INSOMNIACS place to talk in the wee hours

sas-schatzi

This was the survey I wrote on STFU. Still looking for the results I tabulated.

The folowing survey is to identify those members that have had an experience with animals/pets that had behavioral activities, that led the member to associate the behavior with their cancer.

Was this animal yours?  If None mark x and stop here: X   No  Yes 

Whose animal was it?

What type of animal was it?  Cat:  Dog: 

Breed and age:

Does the animal have any special training:  No  Yes

Specify training: 

Did you seek medical advice because of pet behavior?  No  Yes

How long before diagnosis did pet demonstrate behavior?

Identify stage of BC and mets at diagnosis?

Stage:

Mets:

Describe in detail activity that pet exhibited?

sas-schatzi

If I were to do the survey now I would do it way differently. 

I found a notation that 5 out of approximately 20 had either their cat or dog find their cancer. The total taking the survey isn't exact, but I counted the positives and 5 was right. 

Anonymous

Jaymed - Danny Boy became very concerned about my voice. It was a squeak for a long time. He would leave the room if I tried to speak loudly. He watches me closely when I vomit, he knows I don't feel good. He stays by my bed all night and in the am moves to the hall corner outside my room until he is told he can go back in. He can smell the difference of me hen I have the Faslodex injections too. I used him in pet friendly stores to help center me, he would be a good service dog but never went to that length. When he as trained for 4H by former owners he was trained to assist with getting up if fallen, to go down w the person when they fall and stay there until told what to do.

We adopted him in June 2011. I found the cancer mass in my breast two weeks later after swimming in the pool, during my shower. Due to short term memory loss issues back then from hypothyroid, I know I had found the same mass in March and May during my own exam, but I forgot about it.

Danny Boy had heartworms when we adopted him. So we went through the alternative treatments together at first. His heartworms were cleared by autumn, no poison from the vet. My mass went up and down and up and down and finally I had a lumpectomy. I know he did not like that I was hurt, he would gently nuzzle me and never asked for anything while I was recuperating.

Anonymous

This will keep you awake in the middle of the night!

https://www.pandora.com/station/play/3887480143958...

lol

M0mmyof3

Anonymous

M0mmy - BEST Irish Blessing ever! 🍀 Your Warm and Fuzzies are sooo good. I can't tell you how many times I've laughed out loud while reading 'em in a doc's waiting room or in the infusion suite - even worse, I snort if I laugh really hard!

How is the Royal Princess doing? Kitties can get upper respiratory infections so easy......always worries me to hear a kitty sneeze. Hope she is feeling better 😿

Miss Blue - Oh the difference a knowledgeable and truly caring doc can make! Hoping the rest of your new team will be just as wonderful. This has been a hella crazy trip for so many of us. Gentle ((( hugs ))) and healing thoughts to you, Dear Protectress of the Field Mice 🐁

Mags - Hoping you are settled into your new Estate (love it, love it!) and are able to rest, relax and recharge. May you soak up the "clean" energy of your new home and become strengthened by it.

So many times, when I am so sick of being sick, I think of you. You persevered, challenged the beast and won! I am certain I am not the only one inspired by by your strength and your faith. The beast may have crept back in, but he must have forgotten who he is dealing with - The Mags of the Insomniacs Sisterhood! Prayers for your peace, comfort and the wisdom of your docs. 🙏

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I am shouting this to the heavens for all of us..................

"Yoo Hoo!!! Universe!!! Could you please put in an urgent request to whomever is in charge of chitty stuff? Some of us are in desperate need of lots and lots of goodie stuff!!!!! And cake. Lots of cake with buttercream frosting layered on three inches high on the top and between the layers. White or yellow cake - don't want to be too fussy. Please - no more buggers, no more sick uckies and lots of cake. With lots of buttercream frosting. Thank you"

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Loverly - Oh the pretty Mitzy! She looks like one of the gods worshiped by the Egyptians - Anubis. Anubis was the protector of the Mummies. Mitzi is your protector! 'Cuz you are a Mummy!

Sassy - I pictured Schatzi as looking much different. She looks like an Irish Wolfhound! A mini one I hope! 😱

Junie - Miss Pris and I greatly enjoyed your card, thank you! Ack, that bus wreck.....you DID NOT need or deserve that! Poor Kirby. All you can do is treat him as you always have. Stick to routines, don't baby him too much (hard I know) and he'll slowly return to his usual happy-go-lucky self. Poor lil' fella. How sore are you? Don't you dare go putting shingles on the roof or chopping down any trees. Rest, rest, rest!

JayNC - Learning everything you can about cancer is a must. Good for you, being inquisitive! Understanding the disease takes away some of fear and enables you to be an active part of your treatment. A word of warning though........be careful where you get your info from. The Mayo Clinic, Sloan Kettering, Dana Farber, MD Anderson and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) websites are excellent and trustworthy. BUT......only research what is pertinent to your DX. Otherwise you'll scare the bejeebers out of yourself and cause unnecessary worry. Focus on where you are now, and where you want to be - NOT what might never be.

I started out stage iv from the git go. The worries us later stage peeps are pretty bad and very real. If I dwelled on all the what ifs, I'd e totally bonkers. (Hush Loverly and Junie! I am not already bonkers!) I'm very educated about my DX and very aware of things to watch for; watch for, not worry for. My way of dealing is keeping a "fix-it" list. If I hit another "bump" in my travels, I add it to the list. If it is fixable, I fight like a tiger to get it done. Luckily, my Oncology team works with each other and includes me. I don't usually have to fight that often. 🙂

My med history is condensed in my signature - otherwise it would be soo long it would look like bragging, ha! Plus Sassy's got me beat anyway! I have had some scary chit but I'm still here. It's been just over 5 years since my DX......not so long ago the treatments weren't available to keep someone like me alive. New advances are being made all the time.

Be aware, alert and even afraid now and then. But remember, time and science are on your side. Just like all of us here are! And your kitties too! (My kitty bites me) High-five and a fist bump to you Carolina Sister! 🖐️🤛🌴

Yikes.....as usual I have lost track of time. Need to go to bed. We are sitting for our grand-doggy Rex. He is a Boston Terrier and about 5 years old. Ellie Mae is becoming a behemoth and is bigger and heavier than her uncle now. She's only 4 months and weighs 35 lbs. I don't have to bend to pet her and she can reach the counters! Ellie is being a wild thing and keeps beating up Rex. She even body slammed my wee Miss Pris. It''s a madhouse! Must sleep while I can...........

Kath - I'm a novelist now too!

Good night to all - Wanted to catch up with everyone, sorry to those I missed

Good Morning Feline ~ Happy Belated St. Patrick's Day ~ Erin go Braugh!

Good Ellie........

Crazy Ellie!

M0mmyof3

Princess is over her cold. She is back to her usual antics.

My friends send me lots of stuff to keeps me laughing

feelingfeline

Anonymous

Puppy is getting so big! Shepkitty. She is so pretty.

magdalene51

Precious Owlettes! It’s still a week to closing, so unfortunately not in the house yet. Packing continues apace, and my poor thumbs are getting a workout from it! Tomorrow is 2nd gemzar. Also Medicare wellness and oncologist as well. Long day. I just don’t have any energy to spare for writing - but I promise to catch y’all up as soon as possible. Love to all. Hootie hoo!

TaRenee

I was sleeping so good. Then the lightening. Then the thunder. And the thunder. And the rain. It sounds like sleet and rain. And the thunder... I thought something had hit the house, like a tree or something, it made the house shake. So now I’m awake. I was sleeping sooooo good. Sigh. Snow dammit. That doesn’t make noise! But no, rain and sleet and mail and lightening and thunder. It’s like a disco. Come on cold front, dip on down and get here!

M0mmyof3

Nor'easter #4 hitting us today later on.

kathindc

Good one Mommy!

M0mmyof3

Roflol

Wren44

I just can't imagine how tired you must be of snow and shoveling. I'd be moving to Arizona or someplace.

M0mmyof3

Hubby has been taking care of it mostly. As soon as we get snow the next day it starts to melt.

Anonymous

Spring-like here most of March.

But I must remind everyone that on the 25th of March I was born in a blizzard on a night that no doctor would go out into. Except a young new one who rode in the ambulance to my parent's farmhouse. My hero. My mom had already given birth to me and unwrapped the cord from my neck, she saved my life. Then they took here to the hospital in the blizzard. I think I would rather have stayed in the warm house. But that was back when hospitals kept you for three days and nights I guess.

Anyway, in like a lamb - out like a lion. Get ready for it.

Time to plant the cosmos seeds.

M0mmyof3

Just finally started snowing a bit ago.

jaymeb

Hi Ladies

I enjoyed reading your stories about your beloved fur babies. Sas, thanks for the info. The last few days, I've been googling everything about cats. Just when I thought I knew everything about cats, I realized there was more to learn. Now, I feel so bad I would move my cat, and get mad at her for chewing my hair. It's a sign of love.😪😪❤️❤️

Now, I have heard that a cat can chew on hair due to being weaned to early from the mother. Anyone heard of this?

Shep ( Carolina Sister). Love it. When you showed those pics, I knew right away it was Myrtle Beach. Not sure how long you've lived in SC, but do you remember when North Myrtle Beach was much less commercialized? In the early eighties, my family had a beach villa right in Cherry Grove, right on the beach. Dad sold it in the mid nineties. Great memories. Now, it is like Las Vegas at the beach. My daughter enjoys going. Love the pics of Miss Ellie. Your cat bites you? Funny. Mine licks me a lot.

Blue, Danny boy knows you very well. He looks out for you.

jaymeb

Mommy

Sorry to hear about Charcoal? What happened? How long have you had Princess? So, she and Jackson get along well. My daughter wants a puppy with our two cats. I've always had this silly fear that one would destroy the other. Never had an indoor cat and dog together.

Mags

Glad to have you back. Will you get to move in your house on the date as planned?

I went on the thread about Patty. I don't post, just read how she's doing. Her last response was she's not feeling well, however, she has such a positive attitude. Now, that her her2 status has changed, doesn't she have better treatment options? I hope so.


Oh,

I have another dumb question. I was reading about luminal a and luminal b breast cancer. Apparently, Ki-67 plays a big part in this subtype of cancer. Now, here I go.... what in the world is ki-67? Of course, I've looked at my path report numerous times when I first got it. I do not remember anything about ki-67 in mine, so not sure if I'm luminal a, or luminal b? I read, and try to understand about my cancer. I want to bang my head against a wall. Still don't understand all the info.

Oh, and Shep, thanks for telling me about the reputable ones to read. Is Susan G Komen on point? That's where I read about this stuff. My cancer grade is 2, but my nuclear grade was 3, which is high. Also, histology grade was on the report. Don't understand that either.

I'm one of those that will dwell on stuff. The worst was when I completed my treatment, although I am on hormone therapy, that any pain would make my mind go to the scariest darkest places. The mental part of all this was much worse for me.

When I found these threads( couldn't believe how many), each day I became less, and less depressed, and stopped obsessing on what I cannot control. Now don't get me wrong, I still have my bad days, but joining these threads and getting to know all these women, especially here has helped me a great deal. Shep, what you said about the mind is spot on. I look forward to reading what you ladies share, and there's funny things you all say. I love humor. Now, Sas, what is anapore( don't think I spelled it right). Is it asshole?

Yep, it just disgusts and amazes me how a husband or partner could cheat when their wife or partner needs them the most. In the short time I've been on these forums, I cannot believe how many supposedly "faithful men" jackasses left. As we all know, breast, or any kind of serious illness changes us forever. And support from our loved ones is the best medicine. On the flip side, I've seen the husbands go through this hard journey with their partners. Bless you good men out there.👍👍🙏🙏😇😇.

Well, I could go on and on, but I just now noticed it's almost 4:00am. I've always loved late nights, it's amazing how many are getting up when I'm going to bed!!!!! Now wonder I relate to cats so well. Night.

Would really like to hear your perspective on ki-67, and pathology reports. Thanks.

jaymeb

TaRenee

I should remember, do you live in NC? Raleigh? I know you teach. Kids throwing desks, messing with the chrome devices, and probaly gave the sub an anxiety attack. I know there's some teachers, and retired teachers on several different forums. Do you teach in a public,private, or charter school? I have a few friends who quit teaching because they couldn't handle the kids. I also know some who enjoy it. Of course, there are plenty of good kids to teach, and want to learn.

During my school years in the 70's to 80's we respected our teachers and elders. If we didn't, my brother and I would have had our butts beaten. We knew better.

Back in our day, our parents would beat the crap out of us, and ask questions later. Now, that would be considered abuse. I remember getting a paddling in 3rd grade due to excessive talking. Lol Imagine that. Everyone who knows me thought that was funny, as I talk nonstop.😂😂😂. This is my daughter's first year at a huge high school, a freshman. She was in a small Catholic school from pre-k until 8th grade. Took me awhile to adjust. She loves it. She's in all honors classes with great teachers. When adults are afraid of the kids, that's a huge problem. From what I've seen these teachers are in control of their classrooms. I have so much respect for teachers, and any profession that works with kids. I do know one thing, if I had a student disrespect me, or got in my face, I would be in jail after I would beat the fire out of him or her. And if Reece ever disrespected her teachers, she would get into deep trouble with her Dad and I. Yep. We taught her that very early. She's not perfect, but a great kid. Do you have any kids? You might have told me, but I have scattered tamoxifen brain.


Now, I'm really going to bed. Hope all of you have a great day, as I'll be in bed. Got to get back to work soon, and get a routine.

M0mmyof3

jaymeb,

Charcoal died almost 4 years ago from kidney failure at 7 years old. We got Princess a week after we lost him and she was only 9 weeks old at the time. Jackson was raised with Charcoal so he instantly adapted to her and is very protective of his “sister”. She'll be 4 yrs. old in September. Can't imagine my life without her or Jackson

Loveroflife

It's Throwback Thursday!

Loveroflife

Ms. Sas~ here is a photo of Mitzy when we first got her. Notice her spine and ribs. She wouldn't come to anyone when called and stayed wedge in between the cot and the wall terrified just staring at passerby. Dh was the one who chose her. I wanted a golden or labradoodle.

Loveroflife

JunieB, are you staying out of trouble? No wait....I should instead ask you if you are hiding from trouble. Thanks for asking about Dad. He is doing ok. He went back to helping my brother with his work. It's good that he is staying active and keeping busy, but I can tell that he has slowed down a lot since the accident in Hawaii He is recovering quite well from prostatectomy for his age. Still has incontinence which is one of the side effects of this surgery. Mom snitched on him the other day. “ Your Dad is limbing because he is not drinking water like he should." I guess when he is out and about, he tries not to drink much fluid and that causes the gouty arthritis to flare up. The battle between leaking through his “ adult super absorbent underwear" or gouty attack. Poor Dad.

Blue, Mitzy is neurotic too. She is afraid of strollers and children. Not sure what happened in her previous home. I can't take a normal stroll with her when people are out and about. My back and shoulders always hurt afterwards from her pulling. She walks fine as long as there are no other human beings besides us on the same street. I had to put her on Prozac for two months at the beginning as she had severe separation anxiety. I lost count how many beds she tore up. Which Dog Whisperer were you referring to? Cesar? Here is one of the beds:

Oh btw, I got your book

Celia, it is nice to see you popping in. How are you doing? Mitzy would love a good petting once she warms up to you.

JNC, I have two girls. Neither like school; however, they are doing well as they know that education is important. My older one is bright, but does not put effort in school. A true procrastinator. She does well under pressure. I think she probably has ADD. She often tells me she has problems staying focus in class. Amazingly, she did graduate HS with honors. She moved back from Biola University last year and is currently taking classes at a junior college. I worry that she will waste her talent. My younger one is a freshman in school just like yours. She gets bored in school. Some of her teachers don't teach.....and these are honor classes too. It is hit or miss with the teachers. Very sad.

Your cat chew your hair? Awwww

Here is a link to KI-67:

http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/diagnosis/rate_grade

Mommy, lol @ banner.

Shep, Mitzy is the daughter of Anubis. You should see the look on her face when I try to clean the floor o the hair she has generously blessed me. She would sit in her goddess regal post silently judging me as I clean and complain about her gift to me. Little Brat!

I have been busy counseling my younger brother who is having issues with his wanton wife. Makes me wonder if SIL is a narcissist. DB wants to work things out for the children's sake, but I am not sure it will work. She is mentally abusive and manipulative and all the negative “ive". I know I am bias, but he deserves better.Sigh

M0mmyof3

In honor of all the Owlies here:

magdalene51

Hi Owlettes. Wish the news was better. I’m in ICU with some mystery infection and have to stay while cultures grow. The worst part, being in the hospital where DH died, the flashbacks have me really shaky and weepy. I can’t die here. I have a house to close on Tuesday. I have things to do.

Wren44

Mags, Hope you're better very very soon. Could you chat with the Chaplin or someone from church about how hard it is to be in the same hospital? Very understandable - but rough on you. I don't know why they couldn't bring papers to the hospital for you to sign. Hugs.

M0mmyof3

Mags, my heart goes out to you.

Anonymous

Mags - have you been around carpets being pulled up or other places where infected dust can be dwelling. My daughter and granddaughter both got horrible infections when the carpet in their new house was ripped up. Hope you are already better.

LoverofLife - The dog we adopted that was psychotic was Brigadoon, a shaved Newfoundland w/ Landseer colouring. Notice the terror in his eyes. I wanted so much to get through to this dog but couldn't and I was like the battered woman, just hit me one more time, I can take it for your sake. The walks we took, if I stepped on a twig he would crouch down and look up like I was going to beat him. He would pull me toward the woods. It took about 5 weeks to realize he wanted to pull me out there and murder me. One night he had the runs in his crate and while Hubby cleaned that I took Brig into bathroom and w door closed since it stunk so much from bedroom I had him in a warm bath and soothed him and bathed him. He took it. But two weeks later I realized what danger I had been in. We were sitting in garden, me on a glider. He in front of me on his leash. I forgot myself and reached out and pet his back. All his hackles went up on his back and neck, he went behind me and I toed the leash to the glider and made my way into the house to call Hubby to come home. We had to take the dog back to the adoption agency. He spent an hour on glider before he realized it could be pulled. So I went back into the firing zone, untied him and walked him on path toward house. He had been taught to follow on path on his leash since it was narrow in the flowers, instead he kept getting in front and crouching down and looking up at me, he knew I was afraid. I kept saying we're going inside, inside. I took him into house straight to bedroom and shut the door behind him, he spent the next hour trying to go out the window so I went there and banged on it so he would quit, Hubby arrived and we returned him. The aftermath was hearing the horror stories of how dogs turned on their people when they least expected it.

My Danny Boy was neurotic at first, afraid of being left alone, abandoned. I got him through that and some bad habits. I remember the night he tried to eat my cell phone, not good. When he got in trouble for that he tried to eat the remote. But he was smart, he understood, do not eat the electronics.

Yes, Cesar Dog Whisperer, so many good tips and teachings.