Chemo

[AngieDoogles]

Mom's first chemo treatment is today. If you guys could keep her in your thoughts and prayers, that would be great. I know she's a little scared, but this is just part of getting rid of the bad stuff, so really, it's a good thing...

[Mandy]

Ofcourse we will keep your mom in our thoughts, i think about her lots, and today i will be giving her extra thoughts, and prayers. All will be well. :40: :40: :41: :40: :40:

:ghug:

[Janet]

She's been in my prayers for quite some time now Angie....I'll continue to pray for Debbie until this cancer is completely gone.

[judy]

She's in my prayers, as your whole family is. We're all here for all of you!

Give her a big hug please when she comes home.

I'm sending you one too!

[DianaB]

She's definitely in my prayers too and also, the rest of the family.

[2tiredmom]

Prayers are going up here for your mom and your family. God Bless you, your mom and your family.

[AngieDoogles]

Thanks everyone! I don't have a lot of time since I'm writing papers on a deadline tonight, but I wanted to let you know that the treatment went well today. It took quite a while, but so far Mom hasn't had any side effects other than a mild headache. It's the "in between" times we have to really be concerned about, when her white blood cell count will be low and she'll be prone to infections and viruses. That'll be in about 10-14 days.

After her chemo today, Mom and I went to get her a wig and some other items she'll need during this process. Her wig is really gorgeous and she's going to look great! We also got a cute little turban and a pouch for her cords (after her mastectomy), some fluffy little breast cancer pink flip-flops and a pillow to put under her arm after the surgery to make her more comfortable. Oh, and some wig care supplies as well. I'm trying to talk her into going to a "Look Good...Feel Better" meeting where they teach cancer patients how to apply make-up in a way to cover-up a lot of the side effects of chemo. If she goes, they'll give her a huge case of specially designed cancer-patient make-up for free. I also think it would be really encouraging for her, but so far I haven't been able to convince her to make the appointment... :( Maybe you guys could help me convince her though. ;)

Again, thanks for all of the thoughts and prayers today.

[Gina]

Angie, I glad that it went well for mom today and that you went shopping with her. She is a lucky lady to have a wonderful daughter and she is a wonderful mother and you are a lucky girl. You both compliement each other... Your mom is in my prayers daily and she will make a full recovery. :)

[Tink]

My prayers are out there for Debby and family. I hope you're one of the lucky ones who has minimal side affects. HUGS

[Jeanie55]

Debbie, my prayers are for you tonight.

[judy]

Angie,

You're a wonderful daughter!

Judy

[AngieDoogles]

Judy, I don't know about that. There's so much more I wish I could do...

[Mandy]

Like the ladies have said, Angie, you are a wondeful daughter, and you have a wonderful mom, i agree with Gina, that you compliment each other.

Debbie, i'm not trying to push you into doing anything, but really, maybe you should try the program "look good - feel good" it's a fact, that when you look good, you feel a lot better about yourself, plus, you will get to meet other people that are in a similar situation, that you can exchange ideas with, and talk to.
It will be good for you, it really will. ;)

[Janet]

Mandy is right Debbie...we all know this is true....when you feel like you look good, you feel good too! We want the best for you Debbie, and besides....how often do you get free stuff? I say go for it!

[AngieDoogles]

Thanks ladies! Maybe together we can convince her to go! :D

[Bizzymammabee]

Sending prayers and virtual hugs your way :hug:

[judy]

Judy, I don't know about that. There's so much more I wish I could do...


I know honey, but you can't.

Love you,

Judy

[judy]

Debbie,

That Looking Good thing sounds great! You'll also meet other people in the same situation and that's always helpful.

[DianaB]

.....we all know this is true....when you feel like you look good, you feel good too! We want the best for you Debbie, and besides....how often do you get free stuff? I say go for it!

I agree. I think that you should go for it too! I think that now it's really important to look your best because then you'll feel better. Plus you'll have the support of other women who are doing the program too.

[Chandra Amaya]

I really want her to go as well, but i understand why she is weary about going. She is trying to work as much as she can through this and her co-workers and bosses are being wonderful about it. This only happens on Mondays during her work time, but I think if they knew why she wanted to leave they would encourage her to go as well. They all love mom too. It wouldn't take very long mom and you know they want you to be as happy and comfortable as possible right now. I love you and hope you reconsider going.

[Forgivenmom5]

I probably will go but not this Monday. I am just too sick right now. The only time I have been out of bed is what little time I have been able to work. There is another one in Nov. so maybe I can go then. Aren't both of my girl's great. Traci even came to my chemo on her birthday and she does as much as she can with all she has going on. Angie and Brendon are always there for me doing everything they can. I am still pretty sick so when I can't get on the girls will keep you up to date.

[judy]

Dear Debbie,

I'm sorry you aren't feeling well. Chemo can really knock you out!

My prayers are with you,

[Gina]

Debbie I hope you will feel better soon, take care of yourself and rest...

[Janet]

I'm still holding you in my prayers Debbie. Stay strong in spirit and we'll get through this together....right ladies....we love ya girl!

[Marilyn]

My prayers are with you all!!!! Angie, you are one person and you have a lot of responsibilities tugging at your heart and your time. You need to do all that you can for your mom, but realize that you have to take care of yourself and your hubby, too. Traci, you also have a busy life and you can both only do so much. Everyone knows what a loving family you all are.

If you need outside help, please ask. Your friends and neighbors probably want to help, and may not know what you need or how to ask. This is a time when you need not be shy. Regardless of what you see on TV or in the paper, this is a very giving society. When the need is known people will be there for you.

Debbi, I don't know what to say to comfort you. Please take care of yourself and know you have a strong network around you and on here who care and want to do all they can to help you.

[AngieDoogles]

Thanks everyone! Marilyn, we are doing all we can for Mom. Luckily, it's not so hard because we try to go to the store for Mom at the same time we get our own groceries and stuff like that so that it's not as hard to find time to do everything. Brendon and I are the only ones who can help with errands because Traci lives further away and has four children to care for. I will try to keep your advice in mind though. :)

[judy]

Hi Debbie,

Hope today is a good day!

[AngieDoogles]

Thanks Judy. I think Mom is feeling at least a little better today. She's at work right now...

[Mandy]

Angie, please do let your mom know that our thoughts are with her.

[AngieDoogles]

Just wanted to let you know that she really is feeling much better today. It was amazing how much better she looked than she did just yesterday!!

[Gina]

Angie, I am glad to hear that she is feeling better and at work. Send her my love to.. :)

[Forgivenmom5]

I am feeling much better. Still very tired. I am going in to work and then have to have blood levels checked. Just wanted to let you know things are better now.

[Mandy]

Good to know things are better, Debbie - just remember, one step at a time. ;)

[DianaB]

Debbie, it's good to hear from you. You've been on my mind a lot lately and in my prayers. Take care of yourself during this time and don't try to overdo.

[rivermom]

Angie - by being away from 4WT I have missed hearing so much of what's truly important in each other's lives. Oh my thoughts go out to you and your Mom. I hope she has so many "feel great days".

[AngieDoogles]

Angie - by being away from 4WT I have missed hearing so much of what's truly important in each other's lives. Oh my thoughts go out to you and your Mom. I hope she has so many "feel great days".

Thanks Sheryl! We're definitely hoping for a lot of "feel great days" as well.

[Forgivenmom5]

Thanks so much Sheryl. I have had several feel good days. Each one is a real blessing!!

[AngieDoogles]

Thanks so much Sheryl. I have had several feel good days. Each one is a real blessing!!

This couldn't be more true. It means so much each day that I get to see Mom happy and smiling and feeling well. :)

[Janet]

I am so happy to hear that you are doing good Debbie. Sometimes we feel so bad that it's hard to get up...but you're doing great and I just know everything is going to be fine. Keeping you in my heart and prayers.

I am so happy that you and Angie keep us informed.

[judy]

Your attitude is wonderful, Debbie. We all love you here and celebrate every good day you have! We're also there with you on the bad days.

[Forgivenmom5]

I have been really feeling well. A little tired but that is normal. Besides the disease and treatment--my age and lifestyle--work, house, kids. my hair started coming out sunday. I knew it would happen but it still wasn't easy to deal with. I have a wig and some hats. It is almost all gone now but I just have to keep telling myself it is all part of getting well.

[Marilyn]

Debbie, just wanted to say that thoughts and prayers are with you. Losing your hair must be difficult, but sounds like you have a very positive perspective on it. Remember, you are a beautiful person!!!!! Your wonderful girls are evidence of how beautiful you are inside and out!!! ((((((Debbie)))))))

[Janet]

Debbie, I'm still holding you close. I totally love your attitude. Maybe you can just enjoy not having a bad hair day....just slip that wig on and there ya go. I 've always thought not only is the picture of you beautiful, but your attitude shows through your postings. What a great person you are!

[Mandy]

I totally agree with Janet. Being the person you are, you shine!

And Debbie, you very right, it's all part of getting well, and you will! Keep going girl, i'm proud of you! :thumbup:

[katepoet]

Every time I think about your hair, I get tempted to shave mine in support of you - but since I live so far away, we couldn't even go out together for fun to enjoy it. Is anyone near you stepping up to keep you company? Would you even like that?

In a way, it's an adventure like when a man shaves his beard - if you didn't know him before hand - it's kind of exciting to see who is he underneath. I am sure you are beautiful either way.

The other day, I met a bald man who had an eye patch that was new due to a permanent problem with one eye now. I asked him if he was getting lots of invites to come as a pirate to Halloween parties. He said if he goes, he's not going to go as a pirate, he's going as "the bald guy." He gave a loud guffaw and headed out!

[DianaB]

I have been really feeling well. A little tired but that is normal. Besides the disease and treatment--my age and lifestyle--work, house, kids. my hair started coming out sunday. I knew it would happen but it still wasn't easy to deal with. I have a wig and some hats. It is almost all gone now but I just have to keep telling myself it is all part of getting well.

I'm sorry to hear that you're feeling tired. I'm sure that it's the effects of chemo. Just make sure that you take care of yourself. I know that your family will be there to help lift your spirits when you're low. Dealing with losing your hair would be really difficult but you've prepared by having wigs and hats on hand already. I know that some really beautiful wigs are available so I'm sure you've picked out some that you'll enjoy wearing. Keep your chin up because we're all pulling for you!!!! {{{{{{Debbie}}}}}}

[judy]

Dear Debbie,

I'm sorry you have to go through these side effects. You bought wigs if I remember correctly. Are you wearing them yet? I hope they're comfortable.

[AngieDoogles]

Dear Debbie,

I'm sorry you have to go through these side effects. You bought wigs if I remember correctly. Are you wearing them yet? I hope they're comfortable.

She's been wearing scarves and hats mostly. She tried the wig, but felt it was too fake. It's probably just a big change that she needs to get used to. She said she'll try again, but for now she likes the scarves and hats better.

We go back for the second chemo on Tuesday.

[Mandy]

I can understand that the wig is a big change, and takes time for getting used to. The hats, and scarves are a good start, and i'm sure they look great on your mom.

[DianaB]

Debbie, don't worry about what other people think. Just wear what ever feels comfortable!!!!! I bet that you look cute with a scarf around your head!!!! I'll be praying that all goes well on Tuesday!!!

[Janet]

Yes Debbie, don't you worry one bit about what people think. They don't know you and what you are going through. I think scarfs are a great look, there are so many ways to style them.

[Forgivenmom5]

Thanks guys.. I am going to ask for a new medicine for the nausea this time. Hopefully it won't be as bad. I just have to keep remembering it only last a few days. I had about ten really good days after i got over all that so I am going to just try to keep in mind that it will pass.

[katepoet]

Did we talk about Swedish Bitters - they really helped my father with preventing the nausea. He took drops in his tea each morning. Talk to a homeopath.

[AngieDoogles]

Thanks guys.. I am going to ask for a new medicine for the nausea this time. Hopefully it won't be as bad. I just have to keep remembering it only last a few days. I had about ten really good days after i got over all that so I am going to just try to keep in mind that it will pass.

You will be fine. I'm sure the Zofran will be better than the Fenrigan (sp?). I'm so glad my professor said it's okay for me to go with you! I would've been really sad if you only had Brendon with you...

[judy]

Debbie,

You're so courageous! You just keep putting one foot in front of the other and look for the positive side of whatever is happening.

I think you should get a Halloween scarf for Wednesday.

I hope the new medication helps for the nausea.

Prayers and hugs,

Judy

[DianaB]

I'm praying that this week will go well for you and I'll pray about the nausea too.

[Gina]

My prayers are with you also Debbie.. :)

[AngieDoogles]

Thanks everyone! Mom is feeling much better this time around than she was last time. She's definitely not feeling great, but she's at least been able to keep the nausea mostly at bay. We have a lot to be thankful for!

[DianaB]

I'm glad to hear that things are better then last time. Your Mom is a brave woman!!!

[AngieDoogles]

We had an awful scare today! You might remember when my brother's lung collapsed a while back...well, he was having a horrible time breathing today so Mom rushed him to the hospital at 8 this morning. It turns out he was just having a normal asthma attack because of being out in the cold for so long last night while helping Crissy Trick or Treat. We were SO scared, for Bobby AND Mom. We were afraid she might get an infection since she had to be at the hospital. Luckily, they took Bobby back immediately and didn't make her stay in the waiting room since she is immuno-compromised. Bobby turned out to be fine and Mom took the rest of the day off work. It was stressful, but I guess it turned out alright... *sigh*

[judy]

What a scary day! Thank goodness it turned out okay.

[DianaB]

Oh, that had to have been scary. I'm glad that everyone's alright and the hospital kept your Mom in a safe environment. At least while she's home she can get some rest. Her body is going through a lot right now.

[Mandy]

How scary, awwww your brother, how is he feeling now Angie?

[AngieDoogles]

How scary, awwww your brother, how is he feeling now Angie?

He seems to be doing alright. It was definitely scary though! Thanks for checking up on him!

[Janet]

Just now saw this...I'm glad everything turned out alright.

[Mandy]

Ahhhh i'm glad he is ok Angie, please give him a hug from me.

[rivermom]

Just read this - Oh Angie I am glad things are better for your Brother. Asthma is such a scary thing.

[AngieDoogles]

Just read this - Oh Angie I am glad things are better for your Brother. Asthma is such a scary thing.

He's had the asthma for a very long time. We're much more worried about the lung problem. It's so dangerous and painful for him... :(

Mandy, I'll give him a hug for you! :)

[Mandy]

Thanks Angie. Sometimes it just doesnt seem fair, when you see a good innocent person like your brother, having to go through things like this. I know we are not supose to question, and ask "why" but honestly sometimes i cant help it, when i walk in the street, and look around me.

[Forgivenmom5]

Thanks Ladies for your concern for Bobby. He kept telling me the pain was different than when his lung collapsed but you know Moms. He is one that doesn't let you know when he really feels bad or is scared but the lung collapse really scared him. He said the pain is awful. He now has an inhaler to carry and doctor's permission to keep it with him at school. If not he would have to walk all the way across campus to the clinic to get it when he needed it.

[rivermom]

I'm glad the school ok'd Bobby to keep his inhaler with him. Hope he is feeling much better.

[DianaB]

It's good to hear from you, Debbie. I'm glad that the school has let him keep his inhaler with him.

At our school they're really cracking down on the kids for taking any kind of medicine at school. I had to fill out a form so Jaci could take Tylenol or menthol cough drops and that's with the office handing it out!!! Just wait until cold season is REALLY here and we'll see if they stick to the handing out cough drops!!!!! And this is for high school!

[Forgivenmom5]

It's good to hear from you, Debbie. I'm glad that the school has let him keep his inhaler with him.

At our school they're really cracking down on the kids for taking any kind of medicine at school. I had to fill out a form so Jaci could take Tylenol or menthol cough drops and that's with the office handing it out!!! Just wait until cold season is REALLY here and we'll see if they stick to the handing out cough drops!!!!! And this is for high school!
Yes that's the way it is here. Bobby is in 11th grade.