Ask Me (Patti) anything replies

From Gretchen M. (any many others)

 How are you feeling?

I have been feeling great. I have been feeling the prayers from everyone and it has been such a great help. I know the Lord has great plans for using this to open doors to others in need. As I look at it, it’s just another “mountain” to overcome (with God’s help) and will add a new chapter to my testimony.

From Tara B.

How are you holding up?  I think I am doing well but I am starting to really miss work. I am sure once all the sicknesses stop flying around like crazy I will be jumping to get back.

What is your take on going through this? I know God has great plans for me. I am already seeing doors that my life can now open. First it was my life as a Sp.Ed kid & now being a Cancer Mommy I am able to relate to people in ways other are not able to.

How is Aiden doing? He knows things are “not right/normal” & we have found that if I don’t take him to school (like normal) he has a really hard time the rest of the day. His teachers have noted that at some times he has focusing problems & they are worried he will not be ready for kindergarten. Luckily we had already talked about holding him back one more year so his teachers were really happy to hear that.  Other than the smallish school setbacks he really loves the extra Cartoon Mommy time. We plan to show him the Chemo area on my last Chemo day, that way he can be part of the party (trust me you will all be invited to stop by) and to help put his mind at ease.

How are you doing with being a wife and mother and going through this? I have my good days & bad days. It’s a good thing I know this will be done soon. Also I think it's going to get harder before it gets easier because of the amount of stuff I have/will have to give up: aka my hair, not being at church & Awana ever week, doing normal cleaning, & cooking, plus normal wife/Mommy things.

 Is there anything you need, would like? A Laptop that does not over heat every 10 mins (then shuts off) & a space bar that works J Ok not really but this post would happen a lot quicker if these two things were not happening. Something that would be really help full is Pre- put together dinners/lunches, so that on the days when I am not feeling super great we can have an easy meal. Aiden’s meals are the easiest to make (he really only likes 5 things) but I find cooking for Chris & I can be the hardest sometimes. Also I think just having great friends like you all to talk to when I am sad/feeling down. Most import is prays you all have said for our family (not just for me but for everyone) This past holiday season was the hardest my whole family has had to live though (Medical “problems” hit almost every generation this year, something would never wish on any family & something pray we never have to deal with again), truly that is the most important thing.

 What has been the hardest thing for you? One of the hardest things for me (that might shock a few of you) is choosing to be positive, and mostly around Aiden.  I have notice that when I am not in such a great mood it seems to go downhill & sadly Aiden is getting the blunt of it. But I have found if I get lots of rest it’s easier to choose to be positive. I guess one of the side effects of the drugs is mood swings, so I guess that would affect that, but if I choose to be happy & positive it’s all good. Also the lack of joy when shopping, it’s really odd not to enjoy shopping (yes this is good for the bank account) but when I need to go get something it’s no fun to force myself to go & get it. I am guessing this is happening because I am afraid to pick a sickness up but other times it’s due to getting tired & over heating so fast that I can’t enjoy myself I have to make sure I get what I need before running out of steam…where is the fun in that?

 What do you wish everyone would know or understand about you, or the what you are going through right now? Oh that’s a good one. Truly I just want to let everyone know I will be fine & this is just a temp thing, should all be said & done before Aiden turns 5. I will be back to my normal self soon. Also don’t feel bad for asking how I am doing I enjoy talking to everyone about what I am going though and talking about myself & My family, really who doesn’t like talking about themselves.

From Rochelle H. 

Have you tried the cookie dough oreos?? No but I plan to once I see them in the store it looks super good, the other new one would be a big NO but the cookie dough looks great.

Is there anything you crave while you are going through chemo? Either liquid or food? Or do you have no appetite? Not really “craving” I mean there are food I could eat more often. BUT on the other hand I am unable to eat food (or else I will get sick or it just taste gross)  I used to love like anything breaded (aka chicken nuggets & things like that), more than 3 French fries (this makes running though that drive thru “super fun” J but this has helped BIG Time with the weight loss)  , Orange juice, most pops  (other than root beer, sprite, & natural black cherry),  a lot of apples or anything with apples in it like Apple juice, applesauce & such.  Ya talk about odd foods to not like anymore.

 Who is your favorite person that lives in Grand Forks, ND? Gee I don’t know I why you would ever ask this one ;)

From Lori H.

You mentioned being tired. What is the cause? The cancer or chemo? Is it something in the chemo? Mostly I was tired due to the lack of sleep the nights before & to pure boredom. You can only watch so much TV before getting sleepy. I normally don’t feel Chemo tired effects until 3 days after chemo.

From Nicole C.

 Does it hurt when they put the needle into the chest port? Can you tell that it is there if you aren't thinking about it? My Port has a Love Hate relationship with the RNs down at the U, truly I feel sorry for them. Since getting my port put in I have lost over 30lbs (yippy) but that means the port has moved & not in a “easy to get to spot” I have told every RN that my post is hard to get to, some head my warning and can get it first try and some don’t. The once that don’t normally have to post me more than once witch can hurt after a little bit but really it’s a lot less painful then when getting a IV. If you ever are in the spot that you can get a port (I pray you never are) get one it makes getting blood work & all that so much easier.  The craziest thing about having a port is when they have to check for a blood return or to flush it with the Saline I can taste it right away and it’s a super gross metal taste, this is where my candy cane pop drops come in great handy. Another thing is sometimes when Aiden forgets he has to be careful around me & he will lean right on the port or on the catheter (that connects the port to my vain, it’s on the side of my neck) & send me screaming (ok not really screaming but yelling to get him off quickly) this is normally followed by him crying & saying how sorry he is and that just makes me feel bad. Aiden recovers quickly with some hugs & guess what else…. Cartoons. When this is all said & done I think Aiden is going to suffer from a lack or cartoons with Mommy, do you think there is a 12 step program to help him with this small addiction?

Please keep the question coming it helps a lot to know what to write in this blog