My 'mhow time flies when I'm feeling good!!! I am staying so busy having fun that I forgot to update the blog to tell you I was feeling good and staying busy!!!
Let's get the medical updates out of the way first. I'm with a different physical therapist for the lymphedema and using entirely different techniques which are working ever so well. Wrapping the arm from fingers to arm pit is uncomfortable as the bandages [think Ace bandages] tend to wad up in the elbow pit and wrist. However it does keep the swelling down much better that the compression sleeve. So I'm back to doing that drill. PT is doing considerable cranial work to clear the chemo toxins. I have NO IDEA how or why this works but it does. Finally my ears are draining, sinuses draining, headaches almost gone..,..it is quite a trip!!! Since all this was working well I was interested and listening when she suggested [strongly] that I start using compression garments from bust to crotch. I'm old so I immediately thought "girdle" and tried to ignore her. However all of her other suggestions worked so I made a trip to Nordstrom's Rack to check out Spanx and anything else that wasn't a girdle. Pricey stuff!!! But I got some and darned if I didn't feel better. Apparently all the belly surgeries have compromised my trunk lymph system so the fluid that was going away from the arm was getting stuck in my belly. So I decided to be compressed daily and feel better. Off to Target and found a whole wall of "new and improved" compression wear, some even on SALE. And after 2 weeks I can really tell a difference in the belly. And fluids are definitely moving out.
After much deliberation I decided to add Effexor XR to my drug diet. The melt downs were just getting to be too much. I hate being hot and I hate being sweaty and I hate feeling "almost" sick. Darned if the Effexor isn't helping by cutting down on the frequency and intensity of the melt downs. I probably will continue to have a love/hate relationship with Effexor. I didn't want to add another drug to my life.
OK>>>>>>>>>now for the good stuff. Geneva is doing great at taking over the household. She is tail up and smiling most of the time. I told you I got Domino a fire hydrant and we had it installed by the landscapers for a small fortune. He has yet to use it!!!! We even had Beau come over for an afternoon and together they ignored it!!! The problem seems to be the landscaping. We have stones around the old flower bed and I think he doesn't want to walk on the rocks!!! So we will move the stones to another bed and give the hydrant a mulch surrounding. He never misses an opportunity to water a hydrant on our walks............what's the deal!!!!!!!!
Thank you kind friends for caring to read this blog. And caring enough to remind me when I've neglected to update. I'll try to do better!!!
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Post chemo hair is DIFFERENT! + dog updates
I had no idea how much time being bald was saving me!!! Now I have enough hair to require "fixing" in some way, no more "wash and wear" for me. So I have been asking around as to products various women use to keep their short hair "spikey" or at least not flat on their heads. I have about an inch of hair all over, no area shorter or longer. And this hair is a as soft and fine as bunny fur. I wish I could say that it is thicker and darker than my pre-chemo hair............but that is not the case.
One friend who always looks so good with her hair spiked told me she uses a product called "Hard Up" and purchases it at the beauty salon. I can deal with a product called Hard Up. Another recommended product is "Gorilla Snot"............ I don't know about this........... Can you see me trying to explain a liquid product called Gorilla Snot to the German version of TSA? How is Gorilla Snot translated in German? Or in Spanish, for that matter? How long would it take to get through the airport!!!! I think I need to find a more conventionally named product for travel.
Dog Update: First, Geneva finally got a clean report on her ear infections. She has had am & pm pills that had to be taken with a meal, not just snack. So I was making kibble omelets for both of them every morning. What happy doggies!!! That is history now!!! We still give them some leftovers with kibble after dinner but nothing special like their own omelets
Second, we have a fire hydrant being "set" in a former flower bed in the back yard. I have always wanted a fire hydrant for my boy dogs and finally found one at a TV production moving sale. What fun.....sort of. The thing weighs 300# so it isn't just a simple project. 1st I had to play the old lady card to get the seller to have his staff to hoist it into the Jeep. Then I worried about having such a weight vaulting back there........What if I had to do a nose-dive sudden stop? The hydrant would be a missile headed for our backs! And a jack-rabbit start could have the hydrant out the tail gate and rolling under the pickup truck behind me! Would USAA understand that I had to haul this hydrant around for a week until the landscape crew came to start the Dog Bano project??? O, dear. Well, I drove VERY safely until the crew relieved me of the hydrant passenger. The young men in the lawn crew were really laughing about all the work, sweat and $$$ going into a Dog Bano!!! Old people are so weird!!!
One friend who always looks so good with her hair spiked told me she uses a product called "Hard Up" and purchases it at the beauty salon. I can deal with a product called Hard Up. Another recommended product is "Gorilla Snot"............ I don't know about this........... Can you see me trying to explain a liquid product called Gorilla Snot to the German version of TSA? How is Gorilla Snot translated in German? Or in Spanish, for that matter? How long would it take to get through the airport!!!! I think I need to find a more conventionally named product for travel.
Dog Update: First, Geneva finally got a clean report on her ear infections. She has had am & pm pills that had to be taken with a meal, not just snack. So I was making kibble omelets for both of them every morning. What happy doggies!!! That is history now!!! We still give them some leftovers with kibble after dinner but nothing special like their own omelets
Second, we have a fire hydrant being "set" in a former flower bed in the back yard. I have always wanted a fire hydrant for my boy dogs and finally found one at a TV production moving sale. What fun.....sort of. The thing weighs 300# so it isn't just a simple project. 1st I had to play the old lady card to get the seller to have his staff to hoist it into the Jeep. Then I worried about having such a weight vaulting back there........What if I had to do a nose-dive sudden stop? The hydrant would be a missile headed for our backs! And a jack-rabbit start could have the hydrant out the tail gate and rolling under the pickup truck behind me! Would USAA understand that I had to haul this hydrant around for a week until the landscape crew came to start the Dog Bano project??? O, dear. Well, I drove VERY safely until the crew relieved me of the hydrant passenger. The young men in the lawn crew were really laughing about all the work, sweat and $$$ going into a Dog Bano!!! Old people are so weird!!!
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Arimidex and Effexor XL - to combine or not combine - that is the ???
I passed my blood tests!!!! YEA, YEA and more YEA. Otherwise I would be on even more meds. So I did report that the Arimidex is causing not just HOT FLASHES but more like MELT DOWNS complete with drips and blushes. I'm not a happy camper when I melt. Now the fact that it is 105+ outside on any given day is just a marginal problem. I only go out if absolutely necessary or if there is a good estate sale. Whatever....... the problem is the melt downs. I don't like dripping on my sewing projects or messing up a perfectly good outfit. Now let me say a "good" thing about oncologists: Oncologists are very skilled at finding a drug for the side effects of the first drug s/he gave me. So of course Dr. had a drug to counter- act the melt downs caused by the Arimidex. The offering is Effexor XL at 37.5 mgs. I filled the RX with fear and trepidations. When I got home I read up on Effexor XL and now I have more fear and trepidation.
Have you noticed how the TV ads for the latest and greatest drug offering has 10 seconds on how this drug will fix whatever and then 50 seconds of disclaimers and warnings that it could kill you? Well, so goes Effexor for hot flashes. It works HOWEVER it will cause weight gain and a few other horrors. Then when it comes time to get get off of Effexor..........well, that is worse than getting off heroin. I need both of these situations like I need another breast lump!!!!
So I'm just going to set here in a puddle of sweat for the next 4 1/2 years!!!!!!!!!!! That is the pits. O, maybe it will get better as the body gets adjusted to Arimidex. I'm the optimistic type!!! There is always the home remedy of cold packs. This is cheap and effective. And no side effects!!!
ChemoBrain Update: I may be getting a tad of acuity back. I took another Bernina digitizing class in CorelDraw 4 this week and managed to keep up with the class and re-create the embroidery when I got home!!!! Granted the instructor is excellent, but I think my brain was working better also.
Geneva Update: Definitely a poodle!!!! She has been to the groomer and looks great now. She is still pushing Domino around!!! Poor guy, she is more pushy than Gigi ever was! Her ears are still showing some infection so more drugs. She has gained a full pound but is not overweight. Maybe she is just shaping up from the last litter. Geneva is almost ready for obedience classes. I'm NOT going out until this heat wave clears so it will be a few weeks before she gets some formal training.
BUYER BEWARE NOTICE: I've had to replace my kitchen chairs after only 2-3 yrs. The problem is that the wood was not dried properly before the furniture was made....IN CHINA. The first break was easily repaired. The 2nd break isn't fixable. So I found some nice OLDER leather chairs at an estate sale and will put the China chairs on Craigslist. I'm keeping the table only because it is covered with a glass top and not so easily abused. I think I'm staying with estate sale finds for future furniture.
That's it from the old folks home for tonight. The dogs are asleep and the Rangers are not winning. I think I'll just go to bed!!!
Have you noticed how the TV ads for the latest and greatest drug offering has 10 seconds on how this drug will fix whatever and then 50 seconds of disclaimers and warnings that it could kill you? Well, so goes Effexor for hot flashes. It works HOWEVER it will cause weight gain and a few other horrors. Then when it comes time to get get off of Effexor..........well, that is worse than getting off heroin. I need both of these situations like I need another breast lump!!!!
So I'm just going to set here in a puddle of sweat for the next 4 1/2 years!!!!!!!!!!! That is the pits. O, maybe it will get better as the body gets adjusted to Arimidex. I'm the optimistic type!!! There is always the home remedy of cold packs. This is cheap and effective. And no side effects!!!
ChemoBrain Update: I may be getting a tad of acuity back. I took another Bernina digitizing class in CorelDraw 4 this week and managed to keep up with the class and re-create the embroidery when I got home!!!! Granted the instructor is excellent, but I think my brain was working better also.
Geneva Update: Definitely a poodle!!!! She has been to the groomer and looks great now. She is still pushing Domino around!!! Poor guy, she is more pushy than Gigi ever was! Her ears are still showing some infection so more drugs. She has gained a full pound but is not overweight. Maybe she is just shaping up from the last litter. Geneva is almost ready for obedience classes. I'm NOT going out until this heat wave clears so it will be a few weeks before she gets some formal training.
BUYER BEWARE NOTICE: I've had to replace my kitchen chairs after only 2-3 yrs. The problem is that the wood was not dried properly before the furniture was made....IN CHINA. The first break was easily repaired. The 2nd break isn't fixable. So I found some nice OLDER leather chairs at an estate sale and will put the China chairs on Craigslist. I'm keeping the table only because it is covered with a glass top and not so easily abused. I think I'm staying with estate sale finds for future furniture.
That's it from the old folks home for tonight. The dogs are asleep and the Rangers are not winning. I think I'll just go to bed!!!
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Life is good in the slow lane. Kinesiology tape is working!!!
I'm all taped up on the left arm and the fluid accumulation is down considerably after 24 hours. And I did get a better night's sleep with less shoulder joint pain. I am definitely going to get more lessons on proper taping. The tape is more comfortable and not HOT like the ace bandages or the elastic sleeve. Katherine's friend Pat told me about the Oliver pillow which can prop up the arm more comfortably for sleeping. First, I'll have to learn to sleep on my back. Second, I'll have to learn to NOT snore beyond my room mateS tolerance level.
Joan and I went to the Quilt Show on Saturday and got really inspired to get back to our sewing rooms. We saw quilts that would take me YEARS to finish.,...maybe....maybe I would just QUIT and wonder what it might have looked like if I hadn't overshot my target!!!! I'm definitely sticking with small art quilts, kids size quilts, and maybe a few throws!!! If I EVER even think about starting a king size quilt I hope I have sense enough to fix a bourbon and/or take a nap until I get my senses back!!!
The stock market was crazy last week. I don't know if I'm solvent or illusioned. I do know that I will be more conservative in spending until there is some resolution to the insanity. And from what I observed at the quilt show my non-spending is definitely a "trend." I saw far more people with NO purchases than with purchases. And didn't see anyone carrying a huge stash. That is not normal for a quilt show where the vendors have the latest and greatest fabrics and toys on display.
Dog update: Poor Domino.....we thought we got him a buddy and playmate. What he got is a micro-supervisor. He gets no privacy and has to plan ahead to get the best toy, bone, window. Geneva is no longer the shy, quiet wall flower. She is Queen of the Backyard and has to be reminded that she now lives in the city so no more barking just to announce her presence in the yard. She doesn't have an OFF button yet. Does she ever look shaggy!!! 1 more week of ear medication then she can go to the groomer. I can hardly wait!!!!! Now that she is proud and happy, strutting around with tail straight up and wagging, she will look fantastic with a proper grooming.
Joan and I went to the Quilt Show on Saturday and got really inspired to get back to our sewing rooms. We saw quilts that would take me YEARS to finish.,...maybe....maybe I would just QUIT and wonder what it might have looked like if I hadn't overshot my target!!!! I'm definitely sticking with small art quilts, kids size quilts, and maybe a few throws!!! If I EVER even think about starting a king size quilt I hope I have sense enough to fix a bourbon and/or take a nap until I get my senses back!!!
The stock market was crazy last week. I don't know if I'm solvent or illusioned. I do know that I will be more conservative in spending until there is some resolution to the insanity. And from what I observed at the quilt show my non-spending is definitely a "trend." I saw far more people with NO purchases than with purchases. And didn't see anyone carrying a huge stash. That is not normal for a quilt show where the vendors have the latest and greatest fabrics and toys on display.
Dog update: Poor Domino.....we thought we got him a buddy and playmate. What he got is a micro-supervisor. He gets no privacy and has to plan ahead to get the best toy, bone, window. Geneva is no longer the shy, quiet wall flower. She is Queen of the Backyard and has to be reminded that she now lives in the city so no more barking just to announce her presence in the yard. She doesn't have an OFF button yet. Does she ever look shaggy!!! 1 more week of ear medication then she can go to the groomer. I can hardly wait!!!!! Now that she is proud and happy, strutting around with tail straight up and wagging, she will look fantastic with a proper grooming.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Kinesiology taping for lymphedema giving some relief
Thirty five days of 100+ degrees daytime and 85+ at night is TOO MUCH!!! The heat is giving me fits with the lymphedema. The swelling is bad enough; the pain in the elbow and shoulder is even worse. The standard treatment for lymphedema is ace bandages to encourage the lymph fluid to move toward the trunk for elimination. Winding yards of ace bandages from fingers to arm pit is not fun and once the job is done the arm begins to get hotter and hotter. I have an elastic sleeve to wear during the day [easier and cooler than bandages] but the sleeve works its way down the arm and can bind at the elbow. I use the Jobi sleeve to wear at night and that seems to keep swelling from increasing overnight.
My friend Joan learned about kinesiology tape from her massage therapist. The tape was placed in a deep V-shape from the back of her neck down to her shoulder blades. The tape gave her some really surprising relief for muscle pain. So I was hoping to learn more about kinesiology for lymphedema and for sore knees. At my last physical therapy session I got a lesson on how to position kinesiology tape to encourage lymph fluid drainage in my arm. How interesting!! The K-tape is used by sports people to reduce swelling.
The trick is to stretch the tape a little. This gives an elastic feel and massages the taped area with any movement. Well, check out the various web sites and see if K-tape will help your aches and pains. I am finding some relief for my super sore shoulder and elbow - where the lymph fluid seems to get stuck. But I can't seem to get the tape placed correctly to reduce the fluid in my upper arm. I think this is something I can learn with a few more lessons. Taping the elbow and shoulder is a not complicated.
I found a site on the internet on how to tape knees and will start trying this soon. I'm about to give up on finding relief for knee pain. In desperation I made an appointment with the orthopedic who has used cortisone shots in my joints. I generally get a shot before going on a trip. This time I'll ask for a review of both knees and am prepared for him to say NO MORE minimal invasive surgery will work. Bummer. I'm not looking forward to replacing joints yet. And the idea of replacing one knee, going through weeks of rehab, then replacing the other knee and going to rehab a 2nd time seems inefficient at best. Just what is the problem with doing both knees and getting on with life after just 1 rehab??? I've been through chemo...I know that there are some super good drugs out there to manage the pain. Bring 'em on and let's get this knee situation fixed all at once!!!
OK....of to play with my K-tape.....
My friend Joan learned about kinesiology tape from her massage therapist. The tape was placed in a deep V-shape from the back of her neck down to her shoulder blades. The tape gave her some really surprising relief for muscle pain. So I was hoping to learn more about kinesiology for lymphedema and for sore knees. At my last physical therapy session I got a lesson on how to position kinesiology tape to encourage lymph fluid drainage in my arm. How interesting!! The K-tape is used by sports people to reduce swelling.
The trick is to stretch the tape a little. This gives an elastic feel and massages the taped area with any movement. Well, check out the various web sites and see if K-tape will help your aches and pains. I am finding some relief for my super sore shoulder and elbow - where the lymph fluid seems to get stuck. But I can't seem to get the tape placed correctly to reduce the fluid in my upper arm. I think this is something I can learn with a few more lessons. Taping the elbow and shoulder is a not complicated.
I found a site on the internet on how to tape knees and will start trying this soon. I'm about to give up on finding relief for knee pain. In desperation I made an appointment with the orthopedic who has used cortisone shots in my joints. I generally get a shot before going on a trip. This time I'll ask for a review of both knees and am prepared for him to say NO MORE minimal invasive surgery will work. Bummer. I'm not looking forward to replacing joints yet. And the idea of replacing one knee, going through weeks of rehab, then replacing the other knee and going to rehab a 2nd time seems inefficient at best. Just what is the problem with doing both knees and getting on with life after just 1 rehab??? I've been through chemo...I know that there are some super good drugs out there to manage the pain. Bring 'em on and let's get this knee situation fixed all at once!!!
OK....of to play with my K-tape.....
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Where can I move TODAY to get cool???
So let the heat win already!!! I give up!!! I'm not a fan of cold weather...well, I wasn't until this past month....and now I've decided I'm not a fan of hot weather. So I need to move where it is moderate weather all the time. Hawaii would work.... It does get hot there in August. So hot that the sand burns your feet and you wish you had air conditioning. And it does get cold in the winter...so you wish you had a fire place (as if we could have afforded wood!!! HA..)
North Texas is really HOT, even for Texans. And it is NOT A DRY HEAT. There is just enough humidity to choke off any breath you might dare to take!! O, how I dread the arrival of the electric bill... it will probably push close to the house payment. Even knowing how big the bill will be DOES NOT mean that I want to turn up the thermostat from 78 degrees. That just isn't going to happen!!! Once I get hot I can't get cooled down without ice packs. This just isn't my year!!!
Being stuck in the house is not all bad. I did get the mending done and a few Christmas presents made. That is progress!! And staying indoors with my lymphedema arm bandaged is working ... the swelling is way down and the lymphedema arm is almost the same size as the right arm. If bandage wraps happen to shrink my bat-wings, I'll let you know!!!
Geneva is making progress too. She is walking tall, tail is straight up most of the time now, and she is beginning to demand what she wants. She is acting like a poodle. And she has claimed a corner of our bed as her spot for the night. Her life is good. She is clocking about 3 hours of lap time a day during the baseball games.
There are a couple of estates sales with potential coming up this weekend. What a dilemma. I don't like to get "up and out" early in the morning; however I like getting out in the heat even less. So I'll try to hit a sale and get home before 10 am. I scored big time on Craigslist this week. Sister's grandaughter is coming for 2 weeks and we needed somthing to entertain a 12 yr old. She can watch old people pet the cat only so long. Scrapbooking seemed like a good option. I found a listing for a huge suitcase full of NEW scrapbooking stuff plus a big tote bag of paper(s) and a carton of stickers/buttons/etc enhancements PLUS a sewing machine for $100. I had the Jeep full of stuff. How great is that!!!
Stay cool.
North Texas is really HOT, even for Texans. And it is NOT A DRY HEAT. There is just enough humidity to choke off any breath you might dare to take!! O, how I dread the arrival of the electric bill... it will probably push close to the house payment. Even knowing how big the bill will be DOES NOT mean that I want to turn up the thermostat from 78 degrees. That just isn't going to happen!!! Once I get hot I can't get cooled down without ice packs. This just isn't my year!!!
Being stuck in the house is not all bad. I did get the mending done and a few Christmas presents made. That is progress!! And staying indoors with my lymphedema arm bandaged is working ... the swelling is way down and the lymphedema arm is almost the same size as the right arm. If bandage wraps happen to shrink my bat-wings, I'll let you know!!!
Geneva is making progress too. She is walking tall, tail is straight up most of the time now, and she is beginning to demand what she wants. She is acting like a poodle. And she has claimed a corner of our bed as her spot for the night. Her life is good. She is clocking about 3 hours of lap time a day during the baseball games.
There are a couple of estates sales with potential coming up this weekend. What a dilemma. I don't like to get "up and out" early in the morning; however I like getting out in the heat even less. So I'll try to hit a sale and get home before 10 am. I scored big time on Craigslist this week. Sister's grandaughter is coming for 2 weeks and we needed somthing to entertain a 12 yr old. She can watch old people pet the cat only so long. Scrapbooking seemed like a good option. I found a listing for a huge suitcase full of NEW scrapbooking stuff plus a big tote bag of paper(s) and a carton of stickers/buttons/etc enhancements PLUS a sewing machine for $100. I had the Jeep full of stuff. How great is that!!!
Stay cool.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Misc grooming, health, sewing etc.
The dark colored eyebrow pluckings have been spoken for so no more requests please. Many of my friends are also "of a certain age" and apparently need some dark eyebrow hairs to use as "low lights" in their eyebrows. Well, why not? One can buy false eyelashes to glue on; why not enhance eyebrows the same way? I have such smart friends!!!
My mustache needs attention. It is too dark, I think. Maybe if I just thin out the dark hairs [Any one need dark mustache hairs?] the grey ones won't be so noticeable. Of course I can only see the hairs in the make up mirror. Many of my fiends are close to my age so they won't be able to see the hairs just through their bifocals. Maybe I could "Drink More Milk" and leave a white stain on my upper lip and then the dark hairs wouldn't show. "For a price" a day spa salon would bleach my mustache, pluck my eyebrows, and dye my eyelashes. I'll have to think about this option. Generally I'd rather pass on the spa and save the money for a fabric store or travel. Or a dog.
The HOT HOT HOT weather continues and is certainly affecting my lymphedema. Over the weekend I was out to run errands and we went out for dinner. Between the heat and the salt in restaurant foods I had an extra 6# of lymph fluid, most in the arm. Back to keeping the arm wrapped during the day regardless of how hot and itchy it feels. And I still keep the Jobi pressure sleeve on at night. After four days/nights of constant wrapping plus drinking MUCH water, I have the swelling down to a tolerable level. It isn't worth the risk of swelling to take the sleeve off during the day regardless of discomfort level.
Speaking of fabric [and I generally am speaking or at least thinking about fabric] I am finally working on Katherine's 2009 Christmas present. I got some beautiful fabric when I was in Basel with her in '09. There was Swiss + in bright red with white +'s about 6" sized. And another piece of Swiss +'s only this piece has tiny +'s. The city of Basel has a flag pattern that is black and white and the symbol is like a piece from a chess set. [I can't play chess so don't know which piece it is.] So I got 3 different pieces of Basel fabric. Then I had this great idea; well, I thought it was great. My Sister-In-Law is a fantastic quilter...great designs and even better execution. So I sent her half the fabric to make anything she wanted to for Katherine. My idea was for each of us to give Katherine a "mystery quilt" from the Basel and Swiss fabric motifs. Fabric needs to "cure" just like meat. You should not cut it for the first year of ownership. However by 2010 when it was ready to cut, S-I-L was the one who got her quilt designed and made. I was late starting my project and then did the cancer ordeal last Fall. So I'm just now getting to the design and execution of the child's VERY LATE Christmas present. I finished the prototype this afternoon and was pleased enough to move forward on the remaining blocks.
Today was cleaning lady day. This is a wonderful thing for all of us as I'm much easier to live with when the house is clean. Her 9 or 10 y.o. daughter has been along the past 2 weeks. Last week she gave Geneva a good brushing. Today we painted Geneva's toe nails. A good time was had by all. Geneva had to sleep all afternoon due to all the attention and excitement!!! She is such a calm dog!!! What a change from Domino!!!
A couple of people asked if I would write about dog rescue and how we picked this particular dog. I'll get to that soon. This is it for tonight!!!
My mustache needs attention. It is too dark, I think. Maybe if I just thin out the dark hairs [Any one need dark mustache hairs?] the grey ones won't be so noticeable. Of course I can only see the hairs in the make up mirror. Many of my fiends are close to my age so they won't be able to see the hairs just through their bifocals. Maybe I could "Drink More Milk" and leave a white stain on my upper lip and then the dark hairs wouldn't show. "For a price" a day spa salon would bleach my mustache, pluck my eyebrows, and dye my eyelashes. I'll have to think about this option. Generally I'd rather pass on the spa and save the money for a fabric store or travel. Or a dog.
The HOT HOT HOT weather continues and is certainly affecting my lymphedema. Over the weekend I was out to run errands and we went out for dinner. Between the heat and the salt in restaurant foods I had an extra 6# of lymph fluid, most in the arm. Back to keeping the arm wrapped during the day regardless of how hot and itchy it feels. And I still keep the Jobi pressure sleeve on at night. After four days/nights of constant wrapping plus drinking MUCH water, I have the swelling down to a tolerable level. It isn't worth the risk of swelling to take the sleeve off during the day regardless of discomfort level.
Speaking of fabric [and I generally am speaking or at least thinking about fabric] I am finally working on Katherine's 2009 Christmas present. I got some beautiful fabric when I was in Basel with her in '09. There was Swiss + in bright red with white +'s about 6" sized. And another piece of Swiss +'s only this piece has tiny +'s. The city of Basel has a flag pattern that is black and white and the symbol is like a piece from a chess set. [I can't play chess so don't know which piece it is.] So I got 3 different pieces of Basel fabric. Then I had this great idea; well, I thought it was great. My Sister-In-Law is a fantastic quilter...great designs and even better execution. So I sent her half the fabric to make anything she wanted to for Katherine. My idea was for each of us to give Katherine a "mystery quilt" from the Basel and Swiss fabric motifs. Fabric needs to "cure" just like meat. You should not cut it for the first year of ownership. However by 2010 when it was ready to cut, S-I-L was the one who got her quilt designed and made. I was late starting my project and then did the cancer ordeal last Fall. So I'm just now getting to the design and execution of the child's VERY LATE Christmas present. I finished the prototype this afternoon and was pleased enough to move forward on the remaining blocks.
Today was cleaning lady day. This is a wonderful thing for all of us as I'm much easier to live with when the house is clean. Her 9 or 10 y.o. daughter has been along the past 2 weeks. Last week she gave Geneva a good brushing. Today we painted Geneva's toe nails. A good time was had by all. Geneva had to sleep all afternoon due to all the attention and excitement!!! She is such a calm dog!!! What a change from Domino!!!
A couple of people asked if I would write about dog rescue and how we picked this particular dog. I'll get to that soon. This is it for tonight!!!
Friday, July 22, 2011
Hair Today....Good Grief, Charlie Brown
I had to go get a "hair cut" today. My fuzzy helmet wasn't "fitting" anymore and looked even worse than usual. So Della trimmed it. I'll bet there wasn't a full tablespoon of hair on the floor!!! What a hair cut!!! She didn't even charge me and said "Go home and grow enough hair to help support me." So I'll try. She said it will take a year or more to know what my new hair will be like...so far it is even finer than before, darker, and just plain nappy.
So now I've had to address hairy issues like every other woman. My eyebrow hairs came in dark and all over my eyebrow...what's this about??? I haven't plucked stray eyebrows for decades!!! Now I do like my new eyelashes. They are dark, which is a change from the pre-chemo lashes which were grey. Lashes are not as thick and are shorter, don't touch my glasses. I can use the time I save by not putting on mascara to pluck my eyebrows!!
I've had to shave my legs and pits twice now. And my arms are hairy again. So except for the hair on my head, all is back to some acceptable level of the new "normal."
This heat wave is really doing a job on my lymphodema. I can't get the left arm down to a size that is close to the right arm. The therapist said I will probably have to go back to the ace bandage wraps to get the size down. Well, that is no fun in 100+ heat!! It is bad enough to wear an oven mitt from finger tips to arm pit all night and then try to sleep with it propped up on pillows to encourage the lymphatic fluid to drain down to the shoulder then trunk and finally out. Do I want to be even hotter all day and all night..............not really.
Bone scan was all clear so the long bone pain is just a result of the aremidex which I have to take for 5 years. That is better than having the bone scan show bone cancer or breast cancer showing up in the bone marrow. I had to go back to hospital for an Xray of my elbow because the scan indicated that the dye collected in the elbow pit OR there was something going on there. It was the dye. It was so hard to get the vein and then get the dye to go in....I'm not surprised that the dye didn't get moved around much. I really should have asked the RNs before I jumped on Dr's idea to take the Port out!!!! It would be much easier to keep the port flushed than to go through this vein stabbing!!!
Geneva update: Our baseball fan is fitting in nicely. She had a vet tech check up for the ears today and there is still some problems. We will continue the flush and treatment meds for another 2 weeks. She is eating nicely even without wet food. No accidents in the house. She is now bold enough to jump up in our bed after we go to sleep. Wonder how long it will be before she claims her own spot in our bed?? Domino "sleeps around" and spends sleep time in various dog beds, our bed, the couch etc. He often goes to bed with me and then back to the living room to finish the ballgame with Husband.
I'm having a good time cooking! Tonight we had sea bass with cumin dusting, saffron rice and a squash corn saute. Fresh peaches and blackberries for dessert. Pinot Grigo wine. NICE. It is good to feel well enough and have enough energy to shop and cook. Slow return to the new normal.
So now I've had to address hairy issues like every other woman. My eyebrow hairs came in dark and all over my eyebrow...what's this about??? I haven't plucked stray eyebrows for decades!!! Now I do like my new eyelashes. They are dark, which is a change from the pre-chemo lashes which were grey. Lashes are not as thick and are shorter, don't touch my glasses. I can use the time I save by not putting on mascara to pluck my eyebrows!!
I've had to shave my legs and pits twice now. And my arms are hairy again. So except for the hair on my head, all is back to some acceptable level of the new "normal."
This heat wave is really doing a job on my lymphodema. I can't get the left arm down to a size that is close to the right arm. The therapist said I will probably have to go back to the ace bandage wraps to get the size down. Well, that is no fun in 100+ heat!! It is bad enough to wear an oven mitt from finger tips to arm pit all night and then try to sleep with it propped up on pillows to encourage the lymphatic fluid to drain down to the shoulder then trunk and finally out. Do I want to be even hotter all day and all night..............not really.
Bone scan was all clear so the long bone pain is just a result of the aremidex which I have to take for 5 years. That is better than having the bone scan show bone cancer or breast cancer showing up in the bone marrow. I had to go back to hospital for an Xray of my elbow because the scan indicated that the dye collected in the elbow pit OR there was something going on there. It was the dye. It was so hard to get the vein and then get the dye to go in....I'm not surprised that the dye didn't get moved around much. I really should have asked the RNs before I jumped on Dr's idea to take the Port out!!!! It would be much easier to keep the port flushed than to go through this vein stabbing!!!
Geneva update: Our baseball fan is fitting in nicely. She had a vet tech check up for the ears today and there is still some problems. We will continue the flush and treatment meds for another 2 weeks. She is eating nicely even without wet food. No accidents in the house. She is now bold enough to jump up in our bed after we go to sleep. Wonder how long it will be before she claims her own spot in our bed?? Domino "sleeps around" and spends sleep time in various dog beds, our bed, the couch etc. He often goes to bed with me and then back to the living room to finish the ballgame with Husband.
I'm having a good time cooking! Tonight we had sea bass with cumin dusting, saffron rice and a squash corn saute. Fresh peaches and blackberries for dessert. Pinot Grigo wine. NICE. It is good to feel well enough and have enough energy to shop and cook. Slow return to the new normal.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Dogs and Doctors...........what a life!!!
Husband LOST the new dog. It is 100+ on a HOT afternoon, I'm an hour away for an important meeting, and when FEDEX wanted an autograph Geneva ran out the door and down the street!!! She doesn't know her name yet, has never been on a walk in the neighborhood [still can't walk with corset or cord touching her] and she doesn't have a tag on yet. She is just plain GONE. Husband and lawn crew search and give up. Hours later I get home and Domino and I take out in the direction she was last seen. She was hiding in the scrub brush tree line behind OUR house....in the cedar stickers and POISON IVY. She was HOT and glad to see Domino and me, came right on in the yard. It took a long time to get the stickers off of her and then she had a nice bath. We all stretched out under the fans and enjoyed the air conditioning. Dogs, bah hum bug!!!!
This week is my week to get to the doctors I have ignored while doing chemo and radiation. So far so good. The dermatologist did a couple of freezes and one "slice and dice" but all is well. The eye doctor was nice enough to NOT change my glasses so there is a big savings. The dentist gave me a good report. The follow up visit to the oncologist was so-so. I' m having considerable bone pain and he ordered a bone scan just to be sure all is well. I would have preferred he say I was a wimp and "buck up" but that didn't happen.
It has just been too hot to be outside. So I don't go. And it is too hot to cook in the house. So I don't. Thank goodness we have a grill or we would starve. If we could turn on the grill via remote control...wow...there is an invention idea for you. We hurry in/out to turn the stuff and that is dinner. Life is simple punctuated by hysteria.
This week is my week to get to the doctors I have ignored while doing chemo and radiation. So far so good. The dermatologist did a couple of freezes and one "slice and dice" but all is well. The eye doctor was nice enough to NOT change my glasses so there is a big savings. The dentist gave me a good report. The follow up visit to the oncologist was so-so. I' m having considerable bone pain and he ordered a bone scan just to be sure all is well. I would have preferred he say I was a wimp and "buck up" but that didn't happen.
It has just been too hot to be outside. So I don't go. And it is too hot to cook in the house. So I don't. Thank goodness we have a grill or we would starve. If we could turn on the grill via remote control...wow...there is an invention idea for you. We hurry in/out to turn the stuff and that is dinner. Life is simple punctuated by hysteria.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
IT'S A GIRL!!!!
July 5 and 100+ and HOT HOT HOT so we went back to the Weatherford boonies to pick up our new dog. We had lunch with Husband's cousin Terry & Janice who now live there to be close to the grand kids. We don't get together often enough!!! It took us a while to get current on all the family news.
We found our way back to All God's Creatures and prepared ourselves for the tick brigade by tucking pant legs into socks and buttoning down our long sleeved shirt sleeves then spraying each other with maximum DEET. I guess the people wondered why we were stuck in the Jeep so long as they came out to check on us. I even sprayed the lower door frame of the Jeep --- I hate ticks!!!
We went into the ALMOST air conditioned shed where the dogs were being bathed and found our little girl all wet in one of the crates. She was quite scared when I reached in to dry her off. We introduced her to her new name GENEVA. After all the paperwork was done we took her to the Jeep and she was really scared. [Picking up Domino was so different---he KNEW we were there for him, leaped into the car and sat tall and straight up and never looked back at the rescue home.] So getting her into the crate was fun - she extended all 4 legs in different directions and increased her weight by at least double!!! [We each said "what if this was Beau? he weighs 60#!! and he wants Sylvia to lift him into the car.] Once in the crate [on her new quilt] she took forever to settle down enough to relax and never did go to sleep the entire trip back home.
Geneva has a new wardrobe - a pink harness. She doesn't like wearing "clothes." She can't walk in clothes. And what is this cord thing hooked to this corset thing?? So she didn't pee in the grass going into the vets offices because she can't pee when wearing clothes. What dog can resist the "inspirations" left in front of the vet's office??? Coming out of the office didn't go much better. I just slid her across the floor and she almost walked on the grass. No pee.
We got to our vet's office at 4:30 for Geneva's physical and shots and blood work. She checked out very well. Good physical confirmation and no apparent problems. No heartworms, no tick borne diseases - at this point. She will get regular re-checks for 3 months just to be sure and Vet started her on antibiotics because she has so many many scabs and sores from old tick bites. And I mean dozens of sores on each ear and zillions on her body. Then came the ear exam. You poodle owners know the drill - excess wax and yeast = big time infection. Plus Geneva has so many sores from ticks on her ears that some sores got infected. $400+ and 1 1/2 hrs later we left with sufficient meds to require a spread sheet to keep the administration correct PLUS cans of super expensive dog food to get her started eating as well as slide the pills down. This canned food goes in with the expensive "duck and potato limited ingredient" dog food we have for all the poodles.
Domino spent the day at the day care and he was wired when he got home. He was happy to see Geneva and then proceeded to ignore her while he checked out his kingdom and then he went inside to claim the couch for his well deserved naps. We took Geneva outside every 30 minutes to see if she would pee/poop before we went to bed. Well, she can't pee/poop wearing a corset!!! She did eat expensive kibble mixed with even more expensive wet food ONLY AFTER I finger fed her about half her dinner. Domino thinks she is a great addition to the family simply because she brought wet food to go in the kibble - he scarfed his bowl of kibble in record time. We had not told him that the vet sells wet food!!!!
Geneva fell over into a nap after 8 pm., She fought sleep off just like a kid, but finally lost the battle. We crated her at 10 pm and didn't hear a peep all night. At 7 am I took them outside and she magically could pee wearing a corset!!! Breakfast with wet food was enjoyed by both poodles and she took her pills nicely. She is happy today, the tail hasn't stopped wagging and she is coming to each of us for petting. Yesterday we wondered how long her tail was and today she is walking around with the nice tail up in the air!!! She is a happy camper!!! She and Domino were playing tentatively in the yard. This is going to work out nicely.
We'll give her a couple of weeks to adjust and then start introducing her to new people. I do plan to take some "arrival" pictures and in a couple of weeks some "real poodle" pictures. Her hair needs to grow out and her coat needs vitamins and Omega 3. I thought she was a red/brown color and that is not correct. After a good bath she is definitely an apricot color. She will be very pretty all fluffed up!!
We found our way back to All God's Creatures and prepared ourselves for the tick brigade by tucking pant legs into socks and buttoning down our long sleeved shirt sleeves then spraying each other with maximum DEET. I guess the people wondered why we were stuck in the Jeep so long as they came out to check on us. I even sprayed the lower door frame of the Jeep --- I hate ticks!!!
We went into the ALMOST air conditioned shed where the dogs were being bathed and found our little girl all wet in one of the crates. She was quite scared when I reached in to dry her off. We introduced her to her new name GENEVA. After all the paperwork was done we took her to the Jeep and she was really scared. [Picking up Domino was so different---he KNEW we were there for him, leaped into the car and sat tall and straight up and never looked back at the rescue home.] So getting her into the crate was fun - she extended all 4 legs in different directions and increased her weight by at least double!!! [We each said "what if this was Beau? he weighs 60#!! and he wants Sylvia to lift him into the car.] Once in the crate [on her new quilt] she took forever to settle down enough to relax and never did go to sleep the entire trip back home.
Geneva has a new wardrobe - a pink harness. She doesn't like wearing "clothes." She can't walk in clothes. And what is this cord thing hooked to this corset thing?? So she didn't pee in the grass going into the vets offices because she can't pee when wearing clothes. What dog can resist the "inspirations" left in front of the vet's office??? Coming out of the office didn't go much better. I just slid her across the floor and she almost walked on the grass. No pee.
We got to our vet's office at 4:30 for Geneva's physical and shots and blood work. She checked out very well. Good physical confirmation and no apparent problems. No heartworms, no tick borne diseases - at this point. She will get regular re-checks for 3 months just to be sure and Vet started her on antibiotics because she has so many many scabs and sores from old tick bites. And I mean dozens of sores on each ear and zillions on her body. Then came the ear exam. You poodle owners know the drill - excess wax and yeast = big time infection. Plus Geneva has so many sores from ticks on her ears that some sores got infected. $400+ and 1 1/2 hrs later we left with sufficient meds to require a spread sheet to keep the administration correct PLUS cans of super expensive dog food to get her started eating as well as slide the pills down. This canned food goes in with the expensive "duck and potato limited ingredient" dog food we have for all the poodles.
Domino spent the day at the day care and he was wired when he got home. He was happy to see Geneva and then proceeded to ignore her while he checked out his kingdom and then he went inside to claim the couch for his well deserved naps. We took Geneva outside every 30 minutes to see if she would pee/poop before we went to bed. Well, she can't pee/poop wearing a corset!!! She did eat expensive kibble mixed with even more expensive wet food ONLY AFTER I finger fed her about half her dinner. Domino thinks she is a great addition to the family simply because she brought wet food to go in the kibble - he scarfed his bowl of kibble in record time. We had not told him that the vet sells wet food!!!!
Geneva fell over into a nap after 8 pm., She fought sleep off just like a kid, but finally lost the battle. We crated her at 10 pm and didn't hear a peep all night. At 7 am I took them outside and she magically could pee wearing a corset!!! Breakfast with wet food was enjoyed by both poodles and she took her pills nicely. She is happy today, the tail hasn't stopped wagging and she is coming to each of us for petting. Yesterday we wondered how long her tail was and today she is walking around with the nice tail up in the air!!! She is a happy camper!!! She and Domino were playing tentatively in the yard. This is going to work out nicely.
We'll give her a couple of weeks to adjust and then start introducing her to new people. I do plan to take some "arrival" pictures and in a couple of weeks some "real poodle" pictures. Her hair needs to grow out and her coat needs vitamins and Omega 3. I thought she was a red/brown color and that is not correct. After a good bath she is definitely an apricot color. She will be very pretty all fluffed up!!
Monday, July 4, 2011
We are EXPECTING....a girl.......soon!!!!!!!!!
What do retired people do on a HOT holiday in TX? They stay INDOORS, in the air conditioning because they got smarter as they got older. This is how I know we are smarter:
The first 4th of July we were in North Texas [in the mid 70's] we had a family outing for a softball game and picnic in a nearby town. Man, was it HOT. The girls and I found a scrubby little tree in the vicinity of the field and we huddled in the "almost" shade around the ice chest. Husband was playing in the game so we couldn't go home gracefully. [That was then.......now I would drive that car home about the 2nd inning!!!] Well, I don't remember anything about the game or the picnic, but clearly remember on the way home seeing the bank thermometer reading of 107!!! That was crazy!!
This 4th of July it was only 100 and we stayed in all day. Husband read a book and watched an old movie on TV. I played in the sewing room and made a crate blanket for our new dog. Yes, we are expecting a girl any day now!!! She is a 3 year old rescued poodle from a mill. She will be smaller than Domino and brownish red. She will know NOTHING about living in the house with air conditioning, or having to wait for an old person to open the door to go outside to pee/poop, or being able to eat premium kibble anytime. We hope that she will be fairly easy to house train. Some dogs who were "producers" at these mills can have a difficult time adjusting to house training simply because they were never asked to "hold it." And if she was confined to a crate all the time she may not be accustomed to keeping a clean crate. We won't know these things until she gets here. So stay tuned for the adventures of old folks training a new dog. At least she is old enough to sleep through the night...of course we can each get up and let her out during the night since we don't sleep through the night anymore!!!
The first 4th of July we were in North Texas [in the mid 70's] we had a family outing for a softball game and picnic in a nearby town. Man, was it HOT. The girls and I found a scrubby little tree in the vicinity of the field and we huddled in the "almost" shade around the ice chest. Husband was playing in the game so we couldn't go home gracefully. [That was then.......now I would drive that car home about the 2nd inning!!!] Well, I don't remember anything about the game or the picnic, but clearly remember on the way home seeing the bank thermometer reading of 107!!! That was crazy!!
This 4th of July it was only 100 and we stayed in all day. Husband read a book and watched an old movie on TV. I played in the sewing room and made a crate blanket for our new dog. Yes, we are expecting a girl any day now!!! She is a 3 year old rescued poodle from a mill. She will be smaller than Domino and brownish red. She will know NOTHING about living in the house with air conditioning, or having to wait for an old person to open the door to go outside to pee/poop, or being able to eat premium kibble anytime. We hope that she will be fairly easy to house train. Some dogs who were "producers" at these mills can have a difficult time adjusting to house training simply because they were never asked to "hold it." And if she was confined to a crate all the time she may not be accustomed to keeping a clean crate. We won't know these things until she gets here. So stay tuned for the adventures of old folks training a new dog. At least she is old enough to sleep through the night...of course we can each get up and let her out during the night since we don't sleep through the night anymore!!!
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Food Network Rocks!! Retirees confirmed it today!!
When one is confined to home and doing chemo it is so easy to watch much more TV than is ever "normal." Really. Reading is too much effort - books are heavy to hold, the Kindle is better however my attention span was too short to keep up with the books. So back to TV. After a few weeks, months or so, I was wandering all over the AT&T U-verse offerings. [Some day I'll tell you about "American Pickers" and why it is just too close to my roots - not the pickers so much as the people they meet.] And tonight I'll recommend another "off the beaten path" show to you - DINERS, DIVES and DRIVE-INS on the Food Network.
Husband has been "out and about" since we started watching this odd ball show. The DDD's show has really worked for husband, sending him to "great" places - gourmet hot dog places. I know that "gourmet/hot dog" is an oxymoron, but he doesn't so we won't go there, OK?
Today we went out to lunch with some of our "BFFs " from 'way back when our kids were grade school ages. We dined in great style with Bill and LaVerne in Watauga TX at the Chef Point Cafe. This is a gourmet restaurant in a convenience store/gas station. YES, really. The immigrant owners could not get a loan for a restaurant but could get a loan for a convenience store. So they got the CS and started a restaurant in the CS and they now have a big following. [Because I missed an interstate/highway junction between here and there] we didn't get to Watauga until smack dab noon and the place was packed!!! Parking was at a premium; however since I was along, my parking Karma prevailed and Bill got a parking spot right at the front door. [If you go without me you may be parking in the field out back.] And we got a nice table in the corner without undue traffic. The menu is awesome!!! LaVerne had the Hawaiian salmon with pineapple rice. Perfecto - and I will definitely try adding pineapple to my next Asian/Hawaiian rice dish. Bill ordered the Blackened Catfish which was served with Alfredo sauce on pasta and he said it was the best catfish EVER. Husband ordered the meatloaf and it came in a trough!!! He said it was the meatloaf best ever and he KNOWS meatloaf!! I went for the fried chicken with Belgium waffle and fruit - what an odd combination but it was PERFECT. My Mother-in-law couldn't have done the chicken any better!!
Now each plate - no.... platter -...is far more than 4 old retired persons need to be eating, but we did it anyway. And it is more than we usually pay for lunch; but trust me, it was worth every dime and we had enough leftovers for bedtime snacks.
The morale of this story is that you might want to check out DDDs website and find local Dives in your area. I can hardly wait to plan a road trip with DDDs as part of the itinerary!!! What fun!!!! Husband's gout may be a problem later and my weight will definitely be a problem, but O, well, these are the least of our worries at this point.
Thank you, Bill and LaVerne, for taking us to the Chef Point Cafe!!!!
Husband has been "out and about" since we started watching this odd ball show. The DDD's show has really worked for husband, sending him to "great" places - gourmet hot dog places. I know that "gourmet/hot dog" is an oxymoron, but he doesn't so we won't go there, OK?
Today we went out to lunch with some of our "BFFs " from 'way back when our kids were grade school ages. We dined in great style with Bill and LaVerne in Watauga TX at the Chef Point Cafe. This is a gourmet restaurant in a convenience store/gas station. YES, really. The immigrant owners could not get a loan for a restaurant but could get a loan for a convenience store. So they got the CS and started a restaurant in the CS and they now have a big following. [Because I missed an interstate/highway junction between here and there] we didn't get to Watauga until smack dab noon and the place was packed!!! Parking was at a premium; however since I was along, my parking Karma prevailed and Bill got a parking spot right at the front door. [If you go without me you may be parking in the field out back.] And we got a nice table in the corner without undue traffic. The menu is awesome!!! LaVerne had the Hawaiian salmon with pineapple rice. Perfecto - and I will definitely try adding pineapple to my next Asian/Hawaiian rice dish. Bill ordered the Blackened Catfish which was served with Alfredo sauce on pasta and he said it was the best catfish EVER. Husband ordered the meatloaf and it came in a trough!!! He said it was the meatloaf best ever and he KNOWS meatloaf!! I went for the fried chicken with Belgium waffle and fruit - what an odd combination but it was PERFECT. My Mother-in-law couldn't have done the chicken any better!!
Now each plate - no.... platter -...is far more than 4 old retired persons need to be eating, but we did it anyway. And it is more than we usually pay for lunch; but trust me, it was worth every dime and we had enough leftovers for bedtime snacks.
The morale of this story is that you might want to check out DDDs website and find local Dives in your area. I can hardly wait to plan a road trip with DDDs as part of the itinerary!!! What fun!!!! Husband's gout may be a problem later and my weight will definitely be a problem, but O, well, these are the least of our worries at this point.
Thank you, Bill and LaVerne, for taking us to the Chef Point Cafe!!!!
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
post cancer treatment: Summer Heat related problems
It is HOT in North Texas. Dry heat, wet heat........who cares because it is just plain HOT. Ordinarily I don't care and just don't let weather stop my game plan.
However this year is different because of the cancer treatment. First the doctor took away my hormone pills. Well, that is enough to keep any woman indoors under the a/c. O, but that isn't enough ..... after chemo comes radiation which literally cooks your body from the inside to the outside. After 33 treatments my left shoulder was/is fried to the core and burned on the outside. That heat has to cool off and dissipate somehow. So it radiates outward from the core area and heats up the left shoulder, neck and head, back and trunk. The sweat just runs and runs. Especially at night. Fortunately, I am almost past the night sweat problems.
Now I can focus on the day sweat problems!! When I am out and about, even if it is a short period of time in the heat, the heat can trigger a radiation sweat blast that will last 10 minutes or so and really mess up an outfit. There is no solution because one has to get from the car to the store and just that little time frame can trigger a heat rage. I just mop off and keep on truckin'. I've been in the house far too long to let sweat keep me indoors ALL the time.
Recommendations: I've learned to keep a "cool tie" in the freezer and use that when I have to be outside for any length of time. We have sports spritz bottles which are insulated and keep ice water cold for hours. These are great when in very casual places like BBQs etc. And then the good ole ice chest rides along in the car to keep water bottles etc. It takes much more planning to just go outside now that I am a post cancer treatment person.
However this year is different because of the cancer treatment. First the doctor took away my hormone pills. Well, that is enough to keep any woman indoors under the a/c. O, but that isn't enough ..... after chemo comes radiation which literally cooks your body from the inside to the outside. After 33 treatments my left shoulder was/is fried to the core and burned on the outside. That heat has to cool off and dissipate somehow. So it radiates outward from the core area and heats up the left shoulder, neck and head, back and trunk. The sweat just runs and runs. Especially at night. Fortunately, I am almost past the night sweat problems.
Now I can focus on the day sweat problems!! When I am out and about, even if it is a short period of time in the heat, the heat can trigger a radiation sweat blast that will last 10 minutes or so and really mess up an outfit. There is no solution because one has to get from the car to the store and just that little time frame can trigger a heat rage. I just mop off and keep on truckin'. I've been in the house far too long to let sweat keep me indoors ALL the time.
Recommendations: I've learned to keep a "cool tie" in the freezer and use that when I have to be outside for any length of time. We have sports spritz bottles which are insulated and keep ice water cold for hours. These are great when in very casual places like BBQs etc. And then the good ole ice chest rides along in the car to keep water bottles etc. It takes much more planning to just go outside now that I am a post cancer treatment person.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Post chemo and post radiation and well at last
Having heard from several of you that I have neglected the blog and need to get back to writing, here I am to update you on what is happening post treatment. The reason you have not heard from me is that I have been having just TOO MUCH FUN running around in the great outdoors, out of the house, and doing some shopping therapy!! YES, Joan and I have hit some estate sales and I've even done some retail therapy!!! Having been house-bound for 7 months I have some funds available for some therapy!!! There are a few advantages to being confined to quarters for a while!!
Radiation effects are almost gone now at 2 months post treatment. I do have some burn scars that are healing and fading but that is minor. The radiation heat that is stored in the left shoulder has to be off-loaded and that takes time. I have only recently been able to sleep through the night without having to change beds to cool off. Sleeping through the night is a wonderful thing!!! Since chemo began I have been an insomniac and have listed to the BBC and NPR overnight. Thank goodness I have the satellite radio because if I get too much of NPR then I can switch to BBC. Sometimes the BBC sports is reporting on some Cricket tourney and that will put me to sleep INSTANTLY.....good grief, how is Cricket a spectator sport???? Just the scores are boring!!!! Anyhow, I can sleep now, but I haven't been able to give up NPR and US version of BBC to put me to sleep.
Joan and I have found some really nice estate sales over the Spring/Summer season. As cotton prices in the stores go up 20% or more it is nice to get a few things from someones stash or "resources" as my sister-in-law would say. I have been feeling well enough to get some sewing done and have taken some classes at the Bernina store. My chemo brain still struggles with the computer based embroidery software classes but I'm getting better. Corel4 is difficult for me since I don't work it every day. But I have the embroidery working nicely!!!!
OK, stay tuned.............I will make more effort to keep you updated.
Radiation effects are almost gone now at 2 months post treatment. I do have some burn scars that are healing and fading but that is minor. The radiation heat that is stored in the left shoulder has to be off-loaded and that takes time. I have only recently been able to sleep through the night without having to change beds to cool off. Sleeping through the night is a wonderful thing!!! Since chemo began I have been an insomniac and have listed to the BBC and NPR overnight. Thank goodness I have the satellite radio because if I get too much of NPR then I can switch to BBC. Sometimes the BBC sports is reporting on some Cricket tourney and that will put me to sleep INSTANTLY.....good grief, how is Cricket a spectator sport???? Just the scores are boring!!!! Anyhow, I can sleep now, but I haven't been able to give up NPR and US version of BBC to put me to sleep.
Joan and I have found some really nice estate sales over the Spring/Summer season. As cotton prices in the stores go up 20% or more it is nice to get a few things from someones stash or "resources" as my sister-in-law would say. I have been feeling well enough to get some sewing done and have taken some classes at the Bernina store. My chemo brain still struggles with the computer based embroidery software classes but I'm getting better. Corel4 is difficult for me since I don't work it every day. But I have the embroidery working nicely!!!!
OK, stay tuned.............I will make more effort to keep you updated.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Surviving thrush, lymphademia & post chemo system issues
Having a yeast infection systemically is difficult, at best, and not uncommon with a suppressed immune system. The PCP's routine meds didn't touch the problem. The oncologist went directly to Diflucan which began to work after a week but one script was not enough so I'm on the 2nd round. This may not be enough as I'm to take Diflucan until all symptoms are gone. For me this began as thrush in my mouth/throat, then spread through the esophagus and stomach. I really suffered with "bubbles" ... from generic burps to eruptions of mouthfuls of bubbles. Being full of bubbles means I am not hungry at all and I had to force down protein drinks [whey based since my cancer is estrogen positive, meaning no soy products] to get some energy. Once the 2nd round of Diflucan started to work I was able to expel the bubbles and began to feel alive again.
Finally I've been feeling better. And I can eat real food. And I am beginning to have energy.
Post radiation heat waves are worse than hot flashes because the heat is more constant that flashy. There is no way I can cover my shoulder/chest with anything except the lightest of covers. And during the night when I happen to cover the shoulder with a pillow case corner or such, it is instant HOT body. Thank goodness we have at least 2 beds available because when I cook one set of sheets I can go to the other bed with cool sheets while bed 1 cools off. Lately I've noticed less hot body problems. This is 3 weeks post last radiation.
Today was lymphadema physical therapy and I was pleased to get good results from the measurements on my arm. I am almost down to the same size as the right arm!!! I'm not thrilled to wear a finger to shoulder tight fitting "oven mitt" to bed each night; but if it works, it is worth it.
Finally I've been feeling better. And I can eat real food. And I am beginning to have energy.
Post radiation heat waves are worse than hot flashes because the heat is more constant that flashy. There is no way I can cover my shoulder/chest with anything except the lightest of covers. And during the night when I happen to cover the shoulder with a pillow case corner or such, it is instant HOT body. Thank goodness we have at least 2 beds available because when I cook one set of sheets I can go to the other bed with cool sheets while bed 1 cools off. Lately I've noticed less hot body problems. This is 3 weeks post last radiation.
Today was lymphadema physical therapy and I was pleased to get good results from the measurements on my arm. I am almost down to the same size as the right arm!!! I'm not thrilled to wear a finger to shoulder tight fitting "oven mitt" to bed each night; but if it works, it is worth it.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Finally, a hint of response to meds; a peak at blue skies
Systemic yeast infections are slow to respond to meds. This is my 2nd week on low voltage meds from my PCP and 1st week on high voltage meds from the oncologist. Yesterday was the first day I was even remotely interested in planning for a trip in the Fall. Today I had a "system purge" and immediately felt better. Apparently is it better to "expel" yeast than wait for it to die from drugs; or maybe the drugs are designed to expel the yeast after a while. Either way, I feel better.
The next step is to eat enough to get some energy back. I've NEVER had any disease or condition the took away my appetite before. Even with chemo I wanted to eat periodically. Not with this yeast infection.
I'm trying to eat every few hours and eat protein. Thank goodness for whey protein powder to supplement because it stays down when nothing else will.
I felt good enough about the future to watch a webinar from Avalon Waterways about river cruises in Europe next year. We are still considering a cruise in the Fall, but I'm not optimistic at this point. I think maybe it is better to hang closer to home through the Fall and the head to Tucson when it gets cold here. I guess I'm just not feeling strong enough to get back on the retirement travel trail.
The next step is to eat enough to get some energy back. I've NEVER had any disease or condition the took away my appetite before. Even with chemo I wanted to eat periodically. Not with this yeast infection.
I'm trying to eat every few hours and eat protein. Thank goodness for whey protein powder to supplement because it stays down when nothing else will.
I felt good enough about the future to watch a webinar from Avalon Waterways about river cruises in Europe next year. We are still considering a cruise in the Fall, but I'm not optimistic at this point. I think maybe it is better to hang closer to home through the Fall and the head to Tucson when it gets cold here. I guess I'm just not feeling strong enough to get back on the retirement travel trail.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Travel with no immune system.........means life in the slow lane
Monday I was back in Baylor for fluids and more meds from the oncologist. Bummer. I had just had the port removed a week ago. Double Bummer. So here I go with limited resistance due to the chemo which led to the invasion of a yeast infection which must have been a carry over from the chemo called the Red Devil which caused those terrible mouth sores. Now I have a more systemic version of yeast infection. Of course the oncologist always has the most potent drugs so now I'm on a 10 day regime.
Well, fluids.........It was so easy to get fluids with the port. I have the smallest, most rolly veins!! I have bruises from the RN trying to get the anesthesia line in when the port was coming out. Now I have more bruises from trying to get the IV line in for fluids. Two veins blew out so after four sticks we finally got a line in. And a liter of fluid later I felt much better. Really, I should have consulted the nurses in the infusion suite before I agreed to get the port removed. When Dr offed the option I took it as a wonderful sign of forward progress. Now I know.... one step forward, two steps back. Bummer.
This is the 2nd day on the strong anti-yeast drugs. I can't say there is improvement but I am no worse. So now we wait. I'll be more down than up this week, no doubt. Bummer. O, I said that already.
Well, fluids.........It was so easy to get fluids with the port. I have the smallest, most rolly veins!! I have bruises from the RN trying to get the anesthesia line in when the port was coming out. Now I have more bruises from trying to get the IV line in for fluids. Two veins blew out so after four sticks we finally got a line in. And a liter of fluid later I felt much better. Really, I should have consulted the nurses in the infusion suite before I agreed to get the port removed. When Dr offed the option I took it as a wonderful sign of forward progress. Now I know.... one step forward, two steps back. Bummer.
This is the 2nd day on the strong anti-yeast drugs. I can't say there is improvement but I am no worse. So now we wait. I'll be more down than up this week, no doubt. Bummer. O, I said that already.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Relapse .... again.
O, I'm so glad we got to party 10 days ago because I've had a rough ride since then. No because of the party....no not that kind of not feeling good. First I noticed a sore throat that was "different" than ever before. Turns out it was thrush, a yeast infection. This is VERY common post chemo and radiation when the immune system is destroyed. So the meds are working to kill that problem but it can take 2 weeks or more. It doesn't appear to be resolving and I think it has moved on to my esophagus. I would describe the symptoms as feeling like my body is full of bubbles and my throat stays "almost" sore. I drink something cold all the time and that helps a little.
Along with the throat issue is an ear ache. The tube going from my ear down the side of my neck actually hurts. This is the same side as the radiation so I think there could be a link. I'll see what my PCP thinks and then may go to the radiologist who was an ENT in an earlier life.
I decided to go back to the PCP on Monday rather than go to the ER or Urgent Care today. I do not like ERs and Urgent Care places don't seem much better for complicated issues. Unfortunately I've become a complicated issue.
I'll try to post something tomorrow night to keep you current on what ever is happening.
Along with the throat issue is an ear ache. The tube going from my ear down the side of my neck actually hurts. This is the same side as the radiation so I think there could be a link. I'll see what my PCP thinks and then may go to the radiologist who was an ENT in an earlier life.
I decided to go back to the PCP on Monday rather than go to the ER or Urgent Care today. I do not like ERs and Urgent Care places don't seem much better for complicated issues. Unfortunately I've become a complicated issue.
I'll try to post something tomorrow night to keep you current on what ever is happening.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Celabrating the end of "cancer therapy"
Radiation is DONE and the burn on my collarbone is all but healed. Life is beginning to return to normal at last. It seems quite appropriate to begin celebrating the completion of "cancer therapy." [What an oxymoron that is!! "Therapy" seems to such a healing word.....Do not be deceived. Cancer therapy is actually the opposite, designed to kill the cancer cells without killing the patient/victim. It will be 6 weeks after radiation ended before normal healing begins. My immune system is still fragile. I picked up a sore throat warranting a Z pack. If that is the worst problem I will declare myself lucky.]
The first celebration happened even before chemo/radiation ended. I bought the Bernina 830 sewing system right after the oncologist reported that my labs were clean and looked great. I get a bit of happiness happening every time I sew on that machine!
I love to have parties and have friends over. Friday afternoon 5 friends over to eat good food, drink good champagne and laugh much. We were all in the Awesome Women's Investment Club together for some years - long enough to help each other make and lose significant money. AWIC is not my only connection to each person. My friend Joan and I met at BCBSTX in 1992. I met JoAnn in 1976 when we moved to Duncanville and our husbands worked together. Maggie was a great role model for how to care for your parent when regular nursing facilities aren't enough. Marilyn is a great interior decorator and has guided me through some decorating milefields. Sylvia and I are almost neighbors and had great fun a few years ago helping with a friend's wedding. Sylvia's current claim to fame is the rescue of Beau, a black standard poodle who plays well with Domino. Both poodles attend the party....part time at least. They had just as much fun racing in the back yard as they did going around the table to get each lady to "pet me, not him." The humans were politically correct and petted both poodles at the same time. Then they moved on to the next lady. Kids, bah humbug.
I get my power port out next week. That counts as a Party. After that I want to go to Keller to visit Bill and LaVerne for lunch. When the four of us get together...it's a party. There was a resturant featured on the Food Channel show Diners, Dives and DriveIns that I want to check out. It is in a Convenience Store. At this point all I know is that I won't have to get dressed up!!!
Next will come some parties here for family and friends. I'm not ready for a road trip, even going down to Round Rock to see John and Jackie is too much to consider. The radiation heat is still "evaporating" .... that may not be the right word but I can't do any better at this point. I still can't cover my left shoulder very much without getting zapped with skin too hot to touch. That area has to have a vent. If I wear the wig or scarves more than 30 minutes I'm just wet with sweat. So until the heat is down to a simmer I think I'm better off to stay home for the most part. People who see me frequently have either gotten immuned to the bald head or they are super actors.
The first celebration happened even before chemo/radiation ended. I bought the Bernina 830 sewing system right after the oncologist reported that my labs were clean and looked great. I get a bit of happiness happening every time I sew on that machine!
I love to have parties and have friends over. Friday afternoon 5 friends over to eat good food, drink good champagne and laugh much. We were all in the Awesome Women's Investment Club together for some years - long enough to help each other make and lose significant money. AWIC is not my only connection to each person. My friend Joan and I met at BCBSTX in 1992. I met JoAnn in 1976 when we moved to Duncanville and our husbands worked together. Maggie was a great role model for how to care for your parent when regular nursing facilities aren't enough. Marilyn is a great interior decorator and has guided me through some decorating milefields. Sylvia and I are almost neighbors and had great fun a few years ago helping with a friend's wedding. Sylvia's current claim to fame is the rescue of Beau, a black standard poodle who plays well with Domino. Both poodles attend the party....part time at least. They had just as much fun racing in the back yard as they did going around the table to get each lady to "pet me, not him." The humans were politically correct and petted both poodles at the same time. Then they moved on to the next lady. Kids, bah humbug.
I get my power port out next week. That counts as a Party. After that I want to go to Keller to visit Bill and LaVerne for lunch. When the four of us get together...it's a party. There was a resturant featured on the Food Channel show Diners, Dives and DriveIns that I want to check out. It is in a Convenience Store. At this point all I know is that I won't have to get dressed up!!!
Next will come some parties here for family and friends. I'm not ready for a road trip, even going down to Round Rock to see John and Jackie is too much to consider. The radiation heat is still "evaporating" .... that may not be the right word but I can't do any better at this point. I still can't cover my left shoulder very much without getting zapped with skin too hot to touch. That area has to have a vent. If I wear the wig or scarves more than 30 minutes I'm just wet with sweat. So until the heat is down to a simmer I think I'm better off to stay home for the most part. People who see me frequently have either gotten immuned to the bald head or they are super actors.
Friday, April 22, 2011
radiation update and the end is in sight
Fry.........that is another word for radiation. From the very beginning the doctor gives out two very expensive creams which are to be applied at least twice a day. I have been very careful to put the creams on every day. And still I have burned. There are three burn sights: under my arm, under the breast, and worst of all the collar bone and neck just above it. Each radiation makes the pain worse. Since radiation works from the inside to the outside, the heat I feel on the surface is less that the heat that is going on inside my shoulder. Good Grief!! That's hot!!!
Thankfully today was the last blast to the collar bone. It started bleeding right after blast was over so I went down to the doctor's area for treatment. More numbing lotion and lidocaine to get me through the weekend. I'm having quite a time dealing with the tape that holds the lidocaine in place. When I peel [literally] the patch back to add more lidocaine it really hurts until the lidocaine kicks in. They tell me that the burn will start healing now that it is not going to be hit with radiation again. That is the good news!! It will take 3-4 weeks before it is healed. I don't know how long before it quits hurting.
This last week of radiation is boost week. They target the two surgery sights and not the full area. The good news is that both of those areas are "fluffy" - not on a bone. So maybe this time I won't get such a burn.
Finally I understand why I am having so much trouble with being hot, a different hot than hot flashes, even hotter. It is because radiation causes the "treated" body area to cook from the inside to the outside. I have to sleep either on my back or with the right side down. If I get turned over on my left side I wake up just steaming. I have to have one or more fans going all night. Joan gave me two neat denim bags filled with field corn kernels which I keep in the freezer. These bags hold the cold nicely without wetness. I use one or both of these every night.
So I'm not flashing, I'm cooking. Just proof that I am One Hot Mama..............
Thankfully today was the last blast to the collar bone. It started bleeding right after blast was over so I went down to the doctor's area for treatment. More numbing lotion and lidocaine to get me through the weekend. I'm having quite a time dealing with the tape that holds the lidocaine in place. When I peel [literally] the patch back to add more lidocaine it really hurts until the lidocaine kicks in. They tell me that the burn will start healing now that it is not going to be hit with radiation again. That is the good news!! It will take 3-4 weeks before it is healed. I don't know how long before it quits hurting.
This last week of radiation is boost week. They target the two surgery sights and not the full area. The good news is that both of those areas are "fluffy" - not on a bone. So maybe this time I won't get such a burn.
Finally I understand why I am having so much trouble with being hot, a different hot than hot flashes, even hotter. It is because radiation causes the "treated" body area to cook from the inside to the outside. I have to sleep either on my back or with the right side down. If I get turned over on my left side I wake up just steaming. I have to have one or more fans going all night. Joan gave me two neat denim bags filled with field corn kernels which I keep in the freezer. These bags hold the cold nicely without wetness. I use one or both of these every night.
So I'm not flashing, I'm cooking. Just proof that I am One Hot Mama..............
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Travel question
Have you checked air fares lately? Good grief!! The "fuel surcharge" along with all those nickel and dime [well, really, quarter and 1/2 dollar] zingers really add up to just plain TOO MUCH. We were hoping to go to Europe in the Fall, take a 1 week river cruise from Amsterdam to Basel Switzerland. Air fare right now is as much as the cruise!! That doesn't make sense.
So here is my travel question: have you or your friends taken the Panama Canal cruise? Departures are from California or Florida and return to the opposite site. For the air fare part of the trip I have airline miles to cover the domestic flights. The cruise is 2 weeks long and cost is 1/2 as much as the river cruise. Math is not my long suit but Panama sounds like a better deal at this point. What do you think?
Health report: radiation is easier than chemo for sure; however I'm already getting some burn and blisters with 3 weeks to go. Could have some problems down the road. Fatigue continues to slow me down but nothing a nap can't cure!
Today I redeemed a Groupon certificate for a photofacial at a Spa in Northpark shopping center. This was another treat for getting through chemo. I had purchased the certificate so long ago I'd forgotten what was going to happen so the service was like getting a present...again. I have 2 more sessions in the package. That should be enough to take care of the damage done by chemo drugs.
Here is how I know I am not totally "well" yet: I walked through Nordstrom's TWICE today and did not buy a thing!!! I was even in the shoe shop and didn't buy anything!!
So here is my travel question: have you or your friends taken the Panama Canal cruise? Departures are from California or Florida and return to the opposite site. For the air fare part of the trip I have airline miles to cover the domestic flights. The cruise is 2 weeks long and cost is 1/2 as much as the river cruise. Math is not my long suit but Panama sounds like a better deal at this point. What do you think?
Health report: radiation is easier than chemo for sure; however I'm already getting some burn and blisters with 3 weeks to go. Could have some problems down the road. Fatigue continues to slow me down but nothing a nap can't cure!
Today I redeemed a Groupon certificate for a photofacial at a Spa in Northpark shopping center. This was another treat for getting through chemo. I had purchased the certificate so long ago I'd forgotten what was going to happen so the service was like getting a present...again. I have 2 more sessions in the package. That should be enough to take care of the damage done by chemo drugs.
Here is how I know I am not totally "well" yet: I walked through Nordstrom's TWICE today and did not buy a thing!!! I was even in the shoe shop and didn't buy anything!!
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Hair and therapy and computer embroidery and a magazine recommendation
First the good news: I can walk from the hospital parking lot to the clinic bldg without stopping and, even better, I am no longer being passed by people with walkers!! This is PROGRESS. And I can sign in for therapy without having to rest before signing. This is really PROGRESS.
Now for the fun stuff:
I have taken several sewing classes lately and I think I pulled a muscle in my brain. It isn't the sewing part but the computer programming in coreldraw to create embroidery designs that hurts my brain. I can work simple programs like Word and Power Point; can mess up Excel without even trying; and I can surf the web and buy from all kinds of invisible sellers. So why can't I remember where the icons are on the 4 levels of coreldraw? Those icons are in the same place every time, really they are!! So after the 3rd class in a week and half I felt this glimmer of light and actually finished the last project without screwing it up!!! This week I will try to repeat the process alone, here, at home, unsupervised. Wish me luck!!
The current sewing project on the machine is a dress for Kasey, Great Grand Daughter. I'd forgotten how TINY dresses for 6 mo old people are!!! It is like doing a miniature patchwork quilt! I'm having fun though. And when I get the dress put together I'll try out some of the fancy stitches to decorate it.
Hair today, maybe more tomorrow: My bald head has some fuzz. Fuzz is hard to see basically because it is this white color. My 12 yr old physical therapist called it platinum. Right......... that will be an improvement over the grey hairs that fell off. I found an eyebrow hair yesterday. Poor thing was all alone way over where the end of the eyebrow was in the old days. Of course it was platinum.
Radiation is a daily happening. So far I haven't burned or blistered; however the area being radiated is getting fairly pink in the front, not so much in the back. I drive myself to the hospital and sometimes have both radiation and physical therapy scheduled fairly close together which saves time and more important - gas. Lymphedema is still a big problem. The fluid tends to settle in my shoulder and elbow joints which hurts even when I'm not moving. The massage techniques move the fluid out of the joints and toward the trunk for drainage. I did get a compression sleeve for night wear that is really making a difference in the swelling. Even better is the fact that it is more comfortable than propping the arm up on multiple pillows all night to get the fluid to flow down hill.
I have a cancer magazine recommendation for you. Check it out at http://www.curetoday.com/ - it is free for cancer patients, past and present. I've found the articles very helpful and the research focus very good.
Now for the fun stuff:
I have taken several sewing classes lately and I think I pulled a muscle in my brain. It isn't the sewing part but the computer programming in coreldraw to create embroidery designs that hurts my brain. I can work simple programs like Word and Power Point; can mess up Excel without even trying; and I can surf the web and buy from all kinds of invisible sellers. So why can't I remember where the icons are on the 4 levels of coreldraw? Those icons are in the same place every time, really they are!! So after the 3rd class in a week and half I felt this glimmer of light and actually finished the last project without screwing it up!!! This week I will try to repeat the process alone, here, at home, unsupervised. Wish me luck!!
The current sewing project on the machine is a dress for Kasey, Great Grand Daughter. I'd forgotten how TINY dresses for 6 mo old people are!!! It is like doing a miniature patchwork quilt! I'm having fun though. And when I get the dress put together I'll try out some of the fancy stitches to decorate it.
Hair today, maybe more tomorrow: My bald head has some fuzz. Fuzz is hard to see basically because it is this white color. My 12 yr old physical therapist called it platinum. Right......... that will be an improvement over the grey hairs that fell off. I found an eyebrow hair yesterday. Poor thing was all alone way over where the end of the eyebrow was in the old days. Of course it was platinum.
Radiation is a daily happening. So far I haven't burned or blistered; however the area being radiated is getting fairly pink in the front, not so much in the back. I drive myself to the hospital and sometimes have both radiation and physical therapy scheduled fairly close together which saves time and more important - gas. Lymphedema is still a big problem. The fluid tends to settle in my shoulder and elbow joints which hurts even when I'm not moving. The massage techniques move the fluid out of the joints and toward the trunk for drainage. I did get a compression sleeve for night wear that is really making a difference in the swelling. Even better is the fact that it is more comfortable than propping the arm up on multiple pillows all night to get the fluid to flow down hill.
I have a cancer magazine recommendation for you. Check it out at http://www.curetoday.com/ - it is free for cancer patients, past and present. I've found the articles very helpful and the research focus very good.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Life is back to "busy" and most of it is good.
I don't know what "normal" is any more. With the end of chemo I planned to restore stamina and reduce this awful fatigue. I've had limited success. While I can drive myself to radiation and physical therapy and even walk across the hospital parking garage rather than paying to valet park, I still am tired by the time I get home. A big part of the fatigue is because I have to get to the hospital earlier than I would like. I am NOT a morning person. However I do like getting the hospital drill out of the way so I can do whatever the rest of the day.
A while back I speculated about what I should do to celebrate the end of chemo. One of the choices was to get a new Bernina 830 sewing machine. I think this option must have been predestined. At the end of chemo sessions, the 830 demonstration machine was put on sale at my local store plus the option of 0% financing for 36 months. So I bought it. What a machine!!!!!!!!!!! I had used one for an all day class at a Quilt Show in California a couple of years ago and couldn't believe the difference in feel and capabilities. The machine comes with 6 classes of instruction, each class is 3 hours long. I've started taking 830 classes and other technical sewing classes. Most of the time I can get the lesson to come through the chemo brain fog. I just need to practice, practice and practice.
Estate sales are flourishing this time of year so Joan and I are having some good, cheap fun. One of these weeks I'm going to be able to shop more than just one or two sales in any given day!!! You see, this activity is part of my therapy plan.......walk [from Jeep to sale site] then stay standing/walking through the entire house, stand in line to check out, walk to Jeep. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. Now THAT is a therapy plan I can live by. And one can not have just one therapy plan ad nauseum. So for variety we will go to some warehouse sales where we will walk and stand. Hey, it IS a valid plan!!!
Last week Dylan and Carolyn were having some home improvement projects done at their house. It is so hard to take vacation from jobs to supervise the contract workers so Husband and I were able to alternate days going over to be with the dogs and workers. It is nice to be retired so we can help out and it is great that I was able take myself over there. Finally I can be useful again.
Today we went to see Mother at the Alzheimer's unit in Grace Presbyterian Village. Domino was right back in his element........his public was so happy to see him. Mother knew me as a daughter but I didn't have a name. Husband and Domino had names. She always appreciates having company whom ever they are, those with names and those who are nameless.
That's about it for now. I'm back to being busy and it feels GOOD.
A while back I speculated about what I should do to celebrate the end of chemo. One of the choices was to get a new Bernina 830 sewing machine. I think this option must have been predestined. At the end of chemo sessions, the 830 demonstration machine was put on sale at my local store plus the option of 0% financing for 36 months. So I bought it. What a machine!!!!!!!!!!! I had used one for an all day class at a Quilt Show in California a couple of years ago and couldn't believe the difference in feel and capabilities. The machine comes with 6 classes of instruction, each class is 3 hours long. I've started taking 830 classes and other technical sewing classes. Most of the time I can get the lesson to come through the chemo brain fog. I just need to practice, practice and practice.
Estate sales are flourishing this time of year so Joan and I are having some good, cheap fun. One of these weeks I'm going to be able to shop more than just one or two sales in any given day!!! You see, this activity is part of my therapy plan.......walk [from Jeep to sale site] then stay standing/walking through the entire house, stand in line to check out, walk to Jeep. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. Now THAT is a therapy plan I can live by. And one can not have just one therapy plan ad nauseum. So for variety we will go to some warehouse sales where we will walk and stand. Hey, it IS a valid plan!!!
Last week Dylan and Carolyn were having some home improvement projects done at their house. It is so hard to take vacation from jobs to supervise the contract workers so Husband and I were able to alternate days going over to be with the dogs and workers. It is nice to be retired so we can help out and it is great that I was able take myself over there. Finally I can be useful again.
Today we went to see Mother at the Alzheimer's unit in Grace Presbyterian Village. Domino was right back in his element........his public was so happy to see him. Mother knew me as a daughter but I didn't have a name. Husband and Domino had names. She always appreciates having company whom ever they are, those with names and those who are nameless.
That's about it for now. I'm back to being busy and it feels GOOD.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Feeling good enough to have fun!!!!!!!!
Post chemo life is good........almost back to "normal" in many ways. It is a good thing that I figured out how to schedule too many things per day on my Blackberry. I have bigger ideas for my days than I have energy but who cares!!! Just a few weeks ago I dreaded having ANYTHING on my calendar. Now I'll schedule too many things just because I have not been "out and about" much for the last few months. I don't last very long at any of the activities but I sure enjoy being there!!
My new "hobby" seems to be radiation. I have completed 3 of 33 sessions. It isn't a very time consuming activity, just sucks up an hour of each week day for the 10 minute procedure plus travel time. There is a combination of lotions that has to be put on the entire front and back of the radiated area twice a day. This lotion is to cut down on the odds of getting radiation burns. I can't tell yet whether I will be a burn candidate. The other side effect of radiation is fatigue. I don't know if I'm experiencing radiation fatigue or not because major fatigue has been a constant since chemo began.
The radiation is messing up my lymphedema. Apparently the lymph system recognizes radiation as an assault and puts out more fluid which isn't draining so good. This means more swelling, not just in the arm but all over. Thank goodness I have 3 lymphedema massages each week so I'm not getting behind the fluid accumulation curve. I have a compression sleeve and half-glove to wear in the daytime. At night I have to wrap with ace bandages and prop the arm up on pillows to sleep. Not fun. I've ordered a compression sleeve for night use and that should come in this next week.
Dog Story: A friend who lives nearby has adopted a rescue standard poodle so we went over to meet Sylvia's Beau today. What a beautiful dog! We took Beau and Domino on a short walk together so they could have a competitive pee marking project. Then it was to the back yard and within minutes they were having a great time racing around the yard, barking and cutting each other off at the curves. That is exactly what Domino needs....a running buddy; and what Beau needs....a poodle to show him how to play and bark. So we will get them together regularly. What fun!!
I managed to hit one estate sale this week and lasted as long as I want to before getting too tired. Next week's goal is to hit two sales!!! Look out world....I'm coming back!!!!
My new "hobby" seems to be radiation. I have completed 3 of 33 sessions. It isn't a very time consuming activity, just sucks up an hour of each week day for the 10 minute procedure plus travel time. There is a combination of lotions that has to be put on the entire front and back of the radiated area twice a day. This lotion is to cut down on the odds of getting radiation burns. I can't tell yet whether I will be a burn candidate. The other side effect of radiation is fatigue. I don't know if I'm experiencing radiation fatigue or not because major fatigue has been a constant since chemo began.
The radiation is messing up my lymphedema. Apparently the lymph system recognizes radiation as an assault and puts out more fluid which isn't draining so good. This means more swelling, not just in the arm but all over. Thank goodness I have 3 lymphedema massages each week so I'm not getting behind the fluid accumulation curve. I have a compression sleeve and half-glove to wear in the daytime. At night I have to wrap with ace bandages and prop the arm up on pillows to sleep. Not fun. I've ordered a compression sleeve for night use and that should come in this next week.
Dog Story: A friend who lives nearby has adopted a rescue standard poodle so we went over to meet Sylvia's Beau today. What a beautiful dog! We took Beau and Domino on a short walk together so they could have a competitive pee marking project. Then it was to the back yard and within minutes they were having a great time racing around the yard, barking and cutting each other off at the curves. That is exactly what Domino needs....a running buddy; and what Beau needs....a poodle to show him how to play and bark. So we will get them together regularly. What fun!!
I managed to hit one estate sale this week and lasted as long as I want to before getting too tired. Next week's goal is to hit two sales!!! Look out world....I'm coming back!!!!
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
First a tattoo and then radiation begins
I have a tattoo!! Let me tell you this is the last time you will hear me say that!!! OUCH!!!!! No doubt I paid more for my 4 little radiation markers than people pay for "artist" tattoos, but those little pricks HURT. The reason they tatttoo cancer patients is to mark the spots so if I ever have to go back for more radiation the next doctor knows where I got zapped the first time.
That was the beginning of my radiation adventure. I've had the first of 33 radiation sessions and survived. The radiation machine is set by computer to zap the same area each time. The technitions make sure I'm positioned in the same place each time based on marks they have drawn all over my side and chest plus the new tattoos. Then for 10 minutes I lay on the "slightly" padded slab while the radiation machine rotates around me. It doesn't hurt but it is hard to not to develop an itch that needs scratching and having both arms above my head causes a cramp or two. When the radiation is finished there are a couple of lotions to use on the radiated area to reduce the possibility of burning. That lotion is to be applied 2x/day. Controlling the burn and dealing with the fatigue are the only consistent side effects of radiation. Fatigue has been a constant companion since chemo started. Let's hope it doesn't get too bad.
Lymphedema therapy continues to be very helpful. I'm happy to be into a compression sleeve during the day. It is much more comfortable plus I can wear most of my clothes over it. When I had the bandages I was very limited on what I could get over the arm + bandages.
That's about it for now.
That was the beginning of my radiation adventure. I've had the first of 33 radiation sessions and survived. The radiation machine is set by computer to zap the same area each time. The technitions make sure I'm positioned in the same place each time based on marks they have drawn all over my side and chest plus the new tattoos. Then for 10 minutes I lay on the "slightly" padded slab while the radiation machine rotates around me. It doesn't hurt but it is hard to not to develop an itch that needs scratching and having both arms above my head causes a cramp or two. When the radiation is finished there are a couple of lotions to use on the radiated area to reduce the possibility of burning. That lotion is to be applied 2x/day. Controlling the burn and dealing with the fatigue are the only consistent side effects of radiation. Fatigue has been a constant companion since chemo started. Let's hope it doesn't get too bad.
Lymphedema therapy continues to be very helpful. I'm happy to be into a compression sleeve during the day. It is much more comfortable plus I can wear most of my clothes over it. When I had the bandages I was very limited on what I could get over the arm + bandages.
That's about it for now.
Monday, March 14, 2011
A GOOD DAY......Lymphedema victory #1 plus lunch with good friends
Now this is a good day......... Our long time friends Bill and LaVerne came by with lunch and we had a great visit with them and with their daughter and our God Daughter Vicki. What fun!! When we get together sometimes it feels like we are all back in the 1970's....except the kids are now adults and there are these GRAND children! It is always great to catch up with each other.
I graduated from lymphedema wrap today! I started therapy with mega fluid in my left arm. I went to the Physical Therapy clinic 3x/wk to have the arm wrapped in ace bandages to move the fluid up the arm and out the trunk. Slowly the fluid has drained and my left arm is almost the same size as my right arm. YEAH!!! So now I can switch to a compression bandage for the daytime and at night I may be able to have NOTHING on my arm. What a relief!! I've made a reservation to attend a seminar on lymphedema so hopefully I can learn to manage this condition to the max.
The Dallas Quilt Show was this past weekend and I did make it down there. However that was about all I can say about my adventure. I was SO TIRED from just a little walking about that I spent most of my time setting here and there. Afterwards I figured out that part of the problem is my blood pressure medicine which is now a tad too strong. It worked fine pre chemo, but now I need a different dose. What I did get to see was the auction of some fantastic miniature quilts. I've seen some of my sister-in-laws miniature quilts and each one is perfection and beautiful. I had not seen dozens of art minis that are so great...and I can do this too. Now I'm motivated to take on an art mini project. That was worth the trip to the Quilt Show.
My chemo recovery plan is focusing on increasing stamina by doing a little more activity each day. It is so hard to walk any distance but I have to do more walking until it is easy. I can do some cooking and laundry. And driving is okay. As soon as I can get a compression sleeve I will be able to sew again. So life is getting better each day.
I graduated from lymphedema wrap today! I started therapy with mega fluid in my left arm. I went to the Physical Therapy clinic 3x/wk to have the arm wrapped in ace bandages to move the fluid up the arm and out the trunk. Slowly the fluid has drained and my left arm is almost the same size as my right arm. YEAH!!! So now I can switch to a compression bandage for the daytime and at night I may be able to have NOTHING on my arm. What a relief!! I've made a reservation to attend a seminar on lymphedema so hopefully I can learn to manage this condition to the max.
The Dallas Quilt Show was this past weekend and I did make it down there. However that was about all I can say about my adventure. I was SO TIRED from just a little walking about that I spent most of my time setting here and there. Afterwards I figured out that part of the problem is my blood pressure medicine which is now a tad too strong. It worked fine pre chemo, but now I need a different dose. What I did get to see was the auction of some fantastic miniature quilts. I've seen some of my sister-in-laws miniature quilts and each one is perfection and beautiful. I had not seen dozens of art minis that are so great...and I can do this too. Now I'm motivated to take on an art mini project. That was worth the trip to the Quilt Show.
My chemo recovery plan is focusing on increasing stamina by doing a little more activity each day. It is so hard to walk any distance but I have to do more walking until it is easy. I can do some cooking and laundry. And driving is okay. As soon as I can get a compression sleeve I will be able to sew again. So life is getting better each day.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Finally.......some real progress!!!
It could be that I am on the mend!!! Very slowly I am getting some energy back and it feels so good!!! I can drive myself to the hospital and even self park and walk across to the clinic. Two weeks ago I was maxed out at stumbling from the valet drop off, through the door and into the clinic.
On the home front, I am cooking again. It still takes some planning on my part to break up the preparation tasks with some rest breaks, however it is getting easier each day. I've lost some of my organization practices so end up with excessive dirty dishes in the sink after I get done. I like to load the dishwasher as I go but seem to be having trouble making that happen after so many weeks of being away from my kitchen. The good news is that I can still cook!!
The lymphedema is slowly resolving. I go to the Physical Therapy clinic 3x/wk to have the bandages changed and get a specific lymph drainage massage. The goal is to encourage the lymphetic fluid to move from the lower arm upward to the arm pit area and then to the trunk area to eventually be flushed out by the kidneys. I really want to get past this bandage wrap because 3 ace bandages plus the padding makes for a bulky deal covering my arm from fingers to arm pit. On the hand it is hard to keep the bandage clean and the bulk makes sewing almost impossible. At night I sleep with the arm elevated on several pillows so the fluid drains downward. This also keeps any throbbing down to a minimum. Hopefully by next week I can graduate to a compression sleeve which isn't nearly so bulky and has finger gloves rather than the ace bandage wrapped around the palm.
Radiation hasn't started yet, thank goodness. I'm enjoying making steady progress and feeling better each day. I'm not wanting to rock the boat at this point. I just want to keep enjoying feeling better today than I did yesterday and having hope that tomorrow will be even better.
On the home front, I am cooking again. It still takes some planning on my part to break up the preparation tasks with some rest breaks, however it is getting easier each day. I've lost some of my organization practices so end up with excessive dirty dishes in the sink after I get done. I like to load the dishwasher as I go but seem to be having trouble making that happen after so many weeks of being away from my kitchen. The good news is that I can still cook!!
The lymphedema is slowly resolving. I go to the Physical Therapy clinic 3x/wk to have the bandages changed and get a specific lymph drainage massage. The goal is to encourage the lymphetic fluid to move from the lower arm upward to the arm pit area and then to the trunk area to eventually be flushed out by the kidneys. I really want to get past this bandage wrap because 3 ace bandages plus the padding makes for a bulky deal covering my arm from fingers to arm pit. On the hand it is hard to keep the bandage clean and the bulk makes sewing almost impossible. At night I sleep with the arm elevated on several pillows so the fluid drains downward. This also keeps any throbbing down to a minimum. Hopefully by next week I can graduate to a compression sleeve which isn't nearly so bulky and has finger gloves rather than the ace bandage wrapped around the palm.
Radiation hasn't started yet, thank goodness. I'm enjoying making steady progress and feeling better each day. I'm not wanting to rock the boat at this point. I just want to keep enjoying feeling better today than I did yesterday and having hope that tomorrow will be even better.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Reward available to person who finds my right eyebrow!!
I had two eyebrows when this week started. I know I did. Today I have one eyebrow. At least it is my right eyebrow that has wandered off. My left eyeball is the one that is bright red from the broken blood vessels from excessive barfing. It would be sad to have all the grim chemo reminders socked on one eye.
So today I was going out for lunch and shopping with my friend Joan. We had 20% off coupons at the Coach Outlet store so that is cause for fun! Since I was getting ready to be in "public" verses just hanging out at home with Domino I needed to plan for a hat and big earrings at least. Makeup is recommended since this is North Texas. So when I turned on the makeup mirror to check the current condition of my left eye I discovered the ABSENCE of my right eyebrow leaving behind only a few stray grey hairs in no particular order. This only adds a character accent to my 14 remaining clumpy eyelashes.
It doesn't seem fair that the right eyebrow waited until after chemo 6 to leave. I have just declared this time to be the beginning of recovery. So I want the eyebrow back .... NOW. Had I known that it was planning to vanish in the night I would have drawn in a line to mark the spot when it belongs. Today I just had to guess where to start and end the drawing with marginal results.
If you find my right eyebrow please bring it to me and collect the reward.
So today I was going out for lunch and shopping with my friend Joan. We had 20% off coupons at the Coach Outlet store so that is cause for fun! Since I was getting ready to be in "public" verses just hanging out at home with Domino I needed to plan for a hat and big earrings at least. Makeup is recommended since this is North Texas. So when I turned on the makeup mirror to check the current condition of my left eye I discovered the ABSENCE of my right eyebrow leaving behind only a few stray grey hairs in no particular order. This only adds a character accent to my 14 remaining clumpy eyelashes.
It doesn't seem fair that the right eyebrow waited until after chemo 6 to leave. I have just declared this time to be the beginning of recovery. So I want the eyebrow back .... NOW. Had I known that it was planning to vanish in the night I would have drawn in a line to mark the spot when it belongs. Today I just had to guess where to start and end the drawing with marginal results.
If you find my right eyebrow please bring it to me and collect the reward.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Chemo 6 is on the wane!!
Finally there is a bit of sunshine in my day!! Yesterday I slept almost the entire day and each nap was better than the last one. Now that is a good day! Today I haven't been sick all day and actually went to 3 doctor appointments without falling over. So I'm calling this 2 good days in a row and declaring this the beginning of recovery from chemo 6 infusion.
I met with the oncologist today and got a good report. My blood values are excellent and I survived the most potent chemo protocol allowed for grade 3 breast cancer. So now it is on to the radiation protocol and then I can know that I've done the best treatment available at this time.
The lymphedema is going down in size with the wraps and massages but I'm not ready for the sleeve yet. The wraps will work better and faster so I'll just deal with it for the next couple of weeks.
Radiation treatment is in the same suite as the oncology clinic so I finished up my appointment day there. This was the first scan marking meeting so the radiologist and technicians defined the radiation parameters and marked the stop spots on my body. At the next appointment they will test for exact placements and set the machine for all the future radiations. Man, it was COLD in there and that was even before I stretched out on the metal platform. Thank goodness my appointments will take only 10 minutes. Any longer and I'd be a Popsicle!!
So now I'm feeling good enough to begin focusing on building back some strength. This time I can know that I'm not just trying to get well enough to be hit by the chemo freight train again. The beginning starts tomorrow.
I met with the oncologist today and got a good report. My blood values are excellent and I survived the most potent chemo protocol allowed for grade 3 breast cancer. So now it is on to the radiation protocol and then I can know that I've done the best treatment available at this time.
The lymphedema is going down in size with the wraps and massages but I'm not ready for the sleeve yet. The wraps will work better and faster so I'll just deal with it for the next couple of weeks.
Radiation treatment is in the same suite as the oncology clinic so I finished up my appointment day there. This was the first scan marking meeting so the radiologist and technicians defined the radiation parameters and marked the stop spots on my body. At the next appointment they will test for exact placements and set the machine for all the future radiations. Man, it was COLD in there and that was even before I stretched out on the metal platform. Thank goodness my appointments will take only 10 minutes. Any longer and I'd be a Popsicle!!
So now I'm feeling good enough to begin focusing on building back some strength. This time I can know that I'm not just trying to get well enough to be hit by the chemo freight train again. The beginning starts tomorrow.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Chemo 6 is still raging - new problem
Chemo 6 has been horrible in terms of barfing and dry heaves, constipation, nausea to the max. And I keep hoping that each morning will be the dawning of a new and healthy day. NOT YET. This morning I woke up with my left eye more than just blood shot - there was something really wrong. So it was off to the Eye Hospital ER to see what happened and what to do. All the dry heaves and barfing caused some blood vessels to burst. There is no repair needed as the blood will dissolve "in time" as in maybe 3 weeks. Meanwhile I look like I lost a fight. The eye will go through all the colors of a bruise as it resolves. Cute, huh?
Meanwhile, the maximum nausea meds are kicking in, or maybe the nausea is resolving itself....whatever, no barfing today.
Domino and I got good news today. A friend who lives just a few blocks away has adopted a standard poodle! We will get the dogs together when Boo is more adjusted. We will have a dog park buddy for Domino and another party animal in the neighborhood.
I am overwhelmed on side effects for chemo. I've had it. I decided to go to the xanex and zone out while I wait for a few good days IN A ROW.
Meanwhile, the maximum nausea meds are kicking in, or maybe the nausea is resolving itself....whatever, no barfing today.
Domino and I got good news today. A friend who lives just a few blocks away has adopted a standard poodle! We will get the dogs together when Boo is more adjusted. We will have a dog park buddy for Domino and another party animal in the neighborhood.
I am overwhelmed on side effects for chemo. I've had it. I decided to go to the xanex and zone out while I wait for a few good days IN A ROW.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
When does recovery start???
Today is exactly a week post chemo 6 so I expected to wake up feeling GOOD........I remember feeling good. I took it for granted. At this point feeling good would be a dream come true. With chemo 6 the drug effects have been fierce. I haven't been able to stop the nausea and GERD all week. The constipation has resolved, finally. Even after a long day in the infusion clinic getting fluids and drugs, I'm still sick. The lymphedema continues to cause pain and discomfort. The therapists re-wrap the arm 3x/wk and the swelling is down significantly, but not enough to switch to a sleeve yet.
So what do I do from this point? Well, just keep on keeping on, I guess. Somehow I have to wait it out to get to the good days. Maybe it is going to take a little longer to get there this cycle. I have to keep drinking liters of fluids to disperse the drugs as well as keep the GERD from scalding my throat. Sleeping with my arm higher than my shoulder is a challenge; however it is getting easier. Since I'm awake several times per night to go to the bathroom, I notice where the arm is when I wake up and can reposition it when I get back in bed. The past 2 nights I have gotten a fairly good night's sleep. This helps so much.
Life in the slow lane is getting a bit dull for Domino as well. We need to get back on the dog training schedule and the therapy visit schedule. In theory I will have some immunity back in a couple more weeks. So we will start back very slowly as I try to build some stamina. Even if I felt good today I would not be able to do an hour of dog school or therapy visits. I'm just more than ready to have the OPTION of getting back on a busy dog schedule.
So what do I do from this point? Well, just keep on keeping on, I guess. Somehow I have to wait it out to get to the good days. Maybe it is going to take a little longer to get there this cycle. I have to keep drinking liters of fluids to disperse the drugs as well as keep the GERD from scalding my throat. Sleeping with my arm higher than my shoulder is a challenge; however it is getting easier. Since I'm awake several times per night to go to the bathroom, I notice where the arm is when I wake up and can reposition it when I get back in bed. The past 2 nights I have gotten a fairly good night's sleep. This helps so much.
Life in the slow lane is getting a bit dull for Domino as well. We need to get back on the dog training schedule and the therapy visit schedule. In theory I will have some immunity back in a couple more weeks. So we will start back very slowly as I try to build some stamina. Even if I felt good today I would not be able to do an hour of dog school or therapy visits. I'm just more than ready to have the OPTION of getting back on a busy dog schedule.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
In the tank............maybe for the last time!!!
Wham!! I've been slammed hard this time. I can't get past the nausea and gastric issues. The fatigue is overwhelming. I'm just barely able to go from chair to bed.
Today we tried to do the lymphedema wrap ourselves for the first time. That was tricky!! The wrap has to be really light tension on the various wraps then there is a sleeve that goes over it all. The first time we got it too tight. Now it is just a pleasant squeeze that should move the fluid up the arm and over to the trunk and then out.
My friend Marilyn brought a great dinner for us on Thurs night and we had plenty of leftovers to get us through the weekend. What a good friend! How nice to not have to plan menus.
I can see light at the end of the tunnel but I have too look through a heavy fog to see the light. I'm discouraged to be so sick at this point; but at least I can see the end. I don't want to be so darn tired. I want to be able to get up and do what ever it is that my mind wants to do. Really.......just let me get up and do something!!!
I have 3 lymphedema treatments next week. Hopefully I can get to the point where I just have a sleeve on my arm and not a full blown wrap. That would be nice.
Today we tried to do the lymphedema wrap ourselves for the first time. That was tricky!! The wrap has to be really light tension on the various wraps then there is a sleeve that goes over it all. The first time we got it too tight. Now it is just a pleasant squeeze that should move the fluid up the arm and over to the trunk and then out.
My friend Marilyn brought a great dinner for us on Thurs night and we had plenty of leftovers to get us through the weekend. What a good friend! How nice to not have to plan menus.
I can see light at the end of the tunnel but I have too look through a heavy fog to see the light. I'm discouraged to be so sick at this point; but at least I can see the end. I don't want to be so darn tired. I want to be able to get up and do what ever it is that my mind wants to do. Really.......just let me get up and do something!!!
I have 3 lymphedema treatments next week. Hopefully I can get to the point where I just have a sleeve on my arm and not a full blown wrap. That would be nice.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Post Chemo 6 is a roller coaster ride
I have met with the radiology team to plan the 6 weeks of treatment which will begin in 3 weeks. The treatments will be quick, 10 minutes or so one the table, and 30 minutes door to door. There will be at least a suntan line or rather a box around the breast and arm pit. More like a winter tan line that will disappear. There shouldn't be burning or blistering as they have a lotion for that! [At least it isn't another pill....I'm tired of pills.] They will do a CT scan before radiation actually begins. Then the next step is to do a radiation trial to line up the markers. They do say that fatigue is a common side effect but think that it is not as bad as chemo fatigue. That is encouraging.
So on to the chemo 6 and fluids. I really could not believe how "free" I felt when that last baggie of drugs when in. Just let me be DONE!! Then next day I went in for fluids and didn't even mind the Neulasta shot going in my belly.
Then it was on to the Lymphedema PT clinic for an arm wrap. The massage is interesting as it is such a light touch that it is almost not noticeable, yet very effective.Today the wrap is not so binding as the arm is about half the size it was when lymph edema hit. I've been sleeping with the arm up on 4 pillows to promote drainage. It is working. Husband has had a lesson in wrapping so we can practice that tomorrow.
Today has been a weird day. The morning I felt great. After lymphedema clinic I tanked and had to sleep for 3 hours this afternoon. Tonight I'm just ga-ga and not too stable so will probably just go to bed early. Chemo 6 was likely to be harder than the others due to cumulative effects of the drugs. Guess it is a good time to just sleep this off and start on the new path to recovery another week.
So on to the chemo 6 and fluids. I really could not believe how "free" I felt when that last baggie of drugs when in. Just let me be DONE!! Then next day I went in for fluids and didn't even mind the Neulasta shot going in my belly.
Then it was on to the Lymphedema PT clinic for an arm wrap. The massage is interesting as it is such a light touch that it is almost not noticeable, yet very effective.Today the wrap is not so binding as the arm is about half the size it was when lymph edema hit. I've been sleeping with the arm up on 4 pillows to promote drainage. It is working. Husband has had a lesson in wrapping so we can practice that tomorrow.
Today has been a weird day. The morning I felt great. After lymphedema clinic I tanked and had to sleep for 3 hours this afternoon. Tonight I'm just ga-ga and not too stable so will probably just go to bed early. Chemo 6 was likely to be harder than the others due to cumulative effects of the drugs. Guess it is a good time to just sleep this off and start on the new path to recovery another week.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Chemo 6 is ON BOARD
Today was the day for celebration of the end of chemo infusions. I have no words to express the amount of relief I feel. I knew I was ready, anxious, scared....and more. However, I wasn't prepared just a total wipeout from the finality of the stress of it all. I'm am really numb from relief. So it is early to bed tonight to just crash.
The lymphedema wrap is working and causing the 2 liters of fluid to drain. The wrap was really tight at first and then by this morning I could move my wrist, elbow and the arm pit didn't hurt. I designed a plan to keep the arm up on a stack of pillows with the fluids set to flow downward to the arm pit when they would drain into the trunk and get excreted by the kidneys. I was up and down all night to the bathroom. My sleeper helper was NOT impressed. Neither was I. The goal is to get the fluid drained down enough to eliminate the need for the ace bandage wraps and just use the compression sleeve. With the wrap going around the palm of my hand I have limited movement of my fingers. Probably I could sew by now but I'm too tired. Will check that out later.
Keep those good thoughts and prayers flowing. I'm starting into recovery mode now and would appreciate a good tailwind.
The lymphedema wrap is working and causing the 2 liters of fluid to drain. The wrap was really tight at first and then by this morning I could move my wrist, elbow and the arm pit didn't hurt. I designed a plan to keep the arm up on a stack of pillows with the fluids set to flow downward to the arm pit when they would drain into the trunk and get excreted by the kidneys. I was up and down all night to the bathroom. My sleeper helper was NOT impressed. Neither was I. The goal is to get the fluid drained down enough to eliminate the need for the ace bandage wraps and just use the compression sleeve. With the wrap going around the palm of my hand I have limited movement of my fingers. Probably I could sew by now but I'm too tired. Will check that out later.
Keep those good thoughts and prayers flowing. I'm starting into recovery mode now and would appreciate a good tailwind.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Last chemo delayed due to scheduling snafu
Somehow either I or the scheduler at the clinic screwed up my infusion schedule for today. We had the Dr visit coordinated but I didn't have a separate time in my calendar for infusion to start at 10:45. So I had to reschedule chemo infusion for Weds and then the fluids and Neulasta for Thurs.
The Dr visit was productive. He did say that since I had a very aggressive treatment protocol they would not do a CT scan again. The original CT before chemo did not show any cancer in the lymph nodes or elsewhere. My labs today were back into the normal ranges. Dr says I can begin radiation 3 wks after the last chemo. And that is the same time I can end semi isolation and resume visits to my Mother at the Alzheimer's facility.
I'm really bummed about not getting this last chemo today. Of course a 2 day delay is not a big deal in the grand scheme of life. That does NOT mean much to me today.
The Dr visit was productive. He did say that since I had a very aggressive treatment protocol they would not do a CT scan again. The original CT before chemo did not show any cancer in the lymph nodes or elsewhere. My labs today were back into the normal ranges. Dr says I can begin radiation 3 wks after the last chemo. And that is the same time I can end semi isolation and resume visits to my Mother at the Alzheimer's facility.
I'm really bummed about not getting this last chemo today. Of course a 2 day delay is not a big deal in the grand scheme of life. That does NOT mean much to me today.
Friday, February 18, 2011
New Hobby = Lymphedema P T
O, good grief, Charlie Brown!! I had my first lymphedema appointment today and will be going to P. T. 3x/wk for the next 90 days. I do NOT need another hobby!! And I get a new wardrobe to go with the new hobby. First there is a compression sleeve. And then there is a bandage for night time wear. The bandage is to be tighter at the hand and gradually looser toward the arm pit. The goal here is to train the remaining lymph nodes [I have slightly less than half remaining] to drain the fluids without the 18 missing nodes.
I don’t know yet if this sleeve/bandage is a daily for life deal or “as needed” for life. Apparently there is going to be much to learn. Lymphedema is like arthritis in that it can flare up at any time and for no apparent reason. Fine…….so you just know that there will be times that both conditions will decide to hit at the same time. On the other hand, there will be times when both are in remission. Planning travel is going to have a little more mystery, I guess. I will have to wear the compression sleeve for flights. And maybe a spare set of sleeves will have to go in the “don’t leave home without it” bag.
Next week is chemo 6 and I won’t be up to learning new P T skills so the 3 appointments that week will be mostly lymphatic drainage massage. Then the next week I can start learning P T. skills. The P T clinic is in the same bldg as the oncology/radiation clinics so I hope to get the appointments scheduled so I do 2 in the same trip. I would really like to get back to my real life and spend as little time at Baylor as I can.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Lymphodema strikes
Today’s adventure is lymphodema, a swelling of my left arm as a result having 18 lymph nodes removed. When I woke up I was first aware of stiffness in my hand and then noticed that the hand was really swollen and it hurt to make a fist. The swelling goes from my fingers to my arm pit.
There is a good side of this: when my upper left arm is swollen. I don’t have “bat wing syndrome” …. Just on the left, though. So what is worse than a bat wing? An upper arm that is bigger than the original bat wing. Bummer.
I went to the oncology clinic for fluids and a lymphodema consult and a referral to the physical therapy clinic for treatment. I was advised to keep the left arm elevated as much as I can tolerate for the next few days. There is good news. I can no longer do mopping or wash windows or play golf or tennis. Well, I’ll really miss that tennis!!! Seriously, I will need to wear a compression sleeve for a while and find a lymphodema massage therapist.
Time will tell if this is to be a limited time event or a long term problem. Stay tuned.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Behind the curve again……..
Check out this most current development in the surgery procedures for breast cancer.
What a great improvement!!! Just 4 months ago when I had surgery for breast cancer I was careful in researching the most conservative management of the disease. The bad news was that I have a very aggressive form of breast cancer. The good news is that it was caught early. The surgeon was able to remove the cancer leaving a clear margin without exposing the chest muscle wall.
At that time it was standard procedure to check for cancer cells having moved to the lymph nodes. I had cancer in the sentinel lymph node therefore the surgeon continued removing nodes checking for cancer. An additional 4 nodes were found to have cancer so the 18 nodes underneath my left arm pit were removed as was the standard protocol.
Just having the nodes removed is a big deal. There is considerable pain after the surgery and that lingers to this date. The lumpectomy even with that darn drain was healed long before the arm pit quit hurting all the time. There are serious long term issues that must be managed post lymph node removal. My left arm can never be used for blood draws or blood pressure readings. I need to wear a compression sleeve when I fly. I have to be aware of protecting my left arm from being elevated for any extended period of time. Now I have my PowerPort band on my left wrist. Later on I will get a MedicAlert bracelet to note the condition and to remind me to tell the medical personnel to use the right arm exclusively.
Improvements in breast cancer procedures are happening so fast. I just happened to be behind the curve this time.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
To the edge of the abyss
Because of the ice storms last week I did not get fluids and Neulasta the day after chemo as is the usual sequence. The result was that the chemo 5 drugs were going through my system for a few days as pure toxic chemicals, no buffers. When the oncology clinic opened a few days later and I got fluids and Neulasta it was too little too late so down I went. Here’s what happened:
Chemo 5 has been a rough ride from the get-go and got bad enough yesterday to send me back to Baylor for more drugs. I knew I had not been doing well for the last few days however didn’t know just how bad I had gotten until Domino refused to leave my bed even to go pee. I guess there are times when one can be too sick to know they are too sick. So early yesterday we went “drug seeking” yet again to the oncology clinic. Turns out I had no blood pressure, no fluids, none of my critical blood values were not even near the “normal” range. Domino was right, I was too sick to leave unsupervised.
A jug of fluids plus antibiotics plus gastric meds were just what the Dr ordered. There was a boat load of stuff going through my port and I could feel myself getting better quite soon. I did fall asleep a few times during infusion which is unusual for me.
We got home late in the afternoon, just in time for a solid nap before dinner. Domino checked me out as he usually does when I get home from the “vet.” He wasn’t ready to give up closely supervising me so we somehow managed to get both of us wedged into the loveseat for a nap. By the evening he decided I could move about the house alone and he went back into guard dog mode. Today he agrees that I am much better.
Just one more round to go………. Somehow.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Pain City TX
O, my aching bones!! TX is under a blanket of ice and snow. It is just plain COLD here. We had to skate over to the infusion clinic for fluids and Neulasta. This chemo cycle has hit hard with all the usual side effects; however, the main problem is bone pain. Joan made me a heat pack [field corn in a denim sack, heat in microwave] which helps and is easier to manage than pain pills. Domino and I snuggled down under 3 blankets last night and we still would have welcomed another warm dog!!!
Chemo #5 has been rough going into the cycle; it could be that it runs through the rigors faster as well. Let’s hope that is the case. The mouth sores aren’t the big swollen sores, rather just mouth pain more generalized. I have a medication for this which makes the mouth numb, a very acceptable situation. It isn’t a cure, just a temporary treatment. The nausea is manageable except for the “metal mouth” syndrome, tasting metal with every burp or swallow. Knowing what problems to expect helps….knowing the problems will end helps even more. I’m just impatient.
Back to the hot tea.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Chemo #5 is on board!!!
What a relief to be within 1 chemo infusion of the end!!! When this grueling chemo adventure started it felt like I was going to be drugged forever. And I wondered if/how I could endure it. Well, I did it because I had amazing support from husband, kids, family and amazing friends. When I needed encouragement some one just appeared with the right words or treats to keep me going. Thank you each and every one.
My blood values stayed up this cycle and my blood pressure was normal. I went into the infusion with some mouth sores so was anticipating more problems than happened. Carolyn was my escort and supervisor this infusion. She kept me provided with ice chips. Keeping ice chips in my mouth for an hour before, during, and after the red drug infusion has been a wonderful trick to chemo management. Post infusion I was tired and napped for a long time.
So far into the post infusion stage I’m just fatigued….to the max fatigued. Dr said that the chemo effects are cumulative and he is so right. I had to increase the nausea pills. There is no solution for the fatigue except an industrial strength nap with my sleeper helper. We are under an ice storm situation in North Texas so nothing is happening outside anyway. The electric was off part of the night so the house was chilling this morning. Domino snuggled up and slept in until . We had rolling black outs of electric all day. I was back in bed by 2 and slept until 5. And I accomplished nothing in between 9 and 2. Big day, huh?
It takes about 6 months to get strength back after chemo ends. Apparently there is a free resource for cancer patients that the Dr can refer me to. I hate exercise but I will have to do the drills to get back to travel mode. That will be my motivation. Where to go first???
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Traveling while bald…
I’ve been out and about these last few days because I have felt good and the weather has been very nice. I always wear a hat or scarf or cap when I go out. This doesn’t hide the fact that I have no hair. It does keep my head warm. Just walking through the house can be too much of a draft/breeze sometimes so coverage of some ilk is necessary. I’m not overly self conscious about the headgear anymore as it feels more normal to me after all these weeks. So sometimes I’m surprised when others approach me with comments or to talk chemo.
Husband and I made a run to Costco recently. A woman stopped us in the coffee isle to talk chemo. She opened the conversation by saying “I noticed your hat. Where are you doing your chemo? I recently finished up at TXOncology.” So the conversation goes on for several minutes.
I felt good enough to go to an estate sale this week. I love estate sales which have sewing “stuff” because there just might be something there that I don’t have!!! It is more likely that there is something there that I have already but don’t mind having more of it. This week I took a mask [in case there were kids or coughers around], a bottle of anti-bacterial lotion and off I went to my first estate sale in months. It was a good one!!! I got too hot back in the sewing room so took off my hat [my personal vent-a-hood] and went back to digging in boxes. I was having so much fun I forgot the hat was off until 2 women started talking to me about their chemo experiences.
When I go to the Bernina store there is always “chemo talk.” Several of the staff women have been through various breast surgeries and chemo treatments. Almost every time a few customers join in the conversation and have something positive to offer. I’ve learned some good tricks from these women.
I was in the Donut shop this morning wearing my newest hat from my friend Joan. As I left with my little sack of treats a women in the order line said “Bless you.” My first thought was “I didn’t sneeze, did I?” And then I realized she identified me as a chemo patient. Ahhh.
Obviously I’ve joined a sorority of chemo victims and am readily identifiable by my headgear atop my bald head. It doesn’t appear that the women who stop me to talk are being overly solicitous or wanting to compare horror stories. It is more like “who [doctor], what [cancer], where [treatment center], and when [completed].” Once notes are compared we each go our separate ways.... anonymously.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
What shall I do for a reward??
I can count the number of remaining chemo infusions on my 2 thumbs. Isn’t that wonderful!! I have had a few rough chemo cycles and some not quite so rough. I understand that radiation is a different challenge. The biggest side effect is fatigue which I’ve certainly had experience with during chemo. Maybe it will be easier to deal with the fatigue when I don’t have the nausea and gagging at the same time.
OK, so now it is time to begin the planning for a nice reward for completing cancer treatment. I’m not going to make a commitment until I get the “all clear” from the oncologist. However this is a big deal for me and I want to begin thinking about it now even before treatment is completed.
What do you suggest? I’ve thought about a new sewing machine. Or maybe a trip to Europe . We want to take that river boat cruise from Amsterdam Basel
Then I thought that you might have an even better idea. Maybe I’m thinking too traditional or narrow. Surprise me with some suggestions for a reward for completing chemo and radiation.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Planning an ESCAPE….
Blog 54
Shhhhh….I am planning an escape from the house. Don’t get me wrong; I love my house. I’ve just seen too much of it lately. I have a couple of lunch plans to make for these last few good days. Yes……I’m out of here!!! Husband and the dog will just have to get along alone for a while. I’m going out with some girl friends!!
Yesterday we went to Costco for a major grocery re-stocking. Today was spent fitting all that stuff into the pantry. What is the ratio between the volume of the stuff I put in the cart and the expansion that happens between Costco and home? I can’t get it right!! How come a cart load equals half a Jeep load but becomes double a panty load?
Today I played in the sewing room. I’m making covers for my sewing machines and serger. I have an old “cutter” quilt that I used years ago to make a valance for the sewing room. Using some of the remaining quilt for covers should give a coordinated look to the room. I finished up a stack of fancy napkins that I started last year. It’s just one little project after another. Yes!!!
The cleaning crew came today. “O, how I love thee! Let me count the ways!” That’s a love song, I think. Maybe a poem. Whatever. I love seeing these women coming in and working their magic in record time. They are always so happy and upbeat. When I’m too sick or tired to get out of the front bedroom, they work around me so quietly I sometimes don’t know when they leave. When I’m up in the sewing room they are so encouraging. We don’t have a common language but we manage to communicate. Having the house clean makes other things more tolerable.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Ahh….such a good day!!!
Wouldn’t it be great to feel good every day and not even notice it???? I want to get back to a point where I EXPECT to feel good everyday and/or all day!!! Today I tried to enjoy every hour of this day because each one was pain free and gag free. I paced my activities so keep going without side effects cropping up.
We had a great visit with Katherine on Skype this morning. She is getting some snow in Basel Europe . Most people don’t have personal cars. Cars are expensive and parking places are few and gas is about double what we pay here. She uses a “rent-a-car” service called Mobility Car on those rare times when she needs a vehicle. The reservation is done online; the car is located near a tram stop and is opened with her Mobility card. She can rent by the hour, day or week. This sure beats the cost of ownership.
It is high time that I start planning my next trip to Switzerland Europe at least twice. Generally we take a tour and begin or end with a trip to Basel Prague Paris Zurich Basel Prague Paris Basel Europe . Evan has wanted to take a river cruise from Amsterdam Basel
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Middle of the Night Brain Storm
How come some of the best ideas come either in the shower or in the middle of the night? Maybe because we are more relaxed. So here’s my story. My sister is doing a treatment program for pre-cancerous sun damage spots on her face. The results are that she looks really blotchy now. When she is out shopping people stare because these blotches are red and flake off. And even worse the cold wind hurts when it hits the spots. Well, first, I think it is the pits that both of us have to deal with cancer. One victim per family is plenty, thank you whomever. Second, it is not nice to stare at some nice lady just because she has spots on her face or no hair on her head. I emailed Barbara that she should consider adapting a Muslim attire of scarves with a half veil and offered some of my scarves from Turkey
I went to sleep thinking about hats and scarves. When I woke up at I had a brain storm. Why not use an allergy mask to cover the face spots? Duh, that was simple! So then in the Dallas Morning News this morning there was an ad for a very clever creatively decorated allergy mask!! So off to the sewing room I went with a free allergy mask to use as a pattern. I have a respectable stash of fabric and beads on hand. All that I needed was a 6 in X 8 in piece of thin cotton fabric with flower or decorative motif, 8 in of elastic and 1 trash bag twist tie. Here are the directions: Make 6 accordion folds in the long side of the fabric and press. Serge or bind the edges. Encase the tie in the top edge [the accordion pleats point down]. Stitch a 4 in loop of elastic on each end of the mask. VOILA!! Get this: the ad in the paper offered these masks for $7.50 each!!! I could add the fancy beads and would be hard pressed to have $1.00 in a mask!!
When we talked this afternoon we concluded that a decorated mask would just draw attention to her face. So she will just pick up some masks at the pharmacy. O well, it was a thought.
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