Clearly Leroy,
You are one resourceful man. And if you finds something works, then go for it.
I don't need to tell you that though do I?
Prayers,
Wanda Amorose

Sent by Wanda Amorose | 8:02 AM ET | 06-04-2008

Moldable packages of frozen produce, minimized leaks as they thaw. I have found no matter what type of baggy or ice pack product it eventually leaks, frozen veggies, most foolproof. ;) Made me smile today Leroy. I like lima beans to eat.

Sent by Sue Chap | 8:14 AM ET | 06-04-2008

Finally! A use for lima beans. I mean really...does anyone actually eat them? I think they keep them stocked in the frozen food section for alternative uses anyway. My husband used frozen peas when he had knee surgery. His bags starting wearing down so I put them in zip lock bags, just in case.
Beans, peas, gum. Whatever works! Have a calm day.

Sent by Sue in Rochester, NY | 8:17 AM ET | 06-04-2008

Leroy, Laurie and this wonderful blog community, prayers and blessings to all, as usual.

And, thank you for all of those who responded to my blog entry yesterday. It was very heartwarming.

Hugs

Sent by sasha321 | 8:42 AM ET | 06-04-2008

you are beautiful!!!! and you made a spectator chuckle! G-d bless you and Laurie, what incredibly special people you truly are.
Love, Jan

Sent by janice goldberg white | 8:51 AM ET | 06-04-2008

Leroy:
You said, "Anything to make the day a little easier, a little more tolerable." Of course you were talking about physical aches and pains.
It made me think of how all of us also have to choose a method of dealing with the mental and emotional effects of Cancer. To call them "tricks" would trivialize them, but they are adaptations we have made, like imaginary bags of frozen Lima Beans, to lessen the pains of the mind.
Some have embraced religion, some have embraced alternative medicines or philosophies, some have adopted an attitude of "what is, is".
I personally accept whatever works for any given survivor/caregiver. After all it is their fight, their trial. More power to them, whatever they choose.
Love, Don

Sent by don winslow | 8:53 AM ET | 06-04-2008

Had to laugh at this one since we keep bags of frozen peas to use as ice packs. I can see, however, that you have taken the technology a step beyond us because the limas probably do not thaw as quickly as the peas. Live and learn!

Sent by Brenda | 9:19 AM ET | 06-04-2008

Thanks for the spearmint gum idea. I'll be beginning my fourth regimen of chemo in 10 years this Friday. It's a drug I had 10 years ago along with 2 other cocktails. I'm hoping the side effects are not too bad because I would like to go back to work even if it's part time. After 10 years (and 4 recurrences) of fighting this disease I am happy to still be here and thrilled when I am able to work.

Thank you for your wonderful blog which helps me in ways I can't explain.

Prayers to you and your family and everyone who reads your blog.

Sent by Linda | 9:21 AM ET | 06-04-2008

I have been following your blog for a couple years now, but never posted. My husband is the one with cancer, malignant melanoma, very different than yours -- but the journeys are so similar. Thank you for creating such a wonderful community. Although we all navigate our own path, it is a comfort to know we don't travel alone on this journey. He also has a blog that we've been keeping for a couple years; we'd love for you to visit. http://kevspost.blogspot.com

Sent by Deneen | 9:21 AM ET | 06-04-2008

Hey! I like limas! I'll pass on the bag you're sitting on but I always have them in my freezer (to eat). But talking about coping mechanisms I always keep cucumbers in stock - eat them every day, esp. after chemo. They are refreshing, and since I have trouble drinking straight water after chemo (tastes oily) they give me fluids.
I have also found a drop of lemon juice in the water and lots of ice helps. And has anyone else out there found gazpacho to be the perfect chemo food? Or am I just weird?
I guess we've all become weird in a sense as we develop these quirky coping mechanisms. Somebody should write a book about it, title it "Coping with Cancer Through Frozen Produce".

Sent by Marcia | 9:28 AM ET | 06-04-2008

Leroy, Adding alcohol to crushed ice makes a slushy. Alcohol does not freeze. Try it you might find it works just as good.

Also, I have I have a friend recently diagnosis with Myeloma. Is there anyone who can send me their email so I can pass along to him in case he wants to touch base for support. THANKS.

Sent by Carolyn Mohaupt | 9:36 AM ET | 06-04-2008

yup. & having a certain bag to carry to appointments, with the right reading material, something munchy, the crossword & a writing implement..

my dad's 'spearmint gum' was crystallized ginger.

when i think about it, we all have our toolkits, don't we? the stuff to get us through the workday, or a long drive. something else that's always changing. the toolkit.

Sent by mary | 9:37 AM ET | 06-04-2008

Well I like lima beans - really! :-) But the concept is a good one. I have a length of material with stitches every 6" or so, that is full of cherry pitts. You put this in the freezer and it molds to wherever you need it--but no leaks. Works very well. Spearmint for nausea huh, now that is good to know. I bet spearmint tea might help also. Leroy, the little tricks are the wisdom experience is made of. Many blessings to you on this day!

Sent by Linda Lee | 9:39 AM ET | 06-04-2008

Sasha, glad to hear you are feeling a little more upbeat. Hang in there. Stay in touch with your husband and talk about your feelings. We wanted to believe Neil would beat the cancer and it eventually took him, but we never gave up hope. Even the doctors said, don't give up on him. No one knows what will happen, no one knows how long it will take, so don't ask. Just enjoy!
Thanks Jane for your support. Sometimes I feel so alone down here and missing him hurts so bad. I come here because I feel connected to him somehow and I feel so connected to many of you. You know how I feel. Words cannot express my gratitude for this blog site and all of you.

Sent by Laurie Hirth | 9:54 AM ET | 06-04-2008

Another little trick, being cathetered restricts the pants option and the universally unloved Hospital Johnny often risks scaring the faint of heart. A Kilt makes for a great Johnny alternative.

http://www.utilikilts.com/

Hold Fast & If anyone gives you grief, show them your dirk.

Don MacLeod

Sent by Don MacLeod | 9:55 AM ET | 06-04-2008

I used packs of frozen peas myself. But I suppose lima beans work just as well :-) I never cared for too many home remedies though; I wanted the cutting-edge pharmaceuticals to calm my nausea (along with west indian ginger beer and yogurt)and pain. Air conditioning was my friend too. I had my 4-month checkup with my oncologist yesterday and because I am having some charley horse-type pain on bending, he ordered some xrays of my chest and ribs. Now I get to be worried all over again.

Sent by Alycia Keating | 10:07 AM ET | 06-04-2008

Dear Leroy,

Thanks for the chuckle today. I like lima beans to eat, but don't get them often because no one else in the family eats them. It makes sense that they would make a good ice pack. I think they would feel smoother than little round peas!
Have a great day.
Charlotte in Rural Ridge, Pa

Sent by Charlotte Kewish | 10:11 AM ET | 06-04-2008

If it is Wednesday, it is baby limas; Thursday,peas, Friday, corn kernels. I think you have discovered a new form of menu planning...add a few bags of fruit and a chuck of chicken and you are well on the way to dinner.

Peggy

Sent by Peggy | 10:24 AM ET | 06-04-2008

The ONLY use for lima beans as far as I'm concerned. Although, I never have any in my freezer..........

Sent by Lyn Banghart | 10:25 AM ET | 06-04-2008

I have been having some arthritic pain in my hips (am a two-time cc survivor and kidney cancer survivor also!) and a friend told me to take one or two Tylenol PM tablets (generic works also) to help me sleep and IT WORKED! I was waking up several times during the night with pain, would roll over, only to wake up again with that side hurting. This has even helped the pain during the day - probably because I rest better at night (don't take the PM tabs in the day tho). Check with your Doctors to see if you can take this!

Sent by Brenda | 10:25 AM ET | 06-04-2008

Well -- a better use for lima beans! I don't love them or hate them but was facing having to eat more of them to try and keep my potassium levels up. However, yesterday the doctor just went ahead and prescribed potassium "horse" pills. I had been worried about the cancer -- now I'm worried about choking to death on one of these huge potassium tablets.

One tip for when they take your vitals right before chemo -- don't have a peppermint candy right before they take your temperature. The peppermint can make it seem that you are running a fever. The chemo unit was about to call my doctor to see about canceling my chemo one day (due to my fever) when an eagle eyed nurse spotted my bag of hard candy. I got my chemo session. Lesson learned -- eat the peppermint after your temperature is taken.

Sent by Carol from Nashville | 10:38 AM ET | 06-04-2008

Leroy....Actually unpopped popcorn (in ziplock bags and kept in the freezer) work better as an ice pack than any frozen vegetable. Give it a try! I've never heard of the spearmint gum thing....thanks for the tip

Sent by Joyce | 10:50 AM ET | 06-04-2008

Leroy, Lima Beans---Yuck!!! Be careful with those things, I have heard they are toxic. And ,oh yes, your lap may not be the best place to keep them. You made me laugh, Thanks. Stan

Sent by Stan Wozniak | 10:54 AM ET | 06-04-2008

Leroy: Burge's best trade secret was a Coleman air mattress with two Memory foam toppers. Not only did he use this setup in the house and the car, but towards the end, he took it to the hospital where they allowed him to replace their mattress.

He also had his "camo" bag to carry his urine bag in so he didn't have to use a leg bag or something unreliable. We also found refreezable gel bags instead of peas only because he hated locker burn vegies. :>)

Laurie Hirth: Glad to know I'm not the only one who comes here because it makes me feel somehow "connected" to my loved one. I just passed week 45, but it seems to long ago at times and like yesterday other times.

Sasha: It will never be what you really want, but it will be OK and we are here for you. Keep hanging in there.

Nikki

Sent by Nikki in Kansas | 11:00 AM ET | 06-04-2008

Yes, I had all kinds of tricks after my surgery to get out of bed. So I know what you mean. It doesn't take long to figure it out, does it?

Sent by DiAnn | 11:01 AM ET | 06-04-2008

Lima Beans are an interesting idea will have to keep that in mind. For chemo I kept baggies of slices of fresh ginger and by just sticking my nose in the bag the smell did wonders for nausea. Take good care of yourself.

Sent by Marian | 11:13 AM ET | 06-04-2008

Dear Leroy,

You made me laugh today. It's great to see you see you still have your sense of humor intact after so much crap! Blessings to you and everyone as always. I truly am sorry for those missing loved ones. You are in my prayers also.

Sent by Connie | 11:32 AM ET | 06-04-2008

I laughed when I read your blog today Leroy. David uses frozen vegetables and sometimes wrapped pizza for pain and they really help. We've had a couple of "accidents" when we have forgotten to pick up the bags of veggies and then found the ripped, empty bags. Our three dogs just stand around looking innocent!
I also want to say how deeply I appreciate the love, help, and support from everyone on this blog - I look forward to my time with all of you. You are very special. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Sent by Tina from Alton IL | 11:45 AM ET | 06-04-2008

I have a recipe for you (actually I do..........sour cream and baconb added to cooked limas, yum........)

My "get thru this" trick is carrot juice,the herb Astragulus, Tumeric capsules, Coenzyme 10 (is that it? 10?)or ANY nutrionally powerful stuff that makes me feel I"m taking care of myself, but most of all, gives me a sense of control over the progress of my disease.

Nancy O

Sent by Nancy Oliveri | 11:57 AM ET | 06-04-2008

Be sure and change out your beans often. The Eastern religions and the other spiritual/metaphysical followers believe the beans will remove some of the bad energy that causes the relief and stores the energy. I use peas for muscle aches and spasms from the radiation. I'll have to try the lima beans. I guess I still hear my mother telling me to mind the peas before I can have desert!!

I am really glad to hear you have found something that helps in any way. Wishing you only the best and may you find just one thing extra today to soothe any part of you.

Sent by Ed Brown | 12:14 PM ET | 06-04-2008

I have other uses for expensive frozen vegetables. Why not those freezer packs they use for muscle aches? Maybe you would all be in better shape if you ATE your veggies instead of using them for poltices. Yes though, crystallized ginger is wonderful for the stomach and digestion. Also good cut up in your veggies! 25 years ago when I had my first Chemo, I was sitting on the edge of the table in the Oncologist's office and he acted as scared as I was. It was a rather new procedure then. As he readied the needle and mixed the chemicals he kept reassuring me that ,"Oh, you will be around for a long time" He was right! As he gave me that first shot, I heard him say-under his breath-"Here we go". THAT scared me a bit but I was so certain that the Surgeon had cut all the cancer out and left my left chest with all the ribs showing. The worst shock was when I went to the desk to pay, too young 53 for Medicare then) and she coldly said- That will be $225. See you next week for your next shot". I nearly died right there. I was only making about $175. a week in those days! I remember telling the woman, "Man, I am worth more dead than ilive. How can we pay THAT every week?" They also had a dish of hard candies for you to suck to conteract the Chemo. those poisons hit your taste buds the minute Doc pushed that plunger! and to the one who warned against peppermint, I can't agree with her more. Peppermint does awful things to my digestion too. Eat your vegetables, don't wear them.

Sent by J C R | 12:14 PM ET | 06-04-2008

I really loved eating Jello Pudding Pops, i can't stand to look at them now, but at the time they helped me tremendously. Whatever works, i say

Sent by Jenn | 1:20 PM ET | 06-04-2008

I pop in ever so often. I thought you would like this story about the man who bet he would survive past the doctor's "etd" (estimated time of departure).

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?cl=8132827

Sent by Susan | 1:37 PM ET | 06-04-2008

Dear Leroy,
You are such a good human. I started reading your blog when my husband was battling prostate cancer last year. Despite a poor prognosis, he seems to have licked it, but I continue to read each of your entries with enormous respect and empathy. I know you struggle to put the best face on your situation even when you're terrified and discouraged in an effort to buck up your readers and help brush away their fears and discouragement. And I know that what you want more than anything right now is to unload some of the terror from Ted Kennedy's heart and that of his family. Your are such a good human. That comes across in each of your entries.
Yours,
Andrea O. Dean

Sent by andrea o. dean | 1:45 PM ET | 06-04-2008

Leroy, your post today was a "Hoot". I have woke up at night with muscle cramps in the calves of my legs, try to get out of bed and go as fast as I can to the frig and grab the mayonaise jar and hold on them. I'm not sure if this was the best thing to do but it seemed to help. If I tried the frozen food at my house it would have to be peas....lima beans to me are "Yucky"....;) Love to all

Sent by Teresa in WV | 2:37 PM ET | 06-04-2008

I've used the bags with buckwheat in them, to heat in the microwave, that give off a surprising amount of heat. I use it to manage the pain from my massive lymph nodes in my abdomen.

The frozen veggie thing works as well, though I seem to prefer heat for my cancer.

Sent by Scott S. | 3:23 PM ET | 06-04-2008

Leroy~ It just occured to me that about a week or so ago, you told us that your doctors had decided it was time to do some scans and Xrays to determine how your recent surgeries were doing. You have not mentioned them since, but are messaging about symptoms, treatments, etc. Have you been given any diagnostic reports that you would share with us, or have they decided to wait for awhile before "hunting" around for more trouble? Hope the fact that you have dropped that subject is good news. We are having bad weather in VA right now and looks like more to come. "Talk" to you all tomorrow.

Sent by J C R` | 4:05 PM ET | 06-04-2008

All those poor baby limas; you don't know what you're missing! I'm a frozen peas user myself -- the only problem is sorting out the ice-pak peas (many defrosted then refrozen uses) from the to-be-eaten frozen peas. Didn't try spearmint gum -- papaya and ginger were my mainstays. But most of all I loved knowing I had a few hours before the nausea hit after IV chemo. So I would steal away to a movie and be home by the time I needed to be near my personal 'vomitorium' (maybe we should wear togas when we're in treatment...pass as Roman throwbacks) and have access to my ginger or papaya fix. I am relieved that is past tense (for now) and I send my best thoughts to everyone currently in chemoland.

Sent by Marcia E. | 5:33 PM ET | 06-04-2008

Leroy, I say whatever works for you. We had "rice bags" made and Leon used those for a heat pad. Heat in the microwave a couple of minutes and they hold heat a long time.

Deneen, I am sorry to say "welcome" to this blog. I will read yours also and you will be another "wife" that somehow draws my attention.

I'm having a rough time the last few days. Will this feeling ever end? So alone, no matter how many friends are around. Maybe I need to get all three Grand-Girls for the week-end?

Jane

Sent by Jane | 6:13 PM ET | 06-04-2008

Frozen produce works well but once thawed you must use it or toss...so I starts using frozen bads of popcorn seed. You can safely reuse it after many thaws & refreezes.
There are so many tips which it would be great to know. Perhaps the ACS should run & maintain a posting board for us.

Sent by Cherie Brown, Tucson | 6:48 PM ET | 06-04-2008

Thanks for the laugh. I didn't realize that anything good could come from lima beans!

Sent by Jen | 7:04 PM ET | 06-04-2008

Leroy: Wish the cancer card worked on Mother Nature. You could send us half your rain and we would both be in better spirits. We need it all along the Kansas/Colorado stateline, but no hail please.

Jane: When you find a cure for being lonely, let us know. It is hard and when I don't keep myself moving at full speed, I'm so tired I catch myself sleeping or just sitting. Never under estimate a good cry once in a while. It's OK.

love to all

Nikki

Sent by Nikki in Kansas | 12:45 PM ET | 06-05-2008