Butch Femme Planet

Butch Femme Planet (http://www.butchfemmeplanet.com/forum/index.php)
-   Support: Abuse, Addiction, Coping (http://www.butchfemmeplanet.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=10)
-   -   Cancer Support and Caregivers Who Are Trail Blazers! (http://www.butchfemmeplanet.com/forum/showthread.php?t=171)

clay 12-01-2011 08:02 AM

Sending positive and warm energies, healing love to CatalinaRose, to her sister, and to all else who have a need for some...and to all the Brave Warriors here......may you all find the good karma, serenity, and healing that is needed.....we are all here for one another! I heart you all..and each of YOU are a HERO to me...Clay

DapperButch 12-01-2011 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CatalinaRose (Post 477399)
Hi Everyone. I got my results today but I can't even think about them because an hour later my oldest sister called me to share news of her own. She was diagnosed 5 weeks ago with lymphoma. She has several spots and one large tumor in her left lung. I think the name if it is B-cell lymphoma. She started chemo last Friday and is feeling pretty overwhelmed by everything. She apologized profusely for not telling all of us siblings earlier but said she just needed time to come to terms with it all herself.

I am in shock. And I am so fucking angry at cancer. Lisa is this amazing, bright light of a beautiful person. She has always taken so much pride in her health...she teaches vinyasa yoga and is a massage therapist and is about to enter her thesis semester in grad school. I was laying in bed just now trying to fall asleep and the tears just came out of no where. It felt so good to have a long cry.

Please keep my wonderful sister in your thoughts if you can. And thank you all for letting me vent. I probably will be scarce for a bit since I'm entering finals week, but you are all never far from my heart.

I'm sorry this is happening to your sister. I will keep both of you in my thoughts.

When you can, please let us know the results of your colonoscopy. I, and I would suspect others, are concerned about it since you said in a prior post that you suspect that you will have to get a bowel resection. That is pretty serious stuff, so I am concerned.

Take care and hang in there the best you can.

Novelafemme 12-01-2011 09:54 AM

Hi Dapper, Thank you for being patient with me while I re-group.

So all but one of the polyps removed were PRE cancerous. Since my situation has been so unusual, along with such a stong family history of cancer, my doc sent them off for further genetic testing which all came back negative. YAY!!! So I do NOT need any further surgeries but will go back in six months for another colonoscopy and if that comes back fine then I go every year for the next five years. Since the adenoma on my appendix and colon was self contained they will monitor me closely, possibly scheduling a PET scan in the Spring and hopefully that will be that. Everything thus far has been found VERY early and has all been self contained so has been very easily treatable. The biggest concern was the mass on my appendix because they were worried it had perforated my bowel. Thankfully that did not happen! My sister's cancer was also detected VERY early. Since she was diagnosed as a stage 4, she was concerned that she had beein living with cancer for a long time. Her endo seems to think this all started about 4 months ago. I am just so thankful they found hers so early. And also thankful that we are both so in tune with our bodies that we know when something isn't right.

Thank you all for your support. It means more to me than you know. It so much easier for me to talk here about this than to anyone in real time. I just don't like that kind of attention, if that makes sense.

Hugs and love to all, CR.

Countyfem 12-01-2011 11:39 AM

[[[[[[[[[[ CatalinaRose]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]

you and your sister are in my thoughts and prayers! so glad your news was on the positive side!

Novelafemme 12-01-2011 02:45 PM

I have another quick question for those of you who have had radical hysterectomies due to cancer. Since we can't do hormone replacement therapy, what are some effective ways you all manage hot flashes and sleepless nights. My mood has been amazing since having everything out and I LOVE not having a monthly period, but the hot flashes are killing me! I have such empathy for menopausal women now...I had NO idea how yucky hot flashes could be.

I am still running which seems to help and I no longer drink alcohol <sniff> but are there other things we can do?

DapperButch 12-01-2011 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CatalinaRose (Post 477686)
I have another quick question for those of you who have had radical hysterectomies due to cancer. Since we can't do hormone replacement therapy, what are some effective ways you all manage hot flashes and sleepless nights. My mood has been amazing since having everything out and I LOVE not having a monthly period, but the hot flashes are killing me! I have such empathy for menopausal women now...I had NO idea how yucky hot flashes could be.

I am still running which seems to help and I no longer drink alcohol <sniff> but are there other things we can do?

Catalina - have you looked to see if their are supplements that are recommended to help with hot flashes? If it were me, I would start there.

JustJo 12-08-2011 10:19 AM

So....I've known that my mother was lying to me....and she arrives in two days. This is the timing in which she usually "comes clean" because she knows she can't lie to my face and get away with it.

They have extended her chemo another 6 months...and apparently she's not responding as well as she had been letting on.

Her doctor has also said that she needn't go to Miami to the top-rated chemo center for treatments, but can go right here in PSL and that will be "just fine."

I'm pretty sure that's because the chemo isn't curing anything...and is just delaying the inevitable...and he's stopped pretending otherwise.

Fuck.

clay 12-08-2011 10:24 AM

(((((((((((((((((((Debby))))))))))))))))))))))
I heart you, my beautiful and lovely friend!! Congratulations, honey!!!


(((((((((((((((CatalinaRose))))))))))))))))))))))) )
Hugs to you, keep that spirit..and a BIG hug to your sister....smiles..


(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((DB))))))))))))))))))) ))...Have a wonderful week....hugs to you...


(((((((((((((((((((((((((COUNTYFEM)))))))))))))))) ))))) you are the BESTEST!!! You so rockkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk!!! THANK YOU!


(((((((((((((((((((((((JustJo))))))))))))))))))))) ))))....big hugs to you..I so hope your mom will be allright..and you will enjoy the visit...hugs to you both.,..
to all the other BRAVE WARRIORS....fight on...and stay strong! I know I am!!!
I heart you all...big butch hugs..Clay

Novelafemme 12-08-2011 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JustJo (Post 482526)
So....I've known that my mother was lying to me....and she arrives in two days. This is the timing in which she usually "comes clean" because she knows she can't lie to my face and get away with it.

They have extended her chemo another 6 months...and apparently she's not responding as well as she had been letting on.

Her doctor has also said that she needn't go to Miami to the top-rated chemo center for treatments, but can go right here in PSL and that will be "just fine."

I'm pretty sure that's because the chemo isn't curing anything...and is just delaying the inevitable...and he's stopped pretending otherwise.

Fuck.


{{{{{{{{{{Jo}}}}}}}}}}}}

Dominique 12-08-2011 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CatalinaRose (Post 477686)
I have another quick question for those of you who have had radical hysterectomies due to cancer. Since we can't do hormone replacement therapy, what are some effective ways you all manage hot flashes and sleepless nights. My mood has been amazing since having everything out and I LOVE not having a monthly period, but the hot flashes are killing me! I have such empathy for menopausal women now...I had NO idea how yucky hot flashes could be.

I am still running which seems to help and I no longer drink alcohol <sniff> but are there other things we can do?

This is coming from the woman who LOVED the COLD so much, I sufferred thru frostbite TWICE.....black cohash tea!

Novelafemme 12-08-2011 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yellow band (Post 482548)
This is coming from the woman who LOVED the COLD so much, I sufferred thru frostbite TWICE.....black cohash tea!

Oooooh yes! Someone else mentioned this to me the other day. We were sitting at breakfast with a dear friend of mine, Amanda, and my oldest says to me, "mom, why is your face all shiney?" I was literally melting but trying to hide it, lol. OK, black cohosh tea, CHECK!

Countyfem 12-09-2011 06:50 AM

Clay update
 
K ya'll Clay is in surgery, will be 4-6 h, I'll update when its all said and done. Send good vibes her way!

DapperButch 12-09-2011 06:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Countyfem (Post 482979)
K ya'll Clay is in surgery, will be 4-6 h, I'll update when its all said and done. Send good vibes her way!

Thanks for the information. So strange, I was just about to click on this thread to ask about her.

CountryFem, PM me (or post here), if either of you have any questions about recovery. I had a colon resection last year, so let me know it I can be of any help.

For me, it was a rough recovery. But, part of that is because I had to get it done twice (2 weeks apart), due to adhesions, so how "rough" it is, is probably a bit skewed for me. I do know that I wondered if I was having a normal recovery from time to time, so if I can be of help, I am here.

Also, remember to take care of yourself while taking care of Clay.

MysticOceansFL 12-09-2011 08:06 AM

I always make a donate for cancer , My mother died of lung and bone cancer back in 1984 and my best friend from high school died also from bone and lung cancer in 2000 and she was only 36 years old. So here I leave a lited candle for all those to remembering. :candle::candle::candle::candle::candle:

Countyfem 12-09-2011 10:02 AM

Clay 2
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Countyfem (Post 482979)
K ya'll Clay is in surgery, will be 4-6 h, I'll update when its all said and done. Send good vibes her way!

Ok first part is OVER the Histo is done, doc said everything was contained within the uterus and that it looked precancerous...great news there. They sent it off to be sliced and diced to confirm. The second part is now under way....

Dapper, thanks for the thoughts, and you can be sure we'll be hitting you up with any questions!
Right now I'm running off coffee, I'll catch up with myself later!

Novelafemme 12-09-2011 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Countyfem (Post 483038)
Ok first part is OVER the Histo is done, doc said everything was contained within the uterus and that it looked precancerous...great news there. They sent it off to be sliced and diced to confirm. The second part is now under way....

Dapper, thanks for the thoughts, and you can be sure we'll be hitting you up with any questions!
Right now I'm running off coffee, I'll catch up with myself later!

Excellent news, CF! Sometimes the nastiest looking uterus comes back the cleanest. You just never know!! Clay is gonna feel SO much better having all that out.

Thank you for the update and please take good care of yourself!!

Bard 12-09-2011 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Countyfem (Post 483038)
Ok first part is OVER the Histo is done, doc said everything was contained within the uterus and that it looked precancerous...great news there. They sent it off to be sliced and diced to confirm. The second part is now under way....

Dapper, thanks for the thoughts, and you can be sure we'll be hitting you up with any questions!
Right now I'm running off coffee, I'll catch up with myself later!

please give Clay Desd's and my love we will be thinking of her and sending good thoughts. thank you so much for the updates

Countyfem 12-09-2011 02:17 PM

Clay is out of surgery, she did great...the doc's were real pleased with what they didn't find! Both spots were contained, all parts removed cleanly...including the nodule that was found next to the mass. They have sent the leftovers to the lab but both the doc's feel real positive, so keep your fingers crossed.
She has just been moved to an interm room as they want to keep a close eye on her tonight. I got to see her briefly and she has good color, they are doing a great job of pain managment and her stats are great. Once they get her into her spot on the ward I'll be able to go sit with her till 7, then they are gonna kick me out till 8 am Lucky for me they have some comfy couches in the waiting area and they supply pillows and a blanket.

Stay tuned!

1QuirkyKiwi 12-09-2011 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Countyfem (Post 483156)
Clay is out of surgery, she did great...the doc's were real pleased with what they didn't find! Both spots were contained, all parts removed cleanly...including the nodule that was found next to the mass. They have sent the leftovers to the lab but both the doc's feel real positive, so keep your fingers crossed.
She has just been moved to an interm room as they want to keep a close eye on her tonight. I got to see her briefly and she has good color, they are doing a great job of pain managment and her stats are great. Once they get her into her spot on the ward I'll be able to go sit with her till 7, then they are gonna kick me out till 8 am Lucky for me they have some comfy couches in the waiting area and they supply pillows and a blanket.

Stay tuned!

Thank you for letting us know - please tell Clay I'm thinking about her and sending my love and best wishes.

Hope you're doing well, too!

Rockinonahigh 12-09-2011 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Countyfem (Post 482979)
K ya'll Clay is in surgery, will be 4-6 h, I'll update when its all said and done. Send good vibes her way!

Thanks for the up date on Clay,give her my best when she is awake enough,im sending loads of energy and good vibes.It wont be long till she will be flirting with the nurses.

Cid 12-09-2011 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Countyfem (Post 483156)
Clay is out of surgery, she did great...the doc's were real pleased with what they didn't find! Both spots were contained, all parts removed cleanly...including the nodule that was found next to the mass. They have sent the leftovers to the lab but both the doc's feel real positive, so keep your fingers crossed.
She has just been moved to an interm room as they want to keep a close eye on her tonight. I got to see her briefly and she has good color, they are doing a great job of pain managment and her stats are great. Once they get her into her spot on the ward I'll be able to go sit with her till 7, then they are gonna kick me out till 8 am Lucky for me they have some comfy couches in the waiting area and they supply pillows and a blanket.

Stay tuned!

Thanks for the great news! Please tell her I'm still requesting Angels to watch over her :praying: :angel:

DapperButch 12-09-2011 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Countyfem (Post 483156)
Clay is out of surgery, she did great...the doc's were real pleased with what they didn't find! Both spots were contained, all parts removed cleanly...including the nodule that was found next to the mass. They have sent the leftovers to the lab but both the doc's feel real positive, so keep your fingers crossed.
She has just been moved to an interm room as they want to keep a close eye on her tonight. I got to see her briefly and she has good color, they are doing a great job of pain managment and her stats are great. Once they get her into her spot on the ward I'll be able to go sit with her till 7, then they are gonna kick me out till 8 am Lucky for me they have some comfy couches in the waiting area and they supply pillows and a blanket.

Stay tuned!

Thanks for the update.

Hope to hear from you again tonight, after seeing Clay.

SweetJane 12-09-2011 06:15 PM

Countyfemme,
Thanks for the updates. I have been wondering how everything was going. Please keep us all posted.

mustangjeano 12-10-2011 01:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Countyfem (Post 483156)
Clay is out of surgery, she did great...the doc's were real pleased with what they didn't find! Both spots were contained, all parts removed cleanly...including the nodule that was found next to the mass. They have sent the leftovers to the lab but both the doc's feel real positive, so keep your fingers crossed.
She has just been moved to an interm room as they want to keep a close eye on her tonight. I got to see her briefly and she has good color, they are doing a great job of pain managment and her stats are great. Once they get her into her spot on the ward I'll be able to go sit with her till 7, then they are gonna kick me out till 8 am Lucky for me they have some comfy couches in the waiting area and they supply pillows and a blanket.

Stay tuned!

Such great news. Thank you Countyfem for updating us and most of all for being you. Please give Clay my best when she is up to having greetings.

Countyfem 12-10-2011 09:21 AM

Clay update
 
Morning everyone, Clay is still doing well, more alert this morning, bit of a rough night (some spasms as her inside are starting to readjust) but much better now, they are going to get her up into the chair this afternoon and PT is schd to come by either late this afternoon or in the am. Doc's came in this morning and all is par for the course.

Keep all the good vibes flowing!

DapperButch 12-10-2011 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Countyfem (Post 483574)
Morning everyone, Clay is still doing well, more alert this morning, bit of a rough night (some spasms as her inside are starting to readjust) but much better now, they are going to get her up into the chair this afternoon and PT is schd to come by either late this afternoon or in the am. Doc's came in this morning and all is par for the course.

Keep all the good vibes flowing!

Hey, Countryfem, thanks for posting. Any word on the tumor in her colon? You said that the mass in her uterus looked precancerous, but what is the word on the tumor found in her colon?

DapperButch 12-10-2011 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Countyfem (Post 483574)
Morning everyone, Clay is still doing well, more alert this morning, bit of a rough night (some spasms as her inside are starting to readjust) but much better now, they are going to get her up into the chair this afternoon and PT is schd to come by either late this afternoon or in the am. Doc's came in this morning and all is par for the course.

Keep all the good vibes flowing!

I wonder why PT is coming in.

They had me up and walking the day after surgery. It is all about getting the bowels moving. I walked around that unit for 6 days until I finally had a bowel movement and could go home (went home on day 7).

The second surgery took longer. I was in there for 12 days or something like that (the first 3 were spent with me just laying there, waiting to see if somehow the adhesions weren't as bad as they appeared and surgery wouldn't be necessary). I was up and walking every hour I wanted out so bad. The nurses were like, what the hell?

Finally an old school midnight shift nurse came in and said, "I don't care that they say, you are drinking prune juice tonight". Did I go to the bathroom? Damn straight I did. :) (supposedly one is not supposed to drink prune juice anymore after a colon resection). The other secret? Lay on her left side.

Countyfem 12-10-2011 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DapperButch (Post 483575)
Hey, Countryfem, thanks for posting. Any word on the tumor in her colon? You said that the mass in her uterus looked precancerous, but what is the word on the tumor found in her colon?

That one was cancerous, but contained to that area, he took a 1/3 of her bowel out and he seems confident that he got all of it. They will know for sure once the bi-op gets back from the lab.
They are doing a really good job of pain managment, I'm quite impressed. He is not going to let her have any liguids by mouth till Mon , once they get her up and in the chair this afternoon we hope the bloating and pressure will start to ease, that has been the biggest issue so far.

Countyfem 12-10-2011 10:15 AM

He has PT coming in as she fell a couple weeks ago, stepped off the curb and her knee went south so he just wants to make sure she won't have any further issues once they get her walking around. They really cover all the bases here, I'm very pleased with that as well!

Rockinonahigh 12-10-2011 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Countyfem (Post 483574)
Morning everyone, Clay is still doing well, more alert this morning, bit of a rough night (some spasms as her inside are starting to readjust) but much better now, they are going to get her up into the chair this afternoon and PT is schd to come by either late this afternoon or in the am. Doc's came in this morning and all is par for the course.

Keep all the good vibes flowing!

Thanks for the up date,give clay my best.

Rockinonahigh 12-10-2011 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Countyfem (Post 483595)
He has PT coming in as she fell a couple weeks ago, stepped off the curb and her knee went south so he just wants to make sure she won't have any further issues once they get her walking around. They really cover all the bases here, I'm very pleased with that as well!

Yeah,knees can be a pain to deal with,been there and done that.

DapperButch 12-10-2011 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DapperButch (Post 483580)
I wonder why PT is coming in.

They had me up and walking the day after surgery. It is all about getting the bowels moving. I walked around that unit for 6 days until I finally had a bowel movement and could go home (went home on day 7).

The second surgery took longer. I was in there for 12 days or something like that (the first 3 were spent with me just laying there, waiting to see if somehow the adhesions weren't as bad as they appeared and surgery wouldn't be necessary). I was up and walking every hour I wanted out so bad. The nurses were like, what the hell?

Finally an old school midnight shift nurse came in and said, "I don't care that they say, you are drinking prune juice tonight". Did I go to the bathroom? Damn straight I did. :) (supposedly one is not supposed to drink prune juice anymore after a colon resection). The other secret? Lay on her left side.

Ooops, meant to say the nurse said, "I don't care WHAT they say", not THAT they say. Everyone knows prune juice helps to have a bowel movement, but supposedly for people with colon resections the sediment is bad for you. I knew this, but I am glad that I trusted the nurse and just went with it. You can't get released from the hospital until you have a bowel movement after a resection.

It was the same nurse that told me to lay on my left side. I know that this really does help b/c I found that after being home, until my bowel system got to a semi-regular state, every time I rolled over to my left side in bed, I had to pop up to go to the bathroom. Kind of weird.

Anyway, you will find that in a 1-3 days Clay will become obsessed with having a bowel movement in order to get the hell out of there! Plus, the nurses ask you every other minute if you have had one. They also warn you of this! lol

1QuirkyKiwi 12-10-2011 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Countyfem (Post 483574)
Morning everyone, Clay is still doing well, more alert this morning, bit of a rough night (some spasms as her inside are starting to readjust) but much better now, they are going to get her up into the chair this afternoon and PT is schd to come by either late this afternoon or in the am. Doc's came in this morning and all is par for the course.

Keep all the good vibes flowing!

Thank you for letting us know - so, glad Clay is doing well!


Tommi 12-10-2011 01:45 PM

For Clay and those that come here and care.
 
http://www.turnbacktogod.com/wp-cont...ed-gifs-06.gif

Keeping the beacon on for those that need it. Stay warm, and give safe hugs and get some back attcha.

DapperButch 12-10-2011 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Countyfem (Post 483592)
That one was cancerous, but contained to that area, he took a 1/3 of her bowel out and he seems confident that he got all of it. They will know for sure once the bi-op gets back from the lab.
They are doing a really good job of pain managment, I'm quite impressed. He is not going to let her have any liguids by mouth till Mon , once they get her up and in the chair this afternoon we hope the bloating and pressure will start to ease, that has been the biggest issue so far.

Glad to hear they believe they got it all, but I want to share something with you. They told me the same thing after the operation, only to find out a couple days later that it was in 1 lymph node, so I did have to have chemo.

I wouldn't suggest passing the above information onto Clay right now as it may just worry her, but I want to pass it along to you, just so that you are not overly surprised if they come back saying they found it in a few lymph nodes. I just hope that the doc made it clear that it is possible that it really could be in the lymph system and chemo would have to be done in that case. I was too drugged both visits, so it didn't effect me, but hearing everything is fine and then a few days later hearing the cancer traveled into the lymphatic system was upsetting for both my mother and partner.

:praying: <--- praying the doc is right and was not found in any lymph nodes

ArkansasPiscesGrrl 12-10-2011 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Countyfem (Post 483592)
That one was cancerous, but contained to that area, he took a 1/3 of her bowel out and he seems confident that he got all of it. They will know for sure once the bi-op gets back from the lab.
They are doing a really good job of pain managment, I'm quite impressed. He is not going to let her have any liguids by mouth till Mon , once they get her up and in the chair this afternoon we hope the bloating and pressure will start to ease, that has been the biggest issue so far.

Please pass on my love and prayers and well wishes to Clay!

SweetJane 12-10-2011 05:04 PM

Countyfemme,
I'm glad you're there with Clay. Thanks for keeping us posted. She still has a long journey ahead but you're there to help.

ArkansasPiscesGrrl 12-10-2011 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SweetJane (Post 483907)
Countyfemme,
I'm glad you're there with Clay. Thanks for keeping us posted. She still has a long journey ahead but you're there to help.

I agree, Jane, I am also very grateful that Countryfemme is there for Clay! She really is an angel!

Countyfem 12-11-2011 08:17 AM

Clay update
 
Rough night, wheww poor Clay fluid buldup in her stomach couldn't get a good breath and they didn't tube her till this morning after the doc saw her...once the tube was in she felt soooo much better...she is finally resting and we hope she is moved to a private room today. Her pain lvl is great she hasn't had to "hit" the little extra button, they still have her on the epiy and it is working really well for her. I feel so bad for her and there's not much I can do but keep watch and hold her hand when she needs it I really feel kinda useless

Will update later! Thanks so much for all the support!

JustJo 12-11-2011 10:04 AM

Hello everyone....just popping in to give an update...

Mom arrived yesterday evening....very underweight, looking exhausted and, of course, refusing her wheelchair and carrying too much stuff through the airport...grrrrrrr.

Got her home and settled in. She's confused how to work this different TPN pump, so a call is in to the nurse to come give her a lesson. In the meantime, she's already eating and drinking better here...because I'm pushy, and I cook. The key issue will be how much of it she can hang on to long enough to do her any good.

So far she's had homemade pumpkin bread, tea with local honey, some scrambled egg with a little cheese, whole wheat toast without crusts and a little fresh orange juice (diluted with water). She took a bite of my steak....but only one. Part of her issue is that everything was tasting bad to her....and this all went reasonably well, so we'll see.

Chemo is extended 6 months, but she's still saying she wants to go home in the spring and is keeping her house. In the next breath, she's telling me where everything is stored and hidden....just in case.


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 05:49 PM.

ButchFemmePlanet.com
All information copyright of BFP 2018