ZebraHiking

04/10/2023

01/03/2023

𝗧𝗢𝗧𝗔𝗟 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗟 𝗡𝗨𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗟𝗜𝗙𝗘⁣
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Tip #1: Don’t be like !!!!!⁣
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I had a good laugh at my first forty-eight hours at home with a TPN line. ⁣
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I didn’t realize that I had “locked myself” into my nightgown when I connected my IV until I tried to remove the silly gown for my shower!! 🗝️🔓 ⁣
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No problem! The pump makes an excellent nightgown stand, as well!!⁣
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10/17/2022

09/24/2022

💕𝗟𝗘𝗧’𝗦 𝗧𝗔𝗟𝗞 𝗔𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗧 𝗦𝗘𝗫, 𝗕𝗔𝗕𝗬……⁣
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𝘓𝘦𝘵'𝘴 𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘬 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘦⁣
𝘓𝘦𝘵'𝘴 𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘬 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴⁣
𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘣𝘦! 💕⁣
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S*x is difficult enough to talk about on a good day but add some cancer in the mix and it can be really tough to start the conversation!⁣
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We secretly like it. We want more of it. It’s an integral part of a healthy relationship. And just when we are finally comfortable within our bodies, we are finally feeling confident, BOOM.⁣
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Breast cancer is especially difficult, as are all of the female reproductive cancers. Drugs, surgeries, chemo, radiation, medical trauma, the indignity of being a cancer patient with all that may entail, can rob us of our libido, and our bodies own sexual responses. S*x can now be very painful. Excruciating even. Our newfound confidence that comes with time has now disappeared. We may feel the unsexiest we have ever felt in our lives.⁣
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There is hope but it requires TALKING ABOUT S*X with both our partner AND our medical team.⁣
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What can be done? This will be a bit breast cancer and female reproductive cancer focused. Hormones are now in upheaval! Those lovely hormones that helped us be ready for knocking boots with our cutie pie no longer exist to do their job! ⁣
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There are three issues in my mind. 1) systemic dryness, 2) thinner, more delicate vaginal walls, and, 3) pain.⁣
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Look for products that are as simple and pH neutral as possible. DISCUSS WITH YOUR DOCTORS FIRST!⁣
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For 1) you must moisturize!! A few times per week apply a moisturizer meant for vaginal use. Replens has one, pure Vitamin E oil, hyaluronic acid suppositories, or a compounded prescription from your gynecologist. No added ingredients - we want to preserve the natural pH!⁣
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For 2) think lubricants! Überlube, Hyalofemme, and Revaree are all recommended but do your homework. Learn which type is best for different situations. ⁣
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For 3), and this may be be life changing! Use lidocaine gel before the actual ravishment! Your partner’s performance will not be affected but you’ll be more comfortable.⁣

Seek out a pelvic floor physical therapist. After children, pre- and post- menopause, these professionals can offer much help.
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Now, go talk about sex!!⁣

09/15/2022

𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗹…..⁣
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𝙈𝙮 𝙩𝙬𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙡𝙙𝙧𝙚𝙣 are very interested in Japanese culture.👹 The older one has applied to a university in Japan, in hopes of an immersive language experience. He was previously accepted but denied a Visa due to Covid restrictions. We are hoping it all falls into place for the next semester.⁣
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Both boys study Japanese. The older one previously worked with a tutor and now helps the younger one in his self-study. The boys, having been homeschooled in the past, view self-education as a natural extension of childhood curiosity. If something interests them then they find resources and start learning!⁣
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When the youngest son’s school offered a trip to Japan 🇯🇵 in June of 2023, we jumped on board! He and I will both be going for a nine day tour. We will spend three days in each of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hakone. 🏯⁣
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As they research customs and etiquette, I made my cultural contribution by ordering a monthly subscription for a tea, sweets, and snack box. Yum!!! I think? 🤔🍡🍘⁣
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My youngest and I will have a very Westernized version of a Japanese tea 🍵 ceremony tonight in honor of the full moon we just missed. (I was on fly fishing in Idaho where I had a beautiful view of the full moon.) ⁣
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Traveling while in treatment for cancer takes a great deal of logistical planning for emergency contingencies. Travel insurance, emergency transportation home, getting medically necessary items into a foreign country. All of these things take much research. ⁣
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I’ll be seven months post-PRRT (targeted radiation) for Neuroendocrine Cancer so should be in great shape for a big trip! And, BONUS, I will no longer be radioactive! ☢️ (Recent radiation treatment can cause alarms to go off when you travel internationally. You know, nuclear arms, and all.)⁣
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“𝙎𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙨 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙫𝙖𝙡𝙪𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙖 𝙢𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙡 𝙞𝙩 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙨 𝙢𝙚𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙮.”⁣
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09/12/2022

𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗩𝗘𝗟, 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝟮⁣
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𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙡𝙮 𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙖𝙘𝙘𝙚𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙩 𝙖 wonderful weekend program for Breast Cancer survivors. provides healing outdoor retreats for women with , at no cost to the participants. CfR’s retreats offer opportunities for women to find inspiration, discover renewed energy for life, and experience healing connections with other women and nature. All while learning to fly fish!⁣
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The CfR for East Idaho is held at the Living Waters Ranch about an hour south of Salmon (where my Mom lives) along beautiful Garden Creek just outside Challis. I was happy to be accepted as an alternate and absolutely stunned when I got the call inviting me to participate! Happily, Mom and her beau, were more than happy to have me visit for a week before the retreat!⁣
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We gathered on Friday evening. Fourteen strangers coming together to share very intimate details of our lives with each other. Details we may not have spoken of to anyone else. No ice breaking activities needed with this wonderful group of women!⁣
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By Saturday morning we were down to twelve women due to health concerns for two. Friendships were already forming and a sense of community, as well. Our hosts taught us to tie flies, cast, how to know which flies to try, how to put on waders, how to stay safe while enjoying a day of fly fishing. We encouraged each other, laughed, cried, celebrated, learned. It was truly turning into a magical weekend!⁣
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Sunday, we gathered around an early campfire and ceremonially cast our cancer fears into the river and our hopes and dreams to the heavens. At breakfast we met our personal guides for the day and planned our fishing.⁣
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We fished a pond in Challis where Deb from Pocatello promptly landed two fish! Game on!! We eventually moved to a pond at Living Waters where we finished out our fishing adventure. I may have caught the largest (definitely debatable) but celebrating everyone’s successes was the point of the whole weekend! ⁣
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It truly was a magical retreat where lifelong connections were made! I am stronger today because of these wonderful women!! Thanks to CfR East IDAHO for EVERYTHING! 💖💖⁣

09/12/2022

𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗩𝗘𝗟, 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝟮⁣
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𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙡𝙮 𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙖𝙘𝙘𝙚𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙩 𝙖 wonderful weekend program for Breast Cancer survivors. provides healing outdoor retreats for women with , at no cost to the participants. CfR’s retreats offer opportunities for women to find inspiration, discover renewed energy for life, and experience healing connections with other women and nature. All while learning to fly fish!⁣
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The CfR for East Idaho is held at the Living Waters Ranch about an hour south of Salmon (where my Mom lives) along beautiful Garden Creek just outside Challis. I was happy to be accepted as an alternate and absolutely stunned when I got the call inviting me to participate! Happily, Mom and her beau, were more than happy to have me visit for a week before the retreat!⁣
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We gathered on Friday evening. Fourteen strangers coming together to share very intimate details of our lives with each other. Details we may not have spoken of to anyone else. No ice breaking activities needed with wonderful group of women!⁣
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By Saturday morning we were down to twelve women due to health concerns for two. Friendships were already forming and a sense of community, as well. Our hosts taught us to tie flies, cast, how to know which flies to try, how to put on waders, how to stay safe while enjoying a day of fly fishing. We encouraged each other, laughed, cried, celebrated, learned. It was truly turning into a magical weekend!⁣
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Sunday we gathered around an early campfire and ceremonially cast our cancer fears into the river and our hopes and dreams to the heavens. At breakfast we met our personal guides for the day and planned our fishing.⁣
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We fished a pond in Challis where Deb from Pocatello promptly landed two fish! Game on!! We eventually moved to a pond at Living Waters where we finished out our fishing adventure. I may have caught the largest but celebrating everyone’s successes was the point of the whole weekend! ⁣
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It truly was a magical retreat where lifelong connections were made! I am stronger today because of these wonderful women!! Thanks to CfR East IDAHO for EVERYTHING! 💖💖⁣

09/08/2022

𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗩𝗘𝗟, 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝟭⁣
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My plans to spend my summer in Idaho were changed by my treatment plan for Neuroendocrine Cancer. A short trip was doable, however! ⁣
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I began targeted radiation in April and am scheduled to finish up around Thanksgiving. I have had the unfortunate experience of a few setbacks which have left me with no appetite or energy. The loss of appetite, dehydration, and chronic infections that I’m trying to get a handle on, have made walking a moderate distance quite challenging. This hiker hasn’t hiked in months! Or even walked my dog.⁣
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Doing ANYTHING that requires a bit of exertion has been sending me into Carcinoid Syndrome and, occasionally, the more severe Carcinoid Crisis (carcinoid crisis is a potentially life-threatening complication of carcinoid syndrome). My doctors increased the dosage of a self-injected “rescue shot” called Octreotide. I now take two injections daily but if I have a bad episode then I will have to give myself 3-5 more. Carrying enough injections with me (they must be refrigerated) can be a logistical nightmare! I planned to be gone almost 2 weeks. That means 28+ shots to lug around! Hauling luggage or shots through an airport was just NOT going to happen.⁣
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The airline came to my rescue. They advised I label my cooler of injections as “Medical Equipment”. Medical equipment does not count against your carry-on limit! They also arranged a wheelchair gate to gate for my flight𝘀. Other than cancelling my first flight, costing me a two day delay, the airline took very good care of me! It was very comforting knowing my rescue shots were nearby during a stressful travel day.⁣
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Medical Equipment stickers and badges are available online. They will search the contents so no cheating!! 𝗧his is a great way to have your medically necessary items near you without giving up space for an overnight bag or purse. I’m a HUGE advocate of walking as far as one can every day. I have found, rather suddenly, that can change very quickly when you are battling cancer! ⁣
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𝗔𝗟𝗪𝗔𝗬𝗦 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 when planning vacations during active treatment for cancer! ⁣
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𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝟮 coming soon

07/24/2022

𝗙𝗨𝗟𝗟𝗬 exploit the good days!!!!⁣
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06/28/2022

𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗔𝗗𝗩𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗔𝗚𝗘 𝗢𝗙 𝗔 𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗗𝗘𝗟𝗔𝗬⁣
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Most NET patients have been aware of the manufacturing issue with Lutathera in May. The trust we have had in our Big Pharma partners has been tarnished by the experience.⁣
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It’s been worse for those NET patients who were left without their first treatment, in my opinion, than those of us who were mid-treatment when the manufacturing delay hit. They were hit with, perhaps, having to come up with an interim treatment plan until the issue was fixed. ⁣
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But those of us mid-treatment were given an opportunity. We were already reaping the benefits of PRRT, and those benefits were still beneficial during our wait. It didn’t really affect our long-term outcome. It did, however, give many of us an opportunity to plan some adventures with our loved ones!⁣
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I took a long weekend to visit old friends who just moved within visiting distance of me. We had a great time exploring Fredericksburg and San Antonio, Texas. ⁣
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Next came a couple days at Hope Lodge for my monthly SSA shot, labs, and meet and greet with my oncologist. Things seem to be looking good, so far!! 🙏🏼🤞🏻🍀⁣
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Next, my niece flew into DFW to attend a medical conference and both learn about Dravet’s Syndrome AND earn some CEs for her nursing career. We spent time exploring Fort Worth and Waco with the additional days on either end of her conference. ⁣
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Now I’m home enjoying my kids and planning our next adventures during this extra month of fairly good health and energy! My youngest is dying to try his hand at deep sea fishing. I’d like to kayak some of the easier lakes in our new home state. ⁣
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The boat is chartered and a beach house is rented for next week. I’m currently studying lakes for kayaking! Hoping for a few fun one-nighters thrown in, too! ⁣
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Sometimes it pays to know how to make lemonade!! 🍋⁣
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