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Welcome to the Teal Thursday chat for June 2026.

Teal Thursdays are an opportunity to connect 'live' with others by posting in the thread below. While the Teal Thursday is set for Thursdays at 1pm Eastern, feel free to add to the conversation when it works for you.

If you would like to revisit the Teal Thursday conversation from May 2026, you can do so by clicking here. 

If you have any questions, please reach out to me, anytime. 

I hope you have a wonderful June, 

Marianne

Hi everyone and welcome to the first Thursday of June. It's a bright and sunny day here on the shores of Lake Erie. We are benefitting from the lake breeze. I'm headed into the big city (Toronto) tomorrow for my monthly blood draws/CA-125. Since my CA 125 elevated to 28 in May, they moved me up from every 3 months to every month for check in's. My CT scan was all clear in May. Hopefully the CA125 will have dropped a bit this time round. I'm putting it all on the inflammation I have in my abdomen from scar tissue/adhesions. Well at least that's what I'm telling my brain to keep it calm. I may get a chance to see @pepperbee again. She/I have been visiting PMH in T.O. on the same days for our check in's. Always nice to see another Teal Sisters smiling face.

How is everyone doing out there? Any new members who want to share how life is going. This is a journey and not one we chose to be on, alas here we are. Each of us have had questions along the way. No question is a dumb question in this forum. Please feel free to ask anything. We will try to use our collective wisdom to help.

As for me. My hubby and I are in the midst of planning a European trip for the fall. Just booked some flights. That starts to make it real!! It will be our 30th anniversary celebration get away. We are travelling with another couple...our very dear friends (my hubby's best friend and his wife whom I adore). It's their 30th anniversary too so it's a celebration for all four of us.

Looking forward to seeing who is on line today!

Happy Thursday afternoon (or morning for those on the Western side of the country). How are folks doing today? I've been out for a few days as I was in Paris (Ontario, not the glamorous European one) with my hubby. For Christmas we arranged overnight stays in a town we had never been in Ontario. The caveat is that it had to be within a 3 hour driving distance from our house. So I chose Paris and booked us into a really interesting Bed & Breakfast (it had a huge indoor pool!). It's a beautiful town however the main attraction, the downtown core, is under a 'big dig' and is a complete torn up mess with construction fences everywhere. It's a bit of a maze to wander around but certainly doable. We did lots of walking plus managed to drop some $ at some restaurants and a chocolate shop (yum).

What is going in your journey's? I'm two months away from finishing my 2 years of Lynparza. I am very nervous to come off the drug. Will be having a very intense conversation with my oncologist I'm sure. I do remain thankful that so far it has worked for me as I know not everyone has the option to take the medication.

How are folks feeling? Anyone have something fun to share? Have a question to ask this group? In a place where they could use some help and support? I'd love to love to hear from folks. Remember no question is a silly question. We are all here to help each other as best as we can. This is a learning process for us all. As I've said many times before, knowledge is power. The more we share and learn, the better I feel we are collectively.

Looking forward to hearing from folks. 💙

#Supportandencouragement

Hi all,

I'm sorry that I won't be online tomorrow at 1pm as I'll be in transit to Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto for my CT contrast allergy test. I did the penicillin challenge a few weeks ago which I 'passed'. I am no longer officially classified as allergic to penicillin. Yeah! The CT contrast challenge is round two.

I'll hop on as soon as I can later in the day. World Cup Fever has Toronto in it's grip and Toronto traffic is a beast. Not looking forward to that.

Talk later!

Hi @LeslieA ... what beautiful photos. The flower colours are brilliant!! Thank you for sharing.

Sorry to hear about the UTI's. Those are awful. Are you in hospital for 7-days or do you have to go back each day? You said 'at the hospital' so I wasn't sure. Either way it's a lot to undertake. My fingers are crossed that this works. My father had quite a few UTIs due to some kidney stone issues. He was put through a daily antibiotic regime, having to go to the hospital each day for a 30 minute infusion. It worked wonders so I hope that works for you. I'm trying to remember the name of the drug. He had to go to an infectious disease doctor who recognized the issue immediately and recommended the treatment. If I can recall the drug I'll let you know. I did a quick Google search on Lynparza and this came up..."Lynparza can increase your risk of developing infections because it frequently causes bone marrow suppression, leading to reduced levels of infection-fighting white blood cells. Common infections include respiratory tract infections, pneumonia, and urinary tract infections (UTIs)." It's definitely something to consider sharing with your GP. I recall reading about this when I looked at all the potential side effects prior to taking it. My fingers are crossed they get it resolved. 🤞

The stent also sounds troublesome so I hope they will be able to sort that out. It's always something right?!  

The fishing derby sounds interesting. You are a braver soul than I to do that. I also love the August trip you are planning. Prince Edward County is lovely with a great 'foodie' scene and lots of wineries. My hubby and I have been there a few times. Enjoy that thoroughly. 

Thinking of you as you get the nasty UTI resolved.

Thank you for telling me about Lynparza and potential UTI's! I did not know that. Now this is starting to make some sense to me because I was wondering what I might be doing to cause them? I do think the stent adds another dimension to the problem as well. The drug they are using for me is called ertapenem. I hope it works. I feel better already and it only day 3. I visit the hospital for 30 minutes for each infusion. 

I am so looking forward to seeing another part of Ontario, Prince Edward County. My friend purchased a Girl Guide retreat property and converted the building to her creativity retreats. She has kept the vintage look, but lots of upgrades to the bedrooms. It will be a great time. 

@LeslieA that is indeed the same drug they used with my father. I know it by the brand name (Invanz). He had amazing success with it. It sounds like it's doing the trick for you too. 

Your friends place sounds amazing. It truly is a beautiful part of Ontario.

#Healthandwellness

Hi @andyro I saw you had started a post however I didn't see any text associated with it. I'm just reaching out to see if you have any questions for the Teal Warriors on this site.

@LeslieA. Beautiful pictures, I'll be over shortly!  😂. Sorry to hear about those darn uti's, so annoying.  Hopefully a new stent will help settle it out for awhile.  Sounds like some wonderful plans for the summer.

Thanks @lbarr72. I managed to "pass" the tests so my allergist it going to send a recommendation to clear me for CTs with contrasts. From the testing (see attached picture of my arm), she can't explain why I've reacted in the past however it was only to one of the 5 contrasts available for use, and the reaction was minor. So she's going to advise they not use that one. How simple would that have been as a solution in the first place!!!! (NOTE: the X near my wrist where it is red and a welt is the comparator they use as the benchmark for a reaction. If any of the other letter areas spread like that beyond the circles where the injection sites were, then it would be considered a 'positive' reaction)

Good for you for getting back on the exercise wagon and not stopping due to soreness. Also love that you have spinach growing. Yum.

I cannot speak to recurrence so will defer to other Teal Sisters for their insight and support. After meeting with your oncologist, and mentioning your concerns especially with regard to how the other doctors had 'positioned' the recurrence vs. him, did he provide any new perspective that was helpful? I'm hoping he was sympathetic to your concerns. I'm guessing he is the one that is telling you it's 'too early' for any type of treatment or surgery. Did he provide a solid explanation as to what it would look like for that to proceed e.g., what is he looking for that would cause him to act? Since you are experiencing discomfort and of course the mental gymnastics that accompanies news such as a recurrence, I would hope he gave you some perspective that might help you cope through this. Do you have a next appointment set up with him?

I want to reach out and give you a big hug. It won't solve things however I want you to know you are in my thoughts 🤗

@lbarr72, good for you for continuing your exercise even through the discomfort.  I think I would feel the same if I was in your shoes, and it's good you are able to tell your oncologist how you really feel.  Thinking about recurrences and when they decide to treat or not to treat is a difficult one.  I as a patient want it out as soon as it shows its ugly head, whereas our doctors take the watch and wait approach.  I constantly worry about the watch and wait method, I know the reasoning behind it, but I also fear the worst outcomes of not treating right away even though they say there is no evidence of improved outcomes.

i hope you are having regular labs and ct scans to follow closely.🩵🙏🏻🫂

@Alwayslearning hope the contrast testing went well.  Yes, I would dread the traffic.

Hi ladies,

I had a lovely visit back to Ontario.  It was nice to spend time with my sister, niece and my mom.  But it was also hard to see my mom, she is 87 and still living on her own.  It was quite hard to see her living in the house, not managing to clean properly, repetitively repeating things she says over and over.  When I first saw her, she spent the day not knowing who I was, but knew my voice.  It wasn't until part way through the day that she knew me.  And when I called the next day before I went over, I had to tell her I was there yesterday.  We did have 2 days of spending time together alone so I took her out for lunch, bought her some books, and other things she needed, deep cleaned her house for her(which she was getting mad at me for) sitting out in the yard talking about her growing up during the war, and went for walks around the block. The last day I spent the afternoon trying to get her to help me do a puzzle which she found very difficult to do and managed to get 2 pieces together.  I ended up not telling her about my cancer diagnosis as she was so happy to have me home and to have the company that I didn't want to upset her by having to tell her that.  It was also the 3 year anniversary of my brothers passing and I saw how that upset her when she remembered and ask me about my brother and if he had passed.  So telling her, I know she wouldn't remember but then at other times she will. So I guess I will continue to keep that part of my life from her.

i saw a new oncologist yesterday, she is a family doctor oncologist that works with the team I guess.  Not sure why I'll be seeing her now and not my regular oncologist but I'm guessing maybe because I'm not on "active" chemo?  No idea.  I'll have to ask her next time I see her, out of curiosity  But she was lovely, and didn't spend the time giving me the statistics.  She also used to work in the ER of the hospital I worked at so we had that connection too.

up next I have my CT scan on Sunday, will see if that darn single nodule is behaving or not.  And labs next week.

Father's day weekend this weekend is a busy one.  Hope everyone will be able to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather and chase joy.🩵🫂

Nice pictures @LeslieA thanks for sharing.

I have been tired all this week, partially because I don't sleep very well anymore, and also I think I maybe push myself to do too much at times so it catches up with me. 

On Tuesday, June 23rd, I go down to London to see my gyne oncologist. I was speaking with the hospital social worker yesterday and said I have been trying to be positive that this appointment will go better (I had still been really frustrated the last couple of weeks about everything). She asked me why, and then we had a good conversation about setting realistic expectations for my appointment next week, and how its reasonable to expect that I don't really know what to expect (other than he said we would do another biopsy this time). I'm also not sure if my Mom will be able to come with me this time or not, one of my younger sisters has a dentist appointment the same day, so I might be braving it alone (which is okay, I have done it before, but its always nice to have someone else with me, or even just for company on the drive there).

I am looking forward to a mostly quiet weekend, so I can rest and take it easy. 

@MissERP I hope your appt goes better for you.  I know it's nice to have company at these appts, they can act as a distraction too, and take notes if needed.

@MissERP sorry to hear of the tiredness. I completely understand the lack of sleep challenge. It's the one thing that has persisted with me since my diagnosis. My GP did prescribe some sleeping meds that are non-addictive and can be taken 'as needed'. I also have Lorazepam which I use when flying (anti anxiety) however they do also help calm my mind if I need them. Again, I can take them situationally. Have you spoken to your GP or oncologist about this? Perhaps they can make some recommendations that may help. I know there are many Teal Sisters who use meditation to help with sleep. Sadly, it has never worked for me however it's also an option if it's not something you've explored before.

I'm glad you are getting some continued benefit from the social worker. As well, one thing I've done with my father (who lives in Florida), is to be on the phone during his appointments. I've never had a doctor say no as I think they appreciate the support of having another set of 'ears'. Perhaps that is an option you can use to have someone listening during your appointment. They can just be another set of ears OR can ask questions if that's the support you need. I know it's not the best option and it doesn't solve having someone with you however I thought I'd mention it. 

As well, awhile ago one of our Teal Sisters mentioned an APP she found that records conversations so you can listen back later. It's called "My Care Conversations". I'm not endorsing it as I've never used it however again, just highlighting it as a resource.

Regardless, I hope your appointment goes well and that you have a relaxing weekend in advance.

#Healthandwellness #Supportandencouragement

@Alwayslearning My sleep issues are on the list of things to mention to my oncologist this week. I can still fall asleep easily, but its that I wake up at least 2 or 3 times most nights (which even then I can still usually fall back asleep without issue), but it still leaves me fatigued. I mostly wake up either to go to the washroom, or with hot sweats, so may even if we can better address any bladder issues and my temperature regulation that might help my sleep? See what my oncologist says I guess. 

I was prescribed lorazepam back in February when I was having a nervous breakdown/panic attack, etc. I haven't used it, even though there has been a time or two recently where it probably would have helped... 

Those are some good ideas about the appointment recording app and having a person sit in on the phone with you. A friend said she will take a few minutes after her appointments and just make a voice note, one to get down any thoughts or important facts from her appointment, but also as a way to work through any feelings she has afterwards. I might try that this time.

Thanks @Meinvan I am thinking my Mom might be able to come with me to my appointment now, one of my other sisters will be on a night shift next week, so she can take the other one to the dentist (I have 5 younger sisters, 1 younger brother, so I'm the oldest of 7). 

I will try to let you ladies know how things go on Tuesday 🩷

Hi @MissERP ... I wake up about 3x a night to go to the bathroom. I have to stop drinking all liquids before 8pm otherwise I'll be up 5x. It's horrible so I completely understand. Often I can't get back to sleep so I will listen to a Podcast or I use white noise (the sound of an oscillating fan works for me - how strange). I just google it using YouTube. I hope the oncologist will have some suggestions as well.

I tend to avoid taking drugs even when they are recommended (except my Lynparza of course). I like to always try to solve something in a non-medicine way however, Lorazepam has been a saviour for me. I'm certainly not pushing it's use however please remember if it's been prescribed to you, there's a reason. It may as you said, be helpful. 

I hope the appointment goes well. Will be thinking of you 💙

#Supportandencouragement

My follow up appointment with the gyne oncologist went okay yesterday. Like I mentioned over the weekend, I didn't really know what to expect other than a repeat endometrial biopsy. Well, that's all I got yesterday, lol. I had given a condensed copy of my list of concerns/questions to the nurse that took me back yesterday to give to my doctor, and he did see it, but said he only scheduled in time for the biopsy. I said that's okay, and out of the handful of concerns on my list, the priority were my ongoing pelvic pain and temperature regulation issues. He said he would order me an ultrasound, I think I might end up having to go to London for that rather than having it at our local hospital, but, that's okay. I felt okay leaving my appointment yesterday (well, not really, endometrial biopsies aren't fun, haha), and I just need to wait for his receptionist to call to book a follow up appointment (I might call her myself before the week is up so I don't forget/I am hoping to travel or take some holidays at the start of August, so I want to make sure I get booked in before then idea). 

Hi @MissERP ... I'm glad you had a more positive experience yesterday albeit, biopsies are definitely not fun. At least your doctor heard your priority concern and is moving forward with the ultrasound. I'm finding here in Southwestern Ontario that the wait time is creeping up for ultrasounds. It took me a month to get one. I had to go to Burlington (I live about 1.5 hours from there). I tried to get one in Simcoe which is much closer, but that would have taken an extra month of wait time. So...stay on top of them in terms of getting it scheduled.

#Supportandencouragement

@Alwayslearning thats interesting about the wait time for your ultrasound. I have been fortunate in the past year to only wait 2 - 3 weeks for an ultrasound at my local hospital in Goderich. I was speaking with my Doctor's receptionist this morning to make sure I get my follow up booked and asked if they sent the ultrasound requisition through yet. She said she had to double check with the doctor since he didn't leave any notes about that. I did ask for it to be sent to Goderich when she heard back from him. It's a bit easier than driving over an hour and a half to the hospital in London. So, yes, I will have to keep on them to see what's what with that. But yeah, otherwise I am content, and the receptionist said I was booked for a bit extra time at my next follow up at the end of July. 

@MissERP I hope your wait time will be short. Also glad you will get extra time with the doc in July!

@LeslieA thank you.  Yes I thought my visit with a different doctor was one time, but then she said she was happy to see me again.  Like I said she was lovely and friendly, and asked about symptoms, did a physical exam, even my lymph nodes, and offered to do my pelvic exam if I wanted as I am waiting for my gyne referral still.  I guess her ER experience is still coming thru in oncology.  She had to follow up on my ct scan as her date was different from mine, and that was clarified before I left and she also called me later in the day to give me the information for the gyne clinic I was referred too.  So all in all it was a nice visit and didn't feel rushed like you said with the medical oncologist.  Hopefully my ct report will be uploaded next week for me to see.🙏🏻🤞🩵

@Meinvan I'm glad you had a lovely trip back to Ontario. I can imagine it took a lot of personal strength to make the decision not to share your diagnosis with your Mom. You did it from a position of love and selflessness. ❤️ My Mum is 88 and was diagnosed with short term dementia in 2019. Her memory decline has been quite bad the over the last year and your interactions with your Mum sound very much like any time I spend with mine. I laughed about your comment on your discussions with her about "growing up during the war". My Mum couldn't tell you what she did 5 minutes ago but she can tell you everything about her childhood in England during the war. It's amazing how long and short term memory work. I'm betting it brought her comfort and happiness to see you, even if her actions may not have matched her words.

I hope the CT scan goes well as well as the labs. That single nodule better be careful. It doesn't know who it's dealing with 😃

Have a lovely weekend.

@Alwayslearning, haha yes my mom was fixated on the Jewish children that moved into the mansion behind where she lived in England and that the school master told them they had to be nice to the kids.  I went out and bought her the book "The Nightingale".   Is seemed like something she might enjoy….lol😂

as for my little nodule, yes!  Don't mess with me or any other Teal Sisters! 💪👊🦵🫏

@Meinvan my Mum lived in London and was evacuated to the countryside for the war. I can't even fathom what they went through. I'm going to look up that book!!

@Alwayslearning it's a long book but I did enjoy the story.  I listen to audiobooks when I'm doing puzzles or scratch art in the afternoons.

@Meinvan I can honestly say that the traffic was the worse part!!!

Hi all,

It's a rainy Thursday here in Southwestern Ontario on the shores of Lake Erie. We needed some rain so it's a welcome sight. I managed to get some outside work done yesterday so today with the rain, it's inside chore day. I spent a few hours 'caramelizing' onions. For those who've done it, you know is a 'low and slow' process. It's totally worth it though. I have friends coming for the weekend so I'm doing some advance food prep so I can spend less time doing that when they are here. The weekend weather looks like it will improve here so that's always good. 

Elementary/Grade/High School is out this week in Ontario so I'm guessing now is the 'real' start of the summer for many. We live in a cottage area and once the kids are out, the population in our area increases rapidly. It's nice because you get to reconnect with lots of people.

On the cancer front, I had an abdominal ultrasound last week. All part of the ongoing exploration on what can be done regarding the 'abdominal adhesions'. My GP's office called to say it was not 'urgent' however the doctor wanted to schedule time to review the results. I don't have an appointment with her for a few weeks. I'm not stressed as my GP is amazing and if there was an issue she would have hauled my 'arse' into her office. She follows along with all my cancer treatment and is a huge supporter. I'm very lucky.

I did do a separate post seeking input from Teal Sisters on "navigating the summer while going through treatment". If anyone has some insights to share that would be great. I know we have new members to the site and would I know benefit greatly from those with lived experience in this area. Thanks in advance!

Will pop back on the site for 1pm EST and see who may be hanging around. ☺️

@Alwayslearning weather on the west coast is changing tonight, rain on and off for the next week or so but as you said we need it.  Had a busy but fun week with my son, who turned the BIG 20 on Tuesday!  My ct scan came back clear which is great news.  Not even a mention of my previous lung nodules or that new nodules they saw in my pelvis in April.  It kind of felt like a very generic report I wondered if it was the right patient.  My ca125 is holding 5.7.  Next scan will be Sept.  did a closet clean out today, off to drop off tomorrow. Gonna spend the rainy day building a coffee table for my hubby tomorrow, wish me luck!

Hi @Meinvan ... well it sounds like you had an eventful week. Happy birthday to your son. Ahhhh, being 20 again. I think if I were to go back in time it would be my 40's. Big congratulations on the positive CT scan results and nice and low CA125. Woot! Woot! 🥳

Hope the coffee table turned out well. 🤞

I've been making sourdough focaccia. I'm trying rosemary/sea salt as the topping. I am NOT a baker so it's quite a process for me but I'm slowly getting there. My hubby doesn't eat a lot of bread. He prefers wraps. I have guests coming for the weekend so thought I'd try it out on them (suckers 😃).

Enjoy the weekend.

@Alwayslearning. Thank you.  Well coffee table took me 3.5-4hrs to put together.Now I can’t move, everything hurts.  can't tell you how many times I put parts on upside down or backwards!😂 I blame the damn instructions you're suppose to be able to decode.  Well at least it's together but the drawer is sticky and I can't seem to get it to open properly.  They make these things so cheaply and pieces don't line up which I was getting frustrated at.

good luck with the focaccia bread.  That is the first bread I learnt how to make last summer, rosemary and sea salt is delicious 😋 I found focaccia fairly easy to make and tastes so good.  I'm sure it will be amazing.

@Meinvan well done on the assembly and I hope you've recovered. I am not very good with putting things together, even with instructions. My brain just doesn't work that way. If it's two or three pieces I can master it! 😁 It's so funny because if it's a very complicated cooking recipe (not baking), I'm good with it. I'm guessing it's based on the interests of your brain as well but who knows.

The focaccia was yummy. I'm going to try black olive, rosemary and sea salt next. I just have to be careful otherwise I'll turn into a piece of bread!!

#Anythingbutcancer

@brendalee my soon to be daughter-in-law has a family 'sourdough starter' which she shared with me last summer and thus started my foray into the world of bread. Admittedly she is much better at this than I am! I've come to realize it's not as hard as I thought however it's the planning & time commitment (I mean how many times does dough need to rise??😀).  I agree that it's the ingredients in store bought that has driven me back. I know exactly what's in my bread and definitely no preservatives and things I can't pronounce. Good luck if you get back into it.

Great results, Meinvan!  

@LeslieA 🙏🏻