Chemo, Aredia, and oncologist today

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

It finally cooled off! Still in the 80's, but the humidity went way down, and there is a nice breeze.

Had my oncologist appointment, (nothing new to report), Aredia and chemo today. It was a still a long day at the clinic but things were pretty much on time today so it was not as bad. At least with the Aredia, they do not need to wait for my lab work before they start it, so that was started right after I saw the doctor, and I had the nausea meds and chemo after that.

Had to stop at Rite Aid after that for a few things. Then it was home; took a shower and got into my pajamas.

I ended up getting sick from the zucchini last night; it made my GP symptoms flare up. My stomach really hurt for awhile, then when my stomach stopped hurting, I had diarrhea. Thankfully, I was recovered from that by this morning. It would not have been fun to have to keep running to the bathroom hooked up to an IV pole at the clinic.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

CELLOPLAYER1 7/12/2011 9:24PM

Have a relaxing evening and take care. Report Inappropriate Comment

1STATEOFDENIAL 7/12/2011 8:49PM

In your blog yesterday you said you would peel it and remove the seeds, but did you also cook it? Cooking veggies breaks the cell walls (freezing does this also) and makes it easier to digest them (basically it breaks up the fiber). I'm just curious. If anyone wants to see on a larger scale what happens when you freeze or cook veggies, freeze a piece of lettuce then let it thaw. Report Inappropriate Comment

CIVIAV 7/12/2011 7:38PM

Hope you are taking it easy tonight. You are a pro at this so I am sure you are giving yourself what you need. and yet another hug always comes in handy... Report Inappropriate Comment

CMRAND54 7/12/2011 6:30PM

Too bad about the zucchini. I love summer squash. I'm glad things went well for you otherwise. Take care. And send that good weather this way, please. Report Inappropriate Comment

SUNSPARKER 7/12/2011 5:53PM

Now that you're home, I hope you are able to rest and relax. Try to have a comfortable evening. Report Inappropriate Comment

ELLFIN3 7/12/2011 5:25PM

I am sorry the zucchini made you sick! It is still hot here but we are getting a few showers that are cooling it down some! Rest and enjoy your evening! Love Ya!!! Susan Report Inappropriate Comment

NURSNANA 7/12/2011 5:22PM

Sorry the Zucchini made you sick last night. Glad you felt better by morning. Sounds like you had a long day today Getting comfy in your PJ's is a good idea! It is still very hot and humid here. Heat index was 105 today! Hope you have a relaxing evening Shari. ~hugs~ Nancy Report Inappropriate Comment

Getting ready for the next chemo cycle

Monday, July 11, 2011

We finally had some rain this morning, only about 1/4 of an inch though, we could use some more. We were under a severe thunderstorm for a while this morning, but nothing bad in my immediate area. It's still very humid though it's not quite as hot as it was yesterday.

I took a pain pill first thing this morning; I knew with the weather I was going to need it, and I had cleaning I had to do. About an hour after breakfast, after the pill had time to start working, I got started. I didn't have a lot to do, just the floors and touching up a little bit, and putting a little bit of clutter away, but I wanted to get it done before my next chemo cycle starts tomorrow. I also did a couple loads of laundry.

I did 40 minutes of my yoga DVD after that, just to de-stress and stretch some of my sore muscles. Tomorrow is my long day at the clinic, besides chemo, I see my oncologist and get my 2 hour Aredia infusion, so I will take tomorrow off from exercise. So far this month I've only missed one day, so taking a day off is not going to be a setback.

For dinner I am going to cook some chicken and squash. I can eat squash with the GP as long as it's peeled and I don't eat the seeds. I'll make enough so that I won't have to cook for at least the next 2-3 days. Maybe I'll think of some way to combine the chicken and squash, add some seasonings, and have it on some rice.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

AMYBINTN 7/12/2011 2:17PM

I'm thinking about you! I hope your day will go well. amy Report Inappropriate Comment

SUNSPARKER 7/11/2011 9:42PM

Enjoy a relaxing evening and a restful night's sleep as you prepare for a long day tomorrow. Take care. Keeping you in my thoughts. Report Inappropriate Comment

CMRAND54 7/11/2011 9:10PM

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OUTDOORGIRL68 7/11/2011 8:40PM

Prayers are there for you. Report Inappropriate Comment

CELLOPLAYER1 7/11/2011 7:16PM

Hope things go well with you tomorrow. Report Inappropriate Comment

NURSNANA 7/11/2011 6:18PM

Hey Shari, Sounds like you accomplished a lot today!! Your dinner sounds good too! I will be thinking of you tomorrow, hope everything goes well for you. You are so good about exercising almost everyday, you motivate me to get moving more and actually use my exercise DVD's. You are an inspiration to me and I am sure many other friends on SparkPeople! We all care about you my friend! :) ~With Love & Hugs~ Nancy Report Inappropriate Comment

CIVIAV 7/11/2011 5:31PM

Bless and keep you through the next round! Report Inappropriate Comment

WENDYSPARKS 7/11/2011 4:59PM

Praying for you. God Bless You. Wendy Report Inappropriate Comment

ELLFIN3 7/11/2011 4:26PM

You truly are inspiring! I hope tomorrow goes as scheduled and you do not have long to wait! Let me know how it goes! I finished the Chemo sun bonnet for my cousin and I will try to get a picture or two on tonight! Rest well Dear Friend!!!! Love YA! Susan Report Inappropriate Comment

NDTEACHER1 7/11/2011 3:59PM

WOW! You are amazing, your blog makes me feel inadequate;0 Hang in there, I'll pray your chemo goes well. Report Inappropriate Comment

Hot and humid Sunday

Sunday, July 10, 2011

I was up and out of the house by 8:30am to get my groceries today. Took me a little longer today; I didn't shop last week, and last week also seemed to be the week that I ran out of quite a few basic pantry items, such as flour and sugar. I also stocked up on a few sale items. I felt like I got a workout in today carrying everything into the house, (going up and down the porch steps too) and then getting everything put away. I got home a little before 10am and it was already getting hot then; I worked up a sweat by the time I got the car unloaded.

Because of my gastroparesis, I'm very limited as to what fruits and veggies I can eat, but a lot of the people in the G-PACT support group I am a part of on Facebook eat baby food because it's easily digestable, so I thought I would try baby food versions of some of the fruits and veggies I can't eat any other way. I tried an Earth's Best jar of apples and blueberries and it wasn't bad; I think next time I will refrigerate it first though, I think it would taste better cold. I know it would probably be cheaper to just to puree my own fruits and veggies, but the truth is, with being so tired from the chemo all the time, I'd never get around to actually doing it even if I bought all the ingredients for it. If I have a day where I have some energy, there are other things that are more important to me to get done. Anyway, for now I am going to experiment with different varieties and brands hopefully be able to add some variety to my diet and get more servings of fruits and veggies in.

I wasn't hurting too bad even after that long shopping trip, but I knew with the humidity I'd be feeling it later, so I took a pain pill as soon as I got home to hopefully save myself from hurting a lot later in the day.

I did a short stability ball workout, but other than that kind of staying off my feet today; need to save some energy to do my housework tomorrow; I want to get a good cleaning in the kitchen and living room areas before I start my next cycle of chemo on Tuesday.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

OUTDOORGIRL68 7/10/2011 9:32PM

The baby food sounds good. They do have a lot more verity then when my kids were little. That was 43 years ago. for you Comment edited on: 7/10/2011 9:32:47 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

SUNSPARKER 7/10/2011 9:05PM

Since being diagnosed with gastroparesis, I also keep several jars of baby food in my pantry (fruit, vegetables, and believe it or not some of the dinner type foods--such as chicken and noodles, chicken/beef with vegetables...). They have come in handy on several occasions. I also keep a small variety of some baby food "snack items" on hand. Getting your shopping done early in the day was a wise choice. But even then, I imagine the heat was already building by the time you got back home. Tomorrow is supposed to be another hot and humid one here, so I will work around the house doing inside chores, and save my yardwork for later in the week. Wishing you a comfortable relaxing evening and a restful night! Report Inappropriate Comment

CMRAND54 7/10/2011 6:58PM

The baby food sounds interesting. There is a lot of variety there. Report Inappropriate Comment

ELLFIN3 7/10/2011 4:35PM

Busy lady!!! I would not get fruits and veggies pureed and there is nothing wrong with my other than lazy! I would buy it already done! I hope you can find some that work for you! I hope you have a wonderful evening!!! Love YA!! Susan Report Inappropriate Comment

NURSNANA 7/10/2011 4:19PM

Hey Shari, You had a busy morning! It is a workout to go shopping and carry everything inside and put it all away! It's especially hard when it is hot and humid. You deserve to relax the rest of the day my friend! It is hot and humid here today. We are staying inside. We did make it out to Sunday School and Church this morning. That is great you can have baby food! I remember from feeding my grand babies that the fruit is quite good, the veggies are kind of blah. You might be able to make a smoothie with them using yogurt.....if you can have yogurt. It is nice that you have the option of eating the pureed fruits and veggies. Enjoy the rest of your day! :) ~hugs~ Nancy Report Inappropriate Comment

Sunny and hot Saturday

Saturday, July 09, 2011

I wanted to wash my car this morning; it looked terrible with the dirt and pollen stuck all over it; we haven't had a hard enough rain in a few weeks to wash it off. I couldn't find my car sponge though, so after loosening all the dirt with a hose, I did the best I could with some spray cleaner and paper towels. I refuse to pay for a car wash when the car just sits outside anyway, since I have no garage. It looked a lot better when I got done anyway.

Since I already had the hose unwound, and had my spray cleaner and paper towels out with me, I also cleaned the bird bath. After that I filled all the bird feeders. By the time I was all done outside, it was getting hot out. (Stayed inside after that, it's 86°F right now.)

I sat down to rest for awhile after I came in, and got my grocery list ready for tomorrow.

Did one of my Tai Chi workouts after that.

My chemo cycle starts again on Tuesday, so this is my weekend to get things done. However, I know I have to pace myself too. So I have pretty much taken it easy since my outdoor activities this morning; tomorrow is my shopping day, and Monday is going to be my cleaning day.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

PMCFARM 7/9/2011 9:30PM

I cannot find an exercise emoticon for any of your exercises outside today, so this will have to do.. , Report Inappropriate Comment

CMRAND54 7/9/2011 7:51PM

You got a lot done, with the car washed and your exercise DVD, too. I hope the rest of your weekend goes well for you. Report Inappropriate Comment

ELLFIN3 7/9/2011 7:40PM

Sounds like a great plan for the next few days! I am almost have my chemo sunbonnet done! I will post a picture! Enjoy your evening! Love Ya!! Susan Report Inappropriate Comment

1STATEOFDENIAL 7/9/2011 6:18PM

Isn't it a nice feeling of accomplishment and/or pride when you see something all clean? I have a garage, but when it pours while I'm at work my car gets all nice and clean. Of course, I don't feel accomplishment then, but pride that my car looks a little nicer. You're so nice to the neighbor birds! And of course to your furbabies for keeping the birds coming back for them to watch. Report Inappropriate Comment

SOSMEGOD 7/9/2011 5:51PM

Good Luck with your chemo. Hopefully you get done without getting to sick. My prayers are with you. Report Inappropriate Comment

DVD review: Peggy Cappy Easy Yoga for Arthritis

Friday, July 08, 2011

This is an easy, gentle workout for those suffering from arthritis or stiffness, it will help to strengthen the muscles and will also help with increasing mobility.

It's divided into 7 segments; you can do them all, or just pick the ones you want to do.

* A warm up to loosen the shoulders, neck, back, legs and feet.

* warm ups for the hands, wrists, and arms (good if you are at a keyboard all day!)

* Standing poses

* Seated poses

* Reclining poses

* Deep relaxation techniques

* Meditation

There are 3 different ways shown to do the workout; standing, seated, or standing but using a chair for support.

I really like the instructor; she has a very calming voice, and she does a great job of taking the time with each move to show you the correct way to do it.

I have some arthritis, but that isn't my biggest problem; I have issues with pain from sciatica and cancer, and fatigue from the chemo I am on right now. I really enjoy this workout, it's gentle, and doesn't hurt. It has been helping a lot with the pain and stiffness in my back. I do most of the workout standing using a chair for support, but for some of the moves, I have to do them seated. I like having the options to do them in different ways depending on how I am feeling and what my pain level is each day. The moves are simple and uncomplicated, nothing that feels like I have to turn myself into a "pretzel".

Other than a chair, the only other equipment you need are a yoga mat if you are doing the seated exercises on the floor, or the reclining poses, and a strap.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

OUTDOORGIRL68 7/8/2011 10:48PM

Sounds interesting. Report Inappropriate Comment

JANEDOE12345 7/8/2011 8:59PM

YAY! I am so glad there is another Peggy fan out there! I first saw her on PBS and have two of her dvd's. One is called Yoga for the Rest of Us and the other one is for bad backs. Your review is exactly right and will lead others to check out how great her presentation is. Glad you are up and doing the yoga. What a great way to feel better. Pam Report Inappropriate Comment

CMRAND54 7/8/2011 7:31PM

That sounds like a great DVD. Thanks for sharing your review. Report Inappropriate Comment

ELLFIN3 7/8/2011 3:45PM

Sound very interesting! Enjoy the rest of your Friday!!! Love YA! Susan Report Inappropriate Comment