle!   

             *      ,MMM8&&&.            *
                    MMMM88&&&&&    .
                   MMMM88&&&&&&&
       *           MMM88&&&&&&&&
                   MMM88&&&&&&&&
                   'MMM88&&&&&&'
                     'MMM8&&&'      *
            |\___/|
            )     (             .              '
           =\     /=
             )===(       *
            /     \
            |     |
           /       \
           \       /
    _/\_/\_/\__  _/_/\_/\_/\_/\_/\_/\_/\_/\_/\_
    |  |  |  |( (  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
    |  |  |  | ) ) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
    |  |  |  |(_(  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
    |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
    jgs|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

I didn't know what to say so I went and lifted a cute ascii art.

The jgs is signature of Joan Stark who makes these ascii pics, which anyone can use so long as you give her credit by leaving in the jgs. I like looking at how they are put together. Weird, eh?

How's that for a post that's got nothing to do with your health or your amazing positive attitude? Just normal everyday chitchat.

XXXXX00000

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 08 Mar 10 - 03:17 PM

It's been a BUSY day. I called the chemo center to find out exactly what to expect tomorrow with the first use of my port...I think it will be ok. Then I went to town, did 6 or 7 errands, had lunch with a friend, did a small amount of grocery shopping and am now home, doing laundry and contemplating a nap.
    It's good to join the outside world and do normal everyday things but it's also exhausting.

Zzzzzzzzzzzzz.

Michelle

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 08 Mar 10 - 11:23 AM

Balding = chemo meds hard at work.
Itchy = healing
Restless = time to read

THAT's the way to do it!!! (Directing your powerful attention to the positive in this.) And then harnessing the positive... into an activity that furthers your continued growth. Some of us say this: AFGO! (PM if you don't know what that one stands for, LOL...)

GOOD JOB!!!

~Susan

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: SINSULL
Date: 08 Mar 10 - 11:21 AM

LOL Lily hasn't looked closely. Those worry people are actually worry cats.

I check into the site every day to make a painless donation and check out their sales. Usually there is something free if you order $25 + and shipping is free. Some great T-shirts there.

The Tibetan cap is pictured under scarves. Pink or blue striped. I am thinking of getting one for myself for bad hair days.
Very hippy looking to me.

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: katlaughing
Date: 08 Mar 10 - 11:03 AM

What a neat site, Mary and I love the scarves!

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: SINSULL
Date: 08 Mar 10 - 08:26 AM

The link to the scarf isn't working. Here is the link to the website:
http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=3

By the way, each visit and click on the website provides food for shelter animals.

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: SINSULL
Date: 08 Mar 10 - 08:20 AM

https://shop.theanimalrescuesite.com/store/categoryjson.do;jsessionid=26013ABB0F5248CCE35BAFDBCD5F26A4.store-a?siteId=310&catego

It's an animal rescue site that sells items from all over the world. They specialize in native businesses in poor countries. Great quality and selection, reasonable prices and you get to support worthwhile causes.

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 08 Mar 10 - 08:05 AM

Mary,

    Where did you find the Tibetan chemo cap? Those are PERFECT for summer....way more comfortable than the kerchief that ties behind my head!!! I looked on eBay and googled...can't find them!

Michelle

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: katlaughing
Date: 08 Mar 10 - 01:20 AM

Ice can work for itching, also. When my kids had chicken pox I used a blow dryer on the cool setting to just blow on their itching sores. Also, if your doc will allow it, a little bit of witch hazel on a cotton ball will alleviate itching.

In looking for the kind of band Mary sent you, I found THIS BLOG which I thought you might find interesting.

G'night, darlin'. Sleep well.

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target
From: Ebbie
Date: 07 Mar 10 - 11:58 PM

For the itching, LF, I read - and it works - that when your body itches somewhere, scratch it in another spot. The brain thinks you took care of it and gives up.

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 07 Mar 10 - 11:27 PM

We went for a ride today and ended up at Barnes and Noble for a few hours. I picked up 2 books...Coping with Chemotherapy and Beauty Pearls for Chemo Girls. Both books deal with exactly what chemo is. One book deals with the side effects...what causes them and ways to find relief. The other book deals more with how to take care of your skin, make-up, wigs, hats, how to twist scarves into lots of different pieces of head gear.....fluffy girl stuff!!!!
    Late in the afternoon we went to a new restaurant which was pretty full. I had taken 2 hats...one knit and one kerchief kind (that I usually wear to yoga). Well. It was 55 degrees outside and I was hot in the knit cap. Although the knit cap looked better on me, I opted for comfort and went with the cooler kerchief. Hm. People stared or looked at me and quickly looked away when they caught my eye. Oh well. I have decided that when it's hot outside this summer, I might not wear ANY hat when I'm inside....either at home or in public....if they are going to stare, I may as well give them something to stare at! :p Despite the strange looks, I had a GREAT time out today with the love of my life...I've been looking forward to it since last week!!!
    My port incision itches like crazy today and I'm not to itch it. ARG. Also, I've decided to cut back on the sleeping meds so they don't become a habit. Also, my hair is now coming out all over the place. So I'm awake. Restless. Balding. And ITCHY.

Balding = chemo meds hard at work.
Itchy = healing
Restless = time to read

Did I mention that my port is dark purple?

Goodnight Sweet Friends.

Michelle

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 07 Mar 10 - 05:03 PM

Sins....

    OMGosh!!!! HOW COOL IS THAT? I'm sitting with it on RIGHT NOW and would have NEVER thought of that.....LOVE IT!!!!!! And really, how versatile...I can use it when my hair gets long again too!!!!!

Thank you for telling me how to use this!!!!!

Michelle who is all tickled!!!

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: GUEST,SINS
Date: 07 Mar 10 - 04:52 PM

Finally back on line at home. Glad you liked it all, Michelle. That head band is actually a chemo cap. They are made in Tibet specifically for chemo patients. If I can find a picture I will forward it. The band goes to the back. The fabric forms to your head. Quite elegant if you get it right. LOL
Glad to have you home and safe.
Mary

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: maeve
Date: 07 Mar 10 - 07:33 AM

Michelle- I'm glad you're seeing and doing so much that is positive. You owe no apologies; we're here whenever you choose to post.

I don't worry about you because I know you are in good hands.

m

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: jacqui.c
Date: 07 Mar 10 - 07:29 AM

Still here Michelle.

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 07 Mar 10 - 07:29 AM

*beaming*

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 06 Mar 10 - 05:43 PM

No, of course no sorries needed, and yes I did know you would be away.... What was confusing was that even when *away,* you *have* been on your laptop. It was the laptop silence that fed the concerns.

And of course it's always your call on how much to stay in touch, as we have discussed offthread... it's kind of difficult to simply refer anyone HERE to your priest, though. :~)

~Susan

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 06 Mar 10 - 02:36 PM

and she is a darling.

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: katlaughing
Date: 06 Mar 10 - 02:25 PM

Michelle, you have nothing to be sorry for...we knew the port might keep you a bit and seeing your relatives. We are at your service and need no explanations except a "Hi, ya" now and then, though it is really neat that you share so much of what is going on and of your progress. You ARE a wonder!

luvyakat

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 06 Mar 10 - 01:04 PM

Dear Mary and Allison,

    WOO HOOOOO!!!!!   Between the two of you, it's like Christmas here on the homestead today!!!! Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!!! To Mary, the scarves are lovely and the headband will work on the brim of one of my hats (since I have no hair to hold back...YET!) And I LOVE the worry dolls...I haven't seen those since I was a little girl and I loved them then too!!!! And Allison.....what can I say? The scarves you sent are also lovely...lots of colors and different thicknesses....between the two of you, I might just get my neck warm after all!!!! YAY!!!!! I haven't had time to listen to the CD just yet but will on my drive to church tonight...can't wait to hear it! I imagine it will be as great as the last one you sent! THANK YOU!!!!!!!

Dear Susan,

    I think I posted I was going to be away....if I did not, I apologize and certainly didn't want anyone to worry!!!!   Any time you have concerns, call the house as I do check messages when I'm away and this time, as with many times I'm away, Pete is still at home/work and can answer your questions.

I'm sorry if I caused any of you to worry!!!!!!!!

Michelle

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 06 Mar 10 - 11:07 AM

LF, I have kept an eye on this thread as I indicated I would, but I still don't quite get the absence (pls clarify for my own continuing learning?)... was it about the business, the heaviness, and/or trouble getting the laptop online? I did recollect that we'd talked about you having Fr. CS's cell number if you needed it under any circumstances, so we concluded you must not be needing him, but.... ya did get a whole lotta people wondering this time if you were OK. (It got confusing knowing what/how to pray for you.)

As indicated upthread, tho, Fr CS is the real mentor-- you got back and posted the day before he was planning to track you down. :~)

I'm working on leaving an item for you to consider a longterm loan, on your "inbox" chair. For the next time you can't go join your yoga buddies "in person." BOLO! :~)

~Susan

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 06 Mar 10 - 08:30 AM

Dear one, thank you for all the details, so we could be with you vicariously in spirit (you do know that time and space have no meaning, don't you?).

Loads of love to you, and keep an eye on your mailbox- I think you'll be pleased!

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: Bobert
Date: 05 Mar 10 - 07:42 PM

Wow!!!

600???

Think that's a first... I've hit lots of 'um but I think this is my 1st 600... And I wasn't even tryin'??? Just dumb luck, I reckon...

B;~)

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target
From: Ebbie
Date: 05 Mar 10 - 05:32 PM

A Bobert stand in: 600!

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: Bobert
Date: 05 Mar 10 - 05:24 PM

Michelle, the Brave, the Bald and the Beautiful...

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Mar 10 - 02:01 PM

In my mind's eye I peeked over the green cloth, Michelle, and nearly lost it just sitting here in my computer chair. :-/

I'm glad they had the spot on your shoulder so isolated and kept you distracted. I know it may seem a lot of work that way, but it's good that you didn't have to deal with more general anesthesia. (I was a kid in middle school and had a mole removed from one breast, using a local, and I looked - once - and realized what a mistake THAT was!)

You've come a long way in short time. I'm proud of you!

SRS

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 05 Mar 10 - 01:43 PM

I love the idea of dyeing the patches of hair different colours. Very festive.

Love that you enjoyed that Chinese Buffet with such gusto. Your appetite has been worrying.

Wonderful that you had that friend to hang out with at the House of Care. What is Mexican Train dominoes?

Very good that you could spend time with your Nana and Aunt.

Looking forward to more photos...


Love from Tam who is hoping that the multi colour patches will be among them.

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: SINSULL
Date: 05 Mar 10 - 10:35 AM

I think our Lily is losing it. She and Kendall are planning a screaming run into the night, clothing optional. Scarborough, ME is just not ready for this. I think I may have to wake up the Lay Abouts At Large for legal help.

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 05 Mar 10 - 09:21 AM

all I can say is I second that.

you have so much courage.

sandra (crying happy tears)

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: SINSULL
Date: 05 Mar 10 - 08:06 AM

Michell, the Brave and Beautiful.

That description of your surgery was riveting. Now I'm tired. Welcome back, Michelle. The thing you feared the most is done and over. One step closer to a healthy body.

Celebrate the little victories.
Mary

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 05 Mar 10 - 07:47 AM

Bobert,

   Yep, sometimes you DO have to look at chemo with a different eye. Having my hair come out was something I knew was going to happen but when it did, it was shocking to me....shouldn't have been, but it was. There's something very strange about touching your hair and having wads of it come out in your hands. I've decided that it's just a sign that the chemo is doing it's job which is to kill all fast growing cells. That means hair cells are being destroyed BUT it also means cancer cells are being destroyed too!!! Fine. By. Me.

Michelle the Bald

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 05 Mar 10 - 07:44 AM

Ok, so I didn't post last night...I just was too tired. Here's how the last few days went:

On Sunday afternoon, Mom and I drove to the House of Care where we would be spending the night as I had an early morning appointment for blood work and the port on Monday. We had a bigger room than last time so that was nice! We were there for maybe an hour before we caught up with my new friend, T....the one I wrote about earlier last week. We sat and gabbed for a few hours and then Mom and I went to dinner. Chinese Buffet....all the crab legs and shrimp I could eat....YUM!!!! That was a BIG treat for me!!! When we got back to the house, T's boyfriend had built a lovely fire in the living room fireplace. He and a staff member moved one of the tables from the dining room area out in front of the fire and we played Mexican Train (dominoes) for a few hours...lots of laughter and great conversation....we had FUN!!!! The next day T would tell us that it was the best time she's had in a LONG time! It definitely was an evening to remember!!!!
    So...Monday morning rolled around and I cried, a lot. I was freaked out and scared, not wanting this tube thing in my neck. I was ok with the idea of the port but I still don't like the idea of an 8 inch plastic tube in my veins. At the breakfast table, T said she was happy for me. I was crying. I told her I wasn't happy about it. She said, well, is it okay if I'm happy for you? I know how much easier this is going to make it for you. I'm going to be happy for you. That made me stop and think.....and it made me feel something good although I can't put words to it.
   We drove over to the hospital and parked in the valet parking. My blood work was scheduled for 8:30 and I was half an hour early. They took me anyway. I cried through that, explaining about the port procedure that was to follow. The nurses there did their best to help me settle and reassure me that they do them all the time and how great it will be to not have to be poked all the time anymore.
    Next we walked to the outpatient radiology department where my procedure would be. It was a large room with lots of chairs and people waiting. I took a number and sat down....trying NOT to cry in front of all those people and failing miserably. There was a man sitting next to me in a wheelchair and he asked me why I was there and told me he had a port put in years ago and it was going to be ok. He cracked some jokes and helped get my mind off of what was coming up.
    They called my name early and Mom was allowed to go to the changing room and then to the pre-op room with me. I spent probably an hour or more in the pre-op room. They took my vitals, went over my current medications and started an IV of antibiotics as a precautionary measure. I cried the entire time. They sent in 2 different people to explain the procedure to me and everyone was very kind. I just was afraid. Scared. Wanting to run away and never look back. They got the IV in on the first try (I asked them to numb it first and they used a spray...didn't work for beans). Eventually I was walked down to the OR (I took a photo of it and returned the camera to my mom) and asked to lay down on a long, narrow bed...really more like a tray with a black vinyl cushion on it. There was a stepping stool to get up there as it was rather high. There also were arm rests along side of the bed, running parallel to the bed. I used those to grip tight. I was surprised that I could stay dressed except for my shirt. I had on the typical hospital gown, black pants and socks....how pretty. Anyway, they asked me to take only my right arm and shoulder out of the gown. Then, with my arms at my side, they used tape around my arm and over my breast, pushing it down hard (to create tight skin above my breast), ran the tape over my breast and around the other side, taping my hand to the armrest on the left. They did a criss cross with the tape. I wasn't going anywhere. The Dr. was late coming in but I did get to meet him and he was very nice as were all the nurses. I was to turn my head to the left and they draped me with a blue cloth. There was a metal bar near my head and they draped the fabric over that bar, leaving me a window of sorts so I could look out from under the cover. A nurse stood on that side the entire time. During the procedure, we talked about what kinds of animals we have and I'm sure we talked about something else but I have no idea what it was.   They gave me a shot of lidacaine in my neck...small needle but it took a long time for them to push the medicine in and that smarted. Meanwhile, they gave me something in my IV to help me relax but not sleep. I was totally awake for the entire procedure. Once the lidacaine was in, they made a nick in my neck. Then they gave me another shot of lidacaine in my chest. As far as I can tell, here's what I *THINK* happened. Once they had the nick cut in my neck, they threaded the 8 inch plastic tubing down through a vein, then they cut a 3 inch (across) pocket in my chest for the actual port and attached the tubing from there. It is my understanding that the port is sewn in place so it can't move around. There was a LOT of pushing, pulling, tapping and thumping. It did not hurt while they were doing it...it was uncomfortable and a few times I jumped because they thumped so hard....just a reflex I suppose.
    When they were finished, I had help to sit up and then I got off the table on my own, slipped on my shoes and walked down the hall to the changing room where Mom was waiting for me. I changed my clothes and wobbled down the hall....walking close to the walls as I really was kinda wobbly but I just wanted to GET OUT OF THE HOSPITAL.
    We went back to the House of Care where T was waiting anxiously for me. Apparently the surgery took a lot longer than normal as she had left a note in my room and was also waiting for me. We talked for about an hour and then Mom and I left (having packed the car before all my medical things) to go downstate to my Nana's. I hadn't seen her in months and she has been worried about me and asking to see me....I was wanting to see her too. Anyway, on Monday night, I was HURTING....not so much where the port went in but my neck....where all the tubing is....it HURT a LOT! I had a soft ice pack to put on it and had been instructed to take Tylenol, so I did. Early in the evening I said goodnight and went to bed. I was just wiped out. I crawled into bed and started to read and noticed all these little hairs falling into my book. Yep. My hair had started to fall out.
   Mom was sitting at the kitchen table and I went out to show her and fell apart. The port. The tubes. The IV. And now my hair falling out...it was too much for one day.
    The rest of the days have been better. I am badly bruised on my chest...about the size of my husband's fist. The bruising doesn't hurt, it's just ugly. The port area is tender and my neck/collarbone area is slowly feeling better. My hair continues to fall out in little clumps. It looks like I have white polka dots on my head. I have threatened to color them all different colors so they look like jelly beans! :)
    After 4 days away, I am finally home and so very happy to be here. I had a nice visit with my nana, aunt and uncle but there's no place like home, especially when you don't feel so great. I will say that Nana, Mom and I had some fun on Wednesday afternoon...I took all my wigs and we had ourselves a little wig party!!! FUN!!!! :)
    I'll be adding photos to the montage in a week or two and will post the link.

Love to all,

Michelle

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: Bobert
Date: 05 Mar 10 - 07:16 AM

Well, sometimes ya' kinda have to look at chemo with a different eye... When my late wife Judy took the Taxol within a day her efeet were burning so badly that se couldn't walk on them.... We were told that in a small percentage of patients that can occur and we had to treat it with "bag balm"... I'm glad that you are tolerating the Taxol, Michelle, and that you aren't in that small percentage...

BTW, that was the worst of all of the side effects of any of the different chemo drugs that were used...

More warm healing thoughts and prayers from the ol' hillbilly...

B~

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 05 Mar 10 - 02:44 AM

whew!   I can face the day now with Michelle thoughts back in the "she's gonna be all right field." The Michelle thoughts were hanging out in the "what's happening to her field" which tend to make me feel worried and unsettled.

Gonna be a good weekend. I am determined on it.

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 05 Mar 10 - 01:56 AM

bloody computers

sandra

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 04 Mar 10 - 07:19 PM

Oh man. I just spent 20 minutes posting and the computer ate it. I will post later tonight!

I am ok and home and happy. :)

I can't believe I didn't copy the post before I hit submit.

ARG!!!!


Love to all!!!

Michelle

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: katlaughing
Date: 04 Mar 10 - 07:05 PM

Thanks for letting us know, maeve. It's good to know.

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: maeve
Date: 04 Mar 10 - 06:44 PM

Michelle is ok. She has returned home and will post when the dust settles, so to speak.

maeve

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 04 Mar 10 - 01:58 PM

Hya Honey

Just me, sending you hugs morning and evening, from over the pond.

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: jacqui.c
Date: 04 Mar 10 - 10:16 AM

Watching the thread and hoping that this week has been good to you.

Subject: RE: LilyFestre - Cancer-Seeking Chemo Is on Target!
From: SINSULL
Date: 04 Mar 10 - 08:08 AM

Still no computer at home but you are the first one I greet from my desk at work. Good morning, Michelle. Hope you are enjoying visiting your family.
Mary