Plans fell through again today

Thursday, January 05, 2012

I had plans to get out and check out the sales at Fashion Bug and JCPenney this morning; I thought I was feeling ok, was almost ready to go, then I started feeling the chemo side effects. Started feeling kind of crampy, so I thought I'd better play it safe and stay home, and near the bathroom. So I changed out of the clothes I was going to wear into town and put on a sweatshirt and a pair of fuzzy pj pants instead. I was bummed about the change in plans, but truthfully, I am still pretty fatigued and as much as I would like to go look at some new clothes and shoes, I don't think I would have had the energy to try anything on.

I haven't had much energy to do anything today, so my decision to stay home today was a wise one. I'm hoping one day soon to have a good day where I can get out and go somewhere other than just for groceries, the drugstore, or a medical appointment. I am looking forward to going to church Sunday; I missed it last week because I was just too worn out to even get ready to go.

Even though I know the fatigue is normal with all I've been through, and still going through, it gets frustrating. People tell me to "rest and take it easy", but that gets old after awhile. It's not fun, or relaxing, to feel so tired all the time. I've been in a pissy mood today because of it. But I am thankful that the radiation part is over and at least I CAN stay home now when I don't have the energy to go out.

Looking forward to new episodes of Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice tonight, then I will go to bed. I won't make any plans for tomorrow, I will just see how I feel when I get up and see where the day takes me.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

OPALMOON 1/6/2012 6:26AM

HI Shari, I empathise with your frustration and ongoing tiredness. I struggle with that as well, along with intense ongoing pain, and I have recently read that fatigue is another part of the fibromyalgia jigsaw puzzle. I also would love to have more days out for something other than those same 3 things! I hope you feel better tomorrow! Nattacia Report Inappropriate Comment

PIMPINELLAN50 1/5/2012 11:01PM

It's no wonder that you are feeling frustrated Shari.. hoping that your fatigue will ease up soon, so that you can get out of the house,for some "fun shopping". Report Inappropriate Comment

PMCFARM 1/5/2012 11:00PM

Shari... lots of hugs and a huge THANK YOU for todays blog and especially for describing the side effects we enconter for whatever quality of life we are given! If one more person tells me how blessed I am (and yes I am blessed)...just don't remind me when my feet are screaming, I'm so fatigued I can't function past 2-3 on a scale of 10 and whimpy-weepy-whiney-dumpy-frumpy-gr umpy-bitchy & witchy(all my little mental gremlins)are "acting out"...or I will share! Report Inappropriate Comment

KERRYG155 1/5/2012 8:40PM

I agree that staying at home because you want to is good but really frustrating when you have to. Report Inappropriate Comment

1STATEOFDENIAL 1/5/2012 6:49PM

I know how you feel. It just isn't fun to stay at home and 'rest'. Though having to push through it all to do things your body doesn't want you to do isn't fun either. Keep going with the moderation. Hope tomorrow is a little better and you can try going out for a bit. Report Inappropriate Comment

NURSNANA 1/5/2012 5:23PM

Hey Shari, I would be frustrated and in a bad mood too, if I felt as fatigued as you are feeling. I apologize for saying take it easy or get some rest. It would get old after a while. I am sure it would not be any fun or relaxing to feel so very tired. Maybe it is my mothering/nursing instinct to say something like that, I know I say that to my grown daughter too. I am sorry you are going through so much, wish I lived closer and could help you out my friend. I am looking forward to Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice coming on tonight too!! :) ~hugs~ Nancy Report Inappropriate Comment

BEST_LIFE_NOW 1/5/2012 5:15PM

It sucks when you are too tired to kick back and relax. People who have never experienced it don't really know that kind of tired but I'm sure they are trying to be helpful. On bad days all I can say is 'here's to good drugs'! I hope you are feeling better tomorrow. Report Inappropriate Comment

ELLFIN3 1/5/2012 4:53PM

I am sure You are going stir crazy!! Maybe now that the radiation is over You will have more energy! Have You tried anymore with Your Knook project? I had and email from Herrschners that mine have shipped! Enjoy Your shows this evening!!! Love Y'all!!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

Feeling a little better for now

Wednesday, January 04, 2012

I took my sleeping pill at 10pm last night, but it took about an hour before it kicked in. While I was waiting, I did my reading. Reading a good book now that is hard to put down; On Gold Mountain by Lisa See. It's the history of her family after her great grandfather came to America from China; it's non fiction but reads like a novel. She is one of my favorite authors.

It was very cold when I got up at 6:30am this morning, only 14°F, though now it is up to 32°F.

My appointment with the internist went fine, except for the long wait. My appointment was at 8:30am but I didn't see the doctor til 9:45am. Thankfully I had my Kindle with me, got my book half done now. I was feeling pretty good for a change, despite the fact that I just had chemo yesterday. I had thought about stopping at Fashion Bug and JCPenney to check out the sales, but decided it was just too cold, and I'd just end up aggravating my pain issues. As it was, I had to take a pain pill when I got home because all the spots that hurt when it's cold out were starting to ache. I might try to go tomorrow; it will warmer, it's suppose to get up to 38°F.

I did a short stability workout today, my first workout of the New Year.

Tired now, but dealing with it ok. After I went out for the mail, I put on a pair of flannel pjs. Just going to relax the rest of the day.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

OPALMOON 1/5/2012 6:24AM

Glad it was an okay day for you Shari. Keep warm! Report Inappropriate Comment

CELLOPLAYER1 1/4/2012 8:27PM

Shari, It sounds like you had a pretty good Day. Take care! Report Inappropriate Comment

NURSNANA 1/4/2012 8:08PM

Hey Shari, Sounds like your day went well. Hope you can go shopping tomorrow. Your book sounds interesting, I read a review online. I ordered a set of Knifty Knitter looms today, can't wait to get them! The set included several kinds of looms, and the one for making the flower. Your PJ's sound nice and warm! Nancy Report Inappropriate Comment

KERRYG155 1/4/2012 7:14PM

Sounds like the best thing to do on a cold day! Report Inappropriate Comment

ELLFIN3 1/4/2012 7:10PM

Flannel PJs and resting sounds good to Me!!! I Hope can go shopping for awhile tomorrow! Enjoy!!! Love Ya!! Report Inappropriate Comment

HANOVERLADY 1/4/2012 4:55PM

I want flannel pjs, too! They sound so warm and comfy. Glad you are chilling out. Report Inappropriate Comment

1STATEOFDENIAL 1/4/2012 2:45PM

Sometimes it's smarter to play it safe, especially when you know what triggers your pain/problems. I've been playing it safe too. I wish I had the chance/time/energy to read as much as you do. I have several great books (including a 21 book series that I only got to book 13 before I had to stop) just sitting in my house waiting to be read. Have you always been a big reader, or was it something you picked up (and appreciated more) as you got older? Report Inappropriate Comment

Back on chemo today

Tuesday, January 03, 2012

Long day at the clinic today. First I had to see my oncologist, that went fine. Then I had my blood drawn and my 2 hour Aredia infusion was started, then I had my nausea meds and lastly, my chemo. Next week it will go quicker since the Aredia is only once per month.

Doing ok so far, but the "not feeling good" usually doesn't start until I am home for a few hours. Right now I am mostly tired from the nausea meds and from sitting for so long.

I will need to go to bed early tonight since I have a followup appointment from when I was in the hospital with my internist at 8:30am tomorrow.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

PMCFARM 1/4/2012 9:16PM

Shari, I'm still holding you up in prayer that your treatments will adjust soon and the side effects will lessen somewhat. You are such awesome example! Report Inappropriate Comment

OPALMOON 1/4/2012 6:53AM

Hope you get some good sleep and feel okay for tomorrow, Shari - take care! Report Inappropriate Comment

1STATEOFDENIAL 1/3/2012 8:50PM

Long day, but I'm sure that means you're extra glad to be home. Hope you can sleep well tonight. Report Inappropriate Comment

ELLFIN3 1/3/2012 7:48PM

I am glad all went well today! I hope You get a good nights rest! Love Ya!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

CELLOPLAYER1 1/3/2012 7:36PM

Take Care! Report Inappropriate Comment

NURSNANA 1/3/2012 5:51PM

Hey Shari, Glad everything went okay today at the clinic. I hope you don't get sick tonight. That is an early appointment tomorrow, hope you sleep well my friend. Nancy Report Inappropriate Comment

LINOVER 1/3/2012 4:35PM

I too will be thinking of you and hoping all your test results will be good! Report Inappropriate Comment

LAC936 1/3/2012 3:46PM

I don't know first hand what you're going through, but I have a friend that has gone through 12 rounds of chemo (today being her last). They will be able to operate after the next test. I pray for complete healing for you. Report Inappropriate Comment

BETHGILLIGAN 1/3/2012 3:44PM

Thinking of you! Report Inappropriate Comment

Snowy day

Monday, January 02, 2012

I tried out my Knook needles last night but it didn't go that well. I will have to try again while watching the tutorial on You Tube, on a day when I am not so tired. I'm sure once I get the hang of it though I will really like it. I went back to my regular crocheting, finished a baby hat I had started Saturday night, crocheted another hat for my Operation Christmas Child collection, and started a chemo hat on my Knifty Knitter loom.

Had a hard time sleeping last night, kept waking up a lot for some reason.

We had two inches of snow overnight and it has been snowing lightly most of the day. I had to move my car for the plow for the first time this winter. I had to take a pain pill at lunch time because I was hurting in all the places I usually ache. There is a cold front moving through so I am not surprised at the flare up in the pain today.

I got caught up on the laundry this morning but too tired to do anything else today.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

BEST_LIFE_NOW 1/3/2012 7:45AM

I hate the aches and pains that come with cancer and chemo. I hope you have a good streak of days soon. Report Inappropriate Comment

OPALMOON 1/2/2012 11:48PM

hope the pain goes away quickly, Shari! I am sure you will be proficient at knooking in no time! I hope you are able to get some decent rest tonight. All the best for the chemo tomorrow. Nattacia Report Inappropriate Comment

NURSNANA 1/2/2012 9:39PM

Hey Shari, I know you will be able to figure the knook needles out soon! I am thinking you have chemo tomorrow. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Hope everything goes well if you do have chemo, and you don't have much trouble with side effects. We had some snow flurries here today, not for long. No snow for us so far this winter. Take good care my friend. Nancy Comment edited on: 1/2/2012 9:40:14 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

ELLFIN3 1/2/2012 7:42PM

Well I could not stand it-I order the knook needle and dish cloth pattern. But if You are having trouble I don;t know! I was wondering about You when the weather people said it was snowing in Your area! Do You have chemo tomorrow? Enjoy Your evening!!! Love Ya!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

1STATEOFDENIAL 1/2/2012 4:07PM

Be sure to share pictures of what you make with the new knook needles. I'm interested to see how it looks compared to the other items you've made. We got a couple inches of snow NYE night here in MN - literally while the year changed the snow was falling - made for an extra dangerous night on the roads. I kinda like the 10-11 inches that have fallen so far this year in comparison to the about 44 inches that had fallen at this time last year. Still I hope you've taken a moment or two to look at how pretty the new snow looks. Report Inappropriate Comment

Christmas yesterday

Sunday, January 01, 2012

I wasn't feeling the greatest yesterday, (had bad chest pain from my acid reflux), but we had a nice Christmas yesterday anyway. Everyone liked the goodies I made, the cookie pie and the candy. I didn't take any leftovers home with me though, I made everyone else take them. Until my GI system heals from the radiation I really shouldn't be eating anything with chocolate in it.

The best part, as always, was watching everyone open the gifts I gave them; they all loved everything, especially the handmade things.

Among the gifts I received was a set of "knooking" needles; it's new craft, using specially made crochet hooks to "knit". I had watched a video about how to do it on You Tube (search for "how to knook if you are interested.) It looked like fun, and like something I could do, so I have been wanting to try it. I plan to try it out later on today while I watch tv or a movie.

Last night after I got into my pjs, I settled in for an evening of working on baby hats; crocheted one and started another on a Knifty Knitter loom. I watched The Help on DVD which my friend Rhonda loaned me, great movie! I read for a little while before going to sleep around 11:40pm (or tried to; just as I about to drift off to sleep, someone in the neighborhood starting shooting off illegal fireworks.)

I slept in this morning til almost 9:30am, the latest I've slept in a long time. Didn't start having chest pain today til after lunch, so I know the pain is GI related. Just having kind of a "lazy day" staying home and in my pjs today. Weather is not so nice out today anyway; started out with rain which then turned to snow, and it's windy. We are under a winter weather advisory here til 7am tomorrow.

I got a couple of Amazon gift certificates yesterday too; I used them to order a mini cupcake maker, something I have been wanting for a few months now. I think it will be good for me, a single girl, to make portion controlled treats, and in the summer, if I want something baked, I won't have to heat up the house with oven. I also ordered a cook book to go with it; besides cupcakes, you can make things like muffins, mini cheesecakes, mini potpies, and things using shredded potatoes and bacon.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

CINDILP 1/2/2012 12:11PM

Glad to hear that you enjoyed your Christmas with your family. I crochet also. I knit, but prefer to crochet. I've seen the knooting needles and wondered about them. You have to keep us posted on how you like them. Cindi Report Inappropriate Comment

OPALMOON 1/2/2012 1:55AM

Glad to hear you enjoyed your Christmas gathering yesterday, Shari. The gifts you received sound like fun - I am sure you will be a champion "knooker" in no time! We are staying in for the opposite reason - very hot here in Adelaide - 40 degrees centigrade! Much too hot to do anything... Hope the chest pain and acid reflux settle down so you can enjoy your evening. Nattacia Report Inappropriate Comment

PIMPINELLAN50 1/2/2012 1:44AM

Happy New Year Shari! It sounds like everyone had a nice Christmas get together. And you recieved some neat gifts too. Wishing you peace and happiness in 2012. Report Inappropriate Comment

KERRYG155 1/1/2012 9:23PM

Sounds like you had a very nice Christmas. My granddaughter wanted one of the cupcake makers but she didn't get it. lol That knooking sounds interesting. I may have to look it up, too. Report Inappropriate Comment

BETHGILLIGAN 1/1/2012 5:57PM

Sounds like a great day!! glad you were able to enjoy it!! Report Inappropriate Comment

1STATEOFDENIAL 1/1/2012 4:56PM

I'm glad you were able to enjoy your family Christmas and got some presents you're looking forward to using. Glad you got to sleep in today also. I hope 2012 brings you good things. Report Inappropriate Comment

CHARMIAN2 1/1/2012 4:49PM

What a wonderful celebration you had!!! Wishing you a wonderful and peaceful 2012. Report Inappropriate Comment

ELLFIN3 1/1/2012 4:10PM

Well You know Me I will be looking up How to knook! Let Me know how You do with Yours!!I hope you are enjoying a restful New Years Day!!! Love You HUGS!!!!!!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

JUDYAMK 1/1/2012 4:10PM

Have a Happy & Blessed New Year Shari!!! I am so sorry you are not feeling so well. You sure made everyone else happy for Christmas. Homemade gifts are the best. I always said the person that made them for me was thinking of me as they were being made & cared enough about me to do there beautiful work. I buy a number of items from Amazon. I am an avid reader & get a lot of books from them also.Have a good evening Judy Report Inappropriate Comment

CMRAND54 1/1/2012 4:03PM

Your Christmas sounds wonderful, with lots of happiness and presents. I hope you New Year is all you are hoping for. Report Inappropriate Comment

NURSNANA 1/1/2012 3:08PM

Hey Shari! Happy New Year My Friend! Sounds like you had fun at your family Christmas gathering! I am sorry you are having chest pain caused by your Reflux. I get that too, when I eat certain foods or drink diet soda with a meal. I know how much it hurts! It feels like I am having a heart attack! I usually try ice water first, sometimes that will dilute the acid and the pain goes away! I am sorry your radiation has caused you to suffer with all these GI issues, and other problems. Have fun with your new knooking needles, sounds like fun! I love Amazon!! It is wonderful you could order just what you have been wanting! ~hugs~ Nancy Report Inappropriate Comment