how about drinking?

illimae

Goldie, Yes, I did and still am. Perjeta was dropped from my new combo but I’m still on Herceptin, almost 4 years now. It’s a breeze compared to regular chemo. I was a little tired and had loose BM (not quite D) on infusion day but not enough to need Imodium. I had some red spots, like hives or a bug bite and a crazy itch on my chest from perjeta but only occasionally, like every few months and it resolves on its own after a few days. My cardio function is checked by echo every 3 months and my EF (ejection fraction) did drop but not enough to delay treatment, it continues to fluctuate between 55/60%. Tend to dry skin and stay hydrated, you’ll do great.

I guess I missed you changing to HER2+, is it an overall change or just an isolated tumor?

goldie0827

It was discovered after doing a very expensive blood work up called Guardian. It did not cost me anything, due to income. But it's about $4000.

illimae

Great Goldie! H&P works very well for many of us and certainly expands future options 😀

MinusTwo

Goldie - I had the same question about HER2+. Great that they discovered it and you didn't have to pay $4K. I agree with Illimae, a fairly easy routine except I had actual "big D" with the perjeta. Don't let them try to push the infusions faster than an hour. They did that one time w/me and it really upset the applecart. When do you start?

Oops I forgot - thanks for the recipe Jazzy.

karen1956

Jazzy - DH and.I are making turkey legs and wings for Thanksgiving. He is going to smoke them this week as it will be warm Tuesday and Wednesday. Our governor is not calling a shut down, but leaving it to municipalities. But last night on the news, he said if people didn't behave and follow the rules it was like putting a gun to grandma's head. The spread is from people having get togethers in their homes.

This Friday the 13th is better than the one in March as March 13th was just two days after DH's quintuple bypass. Thank G-d he is doing well 8 months later heart wise. He met his out of pocket with the surgery so everything for him has been free since then. Sad way to not have to pay is with such a high medical expense. With the new year, he will have to start paying.

Lori, I hope Darrell starts to do better and that the new meds work for you. You two sure have been through more than your share.

Getting ready to go for a walk with DH. It's not even 6:30 and feels like bed time. We both are waking up way too early - 4 and fighting to stay in bed till 5. We go to bed at 10:30 exhausted!!!

Hugs to everyone.

Jazzygirl

I have a question for the HER 2 sisters here. I think I mentioned that a friend here just got diagnosed with BC and found out this week from her it was HER 2 positive. Not sure yet everything she has to do per her visit to the cancer center this past week, but wondered if any of you might recommend any threads here for HER 2 that you have found helpful that I can send to her? I sent her the BCO site info a few weeks ago, but as you know, when you are first diagnosed it is overwhelming and hard to figure out what helps the most. Any info is appreciated. She has a surgery date in early December so they are getting things moving for her care.

NativeMainer

Good Morning, Loungettes!Happy Monday Monkey Day! Boy did the wind blow hard for a while last night. Reports of power outages this ayem, with one company at 24,000 customers out, the other at 14,000. Temps supposed to drop 10 degrees tomorrow from today. Winter is moving in! Sadie is so funny, she sticks her nose out the door to see how cold it is before going all the way out. The looks she gives me when it's very cold or raining are just too funny, like she expects me to control the weather! If only I were as powerful in the world as she thinks I am!

Cammy Cat--oh my goodness, poor Jodie! I can imagine I'd be pretty tearful, too, in that situation. Having a Doc that didn't recognize an infection would worry me a bit, unless there is something very unique about the situation. Glad the doc looked it up, though. Sounds like Bob is quite the blessing to you all. I think a gift card to a favorite place would be a nice thing to do, places have to open up again sometime. Pink eye can take a while to get over, and the younger the person, the quicker they seem to get over things in general.

Goldie--that new drug for opioid induced constipation is really pricey, from what I've heard, if you had to pay $300 that just goes to prove that! I hope it works for him. Having 2 appointments like that is not as much fun as it sounds, is it? You'll both be exhausted by the time you get home again. I have been sleeping in the recliner a lot lately, not sure why other than just too lazy to get up and go to bed, I suppose. It's got to be hard for the babies and little ones who are so dependent on facial expressions to interpret what is going on around them. There are some masks coming out now that have a clear plastic insert in the middle to help with that. We're waiting to see what will happen with the Vegas trip, too far out right now to call. We will be staying at the home of one of my cousins who lives there, no motels or casinos. Thinking about going to the desert or a couple other outside, not in the city, places for something to do. Thanks for the Unicorn Foam info, that stuff looks like a lot of fun!

Jazzy--thanks for sharing that recipe, it looks wonderful! It is time to go back to being as careful as we were in the spring. Just when things were starting to look up a little, here we are headed back to square one. One local University is going all remote education due to a dozen cases of covid students picked up at a Halloween party. All of them live off campus.

Karen--Glad to hear DH is doing well. That is a hard way to meet a deductible. Staying up until 10:30 would be late for me! I'm usually giving up the ghost around 9 peeyem.

Jazzy--saying a prayer for your friend.

Monday Cocktail

1 1/2 oz of whiskey

1/2 oz of Brandy

1/2 oz of blueberry brandy

1/2 oz of Lemon Juice

1 tsp of sugar

Shake all ingredients with ice; strain into an old-fashioned glass. Garnish with an orange slice if desired.

From <https://www.cocktailbuilder.com/recipe/monday-cocktail>

goldie0827

Jazzy, I've never had hard boiled eggs in a casserole!

Minus2, I start next Monday. What happened when they gave it to you too fast?

Karen, I hope the new meds help as well. Your schedule is about the same as our is normally, early to be and early to rise. I don't go to be quite as early in the summer, as the sun is still shining! I can stay up longer in the summer due to the sun still out and it's too hot to sleep! I fight to stay in bed until at least 4, I won't get up before that. Glad your DH is doing well with his heart.

NM, that is a sweet and funny story about Sadie. You are the Great and Powerful Mom! I've seen those masks (online) with the plastic accross the mouth. I just see it fogging up. I think if you are staying at someones home, it would be ok to go. I felt really comfortable flying with Delta when I went to Michigan.

My neighbor invited me over for TG, however she is having some other neighbors over as well. A few that we don't associate with and 2 that are non mask wearers. I don't where these people go, so I think I'm going to decline. I told her I would still make stuffing, and asked her to save me some of that and some turkey!

camillegal

illimae

Jazzy, there’s a Herceptin and Perjeta thread she could check out but I’d probably just start one with my own questions and I’m always happy to help 🙂

camillegal

Mornin ladies,

Karen I feel so tired and I don't do nearly what u do, maybe it is the change of seasons and darkness. IDK.

Jazzy prayers for ur friend.

Lori what a day ur having today. Jee I'm sorry. That was nice of ur neighbors to invite you but I think u made the right decision too. It's been so long and to place urself in problems now would be silly. I think most people now are having a different kind of TG and probably Christmas too.

Kim poor Sadie and the weather, she's like the rest of us, opening the door an wanting to turn around.

I can't get motivatedd here, I'll come back later.

LUBS U ALL

MinusTwo

Jazzy - I'll see what I've collected in my favorites and my med folder.

Goldie - The infusion center wanted to push Herceptin in 20 minutes when that was the only drug left. I got terrible joint pains the one time they tried 30 minutes, so I just kept to an hour.

NativeMainer

Good Morning, Loungettes! Happy Twofer Tuesday! It's staff testing week again this week, so I get to look forward to that tomorrow. I was given a high priority assignment at work last week, got the info together and ready to put the program together, but need a couple of policy decisions made/policies written first. Reported that yesterday ayem, the Director of Nurses says to me "I'll talk to you about it." So now I don't know if I should be moving forward or if the decision is going to be changed regarding the topic. The DON rarely speaks to me, but I figured she would yesterday since this is so high priority. And she did, to ask me to put up the sign with the staff testing dates. Sigh.

I stopped for a quick grocery run on my way home last night. I was surprised and happy to see how many people were wearing masks! The store had a bunch at the front with a sign reminding people that masks are mandatory. I did see a few wearing nose slings, and a couple who weren't wearing anything at all, talking very loudly to each other about their medical conditions that made "wearing a mask is a death sentence for me!" Anyone who could speak as loudly as that would not be in medical danger from wearing a mask.

Sadie says Good Morning to everyone. Her recommendation for making a day better is to give belly rubs. She's offering her belly for rubbing at no charge!

Goldie--if our trip works out we will be flying Southwest. Looks like their precautions are pretty standard, but who knows what will be happening 2 months from now. I think you are probably wise to decline the TG dinner offer. I can see family getting together, but not with people you don't know. Good idea to share the cooking, though!

Morning, Illi!

Cammy Cat--Sadie does like her comfort. I'm grateful that she thinks it's comfortable to cuddle up with me in bed on cold nights!

Morning, Minus!

Pumpkin Pie Martini

Ingredients

• 3 oz. vanilla vodka
• 1.5 oz. pumpkin spice creamer
• 1.5 oz. Rum Chata

Garnishments

• 1 whipped cream
• 1 sprinkle pumpkin pie spice
• 1 honey

Instructions

1. Dip the rim of a martini glass in honey or maple syrup; followed by a plate of graham cracker crumbs until coated.
2. Add all of the drink ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled halfway with ice.
3. Shake until chilled and strain into a prepared martini glass.
4. Garnish with a floating of whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice.

From <https://www.3yummytummies.com/tag/thanksgiving-cocktails/>

camillegal

karen1956

NM - I was in Costco Sunday and masks are required in any public place in CO. they had a sign that said, if for medical reasons you can't wear a mask, then you must wear a face shield for entry. Good for them

camillegal

Mornin ladies,

What have I missed, didn't see much going on here. I never came back yesterday just one of those days.

Boy Kim u'd think a priority would be just that, seems like there's no real interest in it. But knowing you, you'll make it one. And a whole lot of tummy rubs for Sadie, she deserves them. I really wish u were close enough so I coul give them in person.

Oh my puter is really wonky now, it's old and needs a good cleaning and whatever to get it back to at least good.

U know it's funny I had an aunt that was always kind of sickly <she lived to be 85, so who knows> anyway she really never went out with my mom and my other aunt but they each would call her everynight. She'd always say "Thank God for TV" and I used to feel sorry for her, NOW I'M SAYING THAT, the circle of life I guess. Except I wish I took after my other aunt, but they didn't have this plague going on.

Joey toldd me my kids weren't planning on making turkey and he looks forward to all that so I'm going to have to talk them into it. They know I don't even like it but I like all the trimmings so I hope I suceed.

Lori how did ur day go yesterday, u must have come home exhausted. All that driving plus Drs. way to much. BTW I did have Herceptin alone for about 4 months and compared to all the rest it was a breeze. I had it mixed with my other stuff for like 8 months, so I couldn't tell, but the last part was fine.

Hope everyone has a good day ahead keeping busy, relaxing or watching TV. Whatever is needed.

LUBS U ALL

goldie0827

I may be MIA for a few days, I'll post what I put on FB. More dr appts tomorrow and Friday, then I have my infusion on Monday. Trying to juggle all of that, take care of DH, the house, business, garden, etc. Our doctor isn't even in the office tomorrow, but is going in just to see DH. All in all, I spent 12 hours sitting in the truck yesterday!

Been sitting in the truck, hospital parking lot for 6 hours now. Was supposed to take Darrell to 2 doctors appts. Ended up in ER instead. Dizzy and vomiting. Thaws don't know anything yet. Maybe from some new meds h was prescribed. The man can't catch a break!

UPDATE: Thank you all AGAIN for the love, concerns and prayers. We are home, all tests came back fine, the only thing they could figure was it was 2 new medicines that he was put on recently from his previous hospital visits. Doc said he could stay the night, but didn't recommend it due to all the Covid cases there and they had just admitted one while he was there, and all they would be doing is checking in on him. He's still dizzy, but in bed sleeping. Follow up with our primary.

Beaverntx

Goldie, please know the concern, prayers and love continue. We admire your strength and seek to supportive. You are amazing!!!

Jazzygirl

Goldie - ❤️🙏❤️

illimae

Goldie, I’m sorry, I wish you had some help, this all sounds like too much for anyone. Hugs

karen1956

Lori - sending hugs your way. Keeping you and Darrel in my thoughts.

goldie0827

I'm physically and mentally SPENT! Wondering now if that's not why I have lost half of my hair. I haven't taken any meds in over a week, but it's still coming out in clumps. Started back before I went to MI in Sept/Oct. DH had back surgery mid August. I don't "feel" like I'm stressed, but maybe I am?

Thank you all for your support, I love all of you so much! And you all mean so much to me...thank you.

karen1956

Lori, your plate has been overflowing for too long. No wonder you are spent! You are running on adrenaline. I'm sorry about your hair.

camillegal

camillegal

Mornin ladies,

Oh Lori what can I say. So many people care and want to help but none of us can. This stress for u is horrible and u keep on going. I've always said ur amazing but this goes beyond that. And on top of all this is covid fighting all the way. Always sending prayers and comfort to you an Darrell. This all has to be over soon. An loosing ur hair can be from stress too. Which mean so much.

Les said now the hospitals are holding back too. Marty's operation might be postponed, tests can be cancelled, everything from step one. It's funny Mid March seems so long ago and over now we're reliving it.

O saw on FB this likning to this...if 10 people are doing crafts and one person uses glitter, all 10 people will have glitter on their project...seems about right to me. So many people I know are now being tested cuz they have so many symptoms. Praying for this vaccine which I heard will be given to all essentials first, which makes sense.Who knows how much they'll have. But we all know needing loads for sure. Again we can pray an wait.

Wishing all safety and being well.

LUBS U ALL

NativeMainer

Good Morning, Loungettes!Happy Hump Day! Well, the high priority project at work is a go. Working on my part, waiting for the DON to write the policies needed. The project is creating a course to certify LPNs to do IV therapy procedures in the nursing home. It feels really good to be doing my work again! Still waiting to hear if my vacay time is approved or not. I supposed I'm going to ask about it.

Sadie is having a busy ayem chasing a critter that's gotten into the house. I suspect it's a mouse. I've seen some signs, and it's not unusual this time of year. Time to check the covers on all the openings around the plumbing again.

Karen--I think the face shield option is great!

Cammy Cat--apparently the priority project is one needed to keep nurses from leaving! The LPNs want to do IV therapy work, and we need them to if we are going to keep accepting patients who need it. I'll get my part ready, probably mostly done today, and then it will just be a matter of getting the appropriate policies passed. Sadie loves the belly rubs you send, I always tell her who they are from. She wishes you could give them in person, too, she loves getting belly rubs from everyone! Sometimes TV is a good thing, sometimes not. I can understand the kids not wanting to make a turkey, it's a lot of work. Around here there are a lot of restaurants that are offering turkey, pies, and even full meals for pick up, I bet there is someone near you that is doing that or something similar, so Joey can have his turkey and trimmings and no one has to cook it all. It would also support the local businesses.

Goldie--prayers and hugs. Take care of yourself and Darrell.

Morning, Beaver, Jazzy, Ille, Karen!

Apple Cider Old Fashioneds

Ingredients

1/2 c. ice

2/3 c. apple cider

2 oz. whiskey

2 dashes Angostura bitters

Apple slices, for garnish

Cinnamon sticks, for garnish

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients in glass and stir to combine. Garnish with an apple slice and cinnamon stick.

From <https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a56767/apple-cider-old-fashioned-recipe/>

goldie0827

Here Cami.....

Jazzygirl

Hi ladies- just a quick check in midweek. The shift from working in the office (and after three weeks of working there) to home has not been easy. Got through a lot on Monday, yesterday went better. I am glad to be home as I can do some calls more privately (still have things to do around the business shut down) and getting a walk in at lunch time. But I am seeing what I know is true in other work from home situations, more hours. Pivot, pivot and pivot again.

Goldie- worried for you friend as you have too much to handle alone. But I know you don't have good resources where you are either. I don't know what to say about the hair, can it be from your meds? I know you have not started your new treatments yet.

NM- well they better approve your vacation. I am glad you have some things to do to help the root cause of the nurse loss. I think all healthcare orgs are loosing people like crazy. Mine is hiring like crazy.

Cami- I hope Marty can get his operation soon. I encouraged my friend who just got diagnosed to get her surgery done soon, and she has something coming up the week after Thanksgiving. But we all know things are changing all the time. Yesterday, we had a record number of cases here over 2000 and hospitals are maxed, representing a rate of 17%. I think we are in serious trouble and heading into a very bad winter. And yes, March seems long ago but here we are again.

That's it for now. Love to all here and hi to everyone I did not call out individually. Take care of yourselves. I am laying low with the stay at home orders and only going out when necessary. I feel like this is a bad dream I cannot wake up from......

Jazzygirl

Look who was in town filming last week

ChiSandy

Was he playing to an empty chair, Jazzy?

Lori, I hope that you're feeling better soon and that the hair loss is "just" extreme stress. That "glitter" meme is so true!

Our ruthbru (over on another thread) is battling COVID, but as of last night was getting better. She lives in ND--at this point, it's one of those states where even the slightest slipup by an infected person can sicken someone who's been doing everything right. (Quite frankly, it scares the hell out of me).

Had my ocular-onc appt. today. Bad(-ish) news is that we don't have a path report because the location & minuscule size of the tumor made it impossible to safely harvest enough cells to assay for markers w/o risking spread. Good news is that the tumor has shrunken by 10% (in 3 months). The onc. says that's excellent, and it should continue to shrink (albeit more slowly) over the next 3 years, possibly to only 40% of its original size (which was 2.6mm). My vision has improved with the new progressives prescription: I gained 2 "lines" in the L eye and lost nothing in the R. The onc. says there will be a staff meeting at UIC this week, which will probably result in a decision to cancel all elective procedures (i.e., those not for life-saving purposes). So no cataract or retina surgeries till the "curve bends" down sufficiently. Think I'll defer rescheduling my allergy challenge test too, which is as "elective" as it gets. I will likely keep next week's mani-pedi appt. so long as the salon is allowed to remain open. (Our state's new "Tier 3" mitigations under the "stay-home advisory" are less strict than those in force during last spring's "stay-home order").

DOTD: With leftovers tonight will likely have some more of Mon. night's Mumm Napa 2014 Blanc de Noirs. Last night we killed off the remaining 1/3 liter of the bottle of Mas Coté 2018 Provençal rosé. Bob is going to see Thurs. if the 2020 Beauj. Nouveau has been released yet. (Usually the 3rd Thurs. in Nov.).