Is Mary Ann okay?

2

Comments

  • Ro10
    Ro10 Member Posts: 1,561 Member
    #22
    daisy366 said:

    UPDATE
    Well, this cancer journey certainly can be fascinating. Since last week, things are so much better. I guess this could be considered a research project since the one constant was my treatments - weekly carboplatin and daily radiation to supraclavicular lymph nodes.

    10 days ago I was miserable, scared, anxious, in pain, chakras from the heart up were closed. The radiation was burning my throat and I worried about suffocating, not being able to eat, etc. Today I am pain-free, more confident and calm. Yet the daily radiation continued. I even questioned the techs if they lowered the dose - no was the response.

    As the week progressed my throat felt better. Today, Monday, I can swallow without problem. What changed?? In reflection, many things:
    1) I have eliminated many stressors - work being the biggest.
    2) I took the words of my doc to heart "You are having these negative symptoms too early!!" and got off my pity pot and went to healing session, yoga and healing touch. I heard words that helped me be more positive and not give in to FEAR. Francesca talked about the connection between the sacral chakra (the source of "Chester", the name I gave the papillary serous uterine cancer) and the throat chakra (the area of recurrence and the area of my current pain AND one of my personal challenges, SPEAKING UP FOR MYSELF and BEING HEARD!!). How profound to hear of the connection. She said that if we give in to defeat than we have lost (I know this but didn't practice it) and to profess intention to succeed with confidence. I participated in partnering exercises and started feeling better - like a wilted flower drinking in water. My healing touch session immediately followed and Barbara opened up my chakras. Again, feeling better in my throat. I believe I shifted from FEAR to FAITH and TRUST.
    3) I was a better steward to my throat. Instead of denying I had a problem (eating whatever I wanted), I started babying my throat - gargling regularly with salt and baking soda mixture, eating soft foods in small portions, drinking from straw, cooling down my throat after treatments with ice-cold smoothie (yum).
    4) the xanax? Didn't help - maybe too weak a dose (.25). So I can't credit this!
    5) chia seeds. Francesca fed me these and said "this will draw the cancer right out of you!". I bought some. They are a strong anti-oxidant, higher than blueberries. I need to discuss this with my doc today if I should take now. But after treatment, for sure these will be my friend. Who can argue with those words, "this will take the cancer right out of you!"
    6) My nurse told me to take it a week at a time. So I set my sights small. I am at the halfway point of treatment now and I just need to get through Friday.
    7) visualization. In the radiation machine, I envision being comforted by Mary and protected by God. Mary is cradling me and has her hand over my throat. We are both in the hands of God who only lets in the radiation directed at the weakened cancer cells. The rays hit the mark and Chester dies. I repeat this before sleep and in morning.

    It is only my thoughts and actions that have changed! So, my friends. Take flight - like Claudia's goose, Gwendolynne - with confidence and faith. I am flying through this journey one day at a time.

    Love and blessings to you all. Mary Ann

    Mary Ann thanks for the update
    I am so glad you are having a much better week. So glad you are taking so many positive steps to make you feel better. So glad the pain and swallowing are so much better. So glad you are half way through. May the next treatments continue to go well. You remain in my thoughts and prayers. In peace and caring.
  • GracieGold
    GracieGold Member Posts: 23 Member
    #23
    Ro10 said:

    Mary Ann thanks for the update
    I am so glad you are having a much better week. So glad you are taking so many positive steps to make you feel better. So glad the pain and swallowing are so much better. So glad you are half way through. May the next treatments continue to go well. You remain in my thoughts and prayers. In peace and caring.

    Mary Ann
    Mary Ann

    I really enjoyed reading your post. Thank you for sharing the details of how you have been dealing with your treatments. It helps to know that we all have our ups and downs. And I love your insights and how you are dealing with the challenges. I googled chia seeds--they do sound like a power food. Any suggestions about how to use them?

    Best wishes for you as you continue on this journey.
  • paris11
    paris11 Member Posts: 159
    #24
    daisy366 said:

    UPDATE
    Well, this cancer journey certainly can be fascinating. Since last week, things are so much better. I guess this could be considered a research project since the one constant was my treatments - weekly carboplatin and daily radiation to supraclavicular lymph nodes.

    10 days ago I was miserable, scared, anxious, in pain, chakras from the heart up were closed. The radiation was burning my throat and I worried about suffocating, not being able to eat, etc. Today I am pain-free, more confident and calm. Yet the daily radiation continued. I even questioned the techs if they lowered the dose - no was the response.

    As the week progressed my throat felt better. Today, Monday, I can swallow without problem. What changed?? In reflection, many things:
    1) I have eliminated many stressors - work being the biggest.
    2) I took the words of my doc to heart "You are having these negative symptoms too early!!" and got off my pity pot and went to healing session, yoga and healing touch. I heard words that helped me be more positive and not give in to FEAR. Francesca talked about the connection between the sacral chakra (the source of "Chester", the name I gave the papillary serous uterine cancer) and the throat chakra (the area of recurrence and the area of my current pain AND one of my personal challenges, SPEAKING UP FOR MYSELF and BEING HEARD!!). How profound to hear of the connection. She said that if we give in to defeat than we have lost (I know this but didn't practice it) and to profess intention to succeed with confidence. I participated in partnering exercises and started feeling better - like a wilted flower drinking in water. My healing touch session immediately followed and Barbara opened up my chakras. Again, feeling better in my throat. I believe I shifted from FEAR to FAITH and TRUST.
    3) I was a better steward to my throat. Instead of denying I had a problem (eating whatever I wanted), I started babying my throat - gargling regularly with salt and baking soda mixture, eating soft foods in small portions, drinking from straw, cooling down my throat after treatments with ice-cold smoothie (yum).
    4) the xanax? Didn't help - maybe too weak a dose (.25). So I can't credit this!
    5) chia seeds. Francesca fed me these and said "this will draw the cancer right out of you!". I bought some. They are a strong anti-oxidant, higher than blueberries. I need to discuss this with my doc today if I should take now. But after treatment, for sure these will be my friend. Who can argue with those words, "this will take the cancer right out of you!"
    6) My nurse told me to take it a week at a time. So I set my sights small. I am at the halfway point of treatment now and I just need to get through Friday.
    7) visualization. In the radiation machine, I envision being comforted by Mary and protected by God. Mary is cradling me and has her hand over my throat. We are both in the hands of God who only lets in the radiation directed at the weakened cancer cells. The rays hit the mark and Chester dies. I repeat this before sleep and in morning.

    It is only my thoughts and actions that have changed! So, my friends. Take flight - like Claudia's goose, Gwendolynne - with confidence and faith. I am flying through this journey one day at a time.

    Love and blessings to you all. Mary Ann

    Mary Ann, So happy to read that you have turned the corner...
    Hi Mary Ann,

    Congrats on a successful transition. I am so happy for you. You will complete your flight successfully.

    I, too, am focused on healing "to profess intention to succeed with confidence." I have added to "keep my labs up so that I will not have to delay treatment." I had accupuncture during chemo yesterday and I could absolutely SEE BRIGHT RED HEALTHY BLOOD COURSING THROUGH MY VEINS.

    I have a scheduled Reiki treatment the day prior to my IP infusion and the day following my IP infusion.

    I also spend much of the day in mediation and prayer.

    I have completed 4 out of 6 IP/IV infusions. I have experienced no adverse side effects. I am fatigued on days 5 and 6. Sometimes my mind craves silence - no music - no reading - just silence. I have slowly moved to soft foods - mostly soup, yogurt, eggs, flax seed and oatmeal.

    I am convinced that love and support, mediation, accupuncture, and reiki have been key to my success with IP/IV. I am compelled to also acknowledge an exceptional medical team and a committed and dedicated staff. We are both blessed.

    Best love to you and to all the Warriors,

    Connie
  • maggie_wilson
    maggie_wilson Member Posts: 596
    #25
    daisy366 said:

    UPDATE
    Well, this cancer journey certainly can be fascinating. Since last week, things are so much better. I guess this could be considered a research project since the one constant was my treatments - weekly carboplatin and daily radiation to supraclavicular lymph nodes.

    10 days ago I was miserable, scared, anxious, in pain, chakras from the heart up were closed. The radiation was burning my throat and I worried about suffocating, not being able to eat, etc. Today I am pain-free, more confident and calm. Yet the daily radiation continued. I even questioned the techs if they lowered the dose - no was the response.

    As the week progressed my throat felt better. Today, Monday, I can swallow without problem. What changed?? In reflection, many things:
    1) I have eliminated many stressors - work being the biggest.
    2) I took the words of my doc to heart "You are having these negative symptoms too early!!" and got off my pity pot and went to healing session, yoga and healing touch. I heard words that helped me be more positive and not give in to FEAR. Francesca talked about the connection between the sacral chakra (the source of "Chester", the name I gave the papillary serous uterine cancer) and the throat chakra (the area of recurrence and the area of my current pain AND one of my personal challenges, SPEAKING UP FOR MYSELF and BEING HEARD!!). How profound to hear of the connection. She said that if we give in to defeat than we have lost (I know this but didn't practice it) and to profess intention to succeed with confidence. I participated in partnering exercises and started feeling better - like a wilted flower drinking in water. My healing touch session immediately followed and Barbara opened up my chakras. Again, feeling better in my throat. I believe I shifted from FEAR to FAITH and TRUST.
    3) I was a better steward to my throat. Instead of denying I had a problem (eating whatever I wanted), I started babying my throat - gargling regularly with salt and baking soda mixture, eating soft foods in small portions, drinking from straw, cooling down my throat after treatments with ice-cold smoothie (yum).
    4) the xanax? Didn't help - maybe too weak a dose (.25). So I can't credit this!
    5) chia seeds. Francesca fed me these and said "this will draw the cancer right out of you!". I bought some. They are a strong anti-oxidant, higher than blueberries. I need to discuss this with my doc today if I should take now. But after treatment, for sure these will be my friend. Who can argue with those words, "this will take the cancer right out of you!"
    6) My nurse told me to take it a week at a time. So I set my sights small. I am at the halfway point of treatment now and I just need to get through Friday.
    7) visualization. In the radiation machine, I envision being comforted by Mary and protected by God. Mary is cradling me and has her hand over my throat. We are both in the hands of God who only lets in the radiation directed at the weakened cancer cells. The rays hit the mark and Chester dies. I repeat this before sleep and in morning.

    It is only my thoughts and actions that have changed! So, my friends. Take flight - like Claudia's goose, Gwendolynne - with confidence and faith. I am flying through this journey one day at a time.

    Love and blessings to you all. Mary Ann

    mary ann--so so glad things are better!!!

    mary ann,

    it perked me right up to read your latest post; it seems so true to me that however one of us is doing affects us all. i can't tell you how happy i am to hear that you are feeing so much better--partly due to you "babying" your throat, partly due to so much less stress, partly due to your healers and the relationships you have with them, partly due to the body-mind connection and your insights, and partly due to the mystery at the heart of things.!! i sure do like faith and trust, though, alot better than fear, i know that. am intetrested in the chia seeds, and will check them out. are they like flax seeds, i wonder, that you can just toss on whatever you're eating? in any case, mary ann, keep healing and healing, feeling better and better, and before you know it, these treatments will be over.

    thinking of you with only positive, heart warming thoughts.

    sisterhood,
    maggie
  • Always Hopeful
    Always Hopeful Member Posts: 234
    #26
    daisy366 said:

    UPDATE
    Well, this cancer journey certainly can be fascinating. Since last week, things are so much better. I guess this could be considered a research project since the one constant was my treatments - weekly carboplatin and daily radiation to supraclavicular lymph nodes.

    10 days ago I was miserable, scared, anxious, in pain, chakras from the heart up were closed. The radiation was burning my throat and I worried about suffocating, not being able to eat, etc. Today I am pain-free, more confident and calm. Yet the daily radiation continued. I even questioned the techs if they lowered the dose - no was the response.

    As the week progressed my throat felt better. Today, Monday, I can swallow without problem. What changed?? In reflection, many things:
    1) I have eliminated many stressors - work being the biggest.
    2) I took the words of my doc to heart "You are having these negative symptoms too early!!" and got off my pity pot and went to healing session, yoga and healing touch. I heard words that helped me be more positive and not give in to FEAR. Francesca talked about the connection between the sacral chakra (the source of "Chester", the name I gave the papillary serous uterine cancer) and the throat chakra (the area of recurrence and the area of my current pain AND one of my personal challenges, SPEAKING UP FOR MYSELF and BEING HEARD!!). How profound to hear of the connection. She said that if we give in to defeat than we have lost (I know this but didn't practice it) and to profess intention to succeed with confidence. I participated in partnering exercises and started feeling better - like a wilted flower drinking in water. My healing touch session immediately followed and Barbara opened up my chakras. Again, feeling better in my throat. I believe I shifted from FEAR to FAITH and TRUST.
    3) I was a better steward to my throat. Instead of denying I had a problem (eating whatever I wanted), I started babying my throat - gargling regularly with salt and baking soda mixture, eating soft foods in small portions, drinking from straw, cooling down my throat after treatments with ice-cold smoothie (yum).
    4) the xanax? Didn't help - maybe too weak a dose (.25). So I can't credit this!
    5) chia seeds. Francesca fed me these and said "this will draw the cancer right out of you!". I bought some. They are a strong anti-oxidant, higher than blueberries. I need to discuss this with my doc today if I should take now. But after treatment, for sure these will be my friend. Who can argue with those words, "this will take the cancer right out of you!"
    6) My nurse told me to take it a week at a time. So I set my sights small. I am at the halfway point of treatment now and I just need to get through Friday.
    7) visualization. In the radiation machine, I envision being comforted by Mary and protected by God. Mary is cradling me and has her hand over my throat. We are both in the hands of God who only lets in the radiation directed at the weakened cancer cells. The rays hit the mark and Chester dies. I repeat this before sleep and in morning.

    It is only my thoughts and actions that have changed! So, my friends. Take flight - like Claudia's goose, Gwendolynne - with confidence and faith. I am flying through this journey one day at a time.

    Love and blessings to you all. Mary Ann

    Visualization
    Dear Mary Ann,

    Your visual of Mary protecting you during radiation is just beautiful!

    One day at a time is what we all need to include in our mantra. My gyn onc always tells me, "one step at a time."

    Keep the faith. My continued best wishes for you to be on an easy rode for the rest of these treatments.

    Peace and hope, JJ
  • daisy366
    daisy366 Member Posts: 1,458 Member
    #27
    Always Hopeful said:

    Visualization
    Dear Mary Ann,

    Your visual of Mary protecting you during radiation is just beautiful!

    One day at a time is what we all need to include in our mantra. My gyn onc always tells me, "one step at a time."

    Keep the faith. My continued best wishes for you to be on an easy rode for the rest of these treatments.

    Peace and hope, JJ

    Update - almost at the finish line!!
    I am almost finished with this treatment. It's been pretty challenging to say the least. Tuesday I will finally be finished with radiation - 35 tomo treatments. I finished my 7th chemo last Wed.

    Toward the end of the week I am so fatigued and feel like I've been run over by a truck. that's how I was yesterday - today I am starting to rejuvenate. My neck is hot and red - skin thick, itchy, and nasty. My throat has been a trooper through this - not as bad as it was a month ago! I have managed well with ibuprofen for pain when needed.

    I see radiologist Monday and will learn more about follow-up then. I imagine I will have a PET in a month or so. I'm looking forward to enjoying Thanksgiving - big time!! Have lots of treats lined up for myself.

    Wishing you all many blessings, joy and peace. Mary Ann
  • Kaleena
    Kaleena Member Posts: 2,088 Member
    #28
    daisy366 said:

    Update - almost at the finish line!!
    I am almost finished with this treatment. It's been pretty challenging to say the least. Tuesday I will finally be finished with radiation - 35 tomo treatments. I finished my 7th chemo last Wed.

    Toward the end of the week I am so fatigued and feel like I've been run over by a truck. that's how I was yesterday - today I am starting to rejuvenate. My neck is hot and red - skin thick, itchy, and nasty. My throat has been a trooper through this - not as bad as it was a month ago! I have managed well with ibuprofen for pain when needed.

    I see radiologist Monday and will learn more about follow-up then. I imagine I will have a PET in a month or so. I'm looking forward to enjoying Thanksgiving - big time!! Have lots of treats lined up for myself.

    Wishing you all many blessings, joy and peace. Mary Ann

    Mary Ann:
    You are one
    Mary Ann:

    You are one trooper! I am glad you are almost finished with your treatment. Enjoy your Thanksgiving, especially knowing you are done with treatment by then!

    Sending my best to you.

    Kathy
  • Double Whammy
    Double Whammy Member Posts: 2,832 Member
    #29
    Kaleena said:

    Mary Ann:
    You are one
    Mary Ann:

    You are one trooper! I am glad you are almost finished with your treatment. Enjoy your Thanksgiving, especially knowing you are done with treatment by then!

    Sending my best to you.

    Kathy

    Please keep us informed
    I've been following your journey and am so happy you're doing so well. You will definitely have something to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. Please keep us posted about your progress.

    Suzanne
  • kkstef
    kkstef Member Posts: 688 Member
    #30
    daisy366 said:

    Update - almost at the finish line!!
    I am almost finished with this treatment. It's been pretty challenging to say the least. Tuesday I will finally be finished with radiation - 35 tomo treatments. I finished my 7th chemo last Wed.

    Toward the end of the week I am so fatigued and feel like I've been run over by a truck. that's how I was yesterday - today I am starting to rejuvenate. My neck is hot and red - skin thick, itchy, and nasty. My throat has been a trooper through this - not as bad as it was a month ago! I have managed well with ibuprofen for pain when needed.

    I see radiologist Monday and will learn more about follow-up then. I imagine I will have a PET in a month or so. I'm looking forward to enjoying Thanksgiving - big time!! Have lots of treats lined up for myself.

    Wishing you all many blessings, joy and peace. Mary Ann

    A Thankful Holiday
    Mary Ann,

    I am soooo happy to hear that you are ALMOST at the finish line AND that you are handling your treatments so well, even if they have been taxing! You are indeed an amazing warrior!

    I can only imagine what you must have on your list for a Thanksgiving celebration....enjoy it to the utmost....you are so very deserving!!

    Wishing you much joy AND a very long life NED!!

    Big hugs! Karen
  • jazzy1
    jazzy1 Member Posts: 1,379
    #31
    kkstef said:

    A Thankful Holiday
    Mary Ann,

    I am soooo happy to hear that you are ALMOST at the finish line AND that you are handling your treatments so well, even if they have been taxing! You are indeed an amazing warrior!

    I can only imagine what you must have on your list for a Thanksgiving celebration....enjoy it to the utmost....you are so very deserving!!

    Wishing you much joy AND a very long life NED!!

    Big hugs! Karen

    Congrats Mary Ann~
    You know I was thinking about you yesterday .... wondering how you've been. I ditto a few others on this site -- YOU'RE A REAL TROOPER!!!!!!

    I wish you the best in the world as you deserve it with all you've been thru. You're in my thoughts and prayers and do enjoy a few treats for Turkey Day!!!

    Gooble-gobble!!!
    Jan
  • santefe55
    santefe55 Member Posts: 7
    #32
    Mary Ann has been in the
    Mary Ann has been in the hospital since Friday admitted with a fever. Doctors have not been able to determine the cause, and she was not doing well tonight: weak, confused, temperature of 101.9, throat pain related to the radiation treatments on her neck. Keep her in your prayers.
  • Kaleena
    Kaleena Member Posts: 2,088 Member
    #33
    santefe55 said:

    Mary Ann has been in the
    Mary Ann has been in the hospital since Friday admitted with a fever. Doctors have not been able to determine the cause, and she was not doing well tonight: weak, confused, temperature of 101.9, throat pain related to the radiation treatments on her neck. Keep her in your prayers.

    Thank you, Santefe, for
    Thank you, Santefe, for letting us know of Mary Ann's condition. We will definitely keep her in our prayers. Please let her know that everyone is asking about her.
  • california_artist
    california_artist Member Posts: 816 Member
    #34
    santefe55 said:

    Mary Ann has been in the
    Mary Ann has been in the hospital since Friday admitted with a fever. Doctors have not been able to determine the cause, and she was not doing well tonight: weak, confused, temperature of 101.9, throat pain related to the radiation treatments on her neck. Keep her in your prayers.

    santefe55
    Tell her I love her. And Gwendolynee and I will be pulling for her and dreaming of a better future.

    Claudia
  • Cindy Bear
    Cindy Bear Member Posts: 569
    #35
    california_artist said:

    santefe55
    Tell her I love her. And Gwendolynee and I will be pulling for her and dreaming of a better future.

    Claudia

    Please keep us posted
    I am so sorry to hear this latest development.. But thank you for letting us know. Let's hope it's just a little glitch and she'll be home soon. Mary Ann is such a kind, gentle, caring soul. I can just tell from her posts that she is a special person. I will be keeping her in my thoughts and prayers this weekend.
  • Always Hopeful
    Always Hopeful Member Posts: 234
    #36
    santefe55 said:

    Mary Ann has been in the
    Mary Ann has been in the hospital since Friday admitted with a fever. Doctors have not been able to determine the cause, and she was not doing well tonight: weak, confused, temperature of 101.9, throat pain related to the radiation treatments on her neck. Keep her in your prayers.

    Thank you, Santefe55
    I am so upset. It just doesn't seem fair. Mary Ann was at the end of the treatment. She put up with so much pain and discomfort. Plese let her know we are all thinking of and praying for her. Also, please keep us updated.

    Peace and hope, JJ
  • kkstef
    kkstef Member Posts: 688 Member
    #37
    santefe55 said:

    Mary Ann has been in the
    Mary Ann has been in the hospital since Friday admitted with a fever. Doctors have not been able to determine the cause, and she was not doing well tonight: weak, confused, temperature of 101.9, throat pain related to the radiation treatments on her neck. Keep her in your prayers.

    Message re: Mary Ann
    Santefe, I was so sorry to hear the news about Mary Ann's setback. She is such a sweet, dear, calm, and level headed warrior....She had just completed her very taxing treatment...it just does not seem fair, does it?

    Please know that I am sending her a BIG dose of positive energy and pray that she will soon be better!

    Keep us posted on her progress and I am hopeful that they will soon find the cause of her fever, etc. and get that resolved...PRONTO!! I am not a patient person, and am counting on this getting resolved...FAST!!

    Big HUGS!! Karen
  • Ro10
    Ro10 Member Posts: 1,561 Member
    #38
    kkstef said:

    Message re: Mary Ann
    Santefe, I was so sorry to hear the news about Mary Ann's setback. She is such a sweet, dear, calm, and level headed warrior....She had just completed her very taxing treatment...it just does not seem fair, does it?

    Please know that I am sending her a BIG dose of positive energy and pray that she will soon be better!

    Keep us posted on her progress and I am hopeful that they will soon find the cause of her fever, etc. and get that resolved...PRONTO!! I am not a patient person, and am counting on this getting resolved...FAST!!

    Big HUGS!! Karen

    I am so sorry to hear about Mary Ann
    I hope Mary Ann is out of the hospital by now. I definitely will keep her in my prayers. She has had such a positive attitude through her difficult treatment. Hope they found the cause of her fever and she is feeling better. In peace and caring.
  • santefe55
    santefe55 Member Posts: 7
    #39
    Ro10 said:

    I am so sorry to hear about Mary Ann
    I hope Mary Ann is out of the hospital by now. I definitely will keep her in my prayers. She has had such a positive attitude through her difficult treatment. Hope they found the cause of her fever and she is feeling better. In peace and caring.

    Improving
    Mary Ann was discharged from the hospital Wednesday. Doing better, but remains in significant pain from numerous canker sores in the mouth and throat burns, a side effect of 35 radiation treatments. Thanks for all the words of support
  • madhura
    madhura Member Posts: 21
    #40
    santefe55 said:

    Improving
    Mary Ann was discharged from the hospital Wednesday. Doing better, but remains in significant pain from numerous canker sores in the mouth and throat burns, a side effect of 35 radiation treatments. Thanks for all the words of support

    Good to know she is
    Good to know she is home.
    Please convey my best wishes to her for a speedy recovery.
  • kkstef
    kkstef Member Posts: 688 Member
    #41
    santefe55 said:

    Improving
    Mary Ann was discharged from the hospital Wednesday. Doing better, but remains in significant pain from numerous canker sores in the mouth and throat burns, a side effect of 35 radiation treatments. Thanks for all the words of support

    Thanks for the update!
    Am so happy that Mary Ann is back home but it sounds like she is feeling very miserable. Am sending cooling energy to relieve that burned throat. Hopefully the pain will subside soon!

    Sending love and caring thoughts!!

    Karen

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