What a rough weekend I had. It started out with a blood test and ended with a blood transfusion and an asshat.
You know I hate to get all medical because it’s boring but sometimes it’s necessary. Well, the last time I had chemo my red blood cell count and hemoglobin were low. My hemoglobin was down to 8.6 so I was given a shot of Procrit.
I scheduled a follow up blood test for last Friday to re-check my blood counts. Unfortunately, everything dropped a little more. My hemoglobin went down to 8 so I got another shot of Procrit and was told I need to have a blood transfusion over the weekend.
I found out that part of the reason I’ve been feeling extremely run down and out of breath had to do with my low red blood cell count and low hemoglobin.
The infusion center was booked on Saturday but I got an appointment for Sunday. I didn’t think anybody did anything on Sundays but there apparently people who need infusions everyday.
My blood transfusion was going to take four hours so my appointment was made for 8 am. Dude now drives me everywhere because of the painkillers I’m on (it’s illegal to drive while under the influence of what I take) so we had to pack the kids in the car at 7:30 am on Sunday morning. They had their Nintendo DS’s so they were good to go.
By Sunday, my pain level was at an all time high. I didn’t get any sleep Saturday night because I was in so much pain. I finally passed out from exhaustion at around 5:00 am only to have the alarm clock go off at 6:00 am. One hour of quality sleep is better than nothing, right?
So Dude dropped me off at the hospital so I could get my blood transfusion. The nurse gave me Benedryl before she started anything. Once she started the first pint of blood I was out cold. Had she not taken my blood pressure every 20 minutes I may have actually caught up on some sleep.
Four hours and two pints of blood later I was finished with the blood transfusion and Dude came to pick me up. Once we got home I started feeling better. Like a little perkier with less pain. I made it up the steps without losing my breath at all!
My pain level has come down considerably since I had the transfusion yesterday too. I slept through the night and I’m feeling like I might make it through today without taking a nap. Well, maybe I’ll take just a 30 minute nap.
Hopefully my blood counts will be o.k. on Thursday when I go back to the hospital for chemo. It seems like this could be a vicious cycle though. Get chemo, have blood counts go down, get blood transfusion, have blood counts go back up, get chemo again. There’s only so much a body can take, you know?
Maybe that’s the point when I, as my commenter in Understanding, so lovingly put it, “pretend to die”. To quote Barbara:
So when you get enough gifts and money, will you pretend to die?
I’m sure my family and friends enjoy watching me “pretend” to have cancer. God, some people are pathetic.
{ 54 comments… read them below or add one }
Well, you sure are doing an awfully good job of “pretending.” I, for one, am believing every word. Sigh.
Kizzs last blog post..Exhausted, Please Send Help
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Some people are just broken inside. Don’t even waste your thoughts on people like that. Maybe they were burned once before by someone faking an illness. Or maybe they just suck. Either way you’ve got more important things to worry about. Not that you don’t know that already.
Jens last blog post..Will poop for painkillers
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I am glad to hear that you are feeling a little better, even if it is just for a moment. I hope things continue to improve. As always, I am thinking of you and your family.
Heathers last blog post..Sundays
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I agree with Kizz… and that Barbara chick is an ASS.
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I was gonna say something about the “pretending” thing, But I was taught not to say anything If I didnt have anything nice to say.
Now I have no comment since I can’t be all mean and stuff.
I donated blood the other day and explained to my kids why I did it. Now I can tell them it was to save a Friend I’ve never met. Even though I know you didnt get mine, but because of donors.
MrsRobbieDs last blog post..Funny?
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Is it possible for them to give you the Procrit or something before the chemo so your counts don’t drop? I seem to remember a series of commercials for that or another similiar drug where they said you got it before the treatments.
Don’t let that toxic bint upset you; she’s not worth your precious energy.
Finns last blog post..Tabla Raza
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Barbara is a SICK FU#K that does not deserve one ounce of your energy!!!
We, your friends, love and support you and here 24/7. I’m glad to hear you are feeling better today and I hope its a wonderful week for you.
Many hugs and prayers
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Wow, harsh! I will never understand what drives people to be so negative. I’m glad you’re feeling better! Don’t let the ballon holding window lickers get you down!
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Ugh. That sounds like a tough weekend, but I’m glad the blood transfusion has helped.
Let the toxic people go. They are just a drain on your system.
All my best, my dear rocker chick.
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I’m surprised they just gave you a shot at 8.6. I thought below 10 was an automatic pint. At least you got the transfusion AND it has made you feel better as opposed to worse.
And yeah… Barbara’s an asshat to the tenth power cubed by infinity.
NYCWDs last blog post..EOY 2008
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Fucking cancer. Fucking trolls. Fucking Barbara.
Let it go. Let us be angry for you. Just be.
Love you.
xoxo
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I, for one, will not be sending you any more cash or gifts. Because I don’t want give you a reason to die, whether pretend or real.
I swear — they really need to limit internet access at the asylum…
I’m glad that the intense pain you were feeling has subsided…
shinys last blog post..No Muslims
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Barbara is an asshat!
Zephras last blog post..First post of the new year
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i’m really hoping this barbara person was trying to be sarcastic. i can’t imagine the balls and cowardice it takes to leave a down right crude comment like that and really mean it. maybe she’ll come out of the shadows and explain herself, b/c if not, i might have to track her down and beat her with a large stick. hang in there, lady! i’m so glad that you had a good feeling day after the transfusion.
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Slept through the night????? That’s freakin’ awesome!!! I don’t sleep through the night either, but I don’t have to deal with what you have to deal with the next day. Really, sleeping is soooo important and I’m soooooo glad that you’re getting some, finally. And that the pain level is down — that’s even awesomer! (Yeah, new word: awesomer = more awesome)
In being happy for your sleep changes and your pain lowering, I wasn’t going to say anything about Barbara’s comment but… I can’t help it. She’s a fuckwad. Don’t listen to the hate. Just listen to our love. We’re seeing you through this, not “her.” Anything that brings you down (i.e. Barbara) is rotten to the core. Ignore, ignore, ignore.
I’m so glad that you’re doing better.
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So glad to hear you got some good sleep and the pain level is down.
As for anything else, no comment, as you are our focus.
Bobbird3131s last blog post..Christmas - In Several Parts
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I wish you more days of feeling good than feeling crappy.
Lyndas last blog post..Lynda On The Move, part 2
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From one of my other boards, I know a lot of the mito kids who are in crisis have to get frequent transfusions. If it gives you the energy you need, then I suppose there could be worse ways to spend a Sunday. I have a sitter on Thursdays til 3 if you ever need a ride to/fro. Wishing you comfort and rest and laughs with the fam.
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I can’t believe someone said that to you. It’s also insulting when people think you’re dumb, isn’t it? Or cheap. Like, If I was going to pull off a cancer-scam, I’d hold GIANT fundraisers every weekend and the whole 9 yards. My goal would be $100,000 dollars, at the very least. Sheesh. It just makes that Barbara person look dumb, to think you do this for presents, and a few dollars.
annies last blog post..Merry Ho-Ho!
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Kizz: Oh how I wish I was pretending. Sigh.
Jen: You are right, some people are very broken inside. I prayed for her.
Heather: It’s amazing what a couple of pints of blood can do for you.
Amkii: I know there are a lot of scammers on the internet but I’m not one of them. Who wants to make this shit up?
MrsRobbieD: I thank God for people like you who donate blood.
Finn: I don’t think the timing of the shot matters. I got my first shot while I was actually getting chemo. I think the ideal would be to get a series of shots before the day of chemo to build up my blood count. I’ll have to ask.
Lisa O: I realize she deserves none of my energy which is why I vented in a post. I had to do that so I could let it go. I’m grateful for those people who support me. I’m tired of those who doubt me.
floating princess: “Balloon holding window lickers” is a new one for me. I like it.
Colleen: I vented therefore I’ve let it go.
NYCWD: I thought so too and requested a blood transfusion but they wanted to try the Procrit first. I wish they would have saved me a week of feeling really shitty and complied with my request however it is what it is and I’m feeling better in comparison to last week.
Karen: I’ll gladly hand over the job of being angry.
shiny: You made me LOL with internet access at the asylum.
Zephra: Agreed.
Sister D: I wasn’t kidding when I said my family reads my blog, in case there are people who doubt that. Unfortunately, people feel they can say anything they want on the Internet without regard to someone’s feelings because they forget there is a REAL human being behind the blog.
Dawn: Well sleeping until 4:30 am which counts as through the night for me. Awesomer is a great word.
Bobbird3131: Thank you very much.
Lynda: I could use more good days than crappy, that’s for sure.
Heather: Based on how to feel today it was a wonderful way to spend a Sunday morning. Thanks for your offer too!
annie: Exactly. Can you imagine the energy it would take to pull off a scam like that? I’d have people like you, who are very sharp, see right through it too. You are right, she looks stupid to think I’d fake this for presents and some donations here or there. I don’t the presents had anything to do with this..THAT was about MY BIRTHDAY!
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4.30am counts as through the night for me too! I was up at 3.00am today — that does NOT count as through the night. So you did “awesomer” than I did!
And the fact that you’re responding to comments makes me think that your pain is even less than it was earlier today. Which, again? Awesomer!
PS. I’m the queen of overkill, so I’ll be throwing “awesomer” around a lot… as long as you keep up the sleep and have less pain.
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Dawn: I’m the same with the time thing. And yes, the fact that I’m responding to comments means I feel better today. When I don’t feel well I just post and crawl into bet until the next day. Sometimes it can be days before I turn the pc on again but I always check my iPhone for comments and approve the ones that have gone into moderation.
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Glad the transfusion helped some. Hopefully this chemo round will help also.
Rachels last blog post..
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Lisa Reply:
January 7th, 2009 at 9:30 am
Thanks, I hope this chemo is working.
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I guess someone needs our prayers even worse than you do. Who’d have thunk it?
derfinas last blog post..Breather
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Lisa Reply:
January 7th, 2009 at 9:32 am
I’m not lying when I tell you that I have prayed for her. It’s the best way to get rid of anger towards someone. Plus I believe she was one of those people who just stumbled upon my blog, read a few posts from December and made her own judgments.
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I am a very strong believer in karma; and karma is a real bitch for people like Barbara.
BBMs last blog post..Be Careful What You Search For
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Lisa Reply:
January 7th, 2009 at 9:33 am
I couldn’t agree with you more about karma. What goes around always comes around. ALWAYS.
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I’m so glad the transfusion made you feel better.
*sigh* I’m tired of being angry myself, I try to tell myself that the asshats of the world make the good people seem all that much sweeter.
At least, that is what I use as an excuse not to go on a shooting spree or something.
AmyDs last blog post..What “Normal” Really Means
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Lisa Reply:
January 7th, 2009 at 9:37 am
And I still feel good, thank goodness.
You are right though. People like that make the good people seem all that much more valuable to me.
You don’t want to go on a shooting spree. Prison orange isn’t a good color for you.
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first of all, I am so relieved to hear that you are in less pain, and that the transfusion seemed to help you…
secondly, I am sorry that disturbed, insensitive lowlifes think you are making this up. Don’t mind them any attention, just remember where they will end up!
Hope that the week continues to get better!
Christines last blog post..Happy New Year! Conflicts, still arise…but, it is better…
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Lisa Reply:
January 7th, 2009 at 9:40 am
Imagine my relief not to be in so much pain. As far as Barbara is concerned, I’m over her. Venting it made me feel better and I don’t think she’ll come back again.
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There’s a special place in hell for people like “Barbara”. Just keep your head up and remember that you have lots of people cheering you on!!
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Lisa Reply:
January 7th, 2009 at 9:41 am
It’s great to have people like you cheering me on. That’s what keeps me going.
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I’m so glad the transfusion helped. You’re in my thoughts often.
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Lisa Reply:
January 7th, 2009 at 9:42 am
Thanks for keeping me in your thoughts.
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forget Barbra…she just probably is constipated. Praying for you and your family. I think you are fab and am so glad that I get to be “friends” with you.
I was considering going out this week and give blood (something I have not done in 10 years) and because of this post, you have inspired me to do so. like for realz.
DesignHER Mommas last blog post..oh! 9
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Lisa Reply:
January 7th, 2009 at 9:44 am
Oh how I hope you decide to go through with giving blood. You don’t know how grateful I am that someone else did so that I could get a transfusion. I think they give you juice and cookies when you give blood!
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You are such a wonderful person. The fact that you prayed for Barbara demonstrates how so very special you are … that she has a cancer in her heart that needs more healing than you do.
I’m glad that the transfusion has helped.
How was Christmas day with the family?
You are in my thoughts every day.
{{{{{{{{{{{{{ hugs }}}}}}}}}}}}}}}
Matties last blog post..Untitled Entry #1
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Lisa Reply:
January 7th, 2009 at 9:47 am
Mattie, I think it’s the best way to deal with anger in this kind of situation so I could let it go.
Our Christmas was WONDERFUL…absolutely WONDERFUL. It was just the four of us and it was so nice. I hope your Christmas was nice as well.
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Wow, I have no clue about transfusions, but that it made you feel better is AMAZING. So very glad to hear that you’re feeling a little better - much luck & many prayers that Thursday will go well.
Tugs last blog post..Bah.
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Lisa Reply:
January 7th, 2009 at 10:00 am
Tug: When you are running low on red blood cells and hemoglobin, 2 pints of blood does a body wonders. Thanks for keeping me in your prayers for Thursday.
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Barbara is a dirty whore. Seriously.
Now that I got that out of the way (phew!), I am happy that you got to sleep and that you’re feeling better.
Robins last blog post..Resolution or Revolution?
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Lisa Reply:
January 7th, 2009 at 10:03 am
Robin: Now that I’m getting more sleep I feel so much better.
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Hang in there honey. You will know when it is too much. Until then, every day is a day closer to figuring out the combination that will help you pain and shrink those tumors.
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Lisa Reply:
January 7th, 2009 at 10:04 am
TxConnie: I hope they are getting close.
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BIG HUGS, girl. ignore idiots like babs.
shes last blog post..Post Secret
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Lisa Reply:
January 7th, 2009 at 10:05 am
she: LOL, you called her babs.
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Perhaps you could also win an Academy Award since you are doing such a good job “pretending” to be sick. God, some people are such asshats!
Gah!!!
I am so glad to hear you are feeling better after your transfusion! I hope it gives you a little bump up and you continue feeling great!
perpstus last blog post..Simply Kind Tuesday #9 - Knitting Soothes the Soul
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Lisa Reply:
January 7th, 2009 at 10:08 am
perpstu: Next I’m going for a Grammy. I’ll have to use Utterz more or something.
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I am glad the transfusion made you feel better.
And as for the “Barbara’s” of this world… They don’t deserve your attention nor energy. I don’t know how their brain works but they’re just nuts.
DutchBitchs last blog post..Attention is overrated
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Lisa Reply:
January 7th, 2009 at 10:11 am
DB: You are right about Barbara. I think she was just a drive by. Read a few entries and spit out an ignorant comment. She has fallen off the face of the earth, although her IP address says she’s from New Jersey.
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I’m so glad you are feeling better. I wish you more days like this!
As for Barbara - she’s a jealous, bitter twat and best ignored.
Sodapops last blog post..Running on empty
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Lisa Reply:
January 7th, 2009 at 10:14 am
Sodapop: I would love more days of feeling good. I also like your description of Babs.
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I wonder if it’s possible to Barbara to pretend that she was never here..?
Vics last blog post..Vic the Vampire
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Lisa Reply:
January 7th, 2009 at 10:16 am
Vic: Only if I delete her comment. Then we can all pretend she wasn’t here.
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While I am in the group that does not comment often, I do send positive thoughts and love to you and your family daily.
I truly believe that people like “Barbara” will get what they deserve one day. It’s just a shame that they have to strike out at others on their way to hell.
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Lisa Reply:
January 7th, 2009 at 10:18 am
trishk: I agree with you about people like Barbara.
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You are in my thoughts far more often than my comments here would indicate.
I’m so glad you got some respite—I remember a screaming fight with my father because I suggested that they find a way to get some pot for my sister to ease her nausea–(It was so bad she couldn’t move her head)—if even for a few hours–just so that she could have a break from it.
Hopefully this chemo —and the donated blood –will help.
Going on a troll hunt;-)
Turnbabys last blog post..Walking In Memphis
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Lisa Reply:
January 7th, 2009 at 10:21 am
Turnbaby: Thanks for keeping me in your thoughts. I’m sorry you had to fight with your dad about your sister. I know that nauseated feeling.
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That’s sad that woman has nothing better to do than
come to your blog and harass you about “pretending to die”.
Some people are sick in the head - and she kinda makes that point clear.
I wrote to a guy through chemo angels who had cancer and he had to have transfusions for a while - so you’re right.. it might happen again. Not to be negative, but to let you know it’s a possibility and I hope it doesn’t get you down.
Actually it sounds like it perked you up. :o)
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Lisa Reply:
January 7th, 2009 at 10:22 am
Kate: This wasn’t my first blood transfusion and I know it won’t be my last. I’ve gone through this several times. My last transfusion was in October.
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I was so glad to see that you had posted, Lisa. I was worried about you. I think about you everyday and send healing thoughts to you and your family. A few months ago I saw your post about jewelry making and bought a gorgeous bracelet and pair of earrings you made. I get compliments on them all the time. Thank you again!
I’m guilty of reading waaaaay more than I comment. I guess that’s because — well, I don’t have a blog. I found this community while searching for others who had lost babies. It’s been almost a year and I can’t stop reading. My loss was a very long time ago and I went on to adopt. Anyway, just because I don’t blog myself doesn’t mean I don’t read, and occasionally, comment.
Please don’t waste your time worrying about crazy people who question your truthfulness. They aren’t worth a nanosecond!
Hope you feel soooo much better after your transfusion! Take care of yourself however you need to — and ignore the idiots of the internet!
((hugs to you from Georgia))
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Lisa Reply:
January 7th, 2009 at 10:23 am
Is there any reason you never started your own blog?
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Stupid barbara-assholey-o. What a moron. I SO hope her eyes are matted together when she wakes up.
Ashley Hasts last blog post..It’s time to take it all off!
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Lisa Reply:
January 7th, 2009 at 10:24 am
Ashley: That sound disgustingly awful…LOL
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If I knew what to say, I’d say it, I don’t. Disbelief in this would defy good reason and good sense. Do a quick cost benefit analysis, B. Teddy Bears and boxes of chocolate are nice, B., bu.t not that fucking nice, you know what i’m sayin?
Lisa, you know better at this point than to even pay attn to this bullshit now, right? GOod. Just delete such crap and move on to things that matter, immediately.
Catherines last blog post..thwack
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Lisa Reply:
January 7th, 2009 at 10:28 am
Catherine: For real. There isn’t a book, video or pair of earrings that can take away the physical pain I feel on a daily basis or the fact that I am dying. I’ll send them all to HER if she’s so jealous.
Moving on…
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i’m new
home sick, cruising the web and have started reading your blog (no idea how I found it - blog hopping?) and am appalled that someone would suggest you’re faking cancer. Some people just have no heart.
I hope 2009 brings you peace and happiness and your health.
Getting Singles last blog post..The Bartender Knows How to Make More Than Just Drinks…
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Lisa Reply:
January 7th, 2009 at 10:31 am
Getting Single: I have the feeling Barbara stumbled upon my blog too by blog hopping. She won’t be back any time soon. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a positive comment.
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Sometimes I fantasized about stabbing my Onco Doc with Chemo shot to see if his hair would fall out too (but he was bald….so I spared him). Perhaps Barbara needs a shot of Chemo — so she can pretend to have hair and not hug the porcelin bowl.
Hey - hope the transfusion keeps you perked up!
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Lisa Reply:
January 7th, 2009 at 10:33 am
becky: Ugh, I wouldn’t wish chemo on anyone no matter what.
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Oh wow wow wow wow @ Barbara!!! Sigh…
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Lisa Reply:
January 7th, 2009 at 10:34 am
mary: and another wow, right?
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hey, i have great o- if you need it. i’m not far away…i can donate here in your name, i think. lemme know if you want me to store some of my good stuff for ya.
hello haha narfs last blog post..Eye Check
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WTF? are you kidding me? She said that? Does she have a link? I swear to god some people are fucking maggots. Seriously!
However, I am glad you’re feeling thismuch better. Big hugs. Me
usedtobemes last blog post..ha ha haha. that’s not funny
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I’m glad the transfusion made you feel better. I get two units every two weeks.
I’m not sure how your veins are doing but some infusion centers insist on doing transfusions using an 18, 20 or 22 gauge IV. You can get blood using a 24 gauge. It’s small and used for pediatrics and that’s what I use. Saves me a lot of false starts (my current record is 7 bad IV starts)
Take care and I’m glad you are feeling better!
Pam D.s last blog post..Resolutions, smesolutions…
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I don’t have cancer, but I have had several blood transfusions in my life and know how unpleasant it can be… and slow. Drip, drip, drip. I feel for you. Hang on. You are doing an excellent job and your kids are so lucky that you have a kickass spirit.
that girls last blog post..ThatGirl Recommends: decor8
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Lisa,
First off, I have to say that I applaude your strength and courage. We never know exactly what it is we can handle till its thrown at us and we’re in a “sink or swim” position, ya know? You’ve been swimming admirably hon…and you deserve a rest.
My beloved nana died from ovarian cancer in July 1982. I still miss her to this very day. She was diagnosed in 1981, right after my mom found out she was pregnant. My nana decided she wasn’t dying or going anywhere till she saw her grandbaby born. She held on till July and saw my sister born in April and christened in my Nana’s arms in May.
Spend this time that you have with your family, making memories. I wish for you peace and love and a pain-free transition.
A friend from Virginia,
Kimmi
Kimmis last blog post..Today’s Lesson - Rattlesnakes
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I’ve never been here before, I cane because I read about this at “Mom in Real Life” and I wanted to say that I stand by you. I don’t have cancer, I cannot possibly imagine what you must be going through, but I DO have a serious chronic illness and it has almost killed me a few times. Trolls have accused me of “faking it” as well and its hurtful to say the least. You come out here and you share, for whatever reasons, to let of steam, to maybe help someone else who is suffering and feeling alone, and these jerks say the most horrible things to make themselves feel better about their empty lives. Stand proud woman, people, real people, do care and we do support you in your time of need.
jGrrls last blog post..Grrls of Summer
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