I have been reading, and watching online videos about VEGETABLE JUICING. Today I decided to venture into this rhealm...just sticking one toe in the water, so to speak. I rescued my Vita Mix machine purchased years ago when I thought it was a great idea, and dusted it off, and filled it with Kale (loaded with vitamins!) spinach leaves, one apple, one banana, two celery stalks, 1/3 of a cucumber, 1 carrot, and about 12 ounces of water.
It filled three 12 ounce glasses with a thick, green mixture which turned-out to be not at all unpleasant. I drank them down. Wallah! I got all my veggies and fruits for one day in one sitting. Mind you, this was not officially "juicing". This concoction has all the fiber in it, When one is using an actual juicer [which is also tucked-away in the high cupboard above the fridge]
all the pulp is removed, and you actually have nothing but the juice. I figured I could use some more fiber in my diet, not less.
I must admit, I awoke this morning feeling run-down and sluggish, so I thought I would give this a try. About one hour later, I noticed a boost in my energy level! That was encouraging. I shall try this again tomorrow. One day at a time, and see how I am feeling after a week or so.
The added benefit was, it gave me a good reason to clear out my fridge!
As for yesterday, I got to do something simple that made me feel like less of a slug. My friend needed a ride to and from her Dr. appointment, fairly close to home, and I was happy to drive her. Driving does not cause me any strain, and I love an excuse to get out of here. It gave me a small chance to "pay it forward" for all the help and kindness I have received during my recovery time.
In the meanwhile, I had a 'slip of the brain' and forgot I was supposed to meet up with Sandy from work. Thank Goodness she called me in the morning to remind me! We got some lunch, and then played with our laptops, and figured out a few things. We will definately need to do it some more. By later in the afternoon, I started to snooze on her. Forgive me, Sandy!
In the evening, Michelle and John stopped-by and we had a fun chat. I am sad they are moving away...:(
GOOD FRIENDS ARE LIKE MEDICINE (without the yucky after-taste)! LOL
Love you all!
Mary
Friday, July 29, 2011
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Went to the Doctor and the Doctor Said....
No, she didn't say, "That's what ya get for Jumpin' on the Bed!"
Here is what I learned from the Oncologist, Dr. Nagargoje (Dr. N) today:
My cancer was stage 3, which is a good thing. That's the treatable kind.
It was a grade 2 cancer, meaning not too mutated from the original cells. Good thing.
It was hormonally based, so there are follow-up treatments for that after the chemo is done to give me more of a chance of not developing this kind of cancer again. Good thing.
She is going to have another new test run on the tissue to determine my need for chemotherapy. I will not get those results for about two weeks (I know...more waiting).
They flushed-out my port, and took some more blood for testing. Ouch! I naively thought that the port would make this a painless procedure, but it still hurts like a bugger when they stick the needle in. Thankfully, they have a prescription for me to get a salve to put on before I go for more treatments. It will numb the skin, so the "stick" won't be felt so acutely.
Everyone was super-nice and very personable. Good thing.
I have appointments next week to take a class about the chemotherapy process.
Having a test on my heart for a base to monitor it during and after chemo.
Going to meet the radiation Doctor.
Unrelated to Chemo.: will also go get my DOT physical. I am hoping to be able to drive the bus in the mornings when school begins. BUT, this will be conditional upon how well I tolerate the chemo, as far as illness and tiredness go. I'm crossing my fingers on this one.
Now, I am going to take a short nap before I go make a few more cards.
Love you all!
Mary
Here is what I learned from the Oncologist, Dr. Nagargoje (Dr. N) today:
My cancer was stage 3, which is a good thing. That's the treatable kind.
It was a grade 2 cancer, meaning not too mutated from the original cells. Good thing.
It was hormonally based, so there are follow-up treatments for that after the chemo is done to give me more of a chance of not developing this kind of cancer again. Good thing.
She is going to have another new test run on the tissue to determine my need for chemotherapy. I will not get those results for about two weeks (I know...more waiting).
They flushed-out my port, and took some more blood for testing. Ouch! I naively thought that the port would make this a painless procedure, but it still hurts like a bugger when they stick the needle in. Thankfully, they have a prescription for me to get a salve to put on before I go for more treatments. It will numb the skin, so the "stick" won't be felt so acutely.
Everyone was super-nice and very personable. Good thing.
I have appointments next week to take a class about the chemotherapy process.
Having a test on my heart for a base to monitor it during and after chemo.
Going to meet the radiation Doctor.
Unrelated to Chemo.: will also go get my DOT physical. I am hoping to be able to drive the bus in the mornings when school begins. BUT, this will be conditional upon how well I tolerate the chemo, as far as illness and tiredness go. I'm crossing my fingers on this one.
Now, I am going to take a short nap before I go make a few more cards.
Love you all!
Mary
Monday, July 25, 2011
Getting Anxious
I am trying to stay occupied so I don't over-think my upcoming treatments. Being a novice, I don't really know what to expect, which is a blessing. I go this Wednesday to find out what's going to be happening.
I did some laundry this morning, showered, and met some friends for lunch. Then I went shopping for some gifts. I got home in the evening.
I will be going to bed early, because I will be spending the day tomorrow with teenaged twins, and I know they will tire me out! LOL!
Am feeling generally well, and hope you all are, as well.
Love to you all!
Mary
I did some laundry this morning, showered, and met some friends for lunch. Then I went shopping for some gifts. I got home in the evening.
I will be going to bed early, because I will be spending the day tomorrow with teenaged twins, and I know they will tire me out! LOL!
Am feeling generally well, and hope you all are, as well.
Love to you all!
Mary
Sunday, July 24, 2011
With Gratitude
Just a Note of Gratitude...
THANK YOU! To EVERYONE who came to the Benefit...it was so fun to visit with everyone! I also want to thank my sister, Teri Keeney, and my niece, Tess Bellamy, for hosting this event. There are not enough words to express my gratitude to them for the monumental effort they put forth to make this happen.
I am humbled by everyone's generosity. It has taken a huge financial burden off my shoulders, not to mention that I feel so blessed to have people in my life that are so giving.
I will add more later, but I did want to say THANKS!
Love you ALL!
Mary
THANK YOU! To EVERYONE who came to the Benefit...it was so fun to visit with everyone! I also want to thank my sister, Teri Keeney, and my niece, Tess Bellamy, for hosting this event. There are not enough words to express my gratitude to them for the monumental effort they put forth to make this happen.
I am humbled by everyone's generosity. It has taken a huge financial burden off my shoulders, not to mention that I feel so blessed to have people in my life that are so giving.
I will add more later, but I did want to say THANKS!
Love you ALL!
Mary
Saturday, July 23, 2011
BENEFIT REMINDER
The information for my Breast Cancer Benefit was posted a few days ago. If you have any questions, you can also contact Teri or Tess.
More later,
Love you all!
Mary
More later,
Love you all!
Mary
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
The Cold Head is Dead...
I talked to my oncology nurse about the Cold Cap idea. My Clinic doesn't have the technology available. It is quite the procedure. Not even sure I would want to put up with the brain-freeze from the outside in. The cap is kept in a special freezer at 20 degrees, It has to be changed every fifteen minutes during the whole chemo. procedure and for a few hours after. It sounds like a pain above the neck to me.
She did tell me that there are several clinics down in Minneapolis that do offer it, but I am not willing to change oncologists OR drive all the way down there and back for all my treatments. Have resigned myself to just lose the hair and wear a wig! kay sara sara.
I also asked about the possibility of interrupting my treatments in September when my daughter is ready to give birth. She said that sounds very possible. That would really cheer me up! I would go out with Joni (the other Grandma, who also happens to be a long-time friend of mine) and Gary. We shall see how that pans out.
Today I was recuperating from doing too much walking around this weekend without my decent shoes on. I am having severe pain in my right heel when I stand up to walk. I am sure it is a problem from not having proper support and my tendons in my heel are complaining big time.
This weekend is the Benefit my sister and niece are hosting in my behalf. It will be a welcome help, as the bills are beginning to pile up. I could not believe what it cost for 1 1/2 days in the hospital, and that doesn't cover the surgeon, the clinics, labs, etc. etc. etc.
I am in good spirits, and am healing well. I move my arms as much as possible to get my muscle tone back. So far, so good.
Love you all!
Mary
She did tell me that there are several clinics down in Minneapolis that do offer it, but I am not willing to change oncologists OR drive all the way down there and back for all my treatments. Have resigned myself to just lose the hair and wear a wig! kay sara sara.
I also asked about the possibility of interrupting my treatments in September when my daughter is ready to give birth. She said that sounds very possible. That would really cheer me up! I would go out with Joni (the other Grandma, who also happens to be a long-time friend of mine) and Gary. We shall see how that pans out.
Today I was recuperating from doing too much walking around this weekend without my decent shoes on. I am having severe pain in my right heel when I stand up to walk. I am sure it is a problem from not having proper support and my tendons in my heel are complaining big time.
This weekend is the Benefit my sister and niece are hosting in my behalf. It will be a welcome help, as the bills are beginning to pile up. I could not believe what it cost for 1 1/2 days in the hospital, and that doesn't cover the surgeon, the clinics, labs, etc. etc. etc.
I am in good spirits, and am healing well. I move my arms as much as possible to get my muscle tone back. So far, so good.
Love you all!
Mary
Monday, July 18, 2011
It's Another HOT ONE!
All I can say is, THANK GOODNESS FOR AIR CONDITIONING!
Yesterday (Sunday) I decided to venture out and go to church! It felt warm on the trip out of the house and into the car (which is also air conditioned). It was very pleasant to spend the afternoon with good people. Just plain nice to be anywhere but stuck at home. Don't get me wrong, I love my home, but anything gets old after too much of it.
When I came out of the church through the second set of doors to the outside, I was hit by a blast furnace of hot air!!! It was stifling. SO glad I could flip a switch and cool the inside of the car down in no-time flat. Drove home, changed clothes and headed up to Mom's because she made dinner for her crew...Gary and Becky and John, who spent the day re-building the retaining wall that got washed out by 6 inches of rain on Friday night!
After the wonderful roast beef dinner, we played a game called Joker. It is a lot like the old game "Sorry" we used to play as kids, except with cards. Mom had an ulterior motive...she wanted revenge for losing to Gary and Ralph last Tuesday when we played Sequence and got trounced by them. It was a close game of Joker, but the women won! Yay Girls!
Each day, I feel a bit better, less sore, and am slowly getting the kinks out of my left arm. I do little stretching exercises to get my muscles back into shape. One week to go before I see the oncologist. Then I'll find out what I'm really in for.
This morning I Skyped with my daughter and granddaughter. It is so fun to see them, as well as talk to them. Fiona throws me lots of kisses! She is so busy, though...her attention span on the screen is about 2 minutes, and then she is ready for the next activity. It makes my heart happy to be able to see her in motion, at least! Tacy is looking and doing well with her pregnancy. She is due in September. That is SO exciting!
I am still trying to figure out when I can work-in a trip out there to Utah. I want to see them, and I also would like to be there when my new granddaughter is born...we shall see.
For now, that's it!
Love you all!
Mary
Yesterday (Sunday) I decided to venture out and go to church! It felt warm on the trip out of the house and into the car (which is also air conditioned). It was very pleasant to spend the afternoon with good people. Just plain nice to be anywhere but stuck at home. Don't get me wrong, I love my home, but anything gets old after too much of it.
When I came out of the church through the second set of doors to the outside, I was hit by a blast furnace of hot air!!! It was stifling. SO glad I could flip a switch and cool the inside of the car down in no-time flat. Drove home, changed clothes and headed up to Mom's because she made dinner for her crew...Gary and Becky and John, who spent the day re-building the retaining wall that got washed out by 6 inches of rain on Friday night!
After the wonderful roast beef dinner, we played a game called Joker. It is a lot like the old game "Sorry" we used to play as kids, except with cards. Mom had an ulterior motive...she wanted revenge for losing to Gary and Ralph last Tuesday when we played Sequence and got trounced by them. It was a close game of Joker, but the women won! Yay Girls!
Each day, I feel a bit better, less sore, and am slowly getting the kinks out of my left arm. I do little stretching exercises to get my muscles back into shape. One week to go before I see the oncologist. Then I'll find out what I'm really in for.
This morning I Skyped with my daughter and granddaughter. It is so fun to see them, as well as talk to them. Fiona throws me lots of kisses! She is so busy, though...her attention span on the screen is about 2 minutes, and then she is ready for the next activity. It makes my heart happy to be able to see her in motion, at least! Tacy is looking and doing well with her pregnancy. She is due in September. That is SO exciting!
I am still trying to figure out when I can work-in a trip out there to Utah. I want to see them, and I also would like to be there when my new granddaughter is born...we shall see.
For now, that's it!
Love you all!
Mary
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Caution: Brain Exploding!
Today I got a text from my dear friend, Suz: "This is from Rylee. [her daughter] --Mary should get a cold cap for when she does chemotherapy". When I asked her what a cold cap was, she replied, "Google it". Having nothing better to do (see previous posts), I did, and found out that:
A cold cap is a helmet-looking covering for the head which is cooled down to a very cold temp (sorry, can't remember the degrees). You wear this during and for a few hours following chemo. and it's purpose is to restrict the blood vessels leading to the hair follicles and wallah! no hair loss as a result of chemo.!!! Sounds like a plan to me!
Read a good many testimonials, and yes, some "pooh-poohed" it. But the positives far outweighed the negatives. In fact, the negatives reminded me of my cranky stepmother telling me to "just endure it" when I had blinding headaches as a teen...when I knew full well that a few aspirin did the trick nicely. (My thinking was, "why should I suffer needlessly?)
That's how I feel about the cold cap. Why should I have to walk around bald (and depressed about it) if I do not have to? So I am going to research this out further. Most of the testimonials by users said it really boosted their moral to go through chemo looking normal.
OH, but that's not the end of the story...THEN I got a call from a nurse practitioner from my Health Insurance [yes, I'm already suspicious of her motives]. She said she was "assigned" to my case. She is there to help me with any questions or concerns I may have about my treatments, etc. So, I of course, asked her about the cold cap...she had never even heard of it!!! That made me feel really confident in her ability to offer me any useful help through this...not.
Let me explain that from what I have read, this device has been used all over the world for many years now, and the US is still "testing" to see if it is "safe". There are no known bad effects from any of the testing that has been done. But I am sure there is some kind of monetary reason for them withholding the information from the American Public.
The Insurance Nurse emailed me later in the day to inform me that there is no coverage for this device at this time. (Major Bummer, but no big surprise there). Having been a salesperson in the past, I do not easily take "No" for an answer...I shall keep on it.
Then, there was a post on my Facebook for something called the "Vibe" machine, which is supposed to cure all kinds of malladies. I don't know how it got posted on my Facebook, because I did not put it there...that makes my brain want to explode. So I went to the link and read all about the "Vibe" machine, and don't have a strong opinion one way or the other.
Just for the record, I am not willing to mess around with my health and healing at this point. I know a LOT of people, men and women, who have undergone chemotherapy for cancer, and while it seems barbaric and torturous in many respects, it's saved a lot of peoples' lives. I would not be adverse to trying some kinds of "natural" cures in addition to chemo, but I don't intend to try and outwit known science...I'm just not that smart at this point.
What I am going to need to do is hunker down and get through it. I am going to need a lot of "gumption" and even more faith in my ability to heal and survive. I need all of the prayers, and good thoughts and positive vibes I can collect. In other words, I still need encouragement, and love to get through this. I BELIEVE IN THOSE THINGS. Even hearing second-hand that people are thinking about me gives me strength. So keep it coming. Give me a call. Don't EVER think you will be bothering me! Even when I happen to get nudged out of a nap, I DON'T CARE, because I have plenty of time to sleep, believe me. And I LOVE to see you when you come to visit me. It makes me feel alive, and takes my mind off of myself for a little while.
And maybe, just maybe, the cold cap may keep my Brain from Exploding!
Love you all!
Mary
A cold cap is a helmet-looking covering for the head which is cooled down to a very cold temp (sorry, can't remember the degrees). You wear this during and for a few hours following chemo. and it's purpose is to restrict the blood vessels leading to the hair follicles and wallah! no hair loss as a result of chemo.!!! Sounds like a plan to me!
Read a good many testimonials, and yes, some "pooh-poohed" it. But the positives far outweighed the negatives. In fact, the negatives reminded me of my cranky stepmother telling me to "just endure it" when I had blinding headaches as a teen...when I knew full well that a few aspirin did the trick nicely. (My thinking was, "why should I suffer needlessly?)
That's how I feel about the cold cap. Why should I have to walk around bald (and depressed about it) if I do not have to? So I am going to research this out further. Most of the testimonials by users said it really boosted their moral to go through chemo looking normal.
OH, but that's not the end of the story...THEN I got a call from a nurse practitioner from my Health Insurance [yes, I'm already suspicious of her motives]. She said she was "assigned" to my case. She is there to help me with any questions or concerns I may have about my treatments, etc. So, I of course, asked her about the cold cap...she had never even heard of it!!! That made me feel really confident in her ability to offer me any useful help through this...not.
Let me explain that from what I have read, this device has been used all over the world for many years now, and the US is still "testing" to see if it is "safe". There are no known bad effects from any of the testing that has been done. But I am sure there is some kind of monetary reason for them withholding the information from the American Public.
The Insurance Nurse emailed me later in the day to inform me that there is no coverage for this device at this time. (Major Bummer, but no big surprise there). Having been a salesperson in the past, I do not easily take "No" for an answer...I shall keep on it.
Then, there was a post on my Facebook for something called the "Vibe" machine, which is supposed to cure all kinds of malladies. I don't know how it got posted on my Facebook, because I did not put it there...that makes my brain want to explode. So I went to the link and read all about the "Vibe" machine, and don't have a strong opinion one way or the other.
Just for the record, I am not willing to mess around with my health and healing at this point. I know a LOT of people, men and women, who have undergone chemotherapy for cancer, and while it seems barbaric and torturous in many respects, it's saved a lot of peoples' lives. I would not be adverse to trying some kinds of "natural" cures in addition to chemo, but I don't intend to try and outwit known science...I'm just not that smart at this point.
What I am going to need to do is hunker down and get through it. I am going to need a lot of "gumption" and even more faith in my ability to heal and survive. I need all of the prayers, and good thoughts and positive vibes I can collect. In other words, I still need encouragement, and love to get through this. I BELIEVE IN THOSE THINGS. Even hearing second-hand that people are thinking about me gives me strength. So keep it coming. Give me a call. Don't EVER think you will be bothering me! Even when I happen to get nudged out of a nap, I DON'T CARE, because I have plenty of time to sleep, believe me. And I LOVE to see you when you come to visit me. It makes me feel alive, and takes my mind off of myself for a little while.
And maybe, just maybe, the cold cap may keep my Brain from Exploding!
Love you all!
Mary
Benefit
My Niece, Tess Bellamy, and my sister, Teri Keeney, are holding a Benefit for me on July 23rd. My friend, Patty held one for me in May, and so I realize that some of you may have attended that one. However, that was the Memorial Day Weekend and a lot of people were out of town, etc.
This is just information for those of you who may want to attend this one:
Benefit for Mary LaBarre Krause
On July 23rd, 2011
1-5 pm
Spaghetti Dinner (with all the fixin's)
Adults $10 Children ages 2-11 $5.00
There will be door prizes and a silent auction.
Held at First Lutheran Church
463 Maria Ave
St. Paul, MN 55106
Tess Bellamy 651-724-0980 or Teri Keeney 651-724-0981
I would love to see anyone of you if you can come! I am expecting to be feeling quite well by then, and am planning to be there! Every day gets a little better and I am less sore. That is encouraging. The Benefit will happen shortly before I begin Radiation and Chemo. So I would love to see y'all before I start feeling yucky again.
Love you all!
Mary
This is just information for those of you who may want to attend this one:
Benefit for Mary LaBarre Krause
On July 23rd, 2011
1-5 pm
Spaghetti Dinner (with all the fixin's)
Adults $10 Children ages 2-11 $5.00
There will be door prizes and a silent auction.
Held at First Lutheran Church
463 Maria Ave
St. Paul, MN 55106
Tess Bellamy 651-724-0980 or Teri Keeney 651-724-0981
I would love to see anyone of you if you can come! I am expecting to be feeling quite well by then, and am planning to be there! Every day gets a little better and I am less sore. That is encouraging. The Benefit will happen shortly before I begin Radiation and Chemo. So I would love to see y'all before I start feeling yucky again.
Love you all!
Mary
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
A Good Day
Didn't have much to write about the past few days. The highlight of yesterday was Sandy coming over for a visit after she was done driving the school bus. We had a very fun visit. I always enjoy her company.
Rhonda, who grew up next door, was here visiting at her parent's house. She came over and offered to pull some weeds out of my front yard garden! That woman is a machine! My garden was being overtaken by some nasty, invasive weeds that were choking out my beautiful perrenials. Rhonda to the rescue!
Today felt like a turning point for me. I woke up kinda late, but I felt so much better than I have in weeks. The soreness under my arm was almost nothing. (This evening, it's a different story). In the meanwhile, I did a few little jobs around the house that did not involve any heavy lifting, and then my Brother-in Law, John, came over in the afternoon and did some major weeding in my back yard along the north fence. It now looks fabulous! That was such a big help. It would have taken me DAYS to do what he did in a few hours! (Not to mention that I probably would not be doing that kind of work at this time...too hard on my bad arm, and the knees, too). John, I appreciate it!
I also got a little shopping done...just household stuff from WalMart. It just felt good to do something "normal" for a change. Then we went to Gary's parent's house for dinner, and a rousing game of Sequence. Gary and Ralph were merciless. They beat us so bad. Thanks, Mom (Edith) for the wonderful meal, and the visit!
It is fun to begin to have things to look forward to again.
Love you All! Thanks for caring.
Mary
Rhonda, who grew up next door, was here visiting at her parent's house. She came over and offered to pull some weeds out of my front yard garden! That woman is a machine! My garden was being overtaken by some nasty, invasive weeds that were choking out my beautiful perrenials. Rhonda to the rescue!
Today felt like a turning point for me. I woke up kinda late, but I felt so much better than I have in weeks. The soreness under my arm was almost nothing. (This evening, it's a different story). In the meanwhile, I did a few little jobs around the house that did not involve any heavy lifting, and then my Brother-in Law, John, came over in the afternoon and did some major weeding in my back yard along the north fence. It now looks fabulous! That was such a big help. It would have taken me DAYS to do what he did in a few hours! (Not to mention that I probably would not be doing that kind of work at this time...too hard on my bad arm, and the knees, too). John, I appreciate it!
I also got a little shopping done...just household stuff from WalMart. It just felt good to do something "normal" for a change. Then we went to Gary's parent's house for dinner, and a rousing game of Sequence. Gary and Ralph were merciless. They beat us so bad. Thanks, Mom (Edith) for the wonderful meal, and the visit!
It is fun to begin to have things to look forward to again.
Love you All! Thanks for caring.
Mary
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Improving Slowly
I am encouraged today, because my pain is minimal, and I am getting lots of rest. I have some swelling, which I expected might happen after the drain tube was removed, but it is manageable. Thank goodness there is currently no sign of infection. That makes the healing go faster!
I have been hanging out at home, (of course) and doing little "projects" like organizing my pills, and going through mail, and working on my homemade cards. These are all things I can do sitting down, with a minimum of movement, so they don't irritate the wounds.
I am not taking any pain killers today, and probably won't until bedtime, because they do help me to sleep soundly and get a good night's rest. Normally, if I slept as much as I have been during daylight hours, I would be very restless at night. The pain medication helps to keep that to a minimum, too.
I have had a few visitors, and this has saved my sanity. ...LOVE MY FRIENDS!!! "Keep those calls and letters comin' in, folks!" LOL! (That's an inside joke for those of you old enough to remember the Dean Martin Show)
More later,
Love you ALL!
Mary :)
I have been hanging out at home, (of course) and doing little "projects" like organizing my pills, and going through mail, and working on my homemade cards. These are all things I can do sitting down, with a minimum of movement, so they don't irritate the wounds.
I am not taking any pain killers today, and probably won't until bedtime, because they do help me to sleep soundly and get a good night's rest. Normally, if I slept as much as I have been during daylight hours, I would be very restless at night. The pain medication helps to keep that to a minimum, too.
I have had a few visitors, and this has saved my sanity. ...LOVE MY FRIENDS!!! "Keep those calls and letters comin' in, folks!" LOL! (That's an inside joke for those of you old enough to remember the Dean Martin Show)
More later,
Love you ALL!
Mary :)
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Doctor Update
Went to see Dr. Schmidt my surgeon today. She took out the pesky drain tube. It was so irritated at the exit wound that she decided it would be better to let it heal. So now I'm on antibiotics for another week, and I have to keep an eye on it.
I'm having a bear of a time with the ace bandage I'm supposed to keep wrapped around me. The original one I got in the hospital is about 12 feet long, and goes around me four times. The hospital sent me home with a second one, and it is only about 5 feet long, and just does not stay in place. In fact, this long one I have on right now is wadding up on my back and driving me bonkers as I lay in bed! Doc gave me a prescription for 2 more bandages like my long one. Gary picked it up for me, and it's even shorter than the other one. AND, it is wide, but thin and will not stay put either, so I'm gonna have to get that exchanged so I can get the right kind.
As for the surgery, she took out 19 lymph glands, and 6 of them were cancerous. 4 were worse than the other 2. As for the main "lumps" She got a good margin healthy tissue around the tumors that had spread throughout the tissue. SO, I think that means she got it out, as far as is possible to tell.
Because of the number of lymph glands involved, I will need to have radiation, as well as chemotherapy...bummer. Now I just have to take it easy and heal. That is the hardest thing for me to do. I wanna DO stuff! Please pray for me to have patience with this process. I'm already losin' it...
Well, gotta go wrestle with this snake around me some more so I can sleep comfortably.
Love you ALL!
Mary
I'm having a bear of a time with the ace bandage I'm supposed to keep wrapped around me. The original one I got in the hospital is about 12 feet long, and goes around me four times. The hospital sent me home with a second one, and it is only about 5 feet long, and just does not stay in place. In fact, this long one I have on right now is wadding up on my back and driving me bonkers as I lay in bed! Doc gave me a prescription for 2 more bandages like my long one. Gary picked it up for me, and it's even shorter than the other one. AND, it is wide, but thin and will not stay put either, so I'm gonna have to get that exchanged so I can get the right kind.
As for the surgery, she took out 19 lymph glands, and 6 of them were cancerous. 4 were worse than the other 2. As for the main "lumps" She got a good margin healthy tissue around the tumors that had spread throughout the tissue. SO, I think that means she got it out, as far as is possible to tell.
Because of the number of lymph glands involved, I will need to have radiation, as well as chemotherapy...bummer. Now I just have to take it easy and heal. That is the hardest thing for me to do. I wanna DO stuff! Please pray for me to have patience with this process. I'm already losin' it...
Well, gotta go wrestle with this snake around me some more so I can sleep comfortably.
Love you ALL!
Mary
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Out of Commission
OK ! UNCLE! I GIVE IN! SO I have to relent and take it at an even slower pace! I am lying on my back in bed as I type this....slow going. I have been moving around too much and have pulled on my draintube enough to cause it to be very irritated at the point where it exits my skin. My friend, Vicki, who is a nurse, came over last night to do some doctoring on it. It felt much better by morning, and it does fairly well as long as I remain still. What a drag! I am not a very patient patient!
I slept fairly well last night, and then continued to sleep until 11:00 this morning...and then a bit later on I took a three hour nap! (I guess I must have needed it)
There are so many MORE things I would rather be doing than lying around. I just hate it when I have time off work, and I'm not well enough to actually enjoy it! Yes, I realize I am whining.
On the brighter side, my surgery scar is healing quite well. I will be seeing my doctor tomorrow and will hopefully find out all the other details of the pathology report, etc. I do not have my hopes up about getting this drain tube out yet, because I am still "leaking" quite a bit, and so it is better to leave it in when that is the case. Healing is so much better when that stuff can get out quicker.
In the meanwhile, I will have to just lay here and watch some movies, and read my book, etc. If any of you have a mind to come visit me to keep me from going stark, raving MAD, please do. I always love to visit, and talking doesn't hurt me any! Please don't ever think you are bugging me.
The ladies at church have been faithfully bringing meals in each day since surgery, so I don't have to cook--(neither does Gary, thank goodness!) just kidding, Gare. LOL!
Well, tomorrow I shall have more to report. Until then, enjoy the beautiful weather out there!
Love you All!
Mary
Monday, July 4, 2011
Hooray for the Red, White and Blue
Happy Fourth of July, Everyone!
This has been one of my favorite celebrations throughout the years...perhaps because it is legal to blow stuff up without disturbing the peace and getting arrested!
Today, Gary and I got "outta Dodge". He took me for a ride in the country as per my request, and we spent the day enjoying the scenery. We headed towards Taylor's Falls, then up the Wisconsin side of the St. Croix River to Siren, and then back into Minnesota and home again. It was quite a long trip and I did well.
Then Casie came over in the evening and we ate supper together, and then went down the road to watch fireworks. We parked on the bridge on Egret St. over Hwy 10. It's a good vantage point from which to watch the Sandcreek Park Fireworks. Now home again, and I have to catch up on my email and blog. It was a good day...much better than yesterday.
Here's hopin' I don't pay for it tomorrow! LOL!
Hope your day was filled with Fun, Family and Fireworks!
Love you All!
Mary
This has been one of my favorite celebrations throughout the years...perhaps because it is legal to blow stuff up without disturbing the peace and getting arrested!
Today, Gary and I got "outta Dodge". He took me for a ride in the country as per my request, and we spent the day enjoying the scenery. We headed towards Taylor's Falls, then up the Wisconsin side of the St. Croix River to Siren, and then back into Minnesota and home again. It was quite a long trip and I did well.
Then Casie came over in the evening and we ate supper together, and then went down the road to watch fireworks. We parked on the bridge on Egret St. over Hwy 10. It's a good vantage point from which to watch the Sandcreek Park Fireworks. Now home again, and I have to catch up on my email and blog. It was a good day...much better than yesterday.
Here's hopin' I don't pay for it tomorrow! LOL!
Hope your day was filled with Fun, Family and Fireworks!
Love you All!
Mary
Sunday, July 3, 2011
A Day Of Rest
I always dream big! I had the idea last night that I would venture out of the house today and go to church. My friend from high school, (Jackie) who still lives in my old neighborhood, sent out an invitation to a BBQ at her home this afternoon. I figured that I would just go over there (Gary is doing the driving, of course!) after church.
I awoke this morning in a good deal of pain, and took my painkillers (see yesterday's blog), ate some breakfast, and fell asleep in the rocker in the living room. Gary woke me so I could go back to bed. I slept until about 2:00 in the afternoon! (must have needed it) So much for my big plans.
So, after sleeping, I worked on my computer for a time creating cards with my new program. It takes my mind off EVERYTHING ELSE. I never did get a chance to Skype with Tacy. :( Fiona keeps insisting on sleeping...just like Grandma.)
Christy Holt came by to visit this evening, and that was very pleasant. She is such a sweet person, and I enjoy her company.
Today being Sunday, I thought I'd share something of value. I have a book called, "You Can't Afford the Luxury of a Negative Thought" by John Roger & Peter McWilliams:
I awoke this morning in a good deal of pain, and took my painkillers (see yesterday's blog), ate some breakfast, and fell asleep in the rocker in the living room. Gary woke me so I could go back to bed. I slept until about 2:00 in the afternoon! (must have needed it) So much for my big plans.
So, after sleeping, I worked on my computer for a time creating cards with my new program. It takes my mind off EVERYTHING ELSE. I never did get a chance to Skype with Tacy. :( Fiona keeps insisting on sleeping...just like Grandma.)
Christy Holt came by to visit this evening, and that was very pleasant. She is such a sweet person, and I enjoy her company.
Today being Sunday, I thought I'd share something of value. I have a book called, "You Can't Afford the Luxury of a Negative Thought" by John Roger & Peter McWilliams:
"Most people live,
whether physically,
intellectually or morally,
in a very restricted circle of
their potential being.
They make use of a very
small portion of
their possible consciousness,
and of their soul's
resources in general,
much like a man who,
out of his whole
bodily oranism,
should get into a habit of
using and moving only
his little finger.
Great emergencies and crises
show us how much greater
our vital resources are than
we had supposed."
William James
I wish you had a wonderful Sunday, and of course, a Happy Fourth of July tomorrow!
Love you All!
Mary
Saturday, July 2, 2011
The Problem with Painkillers...
Yes, there is one drawback to painkiller medicine...if it doesn't hurt, one has a tendancy to overdo it, (because it doesn't hurt). Today I pushed it a bit too far, and believe me, by my own standards, I felt like a slug...but the little bit of things I tried to do have left me feeling sore. So, I have to behave myself and get back to the chair and stay put for a few more days...aarrgghh!
Thankfully, I can do creative things on my computer, so that takes some of the boredom out of just sitting around.
Yesterday, Ben and Amanda were here to visit, and brought me some very pink flowers...quite striking! They are here in the den, where they keep me company as I write this.
This morning, Edith (Gary's Mom) stopped by. She brought the most beautiful plant--the leaves are a light pink with heather green, and a Willow Tree angel figurine called, "Healing Angel". We had such a fun visit! We ended-up in the den with the computer. I showed her my scrap book program. She is a creative type like myself, so she was fascinated with it, too.
Suz and Kim stopped to bring me some frozen "homemade" meals for later when the other meals stop coming, and fresh fruit! Mostly, I just enjoy the sweet company!
Then Heather and Richard and Macey came with tonight's dinner...Heather, that was awesome...beef and broccoli with rice...yum! Again, the visit was fun!
Later, Casie came to stay for a while, and that was nice, (even though I fell asleep on the couch while she and Gary watched NASCAR races)...it's my favorite sedative...(oh, look, theyr'e making a left turn...and another left turn and another left turn...I find it mind-numbing). For Gary, it holds another thrill altogether, [he just lives for the crashes] and I'm glad he enjoys it, as long as I am not required to stay awake! I find the drone of the motors to be a strong narcotic...snore...zzzzzz.
Casie just enjoys any kind of sport, and so they were cheering for their favorite drivers to win. All of this was lost on me, as I was deeply unconscious during the majority of the time. LOL!
So, goodnight dear friends, I am now going to take my dose of pain meds and go to sleep, and hopefully, I will feel up to going to church, even if just for the first hour. We shall see....I have to keep reminding myself that I just had major surgery...Casie certainly does!
Til next time,
Love You All,
Mary
Thankfully, I can do creative things on my computer, so that takes some of the boredom out of just sitting around.
Yesterday, Ben and Amanda were here to visit, and brought me some very pink flowers...quite striking! They are here in the den, where they keep me company as I write this.
This morning, Edith (Gary's Mom) stopped by. She brought the most beautiful plant--the leaves are a light pink with heather green, and a Willow Tree angel figurine called, "Healing Angel". We had such a fun visit! We ended-up in the den with the computer. I showed her my scrap book program. She is a creative type like myself, so she was fascinated with it, too.
Suz and Kim stopped to bring me some frozen "homemade" meals for later when the other meals stop coming, and fresh fruit! Mostly, I just enjoy the sweet company!
Then Heather and Richard and Macey came with tonight's dinner...Heather, that was awesome...beef and broccoli with rice...yum! Again, the visit was fun!
Later, Casie came to stay for a while, and that was nice, (even though I fell asleep on the couch while she and Gary watched NASCAR races)...it's my favorite sedative...(oh, look, theyr'e making a left turn...and another left turn and another left turn...I find it mind-numbing). For Gary, it holds another thrill altogether, [he just lives for the crashes] and I'm glad he enjoys it, as long as I am not required to stay awake! I find the drone of the motors to be a strong narcotic...snore...zzzzzz.
Casie just enjoys any kind of sport, and so they were cheering for their favorite drivers to win. All of this was lost on me, as I was deeply unconscious during the majority of the time. LOL!
So, goodnight dear friends, I am now going to take my dose of pain meds and go to sleep, and hopefully, I will feel up to going to church, even if just for the first hour. We shall see....I have to keep reminding myself that I just had major surgery...Casie certainly does!
Til next time,
Love You All,
Mary
Visitors
Yesterday (Thursday), I had three visitors! It really takes my mind off my worries about this and that...Sandy, my dear friend from work, and then Casie, who is one of my "Sassy Sisters", and then Chris, who used to work at Kottkes' driving bus, but moved "up" in the world to work for the school district with actual benefits, etc! I miss her at work, but it hasn't kept us from being beloved friends.
I have the most interesting and fun friends. Each of them are so individual and different, and I love them all so much! Sandy is my "big Sis", confidant, crafting buddy (more like craft-aholics!!! LOL!) She is a good listener, and I can always count on her for sage advice...(after all, she is older and wiser than I).
Then there's Casie...she is my "Lil' Sis" She keeps me young. I always tell her that I act immature so people will think I'm younger than I am! LOL!
She is also a strong woman, and full of spunk. She knows how to tell me "like it is" and I appreciate her honesty.
Mostly, though, I just love my friends because I have NO doubt that they love me (like all of you reading this!). They let me know constantly that they are concerned for me, and who can put a price tag on that? It's hard to feel too discouraged or down when there are such awesome people pulling for me. It is humbling, too, and I feel Blessed.
At suppertime on Wednesday, Gary and I worked side by side assembling a simple salad, and as we were devouring it, Georgia Garbow came by with homemade chicken pot pie and hot banana bread (yum). We saved the pot pie for Thursday nite, but did put a good-sized dent in the banana bread! Georgia is the Compasionate Service Leader at our church, and she has set up meals to be brought in for the whole next week! (And all of this while she is getting ready to go home to Hawaii for a family reunion!) ...take me with you, Georgia!...
Today, Patty Sharpe came by to visit me, and Helene Rudolph dropped-off supper for tonight (Friday) Thanks, Helene!!! She kept apologizing that it was a COLD supper...Rotisseried chicken and potato salad and dinner rolls with cheese cake for dessert. How could we possibly complain when people are so kind as to do this for us? Besides, I felt like I was having a picnic!
With the temperature over 100 degrees today, who in their right mind would want to be hanging around over a hot stove??? Gary gets so excited, because he loves not having to prepare something. Patty was laughing at him, and he said, "I just really like to eat!" (Not to mention that cheese cake is one of his all-time favorite desserts).
Oh, and lest I forget, Blanche, my next-door neighbor, who just happens to be a nurse and is a breast cancer survivor, came over to help me wrap my very LONG ace bandage around my "wound". What a lifesaver. She and Bob are two of the sweetest neighbors anyone could ever ask for! They would do anything for us in a heart-beat.
Well, this is where I have to quit for now. IF I have forgotten anyone, it is not that I am not appreciative...just brain-dead.
Love You All!
Mary
I have the most interesting and fun friends. Each of them are so individual and different, and I love them all so much! Sandy is my "big Sis", confidant, crafting buddy (more like craft-aholics!!! LOL!) She is a good listener, and I can always count on her for sage advice...(after all, she is older and wiser than I).
Then there's Casie...she is my "Lil' Sis" She keeps me young. I always tell her that I act immature so people will think I'm younger than I am! LOL!
She is also a strong woman, and full of spunk. She knows how to tell me "like it is" and I appreciate her honesty.
Mostly, though, I just love my friends because I have NO doubt that they love me (like all of you reading this!). They let me know constantly that they are concerned for me, and who can put a price tag on that? It's hard to feel too discouraged or down when there are such awesome people pulling for me. It is humbling, too, and I feel Blessed.
At suppertime on Wednesday, Gary and I worked side by side assembling a simple salad, and as we were devouring it, Georgia Garbow came by with homemade chicken pot pie and hot banana bread (yum). We saved the pot pie for Thursday nite, but did put a good-sized dent in the banana bread! Georgia is the Compasionate Service Leader at our church, and she has set up meals to be brought in for the whole next week! (And all of this while she is getting ready to go home to Hawaii for a family reunion!) ...take me with you, Georgia!...
Today, Patty Sharpe came by to visit me, and Helene Rudolph dropped-off supper for tonight (Friday) Thanks, Helene!!! She kept apologizing that it was a COLD supper...Rotisseried chicken and potato salad and dinner rolls with cheese cake for dessert. How could we possibly complain when people are so kind as to do this for us? Besides, I felt like I was having a picnic!
With the temperature over 100 degrees today, who in their right mind would want to be hanging around over a hot stove??? Gary gets so excited, because he loves not having to prepare something. Patty was laughing at him, and he said, "I just really like to eat!" (Not to mention that cheese cake is one of his all-time favorite desserts).
Oh, and lest I forget, Blanche, my next-door neighbor, who just happens to be a nurse and is a breast cancer survivor, came over to help me wrap my very LONG ace bandage around my "wound". What a lifesaver. She and Bob are two of the sweetest neighbors anyone could ever ask for! They would do anything for us in a heart-beat.
Well, this is where I have to quit for now. IF I have forgotten anyone, it is not that I am not appreciative...just brain-dead.
Love You All!
Mary
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