8/26 Trixie AMBG 134 "+2.75" 115

Yesterday

Not much going on here...looks like Ms P is still taking it kind of easy, although I sure do like Trix's AMBG this morning! I hope to see Mr Greenie again sometime soon...

I'm still pretty wiped from the bead show last weekend, but today is Dad's first chemo infusion, and I'm going along for the ride. I had to miss my parents' "orientation" with one of the nurses last week and I wish I could have been there because I didn't like some of the things I heard...like, when my Mom asked for nutritional guidance, rather than recommending a nutritionist (I was hoping they had one on their team, but it doesn't sound like they do) the nurse told my mom to "just use her common sense". Well, my Mom has never had a family member on chemo before and only wants to do the best by him - at least suggest somewhere to go! And, the oncologist from Penn told my parents this is a well-tolerated protocol and that they could go about life normally, including travel. This nurse basically told my Dad he had to become a recluse, which, needless to say, depressed and panicked my parents. So, I need to be there to run interference/dig for more solid and useful info. Anyway, we'll be leaving soon (pretty much the same time I normally leave for work) and gone most of the day.

Sending prayers out to everyone today...have a great day, LL!

Amy

I'm sure green is right around the corner.

I am so glad you are going with your parents. Sometimes it is very confusing and health care professionals don't always have the best bed side manner or communicate well. It will definitely help to have you there. ((((Amy))))

Amy&TrixieCat said:

Yesterday

Not much going on here...looks like Ms P is still taking it kind of easy, although I sure do like Trix's AMBG this morning! I hope to see Mr Greenie again sometime soon...

I'm still pretty wiped from the bead show last weekend, but today is Dad's first chemo infusion, and I'm going along for the ride. I had to miss my parents' "orientation" with one of the nurses last week and I wish I could have been there because I didn't like some of the things I heard...like, when my Mom asked for nutritional guidance, rather than recommending a nutritionist (I was hoping they had one on their team, but it doesn't sound like they do) the nurse told my mom to "just use her common sense". Well, my Mom has never had a family member on chemo before and only wants to do the best by him - at least suggest somewhere to go! And, the oncologist from Penn told my parents this is a well-tolerated protocol and that they could go about life normally, including travel. This nurse basically told my Dad he had to become a recluse, which, needless to say, depressed and panicked my parents. So, I need to be there to run interference/dig for more solid and useful info. Anyway, we'll be leaving soon (pretty much the same time I normally leave for work) and gone most of the day.

Sending prayers out to everyone today...have a great day, LL!

Amy

Click to expand...

All right, Miss Trixie. Be a good girl.

Amy, I can't believe that nurse! Sounds like Nurse Ratchet found work in a chemo center after leaving the Cuckoo's Nest.

See if your chemo place has a nurse navigator, someone who runs interference, coordinates any extra help, appts. I didn't use the NN but she was often in the infusion room counseling others, setting up help for folks, and being a cheerleader for those who needed a boost.

I'd let my oncologist know how disappointed you all are with that initial meeting. Hope the infusion nurses are a lot more up-to-date on patient communication.

My doctor stressed three necessary factors for success: nutrition, exercise, and a strong support system of friends and family. And to maintain my normal life activities. My center had tons of help available for any assistance I needed.

My advice. Hydrate. Hydrate. Hydrate. Exercise. Exercise. Exercise. The fatigue can be overwhelming and the best way to beat it, is to get up and DO something. I walked. And walked. And then walked some more. It really did cut into the fatigue. And I forced myself to drink water or juice everytime I went near the kitchen!

My first treatment was the hardest. I didn't hydrate; I didn't exercise. I learned my lesson.

Huge vines for your dad, you, and your family.

Marilyn and Polly

Hi guys .. trixie, you gonna show us some of those pretty greens you look so good in? Thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family .. I'm sure your parents are very thankful you can be there for them .. All of this news can be overwhelming ..

I'm glad Trixie is giving you some nice numbers this morning. I can't believe that nurse's attitude. I hope things go better today. Sending prayers for your dad. :YMHUG: :YMHUG:

The best information I've found about cancer and nutrition is The China Study by Colin Campbell. His work is also included in the documentary Forks Over Knives but they show lots of video of grilled meat, it might be too much for you. Many, many vines for your folks. Trix, you're just a little shy of the lagoon, how about a dip?
Liz

Hi Amy

looking good Miss Trixie! Lovin' your BG's, amybe a little green too, 'K?

Best wishes for your dad, I hope the infusion goes well. wow on that nurse.. I hope they can find better. A little guidance and suggestions would have been nice.

Hoe the day went well for you.

Hi Amy,
I'm sorry your parents got stuck with an unhelpful nurse. I hope they will have a better experience today. It sounds like that nurse suffers from burn-out.

Thinking of you and your parents and sending many vines to your dad.

Hugs, scritches,

Ella & Rusty

I've been wanting to read "The China Study" for ages...one of these days I will find the time - and this may be just the motivation I need (I'm pretty sure my parents won't read it themselves, but they would listen to info I share. Last week I printed out a ton of vegan, high-caloried protein smoothies for them, and my Mom thought my Dad would like them.). My parents do eat meat, but fortunately they are not BIG meat eaters...in general, they are good about balance, and the rarely eat red meat. Of course I'd love it if they didn't eat any at all, but what can ya do?

Today's session was very long....bloodwork, meeting with the doctor, the infusion itself...I didn't get home till 4:30 so I'm beat. But, it went well....thank you for the prayers and vines, everyone!

I am sorry that the nurse wasn't very helpful. I am praying to God in the name of Jesus that your dad tolerates the chemo well and that it works very well.

{{{Amy}}}

I'm sorry your family had a bad experience with one nurse. Hopefully she is the only bad apple in the barrel. Sending lots more healing vines and prayers for a smooth course of treatment for your DF.

Trixie, let's see some green, please! You know how to do it!

i'm glad the day went well. Now i hope trixie tops it off with some green!

So glad you were there with your parents today. I'm sure they appreciate it, too! Sending lots of prayers for your dad's continued "symptom-free" life and lots of happy health vines for him (and health vines for you and your mom, too!!) Scritches for Trixie, too!!!

Morning Amy,
Glad all went well today for your Dad. Keeping your Dad, you and family in my prayers. So nice that they have you close by, too.
I continue to be amazed by Trixie.
Hugs and scritches to you and Trixie and furbabies.