My (perhaps controversial) thoughts as a "newbie" to CA.

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  • WenchLori
    WenchLori Member Posts: 1,558
    edited June 2017

    Molly, how is Wyatt doing? Better I pray 🙏

    NCBEACHGIRL, what an ordeal you've been through and it just keeps on coming! Prayers for everything to slow down and give you a major break!

    I've never had any problems with UTIs. I'll get one now with that said lol

    Baby birds getting ready to fledge the nest

    image

    Tiger Lilies are awake!

    image


  • Trill1943
    Trill1943 Member Posts: 1,677
    edited June 2017

    Lori, love the nest shot and the lovely lilies! They are so beautiful!

    Am off to make mozzarella cheese! You have to try it! It's so fun! Plus, the whey that comes off becomes, ta-da--

    Ricotta!

  • WenchLori
    WenchLori Member Posts: 1,558
    edited June 2017

    Trill, I did make mazzarela cheese once, it was pretty good.


  • Trill1943
    Trill1943 Member Posts: 1,677
    edited June 2017

    Mine now is taking a long time to develop curd...it's there but not the distinct blocks you see on youtube....but it's getting there...am back into salads after winter months when I didn't crave it like now...

    Do you have a garden going? I know you prolly do.

  • WenchLori
    WenchLori Member Posts: 1,558
    edited June 2017

    Yeap, I did a straw bale garden this year. All of my veggies are planted in bales and are doing great!

    image

    I think it looks like a graveyard with all my veggie markers added lol

    Romano Beans

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    Lettuce

    image

    I'll add more in the morning 😍


  • Trill1943
    Trill1943 Member Posts: 1,677
    edited June 2017

    Lori--How could I forget your hay bale garden!? Looks GREAT! Yum! You are the best at this outdoor stuff--from critter-wrangling to garden growing....

  • NCBeachGirl
    NCBeachGirl Member Posts: 66
    edited June 2017

    Well, thanks for the UTI tips. The doctor did find lots of white cells in my urine, so yup, i had a UTI. She looked in my ears and mouth and nose and listened to my lungs and still no fever...she couldn't say if I had an infection in my head or not. So she gave me an antibiotic to kill both the UTI and anything in my head. I took two pills that day, and by the next morning almost all the pain was gone. YAY!! So I guess I had some kind of sinus or ear infection. Who knows? I've been really tired tho, and hungry! Mom suspects the Cipro. But I also had an MRI (for back pain) the day after I started the Cipro, and they injected some kind of contrast dye into me, and I don't know if I'm having a reaction to that. They said it stays in the body for some 24 hours. Boy, are MRIs a real treat, huh?

    Anyway, I thought I'd do some online research about Cipro, and that brought up the issue of whether it should be taken with chemo. Geez, I hadn't even thought of that. The PCP didn't call the MO before she picked an antibiotic. Will have to insist on that next time.

    My next chemo is monday. I have no idea if I'll "pass" my blood tests before the infusion. judging from the number of problems I'm having due to immunosuppression, i'm a little nervous. They might send me home without my infusions.

    And in any event, I'm going to need to be more careful about my immune system and what I come in contact with. Will start with investigating those online grocery shopping services. I don't work, and i don't get out much anyway, so i'm a little perplexed I've had so many problems. But i suppose the UTI didn't need any social help, so to speak, nor did the shingles. Still don't know what was wrong with my ear/throat/teeth, but I'm immensely grateful I didn't need to see the dentist. Love my dentist, but the dude costs a bloody fortune.

  • Trill1943
    Trill1943 Member Posts: 1,677
    edited June 2017

    Hi NCBeachGirl-- You sound like you feel better--Yay! Glad the UTI has cleared up and that you saw a doc and at least have someone onboard for the future....I dunno but I suspect that ANY medication you are given while you are undergoing chemo should be communicated to your docs--like before they are given. Just to be on the safe side.

    I used the Safeway shopping service after my bilateral mastectomy in the winter of 2015-16. I ordered online and then you give a delivery time best for you --like a 2-hour window--like 6 to 8 p.m.--I chose two or three days later as this was only like $3 for the delivery--they bring the bags right into the apartment--it was great! If you want it sooner you pay a bit more. The selection is of course not what you get at the store--less stuff and less variety etc but it covered my needs. i think the minimum order amount is like $50. That's Safeway but Giant and I think even Amazon or Whole Foods also have it--am not sure, just heard there were more places doing it. It saved the day for me cause of course I couldn't drive and then the weather got iffy and I didn't WANT to drive--got lazy there!

    OK--keep up the good work and hope you continue to feel better--and will be thinking of you Monday....

    trill

  • WenchLori
    WenchLori Member Posts: 1,558
    edited June 2017

    Two more terrorist attacks near London. Bridge. What next? Praying for everyone over there. 🙏💜


  • Trill1943
    Trill1943 Member Posts: 1,677
    edited June 2017

    Lori-- I know...it's awful...those poor people over there must be so freaked out.....they've had..what?..four or five in the past year? I think I'd stay away from those areas where foot traffic is heavy....stay in local "not-so-hot" stores!

    I'm bidding on a purse in eBay....I put in $91--I don't need a purse but have had this green Coach bag for a good while and am just tired of the green...it's a nice green though...anyway, I 'm looking at a dark pink bag that looks neat....but somebody just outbid me to $92!!! The auction goes till Thursday--quite a while--others may jump in as this price for this bag is pretty great...shame is that it was a Buy It Now for $120 and I should have gone ahead and just bought it then. Now that I've put in a bid it's gone to an all-auction deal.. Grrrrrrrrrrr..... So I've learned my lesson.... There are a few others I'm watching and one that is an auction ending at nine a.m. my time...Someone has bid $80. I'm gonna do what I did when I got the green bag--stealth bidding....not put in a bid until the last 30 seconds of the auction, then jump in....don't want her to know I'm interested..since it ends so soon--relatively--hopefully the suspense will be over soon...and maybe no other bidders will jump in.....

    Excitement! Hah!

    Have fun with garden and critters and hope your Sunday is lovely!!

  • WenchLori
    WenchLori Member Posts: 1,558
    edited June 2017

    Silly boy sat in my empty planter box for a few hours. Just sitting and peaking over the edge! They make me laugh harder every day! I can't help but wonder what he was thinking? "Hey! Look! I found a new den!!"

    image



  • Trill1943
    Trill1943 Member Posts: 1,677
    edited June 2017

    O Lori you rascal! This one's a winner for sure! Look at that expression.....you must have a ball with them...I swear they are so at home there it's almost a wonder. I'm sure they see it as THEIR place, not yours. I love it!

  • WenchLori
    WenchLori Member Posts: 1,558
    edited June 2017

    My critters have definitely help me get through a lot of my BC journey laughing. Yeah, London has had so many attacks this year. I can't help but wonder why any country is being put through all this turmoil and grief. Praying for all the family members who have lost loved ones last night. 🙏😢


  • NCBeachGirl
    NCBeachGirl Member Posts: 66
    edited June 2017

    Trill, Hi!

    Yes, pains and infections are gone. BUT...now I'm getting excess moisture in the creases between my torso and thighs (not sure that's a very good explanation) and I'm worried I'll get some sort of problem. Trying to keep it clean. Putting medicated cornstarch powder in there, but I'm nervous. Ugh.

    I have my second chemo appointment on Monday morning. Not sure if my blood counts will be up enuf tho. They must have crashed pretty low if i got shingles and two infections. Wonder what will happen to me this time!

    Yeah, I'm totally going to use the shop-from-home grocery service, I just don't know which one. We have several to choose from, and I haven't even looked at Amazon yet, as I've read that they have Amazon Fresh and some other services. We have a nice grocery store that I use a lot that has a really nice service. It's $4.95 to have the personal shopper run around the store for you, and they'll have the groceries ready for drive-up pick-up at a time I choose. I have no problem with driving to the store, I just don't think I should be inside, touching stuff and being around so many people. There is an extra charge if you get less than something like $40 in groceries, but we always do more, so that's not an issue.

    This store is so cool--you order online, and can leave special notes for your shopper, and I think the shopper may even call if they have questions about substitutions etc.

    For this store, there's no commitment to a year of service or anything. It's just that $4.95 charge per time. Totally worth it for me to not have to take my immunocompromised old self inside the store! Another service uses a different store that's okay, but it's $16/month or $99/year, unlimited shopping, and they do deliver right to the door. But add a tip for the driver/shopper (same person) and it's cheaper to use the other store's service. Mom and I usually only do our significant shoppings about every other week, so that's not much money. Shopping is one of the few things I do manage to do for my mom, and she really loves never having to go to the grocery store, so these services are gonna be great! I'll bet I'll never want to set foot back in a store again, tho!

  • NCBeachGirl
    NCBeachGirl Member Posts: 66
    edited June 2017

    Oh, I forgot to ask, when does the hair start falling out? Monday will be chemo #2.

    I ordered a free headscarf and a free hat (or maybe multiple hats, i don't know) online, ugh, even tho I hate head coverings and I'm always hot, so wigs are totally out of the question. But i figure there may be times when I just want to go someplace and not be noticed, so why not order the stuff?

    I know I probably shouldn't, but I'm going to get a mani/pedi this afternoon. Someone bought me one about a month ago, and I'm really liking it, especially if I'm gonna lose my hair. So, we called the salon yesterday and asked about sanitation etc. Sounds okay... hoping for the best!


  • WenchLori
    WenchLori Member Posts: 1,558
    edited June 2017

    My hair started falling out about 4 weeks into chemo. I had my hubby shave my head around week #8 as I got so tired of having hair flying all over the house every time I moved. Having head scarves and hats is a good idea. I didn't use either much as I was bald and proud of it! Of course we are all different and things happen at different stages.


  • NCBeachGirl
    NCBeachGirl Member Posts: 66
    edited June 2017

    WenchLori, LOL, I don't know if I'm gonna be rockin' the bald head, but I'm kind of at a point of I just don't give a damn what people think. I'm always too freaking hot, and I'm not going to suffer through wearing a hot sweaty wig in the sweltering summer of NC just to spare the public's feelings about their own uncomfortable feelings about cancer.

    I have a score of invisible illnesses that I've suffered with for many very unpleasant years, and I'm disabled because of them. It's hard to suffer in silence, and even harder to explain to people why you're suffering when they can't see it and don't believe it. Frankly, I'm welcoming having a VISIBLE disease for a change.

    But that's what I say NOW. I still have hair. I might be singing a different tune once it all falls out.

  • Trill1943
    Trill1943 Member Posts: 1,677
    edited June 2017

    Hi NCBeachGirl--Sounds like you are more than ready for Monday. I do hope the day goes well. Yes, a head covering is nice to have on hand. I didn't have chemo so didn't need to get a wig but was all prepared for it. If you are indoors for much of the time, chilling, taking it easy, avoiding those crowds etc you should prolly be able to go without anything and stay cool.

    Do avail yourself of that shopping service. I live in downtown so for me it was the driving the ten miles to Walmart and back that deterred me. I did miss the selection also and of course Safeway's prices are higher than Walmart's. Good ole Walmart--we make fun of it but boy does it save the day!

    OK--good luck Monday!


    Lori--I keep looking at the raccoon in the planter shot...that is so adorable... it would make a great meme in some way I'm sure....

  • WenchLori
    WenchLori Member Posts: 1,558
    edited June 2017

    NCBeachGirl, in your pocket for your chemo today!


  • NCBeachGirl
    NCBeachGirl Member Posts: 66
    edited June 2017

    WenchLori--Thanks! I made a big list of the events from first chemo till today for the MO. LOL, it's an impressive list of side effects!

    I just hope my counts are up enough to get my infusion. Nothing like clearing the calendar in anticipation of SEs and then having them postpone the chemo.

    Ugh, the antibiotic they gave me for my UTI and mysterious head infection (Cipro) is making me bloated and I feel icky when i eat, and it increased my fibromyalgia bodywide pains and stiffness and makes me sleepy. I did a little research about Cipro last night--geez, it's some pretty strong and awful stuff!! Do NOT think i ever want to have it again.

    And as we all are so familiar with this phenomenon, researching Cipro made me get sidetracked into research about fluoride toxicity...good heavens...and its link to fibromyalgia...and Cipro is a fluoridated med, which makes me think of my chemo meds, one of which is Fluorouracil, which by its name alone, suggests it's some form of fluoride, and I'm reading about the conspiracy theories (true?) about how fluoride came to be added to our water supplies and toothpaste and is really a terribly toxic waste product from the nuclear power industry and the aluminum industry.... Then I'm in the bathroom at 11pm with my reading glasses, checking all the different brands of toothpaste in the cabinet and the prescription fluoride gel the dentist gave me to keep my enamel strong during chemo and radiation, and now I'm afraid to drink water and brush my teeth and use my fancy fluoride gel and...OMG...I make myself CRAZY sometimes!!!

    But I'm sure NONE of you can relate. Haha

  • NCBeachGirl
    NCBeachGirl Member Posts: 66
    edited June 2017

    Hi Everyone,

    I had my second chemo Monday. Sailed thru, no problem, even had pizza for dinner. But about 5 hours later some nausea hit, I took 2 compazine and went to bed early.

    This morning I think I'm gonna die! I woke up with a sore throat, stuffy nose, stuffy head, and I can hardly breathe. No fever tho. Everything on my body hurts. I've even had some dizziness. I didn't want to cause nausea, so I toughed it out without Tylenol as long as I could. Finally gave in and took some. Ugh, I feel awful!

    Yes, I'm drinking lots of water! Kept my breakfast down just fine. I don't know if I have a simple cold or if this is just another weird side effect. I think I'm gonna ask mom to pick up my magical cure for the common cold: Chinese hot and sour soup mixed with wonton and egg drop soup. Really clears up my breathing, and often keeps my colds very short. But ugh, right now I can barely think about eating.

    Waaahhhh!!!

    BTW, I had been worried my blood counts would be too low, but they were fine. So I guess the Neulasta did its thing, just not right away.

    GROANNNNN!!!!!!!!!

  • Trill1943
    Trill1943 Member Posts: 1,677
    edited June 2017

    Sorry you are ailing today NCBeachGirl--- Hope the Chinese food cure is working! Am sure this is due to the treatment yesterday---or that would be my best guess.

    Hang in there! Am thinking of you and wishing you the best...

    Hope today pans out well and you are feeling better by tomorrow--

    Trill

  • Molly50
    Molly50 Member Posts: 3,773
    edited June 2017

    Hugs NCBeachgirl!!

  • WenchLori
    WenchLori Member Posts: 1,558
    edited June 2017

    My stinker raccoon has been back and sitting in "his" planter box every night this week. I left some vanilla wafers in there for him last night. I heard my hubby laughing and when I went to see what was so funny the little rascal was just getting into the box with his front body in the box and his butt sticking up in the air as he stopped mid climb to eat the cookies. It was hilarious!

    I'm off to get my port removed this morning. I can't say I'm going to miss it cuz then I'd be lying 🤥

    Gentle healing hugs to everyone 🤗


  • WenchLori
    WenchLori Member Posts: 1,558
    edited June 2017
  • JuniperCat
    JuniperCat Member Posts: 658
    edited June 2017

    That photo is absolutely priceless!!!




  • Trill1943
    Trill1943 Member Posts: 1,677
    edited June 2017

    Lori, Lori, Lori!

    O my God O my God O my God O my God O my God O my GodO my God O my God O my God O my God O my God O my GodO my God O my God O my God O my God O my God O my GodO my God O my God O my God O my God O my God O my GodO my God O my God O my God O my God O my God O my GodO my God O my God O my God O my God O my God O my GodO my God O my God O my God O my God O my God O my GodO my God O my God O my God O my God O my God O my God!

    This is your best photo EEEEEEVVVVVVVVEEEEEEERRRRRRR!

    Wow.

    (Can you tell I like it?)

    t

  • Trill1943
    Trill1943 Member Posts: 1,677
    edited June 2017

    P.S. Lori--hope that port is out and you are doing fine! t

  • Molly50
    Molly50 Member Posts: 3,773
    edited June 2017

    Lori! Great picture! They are so darn cute.

  • WenchLori
    WenchLori Member Posts: 1,558
    edited June 2017

    Yeap, my port is out and I'm still a bit sore and black and blue but doing well. I had my first dentist appointment this morning and now I'm one tooth short lol Chemo did a job on my teeth but I can't complain with 1 extract and 2 fillings. I'll have to get new partials but I'd leave cento get dental implants but I'm told they are about $4000 a tooth! OUCH!!


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