OT Updates please?

Thanks, Kathyl At least the pain is not from cancer! That would be a bad sign - this weekend was painful - and embarrassing, etc. The Norman Rockwell Museum provided wheelchairs thank God! I always say when people come to the Garden like that - what do they think they're going to do - and here I was doing the same thing! I will have a lot more sympathy for people when I go back to work! Nothing in there now until July.

Judy from Mass

It was great. I just got my pictures on the computer, I'll post them when I get a chance.

Judy from Mass

wow, Lorraine! No wonder you've been quiet. I'm going to be praying for that niece of yours. There are more and more of these disconnected kids showing up, as well as autistic children, and I personally believe that it has a lot to do with the abundance of chemicals and imitation foods in our lives today. So does my holistic doctor. sigh.

more positive news from my son about Sam and Hannah. Neither baby was thriving, and the doctors have gradually been increasing the number of feedings and the amount of milk they get. Finally, they're growing, and Mark and Jenn continue to visit, hold, and feed them every day. Oh I can't wait for them to be home!

Musicmaker

I'm sitting here feeling extremely grateful that I only have a few aches and pains and nothing terrible happening in my life right now (touch wood). Thanks for reminding me of that. Hugs to all of you brave folk who need some good thoughts coming your way. Allison

Taria wrote:

Hi Roberta,

So sorry about your nephew. Yikes! I hope he's ready to wake up soon.

Positive thoughts head> Hugs and warm thoughts to everybody on our list!

Hi everyone, it's me, Irene. A couple of you have emailed me off-list asking me to post an update :) When I got on and saw this subject line, well I figured I better. LOL

I'm doing OK and getting through it - I'm 1/2 way through the chemotherapy. I also get a Neulasta shot the day after (which boosts white cell production). The side effects of all this still suck, but there is good news to all this....I will have a total of 4 chemo rounds, and I am getting two chemo meds instead of the 3 they initially thought I would would have -- that 3rd one I'm not getting was the most agressive of the bunch, and would have more pronounced side effects than the ones I'm on -- so that's all good news. I'm just so thankful that I am able to be out of work and on disability, to focus on getting better.

I'm blessed with the most wonderful husband in the world and some very supportive family....DMIL announced yesterday that she hired a cleaning lady (someone she knows well) to come to our house twice a week to come in a vaccum, dust, wash floors, etc. I just about broke down and cried - there are days when I cannot even lift the duster!

When my brain is functioning and my body cooperates, I've been doing some sewing, mainly chemo caps for myself and a friend. I've made up several cap/hat patterns as well as altered a store-bought pattern to experiement - it's been fun and they don't take long to do. I am also making up my own patterns for a vest, tshirt and shirts, mainly altering some store-bought patterns and finally using the dress form I got for Christmas.

I have done a little quilting, too, and am almost done making a quilted pillow for my DS's GF, who has been so incredibly supportive to both DS and myself the past few months.

I have also been working on my vintage sewing machine hobby, and have gotten several up and running, and even sold two so far to folks who wanted old machines!

Well, that's really it for me - I'm hanging in there and doing what I need to do. After chemo it's radiation....so by the end of September I should be all done with all the treatments and looking back on all of this!

-Irene

So very good to hear from you Irene. This is probably the stage when you think the cure is almost worse than the disease, but end of September doesn't sound too awfully long (well, to someone not going through this it doesn't - sorry if it does to you). As you say, by this time next year, you'll be looking back thinking 'yuk', but 'look at me now'. Stay upbeat, if you can. How marvellously thoughtful of your DMIL to get someone to do the cleaning. . In message , IMS writes

Wow, Irene -- I can't believe how much you're getting done while still battling the effects of your chemo treatments! You're an inspiration to us all. Hang in there and take good care of yourself (though it sounds as though your family is doing a good job of that, too). :)

Hi Sandy, believe me it's not because I have any energy :) There are good days and bad days, naturally...but when I get to feeling bored and my brain and body cooperate, I try to do a little bit here and there and fortunately it adds up to an end result!

-Irene

So good to hear from you, Irene! Glad to hear you're hanging in through the chemo, and able to do a little sewing in spite of it.

Wow! You do have an awesome family. :-) You've already told us what a great DH you have, but I bet there are none of those bad MIL jokes around your house either! What a great lady. :-)

Keep> Hi everyone, it's me, Irene. A couple of you have emailed me off-list