Starting Chemo March 2015

SueH58

Sharon and Katy,

What magnificent pieces. I'm so impressed with your handiwork!!!!

shaz101

Katy I'm so glad you like it. It's merino, polwarth and mohair. I wove it with hand spun singles. I can't take credit for the dying though. It was dyed for me by a friend.

Your quilt is lovely. I'm looking forward to seeing an update when it's finished. As crappy as you feel, isn't it great being able and wanting to do something!

Thank you sue. It's nice to achieve something.

DavisD

Sharon, what beautiful work! I took a spinning class one year at our annual Fiber Festival and found it so relaxing. However, they set up the loom for the students so all I had to do is the repetitive motion which I enjoyed greatly. Always wanted to learn more. Maybe this winter...I'm so glad you've found something to give you some headache relief, you certainly deserve it!

Katy-Looks like you're well on the way to producing another beautiful quilt! You're so talented, you never fail to amaze me!

Happy Sunday to all!

DavisD

I forgot to show everyone my new babies I got from the SPCA yesterday. I've only named one, Belle is the one with a half mask. They are so precious and are settling in really well!

 

Jackbirdie

Diane-their coloring is so beautiful. Really shows up well in the picture. Are they tabbies? They almost look like tortoiseshells. You must be so happy. There us nothing like a kitten to make you laugh.....unless it is 2 kittens! How delightful. Something as simple as a ball of string or yarn. Everyon is entertained for hours. Lol

Trvler

You ladies do amazing work!

The kittens are beautiful. I love calicos.

Jackbirdie

Aaaahh......thank you Allison. Calico! That's it. Clearly I need to brush up on my kitty colors

Trvler

How are you feeling today, Katy?

DavisD

Thanks Allison and Katy!  I just got back from the pet store for kitty supplies. Stopped at McD's because a ranch snack wrap without chicken sounded good...10 min later I was doubled over in pain in a Costco bathroom. Didn't think I'd make it but I got home just in time for it to start again! Ugh...never again cave to weird cravings. I'm doing ok overall just having joint pains/mostly in my arms and ass dragging tired. Home for the afternoon.

Hope everyone's enjoying the holiday weekend!

Jackbirdie

Allison- Feeling about the same. Might be slightly better but I think that every morning, only to be disappointed in the afternoon. I don't have a fever and I am getting sleep.

At this point, however, I'm thinking there's a pretty good chance they won't do chemo this week. Very upsetting.

Trvler

I am sorry, Katy. I know how that delay feels (although I am terrified of my new regiment starting Tuesday I want it OVER).

Oh, no, Diane. Not such a weird craving. Do you think it was you or it? (meaning chemo related)

Jackbirdie

the sun just came out here after days of overcast. And the pharmacist told me NOT TO GO OUT IN THE SUN on this blasted Levaquin. Now THAT pisses me off!

Help me Spock

Jackbirdie

I saw these beauties outside my bedroom window this morning. I haven't a clue. Not in my PNW bird book. Can anyone identify? I zoomed in as much as I could.

rleepac

Positive spirit - sorry for your painful fissure. Fissures suck!!!! I'm telling you that Flushable wet wipes have been the MOST comforting, followed by warm baths. My doc did also recommend getting a small water bottle with a sports top and using it like a bidet but I'm afraid I'll splash poo all over the place so I haven't tried it. But definitely NO dry wiping if you want any chance of healing.

Hard to tell if the topical Nifedipine cream is helping or not. My sister gave me advice on that too. Put the pea-sized amount of cream on a cotton ball and then stick the cotton ball on the anus between your cheeks. That way it stays 'on the mark' for longer. Feels weird at first but as long as you aren't wearing thong panties you get used to it real fast.

Hope that helps and may you bowel movements be pain-free soon!

Bekah

Beachbum1023

Hi Katy, could it be a Western Tanager? I don't have anything like that here in Ohio, but I wish I did! What a beauty. Thanks for sharing.

Jackbirdie

Cheryl- I think that could be it....I've been researching. At first I didn't think so, but I think the one is a juvenile male. So spectacular! A really nice gift today.

I'm not supposed to be in the sun but I have a floor length hoodie robe. I just cut up my last orange (organic, cha-ching), ran out ther fastand put it out for them near where I saw them earlier. Fingers crossed!

DavisD

Trvler-I think it was a side effect from the chemo and possibly lettuce because I had the same exact thing happen about a week ago..ten minutes later. Very few things sound good to me so I surrendered knowing it might happen!

Katy-Thank goodness you can rest and no fever but this just sucks big time! You've been through so much and to have to postpone chemo....let's hope that doesn't happen. Sending you my very best positive mojo and a big gentle hug! The birds btw are stunning but I know nothing about bird breeds.

Allison-You are so amazing lady! I would be whining like crazy if I had to go through what you're experiencing. You'll get through it though, with your grit and positive spirit. I'll be thinking of you.
Has anyone else asked their MO about having a glass of wine once in awhile? I don't even know if I'd enjoy it but wondered if in moderation, it would be ok?

Jackbirdie

I sure miss a glass of wine....I have read it's best to stay away, but

I think there are many, many, things on the danger list and it's hard to be perfect.

My solution for myself, just so typical, is to drink much less, but only very, very, good wine and champagne. This translates to 1-2 glasses every 4-6 weeks. I want to be able to raise a glass on a friend's birthday, or like I did with Derith, when she passed.

I will not let cancer take my life away from me. I will NOT!

I think it would be far better for me to exercise every day, or even 4 times a week, than not exercise and never have a glass of really nice wine. Has anybody ever heard that BC is much higher in France?

That's right. No.

I will. Not. Let. Cancer. Rule. My. Life

Trvler

That bird is beautiful.

ksusan

I agree on the male Western tanager. Quite the beauties!

SC_Coqui

Sorry to hear about some of the SEs some of you are going through. I've had some of my own, nothing major. Just some bone pain.

I did have a moment today where I was going to blow up on DH. We decided to go pick up our season passes to the local amusement park today (of all days). The pass requires that you take a picture. So when I went for mine they said I needed to take my hat off. Hell no! I said to the guy, "uhm, I'm bald underneath." They were stunned and here comes DH saying, "hey, take it off, what's the big deal?" I wanted to hit him so hard. He was lucky I was on the other side of the counter. Then we compromised and I lifted the bill of the hat so they could see my face. Seriously, why do they need me to take off my hat? I'm not wearing a veil! I told him later that he should be agreeing with his wife in situations like that, not making things more difficult.

We spent some time in the water park, me in the shade and DS and DH and some friends playing around. Yesterday went to the neighborhood pool. Tomorrow we're taking it easy. I need a nap!

avmom

Hi Italychick, thanks for the reference to benfotiamine. From what I can see, it's an antioxidant, so will have to wait until after chemo is done. My MO is clear not to take antioxidants during chemo, but I might well try it later.

Congrats to those who are finished chemo!!

I'll be off tomorrow for bloodwork. Our son (22 years old next month) is coming for a visit for a couple of days , and will take me to chemo on Tuesday.

Hugs to all.

SueH58

My chemo info said to have alcohol in moderation. Also, see attached from cancerresearchuk.com:

Whether you drink alcohol during your course of chemotherapy will partly depend on the particular drugs you are having. It is generally fine to drink small amounts of alcohol during treatment, but alcohol can interfere with the way some chemotherapy drugs work. Your doctors and nurses giving the treatment will be able to give you specific advice about whether drinking alcohol is safe with your chemotherapy drugs.

With some drugs it is very important not to drink alcohol as they interact. Procarbazine and lomustineare two of these drugs. If you are having either of these, you must talk to your doctor or chemotherapy nurse about what you shouldn't eat and drink.

Some chemotherapy drugs can make you feel sick or you may lose your appetite. If you are able to drink, then small amounts of alcohol may help to boost your appetite. But excessive drinking would not be a good idea, whatever type of chemotherapy you are on.

I asked my chemo nurse about occasional wine, and she said AOK. So, right now, I'm sipping a delightful white wine.

Enjoy your weekend!

Jackbirdie

Attagirl Sue! 👍👏👏👏🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷

Sorry there's no white wine icon!

Enjoy!

Italychick

Avmom, I quit antioxidants during chemo too. I just don't know about them and better safe than sorry.

SueH58

My MO said that natural antioxidants (i.e. blueberries) were fine but to stay away from supplements because they don't know if the high levels may interfere with the chemo. Is that what you guys were told?

eheinrich

Trying to catch up: yay for final chemos, birds, handicrafts, health, optimism and support.

I am just back from my baby girl's graduation - and checked on my cat & then y'all. Beautiful weekend. I feel so fortunate to have such wonderful daughters. I have always hated having my picture taken (I turn into a troll as soon as a camera is in my vicinity) my mom was the same way. I don't really have many pictures of her as a result. I've been trying over the past year or so to get over myself & let people take pics. So this weekend I have crappy pics of me in beautiful moments. So much better than not having them. Also my new passport will feature me in my bald-headed glory. I'm cool with it as long as i get to use it and travel

I'll post a family pic from graduation when I get them sent my way.

I missed you guys.....

xo, ~e

Jackbirdie

Eileen- welcome back! So glad you had a nice weekend, and what a great personal victory to get over (or at least make major progress with) your photophobia. (Is that a word?- I just kinda made that up haha). Now you and your girls will have the complete mementos. Brava.

But how very impressive to have your passport photo commando! Where do you want to go that will require a passport? I would love to hear your plans, or if they haven't hatched yet, ideas and dreams will do.

avmom

Hi SueH, my MO was pretty clear that I could eat antioxidant foods in moderation, but NOT to change my diet to skew toward antioxidant foods. I do eat (frozen) blueberries, but not fresh ones because it's hard to clean them thoroughly. The fresh fruits that I eat are all able to be scrubbed - apples, oranges, cantaloupe, etc. I also don't eat sprouts or raw veggies that can't be easily and completely washed.

As I understand it,you do not want to protect cancer cells from the effects of the chemo. I've had enough problems from chemo that I have no desire to reduce its effectiveness. Once chemo is done, my diet will change some - my diet wasn't terrible before diagnosis, but I did eat some processed foods and more meat than necessary. I have eaten a largely vegetarian diet for quite a long time, but I do have a weakness for cheese. During chemo, I've been advised to eat anything that appeals to me and that I can tolerate. Nothing tastes good, and the thought of most foods is pretty disgusting. I've probably eaten more dairy during chemo than in the previous year - mostly yogurt with fruit in the morning, and some cheese for snacks. I don't tolerate fluid milk well, and haven't had a glass of milk in maybe thirty years. Before chemo, I haven't had yogurt for about ten years, but I find it easy to eat in the mornings right now. My regular breakfast is oatmeal, but the texture has been bugging me lately. I'm also eating more pasta, with non spicy sauces. Right now, I don't even like "regular " seasonings like salt and pepper. Garlic? Curry? Any assertive flavours at all? Forget about it.

I am looking forward to the end of chemo, so I can start to enjoy eating again. Right now, it's like a job. I never get hungry, and nothing tastes appealing. I have been able to keep my weight stable, which is all the victory I was hoping for. That's been rough, as I have always enjoyed cooking and entertaining. I'm not crafty like many of you on this board, but I'm a pretty kickass cook, or at least I used to be.

shaz101

Thanks Diane! And your kittens are gorgeous. They will entertain you for quite some time.

I was also told not to boost up on antioxidants like vit c or similar as it interferes with chemo. Certainly not something I want to do.

I'm back in the chair tomorrow. Number 5 here we come!

I worked all morning out in the field and now I'm so exhausted that I'm shaking. Boy did Andrew tell me off when I got home! Oh in like getting a lecture from loved ones! I just nodded.

I was also told to avoid salad fodder as its too difficult to clean and that all fruit and vegetables has to be peeled.

Bekah and pos_spirit I'm so sorry to hear about your fissures but I must admit to laughing about the visual I got from the cotton wool. it's funny how bluntly open we are. I have no idea why I'm writing in bold now. Must be nap time. It's my mums birthday I need to go out for dinner. Bye x