My Husband, My Life, My Love, My Family, My Cancer

GoldensRBest

Received my 2nd Pfizer vaccine shot yesterday afternoon. Arm is very sore (as it was with the first one) and mild muscle & joint aches so far. With so much degenerative disease, I always have joint pain😏. Just a bit worse this am.

Kittykat9876

Hi everyone, sorry to hear about your progression movingsoccormom and yoursister.

Well I'm back in the hospital, with a temperature and wicked cramps. I came in at night so no one here to access my port til the morning, it took 4 tries to get a cannula in. Cancer sucks.

Tanya_Djamila

Kittykat sorry about the pain and hospitalization. I hope you're getting good care today and come home soon

I'm going to stand in line today at 1:00 for a maybe vaccine if they don't run out.

Tanya

Kittykat9876

I also found out that my neutrophils are 0.07 so waiting for pharmacy to open to get a shot to bring them back up. Gonna be a long night.

mara51506

Glad for people who are getting vaccine. I know our medical people are reminding people who are vaccinated that they should still use masking as they can still infect people. I hope people in my province will heed that advice. I hope the vaccine makes people feel safer as it can feel scary to some.

I had a laugh out loud moment, was opening the bag of bran to put in its container and managed to dump it all over the counter and floor. What is significant about this is I used to get really angry and frustrated but today I just laughed and got to work sweeping and vacuuming. My mind decided there are so many worse things happening out there than spilling cereal. It must have been my 20 min treadmill walk I did that leveled the mood, glad for it. Sunny again today and cold but will walk up to the burger joint and grab more onion rings and jr burgers. I enjoy them with one onion ring on top. Adds a nice taste without too many calories.

BevJen

Cross posted, but still interesting -- from the National Cancer Institute's newsletter about cancer patients and the Covid vaccine --

https://www.cancer.gov/news-events/cancer-currents...

Bottom line: NCI recommends the vaccine for most cancer patients, with some limited exceptions (like -- you are about to have surgery.)

Micmel

I haven’t heard Boo about getting mine. I’ll probably hear around scan time. Next month. Just take some Tylenol or something to help with the added aches. At least it’s over.

Micmel

I did read a little about Philly. She's having biopsies done, but I'm not sure exactly where. Liver ? Perhaps. She's been dealing with some Progression. From the sounds of what I've been reading biopsies only Get done when there is something to see. I miss her very much but can see what she's up too behind the scenes. I just want her to be ok. She seems as always to be moving along at her own pace. I just hope whatever tx she is pu on next works wonders.

candy-678

Hello all.

Kittykat- So sorry to hear you are back in the hospital. What are they thinking it is? Last time was short of breath, right? I am trying to remember the reason last time without losing my post to look back.

Mel- Glad you can keep up with Philly from "behind the scenes". I wish she would come back here. I understand taking a Boards break from all the heartache and loss on here, but since she is having progression/ biopsies herself I wish she would come back. Did we upset her somehow?

Tanya- I hope you are successful getting the vaccine.

Today is cold and snowy. I love winter, but with being isolated for so many months (a year next month) the snow just feels more isolating. We are 4 or 5 days into a cold snap with predicted another week to go. Not over 32 degrees for a total of 2 weeks straight. About 3 inches of snow on the ground (I know not much with Mel's 36 inches). But it just seems like everything is frozen in place. I live in a small town, so the main road is clear (I hear, I have not been out), but my road is snow covered with tracks of where vehicles have went through which makes it slicker.

Edited- Looked back for diagnosis of kittykat last hospitalization---pneumonitis from the Affinitor. Hope you are getting some rest and they take care of the issue soon.

candy-678

Just heard on my local news that our Governor is expanding the current Phase of the Covid vaccine rollout. On Feb 25 it will be open to people 16 and over with underlying health conditions of Cancer, Heart Disease, COPD, etc... Good. I know vaccines will be in short supply still, but I felt funny getting my vaccine thru a volunteer thing I do. Since I am 50 and they were actually doing 65 and over. Now I don't feel like I jumped the line. I hope people will want to sign up for the vaccine--- some of my friends will, some won't.

mara51506

Candy, I must admit that I am envious of you having enough vaccine to expand groups being vaccinated. We are still working on long term care and health workers then the over 65 go next. We are also extremely short on vaccine and not getting as much as we expected. I really wish the patents were released for this so it would be easier for countries rich and poor to produce or procure their own. I feel like Canada and Ontario where I am were behind by not coming up with our own vaccine manufacturing.

candy-678

Mara- I agree that the distribution plan is screwed up. In the U.S. each State dictates who is eligible in what Phase. Our State was giving prisoners the vaccine in the first group. I know they are in a community facility where the virus can spread out of control, but for an elderly person to have to be 2nd, below a prisoner, is stupid too. And I felt funny being 50 and getting it, even though I have Stage 4 cancer. And I mentioned my hairdresser-- below 65 but with asthma and working in the public. I do not know how they are distributing it to other countries. Pfizer and the such produce so many vials and I think the countries have to buy them from Pfizer, etc. They said that when they were first manufactured that the U.S. had bought ___ vials for our citizens and the rest was going to other countries. We are short too--- my local news is always saying that vaccination clinics had to cancel appts because their shipment from the State did not come thru. So even though we are opening the qualifying factors up to other age/health groups doesn't mean it will be easy to get the vaccine for most of the public. The whole rollout was messed up.

Anonymous

Mel - thank you for the Philly update. I think she had confirmed progression to liver 6 or 8 months ago?, and was moved on to Tamoxifen from I/L. Im glad to hear she is still truckin' though!

I'm having a rough, rough day with anxiety and I threw in the towel with work stuff after about an hour. We were so, so hoping to get to a beach and see my parents in May and now the government is making it even MORE criminal to leave and I just can't take it anymore. As soon as anything positive starts happening its days of negative news resulting in more goddamn rules. Im already locked in my house what more do they want? Im angry at everything - cancer, government, weather, my stupid genetics, ALL of it. Then yesterday I had to talk to a teammate for their input on something I am leading and he in as many words told me my job is unimportant doesn't believe in what I am doing. Well thanks, asshole, for making me feel like my last remaining years on this earth are pointless. Really appreciate it. I did challenge him directly on exactly what he would do which of course he backpedaled from but yeah, not helpful. It seemed a better approach today to sit in bed, read a book and eat chocolate ice cream with all electronics banished.

I did leave the house this evening to buy new underwear because that situation was getting fairly desperate and getting me down, so that was something. A drawer full of new, fresh, fun undies will be nice to open once I get them all washed.

Tanya_Djamila

Mara were still in same boat here over 65 healthcare workers although I know at one of the cancer hospitals they’ve vaccinated there patients but not me. A student that I supervise 20’s is a cancer survivor no active disease and she got one also the guy who painted my house. I’ve gone 3 times with cancer papers and was declined.

Candy no luck again today with vaccine. It seems I could say a lie and get it. Just don’t want to if people are working in hospitals and nursing homes. I found out if you wait until all appts are done they give leftovers to whoever wants. I just don’t have the stamina for it and today just became an emotional wreck after trying twice. Now I’m just a cancer crybaby.

Tany

phet7178

hello all- only just joined the thread and I am already behind! I am envious of everyone getting haircuts at the moment, self-administered or not. My hair (only just outgrown chemo-curls from 2 years ago) is in desperate need. Also jealous of people with proper snow! Here in the UK we’ve just had a sprinkling and it’s just enough to make me miss Boston in January...

I had cycle 2 day 1 of gem carbo yesterday - they have me stronger anti-sickness meds so so far feeling better than cycle 1 but still pretty fatigued. And have decided I’m definitely going to have to be proactive about keeping my digestive system moving, I’ve neglected that and it’s starting to show

Otherwise I’m getting ready for my mum to arrive from Australia in three weeks (after having to get a special compassionate exemption from the Australian government as no one is meant to leave at the moment bc of COVID) to look after me and my partner. It will be so nice to have her here (not least because she likes to cook and do laundry and generally bustle around fixing things as it makes her feel like she’s being useful with my illness). Last time she was here shewas looking after us during treatment for my primary - that was 2019. She was meant to come last summer and we were going to have lovely trips in Europe together celebrating me being cancer free. But then COVID. And then....sigh, NOT cancer free. So it will be a bit like deja vu, the cycle of sickness we can’t seem to leave behind us

illimae

Ugh, I’m sorry to read about philly and kittys struggles, I hope things settle and improve quickly.

Vaccines, while slow to roll, seem to be working for many so far in Texas and I find my states phasing fair enough, with priority to medical professionals and most vulnerable first.

Personal news, I waited to see if it was real or not but I’m thrilled to say that my voice is finally coming back! There’s been really noticeable improvement this past week alone and I felt the paralyzed vocal cord twitch and seem to close on its own. The timing isn’t always right but physically, things are happening, it’s very exciting.

Chicagoan

Tanya,

I totally relate to your frustration. I think we are in the same boat-Stage 4 but just under 65. I keep seeing all these people of FB getting their vaccines who I know also are not yet 65 nor do they have an essential job or pre-existing condition. It's seems like a crap shoot. As Candy said, the Illinois governor just said that people like me can now qualify for the vaccine, but since I live in Chicago I don't think that will be the case. Chicago is saying they may now not be able to give out 1c for a few months. I haven't really tried yet but now I'll see if there is someway I can get one. My friends over 65 have spent hours on the computer and many wound up driving more than 60 miles to get an appointment. Sometimes I'm tempted to lie but I don't really want to do that. It's hard to be patient when we all want to get back to a more "normal" life.

candy-678

Sondra- Sorry to hear you are having such a rough time. This cancer really does suck. New undies sound fun, the small things anymore is sometimes all we have to hang onto. Hug from here.

Tanya- I am so sorry to hear you did not get the vaccine. Can your cancer clinic help in any way?

Phet- I hope you have a good time when your mom gets there. Hope you can enjoy her cooking and taking care of you.

Mae- Woohoo on the return of your voice!!!!!

Chicagoan- I have heard that rural areas are having more success with the vaccine administration. I am closer to St. Louis than Chicago and I listen to their newscasts. They are saying that St. Louis' percentage of population that has been vaccinated is lower per capita than the rural areas. So maybe in this instance it is good to live in a rural area. Not so good for cancer care though.

Rosie24

BevJen, thanks for the link. I saved it for future reference.

My state has paused on adding our next group (which I think would be my age group), so I’m just waiting to even be eligible. DH is in the current group, 65 and up but hasn’t had any luck getting an appointment yet. School teachers and staff were started just last week and will be getting theirs over the next few weeks as county groups. One friend lucked out by calling our local drugstore at 5:30 pm to ask if they any extra vaccine and they did. She got there in 10 minutes and got her first shot.

Phet, It sounds like your mom’s visit will be good for you. I hope you get to have a little trip together.

Kitty Kat, sorry to hear about your troubles & being hospitalized again. Fingers crossed you don’t have to stay too long.

Candy, I think we have similar weather. Continued cold and some snow every day. It’s pretty to look at but I agree it feels kind of like we’re locked in. I did go back to my water exercise class two days a week. The roads are pretty clear but my neighborhood and driveway are pretty snow covered even though we’re all paying for snow removal in our small HOA. They’re supposed to come with 3 inches but I don’t think that’s happening.

I hope everyone is hanging in there. 🌻

Micmel

no kitty not again. Enough of being in hospital. I’m sending you thoughts and healing vibes. welcome back Phet. Don’t worry about catching up. We all support when needed.
waving hello to Tanya. BOOBOO waving to you as well.

Kittykat9876

Hi Mel, hopefully I'll be out of here in 3 days. I had to fight to get them to use my port for the antibiotics, they were going to try to find another vein after the last one leaked into my arm, I got the chemo unit to authorize using the port.

I hope everyone else is doing as well as can be expected under these really trying days. My heart goes out to all of you that are having problems.

Micmel

Kitty~I become a. Bear when I want my port used. I have no veins to find.
I telll them , they giggle and try anyway. Meanwhile, we are pin cushions. I really am so sorry you’re in the hospital again. I honestly hope it’s not 3 days. You’ve had enough time spent in hospital. I’m sending you a huge get well hug. Thinking of you

mara51506

Tanya, I am sorry as well that you did not get your vaccine when others went ahead of you who should not have.

I will just have to be patient and know it is coming in the long run. I did hear that we have not had flu reported in hospitals due to the masking and hand washing due to covid. Maybe we are onto something with the social distancing, hand washing and masks.

Mae, glad you are starting to get your voice back. Such a long time with that.

Kitty Kat, get well soon, hope you are home soon.

Sondra, I am sorry all of the covid, cancer and general life is wearing you down but super glad that you were able to find a little something to cheer you up. Take care over there.

Our case counts keep going down as we have been in lockdown again since Dec 26. It would be nice to be able to shop in non essential stores again. I miss certain places.

Kittykat9876

Hopefully you got some sleep Mel, thanks for the hug, I really needed it 💗.

I'm going to connect with some services to help me get a cleaner to help with the heavy house work and palliative care as well, I may as well use the time I'm stuck in here productively.

Karenfizedbo15

Just catching up. Got my first COVID jab on Tuesday -Oxford - combined with just starting Capecitabine/xeloda a few days ago, felt pretty nauseous yesterday, but took an anti emetic and hopefully that will pass. Otherwise coping fairly well and my breathing is slowly improving...less coughing at least! Bone scan results will be at next clinic in a couple of weeks. Hoping I don’t light up like a Christmas tree, but prepared for more bone mets than just the spot on my spine.

Sondra, feel your frustration - re the idiot at work, some people think that making others feel small makes them more important...it’s bullying basically. I also bought new underwear... the comfy kind!

Mara heard on the radio about the Canadian situation re vaccines...there was talk of converting an existing plant into a vaccine manufacturer, but as you say that can’t happen if the licences aren’t generic.

Six inches of snow here, that’s enough for us!

Hugs to everybody.

Bliss58

Kittykat, no fun to be in hospital. Aside from the port problems, I hope they're treating you well and you'll be home very soon. Another virtual hug for you.

Tanya, finally got my 88 yo mother her 1st vaccine last week from a church drive that I just happened to find out about at my cancer center. They made her an appt for Feb. 27 for the 2nd. The only people I know who have gotten vaccine here in Colorado have heard about appts through word of mouth at churches and rec centers. My cancer center PA said they applied to get vaccine, they have storage capacity, but were told no by the state. Makes no sense to me that vaccines here are doled out to churches and rec centers, but not to actual medical centers and pharmacies. I'm 62 and patiently waiting for my turn. I'm keeping this church on my radar. I hope you're able to get vaccine soon.

Mae, that's such good news about your voice! Whoot whoot!

Mel, I think I read you have 36" of snow now? Oh my gosh that is too much!

Karen, glad you got your first vaccine jab and hope that nausea has passed. So good to read you're breathing is getting better!

Hugs and hello to you all!

moth

Yesterday was my stage 4 cancerversary. Wow a whole year already - doesn't seem real. Today my prize is a nuclear bone scan ... so pretty much whole day in hospital. I arrived at 930 and they've told me I will probably be done at 230. Dh dropped me off so I'll be hiding out in hallways waiting for the radioactive stuff to make its way around the bones.

I brought my knitting and have some podcasts cued up.

Sunshine99

moth I always bring my knitting to my appointments. It's especially nice when I have my nuc med injection, then run over to get my CT scan (which requires that I be there an hour ahead of time to drink the contrast), then run back over to the clinic for the nuc med scan.

I found that I can knit with the IV line in my arm, depending upon how I hold my arm.

I mostly knit easy stuff while I'm waiting because if they call me when I'm in the middle of a complicated row, I'm sure to mess it up - haha.

I hope your scans go well today.

Carol

candy-678

moth- Pocket duty for your scan. When will you know results?

candy-678

kittykat- How ya doing? What are they saying is wrong?