Starting Chemo March 2015

slothabouttown

Eileen, I wondered if you had any arm swelling from your flights? I'm noticing some from the rads already, had my fifth dose today so I'm a quarter through at least.

Katy, Here's my two cents on cats v. Dogs and lots of years of placing animals into new homes through the humane society. We first try to determine the intent of a dog's chase- whether it is chase to harm or chase for sport. If the intent is to harm then no amount of introduction or intervention will make the match safe. Chasing for sport or out of curiosity is something an owner can work with. We recommend separating cat and dog by keeping the cat exclusively in a bathroom or extra bedroom for up to two weeks. Don't attempt introductions during that time, rather observe the dogs interest level about the cat behind the door. You can often get a good read on a dog's motives by the way they behave toward the new smells behind the door. If Jack shows too much interest, call him away from the door and reward him for focusing on you. If he calmly sniffs under the door or shows appropriate interest reward him! That can go on for a week or two. Regardless of this time though, you can bet that the first meeting will result in a chase and hissing and maybe more, that's why it's helpful to know your dog's intent before they go face to face. A kitten is less likely to run from a dog than an adult cat but they won't be rat savvy for some time, so that might not serve your purpose. Hopefully your shelter can help you find a cat that has been indoors and outdoors so they are prepared to do battle with your unwelcome guests. And a cat that's lived with a dog would also make your introductory period easier. I will tell you that this process is stressful for the humans and the animals, even in the best case scenarios, so really consider that on top of everything else you're dealing with- terriers are awesome dogs but some things are just harder for them-living amicably with cats is high on that list. But it can be done in many cases!

Last fall my neighbor moved out and took his chickens which resulted in a troop of rats taking up shop in my garage. The dogs were certainly on alert but they didn't intimidate the rats. I had to do some serious trapping and after a couple of months they gave up and moved on.

We have a behavior help line that is open to anyone with pet questions. You can get more info about it at www.oregonhumane.org

Our behaviorists are amazing and could give you lots more advice about cat and dog introductions.

Italychick

I am not a cat lover. Having said that, I have lived with many cats. My kids got two at once and when they were babies, I locked them in a kennel with my chocolate lab I used to have. Poor dog, he was terrified. But it worked. The cats got covered with his smell and they even let him groom them.

The reason I don't like cats is I got one that pissed on everything I owned and had to get rid of it. I felt like an asshole. But it had some Siamese in its makeup, and I have been told they are a little weird in multi animal households. Hence pissing on everything I owned. My mattress, my pillows, my leather couch, and I mean everything. That cat cost me like $5,000 in furniture and bedding. The other cat was part Maine coon cat, and he was a dog at heart, loved him. I could even put him in the shower. He was the most mellow cat I have ever seen.

Have you tried those catch and release traps? I think they are called Hav A Heart or something like that?

Bekah, what do you think is the most effective digestive aid? Pepcid worked pretty good for me, but I had to take it twice a day. I would like to ask the MO for something stronger for round 6, and you mentioned a bunch of things. As soon as the Pepcid started wearing off, I could feel that burn come right back.

eheinrich

I did have swelling on flights. On the return flight from HI I forgot to put on the hand extension to the sleeve (I was eating - wanted to wait - forgot) and noticed when my hand was all swelled up. Most of it has receded, but not all. My arm is ok-ish.

slothabouttown

Theresa- good story and an excellent example of the difference between a terrier and a lab! Labs are so happy go lucky you could lock them in a cage full of mongoose and they'd make fast friends! Hey, maybe some mongoose would get rid of those rats Katy!!

Jackbirdie

Sloth- that was excellent advice. I'm going to need it. Because....uh oh. Bekah- Maureen - I took you guys at your word. I can't take another night of this, I know the problem can't be fixed in a night, but at least I took some action.

And there's a possibility that the house deal that went south might could be revived. then I'll take my little family and my bird paraphernalia and shim and just fucking leave.

Jackbirdie

oops?

Jack is highly agitated. I made several "forts" that Jack can't get to. One is the litter box and 8-week old kitty (with no name yet) has been shown where it is, behind a bunch of obstacles kitty can get to easily, but Jack cannot.

In another unreachable corner is a plastic storage box on its side with soft blankets and towels inside and a couple of small toys (stuffed mice- you can never introduce them too young) and a third safe location is a soft carrier with a sheepskin bed up high on a table, in the middle at the back, against a window, with all chairs pulled away. Food and water there. So a number of escape routes. I put Jack on a leash and led him past the kitty in the carrier and we are now ensconced in the bedroom, and kitty has the run of the rest of the house so she (I think a she- will call the vet in the a.m.)

So she can explore in peace tonight. Tomorrow, I may put her in the bathroom. But it's right off my bedroom and that may agitate Jack even more. Maybe better I trade off during the day,and lock kitty up safely and let Jack get used to her smells in the non bedroom part of the house.

All the while observing his apparent "intent". I do not believe he wants to hurt her, but he has zero experience up close and personal with cat of any age. I can't be sure, though, so will assume nothing, and keep kitty protected until the novelty wears off.

Here she is:

IndyGal35

Oh, so adorable, Katy. I hope that the slow introduction goes very well. Be sure to give Jack extra love and attention during this time.

It's been a few days since Sharon and Diane posted. Hope everything is ok.

By the way, Allison, so glad to hear that the clot is better. Scary stuff. Hope that the worst of it is over for you

ninjamary

Katy - adorable!!!! Cats are pretty good at fighting their own battles, you'd be surprised. There are some hysterical you tube videos of cats and dogs if you want to laugh today.

Allison - congrats on the clot busting! I'm a clotter. My port was semi blocked last week. I was taking baby aspirin daily to offset this and I just saw my labs. My liver functions are double and tripled so that ends the aspirin therapy. All I know is I am not getting another port installed. They can start going through my veins.

Trvler

Awww…the kitten is adorable. LOTS of pictures please. We had a terrier when I was growing up and he hated the cat when I first brought it home. But one day, the next door neighbors dog was chasing the cat and he chased the dog away. From then on he tolerated the cat…but certainly didn't embrace her. But he didn't get aggressive anymore expect when she tried to eat his food. He wouldn't tolerate that. So I think it's doable.

Trvler

Maureen: I am so glad you are ok. Hearing you have a clot scares the crap out of you, doesn't it? I have realized that if I have a symptom, I know my body best. When I first mentioned my heart symptoms to my MO, she blew me off and said I probably needed more hydration. Ugh. I hate that. When I went back after the clot she congratulated me on knowing my body. Maybe next time if I have an issue, she will take it more seriously.

Lovemylab

Katy, The kitty is so cute! Monique came with her name from the shelter. We never did change it.

Allison, the clots were very scary. I never had any chest pain, just could not breath, so first I was told "chemo deconditioning" then "heart failure" from AC, which cardiology says I do not have. Finally my MO made the diagnosis. I am on lovenox shots twice a day and he wants to keep me on those until I am back to my "baseline". Whatever that is. I just know I am not there yet. Gearing up for a walk but not sure if the sudden diarrhea will hit. Ugg I hate that.

Maureen

eheinrich

Wow Katy! Cute kitty. I hope she and Jack become fast friends.

slothabouttown

congratulations Katy!

Knowing your history as a bird person there's no doubt that you have the patience and skill to help these two coexist peacefully. Lots of fun ahead for you! Kittens are so entertaining!

Trvler

Maureen: Do you have a port? I am 99.9% convinced that was the cause of it. I had shortness of breath and researched it and it said it is a symptom of a clot. I had issues the second that thing went in so I knew it was related to the port.

BeatIt2015

Both of these just spoke to me. Wishing everyone the best possible day.

molly1976

Today I was talking with my pet sitter, who hadn't known I had breast cancer. She told me her sister was diagnosed at 29 and by the time she got a doctor to take her seriously, her tumor was the size of a grapefruit. She's 52 now, no recurrences. I know I cling to every single one of these stories I hear, especially involving younger women as I am 38, so thought I would share.

SueH58

Katy - that kitten is ADORABLE!!! She looks too cute to scare a rat! I have a verb to describe you--spontaneous. That was QUICK!

Make sure you let Jack now that he is our only mascot and still number one to all of us.

I sure hope you are feeling better physically and mentally.

Hugs,

Sue

rleepac

Katy - kitty is adorable! Good luck

Teresa - I have liquid Carafate that I ise when the pantoprazole and tums don't do the trick. It's an Rx and your MO shouldn't have a problem prescribing it. The other one I mentioned is Viscous Lidocaine which is just a numbing agent and it's temporary. You'll never get your doc to write for it - I just happen to have access at my clinic. It's not curative and really the Carafate should work as it coats the entire stomach lining. I'd ask for that if your other stuff isn't working.

Bekah

Jackbirdie

Beatit- Belated congrats (chemo brain) and I loved the memes.

Molly, I love it when we hear good stories. Success stories. As much as this is the safe place for us to be real, and honest, and rant, the good stories are part of cancer reality also. Thank you for sharing it.

I am in so much pain today the only thing that makes me smile are my little family. I will take more pics of kitty. Kitty needs a name. Here are some ideas, I need help. The vet thinks she sounds like a muted calico. Have an appt for first shots in two weeks.

Jack hates her. It is going to have to be a very very slow introduction.

Bandit

Chemo

Solo

Zorro

I had a few others but didn't write them down. I can't think I hurt so much. Ideas? Anyone?

They prescribed lyrica yesterday, thinking some of this could be a chemo induced arthritis flare... I dont have a clue. I had PT today and cried, CRIED HARD all the way through it,

So I'm supposed to show up tomorrow. Take the premeds tonight. For the first time I am truly terrified about tomorrow. I am taking it one more at a time, have seriously considered calling it a day after the 4. But if I have a recurrence I'd be crushed by second guessing and regrets. So for now, I am showing up tomorrow. I'll decide about #6 later.

Sloth, since you mentioned my former family, which ended in tragedy one year ago, when I was dxd with a rare lung disorder and had to rehome all the birds, (hospitalizations, mis-dx, home oxygen for 9 months and a lung transplant scare) I thought I would share this special picture. For a long time I couldn't look at them. (The pics) They were a huge part of my life and it almost did me in to lose them. The good news is they are all in excellent homes. I flew them all around the country, didn't sell a single bird or cage. I did my absolute best for them.

At times like this, when I am at my lowest, I try to remember the amazing times we had, and focus on how lucky I was to have known them, if even only for a short time. Here we are, altogether.

I'm in a full out sobbing session now. Some things take a really long time to heal fully.

Jackbirdie

Sue- very good read on me. I have gotten into a lot of trouble in my life due to the trait, but I have lived. Fully. Haha.

Good call on Jack too. I will make sure he knows he is still número uno

Trvler

Chemo? Seriously? lol. I like Callie for a Calico. Is it a girl or a boy?

Jackbirdie

I don't know enough to sex the cat at 8 weeks, but the guy I got him from said female, and when I described coloring to vet, she said probably muted calico, which usually means female. First appt in 2 weeks! I knew I have to probably cancel if I tried any earlier. So a unisex name could be good.

I might be able to live with "Kitty"

neverthought

Katy - that is the cutest little Kitty!  Maybe once you get to know her better you'll just know the best name?

I have a little bit of 'tude today.  Plus the worst heartburn I've ever had in my life.  Everyone who knows I had my last chemo last week seems to think that is the worst part, sitting in the chair.  How can I explain that I feel like c--p and may not be my old self for a while?  I used to work 9-10  hours a day just to get my work done and I can't see that happening any time soon.  The brain is doing OK most of the time but the body, not so much.  I understand everyone is burned out from covering for my sick days plus another co-worker is out for up to six months.  If anyone asks me how I'm doing I just show my muscle and say I feel strong cause I don't want to scare people, but a little tired of expectations that all is just fine and dandy now.  Really looking forward to getting some of my old energy back!

KBeee

Katy, Maybe you could call that cute kitty some version of Marchon on Marcia or some other crazy version or take off on your awesome March chemo crew. The friendships formed here are one of the few positives in the whole shit sandwich situation.

Jackbirdie

Kbee- that is awonderful idea! Worth spending my last few brain cells on! All kinds of meanings are possible. Even March could be a name. If North West can be one. I'm sure Kimye would approve.

Also thinking of Louisa May Alcott's "Little Women" their surname was March. It can be obscure. I'm the only one who has to like it. And/or understand it.

The hamster is turning the wheel (sorry to use rodent imagery. Oops

Carrie37

I am totally grumpy. I dont want to go tomorrow. I want to quit this shit. I'm so done.

The kitty is very cute Katy! I like the idea of somehow naming him/her after our March group!

Italychick

I want to quit too, but I'm not going to. I listened to Kid Rock all the way home, played his song Born Free over and over. It is my new theme song. Gearing up for a bike ride.

Ladies, we are all still very much here, in life, and don't let this shit sandwich beat us! I'm so riled up right now from listening to crazy music haha! But seriously, I have been letting this crap make me feel old, and dammit, I'm not old. There is still a 16 year old inside this bald, fat, scarred up body. Cancer can't take away me! Everybody, get mad, beat this bitch to the ground! I've got a lot of fight left in me, even when I crap on myself, or sit in bed curled up with gut pain. If cancer was a person, I would rip it into little pieces, that's how mad I am right now.

Okay, maybe Kid Rock songs aren't the most calming, but they sure fired me up! Get out some of your favorite music and just dance around the house like a lunatic. We are all still here!

Jackbirdie

Theresa - thank you! Needed that.

What's the word for March in Italian?

Marzo or something similar?

Jackbirdie

or maybe OZ, after Sharon who started this group

Or maybe Moz?

My BFF named her new kitty mosie so I have to watch it. Har

deniseto

Any suggestions for the restless legs?