First of all, let me say that I do believe that Chemo Brain is a real condition that can happen if you've had chemotherapy. I've read many stories about people who experience loss of memory, sometimes short term, sometimes longer after undergoing treatment when they were otherwise fine before. When you think about it, it makes sense. You're putting these super duper chemicals in your body which make you lose your hair and can have other side effects, why can't it hurt your brain, too?
It's hard to tell for me since I'm of the age where it's hard to remember my name sometimes!! I've forgotten words that I've been trying to think of or sometimes even names of people I know but then they always eventually come to me. This is a natural thing that happens when you get to a certain age or so they say!
This past week a couple things happened that have me a little concerned. When I told my DD about them, they sounded so hysterical we were laughing til we were almost crying, but the first event really isn't a laughing matter and could have had dire consequences.
I had driven to the local library to get some books for my MIL. I came home, pulled into the garage, shut the door, picked up the books and got out of the car. On my way upstairs I heard a noise but couldn't figure out what it was. I just thought it was the heater my DH uses when he's working in the garage. I went upstairs and went about my business. About three hours later, DH comes home, hands me my keys and asks if I'm trying to kill myself. What? I had left the car running! I had no clue or remembrance of it!
Now this event is rather funny. The next morning one of my friends called me on my cell. We were chatting and I wanted to share something with her from my phone. Well, I looked and looked all over the house for the phone and couldn't find it. I did this for about 10 minutes and then it hit me - I was talking on the phone!! Duh!! I didn't say anything to my friend cause I felt so dumb!
I'm keeping a record of these things in case I need them for the future. DD told me she did some research because I was really concerned about Alzheimer's. She thinks it's more like Chemo Brain. Time will tell. Chemo Brain I can live with. Having Alzheimer's would be very hard.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Getting caught up...
Yikes! Can't believe the last time I posted was September! Where has the time gone?
So, what's been happening since I last posted? Well, let me see...my MIL fell on September 7th and broke her hip. She was in the hospital for several days and had to have an operation. Thankfully, it was just a fracture repair and not a whole hip replacement. Then she was in rehab for almost two months. Now she has PT at home a couple days a week. She's doing just fine! She's a tough, stubborn 92 year old!!
Having her in the rehab took up most of our time as we visited her just about every day. Once in awhile our daughter would visit which gave us a break. While she was there my BIL from AZ visited. He was scheduled to visit prior to her falling and decided to come anyway.
While this was going on, I did manage to get the Fall gardening done. I had a bunch of trees and perennials I had bought on sale that I finally got planted.
Then, it was time for Thanksgiving. My BIL from FL came to visit for the week. We didn't tell my MIL he was coming so it was quite a surprise for her to see him walk in the door! While he was here we took him to see the Opryland Hotel, which is always a beautiful place to visit and especially at this time of year when it's all decorated for Christmas. Going to the Hotel is a family tradition, though my MIL didn't go this year. We always have a picture taken at the poinsettia tree, which is what it sounds like..a huge tree made from poinsettias! Absolutely gorgeous.
Another day we took Stew to the George Dickel Distillery. Gene & I have been to the Jack Daniels Distillery. This tour was basically the same, but on a much smaller scale. It's an interesting freebie to do.
I cooked Thanksgiving dinner and the TN family came to our house. There was plenty to eat! Next year I'm hoping we'll have a deep fryer and will be able to make deep fried turkey. Ummm ummm good! If you've never had it, give it a try. It's delicious! I remember the first time I heard about it, I pictured it being so greasy, but it isn't at all. The skin is nice and crispy but the meat inside is so tender and juicy with no grease at all.
I started my Christmas decorating the other day. It's been raining all week until today so tomorrow I plan to do the outside. I have all the gifts wrapped that I have bought so far. Still have some more shopping to do but most of it is done. Been making my Christmas cards in between other things and have quite a few done. I haven't been this ahead of schedule in many years! It feels good!
Today I had my six month visit to the oncologist. Everything is still looking good. I thought I would be able to stop the meds and start seeing her once a year but I still have another six months of meds and have to see her in six months. After that, I can stop meds and will only have to go once a year for the next five years.
Guess that's about it for the update since September. Til next time....
God bless,
Linda
So, what's been happening since I last posted? Well, let me see...my MIL fell on September 7th and broke her hip. She was in the hospital for several days and had to have an operation. Thankfully, it was just a fracture repair and not a whole hip replacement. Then she was in rehab for almost two months. Now she has PT at home a couple days a week. She's doing just fine! She's a tough, stubborn 92 year old!!
Having her in the rehab took up most of our time as we visited her just about every day. Once in awhile our daughter would visit which gave us a break. While she was there my BIL from AZ visited. He was scheduled to visit prior to her falling and decided to come anyway.
While this was going on, I did manage to get the Fall gardening done. I had a bunch of trees and perennials I had bought on sale that I finally got planted.
Then, it was time for Thanksgiving. My BIL from FL came to visit for the week. We didn't tell my MIL he was coming so it was quite a surprise for her to see him walk in the door! While he was here we took him to see the Opryland Hotel, which is always a beautiful place to visit and especially at this time of year when it's all decorated for Christmas. Going to the Hotel is a family tradition, though my MIL didn't go this year. We always have a picture taken at the poinsettia tree, which is what it sounds like..a huge tree made from poinsettias! Absolutely gorgeous.
Another day we took Stew to the George Dickel Distillery. Gene & I have been to the Jack Daniels Distillery. This tour was basically the same, but on a much smaller scale. It's an interesting freebie to do.
I cooked Thanksgiving dinner and the TN family came to our house. There was plenty to eat! Next year I'm hoping we'll have a deep fryer and will be able to make deep fried turkey. Ummm ummm good! If you've never had it, give it a try. It's delicious! I remember the first time I heard about it, I pictured it being so greasy, but it isn't at all. The skin is nice and crispy but the meat inside is so tender and juicy with no grease at all.
I started my Christmas decorating the other day. It's been raining all week until today so tomorrow I plan to do the outside. I have all the gifts wrapped that I have bought so far. Still have some more shopping to do but most of it is done. Been making my Christmas cards in between other things and have quite a few done. I haven't been this ahead of schedule in many years! It feels good!
Today I had my six month visit to the oncologist. Everything is still looking good. I thought I would be able to stop the meds and start seeing her once a year but I still have another six months of meds and have to see her in six months. After that, I can stop meds and will only have to go once a year for the next five years.
Guess that's about it for the update since September. Til next time....
God bless,
Linda
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Remembering 9/11
September 11, 2001 is one of those days that you will always remember where you were and what you were doing when you first heard the news - just like those of us who were around then remember when President Kennedy was assassinated or our parents and/or grandparents when Pearl Harbor was attacked. These kinds of days are burned into our hearts and memories forever.
I was at work at the church where I was the secretary at the time. I started at 8:30. A little before 9 one of the parishioners came in and told me one of the Twin Towers had been hit by a plane. Though I had a radio, I rarely listened to it but I turned it on. Then we heard the second Tower had been hit. One plane hitting the Towers could be a mistake, but not two.
When we heard about the plane going down in Shanksville, PA and the Pentagon being hit, it was unbelievable. What in the world was going on?? Was our country under attack?? I remember some of ladies were there at the church and they didn't believe me when I ran in to tell them the Towers had actually fallen.
I remember thinking I just wanted to be home and have my family together. At the time our son was at school in Texas with the Air Force. He had just joined the Air Force earlier in the year. What did this mean for him?
Later in the day when I was home and able to see the pictures of what was going on in New York, it was just so surreal. It's still hard to comprehend that something like this actually happened.
Suddenly, everywhere you looked, people were flying flags. In fact, after awhile flags were hard to find in stores so many had been bought. There were flags and patriotism everywhere. People were flocking to houses of worship. It was nice to have the country united for the few months that it lasted.
For those of us who were alive that day, September 11th will never be known as "September 11th" but always as 9/11 and we will always remember where we were and what we were doing that day.
May God bless our Troops! May He bring comfort and peace to those who lost loved ones that fateful day 10 years ago and to the families who have lost loved ones in the fight against terrorism since 9/11.
I was at work at the church where I was the secretary at the time. I started at 8:30. A little before 9 one of the parishioners came in and told me one of the Twin Towers had been hit by a plane. Though I had a radio, I rarely listened to it but I turned it on. Then we heard the second Tower had been hit. One plane hitting the Towers could be a mistake, but not two.
When we heard about the plane going down in Shanksville, PA and the Pentagon being hit, it was unbelievable. What in the world was going on?? Was our country under attack?? I remember some of ladies were there at the church and they didn't believe me when I ran in to tell them the Towers had actually fallen.
I remember thinking I just wanted to be home and have my family together. At the time our son was at school in Texas with the Air Force. He had just joined the Air Force earlier in the year. What did this mean for him?
Later in the day when I was home and able to see the pictures of what was going on in New York, it was just so surreal. It's still hard to comprehend that something like this actually happened.
Suddenly, everywhere you looked, people were flying flags. In fact, after awhile flags were hard to find in stores so many had been bought. There were flags and patriotism everywhere. People were flocking to houses of worship. It was nice to have the country united for the few months that it lasted.
For those of us who were alive that day, September 11th will never be known as "September 11th" but always as 9/11 and we will always remember where we were and what we were doing that day.
May God bless our Troops! May He bring comfort and peace to those who lost loved ones that fateful day 10 years ago and to the families who have lost loved ones in the fight against terrorism since 9/11.
Monday, June 13, 2011
What to do???
I'm thinking of quitting this blogging thing. First of all, I haven't kept up with it very much and when I do, I don't usually have anything worthwhile to say. Second, I don't think anyone reads it anyway - except you, Dawn!!
But, then, on the other hand, if at some point I decide to participate in Blog Hops at OWH, then I would need it. Didn't get to participate in the Memorial Day Hop but there will be more in the future. Plus, isn't having a blog sort of like keeping a diary except that the whole world can see it?! I was never very good at keeping up-to-date with my diary when I was a young girl either!
June 8th I went for my six month checkup and everything is fine! It also happened to be the fifth anniversary of the day I had the biopsy that confirmed that yes, I did have breast cancer. On my way to the doctor I couldn't help but think how different this June 8th was compared to the June 8th of 2006. For one thing, I'm living in a different state and going to a different doctor. This time the only thing I was nervous about was the blood draw! Since my chemo treatments my veins have shrunk and sometimes it's hard to get a good vein. But, I have to give kudos to the nurses at Sarah Cannon, they do an excellent job! I have been there three times since we moved to TN and each time I hardly even felt the needle and they got it the first try!!!
Today I had to go get my yearly mammo and bone density test. I was talking with the tech after the mammo and we were discussing how different it is today than years ago. We remember the days when they really squeezed hard and it hurt like the dickens! Plus, back then, the techs actually left the room so ya had to wait for them to come back in to release the pressure. Now, they are in the room and it's released as soon as they get the picture. It's uncomfortable but not so bad. I can remember one time back in the day when I was almost in tears from the pain. Maybe some day they'll come up with an even easier method. So, ladies, if you have never had or are due for a mammo, go ahead and get it done. Don't be afraid! The alternative is a lot worse.
As far as having a bone density test - it's a piece of cake. You just lay on the table and the scanner goes over you. No changing of clothes and no pain whatsoever.
An update on Matthew - he is doing well. His back is much better. After my last post about him having Follicular Non-Hodgkin's, we went to Fox Chase in Philly to see a specialist. After reviewing all his tests and looking at the slides, the doctor concluded that he is not 100% sure Matthew has it. They think his enlarged lymph nodes could have been from the operation. They told him not to worry about it, but just to put it in the back of his mind and live his life. He does have to go for another CT scan for comparison to the first one. That will tell them more. If it is the same or there's nothing there, then it is indeed just swelling. If there is a change with additional spots, then they will go from there.
The TN grans stay with us every weekend, now including 3 year old Lizzie. The past couple weekends, she has stayed one night. Though yesterday when we had to take them back home, she actually cried because she wanted to stay again last night. I'm worn out by the time they go home, but it is fun having them here. Can't believe I said that! I must be getting old! :-)
So far, the small veggie gardening I'm doing this year is growing good (or is it well?). I didn't get home from NJ until the middle of May so it was a late start. This year, though, the ground has been amended more so I'm praying everything will be successful, unlike last year.
We decided to try those upside down tomato planters. I had started out with one that I had bought last year at the end of the season on sale but then I bought three more this year when I found them on sale. So, I have four tomato plants in those, two in regular pots, and two planted in the ground. There are others that have come up randomly by themselves from last year's seeds. It will be interesting to see which ones produce the best tomatoes!!
There are watermelon and cukes growing from last year, too. The only other thing I actually planted myself was corn, which is growing quite well. I am keeping it watered and trying to keep it weeded.
Besides the veggies, I also planted basil and oregano in pots, but the basil is the only one that seems to be doing half way decent.
I seemed to have rattled on quite a bit for someone who is considering quitting blogging! Maybe I won't. I do kinda like to share my thoughts, even if it is just to myself!! And, like I said, it's a diary of sorts albeit public. It gives me an opportunity to go back and read about things I don't remember even writing!!
God bless! Until next time....
But, then, on the other hand, if at some point I decide to participate in Blog Hops at OWH, then I would need it. Didn't get to participate in the Memorial Day Hop but there will be more in the future. Plus, isn't having a blog sort of like keeping a diary except that the whole world can see it?! I was never very good at keeping up-to-date with my diary when I was a young girl either!
June 8th I went for my six month checkup and everything is fine! It also happened to be the fifth anniversary of the day I had the biopsy that confirmed that yes, I did have breast cancer. On my way to the doctor I couldn't help but think how different this June 8th was compared to the June 8th of 2006. For one thing, I'm living in a different state and going to a different doctor. This time the only thing I was nervous about was the blood draw! Since my chemo treatments my veins have shrunk and sometimes it's hard to get a good vein. But, I have to give kudos to the nurses at Sarah Cannon, they do an excellent job! I have been there three times since we moved to TN and each time I hardly even felt the needle and they got it the first try!!!
Today I had to go get my yearly mammo and bone density test. I was talking with the tech after the mammo and we were discussing how different it is today than years ago. We remember the days when they really squeezed hard and it hurt like the dickens! Plus, back then, the techs actually left the room so ya had to wait for them to come back in to release the pressure. Now, they are in the room and it's released as soon as they get the picture. It's uncomfortable but not so bad. I can remember one time back in the day when I was almost in tears from the pain. Maybe some day they'll come up with an even easier method. So, ladies, if you have never had or are due for a mammo, go ahead and get it done. Don't be afraid! The alternative is a lot worse.
As far as having a bone density test - it's a piece of cake. You just lay on the table and the scanner goes over you. No changing of clothes and no pain whatsoever.
An update on Matthew - he is doing well. His back is much better. After my last post about him having Follicular Non-Hodgkin's, we went to Fox Chase in Philly to see a specialist. After reviewing all his tests and looking at the slides, the doctor concluded that he is not 100% sure Matthew has it. They think his enlarged lymph nodes could have been from the operation. They told him not to worry about it, but just to put it in the back of his mind and live his life. He does have to go for another CT scan for comparison to the first one. That will tell them more. If it is the same or there's nothing there, then it is indeed just swelling. If there is a change with additional spots, then they will go from there.
The TN grans stay with us every weekend, now including 3 year old Lizzie. The past couple weekends, she has stayed one night. Though yesterday when we had to take them back home, she actually cried because she wanted to stay again last night. I'm worn out by the time they go home, but it is fun having them here. Can't believe I said that! I must be getting old! :-)
So far, the small veggie gardening I'm doing this year is growing good (or is it well?). I didn't get home from NJ until the middle of May so it was a late start. This year, though, the ground has been amended more so I'm praying everything will be successful, unlike last year.
We decided to try those upside down tomato planters. I had started out with one that I had bought last year at the end of the season on sale but then I bought three more this year when I found them on sale. So, I have four tomato plants in those, two in regular pots, and two planted in the ground. There are others that have come up randomly by themselves from last year's seeds. It will be interesting to see which ones produce the best tomatoes!!
There are watermelon and cukes growing from last year, too. The only other thing I actually planted myself was corn, which is growing quite well. I am keeping it watered and trying to keep it weeded.
Besides the veggies, I also planted basil and oregano in pots, but the basil is the only one that seems to be doing half way decent.
I seemed to have rattled on quite a bit for someone who is considering quitting blogging! Maybe I won't. I do kinda like to share my thoughts, even if it is just to myself!! And, like I said, it's a diary of sorts albeit public. It gives me an opportunity to go back and read about things I don't remember even writing!!
God bless! Until next time....
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Still Here
I'm still hanging around Jerseyland!!
Our son definitely has Follicular Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. His doctor here says that at the moment no treatment is required or necessary but they will keep an eye on things. He has to go back in six months for another ct scan for comparison. In the meantime, his doctor has suggested Matthew see a lymphoma specialist over in Philly for a second opinion. We have an appointment on May 2nd at Fox Chase Cancer Center.
Thankfully, his back is healing nicely and doesn't seem to be giving him much pain except on a rainy, damp day like today.
Everyone asks me what I have been doing to keep busy. I brought a bunch of my cardmaking stuff so I have been making cards for Operation Write Home, reading, and playing on the computer. I have made about 50 cards, which I will add to the ones I have at home and get them mailed out when I get there. I've read about 10 books and am currently reading Jodi Picoult's "House Rules", which I'm 3/4 done. In between, I've been visiting with my friends.
One of my friends told me I should rest and enjoy this time because when I get home I will be quite busy getting my gardens into shape. I don't even want to think about the weeds that are probably taking over everything! :-( I did a little bit of planting here but there's no sense in doing too much because I know DS will not continue to take care of anything after I leave! I just planted some pansies because they pretty much can take care of themselves!
I can't believe tomorrow is Palm Sunday and next Sunday is Easter already! Where has the time gone?
Guess that's about it for now. Nothing much else going on. Take care. Have a blessed Easter!!!
Our son definitely has Follicular Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. His doctor here says that at the moment no treatment is required or necessary but they will keep an eye on things. He has to go back in six months for another ct scan for comparison. In the meantime, his doctor has suggested Matthew see a lymphoma specialist over in Philly for a second opinion. We have an appointment on May 2nd at Fox Chase Cancer Center.
Thankfully, his back is healing nicely and doesn't seem to be giving him much pain except on a rainy, damp day like today.
Everyone asks me what I have been doing to keep busy. I brought a bunch of my cardmaking stuff so I have been making cards for Operation Write Home, reading, and playing on the computer. I have made about 50 cards, which I will add to the ones I have at home and get them mailed out when I get there. I've read about 10 books and am currently reading Jodi Picoult's "House Rules", which I'm 3/4 done. In between, I've been visiting with my friends.
One of my friends told me I should rest and enjoy this time because when I get home I will be quite busy getting my gardens into shape. I don't even want to think about the weeds that are probably taking over everything! :-( I did a little bit of planting here but there's no sense in doing too much because I know DS will not continue to take care of anything after I leave! I just planted some pansies because they pretty much can take care of themselves!
I can't believe tomorrow is Palm Sunday and next Sunday is Easter already! Where has the time gone?
Guess that's about it for now. Nothing much else going on. Take care. Have a blessed Easter!!!
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