Pat (phebj)'s Reading Life--Chapter 6

Welcome to my sixth thread for 2011.

Calling this thread my "Reading Life" is somewhat misleading at the moment since I'm just about to embark on an almost year long health journey to treat my recently diagnosed breast cancer and reading has taken a backseat to learning all I can about what will be happening to me.

One of the things I've been doing to prepare myself is listening to guided imagery meditation CDs which always have you picture someplace you love and feel safe. The following picture is one of those places. It's a picture of the Boise River from the greenbelt near my house.

Read in January (7)

1. Asterios Polyp by David Mazzucchelli (graphic novel)
2. So Much for That by Lionel Shriver
3. The Tenderness of Wolves by Stef Penney
4. The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick (graphic novel)
5. A Grief Observed by C.S. Lewis
6. 31 Hours by Masha Hamilton
7. The Paris Wife by Paula McLain

Read in February (3)

8. Love and Summer by William Trevor
9. Maus I: A Survivor's Tale: My Father Bleeds History by Art Spiegelman (graphic memoir)
10. The Big Rock Candy Mountain by Wallace Stegner

Read in March (9)

11. Maus II: A Survivor's Tale: And Here My Troubles Began by Art Spiegelman (graphic memoir)
12. The Tortilla Curtain by T.C. Boyle
13. Shortcomings by Adrian Tomine (graphic novel)
14. The Girls by Lori Lansens
15. The Country of the Pointed Firs by Sarah Orne Jewett
16. Gone to New York: Adventures in the City by Ian Frazier
17. 101 Great American Poems
18. The Dark Fields by Alan Glynn
19. The Lover's Dictionary by David Levithan

Read in April (8)

20. Lizard Music by Daniel Pinkwater
21. Let's Take the Long Way Home by Gail Caldwell
22. A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway
23. Paper Towns by John Green
24. Britten and Brulightly by Hannah Berry (graphic novel)
25. Living Well is the Best Revenge by Calvin Tompkins
26. Sempre Susan: A Memoir of Susan Sontag by Sigrud Nunez
27. The Master by Colm Toibin

Read in May (7)

28. Stitches: A Memoir by David Small (graphic memoir)
29. Hemingway: The Paris Years by Michael S. Reynolds
30. Radioactive: Marie & Pierre Curie: A Tale of Love and Fallout by Lauren Redniss (graphic biography)
31. Lost and Found by Shaun Tan (graphic short stories)
32. Down and Out in Paris and London by George Orwell
33. Flotsam by David Wiesner
34. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

Read in June (1)

35. Matterhorn by Karl Marlantes

Read in July (1)

36. When Will There Be Good News? by Kate Atkinson

Read in August (1)

37. June 29, 1999 by David Wiesner

Hi Pat! You are starred! I'll be with you on your journey...

Hi Claudia! On one of my meditation tapes, you're supposed to picture "a magical band of allies" that accompanies to your treatments as a sort of cheering section. I always imagine all my LT friends being there with me. Thanks for finding me so quickly.

Here! Hanging around, thinking happy thoughts.

I love the photo. I have tons of family from the Boise area. My mom grew up in Caldwell and her brothers and their families live in Eagle, Meridian, Boise. I have spent some happy days floating down that river with my cousins.

What a beautiful photo, Pat! Thank you for sharing your journey with us.

Pat, that is a gorgeous place. No wonder you love it!!
And you don't have to imagine a cloud of friends around you (although you may like to visualize it); we're there - and here! I'm looking forward to knowing that you are on the road to healing.

My thoughts have been with you.

I tend to feel at home and at peace whenever there is water around, Pat, and so I love the photo of your safe place.

We're all climbing in the raft with you - I just hope there's enough room!

I like that, being part of a magical band of allies.

>9 sibylline: Me too! ;-)

Love your photo of that calm, quiet place Pat and also love that you're doing so much to get yourself ready for the journey.

Here's your "magical band of allies", Pat! I'm the blonde in the second row with the white t-shirt.


glitter-graphics.com

I love your picture of the beautiful Boise River. I agree, water is so calming and its healing nature will surely help you on your journey to wellness. We're all here for you, sweetie.

Hi Pat, found you and coming along for the ride.

I'm on the healing raft, too, Pat. Thanks for including us in your journey back to good health.

Pat- Congrats on the New Thread! Love the picture at the top. Very relaxing. Hope you are having a nice holiday weekend. Hugs!

Hi Jenn, Anne, Peggy, Joanne, Lucy, Claudia, Bonnie, Lynda, Ilana, Donna and Mark! I actually have some book news--although it's audio book news. I checked out all the recommendations I got on my last thread to see what my library had and put the following on hold:

The Daughter of Time by Josephine Tey (narrated by Derek Jacobi)
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman (narrated by the author)
Montana 1948 by Larry Watson (narrated by Beau Bridges)
Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen (narrated by Flo Gibson)

Alot of the others they had but not by the narrators that were recommended. One I was really looking forward to was the next Louise Penny I want to read (which is The Cruelest Month). Unfortunately, no library in my system had ANY audio versions of this book let alone one by the highly recommended Ralph Cosham (sp?).

I plan to pick up all these audios on Tuesday or Wednesday and get them loaded onto my iPhone so I'm all set for the hospital and recovery at home.

It was so good to talk with you tonight. I'm sending lots of love this week as you prepare for Friday's surgery.

Hey Pat! Glad I could find you! I continue to hold you in the Light! I especially thought about you in Meeting for Worship yesterday and was concentrating on what a strong woman you are!

Happy to be part of the magical band, Pat. And on the audiobook front, anything narrated by Derek Jacobi just has to be good !

Hi Pat - I'm here too! And sending positive thoughts your way...

The Daughter of Time audio is a treat!

Fabulous choices!

I'm the third lass in from the right, back row, but add glasses and some white streaks.....and a few pounds, but really, she looks just like me!

Hi Pat!

I am sending the audiobook suggestions to my daughter who is looking for something to listen to on the way to work in the morning. Something not too heavy or depressing to start her day. Thanks to you for asking and the others for responding! :)

#12 I guess I am the fourth from the right (back row) next to Lucy. Because this group is magical, you have a good idea of what I looked like in my twenties.... dark hair, a bit shorter than most, skinny, belly button sticking out (tube tops and hip huggers) and wearing lots of pink (still do, but belly is completely covered now). lol

Just found this thread.. I will be sending healing energy your way..

You're always in my thoughts, Pat. stay strong!

Thinking of you often.

Thinking of you too Pat, and hope you're feeling strong. If you're not, that's fine too, we're all here supporting you. (((hugs)))

Sending many prayers your way. I'll be thinking of you tomorrow.
xx

I'm along for the ride as well. You're in my prayers.

Hi Everyone, this may be the last time I post before the surgery. I have to be at the hospital by 6:30 tomorrow morning and am going to try to get to bed early tonight. All of your love and support and the relaxation CDs (as well as the occassional Xanax) have been keeping me pretty calm although I'd be less than honest if I didn't admit to losing it a couple of times.

Linda (Whisper1) has kindly agreed to keep everyone posted about how the surgery and early recovery goes. My understanding is that the most annoying part of the recovery is not being able to easily use the arm where the lymph nodes are removed for several days after the surgery so I'm not sure when I'll be posting again for sure.

Like I said before, I've been imagining all of you there with me tomorrow wishing me well and it's been a wonderful thing not to feel alone going through this process.

I'm very much looking forward to being back on LT and telling you how great things are going.

Love that photo, Pat. What a pretty river indeed.

I'll be thinking of you tomorrow (and this evening as you make ready).

Dear Pat, I guess I'm too late for you to see this before the surgery, but I'm here and joining in strong prayers for an easy surgery, quick recovery, and complete success! This band of reading sisters loves you. Sleep well tonight and find your peaceful center.

As Pat mentioned, I'll be posting here on her thread regarding updates.

Pat, most likely you won't get this message until after your surgery, but I hope you know the band of mighty 75ers send love and healing energy your way. I hope you feel it and allow yourself to absorb all the good wishes and prayers.

I'm sorry I missed you. I've been thinking about you all day, hoping things go smoothly tomorrow. I'll be checking in here frequently.

Pat, please know that I'll be thinking of you all day tomorrow.

I'll be looking forward to Linda's updates and of course to seeing you back among us Pat. Love and kisses and hugs to you.

Dear Pat, Sending healing thoughts your way and prayers for a speedy recovery.

I know Linda will keep us updated and thanks to both of you for doing that.

((Hugs))

Pat, I'll be thinking of you this afternoon and looking forward to Linda's update.

THANKS Guys! Just checking in before I hop in the shower. Amazingly, I slept well and am not totally awake at the moment (it's about 5 a.m. here) so not really nervous. See you all in the OR! You're the absolute best "band of allies."

Your post brought a smile to my face. Godspeed, Pat!!!

May all go well with you in surgery!

Special prayers for you, your surgeon, and your recovery room nurse!
:)

Pat, I'm so glad to be on your team. Best wishes and good thoughts to you today. I look forward to updates. Glad you slept so well!

Pat, I'm thinking of you today, too.

Wonderful that you slept well last night!! I hope that we'll hear good news very soon now.
Light and Love!

hugs and hugs and hugs

((((Pat)))) I'm thinking of you.

You're the first person I thought of today when I woke up Pat. Hope all is going great with you. xx

I'm thinking of and praying for you as well, Pat.

Thinking of you... (oh, and I'm the bolshie obnoxious one who insists on sprawling on the ground in that group pic... plus some white streaks in the hair.)

The first step on the journey back to good health, this is. I've another friend a little further along in the process (chemo). Thinking of you both today.

Here is the latest from Pat's husband Mike:

Mike here

Pat's surgery went well. She was in for three hours, spent an hour in recovery and is now resting here in her room. The surgeon said everything went just as expected with no suprises. Pat will see the surgeon again tomorrow around noon and assuming no problems, she will be discharged then.
This update was posted on Friday, September 09, 2011 at 3:46:26 PM (USA Central Time)

So glad to hear that all went well, Pat has been in my thoughts all day. Thank you Linda and Mike.

My thanks too! Now as somebody said above, she can get on with getting well!

When I spoke to Pat last night, she was very positive. Her attitude is incredible. What a wonderful, strong woman she is! I've been thinking of her a lot these last few weeks. This is not an easy journey, yet she is facing it with strength and courage.

Linda- Thanks for keeping us posted! Hugs!

Relief! I have been waiting for this update. Thank you, Linda and Mike -- and Pat's doctors -- for this good news.

Thanks for posting Mike's update, Linda. I'm glad to see that all went as expected!

I'm proud to be one of Pat's allies! You go girl!!!

Thanks - Mike and Linda - for the update. I'm so glad all is well.

Hugs to Pat.

Thanks for the update Linda. Also glad to hear things went well.

Yes, thank you Linda and Mike.

Been thinking about you all day, Pat.

Grateful for the update. Glad for good news.

Thanks for the update Linda. Thinking of you Pat.

So good to hear that things went well.

Thanks for the update! Pat, you've been on my mind these past few days. I'm very glad the surgery went well.

Pat, I'm so glad the first step towards your recovery is out of the way successfully.

Thanks, Linda, for the update.

Hi Pat.
Just saw Linda's update on your surgery and I just wanted to send you my thoughts, prayers and hugs! Take care.

Pat, glad to hear you made it through the1st step in good shape.

Thanks Linda & Mike for keeping us informed.

Just read about your surgery on Linda's thread. I'm glad your surgery went well. I'm a BC survivor and I know you are too!

Keeping the good and positive thoughts coming! You are a strong and amazing woman, Pat!

Hello Everyone

I connected with Pat a few minutes ago. She sounds amazingly well. Her voice is strong. Her attitude is very positive and her pain level is zero. She is taking pain medications every four hours and it is helping a great deal.

There is a normal "I cannot believe this happened" reaction. She is glad to be home in her own environment where she can rest and relax.

We will be connecting again in the next few days and I'll keep you posted. I told her that we are all routing for her and that there are so many who are sending good wishes, prayers and love. The band of mighty warriors continues to hold her in our hearts.

I know it means a lot to her.

Absolutely, Pat, keep on doing well and staying positive! You are in my thoughts and prayers. ((Hugs))

Thank you, Linda, for connecting us with Pat.

Oh Pat, I'm so relieved that is over. You are home and life is good! Thank you again, Linda, for being the liaison and delivering such good news. I've been checking this thread off and on all afternoon! Now I can go back to my book and rest easy. Sleep well, dear Pat. Remember, those drugs are your friends. ;-)

I'm so glad that you're home and well on your way to start your new journey with a positive outlook. Good for you.

Thank goodness you are home and in your own bed! Rest, rest and more rest.

I, too, am glad to see you're resting at home, Pat!

Thanks again, Linda, for keeping us informed...keep the good news coming.

*gentle hugs to both of you*

I can hardly believe that you're home, Pat. That sounds wonderful! These next couple of days will be rough, I expect, but with all the emotional trauma you've conquered, you will continue to triumph, I know. Meanwhile, being home has to be magnificent.
Thank you so much for keeping us updated, Linda. Both of you (and Mike), sleep well!

Here is a copy of a communication from Pat that she posted on the patient/Partner project website/email:

Hi Everyone. I got home just after 2:00 today and am feeling remarkably well. Of course, I am on pain medication and have been staring at the football game on TV because the colors are so pretty. But all kidding aside, everything went much better than I expected. The biggest problem I had was trying to get some sleep in the hospital last night with people checking my vitals or giving me medication every couple of hours. I’m really looking forward to getting a good night’s sleep at home tonight.

My medicated brain is blanking on anything else to say at the moment so I will have to post more later.

Thanks for all your love and good wishes. They really helped in making this a relatively easy experience.

Linda, Thank you so much for posting these updates from Pat.

Pat - You are amazing!

Thanks Linda, that is very good news indeed.

Pat, I really pleased that things went so well and that you are already able to rest in the comfort of your own home. Take good care, and take all the time you need in your healing.

Wonderful to hear that all has gone so well for you Pat - I hope you have a good sleep in your own bed!

Linda, thank you for the update!

Thank you for the updates, Linda!

I'm very glad to hear that the surgery and post-op recovery have gone well so far, Pat. You remain in my thoughts and prayers.

Great to hear it's gone so well Pat. I hope you are sound asleep still! Thanks for posting the updates Linda!

Linda, thanks so much for posting these updates. Pat, I hope you had a restful first night at home.

Hi Pat, I am so glad you are doing so well. And I am so glad you are home so quickly!

I am so glad to hear that things are going well so far. So nice to be home already!

Glad you are home, Pat. Had to laugh about the frequent checking of vital signs/meds in the hospital, a situation I am all too familiar with. It honestly does not seem to occur to anyone that waking patients up every couple of hours is probably not conducive to a quick recovery!

Just checking in, Pat! I'm so sorry you have to go through all of this, but it sounds like you have a great support system including good doctors, good friends, and a good attitude.

I'll be thinking of you often and checking in here for updates. ((HUGS))

YAY! RahRahRah!

I've been gone for 3 days... thinking of you through them all and praying for a good outcome. Now I'm home from our weekend outing and can certainly relate to being in your own bed! There's nothing like it! :D

Ya done good, Pat! Keep it going... very gentle hugs and good energy continuing to come your way.

Hope today went well for you, Pat.

Hi Everyone! Today went well. I took a shower and then Mike and I took our dog for a walk in our favorite park. It doesn't sound like much but it was more than I expected to be able to do two days after surgery. I feel almost no pain but I am taking those pain pills every four hours so I'm sure that's why. In a day or two I'm hoping to start tapering off them (they're hydrocodone which is a narcotic). They make me feel out of it and sleepy but luckily not nauseous which is a common side effect. Also, I can't drive while I'm taking them and that will probably start to feel restrictive pretty soon.

All in all, I'm very happy with how things went and am partly convinced it was because of my relaxation tapes and my "magical band of allies" so I'm all over them now and have been listening to the ones on healing after surgery and fighting cancer. Hopefully, I will move on soon to some of my audio books so I'll actually have some book news to report. :)

Hope you all had a good weekend. Mine was much better than expected!

Pat- It's wonderful to hear from you! I love your positive attitude! Glad you are enjoying your weekend. Hugs!

So nice to have you posting, Pat, and so glad that you are up and around and feeling pretty well. I'm shocked you were able to take the dog for a walk. You are a wonder woman!

Wow, Pat! A walk in the park? Good for you! Remember to relax and heal.
I'm so proud of you! Mike (and dog) must be so happy to have you home. :)

Super Woman! I know it can be scary to be on pain pills, but don't go off too soon either. Being in pain doesn't help the healing process. Take care. xxoo

Brilliant, Pat!!! I'm certainly buoyed up by your amazing resilience and trust that you are too. I think that everybody here is giving you good advice, and I know you'll go with what is helpful. Heal quickly and heal well!!

Excellent Pat! So good to see you posting again. Pain pills are supposed to make for an easier transition so don't stop taking them too soon and keep getting better.

Pat, I'm sure your dog is part of your 'magical band of allies' after that walk in the park! It's great that you are feeling energetic after your surgery. Don't forget to rest. Your body will appreciate it.

Pat, it's so great to know you're doing so well and to hear from you so soon! You certainly are a strong woman and an inspiration. Lots of (very gentle) hugs.

So glad that you're back on your feet and ready to move onward in combat!! Also relieved that being pain free doesn't mean you're battling nausea constantly... Don't push yourself and try to cut out the pain pills so quickly that you're in more pain than you need to be. The docs are all hyper-vigilant about not over-prescribing, so they're not going to let you become an addict. Be a superhero, by all means, but not about tolerating pain!

Sending hugs.

Imagine my surprise to see your posts this morning, Pat!!! It is so nice to have you back with us. You truly are amazing. I have no advice for you, in fact, you are the one who is teaching me a thing or two. :)

I'm so happy to see a post from you, Pat! I'm really glad you were able to get out for a walk and that you're feeling pretty good. Take care of yourself!

I'm in awe of you! It is wonderful that you are here so soon and that you are feeling well enough to take a walk. I have a tendency to 'overdo' so I think the counsel about allowing the pain pills to do their magic and resting and generally treating yourself very gently is important.

Wonderful to hear from you and that you have been up for going for a walk in the park. I'm wanting to echo everyone else's advice about going gently and not rushing with the meds.

Good morning, Pat! I hope that you are pampering yourself in the correct amount and forging ahead in the correct amount. You seem to have learned how to keep your balance, and I'm glad for you!

Glad to read that your sugery went well, Pat! Sending good thoughts your way.

Sandy K

Pat, so glad the surgery went well and recovery is coming along! Hoping the audio books are a joy and the recovery continues to be a pleasant surprise.

I'm very happy to hear from you, and it sounds as though things are going as well as they could be. Keep up the good work and positive spirit!

So good to hear from you Pat, and I'm glad things are going well with your recovery. Keep us posted, and I hope you have plenty of time to rest and relax.

I hope today is pain free!

Gentle hugs

Hi there, came over from Linda's Thread and I just wanted to say I hope you have a speedy recovery and that things continue to go well.

Just another voice here chiming in to the Magical Choir (or was it Band?). This group generates so much healing energy your doctors will probably want to know your secret. I'm glad you've come this far so painlessly, and wish you continued strength and all the Attitude you need for the rest of the journey. A good husband and a good dog on your side should help a lot.

Hope you're having a good day, Pat and that you're painfree and mending.

Pat!! So wonderful to hear from you!! I hope things continue to get better! I continue to cheer you on and send you good healing thoughts!

Hi Pat, just thinking of you. xx

Me again. Checking in and checking out. Isn't this supposed to be the worst day after surgery? I hope it wasn't awful, and I'm glad that you are getting it behind you. Take care!

Waving hello and trying not to poke you with my knitting needles!

You guys are so great. I love all your visits and kind words.

I continue to do well. I'm tapering off the pains meds slowly. Yesterday and today I spaced them 5 hours apart instead of 4 with no noticeable difference.

I've done a walk each of the last 3 days and even got on the exercise bike for 10 minutes today. Tomorrow I'm going to a relaxation class with some good friends. My SiL (one of those good friends) found a yoga teacher she really liked a couple of months ago who just happens to teach relaxation classes to cancer patients at one of the local hospitals and she decided to start teaching one for cancer patients and their caregivers at her home which is about 5 minutes away from me. It seems like it will be perfect for this stage of my treatment and I'm looking forward to getting out of the house to do something new.

I started the audio version of The Help yesterday. A friend had it out of the library and had finished it so she dropped it off for me. It's the version that Ilana recommended and I'm really enjoying it.

Since I haven't been doing a whole lot that's about all I have to report. Thanks again for all the visits!

Great to hear from you, Pat, and I', glad to hear you're doing so well. Take care!

Oh, Pat, I am so glad to hear from you! I have been thinking about you so much. You sound like you're doing a lot of really positive things to take care of yourself. All that cheering and singing you hear is coming from me in CO!

Sending continual positive and healing vibes your way! :)

Thanks for the update, Pat!

Glad to hear things are going well, Pat. Great idea to start something new, as a positive mark of change in your life.

You go woman!
You are an inspiration!
:D

@--,--`--

Yay for yoga. I think your positive attitude is really powerful for healing.

Claudia sez it best!

Cheering for you all the way! Enjoy yoga.

Glad for an update and thrilled at a good update!!! The magical band is still hovering around you!
I'm not sure why, but I have no desire to read The Help. Usually, I like somebody else's account of times I lived through, but this one is leaving me cold. I'll likely read it in a few years when everybody else has forgotten it. Perverse Peggy.

Glad to hear from you Pat and I hope you enjoy The Help as much as I did. Then at some pont you'll want to see the movie which is quite true to the book.

Loved The Help - book and movie. I think it would be a great one to listen to. I hope you are continuing to feel well, Pat. Your support system sounds amazing. The yoga in a home environment is a good thing; even better that it is close to you. Next, you'll be telling us you rode your bike to yoga!

Hi There Friend

I'm simply stopping by to see how you are doing today/tonight.

Hi Pat! Oh, The Help was a really good book and I was surprised how good the movie was (something about the previews made me think I wouldn't like it). The audio is supposed to be fabulous.

Hope you are doing well today!

Hi Pat! I'm sending prayers your way. I hope that you are continuing to do well. Enjoy The Help and take care of yourself.

Hi Pat, how's it going today? Have you finished The Help? :)

Thanks for the updates Pat. Glad to hear you're doing well and managing to decrease the pain meds and exercising(?!) too. Hope you enjoy The Help. It was one I avoided for a while because of the all the hype but I ended up really enjoying it.

I thought of you this morning while I was doing yoga. I can't say I particularly enjoy yoga, but I do enjoy the results...

Glad to hear from you Pat! Continuing to hope that the wellness continues. I hope the relaxation class is good!

Hi Pat, thinking of you and hope all is as well as can be and that you're taking good care of yourself. xx

Dropping in to say you're certainly on our hearts. We all send prayers, healing vibes, good thoughts your way. So pleased that so far your experience has been a positive one. The only very gentle hint would be not to try to do to much too quickly. Easy does it best.

We love you, brave woman.

{{{Pat}}} very gentle hugs there

and a sweet *smooch* to you, Dear.

Gail

Stopping by to say I've thought about you a lot today.

I so admire your strength and courage!

Here is a message from Pat:
It’s been a week since I’ve been home from the hospital and things seem mostly back to normal. I ended up clearing my schedule for this week because I thought I wouldn’t feel like doing anything but that turned out not to be the case. Mike and I have taken walks with the dog every day, I went to a new yoga/relaxation class, had a massage, got together with friends, and went to a Breast Cancer Symposium put on by the Susan G. Komen Foundation in Boise.

The main thing I have to work around is the pain medication schedule. I’ve been tapering off them so every other day I’m taking a pill at a different time and approximately an hour afterwards, I’m off to slumberland. I must say they promote excellent sleep! Mike has been very good about driving me around since that’s something I can’t do while I’m taking them.

Next week we see the oncologist to discuss when I’ll start chemotherapy. She said it could be as early as two weeks after surgery depending on how I’m healing and since that’s been going well, I’m assuming I may start pretty soon.

All in all, it’s been a good week. Hope you’ve all been doing well too!

It sounds as though it's been an amazing week, Pat - at least, I'm amazed. We aren't getting complacent about our support though; you're still in our minds, hearts, and prayers!

Just popping in to say hi. Sounds like you've had a very good week!

Thanks for updating us, Linda. Pat you're incredible! Mike and your dog seem to be the best medicine of all. Good luck with your oncologist and keep those good weeks coming :)

I'm really glad to read your update, Pat (and thanks to Linda for posting it!). I'm happy this week has gone so well.

So glad to have the update and so glad that you've accomplished the first 'chapter' so smoothly. I am sure your calm attitude is assisting your recovery. As Peggy says, we are not dropping any of our vigilance any time soon.

That all sounds pretty good! Keep up the good work, healing.. and getting on to the next thing . Take care :)

Hi Everyone. Thanks for stopping by. I must say I'm pretty amazed at how well this week went too. I didn't expect to be able to attend the Susan G. Komen Symposium because of the timing but was so glad I could.

I'm so impressed with the quality of services that are available to breast cancer patients in Boise. (To some extent, I think I'm still biased to think I won't find quality services out here. Probably need to get over that after living here for 4 years.) They have a free program at the Y for cancer patients that's affiliated with Lance Armstrong's LIVESTRONG program. You can workout one-on-one with a trainer or join small classes. All the staff for this program spent a year receiving training for it. There's also a small gym in Boise that specializes in training breast cancer survivors.

One of the things I was concerned about was not being able to exercise once I started treatment (and therefore gaining weight which is not a good thing when your cancer is fueled by estrogen, which mine is). Looks like there are a number of different things I can do during treatment so hopefully the weight gain issue won't be a big deal. I know I feel better when I exercise and there's alot of research that shows people do better during treatment and have less risk of recurrence if they exercise regularly. Hopefully, the oncologist will clear me to start exercising again soon. Right now, I'm still restricted as to how much range of motion I have in my right arm while the incision heals from the surgery.

I wish I could report that I've finished a book but I'm still flitting around starting things but then losing focus. The Help is good as an audio book but I'm going to have to return it to the library soon and don't expect to finish it in time. I also need to get back to Rebecca which I'm past the halfway mark in.

I ordered a small CD player from Amazon to listen to some of the other audio books I have out from the library (The Daughter of Time and Pride and Prejudice). Downloading them to my iPhone seems to take up alot of space (at least in terms of scrolling through everything looking for what I want) and the battery runs out too quickly to listen to them that way. The audio of Montana 1948 is also waiting to be picked up.

Hope you all have a good Sunday and Linda--I hope you have a wonderful Birthday!

Pat- It's great to hear from you and I'm glad things seem to be moving along smoothly. It looks like you have some very good reading lined up. Hopefully you can stay focused enough to enjoy them. You have a nice Sunday too! Gentle Hugs!

I'm so glad to hear your recovery is going well and you are finding so many helpful resources to speed the recovery! Please keep everyone updated so we can remember to send good thoughts your way.

It is great to see you back here on LT, and it's great to hear that things are progessing nicely. You are being send all sorts of good wishes and happy thoughts.

Wow, Pat, you have an amazing story to tell about your first week after surgery. I hope things continue in this vein during your treatments. I wouldn't worry about trying to keep up with reading (and listening) right now. There's plenty of time for that in your future. Keep those good reports coming!

I'm glad to hear that you are doing so well Pat. I think you've got such a handle on all facets of your healing that your recovery will proceed very well. I hope you keep updating us:)

Hi Pat!
I'm so happy things are going so well for you.
Keep your beautiful positive attitude - it's a good catalyst in healing.
It's soooo nice to hear all these good things from you :)

Pat! It was so nice to hear of your update! I'm glad that you're doing better each day. Those classes at the Y sound fantastic! I hope you find something that you like! Continuing to hold you in the Light.

I'm so glad to hear that you are doing well, and that things are going as smoothly as possible. I hope you will continue to take advantage of all the programs available to assist cancer patients through these difficult times. Tons of hugs to you!

Hi Pat! I'm so happy to hear you are doing so well so soon after surgery. Thank goodness for the great programs that are available today.

Take care and sending more warm thoughts and gentle hugs!

Thanks for the update, Pat. I'm glad to hear that things continue to go well, and you seem to be in excellent spirits!

Great to hear from you Pat, and I'm glad things are going so well. I'll continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

So glad things are going as well as they are, Pat. Keep up the good work!

It's lovely to see an update from you Pat and great to hear you sounding so positive. Go Pat!

Great news, Pat, and a terrific attitude. Much love to you, many prayers and good energy headed your way.

Pat, it is so nice to hear from you! You are an inspiration. Hope you have a good week. Hugs.

Hugs!

YAY! for the exercise. I'm glad there are people to help you learn how to keep that up safely during treatment. We'd all feel so much better if we had a personal trainer to keep us moving!! Strong positive thoughts winging your way from the great Northeast.

Hi Pat. It's so great to hear how well you're doing. Keep it up!

Hey Pat!



Thinking of you :)

Just dropping by to say hello!

Just saying hi - loved reading the update. The Lance Armstrong programme sounds excellent - hope you get the clearance from the oncologist soon. Have a lovely weekend!

I haven't dropped in lately, so I'm doing just that!

Thinking happy thoughts of you!

Sending good vibes your way. You're in our thoughts and prayers, Pat.

Thinking of you Pat.

Hi Guys. Things continue to go well with the recovery from surgery. I'm down to one pain pill as of today, plus some Advil, so I should be able to drive soon which will be nice.

There has been a big bump in the road however--the results of my surgical pathology report. I always knew I had cancer in at least a few of my lymph nodes and that my Level 1 and 2 lymph nodes (you have 3 levels of lymph nodes under the arm) would be removed during surgery as a result. The big shock was that all the lymph nodes removed had cancer in them. The odds therefore are that there is cancer elsewhere in my body even though the CT and Bone Scans didn't show anything. The hard truth about these tests is that they can't show things that are below a certain size. My oncologist said I could have a PET Scan to check for evidence of cancer elsewhere and I've scheduled that for next week. PET Scans are more sensitive but can still miss things (or show false positives) but I tend to want to know everything I can.

So for now, I'm preceding as though I will start chemo (probably the week of October 3rd). I went to the class they give you before starting and had a baseline test for my heart (because the chemo I'll be getting can damage your heart). The only thing that might change this is if the PET Scan does show more cancer. I'm not entirely clear what the treatment would be then but remember my oncologist saying something about starting me right away on hormone treatment since my cancer is so sensitive to estrogen.

Anyway, certainly not the news I was hoping for but what can you do. The bizarre thing is that I feel great so I'm still struggling with believing any of this is happening to me.

As always, thanks for all your visits and encouraging words. It really makes a big difference to me to see all the support I have and it definitely helps keep my spirits up.

Love you guys!

Pat, I'm struggling to find the right words to say to you right now so will just say I'm hoping for all the best and sending you big big hugs.

Pat, really as Ilana said, I don't really know what to say but will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers and sending hugs.

Pat... if anyone can beat the crap out of this cancer - it would be you! You are still on top. This is becoming a learning process for all of us. There are still things to do. {{{Pat}}}
Praying for your strength, spirit and physical health...

{{{Pat}}}
*smooches* as well

Let's hope that your inner well-being is telling you the truth and that despite the report, they've managed to remove all of the damaged cells.

Prayers for you and many good thougts, Pat. Please keep us posted on your progress as you can; we all care deeply about you.

Praying for you, Pat.

Dear Pat, I'm sorry for the news you didn't want. I'm glad that you're feeling so well though. You will beat this thing. You will, and we'll pray and cheer you along the way.

I'm so sorry there was some bad news. You are so strong, and we are all pulling for you. xoxo

Pat, you have such a positive outlook, I really admire you! I'm sorry you're having to deal with this news.

Pat, thank you so much for the update. I think about you every day. I so admire your positive attitude. That, and the fact that as of now you are physically feeling good makes me hopeful. You want to fight this fight with everything you've got, and you've got a lot of intangibles. Not to mention so, so many of us here on your team, and in your choir.

I'm also at a loss for words at the moment, Pat. I will continue to pray for you, and keep you in my thoughts.

Ok, not the news you or we wanted to hear and see but your smart thinking and level head will carry the day. One step at a time is all you can do and attack any negative that may occur with your positive attitude and do what you have to do. We're with ya all the way! (((Pat)))

Thinking about you, Pat. We're all here with as much emotional support as we could possibly give. Hugs to you.

Really sorry about this setback, Pat. I hope you and your doctors come up with a full diagnosis and treatment plan soon.

Everyone has said everything possible - I can only add my own voice to theirs.

Prayers for you, Pat, that the uncertainties will be made clear. The PET scan sounds like the way forward. Information is your powerful ally, as you've shown here from Day 1. All the best to you. I know you know we all are sending out prayers and positive thoughts for you.

I will continue to keep you in my prayers Pat. I think your positive attitude will carry you far.

Just adding my good wishes to those already said. Stay strong, your attitude sounds amazing.

I"m amazed at your positive attitude despite the possible setback. I continue to hold you in the Light!

Oh Pat, I feel sucker-punched right along with you. Keep on keeping on - one day at a time, one problem at a time. I'm praying that the doctors will find out more about this setback when they read the PET scan and get that cancer outta there!

In the meantime, I hope you continue to feel well physically and mentally. We are with you 100%.

I admire your attitude toward this challenge, Pat. I'd be inclined to burrow under the covers and hide, myself. It sounds as though you are well-equipped for the fight, and you certainly don't lack for positive reinforcements on the LT front! Keep the faith, baby.

Gentle hugs to you & wishing you continued hope and positive-ness!

Well, I've had some time to adjust to the news about my lymph nodes plus the PET Scan went pretty well. It didn't show anything at all in the lungs, liver or bones (the normal places breast cancer spreads to). The only thing that popped up were two small spots above the right clavicle. Without doing more tests, they don't know if this is cancer or just part of the area affected by the surgery (which was on the right side). The doctor said a biopsy of this area is hard to do and the results might not be reliable. In any event, even if it is cancer, radiation and chemo should take care of it and they'll be watching it as my treatment progresses.

So, right now, I'm scheduled to start chemo on Friday, October 7th in the afternoon. This is not my ideal time to start but I do want to start next week so unless something else opens up, I'll go with it.

I asked if this changed the staging of my breast cancer and the doctor said no. Even if these two spots are cancer (and they don't know if they are), they're in the same local area. I never thought I'd be glad to have Stage III breast cancer, but in this context I am!

The other good news is that unless they can see cancer in other areas of the body, they consider it curable. There are no guarantees, but if the cancer is too small to be seen on these tests, there's a good chance they can eradicate it with chemo rather than just shrinking it.

So all in all, I'm feeling MUCH better and I'm hoping to get back into some good reading. Maybe I'll even have some book news for this thread soon. :)

In this context, I'm glad for you too. I think of you often and am praying for an easy chemo and good books.

Encouraging news, Pat. "Curable" is a beautiful word.

Always something to be thankful for! I'm heartened by this good news too. CURABLE is a great word!

Glad to hear this positive news, Pat.

>202 JanetinLondon:: me, too! Stay strong, Pat.

Seconding, thirding and fourthing what everyone else said. Will be thinking of you and hoping and praying for some good books and easy chemo as Nancy said.

Those doctors are careful, so if the said curable they mean it. This is very positive news indeed!

The sound of the word "curable is absolutely wonderful Pat.

Great news, Pat. I'll be thinking of you as you start chemo... and beyond.

That is some welcome news Pat! You're amazing. Hope you get some great reading in there, if only to take your mind elsewhere for a while. xx

Thanks, God! :)

Big Joyous Hugs! {{{{{PAT}}}}}

Encouraging news, Pat! Stay strong and you'll get through this just fine :)

CURABLE seems to be the word of the day. Fantastic news! Your thread is becoming a real roller coaster ride. Let's hope it evens out soon.

Wonderful news, Pat, just wonderful. Still on the list for prayers and good vibes and lots of

{{{Pat}}} and *smooches*

That's very good news, Pat. I just breathed a sigh of relief, and I assume that you and your husband had the same response. Thanks again for keeping us posted.

So happy to hear that the news is better, Pat!

Thinking about you and sending hugs.

So pleased you've had good news, Pat.

Good news!
I have been through this with a couple of friends. There are definitely highs and lows, and that is exhausting for you, I know. We're here for you, thinking of you and keeping you in our prayers.

Curable is good news! Thank you for keeping us posted.

Hi Dear One

I'm thinking of you!

Glad to hear the relatively good news, Pat!

Sorry you had a bit of a bump in the road, but glad to hear that things are progressing positively. Thinking of you and sending lots of healing thoughts your way.

Everyone has said everything I could say, so I'm merely dropping in to wish you well. I'm appreciating your attitude.

Hi Pat,
Dropping in to say I read a GN book you had recommended Asterios Polyp. Great book - great ending! Others have had good things to say about it, but whatever you said pushed me to actuallly read it. Thanks!

Hope you are well. :)

*Turns and waves toward the west*. Thinking of you, Pat and hoping you had a good day :)

Dropping by to say hello. The news sounds positive. Continued positive thoughts your way, Pat.

Hello to my wonderful band of well-wishers!

Tomorrow is the big day--my first chemo--and I'm pretty calm about it considering I'm still not 100% convinced it's a good thing for my body but I'm getting there. Those relaxation tapes continue to be a godsend.

I've been engaging in a fair amount of retail therapy. I bought a wig, hats, and a scarf, some new shirts, new natural skin care products, and had a major shopping binge buying socks of all things. (One of my favorite things is Smartwool socks.)

I keep wanting to know what to expect from the chemo but all the doctors and nurses insist that everyone is different and I'll just have to wait and see. The only thing they say almost everyone experiences is fatigue. But it sounds like they pretty much have the nausea thing solved. I'm going to be getting 4 different anti-nausea drugs!

Mike will be with me tomorrow as well as a breast cancer volunteer who's been through the experience before. But I also feel like you'll all be there as well. When I was at the doctor's office last time they were giving out free magnets and I picked the one that says "Love Kills Cancer." In that case, I feel like I'm home free!

We'll all be with you in spirit, Pat. Hope you'll be able to feel the love tomorrow!

Yes, we will. Best wishes to you!

Sending more love your way...

I'll 'be with' you tomorrow for sure!

Sending all my good wishes for you tomorrow Pat.

Oh, I LOVE Smartwool socks! And I know all about the benefits of retail therapy, believe me! :-)

I'll definitely keep you in my thoughts tomorrow (as you are every day) and hope your fist treatment goes well. At least, after the first one you'll know what to expect. I'm sure it'll be great to have that volunteer with you there as well. I admit that I have no idea how those treatments are performed, although goodness knows we've all heard about them countless times. If you're up to it, I'd be curious to hear more about it.

Wishing you the very best and sending lots of gentle hugs your way Pat. xoxo

I'm squeezing into the room too, Pat, cyber handholding through it all and wishing you an easy go of it.

Thinking of you, Pat. Good luck on Friday!

Best wishes for tomorrow, Pat.

Sending positive thoughts your way for tomorrow.

Thoughts and prayers with you, Pat. Stay strong!

Best wishes for tomorrow. Sending positive thoughts your way.

Am thinking of you today Pat.

Lots of prayer, love, and hugs going your way!

Pat, I hope your first day of chemo has gone well. Like you, I had no idea what to expect when I started, but I did find that when I walked into the treatment room, I felt not like a sick person, but like a person being helped to be well, a positive feeling I hope you too experience.

All the best to you today, Pat.

We lift you up! :)

Dear Pat, I'll bet you're there right now, and I'm joining the throng chanting, "Stomp those bad cells! Be gentle to the good cells! Side effects, stay away! You go, Pat!"
Seriously, I'm sure that all will go well and that you'll come back to us reassured and reassuring.

Thinking of you today, and wishing you healing.

((((HUGS))))

{{{{Pat}}}}

Hope today has gone as well as it can.

Today went much better than I expected!

The actual process of getting the chemo was pretty pleasant. They have "bays" for each patient which are sort of like a cubicle. There's a huge recliner for the patient and a chair for a guest plus a desk for the nurse. The recliner looks out on a huge picture window with a view of the mountains and the tree tops (it's on the 2nd floor). The other two "walls" are all wood cabinets one of which contains a television and a DVD player.

They put the IV behind me so I never really saw the actual drugs. And I never felt anything so you almost don't realize you're getting them. The nurses were very helpful and the pharmacist spent alot of time with us explaining the drugs.

One of the drugs I got was Ativan (sort of like Xanax or Valium) which is supposed to help with nausea so now I'm just slightly out of it but otherwise feel fine.

I've got some medications to take at home the next couple of days all to prevent nausea. Tomorrow we go back to get a white blood cell shot (Neulasta) and next Friday I have an appointment with the nurse practitioner to see how I'm doing. It's possible I may not feel well sometime in the next 4 or 5 days so we'll have to see what happens but today was a very promising start!

I've got 7 more treatments, all 2 weeks apart. Hopefully, they'll all go just as well.

Thank you all for the good wishes, thoughts and positive vibes. They're helping big time!

Oh, Pat, that is excellent! Thanks for checking in with us :)

So glad to hear you are doing well after your first chemo. hopefully they will all be as smooth. I know you'll be tired -- take care of yourself. Hugs.

Happy to hear it went better than expected! It sounds like they are taking very good care of you. Have a good night, Pat.

Good to hear things went well. Take care!
A package is going in the mail tomorrow. :)

That sounds very good and completely coherent from somebody who is "just slightly out of it."
Add my thanks that it went so well!

I'm so glad your first chemo went so well, and hope any after-effects will be mild. I was also glad for the news that your doctor considers your cancer curable. I'm continuing to send positive vibes your way.

Great to hear the first treatment went well Pat. (and as Peggy said, your out of it sounds better than mine!)

Glad to hear all went so well for the first session.

Thanks for checking in, Pat, and very glad the process went well.

Good news, Pat! I would suggest, if you find you are kinda tired and need a little nap companionship, we could do a napathon! It could of course include reading for those unable to actually sleep - but we would all be really quiet so you could rest ;-)

I'm really happy to hear you are being treated right, i.e., with professional sensitivity.
Great beginning... keeping you in prayer :)

Hurrah for a good day, Pat! The facility sounds extraordinary, amazing and rather holistic as well!! All part of the healing process. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

Very good to hear that your first session went so well Pat. It's lovely to be able to look out on a peaceful scene. Good energy heading your way:)

Thanks for the update Pat. Glad to know it went well for you, and I'm sure a good part of it is that wonderful positive attitude of yours. You rock! :-)

I am so glad to hear that they are taking your comfort (and that of all the others also undergoing treatment) so thoughtfully and that the first one went so well.

Great that you have got the first chemo out of the way - I'm sure next time will be even easier, now that you know exactly what to expect. Sounds like a very good place you are going.

Glad to hear it went well!! Prayers and Light holding continue!

Seems as gentle as it could be, targeting the cancer without targeting you.

Pat, thank you very much for the good update...of course, we want updates good or not, but is was very reassuring to see that at least the first day wasn't too bad. You know that our love and prayers and general good thoughts are with you all the time. Rest and recuperate, my dear.

I think chemo nurses and others associated with that treatment are some of the nicest, kindest medical professionals in the business. They do seem to do everything they can to reduce your anxiety and give the process its most positive outlook. I hope you're feeling well today, Pat.

#270 - agreed. They really are saints. I would never have their patience, and probably not even their kindness. Thank goodness such good people still choose that career.

Hi Everyone! I'm feeling pretty good. No nausea (those medications obviously work) but I have a few more days before I'm totally out of the woods.

I've been out for my usual hour long dog walks and my only real complaint is that one of the anti-nausea medications causes insomnia but I only have to take it for two more days.

I had a Neulasta shot yesterday which causes your body to increase it's white blood cell production and you can get bone pain from that but apparently not immediately. So nothing so far but it's possible it'll happen.

By Wednesday, I expect to be through the danger period of side effects. It's interesting that the main side effects (insomnia and bone pain) are from the drugs used to counterattack the chemo side effects (nausea and drops in your blood counts).

If anyone had told me I'd feel this good after my first chemo I wouldn't have believed them but I know the effects are cumulative so that may not be the case as the treatments progress.

All in all though, I'm thrilled with how it's gone so far.

That's wonderful, Pat. A happy Sunday and a good week to you.

Enjoy your good days, Pat, and we'll hope that they continue through the whole treatment! We're in your corner - where we expect to find you reading!

Happy Sunday. I'm glad you're feeling well. xxoo

Wonderful that you're feeling so good Pat!

I'm happy to hear you're doing so well Pat. Typical of course that the drugs taken to correct side effects should have side effects of their own. :-)

Glad you're feeling well, Pat! Continue to be well! I hope you have a good (relatively side effect free) week!

I hope you continue to feel good and respond well. Love does kill cancer.

I'm glad you had a gentle experience with your first chemo treatment. I'd rather have insomnia than nausea any day. I hope the good days continue. You are such an inspiration, Pat.

Our librarian is going through the same thing and talks openly about it to our book group. She doesn't like her wig so is wearing scarves and hats. She must have gone on quite a shopping spree because she has a different scarf for every outfit it seems. I like the message that both you and our librarian are sending out loud and strong -- You can't keep a good woman down!

My prayers for you continue...

You can't keep a good woman down!

I like that message. Also am glad you've had few side effects so far and that you've been walking. I find getting outdoors can really help clear my head.

I'm stopping by, glad to hear that the first treatment continues to go smoothly.....

*Wave*
((HuG))

Thinking of you Pat. xox

Hiya Pat, Hope you're feeling well :)

Hi Everyone! Today was Day 6 after my first chemo and I seem to be out of the woods. I'm feeling great but know I have to be careful not to pick up any infections since my white blood cell count is probably still lower than normal (despite the WBC booster shot). It's so nice to be off the anti-nausea meds. I can't say they were that bad but I do feel better not taking them--just more like myself.

The next big thing will be losing my hair which will probably be in about a week. I don't think I'm that attached to my hair (I have more bad hair days than good ones) but it'll definitely be an adjustment.

I still haven't been able to settle down and stick with any one book. I'll read a chapter or two in something one evening and then just don't get back to it. I'm hoping that will end soon because I have some good books to read and the time to do it--just not the concentration.

Lack of concentration is so normal with so much else to think about. I'm so glad you are feeling pretty well. Hugs to you Pat!

***turning on protective shield against invasive foreign bodies***

Congrats, Pat! Stay strong! :)

You're doing great Pat and you great attitude will carry you a long way. Best wishes my friend:)

GOOD for you! Enjoy the time off anti-nausea. Hair grows back. AND --- reading a chapter or two in something one evening and then just not getting back to it is my normal MO. *Placing my flying buttresses against Claudia's protective shield*!

More prayers for you Pat; you're an amazing woman. Much love to you.

Great to read your update and it sounds like the first round of chemo has gone really well!

Pat- Thanks for the updates! We appreciate it. Gentle Hugs!

Glad things are still going so well!

Hi Pat, good to hear you've got through the first session with flying colors. Hope the rest are as smooth. Take care of yourself, and soak up all the healing thoughts being sent your way.

Hey Pat, still sending you lots of healing and positive vibes your way!

Very glad to hear things are continuing well for you Pat. xx

Isn't it nice that we can't transmit germs over the internet? (Those virus thingies don't count in this situation!) All those virtual hugs are safe as can be.

Howdy, Pat! Just stopping by to let you know you're thought of everyday :)

It's been a week since I stopped in, but that doesn't mean that I'm not thinking about you too.

Thanks guys for continuing to think of me. I'm doing well and today is the day I'm getting my hair cut off. It hasn't fallen out yet but from everything I've read about the drugs I'm taking, it will and when it does, it'll come out quickly. I may have another week or just a couple of days but since Friday is my second chemo I want to deal with it now. I'm going to get a super short cut rather than shave it so I can start wearing my wig and get used to it. I'm hoping the wig will be comfortable enough to wear frequently but some people say their scalp is too sensitive to wear a wig for long periods of time. Luckily, I have some super nice, super comfortable scarves and hats to wear (two of them thanks to our nittnut--BIG happy face)!

Hi Pat!
That's interesting - cut the hair off before it falls out. Good idea.
If I ever find myself in that position, I'm gonna have a hard time though. I hate anything on my head.
Hope you find your head gear comfy. Did you get a wig of a different color for some fun? Or do you feel better having your natural color?

Claudia I thought about doing something different but chickened out and got one that's so close to my own color that when they tried it on I couldn't tell what was my hair sticking out and what was the wig.

I've never been a hat person, mainly because they always made my hair so static-y that I looked like I had been electrocuted when I took them off. But I may end up liking the hats better than the wig. Time will tell!

Just stopping by to say I'm thinking of you Pat. I hope the wig is comfortable. My mum's worn one for years because lupus made her lose lots of her hair (her body decided her hair was a foreign body and needed to be pushed out) but she did have some hair left which might make a difference re comfort. She went for a wig which looked exactly the same as her hair - even adding bits of grey, although I've noticed that she hasn't got them to add more grey as the years have gone by..!

Hi Pat, I hope your next chemo session goes as well as the first one. I think it's a great idea to get your hair shorn before it begins falling out. Baby steps and all... I wouldn't mind wearing a wig or a hat on a cold, blustery day like today. Think of all the time you'll save not having to wash, dry, and battle with style your hair. ;-)

Stopping by to send some good wishes your way! :)

Pat, I'm sure you'll look fabulous whether you're in a wig, hat, scarf, or just your plain ol' head! You're a rock-star!

Hi Pat, keep up the good work my friend. You're an inspiration.

Thinking of you, Pat -- hope you are able to enjoy your weekend.

Just checking in to see how today went....hope the word is "well."

Today went very well! It's so much easier when you know what to expect. And they even said I could cut back on the steroid medication that was causing insomnia since I didn't have any nausea last time. Yay!

I ended up just cutting my hair very short yesterday rather than shaving it off. It's sort of a pixie cut--although I think I look more like my brother than a pixie. The stylist says if it gets annoying when it starts to fall out I can come back in and get it shaved.

I wanted to post a link to an article I just read about Haruki Murakami that'll be in this Sunday's NY Times Magazine. It's long but reads quickly. It focuses on Murakami's new book 1Q84 that is being released in the US on October 25th but it does talk about his earlier works. Don't miss the sidebars on Murakami's Tokyo (especially helpful if you're planning to read 1Q84) and the Murakami Starter Kit. I thought it was a great article.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/23/magazine/the-fierce-imagination-of-haruki-mura...

As always, thanks for checking in on me and keeping my spirits up. I LOVE my LT Family.

Glad for another good update, Pat.

You know your LT Family loves you just as much, if not more!

Thanks for the update Pat. I really marvel at your resolve and how you've been approaching this whole thing like a big adventure rather than an ordeal. Definitely inspiring! I think of you every day and am always clicking the little pink ribbon!

Will look up the Murakami link you've provided us with. I have a couple of his books in my piles which I haven't gotten to yet (After Dark, A Wild Sheep Chase, and Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World on audio), but since I've read most of his novels, I might just jump on 1Q84 when it becomes available here in Canada, also on October 25th. Nearly 1000 pages though... wow!

GOOD for you, Pat!! You're a champ!
Thank you for the Murakami link. I plan to put 1Q84 on my Kindle just as soon as I can, so I will be reading the article when I'm more awake than I am right now. I'm crossing my fingers for something as good as *Wind-up Bird*. Loved it!

Hi Pat

I'm also so impressed with your attitude! No doubt you're having good days and bad days though so hope it's a good one today.

I was very interested in the Murakami interview. The tunnel reference did make me think of The Wind-up Bird Chronicle which I really must finish before I buy any more Murakami!

Dee

Still cheering you on from the sidelines Pat. Hope the side effects keep away over the next few days.

Still good health news from your end and I'm v happy to read it! Stay strong :)

Correct me if I am mistaken... but... it seems there are sooo many MORE books to be read now-a-days
AND they are all so much LONGER than they used to be!
Is it because I have finally graduated to chapter books? lol
Seriously, it doesn't seem like 700-1000 pages is all that unusual anymore. Glad I have a Kindle!

So glad you're feeling alright. Thanks for the Murakami link. Take care!

Glad the 2nd treatment went smoothly. Hope you have the energy to enjoy some outdoor time.

Hi, Pat, just checking in to say I hope things are going well for you.

Me too, checking in!

Pat- Thanks for sharing the Murakami piece. It was excellent. I'm going to have to add his new one to my Christmas WL. I still have to read a hand-full of his earlier novels.

Pat, I got the book this morning and read the article with pleasure. Do you have any insight into how we are to say 1Q84?

Hi Gail, Ilana, Peggy, Dee, Heather, Claudia, Jenn, Ardene, Janet, Lucy, Mark and Peggy! Hope I didn't miss anyone.

This second chemo treatment has gone very well. Less anti-nausea meds worked great. My main side effect seems to be a fuzzy brain feeling that comes and goes. Last time I remember this slowly went away and I'm assuming it will this time too. I guess this is what they call "chemo brain."

The really good news though is that I'm actually going to finish a book for the first time in the last 3 months! I had been starting a bunch of new ones and then not being able to get more than 30 or so pages into them. So I decided to pick up Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier again which I had about 150 pages left to read. In the last two days I've made progress and should finish it today.

I also need to get over to the library because my hold came in all of a sudden on The Marriage Plot by Jeffrey Eugenides. Has anyone read this? I heard him interviewed recently on NPR and thought the book sounded interesting.

Peggy, I suppose I'd pronounce 1Q84 "one q eighty four" but that's just me. This one I'm not going to even think about buying yet with my current reading record. Nearly 1000 pages seems impossible at the moment but I may try to convince my husband to get it for his new Kindle Fire which should be here in a couple of weeks.

Have a great day everyone!

Hi Pat.

So pleased to hear chemo is going decently for you. I truly believe your positive attitude makes such a difference.

I am eager to read The Marriage Plot. I heard the same interview and have like the other Eugenides I have read. However, I'm still far down on my library's hold list. I look forward to hearing what you think of it.

It's great to hear that your second chemo went well. I agree that your amazing attitude is a real bonus.

So glad to hear things are continuing well for you Pat.

I haven't really looked into The Marriage Plot, because I've still got Middlesex and My Mistress's Sparrow Is Dead: Great Love Stories, from Chekhov to Munro unheard on my shelves and since I've been wanting to get to the first one at least for an awfully long time, won't be adding the latest one to the wishlist until the rave reviews start coming in at least. IF they do, that is.

I'm also keen on 1Q84 (also have no idea how it's pronounces, though based on the article, your version must be the right one), but 1000 pages is very ambitious-sounding, especially as I can't seem to finish anything at all this month. Not sure what's up with that. Maybe has something to do with me spending most of my waking hours on LT...

You have such a positive attitude, it's very inspiring! Glad you are feeling better and the chemo is going well

I did not realize Jeffery Eugenides had a new book out! I loved Middlesex so I'll have to give this new one a shot!

GLAD to hear that round two is continuing to go well. Chemo brain is such a rational explanation. I won't tell you about the dumb things I've been doing lately with no explanation at all. At least I can still read! I've been tempted by The Marriage Plot too, but I believe I can wait until the price comes down and I've cleared some of this other stuff out.

GLAD to hear that round two is continuing to go well. Chemo brain is such a rational explanation. I won't tell you about the dumb things I've been doing lately with no explanation at all. At least I can still read! I've been tempted by *Marriage Plot* too, but I believe I can wait until the price comes down and I've cleared some of this other stuff out.

READING again! That is heartening news. Also that chemo 2 went well.

Well if you're going to finish a book it may as well be the classic of all classics Rebecca. So glad to see your second round of chemo went well.

Glad to hear that things are going well, Pat.

And oh, Rebecca, what a great book!

Happy happy happy that you are doing well!

And I agree with the two above me, Rebecca is an excellent book.

324: I have a friend who was treated (successfully) for leukemia some years ago, who complains about "chemo brain". And she realized after the stint with wigs and scarves that hair was rather a bother, and has kept it short ever since.
Nice to see you out and about on other threads!

Glad to hear your second chemo session has gone well - I hope the fuzzy brain feeling goes. And you're reading and posting! Go you!

I'm really excited about 1Q84 but I'm telling myself I shouldn't buy it when I already have an unread Murakami on my bookshelf and the rest of his backlist mostly unread. I think they've just released the rest of his books in kindle editions so perhaps I will start slowly working my way through the backlist.

Here's a photo from the half time program at the BYU/TCU game. It's hard to see in the picture of the field, but a lot of people are standing in honor of those they know who are fighting breast cancer. I stood up for you.

">

I know - it's backwards. I was on the low budget side of the field.

Glad to hear the chemo sessions have been going well - and it's good news to hear that you've been reading again too!

Oh my goodness, Pat, I can't believe it's been 11 days since my last visit.
Glad to see the second treatment went well and I've been meaning to tell you how I like your proactive approach to everything. This time your haircut. You are an inspiration, Pat!

At least you have a reason for fuzzy brain. What's my excuse!!? :P

Hi Everyone, I've been busy catching up on everyone's threads and yesterday I had a brief surgical procedure to fix a tear in my lymphatic system that sometimes happens after the lymph node surgery I had. It was just an outpatient procedure but my right arm is still sore so I need to limit my typing.

I couldn't not check in on my own thread though and thank you all for your continuing support. It truly is amazing. And thank you, Jenn, for that picture of the football game halftime program. You guys are the BEST!

Stopping by for the progress report----what an upbeat thread this is! I'm glad you are getting your reading mojo back, Pat. There must be days when escaping into a book is the kind of medicine you truly require. Healing vibes going out for the arm, too.

Glad to see your positive attitude continues to buoy you up Pat:)

The arm gets better each day and I had my third chemo this morning. My oncologist is thrilled with how well I'm tolerating the chemo.

I never would have thought I'd do this well with it but I guess my thing ended up being the little complication with the surgery and not the chemo. However, I will be switching to a new chemo drug in four weeks so it's possible there may be some hiccups there. But they say that regimen is usually easier than this first one. Fingers crossed!

I did finish Rebecca and loved it. I gave it 4 1/2 stars. I also started The Marriage Plot by Jeffrey Eugenides and liked it but again stopped reading it so I'm not optimistic about getting back into it before it's due back at the library (which is probably in a couple of days).

Oh, and the unexpected good news today was they DON'T want me losing any weight during chemo (I've continued on my 1600 calorie diet throughout the surgery and first two chemos and lost another 4-5 pounds) and the oncologist said my guilty pleasure of eating a mini container of Haagen Dazs peanut butter chocolate ice cream was a nutritious snack! I'm not sure my trainer would agree but hey, it's doctor's orders. :)

It's wonderful to read how well you're doing!!! Peanut butter chocolate ice cream sounds like a perfectly rational snack to me. Do what your doctor says!!!
(Did you see the production of *Rebecca* on PBS ? years ago? It was in two installments with Charles Dance as Maxim. I did adore CD in *Jewel in the Crown*, so I was happy even though sad that he has aged..........)

Catching up on the threads... How excellent to have an oncologist who recommends Haagen Dazs peanut butter chocolate (dairy and legumes - a complete protein combination)!

Peggy I will have to see if my library has the PBS production of Rebecca.

And, Catherine, I like your thinking because extra protein is exactly what they want me to be eating.

I'm so glad to hear that you're feeling well, Pat! And really, if the doc says more peanut butter chocolate ice cream, I wouldn't argue. I love those little containers of Haagen Dazs - they're so cute and just the right size for guilt free eating.

I forgot about the PBS version of Rebecca. I'll have to look for it. I've seen the Alfred Hitchcock version several times.

Hi Pat, that's great news... about your body's acceptance of the chemo treatments AND your doctor's prescription for ice cream.

Rebecca is such a wonderful book. I'm on a long waiting list for the new Eugenides book. It may be next year before I get it!

Have a great weekend. Rest that arm. I've enjoyed seeing you pop up on various threads.

I second everyone else on how well you're doing with chemo and the doc's ice cream prescription. How awesome!

I haven't read Rebecca yet, but it's standing by on my virtual audio 'shelf'. I'll add you as a recommender in my tags so I remember who prompted me to read it when I get to it.

It's been nice seeing you do the rounds as tells me you must be doing quite well because... it's a lot of work, believe me, I know!

I'm glad you liked Rebecca! It's one of my favorite spooky reads.

Haagen Dazs for medicinal purposes -- how great is that? I'm happy you're doing so well, Pat!

Hi Pat -- so glad to see you on LT! I'm thrilled you enjoyed Rebecca so much -- what a great book! Hooray for ice cream! I think I'll go eat some, too :)

I think I will join in on the ice cream binge. I have a small Haagen Dazs chocolate ice cream with chocolate chunks in the fridge..

Good to hear that things continue to go well for you, Pat.

Sorry about the tear, but overall you are doing so well, it is so heartening. The mini ice cream sounds, uh, like just what the doctor ordered!!! I might have to look for that Rebecca from PBS too.

Just in case you need a refill on your prescription:

Good news Pat, hope you continue to enjoy the ice cream guilt free :-)

Woohoo! Ice Cream Social!
>355 kidzdoc: Best Rx I've ever seen!

So glad there is some fun in this for you, Pat!
Don't waste away, now!
This is one time you must trust your dr! :}

I'm going for some moose tracks, myself - yumm! Glad to hear you continue to do well. Let the reading come when it will.

#355 Uh, Darryl....I think I have a deficiency. Would you write me a script for a Cherry Garcia supplement, please?

What's a girl got to do to get some New York Super Fudge Chunk around here?!

Deep down in my heart I always knew ice cream had its medicinal value, your doc's suggestion just confirms it. *Clear the path to my freezer everybody!*

LOL @ Daryl's Rx.

BTW: I think I read Rebecca years ago but since I can't seem to remember it clearly looks like I'll need to wishlist.

Have a terrific day, Pat!

Hope you have a lovely Sunday, Pat!

I wonder if Rebecca contributed to your toleration of the chemo? After all, combining an outstanding classic with classic ice cream can't be a bad thing, can it? Keep up the good work Pat.

So glad you have one of those sensible doctors (when it comes to ice cream)! My docs told me the key was to keep my weight up any way I can, including ice cream, chocolate, potato chips, whatever I liked. I don't always do it, but the thought alone is so great, isn't it?

Hi Pat!
So glad to see you around LT a little more... proof you are doing well :)
It really sounds like you have a great medical team!

#355, #359 DITTO!

I hope you're having a good week Pat!

((()))

Thinking of you and sending love

Hi Pat, do you have a new thread or should I just tell you here that I'm thinking about you and wish you well :0)

Hi Lynda and all my other wonderful visitors. Thanks for the continuing good wishes. I keep meaning to set up a new thread and then not getting to it.

My pattern seems to be that I take it easy the week after chemo and then pack tons of stuff to do into the second week before I start the cycle all over again.

Tomorrow is my fourth chemo treatment (and the last of this particular combination of drugs). I'll start a new drug on December 2nd for 4 cycles which is supposed to be easier to deal with. I think they mean as far as nausea side effects are concerned so maybe I won't have the spacey head thing when I start that.

Anyway, I have been reading other people's threads (mostly lurking) but have been ignoring my own. Sorry about that!

Today we're going to see J. Edgar at the movies. I've seen some mixed reviews but it seems like my kind of movie so I'm looking forward to it.

Hope everyone has a great day.

Glad to see you checking in, Pat. Begone, spacey head!! I'll be interested to hear what you think about the Hoover movie. It sounds like my kind of movie, too, and I'm avoiding reviews so I don't get talked out of seeing it!

Hi Pat! I'm also interested in seeing the J. Edgar Hoover movie. I think that Leonardo DiCaprio is an exceptional actor. Have you seen The Aviator? A great performance by DiCaprio. Have fun at the movies!

Sandy K

Thanks for giving us another update Pat - glad to hear you're able to do things in the second week. Hope the new chemo drugs will mean less spaceyness and enjoy the movie.

Glad to hear that things are advancing well. I hope you enjoy the movie.

Good to see you posting here Pat. You seem to be able tolerate the chemo very well or at least your positive attitude makes it seem that way to me:)

Always great to hear from you Pat.
Don't you just love Darryl's prescription*?
Enjoy your movie darling.

*Darryl, can I have one of those too and could make it out for apple crumble and vanilla ice cream please? :-)

Thanks for the update. I think of you every day and send love!

Let us know how the movie was, Pat!

I hope the new meds help the spacey head problem.

Hi, Pat, I hope today goes/went well.

I'm adding my voice!

Pat, I hope you and your hubby enjoyed J. Edgar. That one is on my short list of movies to see. I've been thinking of you today. No "space head" I hope. ;-)

Hi Pat, I am thinking of you, and I really appreciate your updates here and your visits to my thread. Hope you enjoyed the movie!

Hi Linda, Sandy, Heather, Judy, Bonnie, Ilana, Linda, Joanne, Janet, Lucy, Donna, and Anne.

Yesterday went very well and it's nice to be "done" with this cycle of drugs. I put done in quotes because the actual day I get them and then the next day I feel pretty good. It's Days 3 thru 6 where I feel woozy and not myself. But luckily by Thanksgiving, I'll be feeling good and ready for one of the favorite meals my husband cooks.

I am so lucky my husband's such a good cook and generally enjoys making me meals. He's turned out to be a great caregiver but I can see at times that it wears on him and I remember how I felt after awhile as the weeks dragged on after his knee surgery. I got tired on taking him to doctor and PT appts and, since I don't like to cook, that became an issue. Oh well, "in sickness and in health."

J. Edgar was a good movie but also very somber. It's filmed mostly in dark tones with lots of shadows. And J. Edgar is portrayed as a lonely man who wasn't connected to himself or others emotionally or physically. There's only one scene I remember when he seemed joyful and that started to wear on me--the movie is 2 hours and 17 minutes long. On the other hand, DiCaprio does a great job and in alot of ways this personality study of Hoover is fascinating. Part of my problem with it was we saw it on a very dark and rainy day and just felt depressed afterwards. Probably not a good movie if you're looking for something uplifting.

I think my favorite DiCaprio movies are Catch Me If You Can and Inception. I saw Aviator and liked DiCaprio in it but that was another one that went on a little too long for me. Usually 2 hours is about my limit.

And the good news I forgot to mention up above is that I shouldn't have the spaceyness issue with the next cycle of drugs so I'm looking forward to that.

Well, I'm starting to ramble, so I'm going to sign off for now.

Hope you all have a great weekend!

Hi Pat,

Great to read about this cycle of chemo being finished. I'm amazed at how well you sound like you're handling it. I bet this Thanksgiving dinner will be one of your most special ones.

Have a great weekend!

Just checking in -- I have to say there haven't been enough fun, smart movies lately, which would be exactly the right medicine for you now, no?

I think I'll be skipping that particular movie. But I'm glad to hear your treatment is continuing well. I imagine being a caregiver must not always be fun and games, but as you say, "in sickness and in health". If you can't rely on your spouse for that, then who? Me, I have my pets. Too bad they can't help with the cooking though. ;-)

Pat

I understand the frustration of having to rely on another, even if it is someone who loves you dearly. Will is patient and kind, but I do worry that the last year has worn him down.

He is older than I am and reminds me that now it is his turn to help me and later it will be my turn to help him.

If I ever write a book it will be about relationships in mid - older life and the adjustments we make for each other.

I think of you daily and send lots of love your way.

Hi Pat. Glad to hear you're doing well. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Thinking of you.

Linda - I think we could all contribute to that book :). If life is about anything, it's adjustments.

Thinking of you too, Pat, and wishing you a good Thanksgiving tomorrow.

I hope you enjoy your Thanksgiving dinner Pat and Yay! to being done with this round of chemo.

Oh Pat - so thankful that you have come this far and feel this good!

You have been such an inspiration and a great teacher through your experiences. Someday, it'll be more about books - then we'll all breathe easier.

I'm sure you have a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving! :)
Have a good one!

Dropping by to wish you a happy Thanksgiving, Pat!

Happy Thanksgiving, Pat.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Pat, I'm thankful that you are doing so well in beating this cancer. Have a delicious day tomorrow!

Happy Thanksgiving from me too! I'm presently attempting a pie!

Happy Thanksgiving, Pat!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hey Pat, just a brief flyby to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving!
I'm grateful that you're responding well to chemo, keep it up!!!!

Dear Pat, I'm just catching up and hope that you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I'm thankful that you're getting along so well and sending encouraging words that you and your body keep it up!!!

*Waving hello and sending hugs!*

Hello Pat. Thinking of you today.

Yes I'm thinking of you too, hoping to see you around and about here.

Hi Guys. Thanks for checking on me. I've been lurking but not posting much. My pattern seems to be that I don't do much the week after chemo and then pack a bunch of stuff to do into the second week. I'm feeling well but I've been busy recently and not on the computer as much.

Yesterday we saw Hugo in 3D, Martin Scorsese's interpretation of The Invention of Hugo Cabret. I loved it and would definitely recommend seeing it. I'm not sure the 3D added that much but it was an interesting commentary on how far the movies have progressed since the time of Georges Melies (sp?), the silent filmmaker the book is about.

I'm off to a yoga class this morning but will be back later to start a new thread. My next chemo is Friday which will officially mark the halfway point so I'm looking forward to that.

And I actually finished 4 books. Don't get too excited--none of them took more than 10 or 15 minutes to read--but they were all good.

Wonderful to hear from you Pat!

Pat, I've been off the threads for a while, but think of you often. So very good to know that things are going well for you. We all admire your courage and super attitude! Give your husband an extra little hug from me, and keep one for yourself as well.

Hi Pat! Nice to hear you are doing well.
Enjoy your yoga class, I've always wanted to get back into doing that. I should try and find more time!

Congratulations on getting halfway done with chemo Pat. I'm glad things are going well for you.

I haven't read The invention of Hugo Cabret, though I keep hearing good things about it. And I understand there is a sequel out now?

Hi Pat,

I keep thinking about you and checking in. I'm glad the off-chemo weeks are so busy and in general it seems to be going well. It's a rough journey and I am praying for strength and peace and healing for you!