In shock

nihahi

Evening ladies...Hope you've all had good days. Liefie..bet you're home and tucked into bed. Behave yourself and don't overdo things. 

Dakota....we are soooooo proud of you. 

Carla and everyone doing exercise while on tx, you are amazing. No way could I have done it. 

So many of the se's are cumulative, with peaks and valleys. I found the fatigue to be the most long lasting, long after the chemo was done for me. I think it is that even though the drugs are out of your system, you still have to rebuild the muscle and immune systems. Takes time, but you will all get there. 

Edi...how's the new decor coming along? So much fun to start fresh, isn't it! I thought for sure you would be into spring weather by now, not still getting snow! Hope you didn't get too much this time. Bet the "shed men" are glad their task is finished!

Websister, it'll take time for Mom, that's for sure. A hard time of life to "start over" with new people and new routines.

I feel like a new woman....a "pea/corn/ice free day so far! Only moderate success on the snowy owl hunt, but here are a few photos. The girlfriend time was wonderful though, as always!

Bevlee

Hello Again Ladies...

I have found this awesome website.  This girl is AMAZING and has conquered cancer.  Please check it out...  it is so uplifting.  I feel so much better now having subscribed to it.  We must help ourselves.  I give you this info with loving intentions.

http://www.thewellnesswarrior.com.au/?doing_wp_cron=1360746076.3444349765777587890625

XXX  Take Care of yous ... and Love Yourself this Valentines Day XXX

liefie

Nihahi, what amazing photos, and what a beautiful bird! Aren't birds just wonderful creatures? I can watch them for hours. I am behaving, but have modified the bed rest to couch rest. Is there a difference? Now I understand why the doc ordered this rest. Every time I get up from the couch, the nose starts bleeding, so will be still, and stay put, and be once again served by DH, my assistant and nurse. Signing off for the night, good bye for now.

scouser47

Gosh we are such gab-a-lots on here, LOVE IT.
Mug of tea soooo good, no flinching when hot liquid hits my lip. ( wish it was cold scotch ) but hey ho not as long as on this latest stuff. 
Snow all gone so little bros coming this afternoon, so excited.
Guess who won twice at Bingo ? ME ! just a line twice but it was such a relief to be out with the mad bingo girls. They remind me of you lot lol. They are so caring and sweet as is the pub landlady she is twelve years out abdomen cancer sufferer. She never stops, everywhere decorated with red balloons, hearts and even red table clothes on our table with red heart confetti scattered everywhere. Glad I made it and the smiles and greetings when I walked in was lovely.
Happy Valentines day to you all, I am struggling under the weight of all my cards lol.

Websister, hope you are ok, fab that car sorted with little stress. Don't worry about your Mum she will soon be coming out of that room, bet there is another lady there who will ask her to join in and then you will be lucky if she has time to talk to you when you visit.
Hope Benny gets to Walmart for that porridge, just made mine it will get her back on her feet in no time. Look at the Scots brave strong warriors all.
Rads 21st next step on your journey

Liefie, morning Captain Jack, glad it all went ok. Just be a good girl and do the three days rest, I know none of us do as we are told, but eyes are something we want to work smoothly.
Sure DH will tie you up if necessary, now there's a picture

Carlads, hope fluid easing, my taste returning a little too until the next time  

Dakota, Happy Happy Day to you, can you feel those pockets moving to the Happy Dance ? Take it easy the rest of the day if you can

46 and single, please let us know how you are.

Jennie, thinking of you with Rads.

Nihahi, hope no icing needed today. Hope yesterday was magical and you saw some owls ?

Traii,  Your pancakes defo sound more yummy than mine. When little bros comes today he is having dinner with us.
Went through some menu options with him and guess what, he picked sausage,fried eggs, chips/fries peas ,mushroom and grilled tomatoes !! lol followed by apple crumble and cream or custard.
We all eat as healthy as we can but the odd blow out does us no harm,right.
Glad you kept the investment going very wise. Wish I had bought a small house when Dad died I had just enough from him. Prices here then went through the roof !! Rental income alone would have been a weeks wage to me now. No good crying over spilt milk and hindsight is a wonderful thing.

Adagio, sure you will be fine this time Websister knows what she is talking about. All in your pockets Saturday. Get back to us when it is over please.

Gotta dash to supermarket for provisions catch you all later. Love you all.

caitlin61

Nihahi, those are wonderful photos - what a beautiful bird!



Edi, congrats on the bingo wins! Hope you enjoy your time with your brother!



Liefie, hope you're getting plenty of rest and recovering nicely from your surgery.



Websister, a pain about the car, but thankfully the rental company came through with a replacement.



Benny, pleased to hear that you're doing a bit better this round. Let us know how the oatmeal goes (think I may try some too).



Dakota, will be thinking of you today - big, big congratulations!!! You are amazing the way you've come through all of this while remaining such a devoted mom to your kids! I will raise a glass of prune juice, or sparkling water, or whatever else I'm allowed to drink in your honor later today.



PT is going well - seem to be regaining range of motion my left arm, although still have quite a bit of numbness/tingling following lymph node removal. Yesterday, a friend insisted (and I do mean insisted - she practically dragged me there - I did not want another med appt) that I see her osteopathic physician. He performed acupuncture on me and did some other minor manipulations. Can't tell if it helped with the nausea or not - but I did feel as if I had more energy when I came out of there. The thing I appreciated most was that he is the first provider to have a chat with me about the spiritual/mental aspects of dealing with cancer. He claims stress is just a conflict between our expectations and reality, so he advised that I accept my new reality, maintain a positive attitude, and live in the moment. Also gave some nutritional advice.



Hope you all have a wonderful Valentines Day!

Traii

Wow bingo lady!! Happy you got to clear those vocal cords and call out bingo x2



Midnight here...dh put on a movie and i slept!



Dakota thinking of u...hope u got those cup cakes cooking!!! In ya pocket beautiful girl.!!



Liefie hope the eyes not giving any grief x



Off to bed now...bin dsy tomorrow.. yeh resdy for ds to wake up early!!



Enjoy yr thursday...happy valentines day...guess who got roses!!!!xxx

Dakota212

Happy valentines ladies!!!

I am sitting waiting to go in for my last infusion !!

Edi- bingo !! Yahoo !!

Caitlin- glad pt is working. And I think the new healing methods are right on accept and be happy !!!

Nihahi - great pictures!!!

Bevlee - cheeked out the website very nice!!!

nihahi

Dakota.....Hearts flying out to your pockets today!!!!!! Have a restful snooze, then on to the rest of your life! ((((x))))))

nihahi

oops.....wanted to add. Caitlin I LOVE what the doc told you. Such a perfect description of stress and wonderful advice.

So often in life, not just due to cancer, we are challenged to learn how to accept, be positive and get on with life. Acceptance doesn't mean giving up, it means finding the best way to move on. Too often we get stuck in fear or despair, thinking the rest of life is going to be just like it is at this moment in time, when in fact, each moment is unique. Don't mean to sound so "preachy" - beautiful sunrise on the mountians this morning, lovely valentine card from hubby left by the coffeepot, makes me realize how lucky we all are to just "be here".

luvmygoats

Traii - Just a quick post to you.  Your DS would have a blast on my street.  Trash pickup is by choice.  If you want it you contract with a company.  We have at least 3 trash pickups, ours is Monday, another one yesterday and a 3rd just came by.  "Bin Day" could be most weekdays.

liefie

Caitlin, just love what that wise doc told you. It is so true. I certainly learned to live in the present moment, and to be way more grateful. We have to make the most of this one life we have TODAY.

Eyepatch was taken off this morning, and with my swollen little red eye I can scare anybody stiff. Have not taken a single pain pill so far; there is just no pain at all. For the next three days I have to just ice the eye every two hours or so to reduce the swelling.

Dakota, what a happy, happy day for you, brave warrior sister! Wishing you very mild or no SE's.

Benny, I hope you have found some form of protein that you can eat. That and some (good!) fats should stop the weight loss in its tracks. If this was your last chemo, you should be okay though, and will be on the mend soon. It will probably take some time before you can mount the plush toy in the proper way again, but you will get there. Chemo really weakens your muscles, and I found that my thigh muscles especially were useless for a long time afterwards. Fortunately it is temporary. I'm just glad you are okay again!

Edi, I promise to be good. Congrats on the bingo win, and enjoy your visit with your brother(s?). Also happy for you that the mouth issues are over. Yay!!!

Everybody else, have a good Valentine's day. We won't be doing anything, but still have lots of chocolates and flowers left from the party last week, so will just chill at home.

adagio

Dakota - I am so happy for you! Congratulations and well done. Hope all goes well.

Traii

Congrats dakota...chemo over whoo hoo girl!



Lifie, glad patch can come off....just dont forget to 'peas your eye'!!



Luvmygoats wow 3days a week of bin collection ds would love it!!! Dont think mummy would feel the same. Lol

6am here.. ds snoring, dh got called out to work and here i am laying here hoping to get back to sleep!!!



Hope everyone is having a great day x

nihahi

Hey Liefie.....do you need any corn to go with those peas for your eye?! Hope everything settles down for you quickly. 

carlads

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

Dakota- Congratulations!  So happy for you!

Liefie- so glad the patch it off! 

Everyone else have a great evening! 

Love you all,

Carla

scouser47

hi girls soooo behind will try and catch up.
Feel almost normal yay.
Little bros came yesterday    best day for a long time. Never get him to myself but did yesterday, we laughed all day he is a beautiful soul,
GD came after school for her dinner. Took one look at him and gave him the biggest hug and kiss.he was thrilled.
She then helped prepare dinner. She buttered the bread beautifully and assembled the apple crumble ! Then she made little place settings with our names on lol.
No videos transferred as computer didnt have right port ? He has a spare at home he thinks so will put it into our ancient machine.
Bedroom only needs Wallpaper, DH did the whole lot in one day, then had to rest yesterday as he had a blood pressure monitor attached.
Taking it back to hospital today, praying it is ok, he has never taken a pill and heaven help us if he has too. I will have to buy him a pill reminder box. He needs to be ok to have his bus licence renewed.
Off for new bedding today, and big son coming this afternoon.
Life is good.

Nihahi, missed your pics ? goodness knows how. SJust seen them WOW how beautiful.
Hope ice still not needed.

Bevlee, love link.

Dakota, hope you are still ok ?

Liefie, glad you are being good, hope icing working.

Luvmy, missed you r u ok ?

Carla, Love back to you, hope Valentines day was lovely for you.

Traii,Jennie/Benny and all other brave and beautiful sisters, have a fab Friday.

Off to give DH's wallet another thrashing XXX

Traii

sounds like good times Edi, how cute your GD putting place settings with your names on it good to hear you had a day filled with laughter and today thrashing DH wallet... Prayers with DH so that blood pressure is all good so that he can renew that bus licence.

Enjoy your big sons arrival....family is so precious. Enjoy it while they are all there under the one roof xx

liefie

Good morning, everyone! Thanks for all your well wishes. You people are so supportive, I love you all, and appreciate it very much! Eye is fine, and I have to keep icing for two more days to keep the swelling down. Hope you all had a wonderful Valentines' day filled with flowers and chocolates . . . which are by now nestled on our hips, but one has to have fun now and then.

As an ex-South African I feel so saddened this morning by the news from South Africa that Oscar Pistorius, the man without legs who ran on blades in the London Olympics, had shot and killed his girlfriend at his house on Valentine's day. He is incarcerated, and did not get bail, because police say it was premeditated murder. She was a stunningly beautiful blonde girl, had a law degree, and worked as a model and TV presenter. Oscar had huge sponsorships from Nike and other companies, who had now withdrawn all their Oscar ads. He won a silver medal at the Olympics with the S.A. men's 400m relay team, and won 3 gold medals in the sprints at the Paralympic games. What a tragic turn of events. So sorry for the parents and family of these two young people.

Dakota212

Hi ladies-

Traii, carlads, adagio, lifie, edi-

Thanks so much for ur congrats. It's a nice feeling to be done tho I just might miss the alone time I was getting having a day off every other week when I could not make any plans but to sleep

I go back in three weeks to start tamoxifen. If anyone has any advice I will take it!!!

Breast cancer was the easy part of my life now I have to deal with the personal part. Yuck



I hope all u ladies are doing great !!! Have a fabulous day !!!

liefie

Dear Dakota, you have come so far, and you have done so well. I believe you will do well on the Tamoxifen too. As far as the personal part, you must do what you have to do, but we know you are a strong woman, and you will get through this too. We are here to support you in everything and anything you may decide to do, no matter what. Sending good vibes and prayers your way, and big hugs!

scouser47

Traii, Visit from my big boy was really lovely    His daughters are my eldest GD's 10 and 9 years old. They have suddenly blossomed into beautiful young ladies.
They behaved beautifully, unlike their flaming mother, who was comparing BC with her pregnancy. Edi on a short fuse right now so told her in no uncertain terms that there is NO comparison. She soon shut up !
Later in kitchen when no one but her was around I whip off wig to scratch head, her face was priceless and I really enjoyed every second lol.
I know I am being evil but have had 10 years of her horrible comments, thanks to her my son is one unhappy bunny, once the ring went on the sweet ex missionary who worked with the poor in Albania turned into the Bride from Hell.
DH's results will be through in a few days, I pray he is ok. Even if it high as long as he has medicine for it he will get his licence renewed.
Bought all the bedding for the new bed today, tomorrow he is wallpapering and Edi is out with the two daughters and little GD's.
Pub lunch for baby girl's 38th b/day, making the most of mad social whirl before 26th.
Hope you have a lovely weekend.

Liefie,dreadful news about Oscar, all kinds of rumours that police were often called as he was violent. If so why would someone so beautiful stay around ?
Glad eye is improving.

Dakota, You have just fought the hardest battle and survived it in an amazing way. Personal part will be a piece of cake for someone with your courage and bravery.
Come on here and let rip any time, you know we are here for you.

Okay, eyes are tired need some cocoa and my bed. DH has gone for a pint with the other shed man. They are dying to see what the new people have done to our pub now the lads have gone. Hope they make it a sucess, will be awful if it closes for good.

Hugs to you all X

liefie

Edi, invite your daughter-in-law to go to your next chemo with you. Maybe when she sees so many people suffering from this disease she will come to her senses. Shock tactics - LOL! Your DH is such a good man doing all those things in the house for you. He seems quite handy too. About the Oscar case, there are many more questions than answers at this stage. Just so very sad, because he had come so far in life against such odds, and had it made. Poor girl certainly did not deserve this, whatever it is that happened there. Horrific.

scouser47

lieifie, he is really handy, but sooo fussy, love him to bits.
Good idea with the DIL, he laugh is she works in the health service as an auxillary and is always being horrid to hetr patients. One gentleman who had a stroke didn't want her to bath him ( don't blame him ) She brags that she said " you have had a stroke so you have no choice " hasn't an ounce of empathy in her body lol.
Good job she wasn't looking after you, she would have poked your good eye just to watch you cry.
Gosh I am a bitch today sorry just turns me inside out when I look at my beautiful son and he is so quiet and withdrawn now    I am going to try and post pic of the only wonderful thing that has come out of it all.
He now lives for his girls.

caitlin61

Edi, sorry to hear that your daughter-in-law is so lacking in empathy. Can't believe what she said to that poor stroke patient - glad I don't have anybody like that caring for me! Seems like you know how to deal with her though! Your DH sounds like a wonderful man and I hope he will receive good test results.



Liefie, agree about the Oscar affair. It's shocking that somebody who should have been on top of the world could take such a terrible and final action.



Dakota, your personal situation sounds like it has its difficulties but perhaps now that you've conquered the worst part of your treatment the path forward will become clearer.



Picked up a wig today - think it looks quite nice. A work friend who went through chemo for Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma last year has loaned me her entire collection of hats, scarves, etc., so I should be set in a week or so when the hair starts to go. Planning to get it buzzed off next Friday night.

nihahi

Dakota....you deserve only the best in life. As a role model to your kids, your future decisions will show them...men don't have the right to treat women like second-class people, and no woman should accept being treated poorly. You have been so strong for your kids, making a choice to have a happy life, is another sign of strength, though can be a tough road for sure. 

Edi....Send that girl to me.....I'll return her to you with a significant attitude adjustment. Can't believe your son lets her spout off such hurtful, shallow comments to you. Also can't believe the hospital where she "helps" doesn't set her straight either!!!!

Why is it that people feel they have the right to emotionally or physically harm another????? I just don't get it. 

Liefie...that bag of frozen corn is still available. Hope the eye is settling down. 

Caitlin...I wonder if you realize the strength that is starting to come through in your posts. What kind of nutritional info did you get? Maybe it's something that could help the "missing" Benny.

Traii...aren't you coming up soon on YOUR last chemo???? 

Off to the mountains again tomorrow. Love and strength to everybody.

liefie

Oh Edi, how heartbreaking that your son that you had obviously raised with such love and care, is now quiet and withdrawn like that because of the woman he married. She really sounds like quite the piece of work. I would just hate it if a woman does that to any of my two boys. Must be hard to live with that. I have once heard a father give his son the following advice: Please make sure you don't marry the wrong woman, because with the right one it is hell enough. It seems that sometimes you just don't know what you're getting yourself into. Your DIL sounds like a bully. Scary.

Caitlin, so glad you found a wig that you like. It goes a long way to make you feel good under difficult circumstances. 

Nihahi, the eye is looking good, and the swelling is almost gone thanks to the icing. Enjoy the mountains tomorrow. Sounds wonderful! I'm housebound for a few more days, and getting pretty frustrated sitting on the couch. DH did the cooking the last two nights, but I've taken my kitchen back now, and dinner is in the oven.

Traii, Websister, Benny, Dakota, Carlads, Adagio and everybody else, have a good evening!

websister

Edi - your DIL sounds very self-centered/self-involved, I too would be very sad to see any of my sons with someone who robbed them of joy. I'm so glad the GD's are able to provide him with happiness and make their visits so enjoyable for you and DH - hope DIL's visit didn't impact DH's blood pressure negatively



Traii - hope you were able to catch a little more sleep this morning



Dakota - congratulations, your strength through all of this has been amazing and you will get through the personal stuff. You made time in your life for the chemo, now continue to set regular dates for yourself for that alone time at least every two weeks and consider it medicinal, it is and you deserve and need it



Nihahi - enjoy the mountains, we have had such wonderful weather here I am hoping that Benny has been taking advantage of it and getting some good medicine out on the farm



Liefie - glad you have your kitchen back but be sure not to overdo it, sounds like everything is healing well. Too bad the surgery date is a little later than you had hoped but glad that summer on the island lasts a little longer than some areas, I can just picture you outside soaking up the healing rays of sunshine while DH tends his beautiful garden for you to enjoy.



I had my Return to Work class yesterday afternoon. It was interesting to hear other's experiences and share my own, I think the class will be beneficial in finding work/life balance.



Caitlin - great that you were able to find a wig you like, it makes such a difference



My Herceptin infusion was after the class, this time I got in a bit early and they ran it over 30 minutes instead of an hour. With the exception that it felt cold going in that quickly I don't seem to have really had any other effects this time which I am enjoying.



It is a long weekend here. We are going to sign my Mother out of the lodge for Sunday and see how it goes. She is very much looking forward to it, part of the day will be a potluck where she can visit with relatives she hasn't seen for a while.



Have a good weekend everyone!

adagio

Dakota - you must be so relieved to have the taxol completed now. Lucky you. I got for #3 tomorrow and I am so scared of having another allergic reaction - if I get one this time, I think I will call it quits!! The oncologist has given me extra steroids to take this evening to help counter the reaction which probably means I will not get much sleep tonight - not ideal the day before chemo, but I have no choice. Hopefully I can rest and snooze after the Benadryl goes in there. 

Enjoy your weekend! Sorry - don't know much about tamoxifem so can't help you there!

caitlin61

Nihahi, hope you enjoy your time in the mountains this weekend.



I thought a lot about Benny when I was in my low last weekend. However, although I had some esophageal and GI burn, I seem to have been spared the full on mucositis that has plagued Benny, at least for this round (now Day 9). I drank a LOT of water during the first few days when I felt reasonably well and also rinsed/gargled with salt/baking soda/water and Biotene mouthwash - not sure if that helped ward off sores or not. I lost my appetite for a few days, but at no point did I feel like I couldn't eat - the burn didn't make it all the way up to my throat.



The advice the osteopath gave me was interesting. While it contained some specifics, it was in some ways more focused on a general approach to eating.



1. Avoid or at least limit foods that generate heat, e.g. sweets, dairy, gluten.



2. If you crave foods in 1., indulge your craving, but in moderation. Eat with joy, not guilt.



3. Avoid caffeine, except for tea with honey.



4. No matter how hungry you are, or how good the food tastes, don't over eat. Always stay just a little bit hungry.



5. Drink sun-heated water (I.e. place a pitcher of water in a window where it can be heated by the sun) - he said this is recommended for cancer patients. When drinking hot or cold liquids, hold them in your mouth for a few seconds so that they equalize with your body temperature. Keep water with you at all times. Sip, don't gulp.



I'm seeing a more traditional dietician on Monday to talk about best protein sources when dealing with ER+ tumors. I want to learn more about the soy controversy. She said she would dig out some papers for me, so I'll pass on anything interesting that she shares with me.



Adagio, I sincerely hope that all goes well for you in your chemo treatment tomorrow. Will be thinking of you!

scouser47

Hi sisters weekend hugs to ALL of you.
Sorry to rant on about DIL yesterday, can't believe one woman can generate so much unhappiness.
My youngest daughters B/Day today, so day of love and joy.

Caitlin, so agree about being cared for by DIL. She even resents looking after her elderly parents i.e. shopping for them. Sorry that they have to receive her venom too.
Wigs are wonderful, wear it with pride. No one ever believes mine isn't my own hair but I really don't mind and so lovely to be able to brush the back of your hair, check it is ok, then put it on lol.
My BC friend gave me an assortment of hats too so now have one for every outfit colour wise.
The buzz is also very liberating, no more hair all over clothes bedding etc. Don't know how your weather is but I wear a beanie hat to bed and around the house as it surprising how much hair does keep your head warm. Wish it was summer, I would even go out with the baldy look, maybe not to the shops but in the garden etc.
So glad you didn't have the burning, Omeprazole tablets really calm this down if you do.
What wonderful advice from your Osteopath re food, have taken that onboard.
Keep well.

Nihahi, Thanks for offer of sorting out DIL, my son knows nothing of what she says, the crafty witch makes sure there is no one around when she lets rip with her comments.
As for the hospital where she works, I know she is hated there but it is never her fault always the other nurses or patients. As she is an agency aid she thinks she is immortal sure if she was NHS they would have hauled her over the coals years ago.
Hey ho Karma is a wonderful thing just keep waiting for it to kick her ass lol.
Off to the mountains, Edi green with envy, will try not to wriggle and mutter too much in your backpack.
Keep safe.

Liefie, My boy is a Christian in every sense of the word ( it is his middle name too ) kind, caring, and gentle. He has never brought us a minutes pain or heartache. He works with adults who have various issues Autism, downs syndrome,etc. Before that in charge of Old Peoples home ( until the council closed it ) they all idolise him, she keeps quoting bits of the bible but I am sorry as someone said once, going to church ( which she does every week ) does NOT make you a Christian anymore than standing in a garage makes you into a car lol.
Thrilled you are back to reclaiming the kitchen, we women really don't like those DH's messing about in there. When mine does I just have to button my lip.
Keep that eye well iced.

Websister, DIL does send DH into a fury thank goodnes monitor was returned before she arrived.
Return to work gosh, wonder if I ever will ? Bit ancient now and do have my pension but just miss the company and interaction with people.
Hope day with Mum goes well.

Dakota, hope you aren't too mad busy this weekend. Websister right about me time, you keep it up.
Hope you find someone wonderful very soon and sooo wish my son had found a girl like you.

Adagio, Nice and cosy in your pocket today. Sure they will look after you. Let us know how it goes. You will be in my thoughts today. ((( HUG )))

OK need another mug of tea !! will have to dry decaf maybe that will help with slight burning. thanks Caitlin.

Love to you all xxx