Carleen
-
Posts
1,666 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Content Type
Downloads
Store
Profiles
Forums
Gallery
Blogs
Events
Posts posted by Carleen
-
-
Jen, both you and Keith are amazing and so deserve this happy time.
You know that you are always in my heart, my thoughts and my prayers. I want so much for this rollercoaster ride to stay in the off position for years and years and years to come.
-
WOW!!! Go Rocky!!!!
Lori, I am so very happy to hear your mom has regained her consciousness and energy. She is an amazing woman with incredible strength and determination.
I know how much she loves you, because she is fighting to give you this gift of her. The past few days you have been so devastated at the loss of your mom mentally even as she persisted physically. I think she pushed past the meds and past the disease to give you this gift of love and of herself.
Enjoy this time Lori, hold it close in your heart and always know that your Rocky is a true warrior and an incredibly strong woman who loves you and knows she is loved by you.
(((Lori)))
-
Happy Birthday Adela,
I am so sorry that your dear Ed is not here to make it a special day, as I know only he could.
I understand, Keith always made my birthday a big deal even when everyone else forgot or I wanted to forget, he made it special. It is hard to celebrate anything without them here to make these days better and brighter.
Please know that we are all here with love for you on your birthday. I will even put on my paper party hat for today for you.
And I know it's not the same, but these are for you...
-
I'd have to take my photo & scrapbook albums; my kitties; the papers that have the music and songs Keith wrote in his handwriting.
-
Christy,
Not sure if I can help, but I'm willing to try. I am an artist (or at least attempt to be
). I studied art as my major in college with emphasis on painting and sculpture. Possibly if you could e-mail me the design ideas you have I can draw something up for you and scan it as flash for you to take to a reputable tattoo artist.
No promises, but I can try and get what you have in mind to reality.
Carleen
-
Lymph node
-
Hi friends,
I find myself in need of another hall pass for Wed. August 23rd through Sun. the 27th.
My family started up a small trucking company 2 years ago as a joint venture with my two sisters and their spouses, my mom and Keith and I. Well, this week I am required to attend a conference on DOT and Haz Mat regulations. Doesn't that sound like fun?
The up side of it is that it is being held in St. Thomas Virgin Islands. Shucks, an all expenses paid trip to the Virgin Islands, I guess I can't complain too much. I may be in boring seminars all day, but at least the evenings will be mine and in beautiful sandy settings.
I just hope that I can maintain somewhat. I know it will be hard for me to be in such a romantic place without my Keith. I've never been anywhere without him, I'm sure I will have my sad moments. I just hope somewhere in that time I can find some relaxation and peace too. Maybe, just maybe if God is merciful, I can even have 5 minutes of fun.
So, I will miss you all very much, but I am off to swim in the ocean, burn my white white skin, and get sand in my crack
-
I haven't really dreamt since Keith passed. I've been waiting for a dream of him so I can see his face and touch his hand again, but nothing so far.
But then again I haven't been able to sleep much either, I'm only getting between 1-4 hours of sleep a night.
-
Hi Lori,
I am not an expert, but it doesn't sound like those dosages are too high to me. Was on Oxycontin and Oxycodone during his 1st and 2nd years of treatment and was taking 60 mg of oxycontin 3 times a day, and then 80 mg of Oxycodone every 3-4 hours for breakthrough pain. From there he switched to Methadone for the long acting pain relief at 20 mg 3 times a day and that enabled him to drop to only 20 mg of oxycodone every 3-4 hours for pain control.
Even at these doses, his pain management doctor would always tell Keith to inform him if that wasn't enough becuase he concidered these on the lower spectrum of medication dosages.
I would talk to a doctor in the pain management clinic. The doses may not be something of concern, but if they aren't working to bring relief, then maybe there is somehting else available for her.
-
(((Kathleen)))
I don't have any answers or advice for you. I don't know how to begin to tell you how you go on without someone who owns such a big piece of your heart. If you figure that out, please tell me too.
But, through this terrible time, through the grieving and the tears, we are here for you. It is ok to feel like hell (you're going through it, might as well accept that you will feel like it), it is ok to cry and vent. We understand, and we are here.
No words of wisdom, just a willingness to listen and love unconditionally.
-
This is just my opinion, but I would lean towards the feeling that your mom should be informed and allowed to make her own decisions. She is an adult. But just because you give her the full scoop on the disease, that doesn't exlude you also giving her the full scoop on survivorship too. Temper the harsh realities of this disease and it's outdated and antiquated statistics with the truth of hope and strength that you see in real life from people here.
It is ok to tell her that most people don't survive extensive SCLC, but at the same time give her the big BUT there are people you've met here who are beating it and for long periods of time with treatment. It may be smaller odds than we wish and pray for. The survivors may be 1 in a million, but isn't your mom a 1 in a million person, and there is nothing anywhere that says she can't be one of those miracles. Then let her decide.
I know it is so hard to contemplate a decision to stop treatment, but trust me, if there comes a time where your mother passes from this or any other reason, regardless of her decision you will feel more comforted knowing that you did what is best for her and what she would want for her quality and quantity of life.
Live life with no regrets, and that means doing anything and everything for anothers' happiness, selflessly and lovingly. I know you want her to continue to fight, for your own heart and your own needs and also for hers. And she may surprise you with her strength and her love for you which may lead her to decide to fight too.
Pray on it, search your heart. I'm sure you know what you should do.
-
Welcome Mendy,
So sorry to hear about your dear husband, but I will definitely keep him in my prayers for a successful surgery and complete cure.
I don't have any over the counter advice for the pain. I would ask his onc before taking anything though as it could interfer with his treatment plans.
As far as helping during recovery, I haven't experienced it, but the one thing I've heard reoccuringly here is that following surgery pillows are a blessing. For a few days/weeks following surgery sleeping in a bed may not be possible. Many have slept in a recliner or when in bed they were propped up with many pillows. Also a good squishy pillow that he can hug against his chest and incision will help when he coughs or moves. It helps a lot with the pain of these actions to hug that pillow for some reason.
I know there are many here who have gone through the procedure first hand who can offer more and better advice, but I just wanted to throw that out there. Get extra pillows and one good hugging pillow.
Wishing you the best, and sending you lots of prayers!
-
Jen I am very very sorry for you loss. Please know that my heart, thoughts, and prayers are with you and your family right now.
((((JEN)))))
-
Praise God!!! I am so very happy for you and for mom and the whole family.
(((Theresa))))
-
I love animals, any kind of animal (unless it has scales
)I have 2 cats, an all black cat named Norman (named after Norman Bates from Psycho) and a grey and brown tiger kitty named Vladimir (Named after Vlad the impaler, the inspiration for the story Dracula).
Keith was never a pet person, as he was a complete neat freak and hated how pets always get things messy and "ruin" things. But, I have the inability to refuse an animal especially if it is in danger of Euthanasia. So, when I brought the cats home I always let him name them so he had a special bond. He was a big horror movie fan, so they were always named for characters in horror movies. As it turned out Vladimir was Keith's baby. He was on his lap from the moment he was home until bed, where he slept at his feet. Keith loved that cat, and the cat loved Keith. He used to sit by his head and lick his hair like Keith was his kitten.
We also had a doberman for a while named Regan (from the Exorcist). I am really a big time dog lover even moreso than cats, but am not home enough to care for one right now.
But now, I've had to take in a roommate, and he came with a black lab doberman mix named Java. So, I get a dog without the responsibility of having to care for it.
-
Hi Darci,
I think there is a way to talk about the changes with your FIL without using terms with negative connotations such as "depression".
I know that with my husband, he had such a positive attitude that when I was concerned about something, I did not want to deplete his hope and optimism with negativity so I would talk to his onc without actually saying that I felt there was a problem.
When I was concerned about his weight loss, I politely asked the onc for information on megace or decadron and asked if he felt those would benefit my Keith. The onc knew what I was asking and why. There would be no other reason I would ask about those particular drugs.
There was also a time that I felt Keith would benefit from an anti-depressant, more so for anxiety and agitation than mood (as he had a great attitude). My comment to the onc was to tell him that I've noticed that Keith was restless when he was suppose to be sleeping, that I felt he had a great deal of tension and wondered if something like Celexa, Ativan or Lexapro would help. The onc knews these are all anti-depressants, he got the message without me having to say I think my husband is "depressed" or "crazy" or "moody". Basically he trusted me to research things I felt would help him, he trusted his onc to give him only things that were going to be of a benefit, so he really didn't care too much why and what the hidden messages were as long as we both felt it was needed.
I just feel that certain words have a negative perception in our society (even though they shouldn't) and I couldn't even begin to associate anything negative to the most wonderful and perfect of men. But I still wanted him to get the support and help he needed.
Talk to your MIL and give her some suggestions of passive aggressive statements she may use in her discussions with his onc.
Also Congratulations on you FIL doing so well. It really is a blessing and a gift and I'm so happy to hear he is beating this beast.
God Bless
Carleen
-
oleo is margarine. Just like kleenex is now synonymous with tissue, oleo is equated to margarine. It is a brand name of margarine that was very popular in the 40's era according to my nanna.
-
Jen I am so very very sorry.
I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Please take this time to do all those "one last" things. Even if that means doing them 100 times in the next few days.
I remember thinking that Keith was resting so peacefully, I wanted to give him a big hug and kiss, but I didn't want to disturb him or make him uncomfortable.
What I've learned is that at this time, the medication will take care of discomfort, if they wake for a kiss, it will be a wonderful moment to wake to and they will rest again as needed after.
Do whatever your heart tells you. Right now, my heart cries out for just one more kiss. While you are with him now, take that "one more" Cherish it and hold it close in your heart.
Sending you much love, warm thoughts and prayers for peace and comfort not only for your loving dad, but for your family as well.
Carleen
-
There are a few.
I went to college for art; painting and sculpture. I love art, but haven't had the inspiration or desire to do anything creative in years now. I think my soul is just too dark to see any beauty right now.
More importantly, I would like to be able to write words of inspiration and hope. I was always told I was a good writer, and even won a few creative writing contests in high school and college. Now, I would love to right something meaningful, something that will help others going through this cancer journey. I would love to write a book as a memorial to Keith but I'm suffering insane writers block. I've been unable to even journal memories and feelings of Keith right now. I think I need to strengthen those creative skills.
-
Hi friends, I thought I'd share a joke I had sent to me. It was the first thing to really make me chuckle in over a month, so I figured I had to share it.
Carleen
---------------------------------------
A fellow was reading the paper one day lamenting the fact that his doctor has ordered him to lose 75 pounds. Next thing he sees is an advertisement for a guaranteed weight loss program. He's skeptical, but says to himself, "Let's see what they can do." He calls them on the phone and subscribes to the 3 day, 10 LB weight loss program.
The next day there comes a knock at his door, and when he answers, there stands before him a voluptuous, athletic 19 year old babe dressed in nothing but a pair of Nikes and a sign hanging around her neck. She introduces herself as a representative of the weight loss company. The sign reads, "If you can catch me, you can have me." Without a second thought he takes off after her. A few miles later, huffing and puffing, he finally catches her and has his way with her. After they are through he kisses the girl one last time and thinks to himself with a nod, "I like the way this company does business." For the next two days, the same girl shows up and the same thing happens each time. On the fourth day, he weighs himself and, sure enough, he lost 10 pounds.
Deciding that he likes his somewhat more slender physique, not to mention the method of treatment, he calls the company back and subscribes to their 5 day, 20 LB weight loss program. He thinks that losing 20 pounds in only 5 days seems like a lot, but he is intrigued by what their workout schedule might be like this time.
As expected, the next day there comes a knock at his door. When he answers it there stands a 22 year old knockout dressed in nothing but a pair of Reeboks and a sign hanging around her neck. She is simply stunning, the most beautiful woman he has ever seen. She introduces herself as a representative of the weight loss company. The sign reads, "If you can catch me, you can have me." He's out the door like a shot. This gal is in excellent shape and it takes a while to catch her. But when he does, it is worth every cramp and wheeze. She is wonderful, the best he has ever had. For the next four days, the same girl shows up and the same thing happens each time, much to his delight. On the sixth day, he weighs himself and, unbelievably, he has lost another 20 pounds.
I love this company, he thinks to himself, "I never knew losing weight could be so easy and so much fun." Feeling much better about himself, he decides to go for broke and subscribe to the company's 7 day, 50 pound weight loss program. "Are you sure, sir?" Asks the representative on the phone. "This is our most vigorous program." "Absolutely," he replies, "I love your program. Haven't felt this good in years!"
The next day there comes a knock at his door and he enthusiastically answers it. There stands before him a 200 pound perfect specimen of a man dressed in nothing but racing spikes and a sign around his neck. He introduces himself as a representative of the weight loss company. The sign reads, "If I can catch you, I can have you."
-
I can't remember exactly the number of transfusions, but it was at least 4 that I can remember and procrit and neulasta with almost all chemo treatments.
It is very common, and not a sign that things aren't working or that anything is being done wrong.
-
I've traveled with Keith twice while he was undergoing treatment. There really are not too many problems anymore. All that is really required is advance notification to the airline prior to the flight. Not only will they have things set up to accomodate her oxygen equipment, but will have trasport services waiting there to take her from check-in to the plane, from the plane to baggage etc... With advance notice, she should not have any problems with her equipment getting through security either.
Depending on how you purchase the tickets, there is usually the option to give that information immediately at the time of placing the reservation.
Best of Luck, and have a GREAT trip!
-
EEEWWWW!!!! Now that is absolutely disgusting!!!!
-
We were told that with PET scans, the contrast they used was a sugar type substance with radiated contrast added. Since Cancer cells uptake high levels of sugar, they absorb more of the radiant. There are however other naturally occurring tissues that absorb higher sugar contents as well. We were told that PET scans were not terribly accurate on livers since the liver processes a lot of sugar naturally. Also, scar tissue takes up sugar higher than normal tissue as it is using the energy to repair damage. The same is true with infections, and with lymph nodes that are processing infection. When normal tissue is absorbing higher levels of sugar energy to offset some natural occurance, it can be mistaken for cancer tissue.
). I studied art as my major in college with emphasis on painting and sculpture. 
)
Leave it to Rocky...
in CAREGIVER RESOURCE CENTER
Posted
Lori, your post has brought me to tears... and good ones for a change. I am so very, very happy your mom is doing so well. She truly is one hell of an amazing woman. Go Rocky!!!!