Have you ever seen the little 'ol ladies who......

18 years ago

ALWAYS have their purse on their arm? No matter where they are or what they are doing, that purse is tightly on their arm or in their lap? I have a few in my family like that and I always wonder what are they protecting in their purse??? *S*

Well.....I've turned into that lady! Yesterday was my first day for chemo and they are putting me back on plan #1, which is an infusion pump that stays with me and administers chemo 24/7. I just go in for a refill every 7 days. I thought that would be convenient until I really experienced it! Now I have to carry my meds and pump, which are heavier than I expected, with me every step I take. They supplied a bag that looks like a large shaving travel bag, but told me that I could use whatever I wanted...such as a purse, etc. My DIL went shopping last night and got me a purse with a long strap so it will go over my neck and across my chest. There is room for the meds, pump and also a wallet and cell phone. It's great, but I am already tired of carrying it around everywhere I go! I'm thinking about trying a backpack.

Jammer had to laugh at me last night because I was wearing my pj's and carrying my purse. He quickly told me that he was laughing with me and not at me. *S*

.....Purse to the bathroom, to get a coffee refill, to walk across the room, to cook a meal, etc, etc........ I guess it does look funny. *S*

Has anyone been through this or have any suggestions?

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Comments (31)

irishdancersgram
18 years ago
Remember the mother on Golden Girls? She always carried her purse....As long as it works, so what if it looks alittle funny.....
Chemocurl zn5b/6a Indiana
18 years ago
LOL...I once had a neighbor like that...never let that 'pocketbook' out of her sight...even when it was just she and I there it seemed. It weighed about 10 pounds. Seeing her get in it a few times, I discovered it was like her filing cabinet and that she likely had everything of any importance in that one pocketbook.

After I had surgery, I had a small drain like bulb thingy with a tube that ran to my incision. They suggested I wear slacks with a pocket. That didn't work out well when using the restroom, so I then tried a small fanny pack. That worked great!

Possibly something like the one linked below would suit your needs.

I wish you well during this rough time. How long do you have to carry your purse with you?

Here is a link that might be useful: Fanny pack
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patti43
18 years ago
I love chemocurls fanny pack. It weighs one pound, but that probably wouldn't be too much if it's around your waist. Maybe switching off from purse to fanny pack would help. Sure hope you can find something to make this time as easy as possible. Still remembering you in my prayers.
bud_wi
18 years ago
Maryanntx, a backpack is great and will keep the weight balanced so you aren't always struggling with it BUT you can't wear them when you drive or have to sit in a chair and it is a PITA to have to put it on and off all the time.

I like those bags with the cross over straps where they are fit to the body form rather than plain skinny straps. That way you don't have a big purse swinging around at your hip makeing you lopsided and leaning. The purse part is worn in the in back and rests on your butt or at your waist depending on how you adjust the strap length. When you have to drive or sit you just twist it around to the front and it rests in your lap. That way you never have to take it on and off like with a backpack and it is not so clunky like a purse with a long strap or a messenger bag.

I couldn't find a pic of one without the straps folded up to show how they fit on a person but here is an example of one. You can get plastic or mircrofiber ones real cheap too.

Here is a link that might be useful: Cross Over Bag
vicki_lv_nv
18 years ago
(((MaryAnn))) I think of you often.

My girlfriend always corrected me when I mentioned purses. She said you purse your lips, you don't carry a purse. I came back with, "Handbag? Why handbag? You carry hands in yours?"

My older relatives called them pocketbooks too. I wonder if that is because they had their books in them, as in the family accounting.
Chemocurl zn5b/6a Indiana
18 years ago
hmmmm...several nice leathers ones...quite cheap at buy it now, that might be big enough...

Are you set up to buy on eBay? Holler at me if you aren't. I'd gladly bid for you.

Sue

Here is a link that might be useful: fanny packs at Ebay
liz
18 years ago
i'll bet a backpack would work great...and it would free up your arms! It's all I carry as far as a purse go's!
summer_tx
18 years ago
Without even reading the responses yet MaryAnn, my first thought was a fanny pack. Anything to free up your hands.

Sure keeping you in my prayers that this Chemo treatment does the job and gives you back your purse free life my friend.
maryanntx
Original Author
18 years ago
Thanks everyone!
Sue, I like the fannie pack and that one would be large enough. My chemo bag is 10 inches long and the pump is quite wide, so the 10Â½"x4" would be just right. And there would be room for my cell phone, cards, etc. I also plan to check out the ones on Ebay. Yes, I am a buyer and sometimes seller at Ebay, but thanks for the offer.

bud wi, I like the wallet bag too but couldn't find the dimensions. I wish I could see how it looks on.

I weighed the meds and pump and it weighed a little over 2 lbs. I was surprised because it feels much heavier!
glenda_al
18 years ago
I have a fanny pack that goes with me lots and lots of places. It's now over 12 years old and still keeps a going.

Have several of those purse back packs, and don't care for them. Just don't.

My regular purses, I tend to put the handle strap on my arm, then purse in my armpit!
OklaMoni
18 years ago
Maryann, just keep looking. Look for a back pack purse as well. You might like the change...

I carry a back pack purse all the time. Years ago I tried the fanny packs, but I would have back aches. Seems it didn't matter if I wore them in the back or the front. They made my back hurt.

Also look at hydration packs. They have pockets and loops and compartments.. I have four different models/sizes that I use for different purposes. They come in back pack and fanny pack styles. You can always leave the drink bladder out.

Moni
sandy_in_ia
18 years ago
No advice just wanted to say that you are still in our thoughts and prayers! Dean just asked last night how things were going for you! Glad that you and Jesse can share some laughs through all of this!!! =)
kacram
18 years ago
My dad used the fanny pack. it did work well for him. I don't know if that would bother you around your waist all the time. The back pack is cool too. I say use a variety! lol
3katz4me
18 years ago
I had chemo like that in 1983 - pumps were much different back then I imagine. I was thinking it would be smaller now but it doesn't sound like it. I had a little shoulder bag that came with it and used that. But I can remember wearing pullover hooded sweatshirts around the house - and putting the pump in that front pocket thing.
FlamingO in AR
18 years ago
I'm enjoying the visual that you gave us, MaryAnn! It does sound inconvenient but try to think of that bag as your new best friend, one that's got your back!

I know you sew- I bet you could design just the perfect thing for the chemo bag... make sure you make one to go with your jammies, though! Something with velcro so you can snug it down so it fits like part of you would be good.

*waves to MaryAnn and Jammer*
Chemocurl zn5b/6a Indiana
18 years ago
Did I mention that after I had my chemo that my hair grew back in with the most beautiful curls one ever saw. I had a great cut, and could just wash it and finger comb it, and it was just perfect. I loved it, but it faded in time, just leaving some body in its place.

Hence the name...chemocurl
caroline94535
18 years ago
((((Mary Ann))))
bud_wi
18 years ago
I checked the Fossil brand body purse for the dimentions and alas it is only 8" long. Mine is 11"x 9" and is microfiber lightweight. I own a couple of smaller ones too.

If you click on the link below, it gives you another link with a pic to click on showing how they are worn. I don't like fanny pack purses because they only look good if you wear jeans or slacks. Fanny pack purses really ruin the look of a dress if you try to strap one on over it. These crossover strap body purses allow you to keep your hands free and not have to keep tugging on a purse strap on you shoulder and they look nice with a dress. And also you do not feel like a camel like with a backpack and you can sit comfortable in a chair unlike with a backpack.

Here is a link that might be useful: Different View
scottymam
18 years ago
I don't have time to read all the responses, so hope I am not repeating anyone, HOWEVER,I hereby dub you SOPHIA, the fistey old lady on Golden Girls!
Good luck with your treatments, hope all goes well.

Ellie
heather_on
18 years ago
(((((((((MaryAnn)))))))))))

I used a Fanny Pack for my bulbs from the drains too. The pump sounds much more awkward and heavy though. Hope you find something that works well for you.

I loved my curls after chemo too. It only lasted a few haircuts but the hairstyle I had, the way the hair grew in was the absolute best hairstyle/haircut I ever had. I tried to get the hairdresser to duplicate the cut, but she ignored my request and chose different lengths for my hair.
gwanny2three
18 years ago
No suggestions that haven't been posted already, just sending good thoughts your way!
jenni_ca
18 years ago
And more good thougths coming from California!!
I'm sure you'll find something that will be perfect for your 'new best friend'
My MIL had chemo for colon cancer off and on for 6 years and never lost any of her hair. Not all chemo drugs make your hair fall out. And even if it does Maryann, it grows back and it is a small price to pay for a cure!
FlamingO in AR
18 years ago
You know, the Queen is famous for her bags, MaryAnn. Shall we call you "Her Royal Highness" now? I'm all for it!
bestlawn
18 years ago
Good thoughts still coming your way.
LorifromUtah
18 years ago
LOL
I have a mental image of you in jammies (not JAMMER...jammies!) shuffling along with a big black pocketbook, bigger than you.

I'm glad to hear you making jokes darlin'!
I admire your spirit and spunk!

lori
evatx
18 years ago
MaryAnn, you're still hanging around in my thoughts. Put a few sequins & rhinestones on your fanny bag and you're good to go!

Bud, I love that fossil bag you showed. I just might have to look further into it.
maryanntx
Original Author
18 years ago
You've all got me laughing this morning! I am getting ready to go shopping because after one full day of carrying that purse around.....I don't want to wait for the mail to deliver me anything! Keep your fingers crossed that I find one or two perfect bags! I plan to look for a fanny pack first as I wear pants almost all the time.

My doctor told me that with the chemo that I'm taking now, that I can forget about the side effects that are normally associated with chemo. I probably won't have any of them. After surgery I will be taking a stronger chemo and might have some other side effects, but he has never mentioned hair loss. But my life is more important than my hair and I might get lucky and have body in my new hair if that happens!! *S*

Hmmm, I think I would rather be Sophia than Her Royal Highness! LOL
gardenspice
18 years ago
Well, being Sophia, rather than HRH, keeps you from having to procure two Welsh Corgies on top of finding the perfect bag today.
Wishing you luck with your search!
FlamingO in AR
18 years ago
Yeah, but HRH is loaded, MaryAnn! You might want to rethink that! lolol

Happy Shopping! I hope you find the perfect bag in different colors, so you can be styling.
maryanntx
Original Author
18 years ago
I shopped and shopped and only found one store with Fanny packs.....WalMart. And they only had one style that was large enough. It's black with the sports logo on the front. But it sure feels better than the shoulder bag! And was only 5 bucks! I will have to make 3 trips to San Antonio next week and maybe I can find a more stylish one there.

MaryAnn (who is thinking about becoming the loaded HRH. I'm sure I could trade my Texas accent for a British one quite easily. LOL)
FlamingO in AR
18 years ago
Repeat after me ---" 'ello? 'ello? 'ello? Is anybawdy th're?" Yer a shoe-in, MaryAnn!

I bet shopping in San Antonia will be very fun and rewarding, certainly the selection should be huge. Is there a Kohl's or Dillards? Good luck, HRH, or Sophia or whatever your name is now! lol

Have you ever seen the little 'ol ladies who......

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irishdancersgram

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