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The Kitchen Table

I'm leaving around 7:30 for my 1st inpatient chemo

15 years ago

dont' know when I will be back! So, everyone,

have fun with out me! lol

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Comments (48)

patti43
15 years ago
You're in my prayers, dear Kat! Hope the results are good news.
kacram
Original Author
15 years ago
Oh, and I got a bad Alsande haircut! lol Only on purpose!
lol I got it cut short short short, but I think I
don't think that they cut it short enough on top or my
bangs either. Opposite problem for Alisande! lol

thank you Patti!
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wow....a lot of reading for the mind and soul during insomnia. So many ideas and so many things to think of..... This post just reiterates more that we are all products of our "families" and our experiences. The bad comes with the good and we grow and we hope to make the best of it and for some....I suppose the main goal is to not repeat some things that have damaged us the most. Brings us to the OP and the reason for custom homes. We all have a dream of the way we want to live and how we want our dream home to be a part of that life. I understand that most downsize to below a 2000 sq ft ranch. That doesn't mean it has to be done that way. I'm not trying to sound ridiculous or anything, but is it more a modern thing for people to down size or is it regional? It seems I know very few who have done this. My Grandparents just closed off their cellar and upstairs and lived in the main-level. They made adjustments when needed to the bathroom. I suppose it must be more modern as farmers used to stay in there homes and their family would move in and care for them. Nowadays I know a lot of farmers who give the "home place" to their youngest and then build a new "retirement" place for themselves. Just wondering?!?! Anyway....I'm from rural, farm country and where most have large families and super extended families. Most of my friends and family were raised in ranch homes or simple 2 story homes. Average sq ft being 1800-2100, often with a semi-finished rec room in the basement. The trend with my parents, their friends and our family is that they usually stay in the home until they pass away or a few go into a nursing home. I can honestly say that all 10 Aunts/Uncles and many family friends have added onto their homes in their 50's or early 60's. Actually 1 moved instead:). They all wanted a larger "gathering" room and built on for that reason. Many (prior to building on) used the lower-level rec room for this and then just for reason of stairs, location to kitchen and bathrooms, aesthetic, etc had added on to accommodate. So, they were all adding onto their homes, when I suppose many would think they were getting closer to downsizing. They all now approaching mid 70's and some into their 80's and are still in their added on homes. We have just found over the years that when a hall or other place is rented out for a holiday, etc....our family loses it's closeness. All the cousins arrive, eat and leave. We have found it more inviting, relaxing, etc to have it in the home where we can hang, relax and gather for hours. So, if you don't want people for hours, rent a place with tables and folded chairs or go to a restaurant :-) My parents actually were the ones who built a new place 2 years ago. They had owned acreage/wooded for years. They originally built a cabin on it and found themselves spending so much time there, they decided to build. Oh, we were so against the idea, everyone was! Too far out, too far from hospitals, too much land, too much too much. My dad said everyone thinks we are crazy, but it is what WE WANT, do you think we really haven't thought about all these things.....we will sell and move again if and when it becomes too much. So, they did what they wanted and they are thrilled. It is a smallish ranch with an open floor plan and a guest bedroom for occasional grand kids sleep overs. However, they have a large family room that is very cozy most of the time. They have the furniture placed in a groupings with large walk-ways all around. For Christmas it takes 2 people to move their one couch to open the room up and make room for all. And there solution to host really large parties was a "finished garage." They finished the walls with drywall and had breadboard added all around below the chair rail. They added cabinets and a counter top with electrical (crockpots etc) and a refrigerator. They have ceiling fans, highly insulated, and a nice epoxy (???) floor. They have a half bath directly inside the house from the garage. It is party ready just by backing the cars out. Of course they have an out building for all the junk that most people would have in their garage. What they didn't know is that it is the younger grandchildrens favorite place. It works out lovey when the young ones are out there....we pull out some old cars and trucks and they go crazy and then the adults can converse and hear each other. So, just to mention a few ways that many others have actually added to their homes in order to manage growing families. Personally, in our new build....we added on a huge dining room with surrounding wrap around covered porch and hope to be able to entertain large numbers in this space for many years. OP...I do wish you the best with your new home and your family is lucky to have you and a wonderful place to spend with you!
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country_bumpkin_al
15 years ago
Sending my Prayers and an Angel to sit on your shoulder!!!
lynn_d
15 years ago
You are at the top of my prayer list and foremost in my thoughts, Kat.
wanda_va
15 years ago
We will be with you in spirit, and you will be in my prayers. Check in with us when you can. Hugs!
dotmom
15 years ago
Wishing you well, asking for an Angel for your other shoulder. Pop in again when you can. (((((Hugs)))))
gemini40
15 years ago
Good luck Kat...we will be waiting for word, when you are up to it, on how you are doing. Prayers are with you, stay strong.!!

June
socks
15 years ago
Best wishes for a smooth procedure. We'll miss you and be thinking of you. Hugs hugs hugs....
cheryl_down_under
15 years ago
I do hope that all goes well with your chemo, Kat - I'll be thinking of you - take care.
Holly_ON
15 years ago
Sending a hug and wishes for a good quick recovery.
gadgets
15 years ago
I'm sending you all the good wishes I can, along with my prayers that all goes very smoothly for you.

Shirley
monica_pa Grieves
15 years ago
Godspeed and good luck !
joann23456
15 years ago
I'll be thinking of you and praying for you.
heather_on
15 years ago
I will be there with you in spirit.....I might just have to wear red until you get back!
des_arc_ya_ya
15 years ago
Good thoughts coming your way. Just picture that chemo being your friend and going in there and kicking every cancer cell's butt!
glenda_al
15 years ago
Yep, kick those cancer cell's butt out the door.

You have lots of love and support here, Kat!
liljunkr
15 years ago
((((kat_wa))))I'm sure you are somewhat scared about how this is going to work out. I was and all the nicey nicey things people said to cheer me was just un-nerving. Chemo is not your friend it is your Coach/Trainer/Drill Sargent. Chemo is mean and tough and ugly but it does miraculous things for people. The research Docs have done so much to make the drugs better and easier on the body. I will pray you are one of those people who handle the Chemo therapy like it is just a vitamin. Get plenty of rest, eat well if you can. If you can't eat drink as much as you can of those high power nutrient drinks. Don't worry about anything but you and doing everything you need to do so you get well. Everyone who isn't on a drug regime to save their life can do for you and fend for themselves for a while.

LIL
susan_on
15 years ago
Good luck, Kat. I'll be thinking of you every single day. I'm hoping and praying for the best result!
pattico_gw
15 years ago
Kat...can we send you cards where you will be staying???
alisande
15 years ago
Kat, a big hug--and a kiss, too. "See you" soon!!
craftycris
15 years ago
Sending good thoughts and prayers your way.........

(((((((Kat)))))))
Georgysmom
15 years ago
So wish you didn't have to go through this but good luck and ((((kat))))
lydia1959
15 years ago
(((Kat))) Hoping everything went well. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers!
SadieSadie
15 years ago
Hugs and prayers to you, Kat!
User
15 years ago
(((((((((Kat)))))))))))
Hope all goes well today, let us know how you are.
lisa_fla
15 years ago
Good luck and check in when you can!
mjny
15 years ago
(((Kat))) There are meds to handle the side effects of your chemo regime. Ask about them. TAKE THEM. And if you don't think you need them, take them anyway. It is much easier to ward off side effects than to try to get a handle on them once they show up.

Ativan works wonders for nausea as well as anxiety.

Hoping this chemo really kicks the cancers butt.
katclaws_mo
15 years ago
Aw, dear BratKat, you & your family have been in my prayers since the very begining, and they are not going to stop now. And, as always, hoping for the best! Update us when you can. We will miss you & your wacky sense of humor,...... so Godspeed to your healing!
kathyg_in_mi
15 years ago
Keep smiling, this too shall pass.
Hugs,
Kathy G in MI
User
15 years ago
Your attitude will get you far. God speed.
rosepetal2
15 years ago
keeping you in my prayers
Diane
OklaMoni
15 years ago
Kat, I am thinking you will read all the replies when you can. Please know, I am here thinking nothing but the BEST thoughts for you, even if I am running a day late.

Moni
FlamingO in AR
15 years ago
I'm thinking good thoughts for and about you, Kat! Try to be a good girl for the doctors and nurses.
liljunkr
15 years ago
Good Morning (((Kat))), Another day, another chance, another prayer for you.

LIL
jannie
15 years ago
Let us know how you are doing.
ritamay91710
15 years ago
sorry this is a day late..........hope you are feeling well!!!
kathi_mdgd
15 years ago
Kat ,hope it is a lot easier than you anticipate.Take care of yourself,and let others take care of you and themselves as well.Follow dr's and nurse's orders.You're being held up in prayer by many,here and other places.
(((((((((((((Kat))))))))))))))

You also may find it easy to keep a journal,complete with pictures,especially as you deal with the hair issues.It's nice to look back later and see how far you have come.
Kathi
donna37
15 years ago
(((Kat)))
Tomato_Tuff-Tuff
15 years ago
Hey Girl,
God bless you!
In my thoughts tonight, my earnest prayers.
TT
liljunkr
15 years ago
(((Kat))) I hope your doing okay this morning.

LIL
sjerin
15 years ago
Thinking of you, Kat, and keeping you in my prayers. Hang in there and eat as much as you can for strength!
Jasdip
15 years ago
Hi Kat,
Getting the chance to jump in and add my well wishes as well!!
Hope you got through your first day all right. Keep hanging in there!

Looking forward to having you back here at the table. In the meantime your nurses will have to put up with your wacky sense of humour! LOL Take care and take your meds.
nicole_ont
15 years ago
Kat, you're outlook and attitude are so inspiring!

My family will be praying for peace, strength and restoration of your health as you go through your treatments.

((((((Kat))))))
liljunkr
15 years ago
Hi Kat, One more day on your path to wellness and more prayers sent out. We hope you are resting and feeling well.

((((Kat))))

LIL
susanjf_gw
15 years ago
know this isn't your first chemo, but sure hope it's the last! let us know how it went..

got to make my mammo check...good reminder...

was doing the happy dance at the pharmacy yesterday! femara has gone generic!! no more $100 co-pay a month scripts!
bigbaby
15 years ago
Thinking of you, Kat.
Georgysmom
15 years ago
Me, too. Hope you're doing well. (((kat)))
kacram
Original Author
15 years ago
thank you all so much. I appreciate it.

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