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

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 23 Sep 11 - 12:14 AM

About the port. Here's the thing. It has been clogged for the last 3 months. I'm pretty sure I wrote about it but here's a refresher. At my appointment I they flushed my port and then tried to get a blood return. Because a fibrous sheath has grown over part of my port, they were unable to get any blood out. Ok...well, this means I can get meds if I need them but they have to draw the blood out of my arm. Kinda defeats part of the purpose of the port but ok. So....the way my check ups go is like this. I go to the lab, get my blood work done, wait 45 minutes to see my oncologist (this gives the lab time to get some of the results to my dr). So...they drew the blood out of my arm and then injected some kind of med into my port to dissolve the sheath. It takes a good 45 minutes to work so they left the tubing in my chest while I went to see the doctor, Tracy, etc. When the time was up, they checked the blood return and it worked like a charm. Great! It should work well next time too. :)

Today, however, I am not feeling so hot. I'm exhausted...slept 12 hours last night and a full 5 hour nap earlier today (Pete is home today so he had the baby). The muscles in my abdomen and legs are really aching and my stomach has informed me that food is just a plain bad idea. I don't know if this is a side effect of the med they gave me to unstop my port or if I have a bug. If I still feel bad in the morning, I'll call the clinic.

I could have picked up a bug...I did stay at the House of Care and I did wander the hospital for quite a bit plus I was at the chemo clinic....there are germs everywhere so who knows? I am obsessive about washing my hands but there's always stuff in the air.

I appreciate the offer to look things up but let me see what the doctor says first. I'll be ok. :)

How do I know? Cuz Bobert says so!!! ;)

Love to you all!

Michelle

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: Bobert
Date: 22 Sep 11 - 11:15 PM

Great news, Michelle...

...but I've always known this was going to turn out fine...

B~

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Sep 11 - 10:49 PM

Michelle, I just read your description of how you're feeling on facebook. I wish there was some way we could absorb that and help you feel better - just remember we're here holding your hand (virtually, at least!). It sounds like the port is more of a problem than a help - if you want me to do any research in my medical databases at the university, let me know. It's a shame to get over the cancer yet still feel bad because of a remnant of it. Say the word, and I'll do the research and send PDF via email or can print and put in the postal mail.

Maggie

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 22 Sep 11 - 01:35 AM

joining the dancers on the floor!!

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: GUEST,ChanteyLass
Date: 21 Sep 11 - 10:53 PM

Uh-oh, where did my cookie go? Has it been absent from all the threads I've posted on? That was me a few messages back with the post that started Yippee.

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Sep 11 - 10:43 PM

We never had a doubt that you'd have great numbers, Michelle!

SRS

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: GUEST
Date: 21 Sep 11 - 10:35 PM

Yippee for the great news!
Waiting to hear the good news! You know how to build suspense!

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: Little Robyn
Date: 21 Sep 11 - 09:36 PM

Hooray!!!
Singing and dancing for you!!!
Robyn

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 21 Sep 11 - 06:26 PM

The numbers are in and they are GOOD!!!   12.8 to be precise. :)

****HAPPY DANCE*******

Michelle

PS. There is more good news today but since this is GREAT news, I'll wait to share the other!!!

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 21 Sep 11 - 08:22 AM

Wish I's seen this last night. Love and hugs to you, dear one. Let us know how today goes!

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 21 Sep 11 - 05:47 AM

what kat sez!

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: katlaughing
Date: 20 Sep 11 - 11:04 PM

G'night, sweetie...trust in yourself, as you have been doing so well...you'll be home before ya know it.

luvyakat

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 20 Sep 11 - 10:42 PM

Of course you're missing your guys - and they're realizing right now how much you do to sustain them - but this time apart makes the time together all the better. :)

Kindle sounds good - I don't have one, don't really want one (I have tons of paper books here) but the idea of reading is the important part.

Looking forward to your news tomorrow, expecting it to be good!

SRS

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 20 Sep 11 - 09:46 PM

Even though I'm not one of your guys, or a guy at all, virtual hugs and wishes for a peaceful night and good news tomorrow.

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: GUEST,Lilyfestre
Date: 20 Sep 11 - 08:09 PM

PS. I'm missing my guys tonight in a big way.

XOXOX

Michelle

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: GUEST,Lilyfestre
Date: 20 Sep 11 - 08:08 PM

On the agenda for this evening is yoga with the House of Care manager and later my Kindle. The rooms here are very quiet..no tv, no music. And this time, no company. I have my Kindle and will probably fall into bed after yoga tonight. I'm beat.

Love to all!

Michelle

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 20 Sep 11 - 08:02 PM

What kind of self-comforting ceremony will you come up this evening? Maybe sit down and hand write some letters or post cards? Read a good book? Order a pizza and a glass of wine and have a nice evening watching a movie or TV? I think letters or cards will give you more time to reflect, if that is helpful.

The evening will be over before you know it - enjoy yourself, good wishes for tomorrow's results, and we'll see you back online here later on tomorrow!

SRS

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: GUEST,LilyFestre
Date: 20 Sep 11 - 01:07 PM

So...my port was blocked again. They said it has a fibroid sheath on it so they added a med to dissolve it. It takes awhile to work so in the meantime they took blood from my arm and I met with my oncologist. Tumor marker results will come later today or tomorrow depending on how busy they are. So after talking with the doctor, they accessed my port again (not another needle stick as they left the tubes and syringe thing hanging from my chest all morning) and the blood return was immediate! YAY!!!

I love that you still have the photo up Auntie SINS!!! :)

I have the entire afternoon and evening to myself and am missing my boys. An early morning appointment tomorrow means I stay here tonight. Tell me again why this is a good idea?

There is a crying baby here in the hallway (someone is with him) but all I can think about is holding that baby and trying to comfort him. I'm sure that's already happening but...well...you know.

Time to scoot.

How cool is it that there are some computers for public use in the lobby of the hospital?

Love to all,

Michelle who is hanging onto her port for a bit. I don't mind having it flushed too much and now that's it's working, it's great. I HATE needle sticks and they give me a numbing cream for my port. YAY

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: SINSULL
Date: 20 Sep 11 - 11:40 AM

Get that damn thing out and start a new thread. This one is starting to get too long. LOL A long life.

I keep the photo of Dad, Mom and Baby on my desk at home. Maybe it will join the babies on my desk at work. It makes me smile.
Auntie SINS

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: olddude
Date: 19 Sep 11 - 11:11 PM

love you in my prayers always

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Sep 11 - 10:50 PM

Have a good and uneventful visit with your oncologist, and think about having that port out. It'll make life a lot easier, and I think you'll feel more yourself without a leftover device from the earlier procedures. It's food for thought, anyway.

Maggie

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 19 Sep 11 - 10:17 PM

& the same to you!

and stay well

sandra

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 19 Sep 11 - 10:10 PM

It's time for another check up. This time I'll have my port accessed, flushed, blood drawn and a visit with my chemo oncologist. He will do a physical and go over any lab work that comes in. He usually doesn't have my tumor markers until the following day.

Here's to hoping that my port works tomorrow and LOW LOW LOW numbers for the tumor markers!!!

Be well.

Michelle

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 14 Sep 11 - 11:20 PM

Michelle, I think you're able to read from your body what IT thinks about the port. Excess baggage. And I think having a companion going through the same time is great, if you both decide to wait till October. I bet you can work with Jeremiah enough now that he'll understand when you can't pick him up - make it a game for him to climb into your lap or do something that helps him get the cuddles he needs without hurting your surgery site.

Sounds like you have it all under control. Keep us filled in as you're comfortable with it!

SRS

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 14 Sep 11 - 11:14 PM

Whatever you decide to do about the port, you know you have friends here wishing you the best.

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 14 Sep 11 - 10:11 AM

Hi Guys!!!

   Thanks for all your continued support!!!! :) :) :)

I talked to my surgeon about 2 weeks ago about the port and he said I can keep it for my security blanket if I want. However, it has been clogged the last two times we tried to do a blood return. He said as long as they can flush the Heparin through, it would work, if God forbid, I would need chemo. I asked him if it was an easier procedure getting it out than putting it in and he said it was. I asked if that meant it was easier for the patient or the doctor. He smiled and said, "Both." He said he could take it out himself (Interventional Radiology put it in). I told him I wanted to be asleep when he removed it and he said that he could do that!!! YAY!!!!!! Having it put in was AWFUL!!! So....with that said, I am considering having it taken out. One drawback is that I won't be able to lift my baby for a week or two.

The woman that went through all the same surgery and chemo with me is going to have hers out in October and we have talked about having ours taken out at the same time since we did everything else together. I think that would make it easier.

I have to have my port accessed again next week and if it's clogged up again, I'm seriously going to consider having it taken out.

And Bobert, I'm going to be seeing my GYN/Oncologist for the rest of my life. He's my pal. I could do without the exam but always love seeing him. He hugs me, we laugh, talk about chickens (he talks about the darndest things during that exam) and is serious when I have questions. He's perfect. :)

And Dan....ask your beautiful wife to describe the removal of her port in one word....let me know what she says!

And anyone who wants to join our yoga party next Tuesday night...COME!!! That would be so much fun!!!!

XOXOOXOX

Michelle

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 14 Sep 11 - 09:04 AM

I have a friend who was reluctant to get her port out for a while also. She finally did it about 18 months ago and in hindsight knows she could have done it earlier.

Have a good visit, Michelle, and enjoy the Yoga!

SRS

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: Bobert
Date: 14 Sep 11 - 08:56 AM

Sounds great, Michelle... I'll do a little "support" yoga here in NC fir ya'...

How long doc want to keep that port in??? Until yer 100??? He's keepin' it in just so he can get to see you every 6 months... Tell him to take the danged thing out and give him your address so he can come visit...

B;~)

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 14 Sep 11 - 03:32 AM

happy yoga-ing! & best wishes for your treatment & results

love from sandra

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: olddude
Date: 13 Sep 11 - 11:26 PM

guest was me sorry

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: GUEST
Date: 13 Sep 11 - 11:23 PM

You just make sure you are ok. that hurts getting that thing out for a day or two ... I love you and if you need anything you just email me ok

in my prayers Michelle
have fun partying also

Dan

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 13 Sep 11 - 11:09 PM

Next week I will have my port flushed, labs done and a visit with my (chemo) oncologist. Early the next morning I have another appointment. Since the hospital is about 2 hours away, I have decided to stay at the House of Care overnight. I made my reservation and this evening the woman that runs the HOC wrote that she will invite some friends over and make the giant living room (complete with a gorgeous fireplace) into a yoga studio just for me!!!!!!   YAY!!!   How cool is that?

I can honestly say that I never thought I'd be excited to stay at a place for cancer patients!!!!

Michelle

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 04 Sep 11 - 02:30 AM

yah

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 03 Sep 11 - 11:12 PM

Wonderful news!

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: Little Robyn
Date: 03 Sep 11 - 09:38 PM

Hooray!
Luv,
Robyn

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: katlaughing
Date: 03 Sep 11 - 04:16 PM

YEE-HAW!!!

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 03 Sep 11 - 11:29 AM

My oncologist laughed and laughed. He's such a good egg and I love him to bits! My report was EXCELLENT!!! YAY!!!!! He told me that I am the "Poster Child for Ovarian Cancer Survivorship!" Everything looks good, feels good and my heart sounds great!!!

HOORAY!!!!!


Love to all!!

Michelle

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: saulgoldie
Date: 03 Sep 11 - 09:49 AM

All the best, Michelle.

Saul

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: olddude
Date: 03 Sep 11 - 09:09 AM

That will be great ... let us know how the doc reacts my friend

Love you
Dan

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 03 Sep 11 - 12:55 AM

I'll bet many of us would love to see a photo of you in that boa--and street clothes. Those sheets are so unflattering!

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: Bobert
Date: 02 Sep 11 - 12:04 PM

I'm there with ya', Michelle... Tell me when I need to leave the room... *g*...

B~

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Sep 11 - 11:58 AM

The boa is probably a better option than the sparkles and glitter in the old joke - woman heading to her exam doesn't have time for a shower so runs into the bathroom, pickes up a washcloth on the sink and gives the old three-point washup. Her doctor later comments that she didn't need to go to any great lengths for her exam. Back home her daughter is complaining what happened to the washcloth with all of her glitter. (It's a weak premise, but it still makes the rounds.)

SRS

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 02 Sep 11 - 04:21 AM

wishing you lots of fun & silliness on your life journey

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: katlaughing
Date: 02 Sep 11 - 12:24 AM

Love that image, Michelle!! Good to have a doc with a sense of humour and who makes you feel comfortable enough to wear your boa.

Thanks givings for continued good health and calmness for you.

All is well,

luvyakat

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 02 Sep 11 - 12:12 AM

September is National Ovarian Cancer Month. Tomorrow is Wear Teal Day as well. In addition, I have a checkup with my GYN Oncologist. I love him but the exam...well, not so much.

In honor of both Ovarian Cancer Month and Wear Teal Day, I'm going to wear my teal boa for my exam. Here's how it goes...the nurse checks me in....leaves me alone to undress and cover up with a sheet, the resident comes in and does a breast exam and then my GYN oncologist comes in and does the full check. And there I'll be in my sheet and boa....can't wait to see his face!!!

He has a great sense of humor so I'm actually looking forward to this visit!!! :)

Any good thoughts or prayers are always more than appreciated!!!

Love to you all.

Michelle

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 22 Jun 11 - 10:20 AM

Well, so then it's just business as usual.
By that I mean, celebrate life, be grateful and joyful for each beautiful day, love that baby all up, and laugh a lot!

You're doing just fine.

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: maeve
Date: 21 Jun 11 - 09:48 PM

Michelle- Wise choice!

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Jun 11 - 09:07 PM

Michelle, you need to make a trip over to North Carolina and swim with Jeremiah in Bobert's new pool!

Keep up the good work, keep up the healthy living, and enjoy the family. That's my Rx!

SRS

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: olddude
Date: 21 Jun 11 - 08:16 PM

Love you my friend, thank you from my heart for all that you have done for me and my wife ... you are wonderful

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!
From: Bobert
Date: 21 Jun 11 - 08:08 PM

Stick with me, baby...

Ol' Bobert will get get you old and gray... Just like me... LOL...

But seriously, Michelle... This is exactly what I expected... You are doing great and will continue to do so...

"Hey" to that little troublemaker (jus kiddin') youngin'... Well, kinda kiddin'... Wait another year... lol...

Love ya,

B~