Horatio update: Post radiation results in

[avoncallingu]

Hope your Wednesday went well. Thinking about you!

[hollyquaiscer]

I'm happy that you're doing well today hun. Hope tomorrow is even better

[TaraF]

Thank you avon & holly. It went well treatment wise, I did notice my hair was starting to fall out That wasn't cool! I was eating breakfast and noticed a hair on the table, "is that mine? Nah". Then I was eating lunch and dinner, same thing. So I pushed my hair behind my ear on the right side of my head and sure enough a clump came out. Well I am having radiation on the right side so no real shocker, just shocked it's coming out so quick! I ran my hand through the left side to check, no....hair is staying there. This could look really weird if I only lose hair on one side of my head. lol Good thing Halloween is coming up, maybe no one will really notice??

[ninna]

Thank you avon & holly. It went well treatment wise, I did notice my hair was starting to fall out That wasn't cool! I was eating breakfast and noticed a hair on the table, "is that mine? Nah". Then I was eating lunch and dinner, same thing. So I pushed my hair behind my ear on the right side of my head and sure enough a clump came out. Well I am having radiation on the right side so no real shocker, just shocked it's coming out so quick! I ran my hand through the left side to check, no....hair is staying there. This could look really weird if I only lose hair on one side of my head. lol Good thing Halloween is coming up, maybe no one will really notice??

View it as starting a new trend, Tara. Why, anybody who is anybody is gonna be wearing this look 6 months from now; you're just the revolutionary who began the craze. That's what you can tell people if they notice.

You are sounding more positive and much better since your decision to stop the chemo.

Hope you have a great day today!

[Lynn49]

Tara, you sound as if an enormous weight has been lifted off your shoulders; I'm guessing that weight's name is 'chemo'.
You're comfortable with your decision, so it's obviously the right one for you....as for your hair falling out, I bet even if you prepare yourself for something like that, it still comes as a shock....You'll be beautiful to all of us no matter how much you lose, Sweetheart. And I'm sure your hubby feels exactly the same....Relax this evening, Hon.
Um...did anyone mention to you that the first NFL game of the season is on tonight??! Yeah, right?! Too exciting!
Yes, yes..I knew you'd be thrilled....
Gentle hugs, my little Darling....

[TaraF]

I'm feeling so much better physically & emotionally. I do meet with my Oncologist tomorrow for my weekly radiation review and I am asking him about how they view alternative therapies in conjunction with traditional here. I'm curious about cannabis oil. My SIL's sister is in BC and unfortunately she has cancer as well, and she was prescribed it and the Government is actually paying for it. Now I have read about CO previous, but I had no idea any provincial gov actually paid for it. So that's on the list for tomorrow's meeting. Whether he's receptive to the idea, remains to be seen.

There are 2 new young men my age that have come to the Lodge this week. One is in Canada on a work visa from Barbados and has been diagnosed with cancer. The consulate is taking care of everything for him but he's all alone here, not sure of anything, not even how to order food. His breakfast tray came this morning with only peanut butter, pepper and salt. Things that he recognized. I feel really sad for him. It must be really scary to be here all alone, in a Country, in a cancer centre, not sure of anything. I split my dinner with him (and my husbands too) because he only ordered a muffin. I think he just doesn't understand how to order from the menu. But then there is Tim. He's from Sask, he's been battling cancer for over 10 years now, in and out of these places on both sides of the border. A happy fellow, in good spirits, a wonderful soul. I've tried to never throw myself a pity party over my circumstances, I don't see the point. And when I meet people like Tim, who has been battling a lot longer than I have, and who has such an amazing attitude, it makes me realize that keeping a good attitude despite it all is the right choice.

It isn't to say things aren't overwhelming.... boy howdy. Are they. But perspective. Things always have to be put into perspective. And sometimes you have to be smacked back to reality.

[TaraF]

Oh and lynn... PACKERS!!!!!!!!!!!

[avoncallingu]

Hi Tara! My friend is going through chemo for breast cancer and has lost her hair. Maybe it was the chemo that was affecting your hair. She actually had her DH shave her hair and then got a wig which she doesn't wear. Perhaps a card from an anonymous Canadian might cheer up your lonely friend from Barbados. Hmmm...

[MortgageQueen]

You're focusing on all the right things Tara. Keep up the good work! It's true there's always someone worse off than you. By extending empathy and goodwill to your fellow patients who obviously need it, your replacing the negative with positive. . .and that's just plain good for the soul.

[Lynn49]

I'm feeling so much better physically & emotionally. I do meet with my Oncologist tomorrow for my weekly radiation review and I am asking him about how they view alternative therapies in conjunction with traditional here. I'm curious about cannabis oil. My SIL's sister is in BC and unfortunately she has cancer as well, and she was prescribed it and the Government is actually paying for it. Now I have read about CO previous, but I had no idea any provincial gov actually paid for it. So that's on the list for tomorrow's meeting. Whether he's receptive to the idea, remains to be seen.

There are 2 new young men my age that have come to the Lodge this week. One is in Canada on a work visa from Barbados and has been diagnosed with cancer. The consulate is taking care of everything for him but he's all alone here, not sure of anything, not even how to order food. His breakfast tray came this morning with only peanut butter, pepper and salt. Things that he recognized. I feel really sad for him. It must be really scary to be here all alone, in a Country, in a cancer centre, not sure of anything. I split my dinner with him (and my husbands too) because he only ordered a muffin. I think he just doesn't understand how to order from the menu. But then there is Tim. He's from Sask, he's been battling cancer for over 10 years now, in and out of these places on both sides of the border. A happy fellow, in good spirits, a wonderful soul. I've tried to never throw myself a pity party over my circumstances, I don't see the point. And when I meet people like Tim, who has been battling a lot longer than I have, and who has such an amazing attitude, it makes me realize that keeping a good attitude despite it all is the right choice.

It isn't to say things aren't overwhelming.... boy howdy. Are they. But perspective. Things always have to be put into perspective. And sometimes you have to be smacked back to reality.

well, Tara as far as my Pack goes...if tonight is any reflection of the kind of year it's going to be....phhht. I love them, but sometimes they're just beautiful losers...lol...

You have a way of always focusing on your half-full glass rather than the half-empty ones other are holding, all around you...that's such a gift, Tara, and it's serving you well during this time of trials for you.
So this CO....is it used for pain? I should have looked it up before I asked, but can't now because on this thing, whenever I leave the page, my post disappears....is that what it's for? One would hope that something that works in BC would also work here....I hope you find out how effective it is, and whether it could help you.

Are you resting well after your treatments? Sleeping well?
We worry about you, you know!

That fellow from Barbados...can no one help him with his menu? Why do they not have picture menus people can order from? There must be others who receive treatment there who could benefit from it Might be something you could suggest....and AVON has a sweet idea! What if a few strangers from across Canada were to send a card to him?! I guess we can't know his name, but I wonder how else we could do that? Any sneaky ideas?

Sweet dreams, Tara...you sound so much lighter since your decision....I'm so happy you've found comfort in your decision...it's never final, and with new information you may change your mind...whatever you decide will be the right one for you.

Gentle hugs, Tara...

[TaraF]

Avon that is a wonderful idea! You guys just truly rock. I asked the nurse what his treatment schedule is and they can't confirm his schedule beyond September 22nd right now with the consulate, but the official is coming in today to discuss further treatment, but if anyone would like to send him a card that would be sure to help lift his spirits! I know it would! Heidi (the day nurse) said it can be addressed to her in the following manner and she will forward the cards to him. The cards inside can just be addressed as "hello", and make sure they are here by September 22.

**Edited to remove the Operation and address due to change in Curtis' unfortunate situation.

Lynn, the problem with the menus seems to be the fact that the patient (or whatever system is in place for that patient) pays for their own food, so the nurses aren't allowed to order anything for the patients or appear as though they are coercing them into ordering anything since it isn't supplied by the hospital or anything. However, the nurse took it upon herself to make sure he had a full breakfast this morning on his tray but the only thing he had was his apple juice. *shrugs*

As for cannabis oil, it's actually used in replacement of chemotherapy treatment. Some patients use it in addition to chemotherapy to protect the cells that the chemo is damaging, while others believe (and studies have shown) the benefit of CO to actually shrink cancer cells. It's just whether my Oncologist is on board with those studies I have no clue. Considering my Oncologist took me off all anti oxidants in order to do radiation treatment, he probably doesn't. But I will ask nonetheless.

I'm certainly sleeping a lot better now though, I am getting in a 1km walk daily, I have more energy, I am alert. I am eating properly, healthy, I am feeling good about my treatment.

[TaraF]

I have radiation at 2pm today and then my review with my Oncologist, and then home for the weekend. Yay! Only 4 more weeks of treatment left. WOOT!

[Lynn49]

Wow...that's much larger than I thought it would be...lol....SO, SO happy that you're sleeping better and have all that energy...that sure has to count for a whole lot more than what you were going through with your chemo therapy....emotions play such an important role in our lives..it's good to see you feeling so positive once again, Sweetie!

I'll post a card for that young man for sure! However...he's being looked after by the consulate, but without a food allowance? That seems a little weird......sheesh!

Have a lovely day, Tara....thinking of you always...Lynn

[hollyquaiscer]

Tara, thanks for the addy, I'm going out this afternoon, so I'm going to pick up a card for him. The CO has had some wonderful results in some people. I believe the government here pays for it as well, depending on the circumstances. A few years ago, I tried it for nausea......didn't take care of my nausea , but it did increase my appetite, I believe they call it The Munchies

Hun, I think your going to have to get yourself a haircut like my one dd Ashley. One side is shaved ( a feather shave), the other side is long. She works at Carewest, and all the people there rave about her haircut. She'll put a blue streak, or sometimes red, even one time purple....she came home one day smiling from ear to ear, to me that one of her patients ( a 91 year old woman) told her that she loved her haircut and asked Ashley if she thought it would look good on her Soooo sweet

Hopefully you'll be getting some great results with your treatment thus far, keep us informed....I know you will. Your outlook is great. Drive safe on your journey home to day and enjoy your weekend.
Big hugs

[IthinkIcan]

No pity party
its not easy but every time I seemed to be down, every one around me just crumbled, so I always kept my chin up, you are a tough cookie anyways
Went to Princess Margaret Hosp. y'day for my 3 monthly follow up. Soon you'll be able to put it behind you